Document Document Title
US08753807B2 Method for microbes depletion in human blood or full serum using antimicrobial photodynamic laser therapy
Treatment methods/devices are provided for attenuating/inactivating the pathogenic microbes found in biological fluids e.g. blood/blood products including human single-donor-fresh-frozen-plasma, platelet concentrate, red blood cells, blood clotting factors. An Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy method is used to eliminate multiple (resistant) bacteria, viral agents, fungi, parasites and other undetected or non-easily detected pathogenic microbes or particles in blood and blood products without affecting their biological properties. Resistant bacteria are difficult to be eliminated. This is especially true in the case for S. aureus and related strains, Staphylococcus epidermidis or Propionibacterium acnes, Borrelia species and other bacteria found on skin. Further embodiments eliminate undetected or non-easily detected viral agents contaminating blood/blood products responsible for spreading hepatitis, Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome and other blood borne viral diseases. Human Immunodeficiency, hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses have emerged as major blood borne infections. Numerous parasites transmitted through bloods and derived products are also eliminated by these processes/devices.
US08753803B2 Pattern forming method
According to one embodiment, a pattern forming method is disclosed. The method can include selectively providing a curing agent to a pattern in a template, contacting the template provided the curing agent to a substrate, irradiating the curing agent with light where the template and the substrate are contacted each other to harden the curing agent, demolding the template from the substrate to form a curing agent pattern on the substrate, and etching the substrate on a basis of the curing agent pattern.
US08753801B2 Photosensitive composition, pattern forming material, and photosensitive film, pattern forming method, pattern film, low refractive index film, optical device and solid-state imaging device each using the same
A photosensitive composition contains (A) a hollow or porous particle, (B) a compound capable of generating an active species upon irradiation with an actinic ray or radiation, and (C) a compound capable of changing in the solubility for an alkali developer by the action of the active species.
US08753800B2 Process for producing ejection orifice forming member and liquid ejection head
A process for producing an ejection orifice forming member including the steps of forming a laminate including a first negative photosensitive resin layer that contains a first photoacid generator, and a second negative photosensitive resin layer that is formed on the first negative photosensitive resin layer and contains a second photoacid generator; forming a first latent image and a second latent image on the first negative photosensitive resin layer and the second negative photosensitive resin layer, respectively, by collectively subjecting the first negative photosensitive resin layer and the second negative photosensitive resin layer to exposure; performing a heat treatment after the exposure; and forming the ejection orifice by a development treatment. The first photoacid generator in the first latent image has an acid diffusion length greater than the acid diffusion length of the second photoacid generator in the second latent image.
US08753798B2 Process for forming a hydrophilic coating and hydrophilic coating, and process for forming an ink jet recording head and ink jet recording head
A process for forming a hydrophilic coating and a hydrophilic coating, the process including the steps of: (1) forming, on a substrate, a first coating resin layer including a first cationic polymerization resin and a first photoacid generator; (2) laminating, on the first coating resin layer, a second coating resin layer including a second cationic polymerization resin which includes an acid-cleavable linkage in its main chain, and a second photoacid generator which generates methide acid by irradiation with an active energy ray including ultraviolet light; (3) forming a coating by curing the first coating resin layer and the second coating resin layer through exposure of the first coating resin layer and the second coating resin layer to the active energy ray to conduct development; and (4) forming a hydrophilic coating by hydrophilizing a surface of the coating through heat treatment of the coating.
US08753793B2 Method for producing resin solution for photoresist, photoresist composition, and pattern-forming method
Disclosed is a method for producing a resin solution for photoresists, which includes the steps of heating and thereby aging a solution at 30° C. to 90° C. for 30 minutes or longer, the solution containing, in a solvent, a photoresist resin capable of being alkali-soluble by the action of an acid; and filtering the aged solution through a filter medium having a pore size of 1 μm or less. The method gives a photoresist composition having good filterability which enables uniform patterning. The method also gives a resin solution for photoresists which is stable over a long time, namely, a resin solution for photoresists which maintains good filterability even after long-term storage.
US08753792B2 Positive photosensitive composition and pattern forming method using the same
A positive photosensitive composition comprising: (A) a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation; (B1) a resin of which solubility in an alkali developer increases under an action of an acid; and (B2) a resin that has at least one group selected from (a) an alkali-soluble group and (b) a group capable of decomposing under an action of an alkali to produce an alkali-soluble group, and the resin (B2) does not have a group capable of decomposing under an action of an acid; and a pattern forming method using the same.
US08753778B2 Negative active material for rechargeable lithium battery, method of preparing the same, and rechargeable lithium battery comprising the same
Disclosed is a negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery is provided that includes composite particles including an amorphous or semi-crystalline carbon matrix, and crystalline graphite powder particles having an average particle diameter of 0.2 to 3 μm dispersed in the matrix. The composite particles have an average particle diameter of 4 to 40 μm. A method of preparing the same and a rechargeable lithium battery including the negative active material are also disclosed.
US08753777B2 Lithium secondary battery containing cathode materials having high energy density and organic/inorganic composite porous membrane
Disclosed is a secondary battery including a cathode, an anode, a membrane and an electrolyte, wherein the cathode contains a mixture of a first cathode material defined herein and a second cathode material selected from the group consisting of a second-(a) cathode material defined herein and a second-(b) cathode material defined herein, and a combination thereof, wherein a mix ratio of the two cathode materials (first cathode material:second cathode material) is 50:50 to 90:10, and the membrane is an organic/inorganic composite porous membrane including (a) a polyolefin-based membrane substrate and (b) an active layer in which one or more areas selected from the group consisting of the surface of the substrate and a portion of pores of the substrate are coated with a mixture of inorganic particles and a binder polymer, wherein the active layer has a structure in which the inorganic particles are interconnected and fixed through a binder polymer and porous structures are formed by the interstitial volume between the inorganic particles.
US08753773B2 Colorimetric or electrochemical mercury and trace metal detector
A simple and low cost device to detect the presence of mercury or other trace metals in the environment and quantify said concentration by spectrophotometric, colorimetric, or electrical conductivity is disclosed. Owing to its small size, it is suitable for portable mercury detectors or detectors that may be worn as badges in the breathing zone of workers.
US08753772B2 Graphene-sulfur nanocomposites for rechargeable lithium-sulfur battery electrodes
Rechargeable lithium-sulfur batteries having a cathode that includes a graphene-sulfur nanocomposite can exhibit improved characteristics. The graphene-sulfur nanocomposite can be characterized by graphene sheets with particles of sulfur adsorbed to the graphene sheets. The sulfur particles have an average diameter less than 50 nm.
US08753771B2 Lithium anodes for electrochemical cells
Provided is an anode for use in electrochemical cells, wherein the anode active layer has a first layer comprising lithium metal and a multi-layer structure comprising single ion conducting layers and polymer layers in contact with the first layer comprising lithium metal or in contact with an intermediate protective layer, such as a temporary protective metal layer, on the surface of the lithium-containing first layer. Another aspect of the invention provides an anode active layer formed by the in-situ deposition of lithium vapor and a reactive gas. The anodes of the current invention are particularly useful in electrochemical cells comprising sulfur-containing cathode active materials, such as elemental sulfur.
US08753768B2 Electrical connection structure for increasing the securing reliability and method of manufacturing the same, and battery pack structure
An electrical connection structure includes an insulating unit, a heat insulation unit, a conductive unit, a securing unit, and a filling unit. The insulating unit includes an insulating body having a receiving groove and a first securing hole. The heat insulation unit includes a heat insulation body received in the receiving groove. The heat insulation body has a heat insulation groove and a second securing hole. The conductive unit includes a conductive body disposed on the insulating body. The conductive body has a securing piece extended into the heat insulation groove. The securing piece has a third securing hole. The securing unit includes a securing element sequentially passing through the third, the second, and the first securing holes for fixing the securing piece in the heat insulation groove. The filling unit includes a filling material received in the heat insulation groove to cover and fix the securing element.
US08753763B2 Flexible battery and flexible electronic device including the same
A flexible battery and a flexible electronic device including the flexible battery as a power source. The flexible battery includes a cell stack comprising a plurality of unit cells, and an external casing sealing the cell stack, wherein each of the unit cells comprises a negative electrode, a positive electrode, an electrolyte layer disposed between the negative electrode and the positive electrode, and a first polymer film at least partially surrounding the negative electrode, the positive electrode, and the electrolyte layer.
US08753751B1 Absorbent tissue
The present disclosure offers an improvement in papermaking methods and products, by providing a tissue sheet and a method to obtain a tissue sheet, with improved absorbency at a given basis weight. Thus, by way of example, the present disclosure provides a single ply tissue sheet having a basis weight greater than about 50 gsm and a specific vertical absorbent capacity greater than about 6.0 g/g.
US08753747B2 Interlayer for laminated glass and laminated glass
The present invention provides an interlayer film for a laminated glass capable of suppressing bubble formation and bubble growth even if the laminated glass is exposed to relatively high temperatures for a long time. An interlayer film for a laminated glass according to the present invention includes a first layer and a second layer laminated on one face of the first layer, each of the first layer and the second layer contains a polyvinyl acetal resin and a plasticizer, and in the case of measuring the viscoelasticity of the first layer as a resin film (glass transition temperature: Tg(° C.)), or the viscoelasticity of a resin film (glass transition temperature: Tg(° C.)) containing 100 parts by weight the polyvinyl acetal resin in the first layer and 60 parts by weight of triethylene glycol di-2-ethylhexanoate (3GO) as a plasticizer, the resin film has an elastic modulus of G′(Tg+170) at (Tg+170)° C. and an elastic modulus of G′(Tg+30) at (Tg+30)° C., and provides a ratio (G′(Tg+170)/G′(Tg+30)) of 0.18 or higher.
US08753745B2 High barrier film
A high barrier film and method of forming a high barrier film. The film includes a biopolymer and metallization layers. A primer layer is applied to one of the metallization layer and the biopolymer layer and a nanocomposite barrier coating is disposed between the primer layer and the metallization layer. The film includes a second biopolymer layer and an adhesive layer, the adhesive layer disposed between the second biopolymer layer and the metallization layer, where the second biopolymer layer is adhered to at least one of the biopolymer layer, the metallization layer, the primer layer and the nanocomposite layer.
US08753723B2 Process and installation for depositing films onto a substrate
A process for depositing a film onto a substrate (2), which comprises in particular introducing a substrate (2) into a reaction chamber (6, 106, 206), in which at least two electrodes (10, 110, 210) are placed. A high-frequency electrical voltage is generated, said voltage being such that it generates filamentary plasma (12, 112, 212) between the two electrodes (10, 110, 210). An adjustable inductor (L) placed in parallel with the inductor of the installation generating the electrical voltage is employed so as to reduce the phase shift between the voltage and the current generated and to increase the time during which the current flows in the plasma (12, 112, 212).
US08753720B2 Nano-structured refractory metals, metal carbides, and coatings and parts fabricated therefrom
Refractory metal and refractory metal carbide nanoparticle mixtures and methods for making the same are provided. The nanoparticle mixtures can be painted onto a surface to be coated and heated at low temperatures to form a gas-tight coating. The low temperature formation of refractory metal and refractory metal carbide coatings allows these coatings to be provided on surfaces that would otherwise be uncoatable or very difficult to coat, whether because they are carbon-based materials (e.g., graphite, carbon/carbon composites) or temperature sensitive materials (e.g., materials that would melt, oxidize, or otherwise not withstand temperatures above 800° C.), or because the high aspect ratio of the surface would prevent other coating methods from being effective (e.g., the inner surfaces of tubes and nozzles). The nanoparticle mixtures can also be disposed in a mold and sintered to form fully dense components.
US08753716B2 Method of depositing material using a deposition reactor
A method includes depositing material on a heated substrate in a deposition reactor by sequential self-saturating surface reactions, controlling feeding of precursor vapor from a precursor source to a reaction chamber including the reactor containing the substrate with a first pulsing valve embedded into the precursor source, and conveying inactive gas to a precursor cartridge attached to the precursor source to raise pressure of the precursor cartridge and to ease subsequent flow of a mixture of precursor vapor and inactive gas towards the reaction chamber.
US08753713B2 Jetting dispenser and method of jetting highly cohesive adhesives
Jetting dispensers and methods of non-contact dispensing a hot melt adhesive onto a substrate. The method may include jetting a plurality of droplets of the hot melt adhesive from a nozzle outlet toward the substrate in a direction of travel. Each droplet has a droplet length approximately aligned with the direction of travel and a droplet width shorter than the droplet length. The jetting is controlled such that each of the droplets does not collapse into a spherical-shaped droplet during flight from the nozzle outlet to the substrate. The nozzle outlet may be heated to a first temperature, and the method may further include rapidly heating each droplet of the hot melt adhesive to a second temperature higher than the first temperature upon release from the nozzle outlet.
US08753710B2 Coating method
A coating method for forming a coating film by discharging a coating solution from a coating die onto a surface of a substrate that is being conveyed includes detecting the pressure and flow rate of the coating solution in a circulation circuit through which the coating solution is circulated between the coating die and a supply tank for the coating solution, estimating the viscosity of the coating solution based on the pressure and flow rate detected, determining an initial value of a coating gap between the discharge port of the coating die and the substrate which is necessary to adjust the coating width of the coating die to a target value based on the correlation between the viscosity estimated and the coating width, and adjusting the coating gap to the initial value and starting the supply of the coating solution to the coating die.
US08753706B2 Edible mix and method of making the same
An edible mix includes granulated lemon juice solids, granulated citric acid or granulated malic acid, and encapsulated natural lemon oil. In one embodiment, the edible mix also includes granulated maltodextrin, granulated ascorbic acid, and granulated lactose. In one embodiment, the components of the edible mix are mechanically mixed together to form a substantially homogeneous composition. In one embodiment, several of the components are blended by an agglomeration method.
US08753705B2 Mineral-bound starch compositions and methods of making the same
Mineral-bound starch products are provided for enhanced absorption of nutrient minerals. The mineral-bound starch products are prepared by binding biologically active minerals to phosphorylated cross-linked starch. The mineral-bound starch products are stable against heating in hot water followed by washing processes, but able to release bound minerals after digestion.
US08753703B2 Continuous process for cooking bacon with improved recovery
An process for cooking bacon includes the steps of continuously feeding bacon strips in three or more rows to an inlet of a spiral cooking oven, moving the bacon strips along a spiral path inside the spiral oven, applying a cooking fluid into the spiral oven and through the spiral path, and cooking the bacon strips in the spiral oven to a yield percentage having a mean bandwidth variation not greater than 4.5%. A conveyor belt having variable weaving includes belt openings that are initially larger through an inner side of the belt than through an outer side of the belt, when the belt is straight. When the belt collapses into the spiral configuration, the openings adjust so that the areal size of the openings is similar on both lateral sides of the belt, resulting in more even distribution of cooking fluid and more uniform cooking.
US08753701B2 Premix composition of glutinous rice cake for baking in microwave oven and a preparation method thereof
The present invention relates to a premix composition of glutinous rice cake for baking in microwave oven and a preparation method thereof, the present invention have effect on providing premix composition of glutinous rice cake which have a good shape retainability after heating and to maintain softness for 24 hours without adding inhibitor of aging and to distribute for above 6 months at room temperature with glutinous rice of water content of below 15% by using glutinous rice powder having 200 to 400 μm of average grain size and comprising less than 5 wt % of glutinous rice powder of below 200 mesh and 40 to 70 wt % of glutinous rice powder of 200 to 400 mesh.
US08753696B1 Methods for preparing cannabis and related products
A method for preparing a medical marijuana mixture includes combining prepared medical marijuana and an alkaline substance in a pulverizing device. The alkaline substance may be coconut, cinnamon, or the like. The pulverizing device may be a coffee grinder, a food processor, a blender, or the like. The mixture may optionally include a sweetener, such as sugar, stevia, or the like.
US08753693B2 Cosmetic composition containing an extract from lotus and method of cosmetic care using said composition
The invention relates to a cosmetic composition containing at least one extract from at least one part of the Sacred Lotus plant (Nelumbo nucifera) in a cosmetically acceptable vehicle compatible with topical application on the skin, wherein said composition contains an aqueous extract of Sacred Lotus root and it additionally contains at least one active agent selected from the group comprising active agents with energizing or revitalizing activity, preferably diguanosine polyphosphate or an extract containing it; active agents stimulating the secretion of beta-endorphins, preferably an N-acetyl-Tyr-Arg-hexadecyl ester dipeptide; anti-radical agents such as tocopherol, and plant extracts containing them as well as flavonoids and anthocyanins and plant extracts containing them, in particular extracts of Sacred Lotus flower and anti-inflammatory agents, in particular those having a phospholipase A2 inhibitory action.
US08753690B2 Methods and compositions for delivering interleukin-1 receptor antagonist
Methods and compositions generating and using an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra)-rich solution. Methods for generating and isolating interleukin-1 receptor antagonist include incubating adipose tissue and/or adipocytes with polyacrylamide beads to produce interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. The interleukin-1 receptor antagonist is isolated from the polyacrylamide beads to obtain the solution rich in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. Methods for treating a site of inflammation in a patient include administering to the site of inflammation the solution rich in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist.
US08753674B2 Liposomal mitigation of drug-induced long QT syndrome and potassium delayed-rectifier current
Compositions and methods for the treatment of drug-induced long QT syndrome and other cardiac channelopathies are disclosed herein. The compositions and methods of the present invention comprise binding one or more QT prolonging drugs with a liposome prior to parenteral (intravenous or subcutaneous) administration, or administration of an empty liposome prior to or concomitantly with therapeutic agents known to have a high risk of QT prolongation, or immediately following an envenomation. The results presented show an abrogation of the adverse effects of QT prolonging drugs in a dose-dependent manner by the compositions of the present invention.
US08753673B2 Liposome composition for delivery of a therapeutic agent to eyes
The invention provides a liposome composition for delivering high pay-load of a therapeutic agent to neovascularization sites of the eyes in a patient in need thereof. The liposome composition for entrapping the therapeutic agent comprises a particle forming component composed of a variety of vesicle-forming lipids, and an agent-carrying component able to form a complex with the therapeutic agent via electrostatic charge-charge interaction or hydrophobic-hydrophobic interaction; wherein the liposome composition comprising the therapeutic agent has a mean particle diameter of about 30 to 200 nm and may accumulate at the neovascularization sites of the eyes 24 hours after the intravenous administration of the liposome composition comprising the therapeutic agent to the patient. A method for delivering the therapeutic agent to the eyes in a patient with this liposome composition is also provided.
US08753668B2 Production of beta-glucans and mannans
Disclosed are methods for producing yeast β-glucan and mannan preparations. The methods employ an autolysis process, followed by enzymatic treatment with one or more of a protease, glucanase or lipase. The preparations produced may be used in food supplements, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, animal feeds, and neutraceuticals.
US08753667B2 Multi-layered gradient vaginal ring
Multi-layered vaginal rings 2 comprising silicone elastomers and pharmaceutically active ingredients are disclosed. The rings comprise a number of layers, at least one of which contains a pharmaceutically active ingredient, and each of which is a silicone elastomer. The multiple layers preferably are produced from these layers of different compositions, including an inner layer 4, a middle layer 5, and an outer layer 6. After extrusion and simultaneous curing, however, the ring 2 includes a contiguous body which comprises a continuous silicone body providing unimpeded diffusion of the pharmaceutically active ingredient from the inner layer (s) 4 to the outer layer (s) 6. Methods of producing these vaginal rings and of using them are also disclosed.
US08753658B2 Bait materials, pest monitoring devices and other pest control devices that include polyurethane foam
A termite bait includes a plurality of cellulosic food material pieces palatable to termites embedded within a water resistant polyurethane foam matrix. Another termite bait includes a plurality of cellulosic food material pieces embedded within a water-absorbent polyurethane foam matrix. Yet another termite bait includes at least one cellulosic food material piece encapsulated within a water resistant polyurethane foam coating. Such termite baits can be used alone or in a monitoring device or other termite control device. Another termite control device includes a container, a cellulosic food material within the container and a water resistant polyurethane foam positioned to separate the food material from its environment. The container can contain a termite bait as described above or can include a chamber containing a cellulosic food material and at least one pocket containing a polyurethane foam barrier to reduce intrusion of water through the pocket to the food material.
US08753656B2 Controlling zoonotic disease vectors from insects and arthropods using preconidial mycelium and extracts of preconidial mycelium from entomopathogenic fungi
The present invention utilizes extracts of the pre-sporulation (preconidial) mycelial stage of entomopathogenic fungi as insect and arthropod attractants and/or pathogens and can be employed to limit the zoonotic diseases they transmit. The fungus can be cultivated on grain, wood, agricultural wastes or other cellulosic material and extracts can be made thereof. More than one fungus and substrate can be used in combination with one or more antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, antiviral, and genetically modified agents that result in reduced spread of contagions and lessens the damage they inflict on animals, and plants.
US08753649B2 Polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccines
Methods for synthesis and manufacture of polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccines at high yield are provided. The methods involve reaction of a hydrazide group on one reactant with an aldehyde or cyanate ester group on the other reactant. The reaction proceeds rapidly with a high conjugation efficiency, such that a simplified purification process can be employed to separate the conjugate product from the unconjugated protein and polysaccharide and other small molecule by-products.
US08753637B2 Binding partners for the thyrotropin receptor and uses thereof
A binding partner for the TSH receptor, which binding partner comprises, or is derived from, a human monoclonal or recombinant antibody, or one or more fragments thereof, reactive with the TSH receptor, uses thereof, methods of diagnosis and therapy employing the same, and anti-idiotypic antibodies thereto.
US08753634B2 Anti-IL-6 receptor antibodies and methods of use
The present invention provides anti-IL-6R monoclonal antibodies and related compositions, which may be used in any of a variety of therapeutic methods for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases.
US08753618B2 Method, composition and package for bowel cleansing
The present invention provides a highly palatable colon cleansing formulation that utilizes a low chloride electrolyte-replenishing base solution. When formulated with polyethylene glycol and a selected sugar alcohol, the formulation offers the advantages of superior palatability without undesirable concomitant side effects or a decrease in cleansing efficacy.
US08753607B2 Methods and kits for the differential diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease versus frontotemporal dementia and for the diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia, comprising FAS-L and CK 18 as biomarkers
The invention relates to methods and kits for the differential diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) versus frontotemporal dementia (FTD), using biomarkers TNF-α, FAS-L and CK18, taken from a biological sample. Differences in biomarker levels can be used to distinguish between AD and FTD The invention is based on a discovered correlation between FTD and markers FAS-L and CK18. Therefore the invention also relates to the diagnosis of FTD using FAS-L and CK18. The serum concentrations of these biomarkers can further be used as an index of the severity of disease, and may occur in conjunction with clinical-based diagnostic testing and neuro-imaging assessment.
US08753606B2 Multimodal imaging method using nano-emulsion comprising optical nano-particles and perfluorocarbons
The present invention relates to a multimodal imaging method using a nano-emulsion comprising optical nano-particles and perfluorocarbons, and more particularly, to a method of obtaining multimodal images using a nano-emulsion consisted of perfluorocarbons for multispectral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nano-particles for multicolor fluorescent detection. In the multimodal imaging method, various multispectral MRI images and multicolor fluorescent rays can be obtained by varying the kind and combination of perfluorocarbons and the kind and combination of optical nano-particles, so that multiplexed analysis is possible. Accordingly, the multimodal imaging method can be applied to various fields, including biological and medical fields in which studies on cell molecular imaging has been conducted.
US08753605B2 Imaging probes, methods of making imaging probes, and methods of imaging
In accordance with the purpose(s) of the present disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure, in one aspect, relate to methods of detecting the over-expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in a subject or sample, methods of diagnosing the presence of one or more angiogenesis related diseases or related biological events in a subject or sample, method of monitoring the progress of one or more angiogenesis related diseases or related biological events in a subject or sample, a 18F-FBEM-CYS-ZEGFR:1907 probe, compositions including a 18F-FBEM-CYS-ZEGFR:1907 probe, and pharmaceutical compositions including a 18F-FBEM-CYS-ZEGFR:1907 probe and the like.
US08753593B2 Processing nickel bearing sulphides
A method of separating nickel bearing sulphides from mined ores or concentrates of mined ores that contain talc is disclosed. The method comprises treating a slurry of mined ores or concentrates of mined ores in at least one flotation stage and in at least one cleaner circuit. The method further comprises sequenced re-grinding, as described herein, of particles in the slurry.
US08753583B2 Apparatus for handling specimen slides
An apparatus (10) for handling specimen slides (32, 78, 80) has at least one coverslipping module (14) for coverslipping thin sections arranged on specimen slides (32, 78, 80). The apparatus (10) further encompasses a drying unit (16, 70, 90) for extracting solvent from the mounting medium applied onto the specimen slides (32, 78, 80). The drying unit (16, 70, 90) has an air delivery unit (40) for delivering an air flow to the specimen slides (32, 78, 80).
US08753580B2 Intracavity ultrasound probe disinfectant system
A disinfectant system for intracavity ultrasound probes in disclosed generally including a housing, a disinfectant chamber positioned in the housing and receiving at least one ultrasound probe, a container for containing a disinfectant solution fluidly coupled to the disinfectant chamber, at least one pump for supplying the disinfection solution from the container to the disinfection chamber and from the disinfection chamber to the container, and a controller for automated operation of the disinfectant system, wherein the disinfectant solution is a multi-use disinfectant solution. A method for disinfecting intracavity ultrasound probes is also disclosed generally including placing at least one ultrasound probe into a disinfectant chamber, supplying a disinfectant solution from a container to the disinfectant chamber via a pump, and returning the solution to the container via the pump, wherein the steps of supplying and returning the disinfectant solution are controlled by a controller.
US08753574B2 Systems for immunoassay tests
This invention relates to a cartridge for an immunoassay test. The cartridge comprises (a) a probe well comprising a probe and a cap, the cap being in a closed position to enclose the probe in the probe well, wherein the probe has a bottom tip coated with analyte-binding molecules; (b) a sample well to receive a sample; (c) one or more reagent wells; (d) a plurality of wash wells each containing a first aqueous solution; and (e) a measurement well having a light transmissive bottom, the measurement well containing a second aqueous solution; wherein the openings of the sample well, reagent well, measurement well and wash wells are sealed. The present invention also relates to an apparatus for loading and releasing a probe. The apparatus comprises a push pin and a groove to load and transfer the probe to a plurality of locations, such as different wells in the above-mentioned cartridge, to conduct the immunoassay test.
US08753571B2 System and method for sanitizing touch screen of electronic devices
In a method for sanitizing a touch screen of an electronic device, the electronic device includes a first motor roller and a second motor roller and a screen sanitization system. The first motor roller connects to the second motor roller through a flexible pipe that is filled with a sanitizer. The first motor roller is scrolled to clean and sanitize a first protective film using sanitizer when the first protective film is overlaid on the surface of the touch screen, and a second protective film is drawn to overlay on the surface of the touch screen. The second motor roller is scrolled to clean and sanitize the second protective film using the sanitizer when the second protective film is overlaid on the surface of the touch screen, and the first protective film is drawn to overlay on the surface of the touch screen.
US08753569B2 Temperature hardened pharmaceutical devices
A system and method for implementing embedded electronics in environments where radiation or extreme temperatures are used is disclosed. Embedded electronics are affixed to various components of a pharmaceutical system, thereby enabling the customer to download pertinent information about the component, such as lot number, date of manufacturer, test parameters, etc. Additionally, these electronics allow an array of functions and features to be implemented, such as integrity tests and diagnostics. The electronics in the pharmaceutical components utilize a technology that is not as susceptible to radiation and extreme temperatures as traditional electronics.
US08753565B2 Hadfield steel
Hadfield steel and a method for obtaining the same, which steel has better mechanical properties than basic Hadfield steel, without detriment to any of them, which has a homogenous grain size distribution, thus allowing new applications, having the following chemical composition: 0.90 to 1.35% by weight of C, 11.00 to 14.00% by weight of Mn, 0.80% maximum by weight of Si, 0.07% maximum by weight of P, 0.05% maximum by weight of S and an amount of hafnium greater than or equal to 0.01% and less than 0.1% by weight, the rest being iron and impurities associated with iron, and where the percentages are expressed by weight with respect to the total weight of the steel.
US08753559B2 Fabrication method of nanoparticle
A fabrication method of nanoparticles is provided. A substrate having a plurality of pillar structures is provided and then a plurality of ring structures is formed to surround the plurality of the pillar structures. The inner wall of each ring structure surrounds the sidewall of each pillar structure. A portion of each pillar structure is removed to reduce the height of each pillar structure and to expose the inner wall of each ring structure. The ring structures are separated from the pillar structures to form a plurality of nanoparticles. Surface modifications are applied to the ring structures before the ring structures are separated from the pillar structures on the substrate.
US08753557B2 Imprint lithography
An imprint lithography apparatus is disclosed that has a first array of template holders, a second array of template holders, and a substrate table arranged to support a substrate to be imprinted, wherein the first array of template holders is arranged to hold an array of imprint templates that can be used to imprint a first array of patterns onto the substrate, and the second array of template holders is arranged hold an array of imprint templates that can be used to imprint a second array of patterns onto the substrate, the patterns imprinted by the second array being interspersed between the patterns imprinted by the first array.
US08753550B2 Surface-modified pigment compositions
Pigment compositions containing organic pigments with an outstanding migration-free property and an excellent rheology at high concentration, and derivatives thereof containing heterocyclic substituents. The pigment compositions contains (a) carbon black or an organic pigment containing a chromophore Q1 of the following formula, wherein Z1 and Z2 are O or N—, C· is a carbon atom with an electron in a p orbital, and n is an integer from 1 to 4; and (b) a compound containing a chromophore of the following formula (II), wherein Q2 is an m-valent residue of carbon black or of the chromophore Q1; G1 is preferably and R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, and R8 are preferably all H; m is an integer from 1 to 4. The pigment compositions can be used as rheology modifiers, preferably for pigmented coating compositions.
US08753544B2 Conductive ink and conductor
Ink is manufactured by mixing unoxidized metallic particles to a binder. The ink is printed on an object (502) and hardened for forming a conductor. The process is performed in an inert atmosphere or in vacuum for maintaining the electrical conductivity of the conductor (500).
US08753536B2 Method of preparation of surface coating of variable transmittance and electro-optical appliance including the same
Method of preparation of surface coating of variable transmittance and an electro-optical layered appliance including the same comprises dispersing of liquid crystal microdroplets in hydrolyzable and polymerizable precursors and applying obtained mixture on a surface by spraying. Applying the material to the surface by spraying is intrinsically related to the synthesis processes because the properties of the surrounding environment (i.e. content of water and acidity, UV radiation) and the chemical reactions that take place during spraying have considerable influence on the properties (i.e. driving voltage, thickness of obtained layer). Obtained layered appliance comprises of a matrix material with dispersed microdroplets of liquid crystal obtained by the described method, electrically conductive transparent electrodes with contacts, a dielectric material, substrate and covering layers.
US08753532B2 Positive electrode materials combining high safety and high power in a Li rechargeable battery
The invention relates to a LiaNixCoyMny′M′zO2 composite oxide for use as a cathode material in a rechargeable battery, with a non-homogenous Ni/M′ ratio in the particles, allowing excellent power and safety properties when used as positive electrode material in Li battery. More particularly, in the formula 0.9
US08753531B1 Product and method for enhancing the biophysical effects of water
A product-by-process produces a product having a vibrational frequency to balance the chemistry of water when untreated water is exposed to the product to thereby enhance the biophysical properties of water, without adding any compound to the water. The result of the exposure is that the physical properties of specific gravity, conductivity, and resistivity of water are modified, and the biophysical properties of the treated water in organisms such as humans, including but not limited to hydration, oxygenation, and detoxification, are enhanced as verified by human clinical tests.
US08753515B2 Dialysis system with ultrafiltration control
Systems and methods are disclosed for performing hemodialysis that include fluid handling systems that provide accurate control over the type and level of hemodialysis being performed. The system includes a first pump for pumping dialysate into a dialyzer and a second pump for pumping dialysate out of the dialyzer. The system also includes a third pump that provides improved control of a level of ultrafiltration, hemodiafiltration, or both.
US08753514B2 Osmotic desalination process
An energy efficient desalination process that does not produce waste products involves the extraction of water from a first solution, such as seawater, by using a second concentrated solution to draw the water from the first solution across a semi-permeable membrane. By manipulating the equilibrium of the soluble and insoluble species of solute within the second solution in favor of the soluble species of the solute, a saturated second solution can be used to generate osmotic pressure on the first solution. Also, by adjusting the equilibrium in favor of the less soluble species after the water has been drawn from the first solution, a portion of the solute can easily be precipitated out. Heating the second solution decomposes the solute into its constituent gases. The constituent gases and precipitated solute may be recycled through the process to affect the changes in equilibrium and eliminate waste products. Additionally, by using the waste steam from industrial sources and a heat pump to effectively distribute heat through the present method, the present method exhibits greater energy efficiency than prior art methods.
US08753513B2 Ammonia-peroxide wastewater treatment system
A method of treating wastewater containing peroxide and ammonia includes performing a first stage peroxide pretreatment of the wastewater with a catalyst, and performing a second stage ammonia separation of the peroxide treated wastewater by a distillation process, thereby producing a concentrated ammonium hydroxide end product that is separated from the wastewater.
US08753495B2 Electrochemical half cell, electrochemical sensor and method for measuring at least one measured variable of a measured medium with an electrochemical sensor
An electrochemical half cell for application in an electrochemical sensor, wherein a fill electrolyte of the half cell is in contact with an external medium via a liquid junction, characterized in that the liquid junction is controllable as regards its permeability and/or its flow.
US08753492B2 Method for enhancing current throughput in an electrochemical system
An electrochemical system with reduced limiting-current behavior is disclosed. The electrochemical system is useful for fuel cells and bio-sensors. In part, the invention relates a method of reducing or eliminating limiting-current behavior in the operation electrochemical systems, in particular those with ion-selective membrane or electrochemical electrodes, by spatially reducing the convection near the membrane or the electrode. The invention further relates to electrochemical systems in which micropores, microarrays or pillar arrays are used to reduce convection in comparison to conventional systems without microarrays, micropores or pillar arrays.
