US07749582B2
A surface-treated metal material is obtained by forming an inorganic surface-treating layer containing at least Zr, O and F as chief components but without containing phosphoric acid ions on the surfaces of a metal by the cathodic electrolysis or by forming an inorganic surface-treating layer containing at least Zr, O and F as chief components and having an atomic ratio of P and Zr of 0≦P/Zr<0.6 in the uppermost surface on the surfaces of the metal by the cathodic electrolysis at a low cost featuring high productivity, environmental friendliness, scar resistance, adhesion, workability and intimate fitting. By using a metal material obtained by coating the surface-treated metal material with an organic resin and, particularly, with a polyester resin, a metal can or a can lid exhibits excellent adhesion and corrosion resistance even at portions that are worked to a high degree. Further, the can lid exhibits excellent opening performance even after the sterilization by heating.
US07749576B2
The liquid crystal composition includes at least one compound selected from a group of compounds represented by formula (1) as a first component, has a positive dielectric anisotropy, and has a nematic phase, and a liquid crystal display element containing the composition: wherein R11 and R12 are alkyls having different carbon numbers.
US07749572B2
Provided is a less irritant or inflammatory glove in which irritation and inflammation are to be reduced when using the glove made from latex, nitrile, PVC, or the like in the field of medicine, physical and chemical research, industry, or the like by utilizing antipruritic and antiinflammatory effects of phthalocyanine, but not by reducing the contents of protein ingredients contained in a latex glove as in prior art. Phthalocyanine is used as a less irritant or inflammatory agent when wearing the glove. The phthalocyanine is mixed into a raw material for an inner glove, or mixed into a raw material of the glove, or mixed into a lubricant for wearing the glove, or mixed into a coating material applied to the inside surface of the glove, or adhered to a filling implanted on the inside surface of the glove.
US07749567B2
Disclosed is a process for producing a layered article including a substrate and an inorganic particle layer formed thereon, the process including: preparing a mixed inorganic particle dispersion comprising a liquid dispersion medium containing inorganic particles (A) and inorganic particles (B), the mixed inorganic particle dispersion being characterized by conditions (1) regarding particle size, (2) regarding volume fraction of inorganic particles and (3) regarding weight fraction; applying the mixed inorganic particle dispersion to a substrate, and removing the liquid dispersion medium from the mixed inorganic particle dispersion applied to form an inorganic particle layer on the substrate.
US07749561B2
The present invention provides a single-electron device composed of a necklace of about 5000 nanoparticles. The linear necklace is self-assembled by interfacial phenomena along a triple-phase line of fiber, a substrate and electrolyte containing nanoparticles. A variety of combinations of nanoparticles, such as Au and CdS nanoparticles, may be used to form a necklace. The I-V measurements on the system show both coulomb blockade and staircase, with high currents and high threshold voltage of 1-3 V. The present invention also provides methods for constructing such a device.
US07749554B2
A method is provided for forming coatings on stents. The method comprises applying a coating composition to the stent; followed by terminating the application of the coating composition; followed by inserting a temperature adjusting element within the longitudinal bore of the stent to change the temperature of the stent.
US07749552B1
Improved extruded starch-bearing grain products (e.g., corn and wheat) are provided having relatively high cook values and low cold water viscosities. The products are prepared by initial preconditioning to partially cook the starting material(s), followed by low shear extrusion cooking, with a total STE/SME ratio of at least about 4.
US07749546B2
A composition for effectively suppressing the growth of Prostate Cancer Cell, suppressing the Prostatic Hyperplasia and its preparation method, wherein this composition contains the Astragalus radix or its extracts with effective ingredients, which can either prevent or cure the Prostate cancer and suppress the Prostatic Hyperplasia as well.
US07749541B2
Disclosed are pharmaceutical preparations of R(+)-N-propargyl-1-aminoindan salts having enhanced content uniformity, processes for preparation of the compositions, and their uses.
US07749530B2
The present invention relates to drug delivery systems comprising ocular implant, which include organic molecules, capable of modulating tyrosine kinase signal transduction in order to regulate, modulate and/or inhibit abnormal cell proliferation, in combination with a polymer, which polymer serves to control, modify, modulate and/or slow the release of the therapeutic component into the environment of the eye in which said composite is placed.
US07749528B2
Implantable and sealable medical device for unidirectional delivery of therapeutic agents to tissues
A device for selective delivery of therapeutic agents to internal body tissues is disclosed. Upon tight sealing of the device to targeted tissues the diffusion of therapeutic agents to the targeted tissue can be controlled, while minimizing exposure of adjacent organs to the agents being delivered. Mechanisms for replenishment of the device and methods for application of the device in remote sites of the body are disclosed.
US07749522B2
The present invention relates to a method for arresting, protecting and/or preserving an organ which includes administering effective amounts of (i) a potassium channel opener or agonist and/or an adenosine receptor agonist and (ii) local anaesthetic to a subject in need thereof.The present invention also relates to a method for arresting, protecting and/or preserving an organ which comprises adding a composition which includes effective amounts of (i) a potassium channel opener or agonist and/or an adenosine receptor agonist and (ii) a local anaesthetic to the organ.The present invention further provides a pharmaceutical or veterinary composition which includes effective amounts of (i) a potassium channel opener or agonist and/or an adenosine receptor agonist and (ii) a local anaesthetic.
US07749519B2
Malaria in humans is caused by infection with Plasmodium species parasites including P. vivax. The biology and immunobilogy of P. vivax is distinct from that of P. falciparum. Provided are unique synthetic polypeptides and DNA molecules which encode them. Each of these molecules correspond to regions of the circumsporozoite protein of P. vivax. Each molecule comprises sequences corresponding to several repeats of the central region of the Pv 210 variant fused to sequences corresponding to several repeats of the central region of the Pv 247 variant. Each molecule additionally comprises sequences corresponding to either the amino terminus, the carboxy terminus, or both the amino and carboxy termini of the PvCSP. Also provided are vaccines comprising these unique sequences and methods of using these vaccines and sequences to prevent and treat Pv malaria.
US07749518B2
Polypeptides comprising non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) amino acid sequences. Over 2500 specific NTHi proteins are disclosed. The invention also provides related polypeptides, nucleic acids, antibodies and methods. These can all be used in medicine for treating or preventing disease and/or infection caused by H. influenzae, such as otitis media.
US07749515B2
Botulinum toxin, among other presynaptic neurotoxins is used for the treatment and prevention of migraine and other headaches associated with vascular disorders. Presynaptic neurotoxins are delivered focally, targeting the sphenopalatine ganglion. Exemplary delivery is carried out by way of injection.
US07749512B2
Compositions and methods for treating, preventing and diagnosing Helicobacter infection are disclosed. The methods use proteins and/or nucleic acids derived from Helicobacter cerdo, a new pathogen isolated from swine. In addition, porcine models for studying bacterial gastritis and gastric and duodenal ulcer disease caused by Helicobacter pathogens, such as H. pylori and H. cerdo are described, as well as methods of identifying vaccines and compounds for treating and/or preventing Helicobacter infection using the animal models. Also described are methods of preventing Helicobacter infection in swine, such as infection caused by H. cerdo, using immunogenic proteins and nucleic acids derived from Helicobacter pathogens, such as H. pylori.
US07749501B2
Provided are fusion polypeptides comprising an engineered antibody and a stress protein that bind to antigens with high affinity, are highly immunogenic, exhibit MHC class I priming and are able to be produced in non-mammalian cells, such as E. coli.
US07749496B2
A method of promoting neuronal regeneration includes administering an agent to at least one neural cell in contact with at least one neural cell growth inhibiting component in an amount effective to promote neuronal regeneration. The agent is selected from the group consisting of a Class I Rho family GTPase, a C1 activator, a Class II Rho family GTPase, and a C2 inhibitor.
US07749490B2
IL-10 sequence variants are disclosed that retain the therapeutically desirable anti-inflammatory properties of wild-type IL-10 but do not retain the hemoatopoeitic cell regulatory and cell proliferative activities. The mutant IL-10 polypeptides of the invention are used in methods of treating diseases involving inflammatory response, including neuropathic pain and other neurological disorders.
US07749485B2
Composition for diagnostic or therapeutic use which comprises an assembly comprising an active agent. The assembly comprises a liposome and a plurality of micellar components associated thereto, said micellar components being associated to the outer surface of the envelope of said liposome through a substantially electrostatic interaction, When an active compound is incorporated into the micelles, a substantial amount of said active compound can be linked to a singe liposome. Furthermore, the presence of the outer micellar layer allows to increase the residence time of said liposome in the blood stream.
US07749482B2
To provide a process for producing a lithium-containing composite oxide for a positive electrode for a lithium secondary battery, which is excellent in the volume capacity density, safety, charge and discharge cycle durability and low temperature characteristics.A process for producing a lithium-containing composite oxide represented by the formula LipNxMmOzFa (wherein N is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Co, Mn and Ni, M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, alkaline earth metal elements and transition metal elements other than N, 0.9≦p≦1.2, 0.97≦x<1.00, 0
US07749477B2
A carbon nanotube array includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes. Each of the carbon nanotubes has a plurality of line marks formed on each of the carbon nanotubes. The line marks transversely extend across the carbon nanotubes. The line marks of each of the carbon nanotubes are spaced apart from each other.
US07749473B2
The present invention relates to new crystalline molecular sieve SSZ-75 having STI framework topology prepared using a tetramethylene-1,4-bis-(N-methylpyrrolidinium) dication as a structure-directing agent and its use in treating engine exhaust.
US07749471B2
A process for reduction of oxides of nitrogen contained in a gas stream comprising contacting the gas stream with a boron-containing molecular sieve, the boron-containing molecular sieve having the CHA crystal structure and comprising (1) silicon oxide and (2) boron oxide or a combination of boron oxide and aluminum oxide, iron oxide, titanium oxide, gallium oxide and mixtures thereof; and wherein the mole-ratio of silicon oxide to boron oxide in said boron-containing molecular sieve is between 15 and 125. A method for reduction of oxides of nitrogen, comprising a) selecting the boron-containing molecular sieve; and b) contacting a gas stream with the molecular sieve. A method for reduction of oxides, comprising: a) selecting the boron-containing molecular sieve containing a metal or metal ions capable of catalyzing the reduction of the oxides of nitrogen; and b) contacting an exhaust stream of an internal combustion engine with the molecular sieve.
US07749466B2
A compact catalytic reactor for Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (50) comprises a reactor module (70) defining a multiplicity of first and second flow channels arranged alternately, for carrying a gas mixture, and a coolant respectively. A removable gas-permeable catalyst structure (82) with a substrate for example of metal foil is provided in each flow channel in which the synthesis reaction is to occur. The reactor module (70) is enclosed within a pressure vessel (90), the pressure within the pressure vessel being arranged to be at a pressure substantially that of the high pressure reacting gas mixture. Consequently all the flow channels within the module are either at the pressure of their surroundings, or are under compression; no parts are under tension. This simplifies the design of the module, and increases the proportion of reactor volume which can be occupied by the catalyst.
US07749464B2
A plate type catalytic reactor in which components of a starting material gas react comprises a plurality of pairs of heat transfer plates, each pair being formed of two sheets of corrugated plates joined to each other and each pair having a plurality of interior heat transfer medium flow passages, that are arranged so that projected surface parts and recessed surface parts of the corrugated plates of adjacent heat transfer plates are opposed to each other and so that the plurality of pairs of corrugated plates placed in contiguous non-contacting relationship define a plurality of catalyst bed regions in which catalyst material is placed, each having an inlet for the flow of starting gas material and an outlet for the egress of reaction product, wherein the direction of flow of the heat transfer medium through the passages is perpendicular to the direction of flow of starting material gas through the plurality of catalyst regions.
US07749454B2
A container with a rotatable lid for reading and handling diagnostic reagents in tape form comprising a body portion, a lid portion, a continuous tape, a reagent-sensing device, and a storage device. The body portion includes an inner and outer surface. The lid portion is attached to the body portion and is adapted to rotate from a closed position to an open position. The continuous tape includes a diagnostic reagent. The reagent-sensing device is attached to either the body portion or the lid portion and adapted to read the diagnostic reagent. The storage device is attached to the body portion that is adapted to hold and dispense an unused portion of the continuous tape. During the rotation of the lid portion, the continuous tape is advanced from the first storage device and is extended over the reagent-sensing device.
US07749452B2
A test tube or laboratory/reaction tube (11) has a sample receptacle (12) having an opening (13) and an integrally joined cap (15) that can be set down on the opening by bending over at least one strip (17) connecting the cap to the receptacle. A tab (19) is provided on the cap projecting laterally from the side of the cap in the direction of the at least one connecting strip so as to overlap a bent portion of the at least one connecting strip after bending and setting the cap down on the opening.
US07749448B2
Fluidic conduits, which can be used in microarraying systems, dip pen nanolithography systems, fluidic circuits, and microfluidic systems, are disclosed that use channel spring probes that include at least one capillary channel. Formed from spring beams (e.g., stressy metal beams) that curve away from the substrate when released, channels can either be integrated into the spring beams or formed on the spring beams. Capillary forces produced by the narrow channels allow liquid to be gathered, held, and dispensed by the channel spring probes. Because the channel spring beams can be produced using conventional semiconductor processes, significant design flexibility and cost efficiencies can be achieved.
US07749440B1
Methods and apparatus for chemical warfare agent detection training are provided. More particularly, methods and apparatus are provided to simulate the detection of low volatility chemical warfare agents by simulating the use of currently fielded U.S. Army detection kits without exposure to hazardous agents. A simulant is disposed in a sample heating assembly. The sample heating assembly is placed over a detection window of a detector, and the simulant is heated in order to make a simulated detection.
US07749437B2
The present invention concerns a reagent coating mass which can be used in slot-die-coating of flat support materials in the manufacturing processes of test strips. Advantageously, the reagent mass of the invention exhibits certain superior rheological properties such as viscosity, surface tension and thixotropy. The reagent mass is preferably used to coat thin, narrow and homogeneous stripes of reagent material onto flat web material.
US07749429B2
A ceramic particle group dispersed in a solvent in a state of primary particles of single crystal, a method for production thereof and a use thereof are disclosed. In one embodiment a method is disclosed for producing a sintered particle (ceramic particle) group of hydroxyapatite (HAp), which includes a step of subjecting a system wherein calcium carbonate is present between primary particles of hydroxyapatite (HAp) to sintering and then dissolving calcium carbonate with water to remove calcium carbonate. A hydroxyapatite (HAp) sintered particle group produced by the above method is a nanometer size particle group having a particle diameter of about 70 to about 120 nm, and is a particle group having a uniform particle diameter (coefficient of variation: 12%), and further 96% of the particle group is dispersed as a single crystal particle.
US07749425B2
A method of forming a nanoscale ceramic composite generally includes modifying a polymeric ceramic precursor, mixing the modified polymeric ceramic precursor with a block copolymer to form a mixture, forming an ordered structure from the mixture, wherein the modified polymeric ceramic precursor selectively associates with a specific type of block of the block copolymer, and heating the ordered structure for a time and at a temperature effective to form the nanoscale ceramic composite.
US07749424B2
A method of making a fenestration framing member includes providing a core of desired cross section and geometry lengthwise of the core. A fiberglass mat is placed around the core to form a fiberglass-enclosed core, and resin is vacuum infused into the mat to form a fenestration framing member that includes fiberglass-reinforced resin enclosing the core. The starting core and the final fenestration framing member preferably are of curved geometry lengthwise of the core and member. The step of vacuum infusing resin into the mat surrounding the core preferably is carried out by placing the fiberglass-enclosed core into a vacuum enclosure, preferably a vacuum bag, and connecting the vacuum enclosure to a vacuum source and a resin source.
US07749414B2
Composite membranes comprising at least one porous substrate layer and at least one microporous separation layer, comprising at least one zeolite of the MFI type, are described, the separation layer being produced by a hydrothermal synthesis in which the molar ratio of silicon to aluminum is greater than 120 and the separation layer contains less than 10% by weight of aluminum in elemental or chemically bound form in a zone of at least 100 nm adjacent to the separation layer.
US07749405B2
A white-emitting electroluminescent lamp is provided that uses a phosphor blend comprising a mixture of particles of an electroluminescent phosphor and particles of an europium-activated alkaline earth phosphor having the general formula Sr1-xCaxS:Eu where 0≦x≦1, wherein the electroluminescent phosphor is selected from a blue-emitting electroluminescent phosphor, a blue-green-emitting electroluminescent phosphor, or a combination thereof. A preferred blend contains from about 5% to about 20% by weight of the europium-activated alkaline earth phosphor.
US07749398B2
Calibration wafers and methods for calibrating a plasma process performed in a plasma processing apparatus, such as an ionized physical vapor deposition apparatus. The calibration wafer includes one or more selective-redeposition sources that may be used for calibrating a plasma process. The selective-redeposition sources are constructed to promote the redeposition of a controllable and/or measurable amount of material during the plasma process.
US07749390B2
The invention relates to a semi-continuous chromatographic method for the separation of binary and multi-component mixtures and corresponding devices.
US07749387B2
This invention relates to the composition of an integrally-layered polymeric membrane and a process for utilizing the integrally-layered polymeric membrane components of a feedstream. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates to the composition of an integrally-layered polymeric membrane and a process for utilizing the integrally-layered polymeric membrane in the separation of aromatics from a hydrocarbon based feedstream. The polymeric membranes of the present invention are fabricated by chemically crosslinking adjacent polymer membrane layers of the same or differing copolymer solutions to produce an integrally-layered polymeric membrane with improved separations properties.
US07749381B2
In a hollow fiber membrane flat module according to the present invention, both ends of hollow fiber membrane bundle which are formed by bundling a plurality of hollow fiber membrane as a sheet are fixed to two housing separately by a fixing resin while maintaining an opening condition in an opening end section in the follow fiber membrane. Furthermore, a maximum width in an orthogonal direction to a longitudinal direction of the hollow fiber membrane is no longer than 25 mm in a cross section which is orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the housings, and a maximum deflection in the housings which are measured according to a method for measuring the deflection according to the present invention is not more than 1% of a distance between the two housings. In such a hollow fiber membrane module, it is possible to enhance the integration ratio of the hollow fiber membrane module per a unit volume of the hollow fiber membrane module unit in which there is less deflections in the housing caused by adjust the wavelength dispersion and the dispersion slope always in minimum level automatically only by matching the position of the reflecting mirror 8, the dispersion compensation amount and the dispersion slope compensation amount which correspond to a shape of the reflecting surface 8a on the reflecting mirror 8 which is selected under such a current condition in advance. Factors such as an air bubble, and the entanglement of the hollow fiber membranes is restricted; thus, a hollow fiber membrane is not damaged. Also, in the hollow fiber membrane module, it is preferable that the housing is provided with a reinforcing rib section which strengthens the housing.
US07749373B2
A process for hydrocracking a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising components boiling above 343° C. into a middle distillate fraction in the presence of hydrogen under hydrocracking conditions, comprising contacting the hydrocarbon feedstock in a first hydrocracking zone in the presence of one or more hydrocracking catalysts and thereafter in a second hydrocracking zone in the presence of one or more hydrocracking catalysts, and recovering a middle distillate product, wherein the entire effluent from the first hydrocracking zone is passed into the second hydrocracking zone, and at least one hydrocracking catalyst in the first hydrocracking zone comprises one or more hydrogenation components on a support comprising at least one large pore zeolite having a pore diameter in the range of 0.7-1.5 nm and at least one inorganic oxide, and at least one hydrocracking catalyst in the second hydrocracking zone comprises one or more hydrogenation component on a support comprising a beta zeolite and at least one inorganic oxide.
US07749362B2
A method of protecting steel in concrete is disclosed. It consists of connecting the steel (6) to a discrete sacrificial anode assembly (7) comprising a base metal (1), a relatively small quantity of catalytic activating agent in contact with the base metal and a substantially inert porous layer (3) that surrounds the base metal and catalytic activating agent. The inert porous layer efficiently maintains a sustainable concentration gradient of the catalytic activating agent between the base metal and the surrounding environment as a result of the electric field across this layer. The preferred porous layer comprises a material that exhibits a net repulsion of negative ions from its pore system and the preferred catalytic activating agent comprises doubly charged sulphate ions as small electric fields maintain very high concentration gradients of these ions resulting in high concentrations at the base metal surface and insignificant concentrations at the assembly periphery.
US07749354B2
A continuous digester comprises a wash zone having a plurality of individual wash screens disposed about an inner wall of the digester for the withdrawal of co-current downflow liquor from the wash zone. A conduit is connected in fluid communication between each of the wash screens and a collector for co-current downflow liquor withdrawn from the wash zone of the digester. A valve is interposed along the length of the conduit leading from each of the wash screens. The valve is operable between open and closed positions in response to a signal received from a temperature sensor associated with the conduit leading from each of the wash screens. The signal represent changes in temperature of a corresponding co-current down flow liquor through a corresponding conduit wherein a corresponding valve permits adjustment of a corresponding flow rate of liquor through said corresponding conduit to a flow rate that is substantially equal to each of the other flow rates of co-current downflow liquor through each of the other conduits.
US07749333B2
In a substrate processing apparatus, a control section is preset to perform a chemical liquid process by use of a chemical liquid after a rinsing process by use of a rinsing liquid. The control section first executes a step of rotating a substrate at a rotational speed not lower than that used in the rinsing process and supplying the chemical liquid onto the substrate, thereby performing cleaning inside a drain cup by the chemical liquid, while discarding, through a waste line, liquid received by the drain cup. The control section then executes a step of rotating the substrate at a decreased rotational speed for the chemical liquid process and supplying the chemical liquid onto the substrate, thereby performing the chemical liquid process on the substrate, while collecting, through a collection line, liquid received by the drain cup.
US07749323B2
A single crystal for a scintillator that is a specific single crystal of a cerium-activated orthosilicate compound that comprises 0.00005 to 0.1 wt. %, based on the entire weight of the single crystal, of at least one element selected from a group consisting of elements belonging to Group 13 of the periodic table.
US07749308B2
A system for recovering and recycling otherwise vented or flared volatile and non-volatile reactive organic materials from pipeline and plant operations associated with oil and gas recovery, refining and petrochemical manufacture, processing and transportation includes a means to remove and store volatile hydrocarbons for a portion of a system or pipeline.
US07749296B2
A cyclone dust-separating apparatus is disclosed. The dust-separating apparatus includes a cyclone unit having an air inlet and an air outlet so as to remove dust or dirt from air, and a dust bin joined to a bottom end of the cyclone unit so as to store the dust or dirt separated by the cyclone unit. The cyclone unit is installed in such a manner that a longitudinal axis thereof is substantially horizontally arranged. The dust bin is installed in such a manner that a longitudinal axis thereof is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the cyclone unit. The dust bin has an air outflow passage connected with the air outlet, so that air discharged from the cyclone unit passes through the dust bin and then discharges in a bottom end direction of the dust bin.
US07749294B2
A robot cleaner that has a dust collection unit with a cyclone part generating an ascending rotary air current from the dust-laden air being drawn in through a lower part thereof, separating the dust from the air using a centrifugal force, and discharging the dust-separated air to the lower part through a center part, and a collection part surrounding the cyclone part to receive the dust being centrifugally separated.
US07749289B2
A fuel cell system includes: a reformer for generating hydrogen from hydrogen-containing fuel; at least one electricity generator for generating electric energy through an electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen; a fuel supply unit for supplying the fuel to the reformer; and an oxygen supply unit for supplying the oxygen to the reformer and the at least one electricity generator. The reformer includes: a plurality of reaction sections, wherein at least one of the reaction sections has a channel; at least one cover plate; and a bonding joint between two of the reaction sections and between the at least one of the reaction sections and the at least one cover plate to couple the at least one of the reaction sections and the at least one cover plate to each other.
US07749279B2
A bone cement plug for fitting into the intramedullary canal within a bone to restrict flow of bone cement during surgery comprises a sleeve (2) whose wall is circumferentially continuous and has an outer surface (10) for contacting the wall (32) of the canal. The sleeve (2) is formed from a deformable material so that it can be expanded transversely to contact the surface (32) of the canal. The plug includes an expander which can be drawn through the cavity (12) in a direction generally along the axis of the sleeve (2), to cause the sleeve (2) to expand transversely to contact the surface (32) of the canal. The inner surfaces of the wall converge towards the end (16) of the sleeve (2) towards which the expander is drawn to cause the sleeve (2) to expand to contact the surface (32) of the canal.
US07749275B2
Devices for implantation into an intervertebral disc can include a membrane support member to augment a disc having a defect. A defect in the anulus of a disc can be repaired using a prosthesis such as a barrier. The barrier can include a sealant and an enlarger. The barrier can be implanted into the disc using a delivery cannula, an advancer and at least one control filament to control the positioning of the barrier. A stiffening element can be included within the barrier to impart stiffness to the barrier. The support member can also be connected to an anchor.
US07749274B2
An intervertebral cage for treating degeneration of the spine includes a block, an anchor member with a pivot and two blades secured to the pivot, a device for mounting the pivot to turn relative to the block and a hole in the block, a slot in the block, where the slot shares a common portion with the hole for containing the pivot, and a device for associating the pivot in rotation with the block in the common portion in such a manner that when the pivot is turned, the anchor member takes up a first position in which the blade is fully contained in the slot and a second position in which a portion of the end of the blade emerges from the slot.
US07749273B2
The present invention provides methods and devices for treating the annulus of an intervertebral disc. The methods and devices can employ an expandable treatment device which is deployed at least partially in the subannular space. Fixation devices and methods are also disclosed, which help to secure the treatment device in place.
US07749272B2
A spinal motion device for implanting in the spine as a replacement for the natural disc, to permit motion between adjacent vertebral bodies or as a vertebral body replacement that permits motion at its ends. The spinal motion device comprises a composite structure formed by a body having at least one bearing member, made from a biocompatible material such as pyrolytic carbon, attached to a support surface thereof.
US07749271B2
A surgical guiding instrument for use with a chisel and an implant body for insertion into an intervertebral space, included is a shaft with a stop device for delimiting a depth of insertion of the implant body into the intervertebral space. The shaft has a distal end and a proximal end, the implant body being arranged at the distal end of the shaft and defining two bearing surfaces positionable against the adjacent vertebral bodies, the stop device having at least one stop movably mounted at the distal end of the shaft or on the implant body, the stop having a stop surface pointing in distal direction transversely or substantially transversely to at least one of the bearing surfaces, so that an insertion depth for a surgical machining tool can be set in a simple way.
US07749266B2
Prosthetic valves and their component parts are described, as are prosthetic valve delivery devices and methods for their use. The prosthetic valves are particularly adapted for use in percutaneous aortic valve replacement procedures. The delivery devices are particularly adapted for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures. The preferred delivery device includes a catheter having a deployment mechanism attached to its distal end, and a handle mechanism attached to its proximal end. A plurality of tethers are provided to selectively restrain the valve during deployment. A number of mechanisms for active deployment of partially expanded prosthetic valves are also described.
US07749257B2
A bearing plate for use in bone fixation for fractures, fusion osteotomies and the like, and the plate is provided with one or more spherical holes in which expandable spherical bearings can be rotatably supported. Each of the holes is formed at its periphery in such a way as to provide yielding expansibility of the hole so that upon expansion of the bearing, the hole expands with it to provide elastic resistance to the expanding bearing.
US07749255B2
An apparatus and method for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting two tissue surfaces. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the two tissue surfaces to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the tissue surfaces so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column.
US07749248B2
A method and apparatus for sealing a puncture or incision formed percutaneously in tissue separating two internal portions of the body of a living being with an anchor, a sealing plug and a filament connecting the anchor and sealing plug. The method and apparatus provide for a tamping device that is coilable in some configurations and stiff and straight in other configurations. The coilable tamping device may also automatically tamp the sealing plug when the apparatus is withdrawn from the puncture site. The automatic uncoiling and tamping is facilitated by transducing a motive force generated by the withdrawal of the apparatus into a tamping force.
US07749246B2
A vessel filter having a first region and a second region, each having a mounting portion and a filter portion having a converging region at an end portion to direct particles toward the center of the filter. Each mounting portion is flared in the expanded position to have a transverse dimension increasing toward an end portion opposite the end portion of the converging region. A plurality of spaced apart struts extend between the first and second converging regions.
US07749245B2
Devices and methods for performing intravascular procedures without cardiac bypass include embodiments of temporary filter devices, temporary valves, and prosthetic valves. The temporary filter devices have a cannula which provides access for surgical tools for effecting repair of cardiac valves. The cannula may have filters which prevent embolitic material from entering the coronary arteries and aorta. The valve devices may also have a cannula for insertion of the valve into the aorta. The valve devices expand in the aorta to occupy the entire flow path of the vessel and operate to prevent blood flow and to permit flow through the valve. The prosthetic valves include valve fixation devices which secure the prosthetic valve to the wall of the vessel. The prosthetic valves are introduced into the vascular system in a compressed state, advanced to the site of implantation, and expanded and secured to the vessel wall.
US07749244B2
A semi-retrievable intravascular filter (100) for deployment within a vessel (108) includes a support structure (104) for deployment around an internal surface of the vessel (108) and a filter structure (102) supported by interconnection with the support structure (104). The filter structure (102) is connected to the support structure (104) so as to be selectively detachable so as to facilitate removal of the filter structure (102) without the support structure (104). Also described are various retrieval systems for retrievable or semi-retrievable intravascular devices, and intravascular filter structures.
US07749239B2
The present invention, the screw-device, is a mechanical device for anastomosing hollow tube-like structures in the human body, such as blood vessels, bowels and ureters. It is thus not restricted to (micro-) vessels. It can be used in every surgical operation dealing with anastomosis and bypass operations. It allows anastomosing end to side or side to side. The screw-device is very easy to apply onto the vessel wall. Screwing is a fast technique saving operating time and requiring only basic microsurgical skills. The manufacturing is easy. Another advantage is that the screw-device can be mounted onto the receptor vessel without first opening and/or occluding this vessel. Later on, the receptor vessel wall can be opened with laser or scalpel. It should be understood that the foregoing is illustrative and not limiting, and that modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention.
US07749236B2
The invention relates to a device for guiding surgical sewing material to a needle, having a shaft on whose distal end the needle can be secured and whose proximal end is configured as a gripping portion equipped with an open guide channel for the sewing material that is to be guided. To create a device that is of simple construction and ensures reliable transport of the sewing material to the needle, the invention proposes that the guide channel can be locked mechanically, at least in sections.