US08753483B2 Systems and methods for making fiber webs
Systems and methods for forming fiber webs, including those suitable for use as filter media and battery separators, are provided. In some embodiments, the systems and methods involve designs which allow improved control of the fiber web forming process. For example, in certain embodiments involving the flowing of more than one fiber mixtures, the amount of mixing of the fiber mixtures may be controlled to produce fiber webs having different structural and/or performance characteristics. In some embodiments, the systems and methods can be used to form fiber webs having a gradient in a property across a portion of, or the entire, thickness of the fiber web.
US08753476B2 Methods for producing high-freeness pulp
Methods of producing mechanical pulps from lignocellulosic material including partial defibration of lignocellulosic material in a chip press followed by liquid impregnation, preheating the lignocellulosic material for 20 seconds or less at a pressure between 7.5 and 12 bar (gauge) prior to mechanically refining the lignocellulosic material in a primary mechanical refiner at a pressure between 7.5 and 12 bar (gauge), thus obtaining a high freeness pulp.
US08753469B2 Method of vacuum-assisted RTM
A method of vacuum-assisted RTM includes disposing a resin distribution medium on one surface of a reinforcing-fiber substrate, covering the whole with a bag material, reducing the pressure inside the bag material, and injecting a resin into the resin distribution medium to distribute the resin substantially in in-plane directions and then impregnate the resin into the reinforcing-fiber substrate in the thickness direction. The method is characterized in that the flow resistance of the resin distribution medium itself during resin distribution is changed in in-plane directions of the reinforcing-fiber substrate, in accordance with a difference in fiber weight per unit area or density between parts to be impregnated with resin of the reinforcing-fiber substrate present in a plane direction of the reinforcing-fiber substrate, or in accordance with a difference in distance from a resin impregnation initiation part to a resin impregnation completion part between parts to be impregnated with resin of the reinforcing-fiber substrate present in a plane direction of the reinforcing-fiber substrate.
US08753464B2 Transparent composites and laminates and methods for making
An exemplary method for making a transparent composite includes steps of combining a refractive index modifier with a precursor solution to provide a modified polymer precursor solution, combining glass with the modified precursor solution, and curing the modified precursor solution to create a transparent glass reinforced polymer composite. An example refractive index modifier comprises a monofunctional compound or monofunctional monomer, a polyfunctional compound or polyfunctional monomer or polymer, which is combined with the polymer precursor solution to increase the crosslinking density of the chain in the cured modified polymer precursor solution, and thus increase the refractive index. An exemplary transparent composite comprises a glass reinforced thermosetting polymer composite layer sandwiched between glass layers.
US08753460B2 Reduction of edge chipping during wafer handling
Methods and systems for reinforcing the periphery of a semiconductor wafer bonded to a carrier are disclosed. In one embodiment, additional adhesive is applied to the semiconductor wafer prior to bonding. The additional adhesive seeps into a crevice between the carrier and wafer and provides reinforcement. In another embodiment, adhesive is applied to the crevice by a dispenser after the wafer is bonded to the glass carrier.
US08753459B2 Needling loops into carrier sheets
Methods of making a sheet-form loop product are provided. One method includes placing a layer of staple fibers against a first side of a substrate comprising a nonwoven web; needling fibers of the layer through the substrate by penetrating the substrate with needles that drag portions of the fibers through the substrate, leaving exposed loops of the fibers extending from a second side of the substrate; and anchoring fibers forming the loops by fusing the fibers to each other and to filaments of the nonwoven web on the first side of the substrate, while substantially preventing fusion of the fibers on the second side of the substrate. Sheet-form loop products are also provided, including for example a flexible nonwoven substrate and a layer of staple fibers disposed on a first side of the substrate, exposed loops of the fibers extending from a second side of the substrate, with bases of the loops being anchored on the first side of the substrate, wherein the fibers on the first side of the substrate are fused together to a relatively greater extent than the fibers on the second side of the substrate.
US08753440B2 System and method for cooling a solvent for gas treatment
The present embodiments are directed towards the cooling of a solvent of a gas treatment system using a fluid flow from an air separation unit. In one embodiment, a system is provided that includes an air separation unit. The air separation unit has an air inlet configured to receive an air flow, an oxygen outlet configured to output an oxygen flow, a nitrogen outlet configured to output a nitrogen flow and a cooling system configured to cool the air flow to enable separation of the air flow into the oxygen flow and the nitrogen flow, wherein the cooling system is configured to cool a first solvent of a first gas treatment system.
US08753436B1 Oil coalescing device
An external oil coalescing adapter fitted to a desiccant breather with an adapter housing with a coalescing chamber for receiving an air flow containing oil; oil coalescing media contained within the coalescing chamber for coalescing oil contained in the air flow; a first end cap for attaching to one end of the housing, the first end cap also attachable to a breather; and a second end cap for attaching to the opposite end of the housing from the first end cap, the second end cap attachable to a system.
US08753435B2 Portable oxygen concentrator
A portable oxygen concentrator includes a pressure swing absorption system defined by a relatively rigid housing adapted to generate a flow of oxygen enriched gas and a battery adapted to provide power to the pressure swing absorption system. The oxygen concentrator has a total weight of less than about 10 lbs, has a maximum flow of 100% O2 equivalent gas of about 0.9 lpm, has a total volume less than about 800 in3, and gas a battery life of at least about 8 hours. The present invention also using a liquefaction or transfill system in combination with such an oxygen concentrator.
US08753421B2 Method for cyclically preparing titanium sponge and coproducing potassium cryolite using potassium fluotitanate as intermediate material
A method for cyclically preparing titanium sponge and coproducing potassium cryolite using potassium fluotitanate as an intermediate material, which includes the following steps: A) adding hydrofluoric acid to titaniferous iron concentrate to enable a reaction to form fluotitanic acid; B) adding potassium sulphate to the fluotitanic acid to enable a reaction to form the potassium fluotitanate; C) putting the potassium fluotitanate into a reactor, adding aluminum to react with the potassium fluotitanate to form the titanium sponge and potassium cryolite; D) extracting the potassium cryolite and sending it to a rotary reaction kettle together with concentrated sulphuric acid to enable a reaction to form hydrogen fluoride gas and potassium sulphate, aluminum potassium sulphate; collecting the hydrogen fluoride gas and dissolving it into water to obtain a hydrofluoric acid aqueous solution; E) recycling the obtained hydrofluoric acid aqueous solution to Step A to leach the titaniferous iron concentrate.
US08753420B2 Method for selectively recovering americium from a nitric aqueous phase
A method with which americium may be selectively recovered from a nitric aqueous phase containing americium, curium and fission products including lanthanides and yttrium, but which is free of uranium, plutonium and neptunium or which only contains these three last elements in trace amounts. The method is applicable for treatment and recycling of irradiated nuclear fuels, in particular for removing americium from raffinates stemming from methods for extracting and purifying uranium and plutonium such as the PUREX and COEX™ methods.
US08753416B2 Quick drying polymeric coating
Improved agriculturally useful products are provided, including solid materials such as nitrogenous fertilizers (e.g., urea), together with a polycarboxylated polymer selected from the group consisting of a salts of copolymers containing individual quantities of maleic and itaconic moieties. The polymer composition also includes from about 10-60% by weight of an organic drying agent such as a lower alcohol which enhances the quick drying properties thereof. The compositions may also include an amount of boron, and bimodal vinylic polymer made up of quantities of high and low molecular weight (MW) vinylic polymers such as PVA.
US08753411B2 Methods for reforming carbonaceous matter using a high temperature reformer
A method of gasifying organic materials (carbonaceous compounds) such as coal and fossil fuel and their mixtures including gasifying wastes into syngas, and an apparatus thereof. The apparatus is suitable to gasify carbonaceous wastes without secondary pollutants formed from oxidation. Further, the apparatus can be used in a system to drive a fuel cell.
US08753404B2 Hip prostheses
Bipolar prostheses which include various structures and other techniques for optimizing material wear and mechanical strength properties. Such prostheses feature, for example, improved resistance to polyethylene wear while also reducing potential for dislocation of the femoral stem from the prosthesis. Such techniques and structures include varying wear resistance and mechanical strength treatment in various components of the prostheses or portions of those components as desired to improve, accentuate or optimize wear performance and dislocation reduction, locking ring structural features, structures for retaining locking rings in the bipolar prosthesis shell, and structures for limiting or reducing movement or rotation of locking rings and liners in bipolar prosthesis shells.
US08753401B2 Joint support and subchondral support system
A joint support and subchondral support system and method of use of same for providing structural and dampening support to damaged subchondral bone adjacent to a body joint are disclosed. The joint support and subchondral support system and method of use of same are applicable to many parts of the joint as any area with cartilage disease has an adjoining subchondral component.
US08753400B2 Prosthesis of anterior spinal column, instrument guiding the prosthesis and method for installation thereof
A prosthesis of an anterior spinal column, comprising a perforated sleeve body (1) with at least one anchoring element, teeth and overgrowth holes and a positioner (2) situated within the body (1). The body (1) has in its wall at least one manipulative hole (6) and at least one positioning hole (7), whose longitudinal axes are parallel with each other. The positioner (2) comprises at least one situating element (8) cooperating with at least one positioning hole (7) of the body (1) and at least one hole (12) formed therethrough, which may be situated radially inward relative to the manipulative hole (6). At least one end face (3) of the body (1) or/and body's wall are provided with at least one pair of opposite guidelines (14,20). For introducing the prosthesis into the intervertebral space, a guiding instrument is used in the form of a rod with a shaped working element (24) at one end. The prosthesis may be implanted with the use of the prosthesis guiding instrument.
US08753395B2 Monorail system
Systems providing improved methods of performing a spinal fusion procedure and including a monorail instrument that protects the medial neural structures, includes a sliding platform for additional instrumentation and allows controlled delivery of various instruments for disc preparation and implant insertion. The monorail instrument engages other instruments, including various instruments utilized to prepare the disc space as well as spinal fusion implants, for guided and controlled insertion into the disc space. The monorail instrument may be a distractor, and may include flutes for preparation of the disc space.
US08753393B2 Method for detoxifying a biological tissue
Biological tissues may be prepared for use in biological prostheses. The biological tissue may be fixated with glutaraldehyde and may be subjected to successive treatment of the tissue with a solution containing taurine to neutralize excess aldehyde groups that remain free after fixation.
US08753392B2 Elements for versatility of a prosthetic anchor
A prosthetic anchor to be attached to a natural or prosthetic structure of a human or animal. The anchor includes a central layer with first and second surface. A plurality of fiber bundles, each with a medial portion, are concentrically embedded within the central layer to substantially define a horseshoe-shaped pattern. A substrate element is configured to be secured to the natural or prosthetic structure and to receive the second surface of the central layer. A securing element operably coupled to the second surface of the central layer is configured to secure the central layer to the substrate element in at least two positions.
US08753375B2 Z-shaped button for tissue repair
Techniques and reconstruction systems for tissue repairs employing a Z-shaped button with a flexible strand or loop (which may have a fixed or adjustable length). The Z-shaped button has a distinctive Z-shape or an S-shape configuration, that allows a smaller length button to achieve comparable contact area as with a longer length button. The Z-shaped button allows for truncated flipping distance yet permits maximum cortical bone contact. The continuous loop/Z-shaped button construct may be used for fixation of bone to bone, or of soft tissue to bone.
US08753370B2 Dual endovascular filter and methods of use
Blood filter devices and methods of use is describe herein. Present invention pertains to a method of filtering and capturing particles in a vasculature of a patient that comprises steps of introducing a delivery device, which has a filter assembly placed therein, through a first vessel. The filter assembly comprises a first filter portion and second filter portion that open and closes with respect to each other via a pivot axis extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of delivery catheter. Upon deployment of the filter assembly the first filter portion is positioned relative to the first vessel such that particles traveling into the first vessel will be trapped in the first filter portion, and positioning the second filter portion relative to the second vessel such that particles traveling into the second vessel will be trapped in the second filter portion. After capturing the particles in the respective filters, first and second filter portions pivot towards one another to close the filter assembly in order to be retrieved back into the delivery device for removal from the vasculature of the patient.
US08753367B1 Device and method for attaching hair
A fitting and a method for utilizing one or more of such fittings are described for securing supplemental hair to a person's head, along the outer surface of the person's scalp, to create an enhanced, natural appearance independent of the population and location of any natural hair on the person's head. Each fitting includes a base member having a resiliently flexible flange, and a post rising from the flange and carrying a flexible filament establishing a loop providing a lateral path for a ligature. Each base member is embedded beneath the outer surface of the person's scalp to secure the corresponding fitting at a selected strategic location on the person's head with the filament projecting from the outer surface to provide a corresponding attachment site. Supplemental hair is juxtaposed with and secured to each filament with a corresponding ligature passed through the loop of each corresponding filament.
US08753355B2 Umbilical cord tab
The present invention relates to a device and method for cleaning an infant's navel and umbilical cord stump. In particular, the present invention provides a device that eliminates the need for a user to physically hold the umbilical cord stump and allows trapped dirt and moisture to be accessed and removed easily, avoiding premature detachment of the umbilical cord stump and minimizing the risk of infection. The device of the present invention also protects the skin surrounding an infant's navel from cleaning solutions while the infant' navel and umbilical cord stump is being cleaned.
US08753347B2 Vertebral joint implants and delivery tools
A spinal joint distraction system for treating a facet joint including articular surfaces having a contour is disclosed and may include a delivery device including a generally tubular structure adapted to engage a facet joint, an implant adapted to be delivered through the delivery device and into the facet joint, the implant comprising two members arranged in opposed position, and an implant distractor comprising a generally elongate member adapted to advance between the two members of the implant causing separation of the members and distraction of the facet joint, wherein the implant is adapted to conform to the shape of the implant distractor and/or the articular surfaces of the facet upon being delivered to the facet joint. Several embodiments of a system, several embodiments of an implant, and several methods are disclosed including a method for interbody fusion.
US08753341B2 Thermal barrier for suction coagulator
An electrosurgical suction coagulator includes a housing having proximal and distal ends and a substantially malleable elongated tube-like shaft extending longitudinally from the distal end of the housing. The elongated tube-like shaft includes a tube-like dielectric sheath and a tube-like electrode disposed coaxially through the tube-like dielectric sheath. The tube-like electrode is configured to operably couple to a source of electrosurgical energy and a proximal end of the tube-like electrode is adapted to operably couple to a source of suction. The tube-like shaft also includes a thermally conductive member. The thermally conductive member is disposed concentrically about the tube-like shaft and at least partially along a longitudinal length of the tube-like shaft. The thermally conductive member is configured to increase a surface area of the tube-like shaft to dissipate thermal energy about the increased surface area.
US08753339B2 Dissection handpiece and method for reducing the appearance of cellulite
A dermatological skin treatment device is provided. The device comprises a handpiece and a cutting tool, wherein the tool is inserted through the conduit and percutaneously inserted into a tissue disposed within a recessed area of the handpiece. The device and method cut the fibrous structures under the skin that cause cellulite at an angle substantially parallel to the surface of the skin and replace these structures with a non-cellulite forming structure by deploying a highly fibrous mesh through a single needle hole to create a highly fibrous layer directly or through wound healing processes.
US08753334B2 System and method for reducing leakage current in an electrosurgical generator
A system and method for reducing leakage current in an electrosurgical generator are disclosed. The system includes an electrosurgical generator configured to provide high frequency electrosurgical energy at a fundamental frequency. The generator includes one or more circuit boards having a board ground. The generator further includes a inductor-capacitor filter connected in series with the board ground and an earth ground. The inductor capacitor filter includes a capacitor connected in parallel with an inductor and is tuned to be at an operational frequency which is resonant at or near the fundamental frequency.
US08753332B2 Laser device and method for ablating biological tissue
A laser device (10) for ablating a biological tissue (1), comprising: a) a laser source (7) that is configured to emit a laser beam (4); b) optics (8a, 8b, 8x) configured to modify the laser beam (4) such as to direct the laser beam (4) on the biological tissue (1); d) a controller (11) that is configured to control the laser source (7) to emit the laser beam (4) to create an ablation in biological tissue (1), whereby e) a sensor (19) being configured to receive back scattered light from the biological tissue (1); f) a tissue controller (18) that is operationally coupled to the sensor (19) to receive a sensor signal (Ri) of the sensor (19); and g) the tissue controller (18) being configured to compare a series of at least two consecutive sensor signals (R1, R2, R3, . . . ) and being configured to generate a tissue control signal (TCS) when the value of the series of consecutive sensor signals (R1, R2, R3, . . . ) decreases in a predetermined amount.
US08753328B2 Intravascular catheter comprising a reinforcing micro-tape
A catheter, such as an intravascular catheter, includes a longitudinally pre-oriented tubular substrate and reinforcing means surrounding and in contact with the substrate, the reinforcing means wound over the substrate, and a tubular superstrate surrounding the reinforcing means forcing the reinforcing means against the substrate and maintaining the reinforcing means wound over the substrate. The reinforcing means is a micro-tape having a width less than 0.5 mm and includes a filament layer having a cross sectional aspect ratio (width/height) of 2 to 20, wherein the filaments are fixated by a cured or solidified resin or wax, which constitutes 2 to 40 wt % of the micro-tape.
US08753326B2 Reservoir pressure equalization systems and methods
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to equalizing pressure in a reservoir containing fluidic media, possibly due to imperfect installation of the reservoir or an external influence such as an altitude or a temperature change. In various embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled from the reservoir through a needle and contained in an interior volume of a pierceable member before the needle pierces the pierceable member to establish a flow path to a user. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a port of the reservoir into a chamber. In further embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a channel in a plunger head and out a passage in the reservoir when the channel and passage are aligned. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a valve, and the valve may be pierceable by a needle to establish a flow path to the user.
US08753322B2 Controlled negative pressure apparatus and alarm mechanism
Methods and devices for treatment of damaged tissue are disclosed, including treatment of wounds by employing non-electrically powered, reduced pressure therapy devices. The devices are capable of generating a substantially constant reduced pressure with low tolerance for pressure fluctuations. Also disclosed herein are reduced pressure therapy systems that comprise an alarm system to detect the depleted state of the suction device and provide an alert to the patient and/or practitioner.
US08753315B2 Manual basal bolus drug delivery device
A fully manually powered infusion device provides both basal and bolus delivery of a liquid medicament to a patient. In some embodiments, the device includes a main reservoir that supplies the liquid medicament, an outlet port that delivers the liquid medicament to the patient, a basal dispenser that delivers a substantially constant flow of the liquid medicament to the outlet port, and a manually actuated bolus pump that delivers a bolus dose of the liquid medicament from the main reservoir to the outlet when actuated. The basal medicament supply delivers a volume of the liquid medicament from the main reservoir to the basal dispenser consonant with each actuation of the bolus pump.
US08753306B2 Tissue resection device and method
Among other things, embodiments of devices (and parts thereof) are disclosed that can be used in treating Barrett's esophagus. Embodiments may have a suction cavity or window portion having elongated planar floor and ramped end surfaces with suction holes on one or both end surfaces. Examples include one or more fluid injection needles and parts for controlling fluid injection rate based on the rate of needle withdrawal. Embodiments can include one or more injection needles and receiving holes, with the ability to allow injectate to flow into tissue before withdrawing the needle(s), and/or lockout mechanism to prevent resection of tissue by a cutting mechanism prior to injection of fluid. Methods for treatment are also disclosed, and can include inserting a needle completely through tissue, and injecting fluid into tissue while withdrawing the needle back through the tissue, and/or injecting fluid into tissue while moving the needle forward through tissue.
US08753304B2 Systems, devices, and methods including catheters having acoustically actuatable waveguide components for delivering a sterilizing stimulus to a region proximate a surface of the catheter
Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are described for providing an actively-controllable disinfecting implantable device configured to, for example, treat or prevent an infection in a biological subject.
US08753302B2 Indwelling heat exchange catheter and method of using same
A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.
US08753299B1 Therapeutic joint cover apparatus
A therapeutic joint cover apparatus for massaging a knee while also providing compression that includes a tapered support body having an oval cutout centrally disposed therein which is surrounded by vibrating motors. A trio of length adjustable straps engages respective rings on the opposite side of the support body and a hook portion of hook and loop fastener disposed the straps' outer ends removably attach to an outer side of the support body to secure the support body to a user's knee. An interior lining disposed on the support body inner side provides a cool comfortable fit between the vibrating nodes and the user's knee. The apparatus is self-contained, including an on-off pressure-switched rechargeable battery housed in a pocket proximal to the top end so that no assembly or other preparations are required.
US08753297B2 Public access CPR and AED device
A system for resuscitation of a heart attack victim. The system includes CPR device which compresses the victim's chest, a defibrillator which may be used to defibrillate the patient, and an identification system for identifying the person operating the system. Depending on the identity of the operator, the system permits varying degrees of access to components and enablement of the functions of the various subsystems.
US08753293B2 Control system for childbirth and method thereof
A childbirth control system is provided to control the labor process of a patient. The patient's physical information of the patient and her fetus is continuously obtained during the labor via a plurality of diagnosis devices connected to a user terminal. The system includes an analysis module, which generates a childbirth progress data by continuously comparing the series of patient's measurement data with a series of reference measurement data. The childbirth progress data is provided on the user terminal to show the current progress of the childbirth as well as suggestions as to alternative childbirth method and medical treatment options. The system also provides the childbirth progress data to the user terminal of remotely located medical service providers, and allows them to remotely assist the childbirth process.
US08753291B2 High-modulus superelastic alloy wire for medical and dental purposes
A wire used in the medical field for guiding purposes, as well as in other fields, such as in the field of orthodontics for teeth aligning purposes. The wire, when prepared for use in such applications, exhibits an innovative blend of advantageous properties, including enhanced kink resistance over stainless steel wires and enhanced stiffness over Nitinol wires, which enhance its use as a medical guidewire or stylet, and further, as an arch wire in orthodontia applications.
US08753278B2 Pressure control in medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging
Contact pressure from a transducer is controlled in medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging. Rather than measuring pressure directly using a pressure sensor on the transducer, the compression of tissue within the patient may be measured using ultrasound scanning. The desired amount of compression in the region of interest for diagnosis may be obtained. For example in breast imaging, the desired compression for imaging a portion of the breast is compared to compression measured from ultrasound data. Once the desired tissue compression is achieved, the pressure applied by the transducer is maintained while the diagnosis scan occurs. For example, a robotic arm locks or otherwise maintains the pressure during scanning.
US08753269B2 Minimally invasive access device for heart valve procedures
A surgical access device including a lower portion having a central opening spaced from a lower portion outer wall, an upper portion adjacent to the lower portion and having a central opening spaced from an upper portion outer wall, and at least one flange portion extending outwardly from the upper and lower portions. The device can further include a gap extending from the central openings of the lower and upper portions and through their outer walls.
US08753267B2 Access assembly insertion device
An improved access assembly is provided. The access assembly includes an inflatable port and an inflation cannula operably connected to the inflatable port to provide inflation fluid to the inflatable port. The inflatable port may be tapered in a first configuration to facilitate insertion through tissue. The inflation port defines a substantially hour-glass shape when in a second configuration to create a seal within an opening in the tissue.
US08753266B2 Device to permit offpump beating heart coronary bypass surgery
A heart retractor links lifting of the heart and regional immobilization which stops one part of the heart from moving to allow expeditious suturing while permitting other parts of the heart to continue to function whereby coronary surgery can be performed on a beating heart while maintaining cardiac output unabated and uninterrupted. Circumflex coronary artery surgery can be performed using the heart retractor of the present invention. The retractor includes a plurality of flexible arms and a plurality of rigid arms as well as a surgery target immobilizing element. One form of the retractor can be sued in minimally invasive surgery, while other forms of the retractor can accommodate variations in heart size and paracardial spacing.
US08753240B2 Power transmitting device
Disclosed is a power transmitting device capable of streamlined structure and control, as well as alleviating energy loss. The device comprises a planetary gear device wherein motive power of an engine and a motor is inputted from a first element and a second element; and a first clutch that transmits, in an interruptible manner, motive power from a second shaft that is linked to the second element, to a first shaft that is linked to a third element and an input shaft, while interrupting motive power from the first shaft or the input shaft to the second shaft. It is possible to switch motive power of the engine and the motor with motive power transmission switching by the first clutch, thus allowing streamlining of structure and control.
US08753238B2 Belt detachment tool
A belt detachment tool 10 includes a detacher 11 and a pulley engagement portion 12. The detacher 11 includes a belt-climbing surface 11a′, a belt-sliding surface 11b′, and a belt-transferring surface 11c′ disposed therebetween. At least a belt contact portion of the belt-transferring surface 11c′ has a radius of curvature of 5-11 mm in plan view.
US08753234B1 Portable goal post and method
A portable and collapsible goal post including a tubular base defining a T-shape perpendicularly and vertically affixed to an upright. A post is pivotably attached to the upright, and pivots between a position parallel to the base and a position perpendicular to the base. The goal post further includes a tubular cross bar perpendicularly affixed to the post in opposing relation to the upright with a pair of tubular arms pivotably attached in opposing relation to different ones of the cross bar ends, each of the arms defining an L-shape and a cup, each of the cups defining a square cross-section. The goal post also includes a pair of poles, wherein the poles are inserted into different ones of the cups and the post is pivoted into a vertical position in line with the upright. A method of using the goal post is also included.
US08753223B2 Golf club face with spin strip
A golf club head (such as a putter head), has a face that includes a ball-contacting region. The ball-contacting region has an inset containing an elastically deformable material and at least one rigid element disposed within the elastically deformable material. When a golf ball is struck, the elastically deformable material compresses and the rigid element imparts overspin to the ball that causes it to roll more accurately.
US08753222B2 Fairway wood center of gravity projection
A golf club head includes a body defining an interior cavity. The body includes a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion, and a skirt positioned around a periphery between the sole and crown. The body has a forward portion and a rearward portion. The club head includes a face positioned at the forward portion of the body. The face defines a striking surface having an ideal impact location at a golf club head origin. Embodiments include club heads for a fairway wood that at least one of a high moment of inertia, a low center-of-gravity, a thin crown and a high coefficient of restitution.
US08753221B1 Adjustable golf club shaft and hosel assembly
A golf club comprising a hosel and a shaft that is fastened to the hosel at the heel-side of the club is disclosed herein. The golf club includes a wedge inserted into an opening on the heel-side of the hosel, which and retains the shaft within the hosel. In an alternative embodiment, a lever is inserted into an opening in the heel side of the hosel to retain the shaft within the hosel.
US08753216B2 Mist producing device for playground with sun shade apparatus
A play set with a mist device which includes a mist frame unit supported through a framework of the play set. The mist frame unit has a hollow body allowing water passage and comprises a flexible hose member mounted onto the framework, wherein a portion of the flexible hose member is constructed into a hose ring encircling a slide unit; a water inlet provided at a first end of the mist frame unit for connecting to a water source; and a plurality of mist producing units provided along the mist frame unit arranged for producing mist such that a preset mist surrounding area is defined within which the play set is located, therefore the mist can reach all play units of the play set, including the slide unit through the hose ring at an angle which is greater than 270°, thereby providing a cooling effect to the mist surrounding area.
US08753214B2 Game device, method for controlling game device, program and information memory medium
A game device is provided. The game device includes a first execution section, a game screen updating section, and a game situation data acquiring section. In the case where a first execution time which comes every first time period is reached, the first execution section generates game situation data. In the case where a second execution time which comes every second time period is reached, the game screen updating section updates a game screen based on game situation data corresponding to an attention time which comes a time period before the second execution time. The game situation data acquiring section acquires the game situation data corresponding to the attention time by executing interpolation processing based on first game situation data corresponding to a time which comes before the attention time and second game situation data corresponding to a time which comes after the attention time.
US08753210B2 Game system and controller
A game system is provided in which a plurality of pairs, each consisting of: a first input device provided with a first operation section; and a second input device provided with a second operation section, are wirelessly connected to a game apparatus, and in which a game process is executed based on operation data obtained from the first input device and the second input device. As an example, each of the first input device and the second input device includes a display section, wireless communication means for performing communication for the operation data and information regarding each pair, and a display control section for controlling a display form of the display section. The display control section controls the display form of the display section so as to be a display form corresponding to each pair. The game apparatus executes the game process based on the operation data for each pair.
US08753202B2 Wagering game, gaming machine, gaming system and method with real-time position updates
A wagering game, gaming machine, networked gaming system, and associated methods are disclosed including a bank of gaming machines connected to an overhead display enabling players at the respective gaming machines to qualify to play a community feature game displayed on the overhead display wherein each qualified player may view general and personalized real-time position updates.
US08753197B2 Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards
A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines and a plurality of bonus awards. The central server monitors wagers on the gaming machines. Based at least in part on the wagers the central server determines when bonus events will occur and which gaming machine(s) will provide the bonus awards. In one embodiment, the central server determines which gaming machine will provide a primary bonus award and any secondary bonus awards, wherein at least one gaming machine may be provided a plurality of bonus awards.
US08753190B2 Gaming device having a re-triggering symbol bonus scheme
A gaming device having a bonus scheme wherein a combination of bonus symbols trigger a bonus game and any one of the bonus symbols in the bonus game provides a player with an award. The award may be an extension of the bonus game by providing the player with additional spins or games. Also, the award may modify the combination and type of bonus symbols needed to enter the bonus game. Furthermore, the award may modify the award values in the bonus game. Therefore, a combination of bonus symbols triggers the bonus game and also triggers the gaming device to provide bonus awards in the bonus game. The re-triggering symbol award bonus scheme changes the probability of winning for the player and therefore creates a higher level of excitement and enjoyment of the game.
US08753189B2 Gaming device having different sets of primary and secondary reel symbols
An apparatus and method for a gaming device having a bonus game that provides a player with a primary set of reel symbols having a primary probability of winning and a secondary set of reel symbols having a secondary probability of winning, where the secondary probability of winning is greater than the primary probability of winning.
US08753188B2 Multi-player bingo game with multi-level award amount pattern mapping
The invention is directed to methods and gaming units for conducting a multi-player wagering game in which at least one of the players may win the occurrence of the wagering game by matching a predetermined game winning pattern of game indicia on a game array having a unique combination of game indicia based on matching the game indicia on the game array to game indicia randomly selected for the occurrence of the wagering game. The wagering game may include a plurality of game awards that may be awarded to the players. The game awards may be divided into pay groups, with each pay group being associated with a primary pattern on the game array, and with each game award within a pay group being associated with a secondary pattern on the game array. A gaming award may be awarded to a player in response to determining that the primary pattern and the secondary pattern associated with the gaming award are matched by patterns formed by the game indicia of the game array matching the randomly selected game indicia.
US08753180B2 Methods and apparatus for stripping leaves from a stalk cured tobacco plant
A machine which provides for both leaf stripping and grading can be used to process plants, such as burley tobacco plants, by continuously moving the plants in a first direction while simultaneously varying the position of the plants in a second direction relative to a defoliating apparatus. The plants may be moved horizontally through a machine by a transporter engaging the plant stalks while the vertical distance between the transporter (and thus the plants) is varied relative to the defoliating apparatus. The transporter and defoliating apparatus may be positioned at an angle to one another. Due to the changing amount of vertical distance, leaves from different sections of the plants, such as leaves at different stalk heights, can be contacted and removed at different corresponding horizontal locations in the machine. Accordingly, leaves can be graded based on the location(s) from which they are retrieved after removal.
US08753177B2 Apparatus and method for removing a surface layer from a food product
An apparatus for removing a surface layer from food products includes a product feed which feeds a product to be processed along a product conveying direction to a removal tool. The product is pressed with a component perpendicular to the product conveying direction toward an operative surface of the removal tool. The relative position between the product feed and the removal tool is adjustable by means of an adjustment apparatus, with a control unit associated with the adjustment apparatus designed to adjust the position of the removal tool relative to the product feed in dependence on the contour of the product.
US08753169B2 Adjustable breast positioning systems for women's garments and related methods
An improvement for an adjustable breast positioning system for a breast received within a breast cup of a woman's garment, and related methods.
US08753168B2 Pinwheel with lightup electronic head
A pinwheel toy having a handle, a shaft engaged to the handle and blades which spin about the shaft in response to wind pressure, has blades formed of holographic film having a three-dimensional appearance of a hologram, an electronic module within a capsule, and having a plurality of lights facing backward toward front faces of the blades, the electronic module being engaged with the shaft, and an impact switch engaged by tapping a front face of the capsule.
US08753159B1 Watercraft hull member
A watercraft includes a hull having an inside and an outside surface. A deck is disposed on the hull. The deck and the hull define an engine compartment. A power pack is disposed in the engine compartment. A propulsion unit is operatively connected to the power pack. At least one elongated member is disposed on the outside surface of the hull. The at least one elongated member is disposed at least in part forwardly of the propulsion unit. At least one connector joining a portion of the power pack to the at least one elongated member, the at least one connector extending through the hull. A member adapted to be disposed on an outside surface of a hull of the watercraft is also presented.
US08753149B2 Universal plug adaptor
The universal plug adaptor contains a face plate and a casing joined to the face plate. The casing contains a first track element, a terminal set, two platform elements, and a first sliding element in the casing. Each platform element has a first limiting piece for locking the first sliding element when it is pressured from a side. The platform elements, the first tack element, and the first sliding element engage with each other. The universal plug adaptor is able to prevent the hazard when only a prong is inserted and a prong is left outside the universal plug adaptor, and the first ground piece allows proper grounding to plugs conforming to German and French specifications.
US08753141B2 Adapter for connecting a harness to magnet wires
An adapter for connecting magnet wires to a harness. A first housing of the adapter is secured to a housing of a motor assembly. The first housing has first terminals which are secured in terminal receiving passages of the first housing. The first terminals have insulation displacing slots and mating portions, with the insulation displacing slots configured for receiving magnet wires therein and the mating portions configured to mate with contacts of a mateable connector attached to the harness. A second housing of the adapter has contact receiving passages with receiving portions which configured to receive the mating portions of the first terminals and mateable connector receiving passages extending from the receiving portions. The mateable connector receiving passages dimensioned to receive the contacts of a mateable connector therein.
US08753139B2 Device for fastening and contacting actuators
A device for the mechanical fastening and electrical contact with at least one control element (2), having first electrical contacts (9a, 9b), within a housing (3). Mating second electrical contacts (11a, 11b) are arranged on a connecting element (4) which can also be plugged into the housing (3). During assembly, the at least one control element (2) and the connecting element (4) are both plugged into the housing (3) so that such plugging engagement achieves electrical connection between the first electrical contacts (9a, 9b) and the second electrical contacts (11a, 11b) and, at the same time, an interlocked fastening of the at least one control element (2) with the housing (3).
US08753128B2 Method and apparatus for coupling portable communication devices
A method and apparatus couple portable communication devices. The apparatus (100) can include a coupling mechanism (130) including a first coupling mechanism connector (131) and a second coupling mechanism connector (132) mechanically coupled to the first coupling mechanism connector. The second coupling mechanism connector can be movable relative to the first coupling mechanism connector. The apparatus can include a first portable communication device (110) including a first portable communication device connector (112) detachably coupled to the first coupling mechanism connector. The apparatus can include a second portable communication device (120) including a second portable communication device connector (122) detachably coupled to the second coupling mechanism connector. The second portable communication device can be configured to communicate with the first portable communication device and move relative to the first portable communication device when coupled to the coupling mechanism. The first portable communication device can be adapted to be used independent from the second portable communication device.
US08753126B2 Method of forming a taxidermy mannequin
The present invention is a taxidermy mannequin having a mounting portion generally in the shape of an animal body, and a display portion generally in the shape of an animal head, wherein the mounting portion and display portion are secured together through a universal connection, thereby the taxidermist may choose different display portions to secure to the mount portion. The present invention further includes a plurality of selectively interchangeable features which are secured to the display portion. The features include a nose, a jaw, an eye, an ear liner, and a nictitating membrane.
US08753123B2 Driving support system and driving support managing device
A driving support system for giving a support to a driving operation of a vehicle includes a drive history database and a drive teaching unit for specifying a travel route of a vehicle subjected to a driving support. Vehicle information including information about vehicle operation is associated with pertinent route information and is registered as a drive history in the drive history database. The drive teaching unit is configured to extract a drive history corresponding to the specified travel route from the drive history database. The drive teaching unit is further configured as a guide for the driving support to teach information about the extracted drive history to a driver of the vehicle subjected to the driving support.
US08753120B2 Endodontic procedure using self-adhesive resin cements and sealers or self etching adhesives and chemically bondable obturators
A method of filling and sealing a root canal during an endodontic procedure involves: a) filling the root canal with a combination of: i) an obturator composed at least in part of a chemically-bondable material; and ii) a self-etching adhesive or self-adhesive resin-based cement or sealer; and b) curing the combination to seal the root canal. Also disclosed is a kit for carrying out the method, the kit having as components: a) an obturator composed at least in part of a chemically-bondable material; and b) a self-adhesive resin-based cement or sealer.
US08753117B2 Non-pressurized system for creating liquid droplets in a dental cleaning appliance
The appliance (10, FIG. 1) includes a body portion (27) and a nozzle portion (30) through which a spray of liquid droplets exits from a distal end thereof for cleaning of dental regions. The nozzle includes an orifice (36) at a proximal end thereof adjacent the body portion, as well as a pump (38) for moving liquid into an area of the nozzle just forward of the orifice. A mechanical system (12, 13, 14) is provided for moving a plunger or piston element (16) first away from the orifice under tension, such as a compression spring (24), and then controllably releasing the plunger or piston toward the orifice, the plunger/piston moving with sufficient force that atmospheric air which has been drawn into the appliance between the plunger or piston is forced through the orifice at a sufficiently high rate of speed to produce a spray of fluid droplets for dental cleaning when the moving air comes into contact with the liquid in the nozzle.
US08753108B2 Method and apparatus for treatment of unburnts
A method and apparatus for treatment of unburnts in a flue stream 9 of a chemical looping combustion system. Unburnts present in the flue stream 9 are treated after CO2 is removed from the flue stream in a gas processing unit 13. As shown in FIG. 2, oxidation of the unburnts occurs primarily in an air reactor 2 in the presence of air 1, allowing the system to maintain CO2 capture effectiveness and removing the need for creation of enriched or pure oxygen 11.
US08753102B2 Coinjection hot runner injection molding system
A coinjection molding apparatus is disclosed that provides first and second material melt streams to a nozzle. The nozzle defines a first material melt channel for receiving the first material melt stream and a second material melt channel for receiving the second material melt stream. The nozzle includes a sleeve and a nozzle tip having a tip divider. The sleeve is disposed within a longitudinal bore of the nozzle to divide the nozzle bore into the first material melt channel and the second material melt channel. The nozzle tip is coupled to a downstream end of the nozzle and defines a first material melt passage for receiving the first material melt stream from the first material melt channel of the nozzle and a second material melt passage for receiving the second material melt stream from the second material melt channel of the nozzle. The tip divider includes an upstream segment that is engaged with a downstream end of the sleeve to provide fluid communication between the first material melt passage of the nozzle tip and the first material melt channel of the nozzle.
US08753095B2 Pumping system and method of operation
A pumping system includes a pumping mechanism, a motor for driving the pumping mechanism, a device for supplying power of a variable frequency to the motor, a control device for setting a maximum value for a current in the motor, and a device for supplying to the control device data indicative of the temperature of gas exhaust from the pumping mechanism and a temperature of the stator of the pumping mechanism, wherein the control device is configured to use the received data to adjust the maximum value during operation of the pumping system.
US08753093B2 Bonded turbine bucket tip shroud and related method
A turbine bucket includes an airfoil portion and a tip shroud at a radially outer end of the airfoil portion. The tip shroud includes a first radially inner tip shroud component formed integrally with the airfoil portion and composed of a first metal material, and a second radially outer structural tip shroud component composed of a second metal material bonded to the first radially inner tip shroud component.
US08753090B2 Bladed disk assembly
A bladed disk assembly includes a disk, a blade, and a retaining clip. The disk is centered on an axis. The disk has at least one groove extending along the axis. The blade is received in the groove. The retaining clip contacts the blade and limits movement of the blade along the axis. The retaining clip is engaged with the disk through a snap-fit.
US08753089B2 Turbine rotor assembly and steam turbine
A turbine moving blade cascade 30 of a turbine rotor assembly 35 has root portions of plural moving blades 13 fitted and held in a root groove circumferentially formed on the outer circumferential portion of a rotor disk 15 of a turbine rotor 14 and has a notch blade 40 fixed in a cutout portion formed in the rotor disk 15. The plural moving blades 13 are comprised of three types of moving blades which include regular blades 50 having a circumferential width determined through theoretical calculation, wide blades 51 having a circumferential width larger than the regular blades 50, and narrow blades 52 having a circumferential width smaller than the regular blades 50.
US08753087B2 Turbine rotor assembly and steam turbine
A turbine rotor assembly 10 comprises a turbine rotor and a plurality of moving blades 20 implanted in a circumferential direction of the rotor. A flow passage is formed between each of the moving blades 20 and a circumferentially adjacent moving blade 20. Each of the moving blades 20 comprises a suction side connecting member 22 protruded on a blade suction surface 21 and a pressure side connecting member 24 protruded on a blade pressure surface 23, wherein the suction side connecting member 22 of each of the moving blades 20 is configured to be connected with the pressure side connecting member 24 of the circumferentially adjacent moving blade 20 to form an intermediate connecting member 30 between the moving blade 20 and the circumferentially adjacent moving blade 20 during a rotation of the turbine rotor. A downstream side end edge 32 of the intermediate connecting member 30 is positioned at an upstream side of a throat S of the flow passage.
US08753083B2 Curved cooling passages for a turbine component
A turbine component having a curved cooling passage is disclosed. The turbine component may generally comprise an airfoil having a base and a tip disposed opposite the base. The airfoil may further include a pressure side and a suction side extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge. An airfoil cooling circuit may be at least partially disposed within the airfoil and may be configured to direct a cooling medium through the airfoil. The curved cooling passage may generally be in flow communication with the airfoil cooling circuit such that the cooling medium flowing through the airfoil cooling circuit may be directed into the cooling passage. Additionally, the curved cooling passage may generally extend lengthwise within the airfoil between the leading and trialing edges along at least a portion of one of the pressure side and the suction side of the airfoil.
US08753082B2 Gear box of a wind power plant
A multi-stage gear box (122) of a wind power plant, wherein the gear box (122) includes a gear box housing (125). The gear box (122) includes at least one access opening for the insertion of a work instrument into the gear box housing (125) or respectively into the interior of the gear box housing (125) is provided on the outside of the gear box housing (125) and in that at least one guiding device (201, 202, 203, 204, 205) is provided for the work instrument inside the gear box housing (125) so that the work instrument is moveable and/or positionable within the guiding device (201, 202, 203, 204, 205). Parts of the gear box (122) in the gear box housing (125) are checked and/or worked by a work instrument inserted or arranged or arrangeable in the guiding device (201, 202, 203, 204, 205).
US08753080B2 Upwind wind turbine and operation method thereof
An upwind wind turbine includes a tilting coupling mechanism configured to couple base end portions of blades to a hub such that the blades can tilt between a normal position and a retracted position in which the blades are tilted in a downwind direction relative to the normal position. The upwind wind turbine also includes a tilting drive operating in association with the tilting coupling mechanism to switch the positions of the blades and a rotation stop to stop the rotation of the rotor. When the blades are switched to the retracted position, the rotation stop is actuated to stop the rotor in a predetermined rotational position in which the blades can tilt without interference with the tower, and the tilting drive is actuated to tilt the blades to the retracted position after stop of the rotation of the rotor.
US08753060B2 Article transfer device
An article transfer device with a simpler structure is provided which can transfer an article to a proper position. Operation of a first projecting and retracting motor is stopped when torque that is greater than or equal to a first preset value occurs in the first projecting and retracting motor when a first article holder is being projected toward a projected position by operation of the first projecting and retracting motor. And operation of a second projecting and retracting motor is stopped when torque that is greater than or equal to a first preset value occurs in the second projecting and retracting motor when a second article holder is being projected toward a projected position by operation of the second projecting and retracting motor.
US08753059B2 Automated robotic system for surgical instrument storage and retrieval
A robotic system that identifies surgical instruments, sorts them by type, stores them, and retrieves them for packaging in surgical containers. The system is comprised of robotic components, a surgical instrument input mechanism, a surgical instrument identification system, a machine-vision system to assist in locating and identifying these items, a set of surgical instrument storage bins or stacks, a set of robotically accessible mechanisms for organizing surgical instruments within their containers, and a software control system that allows the device to perform its functions autonomously.
US08753057B2 Method and member for tightening threaded fasteners, and fixing and tightening device
This method of tightening a threaded fastener (6) to a predetermined torque comprises steps in which: axial and rotational coupling is begun, by surface shrinking to a tight fit, of the threaded fastener (6) to a tightening member (2) capable of turning the threaded fastener (6) and thereby tightening it, the tightening member (2) and the threaded fastener (6) being able, from an initial coupled configuration between the tightening member and the threaded fastener, to remain rotationally coupled at a rotary drive torque, transmitted by the tightening member to the threaded fastener, that is less than the predetermined tightening torque, and to be rotationally decoupled from each other at a rotary drive torque, transmitted by the tightening member to the threaded fastener, that is equal to the predetermined tightening torque; and from this initial coupled configuration, a rotary movement is applied to the tightening member (2) up to a rotary drive torque, transmitted by the tightening member (2) to the threaded fastener (6), that causes rotational decoupling of the tightening member (2) from the threaded fastener (6).
US08753054B2 Hollow element for attachment to a component comprising a composite material
A hollow element such as a hollow rivet or a nut element for attachment to a component consisting of a composite material such as a fiber reinforced plastic part or a fabric reinforced plastic part is presented. The element has a flange part and a shaft part extending away from the flange part and/or a rivet section, wherein the rivet section, is present, can also be formed at the free end of the shaft part, with the a hollow element furthermore having a central passage, which is optionally provided with a thread cylinder. The hollow element is used in combination with an auxiliary tip which is either inserted from the flange side of the element through the passage, or from the side of the free end of the shaft part of the rivet section into the passage, such that a conically converging region of the auxiliary tip projects from the free end of the shaft part or of the rivet section.
US08753053B2 Method for anchoring a joining element in an object and joining element to be used in the method
A joining element to be anchored in an object with the aid of a thermoplastic material and mechanical vibration includes a proximal end and a distal end that are spaced from one another along an axis of the joining element. A contact face is in the area of the proximal end, the contact face being suitable for being contacted with a vibrating tool for applying, to the joining element, mechanical vibration and a force parallel to the axis. The wall anchoring portion is situated between the proximal end and the distal end, and has a circumferential surface being equipped with a plurality of recesses and radially protruding energy concentrating elements between the recesses. A tubular portion is situated between the proximal end and the distal end and extends distally from the wall anchoring portion.
US08753048B2 Hole saw
A hole saw that includes a saw body including a circular cutting edge having a cutting edge diameter, and the saw body is coupled to a guide member for rotation with the guide member. A pilot is coupled to the guide member for movement relative to the guide member and the saw body, and the pilot includes an outer guide surface having a diameter that increases in a direction from a second end portion of the guide member toward a first end portion of the guide member. The pilot is coupled to the guide member such that at least a portion of the outer guide surface extends past the circular cutting edge of the saw body in a direction from the first end portion of the guide member toward the second end portion of the guide member.
US08753045B2 Cutting insert having abutment bars and cutting tool therefor
A cutting tool has a cutting insert secured in an insert pocket. The cutting insert has two abutment bars located on its opposing side surfaces. The abutment bars of a respective side surface have generally coplanar outer surfaces which define an imaginary plane that does not intersect any portion of the respective side surface apart from the outer surfaces. The outer surfaces of one set of abutment bars engage a major wall of the insert pocket.
US08753039B2 Device for transporting and placing a bridge of an offshore oil rig for sea operation onto a floating or stationary structure
A device for transporting and placing a bridge (1) of an offshore oil rig onto a floating or stationary mounting structure (3). The device has two parallel floating barges (10) for mounting the bridge (1). Each barge has a set of vertical movement rams (11) that move the bridge between a position of bearing on the barges (10) and a position of bearing on the structure (3). Each barge (10) has at least one assembly (15) for controlling the roll of each barge (10) in relation to the bridge (1) during the placement of the bridge onto the mounting structure (3). The assembly includes at least two rams (16) that are carried by the barge (10) and are located on both sides of the longitudinal axis of the barge (10). Each ram (16) is connected to the bridge (1) by a connecting member (17) that has rigid pull and flexible compression.
US08753035B2 Asphalt concrete pavement containing wave absorbing material and maintenance process thereof
An asphalt concrete pavement containing a wave absorbing material and a maintenance process thereof are provided. The asphalt concrete pavement includes: 1. a coarse materials consisted of small stone with a grain size of 10-15 mm, macadam with a grain size of 5-10 mm and stone chip with a grain size of 0.1-5 mm; 2. fine materials consisted of sand; 3. a mineral powder containing a wave absorbing material which accounts for 10%-100% of the mineral powder by weight percentage. Furthermore, an asphalt concrete material for making asphalt concrete pavement, a mineral powder containing a wave absorbing material, and a use of the mineral powder or wave absorbing material in making the asphalt concrete pavement are provided.
US08753027B2 Liquid applicator device
A liquid applicator device for dispensing an applicator liquid from an applicator liquid container comprising a closure for sealing with the applicator liquid container. A sealing surface is defined in the closure and a valve is disposed within the closure. A spring is located within the closure between a spring retaining step defined in the closure and the valve for biasing the valve into sealing engagement with the sealing surface of the closure for inhibiting the flow of the applicator liquid from the applicator liquid container. A passageway defined in the closure for slidably receiving an applicator tip for engaging with the valve to enable a depression of the applicator tip to displace the valve from the sealing surface of the closure to flow applicator liquid from the applicator liquid container to the applicator tip.
US08753022B2 LC connector and method of assembly
A fiber optic connector includes a front housing having sidewalls each defining a slot and a rear insert with a pair of locking flanges extending radially away, the locking flanges configured to snap-fit into the slots, each locking flange defining a front face and a rear face, the radially outermost portion of the rear face defining an edge, the edge being the rearmost extending portion of the locking flange. Another fiber optic connector includes a front housing defining a front opening at a front end, a circular rear opening at a rear end, and an internal cavity extending therebetween. A rear insert including a generally cylindrical front portion is inserted into the front housing through the circular rear opening, the front portion defining at least one longitudinal flat configured to reduce the overall diameter of the generally cylindrical front portion configured to be inserted into the front housing.
US08753011B2 Easily openable fastener tape, packaging bag with easily openable fastener tape, and method of manufacturing easily openable fastener tape
A belt-shaped base of a male member of a zipper tape attached on an inner surface of a bag body includes a main body provided with an engagement portion, a thin portion connected to an opening-side of the main body, a thick portion connected to an opening-side of the thin portion and a projecting portion provided on the thick portion. A female member is also provided with the same arrangement. When the zipper tape is fused with the bag body, a gap is provided between the thin portion and a film of the bag body and between the thin portion and a film of the bag body, so that the thin portions are easily bent.
US08753005B2 Apparatus for mixing the contents of a container
An apparatus for mixing materials is disclosed. The apparatus includes a support. A mixing container is disposed in the support, where the mixing container is configured to retain materials. A driver assembly is configured to protrude through the support and into the mixing container. The mixing container includes a paddle, the driver assembly is configured to be attached to the paddle, where the driver assembly is configured to oscillate the paddle in a back and forth direction at a set angle in order to mix the materials in the mixing container.
US08753004B2 Container for a blender
A container (15) for a blender (10) includes a bottom surface (16) having a non-symmetrically shaped perimeter. A side wall (17) extends upwardly from the perimeter of the bottom surface (16). A mixing blade assembly (20) having a plurality of blades (21) is located above the bottom surface (16) and is rotatable on an axis which is displaced from the center of the bottom surface (10). Nonuniform spaces (25, 26) are thus created between the ends of the blades (21) and the side wall (17). The bottom surface (16) is inclined at an angle relative to the plane normal to the axis of rotation of the blade assembly (20), and it, as well as the side wall (17), may be provided with a plurality of spaced vanes (31, 32).
US08752998B2 Display device
A display device includes: a first chassis including a bottom surface, and a side wall which extends from an edge of the bottom surface; a light guide plate in the first chassis; a first fixing member which overlaps the side wall of the first chassis and contacts an upper surface of the light guide plate; and a first fastening member which fastens the first fixing member to the side wall of the first chassis. The first chassis includes a groove which extends through the side wall of the first chassis, the light guide plate includes a first protrusion which protrudes from an edge of the light guide plate and extends into the groove, and the first fixing member contacts an upper surface of the first protrusion of the light guide plate.
US08752973B2 Lighting device, display device and television receiver
A thickness of a backlight unit is reduced and brightness in a middle portion of a display device is improved. The backlight unit includes a first LED unit 23; a first light guide plate 20 including a light entering surface 20b, and a light exiting surface 20a; and a second light guide plate 21 including a light entering surface 21b, and a light exiting surface 21a. The light exiting surface 21a of the second light guide plate 21 is disposed to overlap at least a portion F of the light existing surface 20a of the first light guide plate 20 that is farthest from the first LED unit 23. Light outputted from the light exiting surface 21a of the second light guide plate 21 enters the first light guide plate 20 at least through a surface of the first light guide plate 20 opposite to the light exiting surface 20a thereof.
US08752956B2 Nail print apparatus
A nail print apparatus includes a print head which performs printing on a finger nail, a printing finger positioning unit which holds a fingertip of the finger nail on which the print head performs printing, non-printing finger receiving units which are provided respectively at sides of the printing finger positioning unit and which receive fingers other than the finger held by the printing finger positioning unit, and a placement unit on which at least the fingertip of the finger received by the printing finger positioning unit is placed.
US08752951B2 Inkjet ink comprising dynamic surface tension agent
An inkjet ink comprising water, colorant, and a dynamic surface active agent at an effective concentration such that dynamic surface tension DST20 min at 20 minutes universal surface age is less than each of dynamic surface tension DST1 sec at 1 second universal surface age and dynamic surface tension DST10 sec at 10 seconds universal surface age, and the difference between DST10 sec and DST20 min is greater than 9.2 mN/m at 21° C. or the difference between DST1 sec and DST20 min is greater than 15.5 mN/m at 21° C., and static surface tension of the ink is less than 50 mN/m. Large dynamic surface tension differences between the indicated time scales yield an optical density improvement in printed images. Anionic fluorosurfactant comprising a phosphate group at concentrations up to about 1 weight percent enables a combination of high optical density and good felt wetting in inkjet cartridges.
US08752940B2 Method of manufacturing a light emitting device
A technique capable of efficient, high speed processing for the formation of an organic compound layer by using an ink jet method is provided. In the method of forming an organic compound layer by using the ink jet method, a composition containing an organic compound having light emitting characteristics is discharged from an ink head, forming a continuous organic compound layer. The organic compound layer is formed on pixel electrodes aligned in a matrix shape, and is formed in a continuous manner over a plurality of pixel electrodes. A light emitting device is manufactured using organic light emitting elements in accordance with this manufacturing method.
US08752939B2 Printhead and method of making the printhead
A printhead assembly comprises a plurality of plates stacked together. The plates form a flow path having an inlet and a nozzle. An ejection chamber is in fluid connection with the flow path. A diaphragm is in operable connection with the ejection chamber. A micro actuator is in operable connection with the diaphragm, the micro actuator being configured to actuate the diaphragm. An adhesive layer bonds at least two of the plurality of plates together. The adhesive comprises silicone.
US08752935B2 Liquid ejection device
A liquid ejection device includes a transport unit, a medium support unit, a liquid ejection head and a negative pressure generating unit. The medium support unit is arranged on a downstream side of the transport unit, and has a medium support surface on which the ejection medium is supported by suction using negative pressure. The medium support unit includes a plurality of first and second recesses arranged on the medium support surface and aligned in a width direction orthogonal to a transport direction. The first recesses are in communication with the negative pressure generating unit. The second recesses are configured and arranged to accept the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection head. Each of the second recesses includes a communication unit communicating with one of the first recesses and a vent hole configured and arranged to allow ventilation without being in communication with the negative pressure generating unit.
US08752933B2 Liquid discharge apparatus
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a discharge head including a discharge surface, a receiving surface which receives discharged liquid, a wiper which wipes the receiving surface, a moving device which moves the wiper, a cleaning device which cleans the wiper, and a control device which controls the moving device to move the wiper while contacting the receiving surface, from a wiping start position at one end of the receiving surface to a wiping end position at the other end and to move the wiper from a cleaning position to the wiping start position. The cleaning position is located at an opposite side to the wiping end position with respect to the wiping start position, and a distance from the cleaning position to the wiping start position is smaller than a distance from the wiping end position to the wiping start position.
US08752917B1 Ball bushing positioning structure of a sliding rail assembly for server
A ball bushing positioning structure formed of a sliding rail, a carrier rail, a ball bushing, a release hook and a release control member is disclosed. When inserting the sliding rail with an affixed server into the ball bushing to a certain distance to release stop edges of upright guide walls of a retaining flange of the release hook from the stop walls of the ball bushing subject to the effect of the release control member, the ball bushing is moved with the sliding rail backwardly relative to the carrier rail, preventing falling of the server with the sliding rail out of the carrier rail and avoiding impact between the sliding rail and the ball bushing.
US08752916B2 Refrigerator
A refrigerator is provided that may include a refrigerator body having at least one cooling chamber, and at least one cooling chamber door that opens or closes the at least one cooling chamber. The cooling chamber door may include a first door configured to open or close the at least one cooling chamber, a second door configured to open or close an open portion formed in the first door, and a support provided at the open portion that supports articles or food. The second door may be rotated around a rotational shaft that extends in a substantially vertical direction with respect to the at least one cooling chamber door. With this structure, food may be supported using the support when the second door is opened, thereby facilitating the putting in and taking out of food from the open portion.
US08752911B2 Electronic apparatus and associated disassembly release tool
An apparatus comprises an enclosure having exterior walls defining an interior space; a top (10) having an interior surface (12) and a plurality of coupling clips (30) extending from the interior surface; and a base (5) having an inner surface (14). The base has a plurality of clip receiving members extending from the inner surface and reversibly engaging the coupling clips to secure the top to the base. The base further includes at least one aperture (7) adapted to permit a release fixture (50) having a plurality of decoupling members (40) extending from a plate (51) to simultaneously disengage the clip receiving members.
US08752908B2 Parking brake system for motor vehicles
A parking brake system for a motor vehicle comprising a control element and at least two electromechanical actuators. Each electromechanical actuator is configured for generating a parking brake force at one wheel of the motor vehicle. The electromechanical actuators are each provided with wheel electronic systems. The control element is connected via a brake controller to the wheel electronic system of a first electromechanical actuator by at least a first signal line. The control element is connected via a brake controller to the wheel electronic system of a second electromechanical actuator by a second signal line. At least a third signal line connects the control element directly to the wheel electronic systems or to one of the electromechanical actuators to convey a driver's request.
US08752906B2 Mining plough for plough systems and plough system for inclined formation
A mining plough for plough systems for the exploiting of minerals in inclined formations. In order to provide a mining plough and a plough system, with which coal seams, in particular seams in steep formation can be exploited economically and with high operating safety, the mining plough includes a separable plough body having two plough body basic elements each being provided with a fixture for a separate traction means and with a guide means for moving the coal plough by means of at least two traction means and for guiding the coal plough on at least two mutually spaced guide mechanisms.
US08752899B2 Backrest for a motor vehicle
A backrest for a motor vehicle seat has a head restraint that is height adjustable with the aid of a guide. A transverse strut connected fixedly at an upper region of the backrest. The guide has a guiding device that is attached fixedly to the transverse strut and guides a guiding element that is attached to and integrated in the head restraint. The guide (22) is assigned a locking unit (50), with a first locking part (51) that is fastened to the transverse strut (18), and a second locking part (52) that is fastened to the head restraint (4). The two locking parts (51, 52) interact according to a latch and hole principle.
US08752898B2 Main pivot assembly for incorporating into a seatback pivotly secured between first and second support plates
A seat assembly including a pair of spaced apart lower sectors, each exhibiting an annular extending inner surface defining first and second aligning apertures, and an upper sector interposed between the spaced apart lower sectors and exhibiting a further annular extending inner surface defining a further aperture positioned between the aligning apertures of the lower sectors and defining a pivot point of the upper sector. A bushing and collar spacer are incorporated into the pivot point to maintain a desired spacing between the upper and lower sectors. A bushing exhibits male and female subassemblies, each further exhibiting an outer annular projecting perimeter lip such that the male bushing is installed through the aligning apertures in the upper and lower sector plates from the exterior side of a first selected lower sector, whereas the female bushing is installed from an exterior side of the other lower sector.
US08752891B2 Planar heating device and seat with same
A planar heating device and a seat equipped with the device include: first and second warming heaters connected in parallel with electric power source; thermistor; thermostat connected in series with second warming heater; a heating part, i.e., first warming heater, that heats thermistor and thermostat; and controller to control temperatures of first and second warming heaters in accordance with temperature information from thermistor. For a period until thermostat turns off, quick-heating property is improved by energizing first and second warming heaters.
US08752890B2 Reclining seating unit with extendable footrest
A reclining seating unit includes: a frame; a backrest; a seat; main and auxiliary footrests; and a reclining linkage connected between the frame, backrest, seat, main footrest and auxiliary footrest. The reclining mechanism comprises a series of pivotally interconnected links and is configured to move the seating unit between an upright position, a TV position, and a fully reclined position. The reclining mechanism includes a footrest linkage that includes: an upper footrest extension link; a lower footrest extension link; a main footrest bracket on which the main footrest is mounted, the upper footrest extension link and the lower footrest extension link being pivotally connected to the main footrest bracket; a control link pivotally interconnected to the lower footrest extension link; a rear auxiliary footrest swing link pivotally attached to the main footrest bracket and to the control link; a front auxiliary footrest swing link pivotally attached to the main footrest bracket; and an auxiliary footrest bracket to which the auxiliary footrest is mounted, the rear and front auxiliary footrest swing links being pivotally attached to the auxiliary footrest bracket. This configuration can enable the footrest to extend a significant distance in front of the seat in the TV and fully reclined positions.
US08752888B2 Sunroof glass lifting prevention device and sunroof assembly including the same
A sunroof glass lifting prevention device may include at least one holder that may be provided to corresponding to a front end portion of a sunroof glass and that supports the front end portion of the sunroof glass.
US08752859B2 Fastening arrangement for an airbag module housing
A fastening arrangement has an airbag module housing for receiving an airbag and a gas generator, and a firing channel (3) to which the airbag module housing can be fixed via form-fitting elements (21). The form-fitting elements (21) enter into engagement with correspondingly designed receiving devices (311), and a flange (20) with passage openings (200) for the passage of fasteners for the final fastening of the airbag module housing (2) to the firing channel (3) or an instrument panel is arranged on the airbag module housing (2).
US08752856B2 Hitch cover including adapter
A hitch cover for use with a first hitch receiver having a first size and a second hitch receiver having a second size larger than the first size. The hitch cover includes a faceplate, a shaft that extends from the faceplate, the shaft configured to be received in the first hitch receiver to couple the faceplate to the first hitch receiver. The cover further includes an adapter including a first end, a second end, and an aperture extending through the first end, and a fastener that removably couples the adapter and the shaft. The shaft is received in the aperture of the adapter and the shaft and the adapter are configured to be received in the second hitch receiver to couple the faceplate to the second hitch receiver.
US08752855B2 Accessory mounting systems for non-highway vehicles
A height adjustable multiple implement mounting system for use with off-road vehicles such as zero-turn lawnmowers. A mount assembly is secured at a forward portion of the vehicle. A space frame extends from the mount assembly and supports one or more ground care implements at a location forward of the vehicle. An electric actuator has a first end that is pivotably connected to the mount assembly and a second end that is attached to the space frame. Operation of the actuator alters the elevation of the implement such that the implement can be moved between in-use and out-of-use positions relative to a ground surface. In a preferred aspect, the mount assembly allows lateral or side-to-side rotation of the space frame and actuator so that the implement can be laterally inclined or pitched with respect to the vehicle.
US08752854B2 Gooseneck trailer with coupling link and latch actuators
Trailer with a detachable gooseneck having a deck supported toward the rear by ground engaging wheels, mating surfaces on the gooseneck and the deck which abut against each other when the gooseneck is attached to the deck, coupling pins extending along spaced apart, parallel axes from the gooseneck and the deck on opposite sides of the abutting surfaces, a coupling link movable along the pin on the gooseneck between a first position in which the link engages the pin on the deck and a second position in which the link is disengaged from the pin on the deck, and an actuator for moving the coupling link between the first and second positions. A latch hook is rotatively mounted on the deck to the rear of the abutting surfaces for engagement with a laterally extending latch bar which depends from the gooseneck, and a pneumatic actuator is operatively connected to the latch hook for moving the latch hook into and out of engagement with the latch bar.
US08752849B1 Damping system for skateboards
A damping system that incorporates a base plate and a hanger with an axle for receiving at least one wheel and a damping element coupling a skateboard deck or the base plate to the hanger and operable to retain the hanger in a normal alignment by introducing a resistance to the motion of the deck or base plate toward or away from the hanger for delaying, reducing, or preventing a speed wobble condition commonly encountered in skateboarding when traveling at a high rate of speed.
US08752845B2 Snowboard binding
A snowboard binding includes a base plate and a heel support attached directly or indirectly to this base plate so that it can pivot. Intermediate elements mount the heel support and can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the snowboard binding. Thus, the effective length of the snowboard binding can be adapted to the respective boot. Also, through different positioning of the intermediate elements, the heel support can be arranged diagonally relative to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard binding.
US08752837B2 Sheet storage device and image forming apparatus
A sheet storage device is equipped with sheet storage portions which are provided in an upper portion of a copying machine body and receive sheets, conveyed in sequence from the copying machine body, from downward and store the sheets in such a state that the sheets stand. The sheet storage portions are relatively rotatably supported in sequence and parallel. Each sheet storage portion receiving the sheet from the copying machine body is rotated to be held in the rotational position.
US08752815B2 System and method for processing multi-page mail pieces
Systems and methods for processing multi-page mail pieces include a first unwinder that produces single width web and a second unwinder that produces a double width web. A merger/aligner having a slitter is located downstream from the second unwinder, and a cutter is located downstream from the merger/aligner. The slitter slits the double width web into two single width webs, and all of the single width webs are fed into the cutter. The cutter cuts the webs cross-wise at appropriate locations to separate the webs into individual sheets of a desired length.
US08752814B1 Device to facilitate clasping of jewelry
A device and method to facilitate wearing of jewelry items which have hoop and clasp closures, comprising: a base or clamp for stabilizing the device on a surface; a wire guide member protruding from the base and affixed securely thereto, the wire guide having hook at its opposite end for engaging a distal hoop or link on an unclasped jewelry item, thereby permitting a person to: a. engage one end of a jewelry object with a device, b. open a complementary jewelry clasp with one or both free hands, c. position a wrist or neck within the bight of the jewelry item, d. close the clasp upon the hoop link, and e. slidably remove the clasped jewelry item from the device.
US08752811B2 Symmetrical head mounted tuned mass damper
A tuned mass damper is designed for a machine tool head that moves in the X, Y, and Z directions and rotates around a C-axis that is coincident with the axis of an arm that supports the head. The damper comprises a pair of damper masses symmetrically arranged around the head. Each damper mass has a center of gravity which is approximately in the geometric center of the mass. A resilient mounting is provided for each of the damper masses allowing the damper masses to damp out vibration in the X and Y directions regardless of the orientation of the head.
US08752803B2 Standoff adaptor for push pin
A standoff adaptor for a push pin. A spacer has a hole formed in one end to complementarily receive a push pin with the pin of the push pin extending outwardly therefrom. A head is threadedly mounted to the opposite end of the spacer and may be adjusted to tightly grip an item between a spacer and head.
US08752801B2 Apparatus and kit for supporting inclined structures
The present invention relates to an apparatus and kit for use in supporting inclined objects and structures. Specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and kit useful for extending platforms on a roof in which scaffolding can be built upon. More specifically, the apparatus relates to an interconnected anchoring section designed to support the weight of equipment and individuals working on an inclined surface. The apparatus includes, generally, an anchoring section to attach to the peak of a rooftop or other inclined surface, and an attaching surface to connect the anchoring section to the platform section. The platform section allows equipment to be built thereon without damaging the roof or surface beneath.