US07749235B2
A system for creating an invaginated portion in a stomach comprises a suction device and a securing member. The suction device comprises a suction head operable to provide suction, a shaft connected to the suction head, and a vacuum lumen in fluid communication with the suction head. The suction head and vacuum lumen are operable to induce a vacuum adjacent to tissue. The suction device is further operable to create an invaginated portion with the tissue. The securing member is operable to substantially maintain the configuration of the invaginated portion of tissue. The suction device may comprise gripping jaw members having teeth. The securing member may comprise an adhesive and/or sutures and the like. The system may be used to create invaginated portions within a stomach. Such invaginated portions may reduce stomach volume to address obesity or other conditions.
US07749226B2
A method for forming a tunnel in a bone. The method includes forming a first tunnel in the bone, the tunnel having a longitudinal axis, inserting a first drill guide into the first tunnel, supporting a first tunnel-forming device along an axis defining a first offset relative the longitudinal axis of the first tunnel with the first drill guide, and forming a second tunnel alongside the first tunnel with the first tunnel-forming device, the second tunnel communicating with the first tunnel and defining a single elongated opening.
US07749218B2
This invention relates to a method of straddling an intraosseous nerve with an energy transmitting device to improve the therapeutic treatment of the nerve.
US07749213B2
In a disposable diaper includes a pair of side flaps respectively extending from an end portion in a lateral direction of the diaper main body and a fixing tape disposed in proximity of a farthest edge of the respective side flaps, the fixing tape is provided with a hook member, the fixing tape and the side flaps are to be engaged via the hook member, and an engaging region on the side flaps where the fixing tape is to be engaged includes portions having a different engaging force with the hook member. As a result, the fixing tape can be temporarily fixed with a modest engaging force, despite the hook member having a greater engaging force.
US07749212B2
A back region having extensibility in a waist direction and provided with stopper members at both ends in the waist direction, an abdominal region provided with flap portions at both ends in the waist direction, and an absorber that bridges between the back region and the abdominal region are provided. It is set in such a manner that a length of the back region in the waist direction when it is stretched is longer than a length of the abdominal region in the waist direction, and a length of the back region in the waist direction when no force is applied from the outside is almost equal to the length of the abdominal region in the waist direction or shorter than the length in the waist direction.
US07749210B2
A disposable diaper has a through-hole formed in an inner sheet destined to come in contact with a wearer's skin so that this through-hole may communicate with a pocket for receiving feces. The inner sheet is formed with an elastic area extending in a longitudinal direction along transversely opposite side edges of the through-hole. In a crotch region of the diaper, a stiffening sheet strips are attached to the inner sheet between the transversely opposite side edges of the diaper and the transversely opposite side edges so that the respective stiffening sheet strips extend in a transverse direction.
US07749209B1
A compact diaper changing kit packaging comprising a single sheet of flexible waterproof material enclosing a disposable diaper and pre-moistened wipes. The wipes are stored within a waterproof pouch formed by folding and sealing the enclosing sheet over upon itself. The enclosing sheet is wrapped around the diaper enclosing and protecting the diaper from contaminants. Method of use comprises unfolding the enclosing sheet to reveal disposable diaper and the waterproof pouch containing wipes. The unfolded enclosing sheet may be used as a clean changing surface. A dirty diaper and spent pre-moistened wipes may be stored away or disposed by wrapping them in the enclosing sheet.
US07749207B2
A synthetic elastomeric laminate and a control garment are provided. The laminate and garment include a sheet of synthetic rubber and one or more fabric layers laminated to the sheet of synthetic rubber. A process for making an elastomeric laminate is also provided. The process includes cutting a plurality of apertures in an elastomeric sheet of foamed synthetic rubber to define an apertured elastomeric sheet and laminating a first fabric layer to a first side of the apertured elastomeric sheet.
US07749206B2
A condom retaining device for use with a male condom in place on a male member having at least one retaining member adapted to fit at least partially around the male member, and a retaining means for securing the at least one retaining member about the user.
US07749204B2
The present invention is directed to a method of using a multilayered fabric comprising a first absorbable nonwoven fabric and a second absorbable woven or knitted fabric in tissue repair and regeneration.
US07749201B2
A device for administering an injectable product including a housing with a reservoir for the product, a delivery device, which can be displaced out of a release position and into an activating position and, from the activating position, executes a delivery movement via which a set product dose is discharged from the reservoir, and a dosing device that, for setting a product dose, can execute a dosing movement in dosing positions predetermined by detent engagement when the delivery device occupies the release position, wherein the delivery device, when in the activating position and when moving into the activating position, is coupled to the dosing device via a blocking engagement which prevents the dosing device in the respectively set dosing position from executing dosing movements.
US07749198B2
A surgical portal apparatus includes a portal member defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal opening therethrough for receiving a surgical object, an adjustable seal disposed within the longitudinal opening and having inner seal portions adapted to permit passage of the surgical object in substantial sealed relation therewith and an adjustment member mounted within the portal member and operatively connected to the adjustable seal. The adjustment member is positioned to intersect the longitudinal passageway to engage the surgical object and move relative to the portal member to thereby cause corresponding relative displacement of the inner seal portions of the adjustable seal and facilitate passage of the surgical object through the adjustable seal. The inner seal portions of the adjustable seal are adapted for relative movement between a first generally approximated position and a second generally displaced position upon movement of the adjustment member. The inner seal portions of the adjustable seal may be dimensioned to substantially prevent passage of fluids when in the first generally approximated position. In one arrangement, the adjustable seal includes first and second seal elements which define the inner seal portions.
US07749196B2
An apparatus for percutaneous catheterization. The apparatus comprises a catheter, and an inner cannula received within the lumen of the catheter. The inner cannula has a distal portion that tapers toward the distal end, and is sized to extend through the distal opening of the catheter to provide a generally smooth diametrical transition between the distal end of the catheter and the distal open end of the inner cannula. A stiffening cannula is sized to be received in the lumen of the inner catheter, and has an inner diameter sized to receive a wire guide therethrough. The stiffening cannula as a distal section of greater flexibility than the flexibility of a proximal section for providing kink resistance to the apparatus.
US07749195B2
A device for administering an injectable product including an insertion mechanism for inserting an injection needle into a tissue, the insertion mechanism including a first pressure element, a delivery mechanism for delivering the product from a product container, the delivery mechanism including a second pressure element, and a trigger for triggering the insertion and delivery mechanisms, wherein, when triggered, the insertion mechanism is moved by the first pressure element in an insertion direction from an initial position to an insertion position and the delivery mechanism remains at rest relative to the insertion mechanism until the insertion position is reached.
US07749192B2
A one-way injector having a housing in which at least one mechanical spring energy store, at least one piston/cylinder unit, which can be at least temporarily filled with an active substance, at least one piston-actuating plunger and at least one tripping unit are arranged. To this end, the spring energy store comprises a preloaded spring element. The spring element is held in the preloaded position by a tension means surrounding at least a region of the spring. The tripping unit comprises a cutting tool which, in order to release the energy of the spring energy store, severs or weakens the tension means at least one point, the weakening immediately tearing the tension means. With the present invention, a one-way injector is developed which, with a small overall size, has only a few components and ensures reliable mounting and functioning with simple manipulation.
US07749186B2
An injection device including at least one sensor for detecting an operating process of the injection device, an electronic circuit connected to the sensor for establishing the beginning and elapsed time of a service life, based on one or more sensor signals, and an output device connected to the circuit for providing a signal indicating the end of the service life. The invention encompasses a method for determining a service life of an injection device, wherein the beginning of the service life is established by one or more sensors for detecting an operating process of the device, a signal is generated which signals the end of the service life, and at least one of an optical, acoustic or tactile output device is associated with the injection device for providing a signal which indicates the end of the service life.
US07749185B2
A method for inserting a multi-lumen catheter into a patient is disclosed. The catheter includes an elongated, central, multi-lumen tube portion having a proximal end and a distal end. A distal branch portion includes a plurality of single-lumen distal extension tubes. The proximal first end of each distal extension tube is connected to the distal end of the central tube portion such that the single lumen of each distal extension tube is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of lumens of the central tube portion. A proximal branch portion includes a plurality of single-lumen proximal extension tubes. The distal first end of each proximal extension tube is connected to the proximal end of the central tube portion such that the single lumen of each distal extension tube is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of lumens of the central tube portion. Each lumen of the central tube portion and the lumens of the distal and proximal extension tubes in fluid communication therewith define a flow path through the catheter. Selectively attachable hub connectors are provided for selective attachment to the distal extension tubes and connection of the catheter to a fluid exchange device.
US07749184B2
In the apparatus and method for monitoring a vascular access (6) of an extracorporeal circuit (5; 10) of a patient, a control and calculation unit (17) varies a flow rate of a blood pump (9) predisposed to cause blood to circulate in the extracorporeal circuit. The control and calculation unit receives the pressure values in the blood withdrawal line (5) and the blood return line (10) from two pressure sensors (8, 12); the pressure values are a series of different values of the blood flow rate. The control and calculation unit processes the data gathered by means of a mathematical model which describes the variation of pressure in the vascular access as a function of the flow rate, in order to determine the blood flow rate in the vascular access. The invention detects the presence and location of a stenosis at the vascular access of a patient subjected to a hemodialysis treatment.
US07749176B2
The present invention provides a medical device for measuring cervical dilation, where the medical device is positionable about a hand having first and second fingers, with each finger having a tip and a side surface. The medical device may include a housing, a first extension element movably coupled to the housing, a second extension element movably coupled to the housing, and a dilation indication mechanism to measure a distance between the first and second extension elements. The medical device may also include a first lateral pressure sensor positionable about a side surface of the first finger, a second lateral pressure sensor positionable about a side surface of the second finger, a third pressure sensor positionable about a tip of the first finger, and a fourth pressure sensor positionable about a tip of the second finger.
US07749164B2
A system and a method allowing a technician to monitor the condition of a plurality of patients and communicate their condition to an attending clinician. A centralized receiving station receives signals from each of the patients being monitored. A graphical user interface simultaneously displays an indication of patient condition for each of a plurality of patients. A technician utilizes this information to efficiently communicate the conditions of the patients to an attending clinician.
US07749163B2
A universal joint apparatus comprises clamps, a locking mechanism, and a rod connecting the clamps and the locking mechanism. At least one clamp is a scissors clamp, i.e. a clamp comprising two segments fastened by a pivot. The scissors clamp generates extra compressive force on the object being held, providing a stable and rigid universal joint. Clamps are able to rotate with respect to each other, allowing for greater flexibility in usage. The universal joint apparatus is capable of being added to a support frame between other components. In one embodiment of the invention, the universal joint includes a dedicated retractor blade handle to ensure that the locked position of the cam handle is oriented substantially away from the operative site.
US07749159B2
A large area thermal ablation apparatus for use with an endoscope includes a housing and at least one electrode. The housing is removably attachable to a distal terminating end of the endoscope. The housing includes an outer surface and a cross-sectional area that is at least as large as a cross-sectional area of the distal terminating end of the endoscope. The electrode is supported by the outer surface of the housing. The electrode is capable of delivering energy to a tissue region inside a body to ablate the tissue region.
US07749155B1
In one embodiment, an improved-customizability digital sound relaxation system having a sound card receiving port and a collectable sound card are cooperative to play prerecorded natural or other sounds by depressing one of a plurality of sound selector switches and a sound card selector switch. The new sounds of each collectable sound card customize the library of available sounds to individual taste. In another embodiment, an improved-flexibility digital sound relaxation system having at least two (2) prerecorded sounds stored at first and second memory locations of internal or external/internal memory devices may be selected and combined for concurrent and/or individual replay by depressing one of a plurality of sound selector switches and a combine switch, or by depressing one of a plurality of sound selector switches, a sound card selector switch and a combine switch. In this manner, from eighteen (18) digitally prerecorded sounds of the preferred embodiment ninety (90) individually selectable and/or combinable sounds are made available. In either embodiment, natural or other sounds may be stored in loop or sound bite format in either or both of the internal and external memories. In a further sound relaxation and sleep-inducing embodiment, first and second preselected sound patterns selected respectively to mask sound and soothe the listener and to induce a state of deep relaxation that helps the listener to fall asleep may be selected by depressing combination mode select and sequential sound selector switches. In alarm mode, sound select and alarm check buttons respectively allow any sound of the library of prerecorded sounds (sound card or internal, single or mixed) to be selected as the alarm wake-up sound and one-touch alarm status display and audible alarm replay of any sound selected at wake-up volume in sound wake-up mode.
US07749154B2
The present invention which is a new system and method employing stimulation control to treat sleep disorders, and improve sleep states operates in a dynamic, adaptable manner without causing a premature state of arousal. Stimulation is achieved by controlling a wide variety of environmental factors around the sleeping person. The invention is based on a real-time, self-adaptive feedback system including a sleep and environment monitoring unit or a preset adjustable protocol, an integrating, controlling and deciding unit and a stimulation unit. The system and method take into account individual variability and sensitivity to sensory stimulation and phenomena as adaptation and sensitization. The system and method are aimed at improving the overall sleep architecture, and correcting specific disorders. Alternatively the same invention may be used to promote alertness, specific moods and conditions in the awake subject. The invention may be used by professional in sleep laboratories or by individuals in a home environment. It may be adjusted to operate on groups of people and on non-human subjects.
US07749150B2
The invention relates to a device for radiation treatment of proliferative tissue surrounding a cavity in an animal body comprising a radiation delivering means for placing at least one energy emitting source at a desired position within the cavity for performing radiation treatment. The device includes at least one permanent implant element for placement in the body cavity that is made from a non-deformable material and has an outer surface around which the inner surface of the body cavity will adapt or conform itself. The invention aims to provide a device and method for radiation treatment of proliferative tissue surrounding a cavity in an animal body, wherein the radiation treatment is performed in a far more accurate and reproducible manner and wherein the device causes far less discomfort to the patient.
US07749147B2
There are provided an airbag folding device, and an airbag folding method, for mechanically folding an airbag to form a doughnut-shaped airbag. The airbag folding device is characterized in comprising a support member (62) columnar in shape, rising while supporting a tubular tether belt (11a), an outer cylinder (63) coaxial with the support member (62), for containing the airbag body (10a) on the outside of the support member (62), by rising, a work table (61) having the support member (62), and the outer cylinder (63), and a clamping member (64) positioned straight above the support member (62), for clamping the tubular tether belt (11a) between the clamping member (64) and the support member (62), wherein a pair of plates (65) in such a state as to cover an upper end of the outer cylinder (63), and to be fitted to a lower end of the clamping member (64) cause the support member (62), the outer cylinder (63) and the clamping member (64) to concurrently descend.
US07749145B2
A hand-held device comprising a central hollow elongated central member partially filled with a granular material, enclosed at both ends by removable and interchangeable end caps. During the range of motion when exercising, the device can place an additional, low-impact load on muscles, while also providing a rhythmic enhancement to a workout.
US07749132B2
A clutch control apparatus is provided for a hybrid vehicle having at least two different power sources and a clutch disposed between the power sources and the drive wheels arranged to vary a transmission torque capacity. A separate clutch input and output speed sensing device senses the actual clutch input and output speeds respectively. A controller is configured to calculate a target vehicle driving torque according to a driver's operation and the vehicle running condition.