US08752800B2 Board mount
A board mount which can be utilized to position a board relative to a building element. In various embodiments, the board mount can include a holder for receiving at least a portion of a drywall board and, in addition, a flexible member which can be inserted intermediate first and second building elements to retain the board holder relative to one of the first and second building elements. The flexible member can be configured to be deflected, or flexed, between a first configuration and a second configuration when the flexible member is positioned intermediate the building elements. In use, the flexible member can hold the board mount in place while a laborer inserts the drywall board into the board holder. In such circumstances, an additional laborer may not be required to hold the drywall board in position as it is fastened, or otherwise secured, to the frame of the building.
US08752798B2 Golf club bag support mechanisms and related methods
Embodiments of golf bag support mechanisms are disclosed herein. Other examples and related methods are also generally described herein.
US08752797B2 Rail line sensing and safety system
A rail line sensing and safety system adapted to reliably sense the presence, and optionally the direction and speed, of vehicles traveling on a rail line, and when a vehicle is sensed, to indicate whether a safety device, such as crossing gates, lights, bells, etc., should be activated. The system comprises at least one detection module typically mounted on a rail, at least one remote module typically located near a detection module, and at least one control module typically located near a safety device. In operation, a detection module senses a vehicle traveling on a rail line and sends signals to a remote module. The remote module then processes signals received from the detection module and transmits signals to the control module. The control module then directs, either directly or indirectly as a backup or supplement to an existing sensing and safety system, whether a safety device should be activated.
US08752795B2 Inlet nose cowl with a locally thickened fastening portion to enable an uninterrupted airflow surface
An aircraft component includes an exterior surface exposed to external airflow during flight, an interior surface, and a locally thickened fastening portion between the exterior and interior surfaces. An area of the interior surface on the locally thickened fastening portion is substantially parallel to an area of the exterior surface on the locally thickened fastening portion. The thickness of the aircraft component between the exterior surface and the interior surface is greater at the fastening portion than at an area surrounding the fastening portion. When the additional component is fastened to the substantially parallel area of the interior surface on the fastening portion with mechanical fasteners, the mechanical fasteners do not penetrate the exterior surface.
US08752791B2 Fuselage employing multifunctional crown and method of making the same
A fuselage structure includes a fuselage body and framework for stiffening the body. The framework includes at least one frame member having a duct therein for routing a utility through the body.
US08752776B2 Apparatus and method for the processing of cellulose fibres
The invention according to the present invention relates to the manufacture of paper and or boards and/or binding agents and a method and apparatus related to the same by providing for the defibrillation of cellulose fibers into a form in which the same can be subsequently sued to form the finished product directly or can be used to bind other materials together and then be formed into the finished product. The apparatus includes a twin screw conveyor through the material and liquid passes to be processed.
US08752775B2 Method and apparatus for reducing acoustic noise in a synthetic jet
A synthetic jet includes a first backer structure, one and only one actuator, a wall member coupled to and positioned between the first backer structure and the one and only one actuator to form a cavity, and wherein the wall member has an orifice formed therethrough, and wherein the orifice fluidically couples the cavity to an environment external to the cavity.
US08752769B2 Intelligent multimedia content synchronization
An intelligent synchronization tool ensures access to desired content in a manner that automatically keeps the content current on the portable media device. A variation threshold or user-specified degree of content variation may be introduced among content downloaded to a user's mobile device to prevent the user from becoming bored. Furthermore, intelligent synchronization may automatically populate the portable media device with popular content to save a user time and/or use passive monitoring techniques to ascertain a user's preferences for subsequent population.
US08752757B2 Device pairing using digital barcoding
Systems, apparatus, and methods are disclosed to pair devices via digital barcode. An example device is arranged to capture an image of a digital barcode. The example device is arranged to decode the digital barcode to determine a device identifier for each of one or more monitoring devices represented by the digital barcode, each of the one or more monitoring devices associated with a patient. The example device is arranged to request data from each of the one or more monitoring devices based on the one or more device identifiers. The example device is arranged to display the requested data.
US08752745B2 Enclosed weatherproof firearm case
A firearm case which is attachable to a motorcycle comprises a frame the holds and encloses a firearm. The frame includes a firearm lock and latch that securely locks the firearm in place. A housing surrounds the frame as to enclose the frame and firearm, safe from the weather, theft and minor damage. An optional remotely operated control system unlocks the firearm case and the firearm lock simultaneously for quick and easy access to the firearm.
US08752744B2 Portable tools
The present invention includes a portable tool including a tool body having a handle, a hook including a hook body, and a mounting device. The mounting device enables the hook body to be mounted to the handle with the hook body oriented in any one of a plurality of different directions and positioned at any one of a plurality of different positions along the oriented direction.
US08752739B2 Baby carrier
A baby carrier adapted for carrying a child either face-to face or in forward-facing position includes chest straps, which are arranged to extend around both shoulder regions of the wearer, a waist belt connected to the chest straps, and a carrier bag mounted on the chest straps and the waist belt and including a front piece which together with at least the chest straps forms a carrier pouch, having leg openings. At least the lower portion of the front piece is connected to the waist belt and forms a first seat support, and the front piece is at an upper portion detachably connected to respective chest strap by a connecting device. A second wider seat support is at least partially detachably arranged between the waist belt and a region of the front piece at a level corresponding to the waist belt.
US08752738B2 Dispenser and methods
A chamber member is mounted to a bottle body and has an opening and partially bounds a first chamber and a second chamber. A selector is mounted to the chamber body for relative rotation between a first dosing condition and a second dosing condition. In the first dosing condition: flow is not blocked from the first chamber out the opening; flow is blocked from the second chamber out the opening; flow is blocked from the bottle interior to the first chamber; and flow is not blocked from the bottle interior to the second chamber. In the second dosing condition: flow is blocked from the first chamber out the opening; flow is not blocked from the second chamber out the opening; flow is not blocked from the bottle interior to the first chamber; and flow is blocked from the bottle interior to the second chamber.
US08752732B2 Fluid dispensing system
An apparatus including a fluid reservoir and a compressible metering chamber including a first end coupled to the fluid reservoir and a second end. The apparatus further including a valve coupled to the second end of the metering chamber and a nozzle coupled to the valve. A system including linearly translatable cartridge mounting assembly having a plurality of fluid dispensing cartridge mounting stations and a plurality of fluid dispensing cartridges mounted to respective fluid dispensing cartridge mounting stations. The system further including a plurality of compression assemblies coupled to respective fluid dispensing cartridges and a receiving assembly positioned beneath the mounting assembly. A method includes positioning a fluid dispensing cartridge comprising a fluid reservoir and a metering chamber over a sample retaining member, applying a compressive force to the metering chamber to eject a predetermined amount of fluid and removing the compressive force to refill the metering chamber.
US08752730B2 Viscous material selective packet method
A viscous material dispenser comprises a container having at least two opposing sidewalls; a first closure end; and a second closure end; the sidewalls and closure ends defining an enclosure, and at least one closure end comprising an expressing shape and at least one sidewall comprising a crease running from the expressing shaped closure end to the other closure end to permit folding the container at the crease to express a content from an interior of the container through the expressing shaped closure end to an exterior.
US08752720B1 Molded tether for a vessel cover system and a method of forming
A molded tether for coupling a cover to a bottle includes a primary ring, a flexible strap, and a bent portion. The primary ring is configured to be attached to a neck of the bottle. The flexible strap is configured to be coupled to the cover. The bent portion extends from the primary ring and couples the primary ring to the flexible strap. The bent portion has a higher level of rigidity than the flexible strap. The bent portion includes a flange and a depending tab. The flange extends radially outwardly from the primary ring. The depending tab extends from an end of the flange opposite the primary ring at a downwardly extending angle away from a plane containing the primary ring and toward the flexible strap. When the molded tether is coupled to the bottle and the cover is removed from the bottle, the strap hangs from the primary ring with an initially non-vertical orientation due to the bent portion.
US08752716B2 Export rack for sheet-like articles
The present invention is directed to an export rack for shipping sheet-like articles. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an export rack that includes at least one support, a removable gate and at least one top restraint. The removable gate includes at least one wedge that is configured to secure sheet-like articles loaded in the export rack.
US08752711B2 System and method of sorting elongated wood boards for preparing rows
This invention concerns a system for sorting elongated random width wood boards and preparing board rows having a row width within a predetermined width range. The system comprises a main longitudinal surface, a conveyor for conveying the boards on the main surface, a width detector, and accumulating compartments located one after the other under the main surface, controllable traps located on the main surface providing access to the accumulating compartments, controllable gates for retaining or releasing the boards accumulated therein and a controller. The controller selectively distributes each of the boards into the accumulating compartments, and controls the gates of the accumulating compartments to release the boards accumulated therein when the sum of the widths of the boards accumulated is within the predetermined width range.
US08752709B2 Sorting mined material
A method of sorting mined material to separate the mined material into at least two categories is disclosed. The method comprises exposing particles of the mined material to microwave energy and heating the particles depending on the susceptibility of the material in the particles. The method also comprises thermally analyzing the particles using the temperatures of the particles as a basis for the analysis to indicate composition differences between particles and then sorting the particles on the basis of the results of the thermal analysis. The method also comprises compensating for temperature variations in the mined material that is supplied to the method.
US08752702B2 Sterile bandage wrappers
One embodiment of the present disclosure may be directed to a wrapped bandage. The wrapped bandage may include a wrapper having a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion and the bottom portion each may include a first longitudinal edge, a second longitudinal edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge. Each edge may be continuous and straight along its entire length. The wrapped bandage may also include a bandage including an adhesive area and a pad. The wrapped bandage may also include a cover covering the adhesive area and a portion of the pad. The wrapper may surround the bandage and the cover. The edges of the top portion may be sealed to the edges of the bottom portion providing substantially no separation between the edges of the top and bottom portions.
US08752701B2 Packaging system for brachytherapy devices
A brachytherapy packaging system is disclosed including an inner tray containing a plurality of recesses, each recess for holding a strand of linked radiological seeds separated by spacers. An inner tray cover may also contain a plurality of recesses that coincide with the recesses of the inner tray when placed over the inner tray. The inner tray and inner tray cover may be supported by and enclosed in a container made out of a metal such as pewter. A retainer may also be supportable on the top of the container, shaped for holding a forceps or tweezers. An outer tray may be used for supporting and enclosing the container and optional retainer. The outer tray may be sealed with a removable sheet adhesively attached to a rim of the outer tray. Different configurations of the inner tray and inner tray cover may be used for different packaging configurations.
US08752694B2 Auger hopper with enhanced overflow trapping ability
The invention is an auger hopper attachment that can be positioned immediately adjacent a grain hopper outlet to reduce grain loss during transfer. The hopper comprises an adjustable stand that can be used to adjust the vertical position of the hopper to raise it toward the grain hopper outlet.
US08752691B2 Switcher
A vertical switcher includes a first conveyor belt mobile in rotation about a first tilting axis and a second conveyor belt mobile in rotation about a second tilting axis. A movement device moves the first and the second conveyor belt between an aligned condition in which the mobile ends thereof (opposite the inlet end and the outlet end) are substantially flanked and a switching condition in which the mobile ends are distanced from one another in order to enable passage of one or more objects crossing between them. The movement device exhibits a main oscillating arm that is mobile about a rotation axis coupled slidably to respective surfaces of the first and the second conveyor element such as to define a resting relation with the respective conveyor element.
US08752688B2 Device for handling value notes
The invention relates to a device for handling notes of value, comprising at least one shaft (12) on which at least one transport element (16) for transporting the notes of value is arranged. The transport element (16) comprises a first segment (32a) and a second segment (32b) separated from the first segment (32a) in an unmounted state. In a mounted state the first segment (32a) and the second segment (32b) are firmly connected to each other and enclose the shaft (12).
US08752675B2 Vehicle elevator and lift therein
The invention relates to a vehicle elevator, comprising: at least one carrier with a length direction for carrying a load thereon, such as a vehicle, and a lift under the carrier, which lift comprises at least two rotating components in a single line of assembly, wherein the rotating shaft extends along the line of assembly. The invention also relates to a lift for assembly in a vehicle elevator.
US08752669B2 Adaptor for scaffolding
An adaptor for attaching a first scaffold having a stack pin to a second scaffold having an opening includes a sleeve having an orifice adapted for receiving the stack pin. An exterior surface of the sleeve includes a tapered section to facilitate insertion of the sleeve into the opening so that the second scaffold can be stacked on top of the first scaffold.
US08752661B2 Saddle seat type vehicle
A technique for suppressing the stay of liquefied fuel in a purge pipe in a saddle seat type vehicle having a canister for adsorbing fuel gas. A motorcycle includes a center tunnel above which a foot passage space for allowing the passage of an operator's foot in riding the vehicle is formed and a fuel tank located inside the center tunnel on the front side of an engine. The center tunnel is provided so that a lowermost point of the foot passage space is higher in level than a connection point where a purge pipe is connected to an intake pipe, and the center tunnel has an inclined portion inclined upward from the lowermost point toward the front end of the vehicle. A purge control valve is located at a position on the front side of the lowermost point and higher in level than a canister.
US08752654B2 Drill bits with bearing elements for reducing exposure of cutters
A bearing element for a rotary, earth boring drag bit effectively reduces an exposure of at least one adjacent cutting element by a readily predictable amount, as well as a depth-of-cut (DOC) of the cutter. The bearing element has a substantially uniform thickness across substantially an entire area thereof. The bearing element also limits the amount of unit force applied to a formation so that the formation does not fail. The bearing element may prevent damage to cutters associated therewith, as well as possibly limit problems associated with bit balling, motor stalling and related drilling difficulties. Bits including the bearing elements, molds for forming the bearing elements and portions of bodies of bits that carry the bearing elements, methods for designing and fabricating the bearing elements and bits including the same, and methods for drilling subterranean formations are also disclosed.
US08752652B2 Coring apparatus and methods to use the same
An apparatus for conveyance via wireline or drillstring in a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation, the apparatus comprising a coring bit assembly, a first motor operatively coupled to the coring bit assembly via a gear box to rotationally drive the coring bit assembly, and a second motor to drive the coring bit assembly into the formation while the coring bit assembly is rotated by the first motor, wherein the coring bit assembly comprises a feature to permit the coring bit assembly to be broken when the coring bit assembly becomes stuck in the formation.
US08752646B2 Operating motor switch for electric power tool
An electric power tool includes: a motor; a housing receiving the motor; a power transmission mechanism configured to transmit a driving force of the motor to rotate a top tool; a snap switch including a swing type lever configured to turn on or off rotation of the motor, the snap switch being received inside the housing; a switch lever configured to move in a direction substantially vertical to a surface of the housing; a push bar configured to move the swing type lever in conjunction with the movement of the switch lever; and an urging unit configured to urge the push bar in a direction in which the switch is turned off.
US08752639B2 Fire suppression system and method thereof
A fire suppression system and method thereof is provided. The fire suppression system includes at least one inlet pipe, at least one outlet pipe, and a valve. The inlet pipe is at least partially filled with a fluid substance, wherein the fluid substance creates a first pressure in the inlet pipe. The outlet pipe is in fluid communication with the inlet pipe and contains a gaseous fluid, wherein the gaseous fluid creates a second pressure in the outlet pipe. The valve is in fluid communication between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe, wherein the fluid substance enters the outlet pipe through the valve when the second pressure is altered to a predetermined pressure.
US08752631B2 Annular circulation valve and methods of using same
Valves comprise a chamber having a piston disposed therein. One side of the piston defines a hydrostatic chamber in fluid communication with an outside environment, such as wellbore annulus, through a port. Operatively associated with the piston on the other side is a sleeve in sliding engagement with an inner mandrel. The inner mandrel comprises a port that is initially blocked by the sleeve. Upon an increase in pressure within the annulus, the piston is moved causing the port in the sleeve to align with the port in the inner mandrel thereby allowing fluid to flow from the annulus into the bore of the inner mandrel. As a result, fluid can be circulated through the valve, or pressure within the annulus can be reduced. A return member is operatively associated with the piston to urge the piston toward the closed position after pressure within the wellbore annulus is reduced.
US08752626B2 Compositions and methods for treatment of well bore tar
Of the many compositions and methods provided herein, one method includes contacting tar resident in a well bore with a tar stabilizer comprising an acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer; and allowing the tar stabilizer to interact with the tar to at least partially reduce the tendency of the tar to adhere to a surface.
US08752619B2 Apparatus for suspending a downhole well string
A clamping device for supporting a well string in a borehole includes a base plate with a central opening and primary clamp body clamp body supported for linear motion relative to the base plate. The clamping device further includes other clamp bodies supported for independent linear motion relative to the base plate. In certain embodiments, the clamping bodies are supported for pivoting motion to open and close the central opening. Each of the clamp bodies carries a gripping member on a face thereof for engaging a well string component received in the central opening. A drive mechanism is coupled to the clamp bodies and configured to move the clamp bodies relative to the base plate.
US08752605B2 Device for the automatic demounting of a tire from a rim and machine equipped with such device
A device for automatic demounting of a tire from a rim having: a support arm (4); a demounting tool (10) articulated to the support arm (4); an attachment member (12) having one end articulated to the demounting tool (10) by a first articulation pin (13) and the other end thereof pivoted to the support arm (4) around a second articulation pin (14) extending substantially parallel to the first articulation pin (13); at least one extension appendage of the support arm (4) or a section (17) of the support arm (4), which extends beyond the second articulation pin (14); and at least one tie rod member (18) that is articulated on one side to the tool, and on the other side to the extension appendage or section (17) of the support arm (4).
US08752604B2 Jet assisted tubeless tire seating device
A nozzle for seating a tubeless tire on a rim using pressurized gas includes an outlet, a jet configured to accept pressurized gas and emit a stream of gas through an orifice into a chamber. As the stream of gas enters the chamber, the Venturi effect causes air to enter the chamber through air intake ports and the stream of gas and air from the air intake ports is blown out of the outlet of the nozzle. A system for seating a tubeless tire on a rim includes the nozzle, a tank and a valve configured to control the flow of pressurized gas from the tank to the nozzle. The tire may be seated on the rim by positioning the system so that the air from the nozzle blows into the tire between the bead of the tire and the rim if the valve is opened.
US08752601B2 Pneumatic tire with specified carcass curvature
In a cross section in a tire width direction when a tire is mounted on a prescribed rim (7), a belt has a flat shape in the tire width direction, the height (SWh) of the position where the tire width is the maximum is more than half the cross-sectional height (SH) of the tire, and a path length (CSR1) of the carcass from an intersection (I1) to an intersection (I2), is longer than a path length (CSR2) of the carcass from the intersection (I1) to an intersection (I3).
US08752596B2 Hydrogen filling system and hydrogen filling method
A hydrogen filling system includes: a hydrogen tank that is filled with hydrogen; a determination unit that determines whether to fill hydrogen into the hydrogen tank; and a temperature regulating unit that regulates a temperature of the hydrogen tank, wherein, when the determination unit determines to fill hydrogen into the hydrogen tank, the temperature regulating unit starts cooling the hydrogen tank before filling of hydrogen into the hydrogen tank is started.
US08752594B2 In-store tintable non-infrared-absorptive paint and stain system
A custom color paint or stain tinting system employs at least one light-colored non-infrared-absorptive base paint or stain packaged in a point-of-sale container and an array of colorants including an infrared-absorptive black liquid colorant, a non-infrared-absorptive black liquid colorant, and one or more additional liquid colorants made with non-infrared-absorptive pigments. The infrared-absorptive black liquid colorant or non-infrared-absorptive black liquid colorant may respectively be used to make custom-tinted interior or exterior paints and stains.
US08752593B2 Reinforcing bar binding machine
A reinforcing bar binding machine is provided with a cutting die having a wire through hole which penetrates through the die along a direction in which a wire is fed out, a blade portion adapted to move along an open plane of an opening at one end of the wire through hole to cut a terminating end portion of the wire which has passed through the wire through hole and an engagement portion adapted to be brought into engagement with a portion of the wire which lies in the vicinity of the terminating end portion thereof when the blade portion is rotated so as to bend to hold the portion lying in the vicinity of the terminating end portion.
US08752592B2 Method for manufacturing a turf reinforcement mat
A turf reinforcement fabric and a method for producing such a fabric by weaving a plurality of filaments in a predetermined pattern to form a three-dimensional structure formed to have a loft thickness without the application of heat to heat shrink the fibers, and/or formed with one or more fibers of increased thickness at peaks and valleys of the woven structure, and/or incorporating flame retardant and/or UV stabilizing fiber additives.
US08752591B2 Kink, crush, and burst resistant flexible hose
The flexible hose of the present invention is crush resistant, burst resistant, and virtually impossible to kink in normal use and is applicable to hoses that are designed for delivering virtually any kind of fluid including water, organic liquids, aqueous based herbicides, aqueous based insecticides, industrial chemicals, beverages, air, industrial gases, vacuum, and the like. The hose design of the present invention is particularly applicable to garden hoses for the delivery of water. In fact, garden hoses having the construction of the present invention are highly resistant to kinking and almost never kink when being used in conventional lawn, garden, and cleaning applications.
US08752587B1 Apparatus and method for preventing ice blockage of a sump pump discharge line
An ice blocking apparatus for preventing ice blockage of a sump pump discharge line. The apparatus is mounted to an external wall of a building and includes a housing having lower and upper openings, a discharge line connection segment fluidly coupled with the sump pump discharge line, an expeller segment including lower and upper pipe segments fluidly coupled with discharge segment, and first and second doors pivotably mounted to the housing and covering the lower and upper openings of the housing. The lower pipe segment is fluidly coupled with the lower opening in the housing, and the upper pipe segment is fluidly coupled with the upper opening in the housing. When ice is not blocking the lower opening of the housing, fluid from a sump pump flows through the lower opening, and when ice is blocking the lower opening, fluid flows through the upper opening of the housing.
US08752583B2 Multi-way valve of a fuel system of a gas turbine
A multi-way valve of a fuel system of a gas turbine is provided. The multi-way valve includes a valve body provided with a cylindrical housing, the wall bounding the housing includes a plurality of openings for supplying and/or removing fluids, wherein a movably supported insert including at least one channel having two additional openings is provided in the housing, whereby two adjoining openings may be fluidically connected to each other.
US08752569B2 Shutoff fitting
A shutoff fitting as protection device for blocking a fluid flow through a conduit includes a pneumatic adjustment device, and a hybrid gas generator operably connected to the adjustment device. The hybrid gas generator has a reaction chamber with a gas generator and a pressure gas chamber containing compressed gas and arranged adjacent to the reaction chamber. An inlet diaphragm separates the reaction chamber from the pressure gas chamber and can be penetrated, when the gas generator is activated, so that a passage is established from the reaction chamber to the pressure gas chamber. An outlet diaphragm closes the pressure gas chamber and is rendered ineffective through destruction when the gas generator is activated to enable compressed gas to flow into the adjustment device.
US08752567B2 Rupture protection device for a frost-free hydrant
A fitment for providing leak protection at a frost-free hydrant has a protective sheath having a bore of a first diameter. An escutcheon plate is formed at an outer end of the sheath to define an aperture for receiving a frost-free hydrant into the sheath. The sheath is made longer than any of a range of frost-free hydrants to be received therein and has an end cap sealingly connected to an inner end of the sheath. The end cap has a reducing section and an end section having a bore of a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and dimensioned to receive a link pipe in a sealing connection, the link pipe being of a length to bridge the distance between an inner end of the hydrant and building water supply equipment. In use, the hydrant with link pipe attached is inserted into the protective sheath and the combination of the hydrant and sheath is fully into the wall through a hole in the wall. The link pipe is then sealingly connected at the second diameter bore and to the building water supply equipment.
US08752564B1 System for covering a camper
The present invention features a system for covering a camper including a base frame and a support frame. The base frame lies on the ground and is secured to a pair of wheels of the camper. A launch pole is used to lift the cover from one side of the camper. The support frame is slidably secured to the base frame and used to support the cover when the support frame is pulled toward to the other side of the camper. Two soft star wheels are attached to the support frame on each side to provide protection to the camper by preventing the support frame or the camper cover from scratching the camper surface.
US08752561B1 Apparatus for adorning ponytail and associated methods
A ponytail holder includes an outer covering with a front surface and a hook fabric with a hook surface. The ponytail holder may include a tube with inner and outer surfaces and a longitudinal slit forming opposing longitudinal edges. The ponytail holder may also include end caps. A storage device for storage a plurality of the ponytail holders is described along with a kit for making the ponytail holder and a method of manufacturing the ponytail holder. Various embodiments of the ponytail holder, storage device, kit, and method of manufacturing the ponytail holder are described. The ponytail holder is configured for placement around a constricted area of a bundle of hair and over an existing elastic band that surrounds the bundle and forms the constricted area. The hook fabric is configured to mate with the existing elastic band such that the outer covering adorns the bundle of hair.
US08752551B2 Hybrid ventilation mask with nasal interface and method for configuring such a mask
A nasal ventilation interface and method for providing nasal ventilation to a patient includes a hybrid face mask, covering only the mouth, coupled with removable nasal inserts extending from the upper surface of the mask. The nasal interface has modular, removable, and disposable nasal pillows connecting the upper surface of the mouth-portion of the mask to the user's nares. Each part of the hybrid mask is modular and can be formed in various shapes and sizes. The ventilation interface has differing gas line entry ports and can be shallow with a relatively deep soft facial interface or deep with a relatively shallow facial interface. In either case, the upper surface receives the nasal interface. The upper surface can have a removable ceiling in which is defined a nasal interface connector. The nasal interface can be integral with a removable ceiling. The entire hybrid mask can be made in one piece.
US08752550B2 Internal nose filter mounting device, method, and kit
Internal nose filter mounting devices, methods and kits are provided. The nose filter mounting device includes two substantially parallel elongated members having first and second ends, a first connecting member joining the two elongated members at or near the first ends, a second connecting member joining the two elongated members at or near the second ends, and first and second magnets connected to the first and second connecting members, wherein the first and second magnets are configured to mate with filter elements in the nostrils of a user. The device may be implanted in the nasal septum of a patient.
US08752542B2 Direct solar steam generation
Solar energy generates steam in a “once-through” configuration without recirculation, with closely managed steam quality, to produce wet steam from high-contaminant feed water without scaling or fouling. Feed water is pressurized, preheated, and evaporated in a series of pipes exposed to concentrated solar energy to produce a water-steam mixture for direct distribution to an industrial process such as enhanced oil recovery or desalination. Water flow rates are managed based on measurements of solar energy and steam production to manage variations in the solar energy. Steam generator piping system uses continuous receiver pipe that is illuminated by segmented parabolic mirrors enabled to track the sun. Provisions for steam generator piping recurring maintenance are provided. Thermal energy from hot condensate and/or from low quality steam is recaptured and warms inlet water.
US08752528B2 Fuel injection device
A fuel injection device for smooth discharge of a gas accumulated therein comprising a fuel pump, a solenoid valve for injecting pressurized fuel into the intake passage of an engine, a high-pressure fuel passage extending from the fuel pump to the solenoid valve and has a medially positioned constant-pressure chamber, and a fuel return passage (38) connected to a fuel return pipe, with the fuel return passage extending from the constant- pressure chamber and having a medially positioned priming pump. The constant-pressure chamber is configured with the top wall in the upper space thereof disposed above the opening of the high-pressure fuel passage opposite the solenoid valve, the fuel return passage opens into the upper space at a position above the opening of the high-pressure fuel passage, and the gas accumulating in the constant-pressure chamber is discharged from the upper space toward the fuel tank via the fuel return passage.
US08752517B2 Impeller of a device for variable adjustment of the control times of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine
An impeller (15) of a device (11) for variable adjustment of the control times of gas exchange valves (9, 10) of an internal combustion engine (1) having a substantially cylindrical hub element (17) and at least one blade (18) which extends radially to the outside proceeding from the hub element (17), wherein at least the hub element (17) is produced from a non-metallic material.
US08752516B2 Hydraulic control unit for use in valve timing control apparatus and controller for hydraulic control unit
A hydraulic control unit is configured to switch among a first state where a discharge passage of a pump driven by an internal combustion engine communicates with both a phase-advance passage and a lock passage and simultaneously a phase-retard passage communicates with a drain passage, a second state where the discharge passage communicates with both the phase-retard passage and the lock passage and simultaneously the phase-advance passage communicates with the drain passage, and a third state where the phase-advance passage, the phase-retard passage, and the lock passage all communicate with the discharge passage. The hydraulic control unit is further switchable to a fourth state where the discharge passage communicates with both the phase-advance passage and the phase-retard passage and simultaneously the lock passage communicates with the drain passage.
US08752506B2 Aquatic feeding device
An aquatic feeding device includes a hollow body having an exterior wall, the exterior wall including an exterior surface defining an external shape of the feeding device and an interior surface defining an inner cavity of the feeding device. The hollow body includes an upper end and a lower end. An air tight chamber is formed within the inner cavity of the feeding device adjacent the upper end of the hollow body. A plurality of feeding apertures are formed within the exterior wall adjacent the air tight chamber. The plurality of feeding apertures are shaped and dimensioned to permit pets with access to the inner cavity of the feeding device.
US08752498B1 Automatic bimini top
An adjustable watercraft awning includes a first base, a second base, a first frame member, a second frame member, an actuator, and a flexible cover. The first base is adapted to mount on a first side of a watercraft, and the second base is adapted to mount on a second side of the watercraft. The first frame member is pivotally coupled to a rear region of each of the first and second bases, and is movable between a lowered position and a raised position. The second frame member is pivotally coupled to a front region of each of the first and second bases, and is continuously movable between a lowered position and a first raised position and also between the first raised position and a second raised position. The actuator is coupled to transmit mechanical power to the second frame member only.
US08752495B2 Floating foundation for mass production
A floating structure has an annular support as an underwater support with a buoyant body. A tower penetrates the annular support centrally and is connected to the annular support at a location underneath the annular support by slantedly outwardly ascending tension spokes and at a location above the annular support by slantedly outwardly descending tension spokes. Anchors on the ocean floor are connected by tension elements with the annular support. The structure is built by the steps of supporting by auxiliary devices the annular support on a floor of a basin that can be flooded; positioning the tower at the center of the annular support in vertical position; attaching the tension spokes at the annular support and at the tower; flooding the basin; towing the structure to its desired final position; and lowering and anchoring the structure in a submerged floating position.
US08752491B2 Sewing machine
A sewing machine is disclosed that includes a needle bar allowing attachment of a sewing needle including a needle eye to a lower end of thereof; a needle-bar lifting/lowering mechanism that moves the needle bar up and down; a presser foot; a presser foot lifting/lowering mechanism that moves the presser foot up and down; a hook that is provided with a beak for seizing a needle thread loop formed at the needle eye and that rotates in coordination with the up and down movement of the needle bar; and a controller that controls the presser foot lifting/lowering mechanism so as to resize a needle thread loop by lifting the presser foot to a predetermined height in coordination with a swing position of the needle bar and a predetermined height of the needle bar where the beak meets the needle thread loop.
US08752487B2 Low profile discharge gate assembly for a railroad hopper car
A low profile discharge gate assembly having a frame defining a discharge opening and including a gate slidably mounted on the frame for controlling the discharge of commodity through the gate assembly. Structure carried by and extending inwardly from three sides of the frame is arranged beneath a lower surface on the gate and boot flanges defined by the gate assembly frame further restrict the flow of commodity from the gate assembly. Less than 7.5 vertical inches separates a lower surface on the boot flanges from an upper surface on the mounting flanges of the gate assembly frame. An operating shaft assembly selectively controls movement of the gate between open an closed positions. Support structure further enhances rigidity and support for an end frame member through which the gate slidably moves.
US08752485B2 Re-locking device for a rocker arm detonator
A re-locking device for a rocker arm detonator (1) of an armament, such as a hand grenade, irritation body etc., is formed by a security mechanism (3), which facilitates a repeat locking after activation of the armament. The re-locking device includes at least one profile part (4, 4′), which is pivotably arranged and able to engage with the armament by means of an expedient (9), especially with the ignition head (5, 5′) and the rocker arm (2).
US08752478B2 Machine for the production of coffee
A machine for the preparation of drinks in capsules, particularly coffee, more particularly “Americano type coffee” or filter coffee or filtered coffee, of the type includes a boiler with a resistance for heating a liquid for the preparation of drinks, a pump for putting under pressure the liquid for the preparation of drinks, a hydraulic group for the feed of the liquid from the boiler through the capsule containing a portion of preparation for drinks with formation of the drink, and conveying means of the drink from the capsule to a collection container in which the hydraulic group includes a distribution valve blocking the distribution of the liquid for the preparation of drinks until a second operating threshold value is exceeded by the hydraulic pressure applied by the liquid for the preparation of drinks, this second operating threshold value being between 4 and 10 bar, preferably 4 and 6 bar.
US08752471B2 Concentric cylinder gas-operated automatic firearm
A fixed-barrel, gas-operated firearm having its barrel concentrically mounted within a pressure tube enclosing substantially all of the moving parts of the firearm's action. A gas cup reciprocates under the influence of propellant gas pressure when the firearm is fired, driving slide members that link the pressure cup to the firearm's bolt rearward within the pressure tube, unlocking the breech, rotating and retracting the bolt, discharging the spent cartridge casing and then advancing the bolt to chamber a new cartridge.
US08752470B2 Reduced size, symmetrical and asymmetrical crew compartment vehicle construction
A vehicle construction in which a survivability capsule and underbody V-deflector plate are located off-center relative to the vehicle providing desirable survivability and size characteristics, and minimizing overall vehicle width providing desirable maneuverability characteristics. The survivability capsule is constructed around occupants oriented to minimize capsule width and may incorporate traditional or spaced frame construction. The location of the capsule provides the ability to incorporate a large amount of storage area into the construction of the vehicle, or to use a spaced armor array on one side of the capsule providing protection from road-side threats including EFPs, RPGs, and RKG-3s.
US08752461B2 Hinge connections and power miter saw with hinge linkage linear guide including such hinge connections
A hinge connection between first and second links, including a shaft; a threaded aperture formed within an end portion of the shaft; and a pair of bearings. The hinge connection may optionally include a spacer surrounding the shaft. In addition, there is also a bushing surrounding the end portion of the shaft. A threaded fastening member is inserted into the threaded aperture of the shaft. Upon insertion and tightening of the threaded fastening member, any axial gap between the first bearing and the bushing is eliminated. Also disclosed is a hinge connection with a split shaft, including two cantilever shafts, where a main axial portion of each cantilever shaft is seated within a bore of the first link; and a pair of bearings, where an inner portion of each of the cantilever shafts is rotatably seated within one of the bearings.
US08752456B1 Device for deployment of alternate tool heads
Device for deployment of alternate tool heads having a tool bar, bias element, tool bar case, tool bar case removable cap, and tool bar locking pin.
US08752444B2 Electro-hydraulic control apparatus for a motor-vehicle transmission with at least five forward gears and one reverse gear
An electro-hydraulic control apparatus for a motor-vehicle transmission having at least five forward gears and one reverse gear, including first, second and third shift forks, each movable in at least one engagement position to engage a respective gear, first, second and third hydraulic actuators each arranged to control the movement of a respective shift fork in the respective at least one engagement position, and a slide valve selectively movable into one of at least three operating positions in each of which the slide valve selects a respective hydraulic actuator, wherein a first operating position is an end-of-travel position and corresponds to the selection of the first hydraulic actuator, and wherein a second operating position is also an end-of-travel position and corresponds to the selection of the second hydraulic actuator.
US08752443B2 Gear selector apparatus and control for a vehicle transmission
A gear selector apparatus for a transmission having a first gear and a second gear selectively engageable to a shaft through a synchronizer. The gear selector apparatus includes a hydraulic actuator, a gear selection fork engaged with the actuator, a guide bar fixed for common movement to the gear selection fork, a detent mechanism disposed in contact with a first edge of the guide bar, a position sensor disposed in contact with a second edge of the guide bar, a first and a second pressure control valve in communication with the hydraulic actuator, a controller in electrical communication with the position sensor and the first and second pressure control valve. The controller includes a control logic sequence.
US08752435B2 Miniature high sensitivity pressure sensor
There is described a miniature fiber optic pressure sensor design where sensitivity around specific biased pressure is optimized. In an embodiment, the pressure sensor is a Fabry-Perot (FP) sensor which comprises a substrate; and a diaphragm mounted on the substrate. The diaphragm has a center and comprises: a first layer comprising a first material; and a second layer comprising a second material. The second layer forms a dot or a ring. The dot or ring is mounted on the first layer and is centered about the center of the diaphragm. The second material comprises internal pre-stresses to cause the center of the diaphragm (in the case of a dot) or the peripheral area about the center of the diaphragm (in the case of a ring) to camber away from the substrate upon relaxing the internal pre-stresses.
US08752434B2 Fibre optical system and use thereof
A fiber optical system for pressure measurement has a pressure sensor element (4) with at least two parallel partially reflecting surfaces (5, 7), one of which is arranged on a diaphragm (6) movable with respect to another fixed said surface as a consequence of pressure differences across said diaphragm. Said surfaces are arranged so as to cause interference phenomena of light inciding substantially perpendicularly onto and reflected by the two surfaces depending upon the actual 10 distance between these surfaces. The pressure sensor element is made of material being stable at a continuous temperature up to at least 800° C. At least said diaphragm (6) of the sensor element is made of Si C, and at least a part (23) of the optical fiber (3) connecting to said sensor element is made of a material able to withstand a continuous temperature of at least 800° C.
US08752426B2 Fill-level measuring device
A fill-level measuring device with a membrane, which is placed in such a manner on one of the two end region of a tubular housing that it seals the housing on such end region. An oscillatable unit is placed on the side of the membrane facing away from the housing, with a driver/receiver unit, which is composed of a plurality of piezoelectric elements arranged in a stack. The driver/receiver unit is placed via a pressure screw unit in such a manner in the housing that it oscillates in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the housing between the membrane and the pressure screw unit. The driver/receiver unit excites the oscillatable unit via the membrane to execute oscillations, with a control/evaluation unit, which evaluates amplitude, frequency and/or phase of the oscillations of the oscillatable unit and with a temperature sensor for determining temperature of the medium. The temperature sensor is integrated in a fill-level measuring device element, which is in thermal contact with the medium via the membrane or the housing, wherein the element is so selected that the oscillatable unit oscillates unimpaired by the temperature sensor.
US08752425B2 Flow meter with hollow blocking rotor
A flow meter is disclosed with a hollow blocking rotor. The flow meter includes a housing that has a cavity with an inlet and an outlet. The flow meter also includes a pair of displacement rotors with a blocking rotor disposed between the displacement rotors. The blocking rotor includes a pair of convex walls and a pair of concave walls. The blocking rotor further includes a shaft coupled to the pair of concave walls. Each concave wall is disposed between and coupled to a pair of opposing convex walls. The concave walls provide clearance for rotation of the displacement rotors when the displacement rotors sweep along the concave walls. The hollow configuration of the blocking rotor reduces the impedance of the flow meter.
US08752422B2 Brake wear sensor of a disc brake
A brake wear sensor of a disc brake includes a sensor unit, a gearbox cooperating with the sensor unit, and a central drive element which is engaged with the gearbox for an input variable or characteristic variable associated with brake wear. The brake wear sensor also includes at least one additional input for a further input variable or characteristic variable.
US08752421B2 Flaw detection testing device for hub unit
A flaw detection testing device that carries out a flaw detection test on an outer peripheral surface of a clinched portion used to fix an inner ring member of a hub unit to a hub spindle includes: a flaw detection sensor; a clearance setting member that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the clinched portion to set a clearance between the flaw detection sensor and the outer peripheral surface of the clinched portion at a predetermined value; a fixing device that fixes a position of the flaw detection sensor with the clearance between the flaw detection sensor and the outer peripheral surface kept at the predetermined value; and an actuating device that moves the clearance setting member in such a direction that the clearance setting member is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the clinched portion with the position of the flaw detection sensor fixed by the fixing device.
US08752414B2 Methods to characterize sag in fluids
Systems and methods for direct and indirect measurement of the density of a fluid which exhibits sag characteristics is disclosed. The sag measurement system includes a test container for holding a fluid mixture to be analyzed and a suction port on the test container. A pump is coupled to the suction port for circulating the fluid mixture from the test container through a circulation loop. A measurement device is coupled to the circulation loop and a return port directs the fluid mixture from the circulation loop back to the test container at substantially the same vertical location as the suction port. The fluid mixture flowing through the circulation loop passes through the measurement device before returning to the test container through the return port. The measurement device is operable to monitor the particle distribution of the fluid mixture as it changes due to gravity.
US08752407B2 Cable lock
The invention relates to a cable lock, which consists of a lock body combined with a traversing part, wherein a slider and a holder are set inside the lock body, at least an upper bead hole is set on the slider, the at least an upper bead hole is set corresponding to at least a lower bead hole set on the holder, the upper bead hole and the lower bead hole may be glided and corresponding to each other by shifting the slider, to control at least a lock ball gliding in and out, hereby perform unlocking and locking spacing on an inserting slice set on one end of the traversing part, to thereby achieve the burglarproof and prized-proof effect.
US08752404B2 Drum for a laundry treatment machine
A drum for a laundry treatment machine that is rotatably mounted within the housing of the laundry treatment machine, and wherein the drum includes a bottom disk and a jacket which are individually or jointly provided with a curved structure. The curved structure includes at least two rows of prism-type embossings that have substantially rectangular base, and the at least two rows encompass at least partially the drum. A surface of embossings that is directed in a circumferential direction of the drum is arranged at a steep angle to the jacket; an opposing surface of the embossings is arranged at a flat angle to the jacket; and lateral surfaces of the embossings are arranged at least nearly at a right angle to the jacket.
US08752401B2 Method for producing a flow which is rich in methane and a cut which is rich in C2+ hydrocarbons from a flow of feed natural gas and an associated installation
This method comprises cooling the feed natural gas in a first heat exchanger and introducing the cooled, feed natural gas into a first separation flask.It comprises the dynamic expansion of a turbine supply flow in a first expansion turbine and introducing the expanded flow into a separation column. This method comprises removing, at the head of the separation column, a head flow rich in methane and removing a first recirculation flow from the compressed head flow rich in methane.The method comprises forming at least a second recirculation flow obtained from the head flow rich in methane downstream of the separation column and forming a dynamic expansion flow from the second recirculation flow.
US08752397B2 Air-conditioning apparatus
In an air-conditioning apparatus, a heat source side heat exchanger 12, intermediate heat exchangers 15a and 15b, and use side heat exchangers 26a to 26d are separately formed and adapted to be disposed at separate locations, respectively. There are provided a defrosting operation function to melt frost attached around the heat source side heat exchanger 12, and a heating function during defrosting operation that drives a pump 21a to circulate a heat medium and supply heating energy to the use side heat exchangers 26a to 26d in need of heating to perform heating operation. The defrosting operation function can be executed by switching a four-way valve 11 to cooling side to introduce a high-temperature high-pressure refrigerant flowed out of the compressor 10 into the heat source side heat exchanger 12.
US08752391B2 Integrated turbomachine oxygen plant
An integrated turbomachine oxygen plant includes a turbomachine and an air separation unit. One or more compressor pathways flow compressed air from a compressor through one or more of a combustor and a turbine expander to cool the combustor and/or the turbine expander. An air separation unit is operably connected to the one or more compressor pathways and is configured to separate the compressed air into oxygen and oxygen-depleted air. A method of air separation in an integrated turbomachine oxygen plant includes compressing a flow of air in a compressor of a turbomachine. The compressed flow of air is flowed through one or more of a combustor and a turbine expander of the turbomachine to cool the combustor and/or the turbine expander. The compressed flow of air is directed to an air separation unit and is separated into oxygen and oxygen-depleted air.
US08752389B2 Fuel nozzle assembly for use with a gas turbine engine and method of assembling same
A fuel nozzle configured to channel fluid toward a combustion chamber within a gas turbine engine and a method for assembling the same are provided. The fuel nozzle includes a first hollow tube fabricated from a first material that has a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a second tube fabricated from a second material that has a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is different from the first coefficient of thermal expansion. The second tube is coupled within the first tube such that the first tube substantially circumscribes the second tube, and the second tube thermally expands approximately at a same rate as the first tube during fuel nozzle operation.
US08752385B2 Heat recovery system of the boiler with CO2 capture system
A boiler system including an electric power generation system having a boiler, a steam turbine for generating electric power by steams which received heat at a boiler, a condenser provided at the downstream thereof for condensing the steams, and a heater for heating condensed water by steams extracted from the steam turbine and, further, a CO2 capture system of sorbing and capturing a CO2 gas in an exhausted gas exhausted from the boiler by using a solid CO2 sorbent, and a chimney of exhausting an exhaust gas in the CO2 capture system after recovery of CO2 or an exhaust gas exhausted from the boiler, in which the temperature of a fluid concerned with the boiler system is increased by using the exhaust gas exhausted from the CO2 capture system.
US08752384B2 Carbon dioxide capture interface and power generation facility
An interface for a pressurized fluidized bed combustion facility is disclosed that enables future addition of carbon dioxide capture technology to capture facility flue gas emissions. The interface includes a gas to water pressurized heat recovery steam generator to cool facility flue gas and provide steam to the facility steam turbine generator. A VFD motor and flue gas expander are coupled to a combustion air compressor to energize the facility. The expander is synchronized over a SSS-clutch to drive the compressor. The interface in combination with carbon capture technology and methods for conditioning flue gas are also disclosed.
US08752383B2 Module-based oxy-fuel boiler
A boiler system for producing steam from water includes a plurality of serially arranged oxy fuel boilers. Each boiler has an inlet in flow communication with a plurality of tubes. The tubes of each boiler form at least one water wall. Each of the boilers is configured to substantially prevent the introduction of air. Each boiler includes an oxy fuel combustion system including an oxygen supply for supplying oxygen having a purity of greater than 21 percent, a carbon based fuel supply for supplying a carbon based fuel and at least one oxy-fuel burner system for feeding the oxygen and the carbon based fuel into its respective boiler in a near stoichiometric proportion. The oxy fuel system is configured to limit an excess of either the oxygen or the carbon based fuel to a predetermined tolerance. The boiler tubes of each boiler are configured for direct, radiant energy exposure for energy transfer. Each of the boilers is independent of each of the other boilers.
US08752369B2 Latent heat storage catalyst for an exhaust system in an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a latent heat storage catalyst (3) for an exhaust system (1) in an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle, comprising a member (5) that includes several parallel ducts (6). First ducts (6′) contain a phase change material (7), and second ducts (6″) have a catalytic coating (14). In order to be able to produce said latent heat storage catalyst at a low cost, the member (5) is formed by at least one layered structure (9) comprising two metal sheets (10, 11), at least one of which is corrugated and which rest against each other and are attached to one another such that the ridges of the at least one corrugated metal sheet (10) form the ducts (6).
US08752360B2 Variable length header truss for harvesting header
A harvesting header frame has a top beam, a bottom beam, and a diagonal truss member. A first end of said diagonal truss member is structurally connected to the top beam and an opposing second end of said diagonal truss member is structurally connected to the bottom beam. The header frame also has a diagonal truss length adjustment mechanism that adjusts the length of the diagonal truss member to selectively lengthen or shorten the effective length of the diagonal truss member to modify the concavity of the header frame after the top and bottom beams and diagonal truss member have been connected. In one embodiment, the diagonal truss length adjustment mechanism is a telescoping compression member.
US08752358B2 Threading a saddle latigo strap to secure a saddle
A saddle latigo strap is threaded to secure a saddle. A body portion of a saddle latigo is looped through a permanent saddle rigging. A first end of the saddle latigo having a tapered portion is inserted through a second end. Notches of the body portion are engaged with holes of the first end to secure the saddle.
US08752354B2 Frame assembly for sheet material
A frame assembly for sheet material. A plurality of inner frame sections have at least one recess for receiving the sheet material. The inner frame sections can be fitted around at least part of the periphery of the sheet material. A first outer frame for receiving the sheet material with the inner frame sections fitted thereon is provided, together with a second outer frame to be applied to the sheet material with the inner frame sections fitted thereon. A mechanism to connect the first and second external frames together is provided, with the inner frame sections therebetween. The first and second outer frames together define a space whose shape corresponds to that of the outer cross-sectional shape of the inner frame sections. Thus, the first and second outer frames capture the sheet material with the inner frame sections fitted thereon. A mechanism to hold the inner frame section in place is included.
US08752352B2 Covering from mechanically interconnectable elements
A covering from mechanically interconnectable elements, wherein at least one of the elements is a panel, wherein the elements have on their confronting sides a complementary profiling and can be locked together via said profiling. The locking is caused by at least one tongue element which is connected to one of the elements in an articulated manner and which can be pivoted during the joining motion behind a locking edge of the adjacent element, said locking edge extending essentially in the horizontal direction. The tongue element is in part connected to a core of the element by means of an elastic material and is a one-piece component of the element prior to the joining motion, wherein the one-piece connection between the tongue element and the element is configured as a predetermined breaking site which is provided to fail, in particular break, when the tongue element is pivoted.
US08752327B2 Oxygen availability-based irrigation system
Irrigation systems (36) and methods are provided that are based on measurements of oxygen levels and availability to the root of the plant. The irrigation management system comprises at least one sensor (24) deducing data indicating the level of oxygen wherein the data collected from the sensors is used to determine irrigation amounts and timing.
US08752319B2 Gap seal for gun
A gun or other projectile launching device includes a frame, and a barrel, including a bore therethrough, held in position by the frame. A cylinder is rotatable attached to the frame in close proximity to an inner end portion of the barrel, the cylinder having multiple chambers and configured to sequentially and longitudinally align a chamber with the bore of the barrel. A sleeve is slidingly positioned over the inner end portion of the barrel. The sleeve has a front face with a central opening therethrough, that has a size less than an inner diameter of the sleeve, but no smaller than a diameter of the bore through the barrel. The sleeve is configured to slide back, substantially in response to gas pressure, until the front face of the sleeve is forcibly maintained in contact with the cylinder to eliminate a gap between the cylinder and the barrel.
US08752314B2 Catheter information ring
An information ring for use with a catheter is disclosed. The information ring includes a body having a first end and a second end. The body has a first body face extending between the first end and the second end, and a second, generally convex face extending between the first end and the second end. The body has an opening extending therethrough between the first body face and the second face. A first indicia portion is located at the first end. The first indicia portion has a first indicia face sized to allow indicia to be printed on the first indicia face.
US08752312B2 Canvas stretching system with corner clamps
A stretching system to stretch a canvas or material on a frame without the use of stretching pliers and staples. Special purpose corner clamps are used to secure the stretcher bars into an initial open miter frame to orient the double sided adhesive strip on the side of the stretchers towards the canvas or material while maintaining the adhesive strip from touching the canvas or material. After alignment, the stretching bars are pressed down and attached onto the canvas or material and the corners are released. The corner clamps are removed and canvas or material corners are cut and folded into the open miter ends which also have adhesive strips. By rotating the stretchers axially 90 degrees into the final frame, thus closing the miters, and upon inserting U-shaped fasteners into the grooves placed on the back of the stretcher, the canvas or material is stretched and ready to display.
US08752310B1 Internally illuminated footwear component
The sole section of a shoe includes a midsole and an outsole, with the midsole being made from a translucent material. An illumination system is located inside the translucent midsole, causing the translucent midsole to be internally illuminated when the illumination system is active. Due to the translucent nature of the midsole light from the illumination system reflects internally throughout the midsole, increasing illumination. The light will also illuminate adjacent translucent components, such as the outsole if it is also made from a translucent material. Light from the illumination system can be blocked, such as by an opaque outsole or colored mold injection, and used to form an illuminated design or logo. By blacking out or covering sections of the translucent midsole, shapes and letters of visible light can be created in the negative space of the obstruction sections. This allows illuminated designs to easily be incorporated into footwear.
US08752306B2 Shoes, devices for shoes, and methods of using shoes
A shoe includes a first plate and a second plate that are located in a portion of the shoe between an upper and an outsole of the shoe, and a nest formed as a bag filled with one or more gasses located between the first plate and the second plate. The shoe may further include one or more springs located in cavities in the gas filled nest for biasing the first plate and the second plate apart from each other. Pods may be located within the openings in the center of the springs, and the pods may be filled with one or more gasses. The pods may protrude from a bottom or a top surface of the nest. Spring sandwiches including one or more springs positioned between plates may be constructed and placed in various portions of a shoe. The shoe may also include piping with lights.
US08752296B2 Unitary safety scaffolding and method for one individual to install the same
A scaffold assembly permits a single individual to install the assembly on an open stud wall. The assembly includes a horizontally oriented walkway supporting member, a vertically oriented rail support member, and a support unit extending from the walkway supporting member to the ground. An attachment assembly is connected to the walkway supporting member and includes a pair of rotatable members, one of which bears against the outer edges of a pair of adjacent studs and the other of which bears against the inner edges of the adjacent pair of studs in order to secure the scaffold assembly in place.
US08752291B2 Method for marking tubes in a shell and tube heat exchanger
A method for marking a specific tube in a shell and tube heat exchanger includes inserting a marker into a second tube adjacent to the tube to be marked and directing a directional pointer on the marker toward the tube to be marked.
US08752282B2 Cable preparation tool
The present disclosure describes various embodiments of devices for preparing cables, such as devices for pulling back the shield on an end portion of a coaxial cable to prepare the end portion for attachment to a connector. A coaxial cable, with an exposed central conductor, a dielectric insulator, and a shield (e.g., a metallic shield) can be inserted into a bore of a shield pull-back device configured in accordance with the present disclosure. As the cable is inserted into the bore, one or more gripping members can engage the cable shield and pull it back evenly without damaging the central conductor or the dielectric insulator.
US08752276B2 Method of manufacturing rotating electrical machine
A method of manufacturing a rotating electrical machine has steps of a preparation step that accommodates the cap in a jig space while bringing the jig and the pulley in contact in an up-and-down direction so that an operation space is sealed, and a main step that decompresses the operation space to pressure lower than atmospheric pressure, moves the cap to an upper side in the decompressed operation space, and press-fits the cap into the pulley. By this, an inclination and a misalignment in the axial direction of the cap by the action of the reaction force can be suppressed since the reaction force acting downwardly on the cap can be weakened compared with the case where the cap is press-fit under atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the press-fit-state of the cap can be stabilized.
US08752274B2 Method for manufacturing light bar that enhances central point brightness of backlight module
The present invention provides a method for mounting light bar that enhances central point brightness of backlight module, which includes (1) providing a PCB and LED lamps of different luminous intensities among which the difference is less than 20%; (2) positioning the LED lamps on the PCB in a spaced manner and electrically connected to the PCB; (3) providing a backlight module main body; (4) positioning the PCB with the LED lamps on the backlight module main body to form a the backlight module; (5) measuring central point brightness and illumination homogeneity; (6) adjusting the spacing distance between the LED lamps according to predetermined central point brightness and illumination homogeneity so as to have the central point brightness and illumination homogeneity of the LED lamps satisfying requirements; and (7) mounting the LED lamps to the PCB so as to form an LED light bar.
US08752273B2 Manufacturing method of foreign object detection apparatus
In a manufacturing method of a foreign object detection apparatus, an elastic insulator including an attaching section and an inner peripheral portion, on which a plurality of electrodes is disposed in such a manner that each of the electrodes is away from the others, is formed, a predetermined portion of the attaching section is removed, a feeding member is coupled with the electrodes, and a coupling portion of the electrodes and the feeding member and a portion of the elastic insulator are covered with a covering part.
US08752268B2 Method of making stents with radiopaque markers
Various embodiments of stents with radiopaque markers arranged in patterns are described herein.
US08752260B2 Holding device
A holding device (10) is provided for use during the installation of a component (60) to be fastened vertically to a support structure (50) such as that of an aircraft, for example a cabin sidewall lining part. The holding device (10) includes a hook (12) and an eyelet (14) receiving the hook, the hook and eyelet being designed so that they can be fastened to the support structure (50) or the component (60). The eyelet (14) has at least one elastically resilient element for the movable mutual support of the eyelet (14) and hook (12). The holding device (10) facilitates the fastening of a perpendicularly installed component (60). The elastically resilient element allows the component (60) to be pre-positioned in a nominal position.
US08752251B2 Cord release of window covering
A cord release for a window covering includes at least two cases engaged together to form a barrel with an opening at a top thereof. The cord release is defined with a frontal plane and a sagittal plane. A left side and a right side are defined at opposite sides of the sagittal plane, and a front side and a back side are defined at opposite sides of the frontal plane. The opening has a first collecting portion at the front side of the frontal plane and the right side of the sagittal plane, and a second collecting portion at the back side of the frontal plane and the left side of the sagittal plane. Therefore, the cords will be led to the first collecting portion and the second collecting portion to disengage the cases by the struggle force.
US08752244B2 Door closing mechanism
The present invention relates to a mechanism for closing a hinged member which comprises a resilient element for effecting closure of the hinged member and a hydraulic damper 5. The hydraulic damper 5, comprising a closed cylinder cavity 20 within a cylinder barrel 19, a rotational damper shaft 22 which extends into the cylinder cavity 20, and a piston 21, placed within the cylinder barrel 19 so as to divide the cylinder cavity 20 into a first side 20a above the piston 21 and a second side 20b below the piston 21. An outer perimeter surface of the piston 21 presents a clearance fit with an inner perimeter surface 27 of the cylinder barrel 19 at 20° C. The cylinder barrel 19 is made of a first material and the piston 21 of a second material which has a higher thermal expansion coefficient than the first material. In this way variations of the viscosity of the hydraulic fluid as a result of pressure fluctuations are compensated for by an increase or a decrease of the cross-section area of the clearance.
US08752242B2 Vacuum cleaner base with nozzle height adjustment
An upright vacuum cleaner comprises a base assembly pivotally connected to an upright assembly. The base assembly comprises housing, a support, and a ratchet-operated nozzle height adjustment mechanism for raising or lowering a suction nozzle on the base assembly relative to a surface to be cleaned. The ratchet-operated nozzle height adjustment mechanism includes a ratchet mechanism for raising and lowering the housing relative to the support.
US08752241B2 Vacuum cleaner nozzle with magnetic lock
A suction nozzle has a housing, a tilting bearing, a connection nozzle, a lock for the tilting bearing, a connection nozzle, a lock for the tilting bearing, actuators and a housing duct. The tilting joint has a bearing connected rigidly to the housing and a connector piece which is pivotally mounted about an axis S. The lock has a first locking element, which is mounted rotatably on the housing, and a second locking element, which is rigidly connected to the connecting piece of the tilting joint. A restoring force for the first locking element is generated by magnets.
US08752240B2 Suction nozzle with obstacle sensor
A suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner includes one or more sensor(s) to sense an obstacle near or proximate to the suction nozzle. A side brush can be rotated or a working air path can be diverted based on a signal from the sensor(s).
US08752237B2 Floor cleaner with stowable handle
A surface cleaning apparatus comprising a base; an upright handle assembly pivotally mounted to the base and including an upright housing at a lower portion thereof, a handle tube extending upwardly from an upper end of the upright housing and a push rod that is axially slidable within the handle tube; wherein the handle tube is mounted for telescoping movement within upright housing between an extended position and a stowed position within the upright housing; a fluid delivery system including a fluid supply tank for holding a supply of a cleaning fluid; a fluid distributor for distributing the cleaning fluid from the fluid supply tank onto the surface to be cleaned; and a fluid conduit, including a fluid flow controller, between the fluid supply tank and the fluid distributor. A locking collar on the upright housing locks the handle tube in the extended and stowed positions.
US08752236B2 Steam vacuum cleaner
A steam vacuum cleaner, having a suction port assembly including a suction hole formed on a bottom surface thereof and a dust receptacle detachably attached to the suction port assembly; a pump disposed in the suction port assembly to suction dust-laden air from an object being cleaned and to transfer the dust laden air to the dust receptacle; a steam unit disposed on the suction port assembly; a floorcloth unit disposed on the suction port assembly to scrub the object using steam supplied from the steam unit; and a handle member hinged with a portion of the suction port assembly, wherein the handle member has a variable length. Floorcloth plates having a plurality of steam passages radially formed on the bottom surface thereof may be rotatably mounted on the bottom surface of the suction port assembly.
US08752232B2 Cleaning sheet
A cleaning sheet (1A) includes: a substrate sheet (2); and a plurality of long-fiber bundles (3) provided thereon, each long-fiber bundle (3) being made by aggregating long fibers (31), the long-fiber bundles (3) being arranged side-by-side and joined to the substrate sheet (2). Each long-fiber bundle (3) is joined together by fiber-joining sections (32). Each long-fiber bundle (3) is joined to the substrate sheet (2) by sheet-joining sections (21). Each sheet-joining section (21) is provided so as to overlap one of the fiber-joining sections (32). Each long-fiber bundle (3) has been cut by linear cut sections (24), each linear cut section (24) being formed in a region between adjacent sheet-joining sections (21). Each long-fiber bundle (3) includes cut fibers (311) and uncut fibers (312).
US08752221B2 Support apparatus
A support apparatus configured to support a prone user in a position that is conducive to interacting with a media item that is also supported thereon. The apparatus includes an upper body support that is configured to support an upper body of a prone user. The upper body support includes a base support member that provides a cushioned surface. The upper body support includes a chest support member extending upwardly from the base support member. The apparatus includes a strip extending frontwardly from the upper body support. The strip is a sheet of flexible material is a width that is substantially equal to the base support member. The apparatus includes a media support member that is coupled to the strip, opposite of the upper body support. The media support member includes a media support structure that is configured to support a media item in a viewable position.
US08752219B2 Bath system
A bath environment, such as a shower or a tub enclosure, has an outer wall and an area built into the outer wall that extends out of the bath environment. The area supports a user so that a user may pivot thereon to enter into the bath environment.
US08752218B2 Waste removal system
A waste removal system is provided that includes a pipe structure of a building and a portable waste receptacle. The pipe structure has an end that forms a roof vent and another end opening toward a sewer. The portable waste receptacle is in removable fluid communication with the pipe structure of the building structure via the roof vent. The system optionally includes a privacy apparatus that has a curtain capable of at least partially surrounding the waste removal device.
US08752217B1 Multi-part, molded athletic cup
An integrally molded, multi-part athletic protector with a rigid upper core cup, a semi-rigid lower scrotal bridge joined to the lower edge of the rigid core cup and adapted for both longitudinal and lateral flexion, and a flexible marginal cushion lining the interior surfaces of the core cup and scrotal bridge with a rolled peripheral edge contoured to the user's body.
US08752212B2 Device and method for securing the position of joint pads in sports
The invention utilizes a long sleeve modified shirt for the foundation garment. A separate tubular sleeve has one end sewn about the modified sleeve approximately at the elbow. The other end, the free end, of the tubular sleeve may then extend beyond the end of the modified sleeve. The arm is inserted into the modified sleeve and through the tubular sleeve. The elbow pad is attached about the elbow joint over the modified sleeve and over the tubular sleeve end sewn at the elbow area. The free end of the tubular sleeve is pulled over the elbow pad and attaches to the area near the Biceps/Shoulders with straps having removable attachment means thereon. The straps are attached to allow for adjustment. Essentially, the tubular sleeve forms a partial pouch about the elbow pad thus holding and preventing the elbow pad from shifting.
US08756709B2 Apparatus for, and method of, recording/playing audio data having additional information embedded therein
According to the type of each of a plurality of external input interfaces, it is decided whether digital watermark information is to be detected from data entered via the external input interface. Digital watermark information is not detected from data entered via the external input interface and from which it has been decided not to detect any digital watermark information, but the data is recorded. Thus, there can be provided a data recording apparatus which is not applied with a any heavy load owing to the omission of any unnecessary detection of digital watermark information.
US08756701B2 Data security in a multi-nodal environment
A data security manager in a multi-nodal environment enforces processing constraints stored as security relationships that control how different pieces of a multi-nodal application (called execution units) are allowed to execute to insure data security. The security manager preferably checks the security relationships for security violations when new execution units start execution, when data moves to or from an execution unit, and when an execution unit requests external services. Where the security manager determines there is a security violation based on the security relationships, the security manager may move, delay or kill an execution unit to maintain data security.
US08756696B1 System and method for providing a virtualized secure data containment service with a networked environment
The present invention relates to a technique for debugging and testing potential virus, trojans, and other malware programs. The present invention, named Cyberlock™ provides a technique to analyze malware programs on a network in a secure manner, which allows multiple users to access or monitor the analysis. In the present invention, a virtual machine (VM) may be run on a network, emulating the operation of a Windows, LINUX, or Apple operating system (or other O/S), and the malware or suspected malware may be executed on that virtual machine. The virtual machine is isolated on the network, but accessible to one or more users, in such a manner than the malware or suspected malware may be analyzed.
US08756692B2 Controlling network-based applications with social media postings
A content posting associated with a user of the social media service and including an embedded command is received. The posting can be submitted to the social media service as a status update or message to the social media account associated with the application. The content posting is processed to generate a request to one or more data sources to query for information or perform an action (e.g. update a data record). The response is parsed to extract data values which are inserted into pre-configured templates in accordance with the characteristics of the response delivery method preference set by the user and stored in a application user profile.
US08756685B2 Detection system and method of suspicious malicious website using analysis of javascript obfuscation strength
A detection system of a suspicious malicious website using the analysis of a JavaScript obfuscation strength, which includes: an entropy measuring processor of measuring an entropy of an obfuscated JavaScript present in the website, a special character entropy, and a variable/function name entropy; a frequency measuring processor of measuring a specific function frequency, an encoding mark frequency and a % symbol frequency of the JavaScript; a density measuring processor of measuring the maximum length of a single character string of the JavaScript; and a malicious website confirming processor of determining whether the relevant website is malicious by comparing an obfuscation strength value, measured by the entropy measuring processor, the frequency measuring processor and the density measuring processor, with a threshold value.
US08756684B2 System and method for network security including detection of attacks through partner websites
A computer readable storage medium has instructions for execution on a computer. The instructions monitor transactions between a server and a set of clients. An evaluation of session indicators associated with the transactions is performed. Individual sessions between the server and individual clients of the plurality of clients are isolated in response to the evaluation.
US08756682B2 Method and system for network intrusion prevention
According to some embodiments of the invention, a method for network protection is provided. The method includes receiving with a network security software a request from an entity to stop at least a portion of unauthorized network traffic from being transmitted through a firewall. The entity lacks control over the firewall and the network security software is operable to control the firewall. The method also includes using the network security software to automatically determine that the entity is an authorized entity authorized to make the request. The method also includes initiating a block of the unauthorized network traffic at the firewall in response to the automatic determination.
US08756678B2 Method for verifying the certification of a recording apparatus
A method for verifying the certification of a recording apparatus (14) associated to a control device (12), wherein the control device (12) validates a first certificate written on the recording apparatus (14). Furthermore, a method for identification of a recording apparatus (14), a method for handling a recording apparatus (14), and a recording apparatus for use in connection with a control device (12) are disclosed.
US08756672B1 Authentication using multi-layered graphical passwords
In some embodiments, a computerized method includes presenting multiple choices for attributes of a multi-layered graphical password, wherein each of the attributes is associated with one of a plurality of layers of the multi-layered graphical password. The multi-layered graphical password is for use in accessing a system. The method includes receiving selections from among the multiple choices, wherein the selections identify a group of the attributes of the multi-layered graphical password. The selections are associated with a user attempting access to the system. The method includes authenticating the user based on the group of the attributes of the multi-layered graphical password. The method also includes allowing the user access to the system.
US08756669B2 Security mode for mobile communications devices
A system and method of implementing a security mode in a mobile communications device, including a mobile communications device comprising a processor, and a computer readable storage medium storing programming for execution by the processor, the programming including instructions to activate a security mode of the mobile communications device, and pursuant to activation of the security mode, disable a first class of features of the mobile communications device, wherein other features of the mobile communications device remain enabled after activation of the mobile security.
US08756662B2 User authentication system and plant control system having user authentication system
A plant control system may include a manipulation monitoring terminal that includes a local user authentication unit configured to authenticate a user who logs in the manipulation monitoring terminal and a domain controller that includes a domain user authentication unit and communicates with the manipulation monitoring terminal. The manipulation monitoring terminal may include a user authentication alarm unit configured to generate a security alarm when the local user authentication unit performs user authentication on the user in a state in which the domain controller is in normal operation.
US08756660B2 Enabling two-factor authentication for terminal services
Techniques for enabling two-factor authentication for terminal services are described. A client receives an authentication token from an authentication server. The authentication token is used as a factor for authenticating the client to a terminal services device. Native authentication of the client is also performed.
US08756651B2 Policy compliance-based secure data access
Access control techniques relate to verifying compliance with security policies before enabling access to the computing resources. An application is provided on a client that generates verification codes using an authentication seed. Prior to granting the client the authentication seed necessary to generate a verification code, a server may perform a policy check on the client. Some embodiments ensure that the client complies with security policies imposed by an authenticating party by retrieving a number of parameter values from the client and then determining whether those parameter values comply with the security policies. Upon determining that the client complies, the authentication seed is issued to the client. In some embodiments, the authentication seed is provided such that a policy check is performed upon the generation of a verification code. The client is given access to secure information when the client is determined to comply with the security policies.