US07749125B2
The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets, five torque-transmitting devices, two grounded members and three fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The five torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
US07749121B2
An improved structure of a transmission structure for an electrically operated bicycle, structured to include an electric mechanism and a pedal coaxially disposed on a pedal shaft of a bicycle. The present invention is characterized in that: a rotating shaft of the electric mechanism is a hollow tube that passes through two sides of the electric mechanism; the pedal shaft of the pedal mechanism penetrates and is disposed within the rotating shaft and is able to rotate therein; and the driving chain wheel is pivotal disposed on an outer side of the rotating shaft. One side of the driving chain wheel is coupled to the rotating shaft of the electric mechanism by means of a clutch, and the other side of the driving chain wheel is coupled to a pedal crank of the pedal mechanism by means of a unilateral bearing.
US07749107B2
A golf ball including a thermoplastic core having an outer diameter of 1.51 inches to 1.59 inches; an outer cover layer; and an inner cover layer between the core and the outer cover layer. The thermoplastic core has been exposed to a gradient-initiating solution comprising a solvent, free radical initiator, and a reactive co-agent comprising a metal salt of an acrylic or methacrylic acid, a mono- or multi-functional acrylate or methacrylate, or having the chemical structure where R=linear, branched, or aromatic C1-C14 and n=1-5, such that the hardness of the outer surface is different than the hardness of the geometric center to define a positive or negative hardness gradient of 5 Shore C or greater.
US07749100B2
Golf club heads include: (a) a club head body having a ball striking face and defining a rear cavity; (b) a fluid-filled bladder in the cavity; and (c) a retaining member holding the fluid-filled bladder in the cavity. Other club heads include: (a) a club head body having a ball striking face and defining a rear cavity; and (b) an insert member in the rear cavity, wherein the insert member interior includes one or more chambers facing the rear surface of the ball striking face. The chamber(s) may cover at least 30% of a total surface area of the interior surface of the insert member and/or at least 30% of a total interior major surface area of the rear cavity. Golf clubs including these club heads and methods of making such golf clubs and golf club heads also are described.
US07749097B2
A golf club head (42) having a substantially square or rectangular body is disclosed herein. The golf club head (42) preferably has a volume ranging from 420 cubic centimeters to 470 cubic centimeters. The golf club head (42) preferably has a face component (60), a mid-body (61) and an aft-weight component (65). The golf club head (42) preferably has a moment of inertia about the Izz axis through the center of gravity of the golf club head greater than 4000 grams-centimeters squared.
US07749092B2
A device for practice putting of golf balls is provided comprising a platform covered by a synthetic matting simulating a putting surface 2, a standing area 1 for the golfer with first 16 and second 19 foot operated electrical on/off switches for operating an electromagnetic return means such that the golfers can retrieve each golf ball without ever changing their putting position.
US07749087B2
A mirror maze that employs lighting in the floor of the maze to add to the optical illusion provided by the mirror maze effect. The mirror maze includes the traditional array of pillars and mirrors where lines are provided between the pillars, and where the space between some of the pillars includes a mirror along a line between the pillars and the space between some of the pillars is open. In one non-limiting embodiment, light strips are provided along the lines between the pillars, where a pair of light strips is positioned adjacent to each other between the pillars that do not include a mirror, and a single light strip is provided between pillars that do include a mirror, so that the reflection of the light strip provides the appearance of a pair of light strips.
US07749085B2
A game machine operable to execute a game program is communicatively connected to a center server. In the center server, a first transmitter transmits, to the game machine, first data indicating a settled play amount out of a played amount which is represented by either an accumulated number or time period that the game program has been executed. In the game machine, a first storage is operable to store the first data, a second storage is operable to store second data indicating the played amount, and a third storage is operable to store third data indicating an allowable unsettled play amount which represents either an allowable number or time period of which the game program is executed without settlement. In the game machine, a first receiver receives the first data transmitted by the first transmitter, an updater updates the first data stored in the first storage with the first data received by the first receiver, and a controller controls the game machine based on the first data stored in the first storage, the second data stored in the second storage and the third data stored in the third storage.
US07749083B2
The invention relates to a communication device between an audiovisual information playback system (1) and at least one electronic game machine (2), each electronic game machine comprising a viewing means (200), a means (210) for interacting with the user and a means of payment (220), characterized in that each electronic game machine (2) is connected to the playback system (2) via a network interface (21) and an associated LAN (3), and comprises specific means (20, 21, 22) for managing a means of payment, a viewing means and an interactive means, in order to enable, on the electronic game machine (2), the selection and payment of at least one selection stored on the playback system (2), with a view to playback thereof on the playback system, the specific means (22) of managing payment means and the specific means (21) of managing viewing means and the interactive means being triggered by the activation means of the electronic game machine (2).
US07749081B1
A gaming machine includes gaming electronics for projecting a game image onto a gaming machine display associated with the gaming machine. The gaming machine is coupled over a network to a host computer that keeps track of data corresponding to a casino patron such as loyalty bonus information, player ID, and so forth (“player tracking data”). The player tracking data is transmitted from the host computer to a gaming machine responsive to identification of the casino patron operating the machine via an electronic card reader. The player tracking data is received by a machine communication interface within the gaming machine and further processed for display by a video overlay device that combines the game image with the player account display information. Accordingly, both the game (e.g. slot machine) and the player account information can appear on the same display monitor.
US07749079B2
An apparatus, system and method for electronically transferring funds at a gaming device. The apparatus includes a gaming device having a ticketing system that includes a ticket reader and a ticket printer. The processor of the gaming device communicates with each of these devices as well as a ticket validation system, which is preferably located within the casino or gaming establishment outside of the gaming device. The gaming device also includes an electronic funds transfer control unit that communicates with a card reader, keypad and display for prompting the player to enter fund transfer card information. The control unit sends out fund requests over a wide area network to a remote fund repository. If the repository approves of a fund request, the approval travels back to the ticket validation system, which instructs the gaming device to issue a ticket to the player having the requested amount and a receipt for the electronic funds transfer.
US07749072B1
The present invention includes a variety of methods to provide free games on a slot machine device until the appearance of two or more predetermined symbol combinations in the symbol matrix. A preferred embodiment, Capture Spins, provides free games until three, winning Capture symbol combinations appear in the symbol matrix.
US07749069B2
Coin-operated player-operable entertainment machines, such as fruit machines with symbol-selecting reels, are linked to a common display device. The machines are used to play games which may result in wins, dependent upon at least one machine parameter. The machine parameter may be the percentage pay out for which the machines are set, i.e., the proportion of stake value returned as awards. The percentages may be different for different machines and this may be shown on the common display device.
US07749061B2
One embodiment of the present invention comprises a method including steps of populating a primary set of card positions with a first set of initial cards, determining at least one discarded card from the first set of initial cards, replacing the at least one discarded card from the first set of initial cards with replacement cards to form a final set of cards, and determining whether to include the at least one discarded card in at least one secondary set of card positions. If the at least one discarded card is to be included in the at least one secondary set of card positions, the method further provides for populating the at least one secondary set of card positions with the at least one discarded card. Some embodiments of the present invention also provide for determining a payout based on at least the final set of cards.
US07749056B2
To provide a game system in which each of the players in turn controls a common character (operation object) so as to enjoy a continuous electric game; and to provide a game system in which a previous player who has been replaced by another player still has willing to participate in the game.There is provided a game system to which a plurality of players can access via respective operation terminals. According to input data from the operation terminals, a calculation processing device executes a game program, judges that a plurality of players are participating in the game, establishes teams, each consisting of a plurality of players, assigns a common character to each team, decides a reference point when the operation of the character is to be performed by another player belonging to the same team according to the program, judges whether the character has reached the reference point according to the parameter of the character, and, if the judgment is yes, offers the operation right of the character to another player, and controls the game system to continue the operation of the character addording to the signal from the operation terminal of the another player.
US07749050B2
Methods for extending the service life of a CMP pad dresser having a substrate and a plurality of superabrasive particles disposed thereon which is used to dress a CMP pad are disclosed and described. The method may include dressing the chemical mechanical polishing pad with the dresser; determining superabrasive particle wear by measuring a mechanical property of the pad, dresser, or combination thereof; and responding to the mechanical property measurement by varying pressure and RPM between the pad and the dresser in relation to the superabrasive particle wear in order to extend dresser life. Additionally, a method may include dressing the chemical mechanical polishing pad with the dresser; vibrating, in a direction substantially parallel to a working surface of the pad, a member selected from the pad, the dresser, a wafer being polished by the pad, or any combination thereof, to minimize a mechanical stress on the pad, dresser, wafer, or combination thereof; and varying the pressure and RPM between the pad and the dresser, including gradually increasing the pressure and/or the RPM between the pad and the dresser in a non-linear manner over time as the dresser is used, such that the dresser life is extended, wherein the pressure and the RPM is increased when the chemical mechanical polishing pad surface exhibits wear.
US07749035B2
A clamp for securing to a pipe or flowline for mounting buoyancy thereon, the clamp comprising: (i) a clamp body (2) having surfaces against which buoyancy may abut, (ii) a strap (6) for urging the clamp towards the pipe, and (iii) a radially resilient member (9) capable of expanding or contracting to conform to changes in diameter of the pipe.
US07749033B1
This invention is directed to a novel amphibious surface vehicle (10) having a hull like chassis (11) with a plurality of rotary engagement devices (14) adapted for travel over various surface terrains and fluidic substances (17). Each engagement device includes rotors (16) having a multi-lobular periphery that provides improved tractive and propulsive attributes. The rotors are coupled through a driven eccentric hub (30) and phased by a non-circular internal gear pair (27, 37) so as to provide synchronized linear motion upon a weight bearing surface (15). The rotors with an overlapping contact ratio which produces increased traction and bearing area translating to improved overall performance upon a planar surfaces (15). This overlapping action becomes more paddle like when surface penetration occurs or by adjusting lever (19) aggressively changing the phasing incidence of the rotors (16), which is conducive to fluidic propulsion on water or other low shear strength substances (17).
US07749028B2
A combination receptacle for electrically or optically communicating information via a cable medium includes a first receptacle having at least one first contact arranged in a first footprint of the first receptacle, said first receptacle configured to receive a first connector, and a second receptacle having at least one second contact arranged in a second footprint of the second receptacle, said second receptacle configured to receive a second connector. The first footprint and the second footprint at least partially overlap.
US07749027B2
An electrical connector system includes a substrate (1) connected to PHY side and an electrical connector (3) mounted on the substrate (1), a transformer (5) and a common mode filter (7). The electrical connector (3) is used to mate with a cable assembly and so forms a Cable side. The transformer (5) further includes a first wire (51) having two opposite ends electrically connected to the PHY side and a second wire (53) having two opposite ends. The common mode filter (7) has a third wire (73) and a fourth wire (75) physically separated from the second wire (53). The third wire (73) has an end electrically connected to one end of the second wire (53) and an opposite end electrically connected to the Cable side. The fourth wire (75) has an end electrically connected to the opposite end of the second wire (53) and an opposite end electrically connected to the Cable side.
US07749025B2
There is provided a method of manufacturing a shielded connector which includes: a terminal-attached wire; a housing containing the terminal of the terminal-attached wire; a shielded shell integrated to the housing; a knitted conductor mounted to the wire; and a shield ring interposing the knitted conductor between the shield ring and the shielded shell so that the knitted conductor is electrically connected to the shielded shell. The method includes: inserting, into the shielded shell, a single core having a stepped portion formed in a opposed drawing direction; bringing a contact portion formed at the shielded shell into contact with the core; covering the shield ring on the shielded shell via the knitted conductor; and calking the shield ring, the knitted conductor, and the shielded shell from outer side of the shield ring to form, on the shielded shell, a calk-deformed portion contained into the stepped portion of the core.
US07749022B2
A coaxial cable connector includes an outer body having a first end and an opposing second end, an inner body having a first inner end and a second inner end, and a post interconnected with the inner body. A fastener portion is at the first end of the outer body. A compression sleeve is disposed to fit on the second inner end. The post, the inner body, and the compression sleeve are movable with respect to the outer body between a first position in which the connector is not mounted to an equipment port and a second position when the connector is mounted to the equipment port. When the fastener portion is mounted to the equipment port, an indicator portion on the compression sleeve is made visible to a user.
US07749021B2
The invention provides a connector for terminating an electrical cable, including: a connector body having a receiving and an egressing end, axially bored therethrough; a compression nut attachable to the cable egressing end; and an annular segmented gland chuck for engagement with the cable for securing the cable within the body; the segmented chuck including an annular base and a plurality of circumferentially spaced chuck segments extending from the base, each the chuck segment being axially deflectable about a base hinge perpendicular to the axis and circumferentially deflectable towards the axis about a segmented hinge parallel to the axis.
US07749006B2
A locking handle for fixing a motherboard of a framework includes a locking part, a shell, an elastic part, and a fixing part. The locking part has an extending portion. The extending portion is projecting from the other side of the main portion. The extending portion has a stopping portion. The shell has an accommodating space inside. The shell is assembled with the extending portion slidingly. A hook and A hole are formed at a side of the shell. The hole is through the accommodating space. A grip is integrally formed at an end of the shell. The elastic part is disposed in the accommodating space. The elastic part is compressed between the fixing part and the stopping portion. The operation is easier. Moreover, the cost of manufacturing is saved.
US07749003B2
A lid member that opens/closes an opening of a receptacle connector has a wiping portion that wipes off adhering moisture by rotating to follow contact disposition surfaces upon insertion of a plug connector. Wiper members for wiping off small quantities of moisture remaining after wiping by the lid member are arranged so as to be movable back and forth in a substantially orthogonal direction to the plug connector insertion direction in front of a groove portion into which a contact portion of the plug connector is fitted. The wiper members are disposed so as to be urged towards the outer circumferential surface of the plug connector by elastic members. When fitting the plug connector, distal-end sides of the wiper members closely contact with the contact disposition surfaces of the plug connector and wipe off residual moisture. Thus, electrolytic corrosion of contacts can be prevented and the contact reliability improved.
US07749002B1
A water-proof connector has a base. The base has a passageway passing through a first end thereof and a second end thereof opposite to the first end. The second end has a first stopping rib and a second stopping rib protruded outwards from two opposite portions of an edge of the passageway. Two ends of each of the first and second stopping ribs are extended oppositely to form a third stopping rib and a fourth stopping rib. A cap covered to the second end has a covering plate. The covering plate has an indention area at an engaging side thereof. A side of the indention area encloses and abuts against the first stopping rib and the second stopping rib, and has two opposite portions formed with two spaced open first slots and two spaced open second slots, respectively, for receiving the third stopping ribs and the fourth stopping ribs.
US07749000B1
An electrical connector adapted to be mounted to a PCB for electrically connecting with a butting component includes an insulating housing and a plurality of terminals received in the insulating housing. The insulating housing defines a soldering surface and a mating surface contiguous to the soldering surface. The mating surface has a receiving recess for receiving the butting component. The receiving recess has a bottom protruding outwards to form a receiving plate substantially perpendicular to the soldering surface, with a plurality of terminal grooves extending substantially perpendicular to the mating surface formed thereon. Each of the terminals has a contacting portion received in the terminal groove and a soldering portion substantially perpendicular to the contacting portion. The soldering portions are arranged in plural rows and extend outside the soldering surface for being soldered on the PCB.