US08756644B2 System and method for supplying supplemental audio information for broadcast television programs
A method, computer readable medium and an apparatus for providing supplemental information related to a character featured on a broadcast television program, wherein the supplemental information is not broadcast along with the broadcast television program. A viewer can request specific supplemental information associated with the broadcast television program through a telephone or electronic network interface. In some embodiments, a service controller transmits the requested supplemental information such that an audio component of the supplemental information does not conflict with the audio component of the broadcast television program.
US08756639B2 Apparatus and method for managing a network
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set top box having a controller to present bandwidth adjustments options for customer premises equipment comprising the set top box where the bandwidth adjustments options include a bandwidth limit for the customer premises equipment, receive a selection of the bandwidth adjustments options, and transmit the selection of the bandwidth adjustments options to a network device for adjusting the bandwidth limit for the customer premises equipment. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08756633B2 Methods, systems, and computer program products for selectively facilitating internet content and/or alerts on a television crawl screen, closed caption and/or picture-in-picture area
Content from a source, such as the Internet, may be displayed on a window on a television, such as a crawl screen, closed caption area, or picture-in-picture (PIP) area. This may allow a user to watch television and view both television content and Internet content simultaneously without the need to access another device, such as a laptop computer, personal digital assistant, or the like. For example, a user may connect a data processing system, such as a computer, to a video control module, e.g., digital video recorder (DVR) or other box used to control a television. The user may then access a tool bar, for example, provided with an Internet browser that runs on the data processing system to identify portions of one or more Web sites to be displayed on the television through the video control module. The video control module may also be configured to allow the user to interact with the Internet content displayed on the television through use of the television remote, for example.
US08756632B2 Electronic program guide with tagging
Described are computerized methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for providing electronic program guide services. The method includes storing an active media object list identifying media objects in an active state, receiving one or more tag requests identifying one or more programs, and updating a tag list to identify the one or more programs identified by the one or more tag requests. Each of the one or more programs are associated with one or more media objects. The method also includes generating a user navigation list comprising source identifiers of a plurality of selected media objects and a plurality of titles associated with each of the plurality of selected media objects. The plurality of selected media objects are each associated with at least one of the one or more programs identified in the tag list and included in the active media object list.
US08756626B2 Method and apparatus for using the host-pod interface of a digital television or other digital audio/video receiver for new services
To receive new services including audio or video content for presentation by a cable-compatible digital television or other digital audio/video receiver, a module may be connected to the HOST-POD interface of the digital television. The module has a receiver for receiving audio or video content in a first compression format, a transcoder for converting said audio or video content from the first compression format into a second, different compression format, and a controller for transmitting the audio or visual content in the second compression format to the digital television over a HOST-POD interface. By using such a module, front-end components of the digital television may be bypassed while back-end components may be utilized to decompress and present the content. The module may be a PC card or smart card for example.
US08756625B2 Systems and methods for determining subscription data
A media guidance application is provided by which users can view program listings associated with programming that the user may access using other user equipment devices. The media guidance application, implemented on, for example, a remote system, may determine through communications with television equipment whether or not the television equipment is authorized to provide a particular package of television programming to be viewed by the user. For example, an online program guide application may determine whether or not television equipment allows a user to view particular channels and, based on that determination, proceed to determine what packages of programming the user subscribes to. A customized program guide may then be displayed based on what programming the user subscribes to on various systems.
US08756619B2 Cluster analysis of viewer tendencies
A method performed by one or more computing devices includes determining a relevancy function of viewer tendencies based on set-top box data from a subscription television service and defining a cluster of set-top boxes based on the relevancy function. The method also includes building a tendency profile for the cluster, the tendency profile including predicted actions for viewers within the cluster. The method further includes assigning the set-top box to the cluster and directing a cluster-oriented presentation to a particular set-top box within the cluster.
US08756607B2 Method and system for creating and utilizing virtual hardware resources
A data-processing method and system generally comprises identifying a plurality of hardware resources associated with a data-processing apparatus, time-slicing the plurality of hardware resources. Thereafter the plurality of active hardware resources can be allocated among a plurality of active hardware resources associated with the data-processing apparatus, thereby allowing a limited number of hardware resources to service a larger number of physical devices associated with the data-processing apparatus. An appropriate hardware resource can be selected from among the plurality of active hardware resources utilizing one or more swapping algorithms.
US08756606B2 Safety controller and safety control method in which time partitions are scheduled according to a scheduling pattern
Upon occurrence of an abnormality, a safety control can be executed more rapidly. An OS partially includes a partition scheduler that selects and decides a time partition to be subsequently scheduled according to a scheduling pattern including TP1 in which an execution time is allocated to a safety monitoring program, TP2 in which the execution time is allocated to a normal control program, and TP3 in which the execution time is allocated to a safety control program. A processor executes the OS to cause the partition scheduler to periodically operate. The partition scheduler is activated upon detection of an abnormality by one of the safety monitoring program executed in TP1 and the normal control program executed in TP2, and switches the time partition from TP1 or TP2 to TP3.
US08756605B2 Method and apparatus for scheduling multiple threads for execution in a shared microprocessor pipeline
An apparatus and method for scheduling execution of multiple threads on a shared processor resource is described in connection with a multithreaded multiprocessor chip. Using a thread selection policy that switches between available threads every cycle to give priority to the least recently executed or scheduled threads, different threads are able to operate in a way that ensures no deadlocks or livelocks while maximizing aggregate performance and fairness between threads. Prioritization is accomplished by monitoring and sorting thread status information for each thread, including speculative states in which a thread may be speculatively scheduled, thereby improving usage of the execution pipeline by switching a thread in with a lower priority.
US08756602B2 Virtual machine and application migration over local and wide area networks without timeout
Long distance cloud migration (LDCM) to overcome the limitations faced by the cloud migration techniques over long distance, high speed WAN infrastructures. LDCM overcomes the negative effects of existing TCP/IP mechanisms on the efficient use of available bandwidth. LDCM also acts as an acceleration engine to optimize various hypervisor, storage and security applications.
US08756592B2 Information processor and information updating method
Prior to updating of an information processing program that stores a program update module for updating a wireless interface driver or the information processing program used for communications with a router, a printer stores the minimal information necessary for communications such as the wireless interface driver or setting information (service set identification (SSID), Wep key, etc.) necessary for using the wireless interface driver in basic update user information stored in an area different from an area for the information processing program. If updating of the information processing program is suspended and an error occurs in the information processing program, a basic update module protected from overwriting utilizes the basic update user information to restart communications with the router.
US08756589B2 Selectable dual-mode JIT compiler for SIMD instructions
A JIT (Just-In-Time) compiler performs dual-mode code generation by determining whether an application has opted-in to SIMD (Single Instruction Multiple Data) code generation both at JIT-time and at runtime. The application may select the code generation mode by identifying whether it has opted-in to SIMD code generation. As a result, the underlying implementation guarantees application compatibility by allowing the application to select the code generation mode. Additionally, applications have the ability to select into different code generation modes during concurrent execution.
US08756584B2 Code instrumentation method and code instrumentation apparatus
A code instrumentation method and a code instrumentation apparatus for instrumenting object codes of programs to enable memory access tracing. The code instrumentation method includes: identifying an object code block to be executed circularly in object codes; identifying at least one memory access instruction in the object code block where a memory address to be accessed during the circular execution of the object code block keeps unchanged; and inserting a routine for tracing the memory access to be executed by the at least one memory access instruction outside the object code block.
US08756582B2 Tracking a programs calling context using a hybrid code signature
A method for a hybrid code signature including executing, via a processor, an application, the executing comprising executing a root instruction of the application; profiling, via the processor, the executing of the application, the profiling comprising storing a reference signature; determining, via the processor, a working signature of instructions executed subsequent to the executing of the root instruction, the determining comprising implementing a hashing function of the instructions in response to storing the reference signature; tracking the updating of the working signature by storing a value in a counter; and updating continuously, via the processor, the working signature with the hashing function while at least the working signature does not match the reference signature.
US08756573B2 Digital item ingestion process
Disclosed are various embodiments for an ingestion process modifying digital items. A computing system receives an uploaded digital item configured to communicate with a testing server application when executed. The ingestion process reconfigures the digital item to communicate with a production server application when executed.
US08756566B2 Parallel development of a software system
A software configuration management (SCM) system can include operations such as removing a selected section from a first artifact in a first stream, wherein the first artifact includes a plurality of sections, and creating a second artifact in the first stream including the selected section. The second artifact does not include at least one other section of the plurality of sections. An annotation can be generated using a processor that specifies the first artifact, a range within the first artifact corresponding to the selected section, and the second artifact into which the selected section is moved. The annotation can be used to apply changes implemented in selected artifacts from one stream to another.
US08756555B2 Standard cells having transistors annotated for gate-length biasing
A standard cell library is disclosed. The standard cell library contains cells wherein at least one transistor in at least one cell is annotated for gate length biasing. Gate length biasing includes the modification of the gate length, so as to change the speed or power consumption of the modified gate length. The standard cell library is one used in the manufacturing of semiconductor devices (e.g., that result as semiconductor chips), by way of fabricating features defined on one or more layouts of geometric shapes. The annotations serve to identify which ones of the transistor gate features are to be modified before using the geometric shapes for manufacturing the semiconductor device.
US08756547B2 Timing operations in an IC with configurable circuits
Some embodiments provide a method that identifies a first physical design solution for positioning several configurable operations on several reconfigurable circuits of an integrated circuit (IC). The method identifies a second physical design solution for positioning the configurable operations on the configurable circuits. One of the identified physical design solutions has one reconfigurable circuit perform a particular configurable operation in at least two reconfiguration cycles while the other identified solution does not have one reconfigurable circuit perform the particular configurable operation in two reconfiguration cycles. The method costs the first and second physical design solutions. The method selects one of the two physical design solutions based on the costs.
US08756528B2 System and method of customizing video display layouts having dynamic icons
A system and method of enabling a user to customize a layout of a video display uses a data file. The data file may be stored within an application. The data file enables the user to specify at least one parameter of a cell of a video display such as, for example, a location, height, width, and display percentage. A layout creating module creates the layout based on the parameter(s) defined by the user. A dynamic icon creating module dynamically creates an icon that represents the layout created by the user. Preferably, the icon depicts the layout of created by the user.
US08756525B2 Method and program for displaying information and information processing apparatus
An information processing apparatus includes a display unit configured to display a plurality of display information items, each corresponding to a content item, and an indicator for indicating one of the display information items, an operation unit, and a control unit. The control unit receives an instruction for updating the display position of the indicator. When the indicator indicates and selects one of the display information items on the display unit, the control unit determines a relationship between the display information item indicated and selected by the indicator and the display information items other than the display information item selected by the indicator and displays the relationship between the display information item selected by the indicator and the display information item determined to have a relationship with the display information item selected by the indicator among the display information items other than the display information item selected by the indicator.
US08756524B2 Management of device settings via a plurality of interfaces
The present specification relates to a portable electronic device comprising at least one processor; a display connected to the processor and controllable by the processor; and non-volatile storage configured to maintain a plurality of applications and an application programming interface for enabling generation and control of a title bar, wherein the application programming interface includes a private part for managing the state of the title bar and a public part that provides an interface to the applications.
US08756519B2 Techniques for sharing content on a web page
Techniques that enable content from a web page to be shared directly with one or more targets, which may be an application, a buddy from a buddy list (e.g., in a chat application), and the like. An embodiment of the present invention can identify contents on a web page that are to be made sharable and make the identified contents sharable. The content that is made sharable can then be shared with a share target using, for example, drag and drop operations. For example, a user may select sharable content on a web page, drag the content to a target, and drop it directly on the target thereby sharing the content with the target.
US08756515B2 Dynamic editors for functionally composed UI
In an embodiment, a computer system instantiates a real-time incremental editor configured to receive editing inputs that are to be applied to data of a data model, where the data model data declaratively defines a UI model that drives the behavior of a corresponding UI based on the UI model. The computer system receives an editing input from a user indicating one or more desired edits that are to be made to the UI and determines, based on the received editing inputs, which changes are to be made to the data model data to enact the desired changes in the UI. The computer system updates the UI in real-time based on the determined edits to the data model data and presents the updated UI in real-time without losing state information in the resultant UI.
US08756510B2 Method and system for displaying photos, videos, RSS and other media content in full-screen immersive view and grid-view using a browser feature
User-initiated or intelligently automated acquisition, extraction and presentation of content such as photos, videos, and/or other content (e.g., news stories, product displays, advertisements, etc.), from a Web site in a full-screen slideshow via client-side software, which may be implemented as a stand-alone application, an extension (a.k.a. plug-in, or add-on), a Web browser feature (a.k.a. function), or as an embedded component associated with the content.
US08756505B2 Browser interpretable document for controlling a plurality of media players and systems and methods related thereto
A browser interpretable document comprising a first media file or a pointer to the first media file; a graphical user interface definition, or a pointer to the graphical user interface definition, the graphical user interface definition comprising a first user interface element and a function associated with the first user interface element; and, a set of commands, or a pointer to the set of commands, for controlling the operation of a plurality of media players; wherein, when the browser interpretable document is rendered by a conventional web browser, the web browser can render a graphical user interface based on the graphical user interface definition, and wherein the rendered graphical user interface controls one of the plurality of media players to facilitate playing of the first media file.
US08756503B2 Query generation from displayed text documents using virtual magnets
A system and method are provided for dynamically generating a query using touch gestures. A virtual magnet is movable on a display device of a tactile user interface in response to touch. A user selects one of a set of text documents for review, which is displayed on the display. The system is configured for recognizing a highlighting gesture on the tactile user interface over the displayed document as a selection of a text fragment from the document text. The virtual magnet is populated with a query which is based on the text fragment selected with the highlighting gesture. The populated magnet is able to cause a subset of displayed graphic objects to exhibit a response to the magnet as a function of the query and the text content of the respective documents which the objects represent and/or to cause responsive instances in a text document to be displayed.
US08756499B1 Gesture keyboard input of non-dictionary character strings using substitute scoring
In one example, a computing device may include at least one processor that outputs a graphical keyboard. The at least one processor may determine a selection of one or more keys; and determine a character string based on the one or more keys in the selection, wherein the character string is not included in a vocabulary used by the computing device to identify character strings. The at least one processor may, in response to determining that the character string is not included in the vocabulary used by the computing device to identify character strings, associate the character string with an out-of-vocabulary language model score; and determine, based at least in part on a spatial model score associated with the gesture and the out-of-vocabulary language model score, a combined score that indicates a probability that the character string corresponds to the gesture; and output for display the character string.
US08756489B2 Method and system for dynamic assembly of form fragments
A system for dynamic assembly of form fragments is provided. The system may reside on a computer system hosting a computing application and may include a request processor be configured to receive a request to generate an electronic form based on a host template and a document description, an insertion points processor, a stitching module, and an output module. The insertion points processor may be configured to parse the host template to determine an insertion point and determine a form fragment to be referenced in the host template at a location designated by the insertion point, based on information present in the document description. The stitching module may be configured to insert a reference to the form fragment into the host template at the location indicated by the insertion point. The output module may be configured to generate a result electronic form, utilizing the host template and the form fragment.
US08756487B2 System and method for context sensitive content management
A content management system (100) includes a plurality of devices (110) communicatively coupled to a content server (105). Each of the plurality of devices (125,135) has a context (130,140) associated with it. The content server (105) includes a content processor (115) and stores a plurality of content (150). The content processor (115) is adapted to receive a request for at least one context (120) from one of the plurality of devices (110); extract at least one context related information created from composed fragments from the request; and generate a context-based content (145) using the extracted at least one context related information.
US08756486B2 Method and apparatus for repairing high capacity/high bandwidth memory devices
Memory systems, systems and methods are described that may include a plurality of stacked memory device dice and a logic die connected to each other by through silicon vias. One such logic die includes an error code generator that generates error checking codes corresponding to write data. The error checking codes are stored in the memory device dice and are subsequently compared to error checking codes generated from data subsequently read from the memory device dice. In the event the codes do not match, an error signal can be generated. The logic die may contain a controller that records the address from which the data was read. The controller or memory access device may redirect accesses to the memory device dice at the recorded addresses. The controller can also examine addresses or data resulting in the error signals being generated to identify faults in the through silicon vias.
US08756485B1 Programmable gray code bit change generator
Processing a received signal includes receiving a code word that is different from an expected code word, determining, at least in part using a logic circuit, whether the difference between the received code word and the expected code word is acceptable based at least in part on one or more bit differences, and in the event it is determined that the difference is unacceptable, providing an indication of an error.
US08756481B2 Multiple-level memory cells and error detection
Memory, modules and methods for using error detection with multi-level memory cells where the number of storage levels of the memory cells is an integer power of a non-binary prime number are provided. Additional circuit and methods are disclosed.
US08756479B2 LDPC multi-decoder architectures
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with LDPC decoder architectures are described. According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes a super-parity-check matrix that corresponds to at least a portion of a low density parity check (LDPC) code matrix. The super-parity-check matrix is coupled to a high throughput LDPC decoder and a low throughput LDPC decoder. The super-parity-check matrix includes n parity check matrices, each including x rows corresponding to x check node processing elements and y columns corresponding to y bit node processing elements. Thus, the super-parity-check matrix comprises nx rows and ny columns. The numbers n, x, and y are selected so that ny codeword can be processed in single time unit by the high throughput decoder and y codeword bits can be processed in a single time unit by the low throughput decoder.
US08756478B2 Multi-level LDPC layer decoder
Various embodiments of the present invention are related to methods and apparatuses for decoding data, and more particularly to methods and apparatuses for multi-level layered LDPC decoding. For example, in one embodiment an apparatus includes a variable node processor and a check node processor. The variable node processor is operable to generate variable node to check node messages and to calculate perceived values based on check node to variable node messages. The check node processor is operable to generate the check node to variable node messages and to calculate checksums based on variable node to check node messages. The check node processor includes a min finder circuit operable to identify a minimum, a next minimum and an index of minimum value in the variable node to check node messages. The variable node processor and check node processor are operable to perform layered multi-level decoding.
US08756471B2 User equipment using hybrid automatic repeat request
A user equipment comprises a transmitter and an adaptive modulation and coding controller. The transmitter is configured to transmit data over an air interface in a single transmission time interval with a first specified modulation and coding scheme, where the single transmission time interval has a plurality of transport block sets. In response to receiving a repeat request for retransmission of at least one particular transport block set, the transmitter retransmits the at least one of the particular transport block sets. The adaptive modulation and coding controller is configured to change the specified modulation and coding scheme to a second specified modulation and coding scheme, enabling a combining of a particular transport block set transmitted at the first specified modulation and coding scheme with a retransmitted version of the particular transport block set transmitted at the second specified modulation and coding scheme.
US08756469B2 Method and apparatus for evaluating and optimizing a signaling system
A method and apparatus for evaluating and optimizing a signaling system is described. A pattern of test information is generated in a transmit circuit of the system and is transmitted to a receive circuit. A similar pattern of information is generated in the receive circuit and used as a reference. The receive circuit compares the patterns. Any differences between the patterns are observable. In one embodiment, a linear feedback shift register (LFSR) is implemented to produce patterns. An embodiment of the present disclosure may be practiced with various types of signaling systems, including those with single-ended signals and those with differential signals. An embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied to systems communicating a single bit of information on a single conductor at a given time and to systems communicating multiple bits of information on a single conductor simultaneously.
US08756467B2 Methods and apparatus for testing multiple-IC devices
Embodiments of integrated circuits include a first input interconnect, a second input interconnect, an output interconnect, a shift register, a select register, a test access port (TAP) controller, and select register decode circuitry. The TAP controller is coupled to the first input interconnect and the select register, and the TAP controller is configured to shift a select value provided on the first input interconnect into the select register. The select register decode circuitry is configured to control, based on the select value, which of a plurality of test data output signals are provided to the output interconnect, where the plurality of test data output signals includes a first test data output signal and a second test data output signal. The first test data output signal is provided by the shift register, and the second test data output signal is received from a second integrated circuit on the second input interconnect.
US08756464B2 Flash memory device and flash memory programming method equalizing wear-level
Disclosed are a flash memory device and flash memory programming method that equalizes a wear-level. The flash memory device includes a memory cell array, an inversion determining unit to generate a programming page through inverting or not inverting a data page based on a number of ‘1’s and ‘0’s in the data page, a programming unit to store the generated programming page in the memory cell array; and a data verifying unit to read the programming page stored in the memory cell array, to restore the data page from the programming page according to whether an error exists in the read programming page, and to output the restored data page, and thereby can equalize a wear-level of a memory cell.
US08756462B2 Configurable alert delivery for reducing the amount of alerts transmitted in a distributed processing system
Methods, systems, and computer program products for configurable alert delivery in a distributed processing system are provided. Embodiments include for each alert generated by an incident analyzer, applying active alert filters to the alert; wherein applying the active alert filters to the alert includes: creating a list of all active alert filters and a set of all active listeners; and for each active alert filter, running the active alert filter; if the active alert filter indicates that the alert should not go to one or more of the active listeners, removing the one or more active listeners from the set of all active listeners; if the active listeners set is empty, stopping processing of the alert; and if the active listeners set is not empty, selecting the next active alert filter from the active alert filter list.
US08756453B2 Communication system with diagnostic capabilities
A first component, executing in a first data processing system, receives, over a data communication network using a first adapter, a first diagnostic heartbeat packet from a second adapter in a second data processing system. The first heartbeat packet comprises a header, a set of heartbeat parameters, and a set of diagnostic attributes. The first component determines, based on a set of values corresponding to the set of diagnostic attributes, that a soft network error condition exists in the data communication network. The soft network error condition is a network error condition that adversely affects the transmission of packets having certain properties in the data communication network. The first component stores the set of values in a state information record associated with the first component and re-routes data traffic from one link to a different link between the first and the second data processing systems.
US08756452B2 Using pulses to control work ingress
Pulses are used to control work ingress. Generally, a variable-speed clock is used for accepting work for lower-priority services. A clock rate is controlled by a load monitor. The load monitor periodically collects sensor measurements of resources available after allocations by higher-priority services. Based on the sensor measurements, the load monitor adjusts the clock speed up or down (i.e., depending on the amount of resources available after allocations by higher-priority services). At the boundary of the lower-priority service (e.g., where work enters the system), work requests are enqueued to be associated with a future pulse of the clock. Work is accepted or rejected based on a determination of whether the work request can be allocated a clock pulse within a defined period of time.
US08756449B2 Phase-based operation of devices on a polyphase electric distribution system
In one embodiment, a device in a computer network monitors an alternating-current (AC) waveform of an electrical power source at the device, where the power source is part of a polyphase power source system. Once the device determines a particular phase of the polyphase power source system at the device, then the device joins a directed acyclic graph (DAG) specific to the particular phase. In another embodiment, a device detects a time of a zero crossing of the AC waveform, and may then determine a particular phase of the polyphase power source system at the device based on the time of the zero crossing relative to a corresponding location within a frequency hopping superframe of the computer network.
US08756441B1 Data center energy manager for monitoring power usage in a data storage environment having a power monitor and a monitor module for correlating associative information associated with power consumption
A system and method for monitoring power usage in a data storage environment, the system comprising a data storage system, a power monitor coupled to the data storage system and configured to monitor power consumption of the data storage system, a database in communication with the power monitor in order to communicate the monitored power consumption to the database, and computer-executable program code operating in memory coupled with a processor in communication with the database, wherein the computer-executable program code is configured to enable a processor to execute logic to receive power consumption information about the monitored power consumption, and display the monitored power consumption information to a user.
US08756429B2 Tunable encryption system
A method, programmed medium and system are provided for enabling a user to choose a user-preferred encryption type from among a plurality of encryption types listed in a user's Kerberos configuration file. During the ticket granting process in a Kerberos system, a user is requested to select a preferred encryption type to be used in the Kerberos communication from among encryption types contained in the user's Kerberos configuration file. The user-selected encryption type is then implemented for use in encrypting a session ticket (as well as generating the session key of user requested encryption type) for use by the user machine in communicating securely with an Kerberized application server when being communicated by that particular user. Thus, the system allows different users to simultaneously communicate with the same Kerberized application server using a supported encryption type of the user's own choice.
US08756427B2 Secure time functionality for a wireless device
The present invention is related to a wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) for providing advanced security functions. The WTRU includes trusted platform module (TPM) for performing trusted computing operations; and a secure time component (STC) for providing a secure measurement of a current time. The STC and the TPM are integrated to provide accurate trusted time information to internal and external to the WTRU. The STC may be located on an expanded a subscriber identity module (SIM), on the WTRU platform, or two STCs may be used, one in each location. Similarly, the TPM may be located on an expanded SIM, on the WTRU platform, or two TPMs may be used, one in each location. Preferably, the STC will include a real time clock (RTC); a tamper detection and power failure unit; and a time report and sync controller.
US08756424B2 Load balancing hash computation for network switches
Techniques to avoid polarization in a communication network include a network switch or device having a first interface to receive a data unit or packet, and a second interface via which the packet is transmitted from the network device. The network device includes a hash value generator configured to generate, using a depolarizer, a depolarized key from an initial key (where the initial key is based on contents of the packet and the depolarizer is unique to the network device), and to generate a hash value based on the depolarized key and the packet by using a hash function that is common to all network devices in the network. The hash value may be optionally modified to load balance egress traffic of the network device. The network device selects an egress link or port, such as by determining an index into an egress table based on the (modified) hash value.
US08756421B2 Authentication device using true random number generating element or pseudo-random number generating element, authentication apparatus, and authentication method
Provided are an authentication device using a true random number generating element or a pseudo-random number generating element, for example, a USB token, an authentication apparatus using the same, an authentication method, an authentication system and the like. In the authentication system, the authentication device is prepared on a user side, and one code generated in the authentication device is used to encrypt another code. The authentication apparatus registers the codes and decrypts the encrypted code sent from the authentication device by using the registered codes to perform an authentication.
US08756420B2 System and method for encrypting and storing data
A computing device connects with a vision measuring machine (VMS). Then the computing device generates a one time password (OTP). A size of the OTP, the OTP are stored in a predefined file. The computing device obtains a size of measurement program codes of the VMS. The size of the OTP and the size of the measurement program codes are stored in the predefined file. The measurement program codes are encrypted by the OTP. If the measurement data includes image data of an object which is measured by the VMS, the computing device stores the encrypted program codes, a type of the image data, image data, and a size of the image data in the predefined file.
US08756412B2 Gateway supporting transparent redundancy in process control systems and other systems and related method
A method includes synchronizing a first gateway with information from a second gateway. The second gateway operates in a primary role with at least one primary network address. The second gateway communicates with at least one wireless device that uses at least one encryption key during at least one secure communication session. The information includes the at least one encryption key. The method also includes detecting a switchover event at the first gateway. The method further includes, in response to detecting the switchover event, switching the first gateway to the primary role, communicating using the at least one primary network address, and maintaining the at least one secure communication session at the first gateway after the first gateway switches to the primary role.
US08756408B2 Hardware reset reason
Some microprocessors and microcontrollers have a bi-directional reset pin. In such devices, output signals on the reset pin are decoded by reset reason decode logic circuitry. The output of the reset reason decode logic can be provided to another device or processor, which generates a readily recognizable output signal indicative of a reason why the processor reset. Output signals that can indicate why a processor was reset can include a high or low state of different durations, serial bit streams or a number of pulses, each of which correspond to and therefore identify a reason why the processor was reset.
US08756405B2 Selective routing of local memory accesses and device thereof
A data processor is disclosed that accesses its local memory by routing requests through a data path that is external the data processor. A reservation/decoration controller implements specialized handling associated with a received request to access local memory. In addition to implementing special handling, a memory controller that is associated with the reservation/decoration controller routes a corresponding access request back to the data processor core to access its local memory.
US08756402B2 Processing module, processor circuit, instruction set for processing data, and method for synchronizing the processing of codes
A processing module, a processor circuit, an instruction set for processing data, and a method for synchronizing the processing of codes are provided. In an embodiment of the invention, a processing module for processing instructions, the instructions relating to user data and control data according to a communication protocol. The processing module includes a first processing circuit configured to process the instructions relating to the control data, and a second processing circuit configured to process the instructions relating to the user data.
US08756395B2 Controlling DRAM at time DRAM ready to receive command when exiting power down
Methods of operation of a memory device and system are provided in embodiments. Initialization operations are conducted at a first frequency of operation during an initialization sequence. Memory access operations are then performed at a second frequency of operation. The second frequency of operation is higher than the first frequency of operation. Also, the memory access operations include a read operation and a write operation. In an embodiment, information that represents the first frequency of operation and the second frequency of operation is read from a serial presence detect device.
US08756385B2 Software configuration item back-up facility
A system may identify a second software configuration item for possible backup in response to selection of a first software configuration item for backup, where the first and second software configuration items are related. The system may include a detecting unit for detecting information regarding at least one hardware and at least two software configuration items. A repository may store a set of data for each configuration item based on the detected information. The set of data may include a predetermined attribute of the configuration item and a relation between the configuration item and another configuration item. An identifying unit may then identify the second software configuration item from the attribute and/or the relation upon selection of the first software configuration item for backup.
US08756378B2 Broadcast protocol for a network of caches
A method for managing caches, including: broadcasting, by a first cache agent operatively connected to a first cache and using a first physical network, a first peer-to-peer (P2P) request for a memory address; issuing, by a second cache agent operatively connected to a second cache and using a second physical network, a first response to the first P2P request based on a type of the first P2P request and a state of a cacheline in the second cache corresponding to the memory address; issuing, by a third cache agent operatively connected to a third cache, a second response to the first P2P request; and upgrading, by the first cache agent and based on the first response and the second response, a state of a cacheline in the first cache corresponding to the memory address.
US08756359B2 Computer system including CPU or peripheral bridge to communicate serial bits of peripheral component interconnect bus transaction and low voltage differential signal channel to convey the serial bits
A computer system for multi-processing purposes. The computer system has a console comprising a first coupling site and a second coupling site. Each coupling site comprises a connector. The console is an enclosure that is capable of housing each coupling site. The system also has a plurality of computer modules, where each of the computer modules is coupled to a connector. Each of the computer modules has a processing unit, a main memory coupled to the processing unit, a graphics controller coupled to the processing unit, and a mass storage device coupled to the processing unit. Each of the computer modules is substantially similar in design to each other to provide independent processing of each of the computer modules in the computer system.
US08756347B2 Image display apparatus, monitor apparatus and image processing apparatus
According to our invention, linked operation between a monitor apparatus for displaying images, and a set-top box for transmitting image signals to the monitor apparatus via a required interface, can be achieved properly, even if both units are constructed in casings separate from each other. The monitor apparatus uses a CEC line to transmit a CEC vendor command including at least a code associated with unit information, and the set-top box apparatus transmits the CEC vendor command including at least the code associated with the unit information. Upon receiving the vendor command from the set-top box apparatus, the monitor apparatus switches to the linked operation with the set-top box.
US08756345B2 Methods and structure for managing protection information with a serial attached SCSI expander
Methods and structure are provided for managing Protection Information (PI) in a Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) expander. The Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) expander comprises a Serial Management Protocol (SMP) target. The SMP target is operable to receive, from a Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks (RAID) controller, an SMP command for managing Protection Information (PI) for a RAID volume at the SAS expander. The expander further comprises a control unit operable to generate PI for the RAID volume in response to receiving the SMP command from the controller, and a Serial SCSI Protocol (SSP) initiator operable to generate SSP commands for writing the PI to a storage device that provisions the RAID volume based upon input from the control unit.
US08756330B2 System and method for determining trust for SIP messages
A method performed by a first network node of an IMS Network is provided. The method includes receiving a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) in a header field in a first SIP message; receiving a token in the header field in the first SIP message, the token indicative of a type of a network node in a path of the first SIP message; and based on the received token, sending a second SIP message including the received URI, the second message conveying information about the first network node.
US08756318B1 Software deployment using client location
A software distribution mechanism evaluates network addresses of requesting clients to determine a location for each client. The clients from a particular location are grouped together and a fraction of those clients in a particular group are recipients of a software distribution. The faction is adjusted to enable more or fewer clients to download, thus effectively throttling the amount of bandwidth consumed by a mass distribution event. The fraction may be adjusted for particular geographical locations and the time of day to make more effective use of network bandwidth.
US08756317B2 System and method for authenticating a user for accessing an email account using authentication token
A system authenticates a user for accessing an electronic mailbox of the user from a remote device and obtaining electronic mail (email). An email server is provided by an email service provider and contains the electronic mailbox of the user. A mobile office platform is operative for accessing the email server and determines if an authentication token is required to access the electronic mailbox of the user. An authentication token is received from the email server or other server if an authentication token is required. Access is attempted to the electronic mailbox of the user using the authentication token. The authentication token is stored for subsequent use by the user to access their electronic mailbox if access to the electronic mailbox using the token has been successful.
US08756305B2 Information processing apparatus and connection control method for joining a wireless network and searching for a printer having a predetermined function
Identification information for identifying each network out of a plurality of wireless networks is received. A wireless network identified by arbitrary identification information is wirelessly connected. Whether a printer in the wirelessly connected wireless network has a function of connecting a digital camera and performing output processing is inquired of the printer. Connection to the printer is controlled in accordance with a response to the inquiry. The digital camera performs output processing together with the connected printer. An information output apparatus having a function of connecting an information storage terminal apparatus by simple operation and performing output processing can be wirelessly connected.
US08756301B2 Systems and methods for organic knowledge base runbook automation
The present invention is directed towards systems and methods for automating runbook documentation. The method according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises receiving a network event and determining whether the event is a known or unknown event. The method comprises executing a policy associated with the event if the event is known event. The method comprises passing the event to the operator for review against a database of existing runbooks if the event is an unknown event. The method comprises executing an existing policy if the operator identifies a runbook for the runbook event. The method comprises requesting a new policy for the event if the operator does not identify an existing runbook for the event.