US07748998B2
An electrical connector includes a housing having a mating end and a mounting end. The electrical connector also includes a plurality of contact modules each having a web with opposed contact faces and flanges extending from ends of the web. Each contact module holds a pair of signal contacts with the signal contacts being arranged along the contact faces. The flanges and the web forming channels that expose the contact faces and signal contacts. The electrical connector includes a plurality of ground contacts each being coupled to at least one of the housing and a corresponding contact module. Each ground contact being arranged along one of the flanges of the corresponding contact module.
US07748985B2
A connecting device arranged between a steering wheel and a pitman module of a motor vehicle encompasses a stator part and a rotor part accommodated therein for enclosing a flexible line comprising several individual electrical conductors, is taken up with its two wide sides via a U-shaped turning section with several windings onto the axially aligned inner wall of the rotor part and spaced apart, and conversely said line is taken up with several additional windings onto the likewise axially aligned outer wall of the stator part, and is held with its two narrow sides between the radially aligned base which in the area of the inner wall is a component of the rotor part and in the area of the outer wall is a component of the stator part, and the radially aligned cover wall of the rotor part. The base and/or the cover wall are designed so that between the inner wall and the outer wall said walls only form sections of a supporting surface for the narrow sides of the line.
US07748981B2
An intraoral device includes a one-piece, flexible, injection molded body made of a single homogeneous material. The body includes upper front and rear flaps, and lower front and rear flaps. Upper edges of the front flaps and lower edges of the lower flaps are sealed by respective upper and lower parts of a patient's mouth to form upper and lower evacuation channels when the body is disposed within the patient's mouth. Evacuation holes in the flaps are in communication with the evacuation channels. A connection section is in communication with the evacuation channels and is configured to extend outside of the patient's mouth to connect with a vacuum source for evacuating fluid from the patient's mouth through the evacuation holes and the evacuation channels.
US07748977B2
An igniter includes an igniter body provided with a liquefied gas reservoir, and a rod-like extension, which extends from the igniter body and has a flame port ejecting gas flame therethrough on its leading end. The base portion of the rod-like extension is supported for rotation with respect to the igniter body so that the angle made between the igniter body and the rod-like extension can be changed to change the direction of the flame port in a free state and locked when the igniting action is to be done.
US07748970B2
In an embodiment, a vacuum pump is capable of preventing adhesion of by-products to its surfaces. The vacuum pump includes a stator. The stator includes a cylinder wall and a pair of diaphragms disposed at opposite ends of the stator. A rotary shaft passes through the diaphragms, and a lobe is attached to the rotary shaft in the stator. The lobe may include a fluid port, and the fluid port may be disposed in sidewalls of the lobe to face the diaphragms. The rotary shaft may include a fluid supply path in communication with the fluid port.
US07748961B2
An apparatus is provided for handling rotor blades of wind power installations. An apparatus for simplified handling of rotor blades is afforded by a carrier element and at least one rotor blade receiving structure coupled to the carrier element. A rotor blade is received in the apparatus during a blade fitting procedure. The apparatus may reduce the effect of wind and the effect of mass inertia during the blade fitting procedure.
US07748950B2
A turbofan engine of the invention is provided with a fan first-stage moving blade for taking an air therein, and a spinner rotationally driving the fan first-stage moving blade, the spinner has a spiral blade extending spirally to an outer side in a radial direction, sucking the air from a front face of the spinner and supplying the air to the fan first-stage moving blade. Further, the fan first-stage moving blade and the spinner are integrally coupled, and the spiral blade and the fan first-stage moving blade are formed such that blade surfaces are smoothly connected.
US07748941B2
An apparatus for punching and binding a stack of papers is disclosed. The apparatus includes a paper clamp and a binding element insertion device that are movable relative to each other. The binding element insertion device is configured to receive and detect binding elements of different sizes. The apparatus also includes a punching mechanism, a controller, and a user interface. The controller controls movement of the paper clamp and the binding element insertion device based on the size of the binding element needed to bind the stack of papers together. The user interface is configured to provide information to a user of the apparatus and to receive input from the user before, during, and after the punching and binding operation.
US07748939B2
A captive fastener generally comprising a receptacle, a bayonet assembly, and a locking assembly for locking the bayonet assembly to the receptacle. The receptacle extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a pair of parallel extending spiral raceways formed in the inner surface of a central opening that extends therethrough, and a keyway formed adjacent its terminus. The bayonet assembly includes a pair of bayonets that are adapted to ride in the raceways and a key positioned at the end of a plunger and is adapted to engage the keyway thereby locking the bayonet assembly in the receptacle. The locking assembly includes the plunger that when manipulated by a tool either engages or disengages the key from the keyway.
US07748938B2
A fastening element (10; 40) having a bracket (11; 41) and a receiving fixture (20; 50) for a nut body (33), the bracket (11; 41) having at least one bearing surface (16, 17; 46) for the receiving fixture (20; 50) and at least one holding element (14, 15; 43,44, 45) reaching over the receiving fixture (20; 50), and the receiving fixture (20; 50) being held by the bracket (11; 41) with play. The fastening element (10; 40) serves as a cage nut for connecting structural parts.
US07748928B2
A load plate sleeve assembly for maintaining a load plate in position between adjacent concrete slabs and facilitating controlled lateral movement of the load plate includes a housing and an insert clip coupled to the housing. The housing includes a top wall, a bottom wall, opposing side walls extending between the top and bottom walls, and an end wall extending between the top and bottom walls, and between the side walls. The walls define an internal cavity, and the housing includes a cavity access opening. The insert clip includes a opposing side walls having a first end and a second end. The insert clip also includes an end wall extending between the side walls, a plurality of deformable centering fingers extending from the side walls, and a collapsible diamond shaped center support extending from the end wall. The insert clip is positioned inside the internal cavity of the housing.
US07748925B2
A rotating member fixing structure includes a shaft member and a rotating member. The rotating member has an axial bore section press-fitted to the shaft member. One of the shaft member and the axial bore section of the rotating member includes a margin adjusting part dimensioned to reduce a press-fitting margin between the shaft member and the axial bore section of the rotating member from an initial press-fitting margin to an effective press-fitting margin that is less than or equal to a prescribed value when the rotating member is press-fitted to the shaft member.
US07748920B2
The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for applying two or more lines of mortar to lines of bricks to tuckpoint the same. The tool and method of the present invention comprises a mortar inlet which can be connected, via suitable length hose, to a mortar pump which can pump mortar under pressure to an inlet. The tool and method includes means for taking the supplied mortar and splitting or dividing it into two or more streams and further includes means for discharging the mortar to means for applying the mortar to the bricks.
US07748908B2
A bearing device for uniformly distributing lubricating oil between first and second bushing sliding surfaces and a connection pin is provided. The connection pin is inserted into the first bushing that is inserted into a boss member. The second bushings are inserted into a pair of bracket members. An oil storage portion is formed at a middle part of the connection pin, and is communicated to an oil feed channel that feeds lubricating oil from the outside. First sealing members and second sealing members are disposed in the first bushing and the second bushings, respectively. A pair of first channels and a second channel are formed inside the connection pin. The first channels are opened in locations in proximity to the first sealing members. The second channel is communicated to this first channel and the oil storage chamber.
US07748904B2
Storage bags having two or more evacuable reclosable compartments. Each compartment can be opened (to allow an article or goods to be placed inside), hermetically sealed, and then evacuated without disturbing the vacuum in the other compartment(s). Each compartment has a respective zipper that provides a hermetic seal and a respective valve through which air is exhausted from the compartment interior.
US07748898B2
In a temperature sensor having a temperature sensitive element, a sheath pin connected to the temperature sensitive element, and a cover case. The cover case, filled with a filler, accommodates the temperature sensitive element and the sheath pin. A hardening temperature of the filler is not less than an actual usage environment of the temperature sensor. Another temperature sensor has a temperature sensitive element exposed at a high temperature of not less than 750° C., a thermistor element, a sheath pin, an anti-vibration filler, and a metal cover case fixed to an end part of the sheath pin. The metal cover case accommodates the sheath pin and the thermistor element. The filler is made of a porous insulation material having a pore ratio within a range of 30 to 70% and filled around the thermistor element in the metal cover case.
US07748894B2
A thermal analysis equipment includes a thermal analysis data preservation function that preserves, as thermal analysis data, signals from a temperature sensor and a physical quantity sensor that detect a temperature and a change in physical quantity, respectively, of a sample. An electromagnetic-wave data acquisition control function controls acquisition of electromagnetic wave data in accordance with setting of a trigger to acquire the electromagnetic wave data. An electromagnetic-wave data preservation function preserves the electromagnetic wave data. An electromagnetic-wave data correlation function correlates the preserved electromagnetic wave data to a position on the thermal analysis data when the trigger is set.
US07748879B2
A vehicle lamp can include a plurality of light sources and reflective surfaces in various combinations. Each light source can include at least one LED array that includes or consists of LED chips arranged in a row. Each reflective surface can be arranged in combination with a light source to generate a certain light distribution pattern. Two to twelve or more such combinations of light sources and reflective surfaces can be employed. The lights having light distribution patterns generated from the combinations can be combined to form an overall light distribution pattern.
US07748877B1
A three-way bulb including light emitting diodes is used to achieve a variety of light output colors and/or intensities. In some embodiments, the inputs to a three-way bulb are configured to perform other functions, such as power a motor. In some embodiments, a bulb including light emitting diodes includes a replicable cover. This cover may be configured to project images or support a shade made of a heat sensitive material.
US07748857B2
A vehicle external rear view mirror assembly comprising a bracket and a mirror head, a pair of parallel outer arm assemblies (20, 20′) having a front portion and a rear portion, the front portion having a rack (28, 28′), a pair of parallel inner arm assemblies (40, 40′) and extending into respective outer arm assemblies (20, 20′), each inner arm assembly (40, 40′) having a front portion and a rear portion, a pair of driving pinion gears (50, 50′), each engaging a respective rack (28, 28′), a pinion drive shaft (53), a drive motor (60), and a gear train, the drive motor (60) driving the inner arm assemblies (40, 40′) to move telescopically with respect to their respective outer arm assemblies (20, 20′), wherein each outer arm assembly (20, 20′) is recessed back from the distal end towards the bracket to allow the pinion drive shaft assembly to travel towards the bracket behind the front portion of the outer arm assembly (20, 20′).
US07748852B2
A digital planetarium apparatus includes an original image generator, an intermediate image generator, and a fish-eye lens. The original image generator is formed of two video projectors and generates semicircular images in display devices inside the respective video projectors. The intermediate image generator optically focuses the two semicircular images generated by the original image generator to thereby generate a circular image. The fish-eye lens projects the circular image generated by the intermediate image generator.
US07748850B2
An improved projector device and the cooling device therefor are provided. The provided projector device includes a light source including a lead wire, a first foil having a first front-end and a first rear-end, and a second foil having a second front-end and a second rear-end, and includes a first blower configured on a first side of the light source and generating a first air to cool the bulb portion and the second foil of the light source, and a second blower configured on a second side of the light source and generating a second air to cool the lead wire as well as the first foil.
US07748848B2
Systems, methods, and devices for determining an optical surface model for an optical tissue system of an eye are provided. Techniques include inputting a Fourier transform of optical data from the optical tissue system, inputting a conjugate Fourier transform of a basis function surface, determining a Fourier domain sum of the Fourier transform and the conjugate Fourier transform, calculating an estimated basis function coefficient based on the Fourier domain sum, and determining the optical surface model based on the estimated basis function coefficient. The approach is well suited for employing Fourier transform in wavefront reconstruction using Zernike representation.
US07748843B2
Watchband eyeglasses including a combination of flexible Pince-Nez reading glasses that rest securely on the wearer's nose, and a wrist-worn case for housing the reading glasses when not in use. Various embodiments of the case are disclosed including: (1) a bracelet or, (2) a universal attachment for any existing metal, plastic or fabric watchband; or (3) a dual-function case that is itself also a watchband. In all such embodiments the case incorporates a unique storage compartment or sleeve that facilitates carrying of the eyeglasses at all times, to make them more accessible.
US07748842B2
The present invention provides a rim which can increase a lens holding capacity by a simple structure and can apply a new decoration to a spectacle. In a rim (1) of a spectacle in which a fitting groove (3) is formed in such a manner as to be fitted to a fitting portion (5a) formed so as to protrude to a side surface of a lens (5) and hold the lens (5), a concave groove (4) is formed in a bottom portion of the fitting groove (3) along a top portion (5b) of the fitting portion (5a). A absorbing material may be filled in the concave groove (4) or a paint may be filled in or applied to the concave groove (4).
US07748839B2
Methods and apparatus include a handheld printer manipulated back and forth by an operator during use to print an image on a media. The media includes reference indicia upon which users maneuver the printer whenever a location of the printer is unknown or needs updating or validating. A controller of the printer correlates the location of a printhead to the image and when lost communicates to a direction indicator to provide user notification of where to move the housing to reacquire the location. Embodiments of the reference indicia include guide and location patterns, with the guide pattern pointing to the location pattern. Other indicia include related tick marks of substantially equal size and shape with substantially equal spacing there between. Supply items for applying on the media include a substrate with reference indicia thereon that matches stored reference indicia in the printer.
US07748838B2
The inkjet drawing device and method form an image on an image recording medium relatively transported in a sub-scanning direction perpendicular to a main scanning direction by using photocurable ink with an inkjet head moving in the main scanning direction. The device and method cause the inkjet head to eject the photocurable ink as an ink droplet imagewise to perform direct drawing, irradiate an upper portion of the image recording medium with active light from a stationary, point or substantially point active light source by using a scanning mirror that scans and moves in the main scanning direction at a backward position distant from a position subjected to the drawing by the inkjet head by a predetermined distance toward a sub-scanning transport downstream side of the image recording medium and cure the photocurable ink ejected onto the image recording medium imagewise to form the image.
US07748834B2
An ink cartridge has a flexible ink bag accommodated in a casing. A plate fixed to the ink bag moves together with deflation of the ink bag as the ink is consumed. A pin attached to the plate slides in a groove formed in a lever pivotally connected to the casing. A reflecting plate inside the casing reflects detection light projected from the outside through an opening in the casing to indicate that ink remains in the ink bag. As the ink nears complete consumption, the lever pivots to a position blocking the detection light from the reflecting plate thereby indicating that the ink has been used up.
US07748832B2
Apparatuses and methods that utilize material-handling systems in which material in the systems has enhanced stability, e.g., during conveyance of the material from a reservoir to a printhead through a conduit, the conduit having a conduit wall defining an inner conduit space and including a material line for carrying the printing material in the inner conduit space, wherein the inner conduit space is configured to carry a heated liquid, being heated from a liquid heater, to contact the material line.
US07748828B2
A print engine is provided for a printer unit. The print engine includes a cradle unit and a replaceable cartridge unit received within the cradle unit in a releasable manner. The print engine further includes print media transport means which can transport print media. The cartridge unit includes a body. An ink storage module assembly includes a plurality of ink storage modules and is configured to be received in the body from one side. A printhead assembly is configured to be mounted to the body at an opposite side and is configured to print upon the transported print media.