US08756297B2 Energy-efficient content caching with custodian-based routing in content-centric networks
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for facilitating custodian-based routing. During operation, the system receives, at a computing device serving as a backup custodian to one or more mobile devices, a request for a piece of content from a requesting device, which has mapped the content to the computing device based on the content's name without using the computing device's physical address. The system determines whether the content is available on the computing device. In response to the content not being available on the computing device, the system identifies a mobile device that stores the content, and obtains the content from the identified mobile device. The system then caches the content on the computing device, thereby enabling the computing device to provide the content in response to subsequent requests without connecting to the identified mobile device, and provides the content to the requesting device.
US08756287B2 E-mail delivery device, E-mail delivery system, and E-mail delivery program
When a membership number acquisition unit obtains a membership number from a management device, an identification information creation unit assigns a unique identification data to the membership number, creates identification information element containing the assigned identification data and the obtained membership number, and assigns an e-mail storing unit to the identification information element on a one-to-one basis. When a target e-mail acquisition unit obtains the selected membership number and the e-mail from the management device, a delivery unit identifies the identification information element that contains the membership number that agrees with the obtained selected membership number and stores the obtained e-mail in the e-mail storing unit that corresponds to the specified identification information element.
US08756275B2 Variable speed collaborative web browsing system
The present invention is directed towards computerized social networks and e-commerce including facilitating ad-hoc screen sharing and co-browsing between users of a social network. The collaborative web browsing method comprising providing a server computer having a Shopping With A Friend (SWAF) server engine coupled to a database, a SWAF client engine coupled to the SWAF server engine and a plurality of client computers each having a web browser program that runs the SWAF client engine. The web browser program does not include a collaboration plug-in.
US08756273B2 Handling of cross-system metadata in a system landscape with a hub and backend-systems
A system and method for handling of cross-system metadata in a system landscape with a hub and backend systems is presented. Reference metadata that is associated with a first backend system and that refers to metadata of a second backend system is stored in a storage associated with the first backend system, the storage further separately storing backend system metadata that is associated only with the first backend system. Connecting metadata, which establishes a connection between backend system metadata associated with the first backend system and backend system metadata of any other backend system, is stored separately. At 206, the first backend system is linked to the hub by the connecting metadata from storage associated with the first backend system to a hub storage associated with the hub. The connecting metadata is activated in the hub to link the first backend system with the second backend system.
US08756272B1 Processing encoded content
A system and method for the management of client computing device content requests by service providers are provided. The requested content corresponds to content organized as a series of ordered frames, which include a number of reference frames. The management of the content requests can include the selection of computing devices corresponding to various Point of Presence locations for providing requested content. The selection of the computing devices can incorporate logic related to the delivery of a first subset of the content from a Point of Presence based on minimizing delivery latencies. The selection of the computing devices can incorporate logic related to the delivery of a second subset of the content from a second Point of Presence based on minimizing costs associated with delivery of the second subset.
US08756263B2 Binary logic unit and method to operate a binary logic unit
A binary logic unit to apply any Boolean operation on two input signals (va, vb) is described, wherein any Boolean operation to be applied on the input signals (va, vb) is defined by a particular combination of well defined control signals (ctl0, ctl1, ctl2, ctl3), wherein the input signals (va, vb) are used to select a control signal (ctl0, ctl1, ctl2, ctl3) as an output signal (vo) of the binary logic unit representing the result of a particular Boolean operation applied on the two input signals (va, vb). Furthermore a method to operate such a binary logic unit is described.
US08756256B2 Method and systems for the management of non volatile items and provisioning files for a communication device with multiple service accounts
Methods and systems enable communication devices equipped with software defined radio based chipset modules to seamlessly re-program the communication device to operate on any of a variety of service provider networks. By re-programming a communication device equipped with software defined radio based chipset module, the communication device can support communications over both UMTS and CDMA communication networks. An environment is provided which allows a user to quickly and efficiently switch between service provider accounts supporting communications.
US08756246B2 Method and system for caching lexical mappings for RDF data
Disclose is an improved approach for caching lexical values for RDF data. A compact, efficient resource ID to value mapping is stored in memory, where the cache is stored in memory such that the overhead of accessing and updating it is minimized. The advantage of this approach is improved query performance, since the database is performing less work with the in-memory RDF resource caching. In addition, throughput and performance of the database are also improved.
US08756230B2 Quality validation method
A quality validation method to improve inspection and validation processes by increasing their quality, efficiency, and positive impact. This method automatically prompts operators at one or more validation stations to follow a validation path comprising one or more validation items configurable by part number. It allows for automatic or manual feedback on the result of each item checked, the ability to enforce a particular pack-out consist based upon user provided specifications, and the ability of historically storing inspection results comprising container, part and inspection item information and results. It additionally provides an easily accessible interface to configure validation items and areas by part number, configure validation paths comprising of a variable quantity and order of validation items, and obtain information in a variety of useful formats.
US08756215B2 Indexing documents
A document to be indexed is initially indexed in dependence upon language-specific rules of a single language. A success metric is used to assess the effectiveness of the single language indexing. If a threshold level of success is not attained, the document is identified as multi-lingual. In response to identifying the document as multi-lingual, the document is queued for multi-lingual indexing. A document may be fragmented into a number of smaller documents, each of which is indexed separately.
US08756204B2 Asynchronous multi-level undo support in javascript grid
Architecture for multi-level undo on a client in grid-based applications. The architecture is a control driven cascading changes system where change tracking works seamlessly in asynchronous (and synchronous) scenarios. A client application is associated with a grid object and, instantiates and configures the grid object. The application can initiate a change to data in the grid and/or the user can edit the data in the grid directly. A result of the change is a notification to the application, the notification including an order key. The application consumes the notification and can then append new changes based on synchronous or asynchronous computations by calling an update function using the order key. The application uses the key to attach further updates which are properly collected together for undo/redo.
US08756203B2 Systems and methods of media management, such as management of media to and from a media storage library
A system and method for determining media to be exported out of a media library is described. In some examples, the system determines a media component to be exported, determines the media component is in the media library for a specific process, and exports the media component after the process is completed.
US08756199B2 File level hierarchical storage management system, method, and apparatus
Time required for a file server to determine files to be migrated from a first storage region to a second storage region is reduced. A file service system coupled to the storage system for providing a first storage region and a second storage region stores identifiers of files that have been accessed by a client, in accessed file identifier information and determines the files to be migrated from the first storage region to the second storage region based on metadata of the files stored in the first storage region and the accessed file identifier information.
US08756197B1 Generating data set views for backup restoration
A system and method for creating a consistent view of previously backed up data. In one embodiment, a point in time copy of a set of data is requested. The point in time copy includes a base image of the set of data and additional data corresponding to transactions targeted to the set of data which are received during creation of the point in time copy. A subset of the additional data usable to generate a consistent view of the set of data from the base image is determined. A file that includes a set of changes to the base image represented by the subset is created and stored in association with the base image. Responsive to a request for access to the copy, the previously stored subset is utilized to create a consistent virtual view of the copy from the base image.
US08756195B2 Universal delta set management
The different advantageous embodiments provide a method for identifying changes in data sets. An ending version for a data set is received. A beginning version for the data set is identified. The ending version for the data set is compared with the beginning version for the data set. A number of differences is calculated between the ending version and the beginning version. A data structure is created that identifies the number of differences between the ending version and the beginning version.
US08756187B2 Systems and methods for providing recommendations based on collaborative and/or content-based nodal interrelationships
In selected embodiments a recommendation generator builds a network of interrelationships between venues, reviewers and users based on their attributes and reviewer and user reviews of the venues. Each interrelationship or link may be positive or negative and may accumulate with other links (or anti-links) to provide nodal links the strength of which are based on commonality of attributes among the linked nodes and/or common preferences that one node, such as a reviewer, expresses for other nodes, such as venues. The links may be first order (based on a direct relationship between, for instance, a reviewer and a venue) or higher order (based on, for instance, the fact that two venue are both liked by a given reviewer). The recommendation engine in certain embodiments determines recommended venues based on user attributes and venue preferences by aggregating the link matrices and determining the venues which are most strongly coupled to the user.
US08756183B1 System for representing, storing, and reconstructing an input signal
Described is a system for representing, storing, and reconstructing an input signal. The system constructs an index of unique polychronous groups (PCGs) from a spiking neuron network. Thereafter, a basis set of spike codes is generated from the unique PCGs. An input signal can then be received, with the input signal being spike encoded using the basis set of spike codes from the unique PCGs. The input signal can then be reconstructed by looking up in a reconstruction table, for each unique PCG in the basis set in temporal order according to firing times, anchor neurons. Using a neuron assignment table, an output location can be looked up for each anchor neuron to place a value based on the firing times of each unique PCG. Finally, the output locations of the anchor neurons can be compiled to reconstruct the input signal.
US08756171B2 Generating predictions from a probabilistic process model
A method for predictive analytics in a semi-structured process including updating, iteratively, at least one probability of a probabilistic process model based on a completed task, wherein updating the at least one probability of the probabilistic process model includes receiving the probabilistic process model associated with a todo list including a plurality of tasks of the semi-structured process, defining a cost of each of the plurality of tasks, prioritizing the plurality of tasks according to the costs, and recommending a next task from the todo list according to a prioritization
US08756157B1 Method for providing a card-linked offer
A system transfers money to a payee's payment card account, without requiring an additional payment card or without acquiring a payee's payment card or account information. A payee registers a payment account with a service provider. A system receives an identification, generated from a business entity, of the payee and information associated with a notice to be transmitted to a device associated with the payee. The system transmits the notice (advertisement or offer) to the device, the notice being associated, prior to the transmitting, with the payee payment account and being transmitted prior to the payee buying product or service associated with the notice using the payee payment account. The system receives receiving an indication of a purchase associated with the notice and completed using the payee payment account and applies an amount of money associated with the notice as a discount.
US08756152B2 Operational risk back-testing process using quantitative methods
Methods, computer-readable media, and apparatuses are disclosed for quantifying risk and control assessments. The risk includes both residual risk and direction of risk. Various aspects of the invention quantitatively compare the risk and control assessments against step-ahead losses using special regression models that are particularly applicable to this kind of data. The empirical comparison may be performed on both loss event frequency and severity in two different and separate dimensions. The empirical comparison may also be performed using losses extracted by even occurrence and event settlement dates in two separate dates.
US08756145B2 Method and system for vendor-neutral subcontractor enablement
A method implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code, includes receiving information in support of a bid and determining if value-add eligibility criteria is met. Additionally, the method includes calculating a bid price based on the information if the value-add eligibility criteria is met, updating a record indicating the bid price and tracking additions and changes to the record.
US08756144B2 Securities auction system and method
A system and method of conducting a securities auction through the use of a computer network including programs and databases to be accessed by participants through the Internet using a standard browser. The seller inputs bid requests through a website that may be accessed by bidders once they are logged into the host computer network. All bids are entered into the computer and are accessible to all bidders on a real time basis as the auction proceeds. Additionally the bids and their times of entry are updated automatically as the auction proceeds so that all bidders are aware of the prices and status of all bids and whether any trades have been executed.
US08756143B1 Computer-aided auctioning method and auctioning system
A computer-based auction method and auction system in which vendors offer products, services and/or information as auction objects, auction object data relating to the auction objects being captured in an input module and being disseminated over telecommunications channels, and in which interested customers make auction bids for offered auction objects, bid data being prepared and being sent over a telecommunications network to an evaluation unit, where they are evaluated and the best bid for the auction object is determined, class designations based on a predefined object classification being inserted into the auction object data and the auction object data being filtered based on customer-specific object profiles, and during the preparation of the bid data in the communication terminal of the customer a bid amount entered by the interested customer is linked to at least certain data contained in the auction object data.
US08756133B2 Method and system for a deferred variable annuity with benefit payments as a function of an age-based withdrawal percent
A computer system for processing data relating to a deferred variable annuity contract during the accumulation phase includes a data storage device storing data relating to the deferred variable annuity contract, including a payment base value, a contract value, a withdrawal percent, a birth date of a relevant life, and a formula for determining, based on the withdrawal percent and a withdrawal base value, an available periodic benefit payment amount that does not decrease the payment base; and a processor. The processor is configured to determine a withdrawal percent applicable to a date, based on whether the date is prior to a date of a selected birthday of the relevant life.
US08756128B2 Self-perpetuation of a stochastically varying resource pool
A computer-readable medium has encoded thereon software for maintaining a steady-state worth of an inhomogenous renewable resource pool. The software includes instructions for causing a data-processing system to evaluate an indicator of a historical worth of the resource pool, to determine a draw amount at least in part on the basis of this indicator, and to output data representative of that draw amount.
US08756125B1 Method and system for providing remote financial assistance
A method for providing remote financial assistance involves obtaining a request from a customer for financial assistance, and scheduling an appointment slot selected from multiple appointment slots, based on the request, where the scheduled appointment slot is associated with a financial professional selected from multiple financial professionals, where the multiple financial professionals are geographically dispersed, and where the financial professional provides remote financial assistance to the customer, in the scheduled appointment slot, by inputting financial information associated with the customer into a financial professional online interface.
US08756123B2 Inventory verification using inventory snapshots
Various embodiments of systems and methods for inventory verification using inventory snapshots are described herein. In response to a first inventory posting in a current time period, a current open inventory snapshot is created with inventory information. If there is a previously open inventory snapshot that is created in a previous time period before the current period, then the previously open inventory snapshot is closed. To verify inventory for a past time period, a difference between an inventory snapshot that is valid for the past time period and an inventory snapshot that is valid for a time period previous to the past time period is compared with aggregated inventory change confirmations posted in the past time period. An error indicator is provided if there is a mismatch between the difference and the aggregated inventory change confirmations.
US08756120B2 Hybrid context-sensitive matching algorithm for retrieving product catalogue information
A hybrid context information matching approach may produce a customized product catalogue based on the user's context and the mobile device the user is using. A Knowledge Base (KB) and a KB manager, along with various processes perform specific collaborative tasks in order to achieve the overall goal of producing a customized product catalogue. In addition, the effort builds and/or updates the KB. Various contextual inputs are provided from both the user environment and data repositories. Hybrid matching is performed in order to determine optimal search results based on the contextual input provided.
US08756119B1 Shipment aggregation in mobile phone order fulfillment
A method for aggregating mobile phone orders for shipping to a recipient comprising analyzing, by a server computer, orders placed via a plurality of ordering systems, wherein the orders may comprises a plurality of ordered items; identifying, by the server computer, recipient addresses with common destinations; unifying, by the server computer, the identified recipient addresses with common destinations; determining, by the server computer, criteria for when to release an order for shipment to a recipient; accumulating, by the server computer, ordered items for the recipient; combining, by the server computer, the accumulated ordered items into a shipment, wherein a shipment comprises at least one container; and releasing, by the server computer, the container for shipment when at least one of the criteria is met.
US08756118B1 Shopping at e-commerce sites within a business procurement application
In an embodiment, a method comprises sending, from a procurement computer to a client computer, a message indicating that a pre-authorization request for one or more requested items from an e-commerce website was approved; causing displaying a particular item as approved for purchase from the e-commerce website; causing launching a web browser and causing downloading a shopping cart webpage of the e-commerce website; sending, from the procurement computer to the shopping cart webpage, item information associated with the particular item, and causing displaying the item information on the shopping cart webpage as one of one or more ordered items; in response to determining that the user requested to proceed to a checkout webpage, causing downloading the checkout webpage and causing displaying the one or more ordered items on the checkout webpage; causing placing a purchase order for the one or more ordered items from the checkout webpage.
US08756117B1 Sku based contract management in an electronic procurement system
A single instance, multi-tenant procurement system, includes an access module to provide access to a plurality of end users associated with an organization to their respective accounts, each account being customized by a super user of the organization, a search engine to execute searches for products offered by one or more suppliers, a transaction module to process and track one or more requisitions generated by the plurality of end users, a business rules module to apply business rules established between the organization and the one or more suppliers to process the requisitions, and a data repository to store data generated on the system.
US08756115B2 System and method for constructing and marketing a modular bird feeder
A modular system and method is provided that enables the consumer to design/build his or her own bird feeder based on interchangeable modular components that include multiple bases of different styles, multiple nutrient reservoirs of different styles, and one or more additional components, each having different styles. The system and method provides an on-line store that allows consumers to view the various styles for each component and to select their own base, reservoir, etc. Once the desired components have been selected on-line, a bill of materials listing the components is printed at a manufacturing facility where the selected components are pulled from a common inventory, assembled into a custom feeder and shipped to the consumer.
US08756110B2 Methods of processing information and transactions involving digital content and/or experiences associated with celebrities and networked users
Systems and methods are disclosed for processing transactions and associated data. In one exemplary implementation, there is provided a method for processing information associated with transactions involving a product, wherein the product may comprise an experience, a physical product, and/or a digital product. Moreover, illustrative methods may include performing processing associated with a plurality of subroutines, such as a first subroutine for handling an experience, a second subroutine for handling a physical product and/or a digital product, and/or one or more additional subroutines associated with fulfillment.
US08756108B2 Dynamic hosting shopping cart
According to an embodiment, a system comprises a remote server adapted to interact with a buyer device and one or more other servers over a network, wherein the remote server is adapted to implement a shopping cart. The system also comprises one or more processors, and one or more memories adapted to store a plurality of machine-readable instructions which when executed by the one or more processors are adapted to cause the system to receive, at the remote server, first transaction information from the buyer device through the shopping cart, wherein the first transaction information comprises a transaction request from a first seller; receive, at the remote server, second transaction information from the buyer device through the shopping cart, wherein the second transaction information comprises a transaction request from a second seller; and process the first and second transaction information through the shopping cart for the first and second seller.
US08756104B2 Method and system for generating and distributing electronic communications for maximum revenue
Systems and methods are disclosed for providing content in accordance with informational campaigns or advertisements administered by one or more distribution partners. the distribution partners typically revenue share with the system administrator (system owner), who coordinates the informational campaigns and sends electronic mails (e-mails) associated therewith. By applying a distribution optimization formula to various informational or advertising campaigns of the distribution partners, e-mails with links to these distribution partners will be sent to users, and each user who opens the e-mail and clicks on a portion of the e-mail over an underlying link, will be directed to the requisite distribution partner, typically the server associated therewith.
US08756086B1 System and method to evaluate the effectiveness of a given advertising source in generating sales leads and monitoring how sales leads were handled including providing training to improve salesperson effectiveness and followup reporting to monitor sales efforts and training
A system evaluate the effectiveness of a given advertising source in generating sales leads and monitoring how the sales leads were handled. Providing a detailed computerized system to provide reports to customer's managers to advise them how effective a given advertising program or medium was in generating sales leads and to advise them how many responses were genuine potential customers interested in buying the product or service. Also providing a system to monitor how sales lead were handled by sales personnel including evaluation on how a sales call was handled and if a sales lead was successfully completed as a sale.
US08756083B2 System and method for identifying and assessing comparative negligence in insurance claims
The invention is a method and system useful in determining the degree of comparative negligence of an insured person involved in an accident as compared to the comparable negligence of other parties involved in the accident, in particular the insurance claimant. The method and system of the invention include, at a minimum, the steps of gathering preliminary information concerning accident type, applying preliminary rules to the preliminary information to determine accident type, gathering additional information specific to the accident type, and applying accident-type-specific rules to the additional information to determine the degree comparative negligence of said insured person and/or the claimant.
US08756079B2 Methods and apparatus for applying user corrections to medical fact extraction
A method for applying a user correction to medical fact extraction may include extracting, using at least one processor, a first set of one or more medical facts from a first portion of a text documenting a patient encounter. A correction to the first set of medical facts may be received from a user documenting the patient encounter. A second set of one or more medical facts may be extracted from a second portion of the text based at least in part on the user's correction to the first set of medical facts. An apparatus for applying a user correction to medical fact extraction may include at least one processor and at least one computer-readable storage medium storing processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, perform the above-described method. At least one computer-readable storage medium may be encoded with computer-executable instructions that perform the above-described method.
US08756076B2 HIPAA-compliant third party access to electronic medical records
Methods, computer systems, and computer storage media are provided for providing a third-party user HIPAA-compliant access to an electronic medical record system at a clinical site. A request for a clinical study participant list is received from the third-party user, and it is determined that the third-party user has viewing and access rights with respect to the clinical study participant list. The third-party user can select a participant on the clinical study participant list and access the participant's electronic medical record within the electronic medical record system. The electronic medical record is presented to the third-party user in a read-only view, and the third-party user is prevented from searching the EMR system for other electronic medical records.
US08756074B2 Systems and methods for providing a real-time health risk assessment
Systems and methods are provided for providing a real-time health risk assessment generated based on a plurality of health parameters entered via a plurality of health parameter controls. A health parameter entry interface includes a plurality of health parameter controls to enter values, where the values include demographic parameters, health history parameters, and family history parameters. A disease risk interface includes an alphanumeric depiction of risks of a person developing one or more health conditions based on values entered using the health parameter entry interface. A disease risk location identification interface includes a picture of a human body, where when a risk of a person developing a health condition is greater than a threshold, a graphic is displayed on the picture of the human body at a position associated with the health condition.
US08756068B2 Speech decoder, speech encoder, speech decoding method, speech encoding method, storage medium for storing speech decoding program, and storage medium for storing speech encoding program
A speech decoder includes a demultiplexing unit, a low frequency band decoding unit, a band splitting filter bank unit, a coded sequence analysis unit, a coded sequence decoding/dequantization unit, a high frequency band generation unit, low frequency band time envelope calculation units that acquire a plurality of low frequency band time envelopes, a time envelope calculation unit that calculates high frequency band time envelopes using time envelope information and the plurality of low frequency band time envelopes, a time envelope adjustment unit that adjusts the time envelope of high frequency band components using the time envelopes obtained by the time envelope calculation unit, and a band synthesis filter bank unit.
US08756061B2 Speech syllable/vowel/phone boundary detection using auditory attention cues
In syllable or vowel or phone boundary detection during speech, an auditory spectrum may be determined for an input window of sound and one or more multi-scale features may be extracted from the auditory spectrum. Each multi-scale feature can be extracted using a separate two-dimensional spectro-temporal receptive filter. One or more feature maps corresponding to the one or more multi-scale features can be generated and an auditory gist vector can be extracted from each of the one or more feature maps. A cumulative gist vector may be obtained through augmentation of each auditory gist vector extracted from the one or more feature maps. One or more syllable or vowel or phone boundaries in the input window of sound can be detected by mapping the cumulative gist vector to one or more syllable or vowel or phone boundary characteristics using a machine learning algorithm.
US08756056B2 Apparatus and method for determining a quantizer step size
For determining a quantizer step size for quantizing a signal including audio or video information, a first quantizer step size as well as an interference threshold are provided. Then, the actual interference introduced by the first quantizer step size is determined and compared with the interference threshold. Despite the fact that the comparison reveals that the actually introduced interference exceeds the threshold, a second, coarser quantizer step size is nevertheless used, which will then be used for quantization if it turns out that the interference introduced by the coarser, second quantizer step size falls below the threshold or falls below the interference introduced by the first quantizer step size. Thus, the quantization interference is reduced while the quantization is coarsened and, thus, the compression gain is increased.
US08756035B2 Visualization employing heat maps to convey quality, prognostics, or diagnostics information
A visualization system for creating, displaying and animating overview and detail heat map displays for industrial automation. The visualization system connects the heat map displays to an interface component providing manual or automatic input data from an industrial process or an archive of historical industrial process input data. The animated heat map displays providing quality, prognostic or diagnostic information.
US08756034B2 Test installation for electrical filters
A test installation for electrical filter installations has, in the interior of a housing, a dust measurement device, a converter control cabinet, a feed for the converter control cabinet, a computer, connecting apparatuses for connecting the dust measurement device to a clean and a raw-gas dust channel of the electrical filter installation, cables for connecting the converter control cabinet to a high-voltage rectifier for the electrical filter installation, as well as a power connection, and wherein the housing has recesses for passing through at least the connecting apparatuses, the cable and power supplies for the feed and for the power connection.
US08756033B2 Ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system and control method thereof
An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system not depending on an operator who operates the apparatus is provided. The system includes a measuring unit (coordinate calculation section 2034) that measures a relative position and a relative posture of the ultrasonic probe with respect to an examinee using image information on the examinee acquired by the ultrasonic probe, a control amount calculation unit (2035) that calculates an amount of control of the position and posture of the ultrasonic probe based on the measurement result of the measuring unit and at least one of a probe control mechanism that controls the position and posture of the ultrasonic probe using the amount of control calculated by the control amount calculation unit and a guiding information presentation unit that presents information for guiding movement of the position and posture of the ultrasonic probe using the amount of control calculated by the control amount calculation unit.
US08756028B2 Fault detection method of semiconductor manufacturing processes and system architecture thereof
A fault detection method of semiconductor manufacturing processes is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a storage device, collecting a fault detection and classification(FDC) parameter by the storage device, setting up a measurement site for measuring an online measurement parameter, collecting a wafer acceptance test(WAT) in correspondence to the FDC parameter, establishing a first relationship equation between the FDC parameter and the online measurement parameter, establishing a second relationship equation of the online measurement parameter and the WAT by using the first relationship equation, establishing a third relationship equation between the FDC parameter and the WAT, establishing a waning region of the manufacturing processes by using the first, second, and third relationship equations, and determining the situation of generating wafer defects according to the warning region. The present invention discloses a system architecture for the method.
US08756024B2 Building energy consumption analysis system
An energy analysis system provides valuable input into building energy expenditures. The system assists with obtaining a detailed view of how energy consumption occurs in a building, what steps may be taken to lower the energy footprint, and executing detailed energy consumption analysis. The analysis may include, as examples, a balance point pair analysis to determine either or both of a heating balance point and a cooling balance point, an exception rank analysis to identify specific data (e.g., energy consumption data) in specific time intervals for further review, or other analysis. The system may display the analysis results on a user interface.
US08756002B2 Method and apparatus for conditional provisioning of position-related information
An approach is provided for providing aggregated position-related information at a user interface based on invocation conditions. An invocation platform determines one or more applications, one or more services, or a combination thereof that provide position-related information. The invocation platform further determines one or more invocation conditions associated with the position-related information, the one or more applications, the one or more services, or a combination thereof. The invocation platform also causes, at least in part, a presentation of at least one user interface that aggregates the position-related information from the one or more applications, the one or more services, or a combination thereof based, at least in part, on the one or more invocation conditions.
US08755998B2 Method for reducing the risk of a collision between a vehicle and a first external object
A method for reducing the risk of a collision between a vehicle and at least a first external object is contemplated. The risk of a collision may be reduced with use of a collision avoidance system having a detection unit adapted to issue a control signal in the event it detects a collision involving a first external object in a vicinity of the host vehicle, and an action unit adapted to operate the collision avoidance system such that an emergency maneuver can be initiated by the collision avoidance system at an earlier stage if the control signal is issued, as compared to when no control signal is issued.
US08755989B2 Method and system for controlling fuel usage
Methods and systems are provided for improving fuel usage while addressing knock by adjusting the use of spark retard and direct injection of a fluid based on engine operating conditions and the composition of the injected fluid. One or more engine parameters, such as EGR, VCT, boost, throttle position, are coordinated with the direct injection to reduce torque and EGR transients.
US08755983B2 Vehicular control apparatus and method
In vehicular control apparatus and method, a traveling environment of a forward position of an advance direction of a vehicle in which an actuator for a vehicular control purpose is mounted is detected, a reliability of a result of measurement of the traveling environment by the traveling environment measurement section is determined, and an operation of the actuator is determined with the determined reliability as a requiring condition.
US08755981B2 Real time compensation of changing friction characteristics of a clutch in a transmission
A method of controlling a transmission includes estimating an expected coefficient of friction of the clutch, estimating a value of an expected torque required to maintain a constant slip of the clutch for a current input torque applied to the transmission, and determining a value of an actual torque applied to the clutch to maintain the constant slip of the clutch at the current input torque. An actual coefficient of friction of the clutch is calculated by dividing the actual torque applied to the clutch by the expected torque applied to the clutch, and multiplying that quotient by the expected coefficient of friction of the clutch. A feed forward torque command is then adjusted based upon the actual coefficient of friction of the clutch to define a revised value of the feed forward torque command, which may then be used to control the clutch for various control operations.
US08755975B2 Automatic vehicle door movement control system
A controller and control method for an automatic vehicle door movement control system which includes a plurality of signaling devices and at least one door actuator for opening and closing at least one vehicle door in accordance with an instruction signal from the signaling devices is configured to selectively mask a redundant instruction signal. The redundant instruction signal is an instruction signal received after the receipt of a primary instruction signal and prior to the completion of an automatic door movement operation. The redundant instruction signal is masked when it is determined to be against an ascertained user intent or when the primary instruction signal is determined to be more indicative of the ascertained user intent.
US08755969B2 Bicycle suspension control apparatus
A bicycle suspension control apparatus includes a user operating device and a control device. The control device is operatively coupled to the user operating device to selectively control a front bicycle suspension between a plurality of operating states and a rear bicycle suspension between a plurality of operating states. The control device is configured to selectively change the operating states of both the front and rear bicycle suspensions to different ones of the operating states in response to a single operation of the user operating device. The control device controls the front and rear bicycle suspensions such that a first operating state change operation of one of the front and rear bicycle suspensions occurs later than a second operating state change operation of the other of the front and rear bicycle suspensions.
US08755967B1 Estimating road lane geometry using lane marker observations
Aspects of the disclosure relate generally to detecting the edges of lane lines. Specifically, a vehicle driving on a roadway may use a laser to collect data for the roadway. A computer may process the data received from the laser in order to extract the points which potentially reside on two lane lines defining a lane. The extracted points are used by the computer to determine a model of a left lane edge and a right lane edge for the lane. The model may be used to estimate a centerline between the two lane lines. All or some of the model and centerline estimates, may be used to maneuver a vehicle in real time and also to update or generate map information used to maneuver vehicles.
US08755964B2 Hybrid vehicle
An outlet is provided to output power stored in a power storage device as commercial power, and the outlet receives power supply from the power storage device via a voltage converter. A car navigation device is configured to store information about traveling of a vehicle to a destination. An ECU obtains the information about traveling to the destination from the car navigation device, and controls a state of charge of the power storage device based on the information up to the destination and a usage status of the outlet up to the destination.
US08755963B2 Electrically-powered vehicle and control method therefor
Motor traveling using only an output of a rotating electrical machine utilizing power of a vehicle-mounted power storage device is applicable to an electrically-powered vehicle, within a region inside a maximum output line in motor traveling. The maximum output line is composed of straight line portions defining an upper limit torque and an upper limit vehicle speed and a curved line portion defining upper limit output power, in motor traveling. When an output power upper limit value from the power storage device is limited due to an increase in a current load or a reduction in the SOC of the power storage device, a driving region to which motor traveling is applicable is narrowed. Operation in a high rotation region, where efficiency is reduced, is avoided by changing the upper limit vehicle speed in motor traveling in response to the SOC and/or the current load of the power storage device.
US08755961B2 Hybrid vehicle battery charge management apparatus
A drive condition, which is used to determine a SOC management plan, is collected from each of road sections and is cumulatively memorized in a durable memory medium. When a remaining charge amount of a battery reaches a lower limit standard value or an upper limit standard value at a certain location, a candidate control section is defined around and includes such point. The candidate control section is defined to extend a predetermined distance forward and backward from such point. The drive conditions stored for the candidate control section are used to determine the SOC management plan that controls the remaining charge amount of the battery to be controlled within a standard range. When the vehicle enters the candidate control section, the drive control of a power source in the vehicle is performed according to the SOC management plan for the candidate control section.
US08755960B2 Method for managing battery power within a hybrid powertrain system
A hybrid powertrain system includes an internal combustion engine and a torque machine wherein electrical energy is controllably transferred between an electric energy storage device and the torque machine by a control system. A method for controlling the hybrid powertrain system includes monitoring a voltage, a current, and a power output of the electric energy storage device. A battery power control scheme is executed to control the output power of the electric energy storage device associated with the electrical energy transferred between the electric energy storage device and the torque machine. The battery power control scheme is disabled when the control system loses a power limit authority associated with the electrical energy transferred between the electric storage device and the torque machine during ongoing operation. The battery power control scheme is re-enabled when the control system regains the power limit authority.
US08755953B2 Aircraft information management system
A method and apparatus comprising an existing aircraft node and an information agent located in the existing aircraft node. The existing aircraft node is connected to a number of aircraft systems and a network in an aircraft network data processing system. The information agent is configured to provide access to information received by the existing aircraft node to other aircraft nodes in the aircraft network data processing system.
US08755949B2 Telematics system using human body communication, portable device having telematics function using human body communication, and method for providing telematics service using human body communication
Disclosed are a telematics system using human body communication, a portable device having a telematics function using human body communication, and a method for providing a telematics service using human body communication. The telematics system using human body communication includes: a vehicle receiving an authentication key from at least one portable device through human body communication using a human body as a medium, and controlling the opening and closing of a door of the vehicle based on whether or not the received authentication key is valid; and a first portable device transmitting a first authentication key through a user's body in contact with the vehicle.
US08755945B2 Efficient computer cooling methods and apparatus
Methods and apparatus control the temperature of an electronic component of a computer. A temperature sensor is read that measures a temperature of an electronic component of a computer. The speed of a compressor is adjusted based on the read temperature to maintain a pre-defined temperature range for the electronic component. The compressor compresses a refrigerant. The refrigerant is sent to a condenser that condenses the refrigerant. The refrigerant is sent to a heat exchanger that is thermally coupled to the electronic component and that transfers thermal energy from the electronic component to the refrigerant. Finally, the refrigerant is sent back to the compressor. Solenoid valves can be used to control the flow of refrigerant to heat exchangers for one or more additional electronic components.
US08755941B2 Model based tempering air control and enhancement of exhaust for select catalytic reduction
A method and system for controlling a temperature of an exhaust gas being introduced to a catalyst is provided. Using an adjustable flow controller, an adjustable amount of tempering fluid is provided to the exhaust gas prior to the exhaust gas proceeding to the catalyst. A sensor senses a parameter indicative of a temperature of the exhaust gas being introduced to the catalyst. A computer processor uses a relationship to relate the parameter to an adjustment of the adjustable flow controller that will adjust the amount of tempering fluid provided to the exhaust gas and change the temperature of the exhaust gas being introduced to the catalyst toward a target temperature. Adjustment of the adjustable flow controller is initiated by the computer processor to change the flow of the tempering fluid, and the relationship between the parameter and the adjustment of the adjustable flow controller is updated.