US07748825B2
A droplet discharge method for discharging a liquid material from a discharge device and arranging the liquid material in a specified quantity on a substrate, the discharge device includes a nozzle for discharging the liquid material in droplets, and the droplet discharge method include the steps of cleaning the nozzle using the liquid material, and arranging at least a part of the liquid material used for cleaning on the substrate.
US07748819B2
The invention provides a liquid storage unit comprising: a case, a liquid storage part for storing a liquid in the case, with which a liquid port communicates; at least one gas accommodation part for accommodating a gas in the case, with which a gas port communicates, wherein the liquid in the liquid storage part is led out through the liquid port by a pressure of a gas introduced from the gas port; an inner case provided in the case having a pair of openings on opposite side faces thereof; and a pair of flexible partitioning members sealing said pair of openings of the inner case respectively, thereby partitioning the liquid storage part therebetween and defining said at least one of the gas accommodation part in cooperation with the case.
US07748818B2
A maintenance assembly for a pagewidth printer, said assembly operatively mounted between posts of a main body of the printer so that the maintenance assembly is positioned adjacent a printhead assembly of the printer. The maintenance assembly includes a maintenance chassis defining tongue portions and having ends which are shaped to fit over the posts of the main body to secure the maintenance assembly in position. The maintenance assembly also includes a retainer element operatively engaging the chassis, and a lower molding and an upper molding operatively fast with each other to sandwich an absorbent insert between them. The moldings are in turn sandwiched between the chassis and retainer element, so that the maintenance assembly is useable to wipe the printhead of the printer.
US07748813B2
Disclosed is a print apparatus including a rotating unit rotating a printed object, a print head printing visible information by ejecting ink droplets onto the printed object being rotated by the rotating unit, and a control unit generating ink ejection data based on the visible information and controlling the print head based on the ink ejection data. In the print apparatus, the control unit converts the visible information, which is expressed using biaxial perpendicular coordinate data, to polar coordinate data and carries out dot density correction that applies a correction weighting calculated in accordance with the number of dots per unit area for each dot in the polar coordinate data to a luminance value of each dot to generate the ink ejection data.
US07748810B2
An image processing device includes a calibrator that calibrates a pixel value of a pixel in image data. An output interface outputs to an image output device the image data calibrated by the calibrator, the image output device forming an image in accordance with the calibrated image data, wherein the reference pixel and the target pixel have a predetermined positional relationship.
US07748808B2
A droplet ejection apparatus includes a plurality of tanks, a plurality of sub-tanks, a replenishment amount detector, a liquid replenisher and a recording head. Each of the plurality of tanks is capable of storing a different kind of basic liquid. The plurality of sub-tanks includes a first sub-tank that includes a mixed liquid of two or more of the different kinds of the basic liquids from the plurality of tanks. The replenishment amount detector detects amount of each of the different kinds of the basic liquids to be transferred to the first sub-tank. The liquid replenisher transfers the basic liquids stored in the tanks into the sub-tanks until a predetermined amount for each of the basic liquids is detected by the replenishment amount detector. The recording head ejects the liquids supplied from the sub-tanks in a form of droplets.
US07748802B2
A rack mounted inside a cabinet in which a number of office files are supported, wherein the rack can be extended outward of the cabinet allowing all of the files to be visibly seen for easy identification along with the easy removal of any file. The files are supported one above the other so that each file tab is higher than the lower one.The rack is shaped to fit inside a cabinet that is substantially as tall and as wide as a conventional filing cabinet but is thinner and capable of being wall mounted and thereby consuming a minimum amount of floor space.
US07748797B2
A multi-drawer file cabinet having an upper cabinet that may be stacked on top of a lower file cabinet is provided. The lower cabinet includes a top surface having a peripheral edge with a first perimeter. The upper cabinet includes a base with a sidewall. The sidewall has a peripheral edge with a second perimeter. The second perimeter is larger than the first perimeter so that the sidewall fits around the peripheral edge of the top surface of the first cabinet. The cabinets include an extendable drawer assembly having a pair of slide members slidably positioned between a pair of outer tracks formed in a casing and tracks formed in a drawer frame. Furthermore, a locking assembly is associated with a recess in the casing and a ledge of a drawer head to allow the drawer assembly to remain in a locked position even if the cabinet sustains fire damage.
US07748796B2
A dishwasher tub includes a main body having opposing side walls that are interconnected by a rear wall, all formed from a multi-layered composite material. A cap member is joined atop the opposing side and rear walls, a base member is joined to lower edge portions of the opposing side walls and rear wall, and a frontal halo member is mounted between the cap and base member to define an overall washing chamber having a front opening. Preferably, the multi-layered composite material includes an inner stainless layer, a rigid layer and an outer protective layer, such as a layer of stainless steel, a rigid polyester mat, and a protective layer of hard plastic or aluminum foil. The outer layer also preferably serves as a shipping container for the dishwasher, enabling components of the dishwasher to be transported to a designated location for final assembly.
US07748792B2
A brake-by-wire automotive braking system includes a master cylinder connected to a number of wheel cylinders, with the master cylinder being actuated by a brake pedal assembly operatively connected with a master cylinder force simulator simulating the resistive force/displacement characteristics of the master cylinder itself. An electronically controlled compliance device selectively immobilizes the master cylinder force simulator so that the resistive force provided by the simulator may be applied selectively to the brake pedal. This produces a transparency in the brake pedal's operational feel, notwithstanding the presence or absence of force provided by the master cylinder force simulator.
US07748785B2
A machine includes a seat assembly and a mechanical strut attached to the seat assembly. The mechanical strut, free of pneumatic seals, is positioned to move at least a portion of an armrest of the seat assembly along a horizontal axis. A length adjustment mechanism is movable to release a friction lock mechanism within the mechanical strut. The mechanical strut is telescopically movable through a continuous range of armrest lengths when the friction lock mechanism is released.
US07748775B2
A vehicle includes a vehicle body which includes a storage area at the rear of the vehicle. A load floor located in the storage area is moveable between a first position and a second position relative to a stationary floor also located in the storage area.
US07748771B2
A device to alter and/or reduce the aerodynamic, base drag on and improve the stability of a bluff bodied vehicle, such as a heavy trailer with or without two aft vertically hinged doors, comprised of preformed, resilient, semi-circular airfoils permanently attached with hinges to the aft planar surface or the rear doors of the vehicle, at the vertical left and right corner edges, the horizontal top corner edge, the horizontal bottom corner edge of the vehicle, or at two or more of these positions. The airfoils self stow when the doors are opened and resume their initial shape when the doors are closed. If accidentally impacted, the airfoils deflect and then resume their initial shape. The airfoils can be fitted with compact air nozzles to blow air tangentially over their outer surfaces to enhance their effect. The device is inexpensive, lightweight and easily installed, replaced and retrofitted.
US07748766B2
A seat row assembly is provided, having a first rail and a first seat movably connected to the first rail. A second seat is moveable between a first position and a second position, such that the second seat in its second position does not occupy the same space as in its first position. The first seat is configured to selectively move from a first position into a second position, in which it occupies space occupied by the second seat in its respective first configuration. A second rail, perpendicular to the first rail, is movably connected to the first rail such that the first seat is selectively movable along both the first rail and the second rail. The seats may be configured to fold to a collapsed configuration. A method of allowing access to a third row of seats in a vehicle having a second row of seats is also provided.
US07748757B2
A connecting device (40) for a concealed-type latch of a lock for a panic exit door includes a connecting member (46) having an end (464) operably coupled to a latch (128). A draw rod (48) includes an end (484) pivotably coupled to the other end (462) of the connecting member (46) and pivotable between a first position parallel to the connecting member (46) and a second position perpendicular to the connecting member (46). The connecting device (40) can be installed via an end opening (104) in a top or bottom edge of a door (10) into an interior space (102) of the door (10) with the draw rod (48) in the first position. When the draw rod (48) reaches a side opening (106) of the door (10), it is pivoted to the second position for coupling with a follower device (30) of the lock.
US07748756B2
In a sidewall of a connector frame, a cantilevered lock arm is provided. A lower end of the lock arm is connected to the sidewall with a curved supporting unit interposed therebetween. The lock arm extends upward from the supporting unit with a space. The supporting unit has a slit to increase the flexibility of the lock arm. An engagement protrusion is provided on the lock arm. Moreover, a fitting sidewall is provided in a box body, and a lock wall having a lock protrusion is provided outside the fitting sidewall. The lock protrusion includes a downward-facing engagement surface. A mold hole used in molding the engagement surface is formed between the fitting sidewall and lock wall. An abutment surface is provided at an upper end of the fitting sidewall and contacted with the supporting unit to close communication between the mold hole and the slit.
US07748755B2
A coupling for joining a first pole section and a second pole section is provided. The coupling includes a male portion secured to the first pole section and a female portion secured to the second pole section. The male portion has a first male guide, a second male guide, and a first threaded section between the first and second male guides. The female portion has a first female guide, a second female guide, and a second threaded section between the first and second female guides. The guides are spaced from one another and from the first and second threaded sections so that the first male and female guides are engaged with one another and the second male and female guides are engaged with one another before the threaded sections engage with one another.
US07748754B2
A pipe section provided with a socket end part for accommodating a spigot end part of a second pipe section, the spigot end part having a sealing ring and the socket end part configured with an obliquely tapered part having areas of varying dimension for deforming the sealing ring to differing extent along the circumference of the sealing ring when the socket end part engages the spigot end part.
US07748753B2
A band coupling for straight line interconnection of flangeless pipes and a built in pipe grip mechanism to resist axial separation forces is provided. The band-clamp coupling comprises an outer housing of cross-section resembling a wide, low-wall channel, the walls thereof facing the center of the pipes, and a low-wall inner channel fitting into the outer channel. The inner channel being provided with spaced-apart inwardly-facing projection adjacent to each of the inner channel walls, each projection having a first sloping side axially facing the line of pipe abutment and a second sloping side axially facing away from the line of pipe abutment. A sloped internally-toothed grip washer is disposed along each of the projection second sides; and a seal member is disposed inside the inner channel and extending along the major portion of the width thereof to abut both the first sides axially facing the line of pipe abutment.
US07748741B2
An airbag assembly comprises a tensioning mechanism including a clutch is disclosed. The tensioning mechanism maintains the airbag in a desired position upon installation. In one embodiment, an inflatable curtain is coupled to a spool clutch and fastener via a tether to provide tension along the longitudinal mounting surface of the inflatable curtain during its installation adjacent the vehicle roof rail.
US07748733B2
An interior lining component of an automotive vehicle and method of making same having a support layer and a decorative layer. The decorative layer is joined, either indirectly via an intermediate layer or directly, to the support layer. A series of alternating slits and bridging elements are formed in the support layer along a desired predefined tear seam line. Blind holes of a predefined residual wall thickness and/or microperforation holes extend into the decorative layer along the predefined tear seam line in the region of the bridging elements and in the region of the slits so that the spacing between the holes in the slit regions is narrower than the spacing in the bridging element regions.
US07748727B2
A suspension structure is provided having a shock absorber for dampening the vibration from a wheel and a stabilizer for suppressing the up and down strokes in opposite phases generated from opposing wheels on a vehicle. The end portion of the stabilizer is connected to the lower end portion of the shock absorber.
US07748720B2
A roll control system comprising a front torsion bar; a front first hydraulic actuator; a front second hydraulic actuator; a rear torsion bar; a rear first hydraulic actuator; a rear second hydraulic actuator; and control means connected to the hydraulic actuators and controlling the operation thereof on detection of a predetermined vehicle condition; wherein each hydraulic actuator comprises a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber; wherein the control means comprises a source of fluid pressure, a fluid reservoir, a pressure control valve fluidly connected between the pressure source and the reservoir, and at least three pressure relief valves each having two positions to fluidly connect the fluid chambers of the hydraulic actuators either to the pressure source or to the fluid reservoir; wherein the pressure relief valves are positioned on detection of the predetermined vehicle condition to apply a fluid pressure to the first fluid chamber of the first front hydraulic actuator and to the second fluid chamber of the second front hydraulic actuator, and/or to apply a fluid pressure to the second fluid chamber of the first front hydraulic actuator and to the first fluid chamber of the second front hydraulic actuator, and/or to apply a fluid pressure to the first fluid chamber of the first rear hydraulic actuator and to the second fluid chamber of the second rear hydraulic actuator, and/or to apply a fluid pressure to the second fluid chamber of the first rear hydraulic actuator and to the first fluid chamber of the second rear hydraulic actuator.
US07748719B2
A chuck with a generally cylindrical body having a tail section configured to receive a drive shaft of a driver and a nose section having an axial bore formed therein. A plurality of jaws is movably disposed with respect to the body. A nut is rotatably mounted about the body and operatively engages the jaws. A sleeve is non-rotatably coupled to the nut. A shield cap is rotatably secured about the nose section of the body. The chuck also includes a first ring and a second ring that rotates relative to the nut over a limited arc. One of the first ring and the second ring defines a ratchet and the other defines at least one deflectable tab that is biased toward and engages the ratchet.
US07748713B2
A gaming apparatus for allowing players to explore decisions made in response to changing circumstances and to engage with the contradictions of competing needs. The gaming apparatus comprises a game board and game pieces. The game board is divided into an inner play area and an outer play area that surrounds the inner play area. An outer game piece traversing the outer play area determines functionality of one or more inner game pieces positioned on the inner play area. In each round of a game play, a player is either a Giver or a Taker, and moves inner game pieces according to their Point of View. Players' Points of View may exchange in every round. A player's goal is to be the Giver, since only the Giver can win. However, the Giver only wins when all four blue human being game pieces from a pyramid and meet Eye to Eye.
US07748708B2
A method and system for performing sheet registration are disclosed. Output values for a sheet may be identified within a reference frame. A difference between each output value and a corresponding desired output value may be determined. Input values may be determined based on at least the differences. State feedback values may be determined based on information received from one or more sensors. Acceleration values may be determined for multiple drive rolls based on the input values and the state feedback values. A desired angular velocity for each drive roll may be determined based on the corresponding acceleration value. A motor voltage may be determined for each drive roll that tracks an observed angular velocity value to the desired angular velocity value. The acceleration values may create a linear differential relationship between the input values and the output values. The steps may be performed multiple times.
US07748704B2
A post-processing apparatus has a standby tray to receive a paper sheet to be supplied from a digital copier, a processing tray to receive a paper sheet dropped from a standby tray, a feed member which guides the rear end of a paper sheet received in a standby tray in the feeding direction to a processing tray, and scrapes and sends the rear end of a paper sheet dropped onto a processing tray to a stopper, a press member which clamps the rear end of a paper sheet received in a standby tray by cooperating with two feed members, and a stapler to staple the aligned rear ends of paper sheets. When a first paper sheet is supplied to the standby tray, the press member presses the rear end of the first paper sheet, to receive a second paper.
US07748699B2
A feed device includes a feed roller and a return lever member. The feed roller picks up a first recording medium from recording media stacked on a stacking unit and feeds the first recording medium downstream via a feed path. The return lever member pushes back upstream a second recording medium that has unnecessarily entered the feed path in feeding the first recording medium downstream. The stacking unit includes an end support portion that supports a leading end of the recording media from below. The return lever member includes a lever unit capable of being protruded into and retracted from the feed path. The lever unit pushes back the second recording medium upstream when protruding into the feed path. The lever unit includes a return operative portion that pushes back the second recording medium upstream and a raising portion that raises the second recording medium above the end support portion.