US08755940B2 Modeling and control optimization system for integrated fluidized bed combustion process and air pollution control system
A system for optimizing and controlling a circulating fluidized bed combustion (FBC) system (7) and an air pollution control (APC) system (9) includes a controller (205, 305, 406) and an optimizer (210, 310). The controller (205, 305, 406) is connected to the FBC system (7) and/or the APC system (9). The optimizer (210, 310) is connected to the controller (205, 305, 406). The optimizer (210, 310) provides an optimized setpoint (220, 320, 420) to the controller (205, 305, 406) based on an economic parameter (235, 335, 435) and system outputs (230, 330) from the FBC system (7) and the APC system (9). The controller (205, 305, 406) provides an optimized input (215, 315) to the FBC system (7) and/or the APC system (9) based on the optimized setpoint (220, 320, 420) from the optimizer (210, 310) to optimize operation of the FBC system (7) and/or the APC system (9).
US08755938B2 Systems and methods for handling unacceptable values in structured collection protocols
Embodiments of methods of querying a diabetic patient regarding compliance with adherence criteria comprises instructing the diabetic patient to collect at least one sample in a sampling set of biomarker data, wherein each sampling set comprises a sufficient plurality of samples recorded over a collection period, comparing the collected samples to an acceptable range, wherein the acceptable range encompasses biomarker values that would be expected upon compliance with the adherence criteria, and informing the diabetic patient if at least one sample is an unacceptable value which falls outside of the acceptable range, and performing at least one additional task after detecting the unacceptable value.
US08755930B2 Method, apparatus, and computer program product for optimization of item location in an automated storage system
The present invention generally relates to a method, apparatus, and computer program product for optimizing article or bin location in an automated storage device to increase the efficiency of article retrieval in filling an order. Methods of example embodiments may determine a number of touches of each of a plurality of bins of a storage system, where the touches are calculated over a predetermined period of time, identify a bin with more touches than a bin at a first location, where the bin with more touches is at a second location, and direct the bin with more touches than the bin at the first location to be swapped with the bin at the first location. Identifying a bin with more touches may include identifying a bin with a number of touches that exceeds the number of touches of the bin in the first location by a predetermined amount.
US08755926B2 Sewing machine with image synthesis unit
A sewing machine includes a needle position detector configured to detect whether or not a needle is located at a needle-down position or a needle-up position, a first imaging member configured to image a first range of an underside of workpiece cloth while the workpiece cloth is being moved, a second imaging member configured to image a second range of the underside of the workpiece cloth while the workpiece cloth is being moved, an imaging control unit configured to control an imaging process so that the imaging process is executed when the needle is located at the needle-up position, based on detection result and so that the imaging process is stopped when the needle is located at the needle-down position, an image synthesis unit configured to synthesize the images obtained by the imaging units, thereby obtaining a synthesized image, and a display unit configured to display the synthesized image.
US08755925B2 Automated identification and assembly of shoe parts
Manufacturing and assembly of a shoe or a portion of a shoe is enhanced by automated placement and assembly of shoe parts. For example, a part-recognition system analyzes an image of a shoe part to identify the part and determine a location of the part. Once the part is identified and located, the part can be manipulated by an automated manufacturing tool.
US08755923B2 Optimization system
A method for generating an optimized body structure is provided. A first topology optimization of a first body configuration is performed to generate a second body configuration. A subset of critical body components are identified based on load path values for the second body component and are parameterized. A second optimization is performed. The second optimization includes a low fidelity optimization for the geometry, the gauge and the grade of the critical body components, and a high fidelity optimization for the mass of each of the critical body components to generate an optimized set of critical body components. The optimized set of critical body components are combined with non-critical body components from the second body configuration to generate a final body configuration which is optimized for performance and weight.
US08755922B2 Apparatus and method for controlling a wave field synthesis renderer means with audio objects
An apparatus for controlling a wave field synthesis renderer with audio objects includes a provider for providing a scene description, wherein the scene description defines a temporal sequence of audio objects in an audio scene and further includes information on the source position of a virtual source as well as on a start or an end of the virtual source. Furthermore, the audio object includes at least a reference to an audio file associated with the virtual source. The audio objects are processed by a processor, in order to generate a single output data stream for each renderer module, wherein both information on the position of the virtual source and the audio file itself are included in mutual association in this output data stream. With this, high portability on the one hand and high quality due to secure data consistency on the other hand are achieved.
US08755919B2 Pushbutton radio frequency identification tag for media content delivery
A media token with a pushbutton RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag which, when activated by a button press, enables a globally unique identifier (“GUID”) encoded in the tag to be read by an RFID reader that is operatively coupled to a client device. The GUID is resolved by an on-line media content service which identifies media content that is associated with the media token. The service streams the content to the client device, or delivers it for local storage which is rendered by the client device. Since the press of the button causes the content to begin playing, an association is created between the media token and the rendered content. However, the media token itself does not function as a content container, but instead provides a convenient way to control content playback while functioning as a physical vehicle that can be packaged, touched, and shared much like traditional media.
US08755918B2 Illumination device
The exchange time information to be acquired from an LED illumination lamp by an illumination instrument or the exchange time information to be stored by the illumination instrument itself is recognized by a controller via an ON/OFF control-dedicated switch control line or a general-purpose power line. The exchange time information is acquired in an OFF period of the LED illumination lamp ON-period noise. The exchange time information acquisition function is checked on a daily basis so as to cope with an alarm after a long period. The exchange time check result is stored so as to execute the alarm at an appropriate timing. The exchange time information held by the LED illumination lamp itself is transmitted firstly to the illumination instrument by simple information transmission means. The information is recognized by using a control path existing between the illumination instrument and the controller at hand.
US08755916B2 Optimized integrated controls for oxy-fuel combustion power plant
A control system for optimizing an oxy-fuel power plant comprises an optimizer in communication with the oxy-fuel power plant; the oxy-fuel power plant being operative to recycle carbon dioxide from a flue gas stream to a boiler; a control platform; the control platform being operative to control the oxy-fuel power plant; and a simulator; the simulator being operative to simulate performance of the oxy-fuel power plant.
US08755912B2 Apparatus for remotely controlling computers and other electronic appliances/devices using a combination of voice commands and finger movements
An apparatus for remotely operating a computer using a combination of voice commands and finger movements. The apparatus includes a microphone and a plurality of control elements in the form of touch-sensitive touchpads and/or motion-sensitive elements that are used to operate the computer and to move an on-screen cursor. At least one touchpad is used to selectively switch between a command-mode of operation in which the computer interprets spoken words as commands for operating the computer and any software applications being used, and a text-mode of operation in which the computer interprets spoken words literally as text to be inserted into a software application.
US08755908B2 Conductive coil arrangement and electrode catheter arrangement, in particular for cardiac therapy
A conductive coil arrangement, in particular for electrode catheters for cardiac therapy, including a multipolar conductive coil having a plurality of coradially interwoven individual coil wires and a contact zone in which at least one individual coil wire from the conductive coil can be connected to a contact element for electrical contacting. The at least one individual coil wire to be contacted is routed outwardly out of the wire interconnection of the conductive coil with a radial direction component. The remainder of the conductive coil is routed further centrally axially through the contact zone.
US08755906B2 Devices with cannula and electrode lead for brain stimulation and methods of use and manufacture
A device for brain stimulation includes a cannula configured and arranged for insertion into a brain of a patient; at least one cannula electrode disposed on the cannula; and an electrode lead for insertion into the cannula, the electrode lead comprising at least one stimulating electrode.
US08755905B2 Devices and methods for brain stimulation
A device for brain stimulation that includes a lead having a longitudinal surface; at least one stimulation electrode disposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead; and at least one recording electrode, separate from the at least one stimulation electrode, disposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead.
US08755900B2 Pressure-sensitive external charger for an implantable medical device
An improved external charger for an implantable medical device is disclosed in which charging is at least partially controlled based on a sensed pressure impingent on its case, which pressure is indicative of the pressure between the external charger and a patient's tissue. The improved external charger includes pressure detection circuitry coupled to one or more pressure sensors for controlling the external device in accordance with the sensed impingent pressure. The sensed pressure can be used to control charging, for example, by suspending charging, by adjusting a maximum set point temperature for the external charger based on the measured pressure, or by issuing an alert via a suitable user interface. By so controlling the external charger on the basis of the measured pressure, the external charger is less likely to create potentially problematic or uncomfortable conditions for the user.
US08755897B2 System and method for remote expert-system medical device programming
One embodiment includes a system for prescribing therapeutic treatment for a patient via communications over a network, including an implantable medical device (IMD) to be implanted in the patient to record a patient characteristic, the implantable medical device being programmable and configured to communicate via wireless communications with the IMD and to communicate securely over the network, the medical device programming computer including a user interface. The embodiment includes a server to communicate securely over the network with the medical device programming computer, the server including at least a first expert prescription system comprising at least one physician's prescription and at least one expert-system to compare the at least one patient characteristic to the at least one physician's prescription to issue a parameter to be programmed into the IMD based on the comparison.
US08755889B2 Method and apparatus to enhance therapy during stimulation of vagus nerve
A method and apparatus stimulating a vagus nerve of a patient. The apparatus includes a pulse generator having an adjustable pulse output parameter and adapted to be electrically coupled to the vagus nerve. The pulse generator generates pulses for a burst period that is followed by a rest period. The apparatus also includes a respiration sensor coupled to the pulse generator. The respiration sensor detects the inspiration and the expiration phases of the respiration. The pulse generator generates stimulation pulses during both the detected inspiration and expiration phases. The pulses are delivered with the output parameter adjusted to provide greater stimulation strength during the inspiration phase than during the expiration phase.
US08755884B2 Methods for promoting intrinsic activation in single chamber implantable cardiac pacing systems
Cardiac pacing methods for an implantable single chamber pacing system, establish an offset rate for pacing at a predetermined decrement from either a baseline rate (i.e. dictated by a rate response sensor), or an intrinsic rate. Pacing maintains the offset rate until x of y successive events are paced events, at which time the offset rate is switched to the baseline rate for pacing over a predetermined period of time. Following the period, if an intrinsic event is not immediately detected, within the interval of the offset rate, the rate is switched back to baseline for pacing over an increased period of time. Some methods establish a preference rate, between the offset and baseline rates, wherein an additional criterion, for switching from the offset rate to the baseline rate, is established with respect to the preference rate.
US08755883B2 Tracking progression of congestive heart failure via a force-frequency relationship
A system, method, or device monitor a force-frequency relationship exhibited by a patient's heart. A contractility characteristic, such as a heart sound characteristic of an S1 heart sound, is measured. The contractility characteristic indicates the forcefulness of a contraction of the heart. The frequency at which the heart is contracting is determined. A group of (contractility characteristic, heart rate) pairs is stored in a memory device. The group of pairs defines a force-frequency relationship for the heart. The method may be implemented by an implantable device, or by a system including a implantable device.
US08755880B2 Intraocular iontophoretic device and associated methods
The present invention includes methods and devices for delivering an active agent into the eye of a subject. One such device may include an anode assembly having an anode housing and an anode configured to electrically couple to a power source, the anode assembly being configured to contact and remain against a surface of the eye. The device may also include a cathode assembly having a cathode housing and a cathode configured to electrically couple to the power source, the cathode assembly being configured to contact and remain against the surface of the eye. Additionally, the device may include at least one active agent reservoir functionally associated with at least one of the anode assembly and the cathode assembly.
US08755879B2 Sleep tracking and waking optimization system and method therefor
Analog electrical and pressure data obtained by an EEG/pressure sensor matrix from the subject are sent to a signal processing module that derives digital EEG data from the electrical signal and pressure data without using sensors attached to a subject's head. The pressure data are used as a secondary signal to measure the physical orientation of the subject's head. The physical orientation is used to transform the derived EEG signal to a known coordinate axis (the orientation of the subject's head) to obtain useful, consistent, and accurate EEG data. The EEG may be used to determine a sleep state of a subject and to awaken the subject while in a particular state.
US08755875B2 System for heart performance characterization and abnormality detection
A system for heart performance characterization and abnormality detection includes an acquisition device for acquiring an electrophysiological signal representing heart beat cycles of a patient heart. A detector detects one or more parameters of the electrophysiological signal of parameter type comprising at least one of, (a) amplitude, (b) time duration, (c) peak frequency and (d) frequency bandwidth, of multiple different portions of a single heart beat cycle of the heart beat cycles selected in response to first predetermined data. The multiple different portions of the single heart beat cycle being selected from, a P wave portion, a QRS complex portion, an ST segment portion and a T wave portion in response to second predetermined data. A signal analyzer calculates a ratio of detected parameters of a single parameter type of the multiple different portions of the single heart beat cycle. An output processor generates data representing an alert message in response to a calculated ratio exceeding a predetermined threshold.
US08755865B2 System and method to adaptively control contrast-enhanced diagnostic imaging procedure
A system and method are provided for determining individualized scan and injection protocols for contrast-enhanced diagnostic imaging. Taking into account parameters specific to the scan subject, injection-related parameters, and scan parameters, the system and method can determine an optimal timing for a scan sequence to begin, to ensure that the scan sequence coincides with a desired contrast enhancement. Some embodiments further provide for real-time triggering of the scan commencement based on bolus tracking, and can adapt the scan and injection protocols in real-time based on monitored dynamic scan subject parameters and/or actual enhancement values determined from image data.
US08755850B2 Mobile communication terminal having conversion lens and photography method using the same
Provided are a mobile communication terminal and a photography method for the same using a conversion lens. The mobile communication terminal includes a terminal body, a camera assembly installed at one side of the terminal body and a conversion lens detachably installed on a front surface of the camera assembly, wherein product data of the conversion lens mounted on the camera assembly are automatically identified and a microcomputer installed in the terminal body automatically adjusts a photography mode such that a special photography mode is entered without requiring any professional knowledge.
US08755846B2 Wireless telecommunication device and uses thereof
A wireless telecommunication device including a foreground unit, and a background unit that is physically separated from the foreground unit and in local communication with the foreground unit. The foreground unit is provided to support incoming calls independently of the background unit. Furthermore, the foreground unit and the background unit cooperate to support outgoing calls. The scope of the invention also includes a method for doing business by offering the foreground unit for sale in a packaging having a form factor selected from the group consisting of: a pen, a pen cap, a wristwatch, and a necklace.
US08755844B2 Mobile terminal and vibration method thereof
A mobile terminal including a main body; first and second speakers positioned in different regions of the main body; and a controller configured to detect a vibration command, to determine if audio contents are currently being reproduced on the mobile terminal when the vibration command is detected, and to apply a first signal having a frequency of a limited range to only one speaker among the first and second speakers so that vibration is generated by the only one speaker and to apply a second signal corresponding to the audio contents to the other speaker so that the audio contents are output by the other speaker, when the contents are currently being reproduced when the vibration command is detected.
US08755834B2 Method and arrangement for transmitting and receiving RF signals through various radio interfaces of communication systems
A method and arrangement for transmitting and receiving RF signals, associated with different radio interfaces of communication systems, employ a direct conversion based transceiver which substantially comprises one receive signal branch and one transmit signal branch. Mixing frequencies of the different systems are generated by a single common by use of an output frequency divider in combination with the synthesizer, and by use of filtering corresponding to a system channel bandwidth by means of a controllable low-pass filter operating at baseband frequency.
US08755829B2 Method and apparatus for radio resource measurement in heterogeneous network
A radio resource measurement method in a heterogeneous network includes a user equipment (UE) that performs radio resource measurement; when a measurement result meets a predefined condition, the UE performs radio resource measurement on restricted resources according to configuration information of the restricted resources, wherein the restricted resources are a set of all sub-frame resources corresponding to Almost Blank Sub-frames (ABSes) or are a subset of the set. Therefore, the precision of RLM measurement or RRM measurement of a mobility system can be improved, and the implementation complexity of the UE can be decreased.
US08755823B2 System and method for dynamically monitoring status in location services
A method and system for reporting a location of an asset. The method includes: receiving a location tracking request for the asset; dynamically determining a status of the asset; and allowing acquisition of the location of the asset based on the determined status. The method further includes: obtaining the location of the asset responsive to the received request and said allowing; and reporting the obtained location of the asset. The system includes: a reporting module for receiving a location tracking request for the asset; a status module for dynamically determining a status of the asset; and a tracking module for obtaining the location of the asset responsive to the determined status. The reporting module reports the location of the asset responsive to the received location tracking request.
US08755821B2 Location reporting responsive to transitions in motional state of wireless equipment
Location of wireless equipment is reported based at least on transition amongst motional states of the wireless equipment. Measured data and metrics are employed for detection of at least one movement condition of wireless equipment to identify changes in a mobility profile thereof. Change in the mobility profile can convey change in motional state of the wireless equipment; analysis of the data and metrics enables determination of such change. While idle, the wireless equipment can monitor its mobility profile to identify changes in the motional state of the wireless equipment. Identification of certain changes in the motional state of the wireless equipment enable the wireless equipment to measure, report, and update location thereof at the network platform of a network operator that provides wireless service to the wireless equipment. Reported location of the wireless equipment can be exploited for several location-based services.
US08755820B2 Location-based services in a femtocell network
Traffic and signaling are routed between a set of networked femto access points (APs) and location-based services are enabled. A femto AP in the set of femto APs is functionally linked to a routing platform that manages traffic and signaling, and is functionally connected to a controller component that relays at least part of data and control to a femto network platform. The femto network platform allows access to one or more external networks. Routing platform can exchange signaling with one or more femto APs to enable, at least in part, location-based services based at least in part on identifier(s) for a femto AP, access privileges, or time-of-flight measurements that assess propagation timing between a mobile device and a femto AP. Routing platform can supply timing configuration to enable predetermined spatial resolution of location estimates. Location estimates can be recorded and conveyed to a consumer layer.
US08755819B1 Device location determination using images
Aspects of the subject technology relate to systems, methods, and machine-readable media for determining a location of a device. A system is configured to identify a group of devices, wherein each device in the group of devices is within a threshold distance of the other devices in the group of devices, receive at least one image of a surrounding area from one or more devices in the group of devices, and determine a relative position for at least one device in the group of devices based on the at least one image received from the one or more devices.
US08755818B2 Location reporting with secure user plane location (SUPL)
Techniques for supporting periodic and other location services with Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) and other location architectures are described. The techniques can provide position estimates for a SUPL enabled terminal (SET) to a SUPL agent periodically and/or based on trigger events. A Home SUPL Location Platform (H-SLP) receives from the SUPL agent a request for position estimates for the SET. The H-SLP starts a SUPL location session with the SET. For each of at least one reporting event during the location session, the H-SLP obtains a position estimate for the SET and sends the position estimate to the SUPL agent. The position estimate may be derived by the SET and sent to the H-SLP. Alternatively, the position estimate may be derived by the H-SLP based on measurements from the SET.
US08755812B2 Method for transmitting and receiving uplink sounding reference signal, base station and mobile terminal
The field of wireless communications is related, especially the technique of transmitting uplink sounding reference signal (SRS) by a mobile terminal with multiple transmission antennas is related. A method for receiving uplink sounding reference signal includes the following steps: receiving the SRS signals, which are respectively transmitted from respective radio frequency transmission modules of the mobile terminal according to the respectively allocated Transmission Comb (TC) values and Cyclic Shift (CS) values when the transmission period arrives, wherein TC values and/or CS values allocated for any two radio frequency transmission modules are different; determining the radio frequency transmission module corresponding to every received SRS signal according to the TC values and CS values respectively allocated for respective radio frequency transmission modules. A device for receiving uplink sounding reference signal, a method and a device for transmitting uplink sounding reference signal are also provided. Because different TC values and/or different CS values are allocated for respective radio frequency transmission modules, (multiple) radio frequency transmission modules can transmit SRS signals through (multiple) transmission antennas during the same transmission period by way of Frequency Division Multiplex (FDM) or Code Division Multiplex (CDM).
US08755811B2 Techniques for aligning application output and uplink resource allocation in wireless communication systems
A technique for reducing a time delay between an application output at a subscriber station and uplink resource allocation for the subscriber station includes scheduling, between periodic uplink resource allocations, one or more probe uplink resource allocations for the subscriber station. Next, respective information in at least one of the one or more probe uplink resource allocations is received at an access point. Finally, subsequent periodic uplink resource allocations are scheduled based on at least one of the one or more probe uplink resource allocations.
US08755809B2 Communication method of base station and target terminal
Provided is a communication method of a base station and a target terminal. Resources used for a channel feedback may be reduced by determining a wireless resource based on information about a channel and information about a mobility of the target terminal in each of at least one route, and by feeding back channel state information.
US08755807B2 Semi-static resource allocation to support coordinated multipoint (CoMP) transmission in a wireless communication network
Techniques for supporting Coordinated MultiPoint (CoMP) transmission are described. For CoMP transmission, multiple cells may simultaneously send one or more data streams to one or more UEs on the same time-frequency resources based on short-term channel feedback from at least one UE to at least two cells. In an aspect, a semi-static configuration may be used by a set of cells for CoMP transmission to a UE. The semi-static configuration may indicate resource elements available to the set of cells to send CoMP transmission to the UE. The available resource elements may be determined based on a maximum number of TDM control symbols for all cells in the set and resource elements used for cell-specific reference signals by the cells in the set. A cell in the set may send data on the available resource elements to the UE for the CoMP transmission.
US08755795B2 Registration scenarios between new and legacy wireless communication networks
A method, wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU), and base station for access network interworking. Temporary identity mapping rules are defined for use during access network reselection. Mapping rules for tracking area identity, routing area identity, temporary mobile subscriber identity (TMSI), packet TMSI, and S-TMSI identity are used when reselecting UTRAN, E-UTRAN, and GERAN access networks. Depending upon access network support, a WTRU may indicate a type of identity (TMSI, P-TMSI, or S-TMSI) that is included in an access network reselection request.
US08755792B2 Vehicular communication apparatus and vehicular communication system
A vehicular communication apparatus communicably connected to a portable communication terminal, includes: an information acquisition device that acquires facility information about a facility from the portable communication terminal; an information storage device that controls a storage to store the facility information in association with the portable communication terminal; and an information display device that controls a display to display the facility information stored in the storage when the portable communication terminal providing the facility information is reconnected to the vehicular communication apparatus, and that controls the display not to display the facility information stored in the storage when a new portable communication terminal different from the portable communication terminal providing the facility information is connected to the vehicular communication apparatus.
US08755776B2 System for targeting advertising content to a plurality of mobile communication facilities
A system for targeting advertising content includes the steps of: (a) receiving respective requests for advertising content corresponding to a plurality of mobile communication facilities operated by a group of users, wherein the plurality includes first and second types of mobile communication facilities with different rendering capabilities; (b) receiving a datum corresponding to the group; (c) selecting from a first and second sponsor respective content based on a relevancy to the datum, wherein each content includes a first and second item requiring respective rendering capabilities; (d) receiving bids from the first and second sponsors; (e) attributing a priority to the content of the first sponsor based upon a determination that a yield associated with the first sponsor is greater than a yield associated with the second sponsor; and (f) transmitting the first and second items of the first sponsor to the first and second types of mobile communication facilities respectively.
US08755764B2 Extending the range of vehicular cellular communications
A system and method for extending the cellular range of communications using a vehicle telematics unit. The system includes the vehicle telematics unit which is connected with other vehicle hardware and includes wireless cellular capability for communicating from the vehicle to a call center or other facilities via a wireless communication system. The method carried out by the system includes identifying a cellular base station in wireless communication with a vehicle telematics unit; attempting an emergency call via the identified cellular base station using the vehicle telematics unit; determining that a forward link portion of a cellular signal between the vehicle telematics unit and the identified cellular base station lacks sufficient strength to place the attempted emergency call; and transmitting emergency communications via the identified cellular base station using a reverse link portion of the cellular signal based on the determination.
US08755761B1 Interference reduction for multiple signals
The present invention reduces the degradation in performance of one or more radio signals that are co-transmitted with a first radio signal from the same transmitting antenna in the same frequency channel and received by the same antenna due to multipath or other shared interference, where the one or more radio signals can be separated from the first radio signal. All received signals are coupled to the same adaptive array or adaptive filter to reduce multipath or other shared interference of the first radio signal, which reduces multipath and other shared interference in the other radio signals before they are separated and processed by their respective receivers, or the individual radio signals are separated before the first signal enters the adaptive array and coupled to a slave weighting network slaved to the weights of the adaptive array of the first signal to reduce interference in all the signals.
US08755759B2 DC power control for power amplifiers
Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to transmission techniques that result in power savings relative to previous solutions. These techniques often transmit a signal-of-interest by using two paths, namely, a transmission path (which includes a power amplifier) and a control path. The signal-of-interest is evaluated in “fast-track” fashion on the control path, such that the control path can “tune” a DC supply signal provided to the power amplifier. Thus, when a delayed version of the signal-of-interest is provided over the transmission path to the power amplifier, the DC supply signal provided to the power amplifier helps ensure that the power amplifier has “just enough” DC supply to ensure reliable operation without dissipating excess power. In this way, the techniques disclosed herein help to reduce power consumption in transmitters, thereby potentially helping to extend battery life and reduce undesired heating for users.
US08755752B2 Radio wave propagation characteristic estimation system, radio wave propagation characteristic estimation method, and radio wave propagation characteristic estimation program
Disclosed are a radio wave propagation characteristic estimation system, radio wave propagation characteristic estimation method, and radio wave propagation characteristic estimation program for estimating propagation characteristics of radio waves at high speeds, without deteriorating accuracy. An object selection module reads map data prerecorded on a map data memory unit and selects structures from the structures indicated in structure data included in the map data according to the height thereof, a radio wave propagation path calculation module searches for the path of radio waves emitted from a transmission point based on the structure data related to the selected structures and location data for the transmission point and an observation point, and calculates the propagation path of the radio waves until the radio waves reach the observation point, and a radio wave propagation characteristic estimation module estimates the propagation characteristics of radio waves at the observation point based on this calculated path.
US08755745B2 Modular, reconfigurable and cognitive microsystem for the monitoring and remote control of smart communicating objects
The present invention is a modular, reconfigurable and cognitive Microsystem that dynamically adapts itself to a given radio context for an improved user experience and health risk detection while enabling the realization of custom telehealth products in a flexible and highly integrated manner. The Microsystem of the invention is made of one or several semiconductor dies, with complementary functionality, that are integrated both vertically and horizontally. By default, the Microsystem of the invention includes a ‘base’ die made of dual-mode and dynamically reconfigurable functional blocks implementing the whole ‘Bluetooth Low Energy’ standard and a portion of the ‘Zigbee/IEEE 802.15.4’ specification. The Microsystem according to the invention is particularly well-suited for the collection and transfer of (tele)health data but can also be applied to other application markets and devices having the need to support the operating modes, ‘Bluetooth Low Energy’ and/or ‘Zigbee/IEEE 802.15.4’, in a modular, reconfigurable and cognitive manner.
US08755728B2 Fixing device and image forming apparatus including a switching unit for switching a state of the fixing device
A fixing device includes a fixing unit and a switching unit. The fixing unit includes an emitting unit that emits light and a housing that houses the emitting unit. The fixing unit fixes a toner image to a recording medium by emitting the light to a surface of the recording medium, the recording medium having the toner image formed thereon and having been transported to a predetermined fixing position that is away from the housing. The switching unit switches a state of the fixing device from a first state in which the housing and the recording medium are positioned away from each other to a second state in which the surface of the recording medium at the fixing position is sealed with the housing.
US08755727B2 Surface processing apparatus and image formation system
A surface processing apparatus includes a heater and a controller for controlling a heating of a sheet. The controller determines a difference between a position, on the sheet, of an image indicated by original image information and a position, on the sheet, of the actually formed image on the sheet indicated by outer configuration information of the sheet and the actual image information. The controller corrects inputted heating position information, for the heater, on the basis of information of the difference, and controls the heating of the heating means in accordance with the corrected heating position information.
US08755721B2 Powder container, powder supply assembly, and image forming apparatus in which a powder outlet faces in an opposite direction as an opening of a container body
A powder container includes a powder containing compartment having a powder outlet connectable to a horizontally extending tube of an apparatus in conjunction with installation of the powder container in the apparatus, a removably insertable plug member to open and close the powder outlet in conjunction with installation of the powder container, and at least one discrimination protrusion projecting from an outer circumferential surface of the powder container. The powder contained in the powder containing compartment is discharged from the powder outlet thereof to the tube. A downstream end of the discrimination protrusion is positioned downstream from a downstream end of the powder outlet of the powder containing compartment in an installation direction in which the powder container is installed in the apparatus, and at least one of shape, arrangement, and quantity of the discrimination protrusion is unique to the type of powder contained in the powder container.
US08755720B2 Powder supply device, developing device, and image forming apparatus
A powder supply device including a powder storage, a powder discharge part, and an air suction part. The powder storage stores a powder. The powder discharge part is adapted to discharge the powder from the powder storage to a powder container. The powder discharge part is communicatable with the powder storage and connectable to the powder container. The air suction part is adapted to suck an air from the powder container to generate an air current flowing from the powder storage to the powder container.
US08755709B2 Image forming system and control apparatus utilizing dual image forming apparatuses
A control apparatus can control at least one of a first image forming apparatus and a second image forming apparatus connected downstream of the first image forming apparatus. When switching from a first mode to a second mode, if the second image forming apparatus is unable to perform image forming on a second side of a sheet whose first side has undergone image forming in the second image forming apparatus before the second image forming apparatus performs image forming on a second side of a sheet whose first side has undergone image forming in the first image forming apparatus, an order of the sheet whose first and second sides undergo image forming in the second image forming apparatus and the sheet whose first side undergoes image forming in the first image forming apparatus and whose second side undergoes image forming in the second image forming apparatus is not swapped.
US08755706B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming device, a fixing device, a first fan configured to supply air to a first area of the fixing device, a second fan configured to supply air to a second area of the fixing device, a first temperature detector for detecting a temperature of the first area, a second temperature detector for detecting a temperature of the second area, and a control unit configured to start to operate the first fan and the second fan, wherein, when a displacement amount of a recording material with respect to a conveyance reference is a predetermined amount or larger and when the recording material is displaced toward the first area, the control unit sets a temperature for starting to drive the second fan to be lower than a temperature that is set when the positional displacement amount is less than the predetermined amount.
US08755689B2 Method for localizing an optical network termination in an optical access network
A method for localizing an optical network termination in an optical access network including an optical line termination and a number of optical links. The method includes: detecting that the optical network termination is connected to an optical link and retrieving from it a termination identifier univocally identifying the optical network termination, using the termination identifier for retrieving an optical link identifier associated with the termination identifier and univocally identifying a given optical link of the optical links; inducing a change in an optical connection between the optical line termination and the given optical link, thus modifying an optical parameter of first optical signals received at the optical line termination through the given optical link; checking whether second optical signals received at the optical line termination from the optical network termination are affected by the change; and in the affirmative, determining that the optical network termination is connected to the first optical link.
US08755688B2 Optical fibre networks
An optical fiber transmission distribution assembly, wherein the assembly comprises at least a first splitter having a first split ratio of 1:x (where x is an integer) connected to optical drop cables leading to subscribers, and at least a second splitter having a second split ratio of 1:y (where y is an integer and is different from x), and transfer means whereby an optical drop cable connected to the first splitter can be transferred to receive split optical signals from the second splitter, thereby enabling the signal in the transferred drop cable to be further split by addition of a third splitter at a ratio of 1:p (where p is an integer), to provide p subscriber connection points each having a 1:p*y split ratio at the subscriber end of the transferred drop cable.
US08755678B2 Explosion proof forced air electric heater
An explosion proof forced air electric heater is designed to supply heat to hazardous areas where the atmosphere contains readily combustible gases, vapors or dust particles. The heater employs an air mover which forces air through a metal heat sink with strategically placed electric heating elements. The terminal ends of the heating elements extend into a sealed and encapsulated explosion proof containment chamber which is connected to a centralized explosion proof enclosure. The explosion proof enclosure contains the control features and the electrical connections of the heater along with external accessories. The heating cycle is controlled via an electronic control circuit. The electronic circuit controls the process heating temperature, air mover operation, heating element operation, temperature measuring device operation, and monitors the total operation time of the heating elements while providing process failure feed back to the operator.
US08755677B2 Moving-picture processing device and moving-picture processing method
A moving-picture processing device distributing moving-picture data to an information processing terminal includes: a division processing unit for generating a plurality of divided moving-picture data obtained by dividing moving-picture data, a moving-picture processing unit for subjecting each data item of said plurality of divided moving-picture data to a distribution process for distributing moving-picture data, and a distribution processing unit for sequentially distributing, by each arbitrary data amount as distribution data to the information processing terminal, each data item of said plurality of divided moving-picture data that have undergone the distribution process. The moving-picture processing unit executes the distribution process in parallel.
US08755676B2 Video recording method and video recording device
A video recording method is provided. The method includes steps of: determining a threshold bit rate according to a storage space and an expected recording period; capturing a video data; determining whether a current bit rate is greater than the threshold bit rate; storing a predictive frame of the video data when the current bit rate is not greater than the threshold bit rate; and not storing the predictive frame when the current bit rate is greater than the threshold bit rate.
US08755667B2 Data entry via on-screen display
A recording playback device having a database of recordings with titles, automatically enters a title input mode upon receiving character input from a user while a recording is being played if the there is not title in the database for the recording. Playback of the recording is not interrupted in the title input mode. In the case of a DVD player, the on-screen display mode is used to display the characters entered by the user on the same video display used for video content from the DVD.
US08755665B2 Electromagnetic wave gathering device and solar cell module having the same
An electromagnetic wave gathering device includes a pillared electromagnetic waveguide body and a reflective structure. The reflective structure is located at about an axis of the pillared electromagnetic waveguide body. The reflective structure comprises a plurality of bicone reflective units. Each of the reflective units has a first reflective surface. The electromagnetic wave gathering device may have a smaller volume and is handy for use.
US08755663B2 Impact resistant fiber optic enclosures and related methods
Impact resistant fiber optic enclosures for fiber optic components and related methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fiber optic enclosure is provided and comprises a housing comprising a base, a cover, and a seal disposed between the cover and the base to secure the cover to the base and define an interior cavity configured to support one or more fiber optic components. At least one expandable joint is disposed in the housing and configured to deflect and/or assist in deflecting an impact load applied to the housing. In this manner, any fiber optic components disposed in the interior cavity are protected from being damaged and/or from being exposed to the environment outside of the interior cavity. The at least one expandable joint may be disposed in at least one of the cover and the base. The at least one expandable joint may comprise two expandable joints as another example.