US07748698B2
A method and apparatus for controlling a fluffer port in an image production device is disclosed. The method may include receiving an input from one or more sensors; the one or more sensing at least one of media type, media weight, temperature, and humidity, selecting a fluffer port configuration from a plurality of fluffer port configurations based on the received sensor input, and sending a signal to fluff a media stack using the selected fluffer port configuration.
US07748697B2
A sheet feeding apparatus according to an aspect of the invention includes conveying suction belts which have a function of rotating an adsorbed sheet and a function of conveying the sheet; a suction fan 112 which adsorbs the sheet to the belts; CCDs which detect a position and an skew in a direction orthogonal to a sheet conveying direction while the sheet is adsorbed to the belts; and a control device for driving the belts to rotate the sheet according to signals of CCDs in order to correct an attitude of the sheet adsorbed to the belts.
US07748682B2
The invention relates to a pedestal stand for a laundry treatment machine (1) such as a washing machine, a washer dryer or a tumble dryer, having a housing (3) which comprises a supporting plate (6), side walls (5), front frame (25) [sic; (26)] and a rear wall plus a bottom plate (8) with bearing feet (9), whereby the supporting plate (6) has holes (12) into which threaded stud bolts (11) attached to the underside of the laundry treatment machine (1) can be inserted and screwed down. Within the housing (3), a stud bolt (14) is arranged on the essentially vertical axis (A) between the openings (12) in the supporting plate (6) and the bearing feet (9) on the bottom plate (8) of the housing (3).
US07748681B2
A support post assembly with mounting bracket assembly and hinge plate with defined bend lines and break points are provided to prevent or reduce damage to objects attached to the support post assembly. The hinge plate has an enhanced section having a channel formed transversely thereacross to function as a bend line when the support post assembly is subjected to a predetermined force. A section of reduced or removed material further directs the force to the weakened area to guide the bending, and openings in the bend line guide breaking or tearing of the plate. Damage is limited to the hinge plate, which is easily replaced. A mounting bracket assembly having a two-piece body for connecting or splicing support posts together includes a strap with crosspiece configured to provide a desired bend line or breakpoint.
US07748675B2
An apparatus for increasing the number of utility slots in an awning tube utility track is described. The apparatus comprises a track mount and at least two utility tracks coupled with and parallel to the track mount. In a specific example, each utility track comprises a first opening parallel to the track mount and a second opening orthogonal to the track mount.
US07748670B1
A television rotational support apparatus provides unlimited rotation of a removably mounted viewing screen, through a full 360 degree rotation. Pivot of the viewing screen mount provides for pivotal positioning of a viewing screen. The apparatus is compact with regard to size and with regard to distance between a mounting object and a viewing screen. The relatively short distance between mounting object and removably mounted viewing screen insures that minimal leverage force is imposed on the mounting object. Components of the apparatus such as the motor, gears, and battery/receiver provide for removal for replacement or service. A remote control provides for remotely rotating the viewing screen mount and hence the viewing screen.
US07748661B2
An aircraft structure, for example a wing (20), includes a structural skeleton having structural elements (for example, spars (60) and ribs (70)) enclosed within a skin (200). A fastener (110a,b) is fastened to the skeleton and wholly within the skin (200). The fastener (110a,b) fastens to the structure (20) a bracket (120) for carrying stores (80). The fastener (110a,b) includes a body (300) defining an internal bore (230). The body (300) includes an internal threaded region (330), within the internal bore (230), for fastening the bracket (120) to the aircraft structure (20).
US07748648B2
Dispensing member for a fluid product comprising a post and a spray nozzle, said post having an abutment surface and said spray nozzle comprising a transverse wall, an outlet orifice extending across said transverse wall, said outlet orifice being delimited by a lateral surface, at least one duct for supplying the fluid product to the outlet orifice, the said supply duct being delimited by the transverse wall and the abutment surface, being supplied with fluid product via a supply channel, emerging substantially tangentially relative to the lateral surface of the outlet orifice, and forming the only fluidic communication between the supply channel and the outlet orifice.
US07748640B2
The invention relates to a thermostat including a user interface module. The user interface module has a display, a plurality of user interface buttons, and a first power and communications interface. The thermostat also includes an I/O module, the I/O module electrically coupled to a HVAC plant and the I/O module having a plurality of switches to control the HVAC plant, and a second power and communications interface. The user interface module and the I/O module are communicatively coupled and exchange power via the power and communications interfaces and the thermostat can be mounted and operated in one of two user selectable installations: a stacked configuration comprising a thermostat having the user interface module directly mounted to the I/O module, or a remote configuration comprising a thermostat having the user interface module remotely mounted from the I/O module.
US07748636B2
A portable RFID reader apparatus having a contactless interface and slots or recesses for insertion of contactless smart card fobs, including ID card, and having a wireless interface for communicating with a token plugged into a computer, provides physical and logical access.
US07748633B2
A medium management system includes an identification information acquisition unit that acquires first identification information uniquely identifying a first medium surface and second identification information uniquely identifying a second medium surface and being associated with the first identification information, and a code image generating unit that generates a first code image to be printed on the first medium surface from the first identification information, and a second code image to be printed on the second medium surface from the second identification information.
US07748629B2
A method and apparatus for reading a target object having areas of differing light reflectivity on the target such as a handheld bar code reader having a first illumination pattern, a detector for measuring a distance from the reader to a target object, a system threshold, and a comparator for evaluating the measured distance against the threshold. Should the reader's internal circuitry and/or software determine that the measured distance is greater than the threshold, a second illumination pattern is activated that has power effective illumination for increasing the operable reading distance between the reader and the target object. The second illumination pattern can be generated from a secondary illumination source or through a lens internal to the reader.
US07748626B2
An electronic menu display system for use in a restaurant, including a plurality of portable menus. Each portable menu includes an electronic-ink display label for displaying graphical indicia on the electronic-ink display label. One or more activation modules are located within the restaurant, for providing instructions employed in the determination of graphic indicia to be displayed on the electronic-ink display labels of said portable menus. The electronic-ink display label employs an addressable display assembly including a layer of electronic ink including a bi-stable non-volatile imaging material. The electronic-ink display label includes an integrated circuit structure having a storage element for storing instructions, programs and data, and a programmed processor in communication with storage element. A signal receiving structure receives electromagnetic signals from the activation module, using the antenna structure. The electronic-ink display label displays graphical indicia representing information relating to the restaurant and/or food and/or beverages being served therein.
US07748625B2
A magnetic ink character reading apparatus has a magnetic detection unit for detecting magnetic ink characters on the check and generating magnetic detection signals, a noise data generator for generating magnetic noise data by accumulating magnetic detection signals before the check passes the magnetic detection unit, and a magnetic noise cancellation unit for removing magnetic noise by subtracting the magnetic noise data from the magnetic detection signals.
US07748623B2
A container screener apparatus that uses container barcode (e.g. Universal Product Code) scanning, and one or more container and/or container content property measurements (e.g. photograph, description, weighing, acoustic measurement), and container comparison data stored in a database to determine if a container passes or fails a container screening based on predetermined pass/fail criteria.
US07748614B2
A money management network including a money management network, a bank web site hosted by a bank, and a vendor web site hosted by a vendor. The bank web site is accessible by a bank/vendor customer. The vendor web site is accessible by the bank/vendor customer. The bank web site has means for accepting authorization for a purchase transaction from the bank/vendor customer such that the authorization verifies the bank/vendor customer's identification for the vendor. In one preferred embodiment the vendor receives authorization for a purchase without the vendor receiving customer account information from the bank/vendor customer, the bank, or the money management network.
US07748595B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for hot bonding metal plates having advantages that removing an oxidation film of the metal plates and bonding the metal plates are simultaneously accomplished and a bonding force between the metal plates is enhanced by applying a strong bonding pressure to the metal plates. The present invention has advantages that overlapped metal plates are compressed vertically and a shaving blade is formed at a shaving mold. Therefore, as the metal plates move, an oxidation film coated on the overlapped surfaces of the metal plates is removed. In addition, a home is formed at the shaving mold so that excess metal together with an oxidation film coated on front portions of the metal plates are removed and simultaneously the metal plates are bonded with a strong pressure.
US07748591B2
Apparatus and methods for clamping and controlling flash around a manufacturing tool engaging a workpiece and preventing fill within the workpiece. In one embodiment, a clamp for securing a workpiece during a manufacturing operation includes a housing and a foot biased away from the housing, the foot defining an opening through which a manufacturing tool may pass to engage the workpiece. In another embodiment, the manufacturing tool is a rotating or counter-rotating shoulder friction stir spot welding tool. In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the foot defines at least one recess for holding flashing.
US07748590B2
An ultrasonic welding apparatus having an extractable sonotrode. The sonotrode having a non-threaded outer peripheral surface and a tapered mating surface that meets with a correspondingly tapered aperture formed in the end of the reed of the ultrasonic welding apparatus. In the preferred embodiment the ultrasonic welding apparatus includes a sonotrode removal mechanism for extracting the sonotrode from the reed.
US07748589B2
A desktop stapler uses a spring to store energy to install staples by impact blow. The force required to fasten papers together is reduced. A very compact mechanism is used, including a dual coil power spring with a nested lever. A multi-function base provides a sloped front all the way to down to a desk top surface to guide paper sheets atop the base, easy access for lifting the stapler off a desk, horizontal or vertical resting positions, and integrated soft grip under-surface. The base surrounds the rear of the stapler body to provide a smooth exterior so that the device is natural to use both horizontally and vertically. A simple re-set spring provides a smooth re-set action as the handle is raised. A staple track includes enlargement features to fit a larger staple pusher spring.
US07748585B2
An automatic sensing and outputting device for an object mainly includes a housing, a control portion and an output unit. The housing has a surface on which a fixing rod is disposed, and accommodates a driving mechanism. The control portion is disposed at a predetermined position in the housing. A control circuit board in the control portion includes a sensor and a zeroing sensor for object output sensing. The output unit includes a reel, which engages with and moved by the driving mechanism in the housing, and a pressing plate, which normally and slightly presses against the reel through an elastic member.
US07748574B2
A spring mechanism comprising an elongate cantilevered spring member extending along a longitudinal coupled at a first end to a first member and with a distal, second end of the spring member engaging a second member such that the spring member biases the first and second members relative to each other. The spring member has an unbiased condition and being resiliently deflectable generally normal to its longitudinal to assume deflected conditions from which the spring member inherently attempts to return to its unbiased condition. The longitudinal of the spring member preferably remains disposed in a flat plane in deflecting of the spring member between the unbiased condition and the deflected conditions. The spring member preferably has, in cross-section normal to its longitudinal, a shape including two legs disposed to lie in planes parallel the flat plane and joined by a bight normal to the flat plane. Preferably, the spring member is provided with resiliency substantially by the resilient deflection of opposed portions of the two legs towards and/or away from each other normal to the flat plane. The spring member preferably consists of plastic material and may be formed as an integral element injection molded from plastic as a unitary element together with the first member to which it is coupled.
US07748572B2
An aerosol fluid dispenser includes a movable actuator for controlling dispensing of the liquid or fluid product from the dispenser and a locking mechanism for locking the actuator.
US07748570B2
A beverage dispensing apparatus adapted for use in a refrigerator, which may comprise, inter alia, a beverage-dispensing nozzle, a perforated beverage container drain nozzle connected to the beverage-dispensing piping, an electronically actuated valve means, a beverage container holder, a thermal insulating chamber surrounding the beverage container holder, an access door for selectively providing access to the chamber, and a safety interlock switch on the access door, and electronic beverage dispenser control means and devices connected thereto.
US07748568B2
An assembly for packaging and a dispensing a product includes at least one container containing a product, with the container including an actuation rod. A dispensing device is provided which can actuate the actuation rod in order to dispense the product through a dispensing aperture. Advantageously, the dispensing device is positionable in at least two different positions, including: (1) a use position in which the actuation device can rock or tilt the actuation rod to dispense the product, but in which the dispensing device does not move the actuation rod along its longitudinal axis, and (2) an intermediate position in which the dispensing device is not in fluid communication with the actuation rod. The arrangement can advantageously avoid dispensing of the product or products when such dispensing is not desired.
US07748563B2
An end member (130) for a container has a central panel (12) extending radially outwardly from a central axis. A first panel radius (114) is located along a peripheral edge of the central panel (12). A countersink (16) is integral with the first panel radius (114). A chuckwall (15) extends upwardly from the countersink (16) to a seaming curl (14) located at an outer perimeter of the end member (130). An approach point (134) is defined by a lower outer position of an axially stacked second end member (132). A bend (108) is located on the chuckwall (15). The bend (108) having an outwardly directed angle with a radius of curvature (RCW1) which adapted to position the chuckwall (15) radially outwardly of the approach point (134) and in spaced relationship thereto.
US07748560B2
An atmosphere controlled, resealable foodstuff container includes a base tray and a cover. The cover and base tray are constructed of a substantially gas impermeable material. The cover and base tray include resealing members. When connected, the cover and base tray define a generally enclosed and sealed interior space for foodstuffs. The container includes at least one atmosphere control member, such as a membrane, which controls the flow of gases through an opening in the container. The member may be located over a recessed opening in the cover to permit the containers to be stacked without gas flow interference. A label extends over the recess, thus obscuring the membrane from view to the purchaser without affecting the membrane atmosphere control function. The base tray may be opaque for use as a serving tray and the cover transparent to permit viewing of the product.
US07748557B2
A beverage container having multiple openings for enhancing the enjoyment of a beverage is disclosed. The container has openings for drinking or emptying a beverage or liquid, in addition to openings designed for experiencing the aroma of a contained beverage. A modified pull-tab is present for manipulating the drink and aroma openings without bending or otherwise deforming. The container can take the form of a one-use container or a refillable, travel-type container having a removable cover.
US07748554B2
A unified container includes a plurality of individual storage units that are interlocked, each storage unit including at least one compartment and at least one lid. Each storage unit further includes an interlocking mechanism, for example, a tooth and groove mechanism. Through the interlocking mechanism each storage unit interlocks to adjacent storage units, thereby forming the unified container. However, the interlocking mechanism also allows each storage unit to be detached from adjacent units and thereafter reattached/interlocked with any other unit, thereby forming unified containers of varying sizes. According to one example application, the interlocked storage units form a pill case, each unit holding medication for a different week-day. Through the interlocking mechanism, users can detach one or more storage units and take them as they travel, the individual units being easier to carry. Thereafter, the detached units can be reattached and reused.
US07748552B2
A molded polymeric container generally symmetric about a vertical axis includes at least two rows of panels disposed circumferentially around the body, the panels having central portions that are sufficiently flexible to be dimensionally responsive to changes in pressure within the container. At least one row of the panels has a margin having a horizontal width exceeding the vertical height, thus being laterally elongate with a height/width aspect ratio of less than one. The pressure responsive central portion of each laterally elongate panel is a smooth outwardly projecting dome from a peripheral root of a generally radially projecting wall defining the margins of circumferential rings and posts separating the panels. Panels in another row can have an ovate step connecting the perimeter of the panel to the central portion of the panel. Outward protrusions can be provided within the central portion to provide support for a surrounding label.
US07748547B2
A movable independent crane system for moving or replacing components during maintenance operations and for mounting wind generators, including an auxiliary portal crane providing a portal structure designed to be movable around a pod about a rotation shaft. The mobile independent crane system includes raising devices being part of the crane system and designed to allow self-raising of the crane system because the mobile independent crane system is anchored to the pod through an anchoring unit and because the mobile independent crane system is designed to operate over the pod and outside the pod sides.
US07748539B2
A packaged body includes: a prism-shaped packaging box 1 having a bottom; a pair of top and bottom shock absorbers 30 accommodated inside packaging box 1 for sandwiching a substrate storage container 10; elastic members 50 disposed between substrate storage container 10 and each shock absorber 30; and reinforcements 60 for reinforcing each of shock absorbers 30. Further, shock absorber 30 is formed as a shock absorbing element 31 that fits substrate storage container 10, a surrounding wall 32 of the shock absorbing element 31 is constructed of an inner wall 35 that is bent and formed along the periphery of shock absorbing element 31, a protrusion 36 that is formed from inner wall 35 so as to project outwards and an outer wall 37 that is formed from protrusion 36 so as to be spaced from, and oppose, inner wall 35 of shock absorbing element 31.
US07748537B1
A removable insert for Lazy Susan type rotatable tray having a base with a continuous side wall, the base supported by a vertical support post. The insert is wedge-shaped and has a curved contour for engaging the tray post and side wall. The insert has a raised perimeter, a variety of optional flat bottom walls with non-slip feet at each corner. The bottom wall may be solid or have circular cutouts having a diameter of about 2½ inches to fit a beverage can bottom end. A lid is provided to fit the raised perimeter. A shelf with attached legs permits stacking of inserts. The insert holds items, such as beverage cans, jars, and canned goods, upright and organized and permits tray spinning for item access without spilling or knocking over the items. The present device is durable, space-saving, and reasonably priced.
US07748535B2
A blister pack for dispensing pills that is childproof yet senior-friendly. The blister pack includes a housing, which may be substantially tear-resistant, that encloses one or more blisters contained on a blister sheet. In one embodiment, the cavities of the blisters are positioned such that pills or other objects are dispensed into a chamber. A neck extends outward from the chamber to permit a childproof cap to be removably attached thereto to permit the selective dispensing of the pills in a controlled fashion. In another embodiment, the blister pack may include a chamber for dispensing a first type of pill and a plurality of blisters not aligned with the chamber for dispensing a second type of pill.
US07748518B2
A method and a device for transporting containers, which present a support ring or similar part, where the containers to be transported move through at least one transfer area, in which they are held by gripping elements alternately on different sides of the support ring, and the gripping elements present an identical direction of movement at least in the transfer area.
US07748515B2
A storage conveyor that secures a number of stored workpieces while saving space is provided. When a sprocket on a driving side is driven to rotate in a forward/reverse direction by a chain drive motor, opposing bend suppression members between a pair of chains are successively engaged/disengaged, and an opposing portion between the pair of chains is extended/retracted with respect to a workpiece conveyance surface. Thus, workpieces are passed between the workpiece conveyance surface and workpiece receivers. Consequently, the workpieces can be stored in a vertical direction (up-down direction), making it possible to secure the number of stored workpieces while saving space.
US07748506B2
A bicycle shock absorber and methods for differentiating between rider-induced forces and terrain-induced forces includes a first fluid chamber having fluid contained therein, a piston for compressing the fluid within the fluid chamber, a second fluid chamber coupled to the first fluid chamber by a fluid communication hose, and an inertial valve disposed within the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve opens in response to terrain-induced forces and provides communication of fluid compressed by the piston from the first fluid chamber to the second fluid chamber. The inertial valve does not open in response to rider-induced forces.
US07748497B2
A foldable climbing tree stand platform includes a first section having a first arm rotatably coupled to the first section and a second section having a second arm rotatably coupled to the second section. A hinge rotatably couples the first section to the second section, wherein a platform position is obtained when the first section and the second section are substantially coplanar, and a packed position is obtained when the first section and the second section are rotationally folded onto each other and the first arm and the second arm are contained therein. A securing member is connected between the arms, wherein the sections may selectively engage an upright support and the securing member selectively surrounds the upright support for providing cantilevered support when folded into the platform position. A foldable climbing tree stand system is also provided.
US07748492B2
An electric power steering device (1) is provided which transmits output rotation of an electric motor for generating a steering assist force (16) to a steering mechanism (64) via a driving gear (22) and a driven gear (21). A housing (8) has a support hole (28) for supporting one end portion (23) of a shaft (20) co-rotatable with the driving gear (22) via a bearing (26) in such a manner as to permit the one end portion (23) to be offset toward the driven gear (21) radially of the driving gear (22). A biasing member (33) which biases the driving gear (22) toward the driven gear (21) includes an arcuate main portion (47) fitted around an outer peripheral surface (58) of an outer ring (36) of the bearing (26) and opposed to an inner peripheral surface (42) of the support hole (28). A pair of movement restriction portions (50, 51) which restrict circumferential movement of the main portion (47) are respectively provided at a pair of arc ends (48, 49) of the main portion (47). A resilient tongue (52) which biases the driving gear (22) toward the driven gear (21) via the bearing (26) is provided only on one of the movement restriction portions (50).
US07748491B2
To enhance assembly and maintenance of a rear wheel suspension. Rear wheel axles extend to the left and right from a final case supported on a rear portion of a vehicle body frame, and rear wheels are independently suspended from left and right portions of a vehicle body. On the left and right sides of the final case, the rear wheel axles are connected to a left-side joint and a right-side joint, and the left-side joint is detachably attached to a side surface of the final case by a separate holder fitted with a driven sprocket meshed with a chain. A joint portion shaft of the right-side joint is borne on the final case through a bearing, a brake disk is attached thereto, and the joint portion shafts are spline connected. In assembling or disassembling, the separate holder can be attached and detached through petal-like cutouts formed in the driven sprocket.
US07748471B2
An apparatus and method for horizontal drilling are provided. The apparatus has: (A) a thrust frame; (B) a carriage on the thrust frame; (C) a wheel truck, wherein a rearward portion of the thrust frame can be supported in a lowered position on the wheel truck; (D) a king pin for operatively connecting a forward portion of the thrust frame to a tractor; (E) a trailer-leg assembly that can be connected operatively between: (i) the forward portion of the thrust frame; and (ii) the ground; and wherein the trailer-leg assembly is capable of assisting in supporting the forward portion of the thrust frame: (a) in a raised position so a tractor can be connected for towing; and (b) in a lowered position where the forward portion of the thrust frame is in a lowered position adjacent the ground to assist in positioning the thrust frame in a position for drilling.
US07748468B2
Sealing devices such as packers comprise a metal foam material disposed on a surface. The metal foam material comprises an initial position comprising a plurality of pockets each having an initial volume and a compressed position in which at least one of the initial volumes of at least one of the plurality of pockets is reduced by compression of the metal foam material, thereby forming a seal. The seal may be formed directly between the metal foam material and a sealing surface such as an inner wall surface of a wellbore to divide an annulus of the wellbore. Alternatively, the seal may be at least partially formed between a sealing material disposed within one or more of the plurality of pockets that is extruded from at least one of the plurality of pockets during compression of the metal foam material.
US07748448B2
An oil and gas well production unit for the retrieval of oil and gas from a diminishing oil and gas production field. The unit comprises a well casing within the field attached to a lubricator assembly. A plunger is arranged for reciprocable travel within a tubing in the casing and the lubricator to assist in the production of oil and gas removal from the oil and gas well production unit. A plunger examination port is arranged within the lubricator assembly to permit determination of the amount of wear of the plunger without having to remove the plunger from the lubricator assembly.
US07748447B2
A torque anchor for use with progressive cavity pumps (PC Pumps) for preventing rotation of the PC Pumps and any related tool string within a well bore, possessing a connector constructed and adapted to connect a tube, which in a preferred embodiment is a diluent cable, between the two fixed slips. A method is also recited for running coiled tubing or a diluent cable downhole using the torque anchor.
US07748445B2
A top drive system for wellbore drilling operations, the top drive system including a main shaft having an upper shaft seal system with a raised platform for supporting the seal system. The top drive may also have a shroud for covering the seal(s), and contaminants may flow down from the seals, since the seals are raised by the platform.
US07748442B2
A plate heat exchanger for cooling a first fluid by a second fluid, including a plurality of stacked heat exchanger plates forming separate flow channels therebetween with a cover plate on one side and a base plate on the other side of the stacked plates. The plates have a plurality of aligned openings defining inlet and outlet channels each communicating with selected ones of connected flow channels. In one form, the cover plate includes a conveying channel guiding one of the fluids to a desired position along the length of the heat exchanger, and the base plate includes a conveying channel guiding the other of the fluids to a desired position along the length of the heat exchanger. In another form, the conveying channels for both of the fluids are in the same one of the cover or base plate.
US07748433B2
A support assembly for a collapsible automobile shade such as a pleated or folding screen which can be selectively moved between a collapsed position for storage and an open position for placement in a vehicle window. The support assembly consists of one or more arcuate compressible members which extend beyond the perimeter of the pleated or folding screen. Each of the arcuate compressible members is resiliently compressible, for the purpose of conforming to an edge or perimeter of an automobile window in which the shade is installed, while maintaining the screen in an open position, thereby supplying an expansive force to hold the shade in place in the open position. The shade can also be provided with a pocket.
US07748416B2
A fueling assembly for a fuel tank positioned in an engine driven welder. The fueling assembly includes a filler tube, a fuel level monitor and a grommet. The filler tube has a bottom portion and a top portion. The fuel level monitor includes a fuel level sensor position in the fuel tank and/or filler tube. The fuel level monitor includes a fuel level indicator positioned on the housing to enable an operator to view the fuel level indicator and the opening used to direct fuel into the filler tube during the filling of the fuel tank.
US07748414B2
An apparatus (1) for the insertion of weft threads in a weaving machine is presented. The apparatus includes a nozzle holder (9) and, secured thereto, at least one nozzle (3) with a mixing tube (6) for the insertion of a weft thread (2) as well as a clamping device (7) which can be charged with a medium in order to firmly clamp a weft thread which is introduced into the nozzle. In addition the apparatus (1) contains at least one control valve (8) which is arranged at or in the nozzle holder (9) or nozzle (3) in order to control the clamping device (7).
US07748413B2
A collapsible loom, comprising a folding loom, a removable weaving assembly, including a warp beam (26) with its warps, harness shafts (38), a reed (52), and a cloth beam (19) with its cloth, wherein the removable weaving assembly, which is detachable and transferable to another loom, further includes bars (30) confined in a bar cassette (31), transfer bars (37), tying members (32) for treadles (15), and a number of harness shafts (38) actuated by the treadles (15).
US07748403B2
A pressure-holding valve for a fuel injection system with a high-pressure region and a low-pressure region, the valve having with a valve housing having a first connection that can be connected to the low-pressure region and a second connection that can be connected to the return of a fuel injection valve device. The housing contains a reciprocating valve cup prestressed in opposition to the force of a first spring device and a through opening which can be closed by a closing element prestressed in opposition to the force of a second spring device to maintain a minimum pressure in the return. The valve housing, between the first connection and the valve cup includes with a pressure relief device that can be actuated from outside the housing.
US07748399B2
A vehicle (1) equipped with a tank (2) for storage of a fluid under pressure on the vehicle, the tank being connected to at least one vent channel (3 and 33), the vent channel leading to a discharge orifice (34), the vent channel being connected to the tank by means of at least one safety valve, wherein in that the safety valve is a thermal release valve (5), normally closed and capable of opening spontaneously under the effect of a rise in temperature, the safety valve being installed in a predefined zone of the vehicle and the discharge orifice being remote from the predefined zone.
US07748384B2
A patient interface gas delivery mask having a forehead and chin support system including a forehead support, a chin support, and a system for supplying a flow of gas to a patient that incorporates such a mask, forehead support, and chin support. The forehead support includes a supporting arm which is adjustably mounted to the mask shell, thereby allowing the adjustment of the distance between the forehead support bracket and the mask shell in order to adjust for patient's of different sizes. A forehead support bracket is pivotally connected to the support arm. Likewise the chin support is also adjustably mounted to the mask shell.
US07748382B2
Signals may be generated in a drug delivering apparatus through which a person inhales to generate a inhaled airstream to signal to the person to cease inhalation after a pre-set period of time has elapsed from detection of the commencement breathing by that person. The pre-set period of time for subsequent inhalations is adjusted depending on the time the person takes to stop inhaling after being signalled.
US07748375B2
A pneumatic signal conditioning device may have a first fluid path and a second fluid path. The first fluid path includes a first inlet and a first outlet, and is configured such that the first outlet provides a first conditioned signal representing a pressure at the first inlet. Similarly, the second fluid path is configured such that the second outlet provides a second conditioned signal representing a pressure at the second inlet. A pressure switch may be disposed in fluid communication with the first fluid path and the second fluid path such that the first fluid path and the second fluid path pass through the pressure switch.
US07748367B2
A fungo batting assisting machine having a frame; a cradle mounted upon the frame, the cradle having a ball percussion port; a hammer; a first pivot joint interconnecting the hammer and the frame so that the hammer may move between a spring energy position underlying the ball percussion port and a ball driving position overlying the spring energy position; a ball driving spring normally positioning the hammer between its spring energy and ball driving positions; a trip arm extending from the hammer; a pawl arm; a second pivot joint interconnecting the pawl arm and the frame so that the a pawl arm may move between a trip arm carrying position and a trip arm releasing position; and an actuation lever extending from the pawl arm.
US07748356B2
The invention relates to a valve train for internal combustion engines, comprising a camshaft and valve actuation elements for one or more valves, the elements being located in the cylinder head. The aim of the invention is to provide a valve train for an internal combustion engine, with which a reliable stroke adjustment of the valves can be made, without the need for complex technical resources, while at the same time allowing a forward or rear displacement of the valve orifice region. To achieve this, in order to modify the valve stroke curve, the contact point between the transfer member and the cam can be displaced along the periphery of the cam and the contact point between the transfer member and a control curve of the support body can be displaced, forcing the part of the transfer member that interacts with the cam to be guided, by shifting the transfer member in relation to the camshaft.
US07748355B2
A method of transitioning a cylinder of an engine from a spark ignition mode to a homogeneous charge compression ignition mode, the cylinder having at least one electrically actuated intake valve and at least one exhaust valve, the method comprising of before a transition, operating the cylinder with at least some overlap between an opening event of the intake valve and an opening event of the exhaust valve in the spark ignition mode; in response to a transition request, operating the cylinder with at least some negative overlap between an opening event of the intake valve and an opening event of the exhaust valve, retarding the intake valve opening and closing timing by different amounts and retarding ignition timing; and further increasing negative overlap and performing the homogeneous charge compression ignition mode.
US07748352B2
Constant pressure internal combustion engine having compression and expansion chambers of variable volume, an elongated combustion chamber of substantially constant volume between the compression and expansion chambers, and a fuel inlet for introducing fuel into the combustion chamber where it mixes with compressed air from the compression chamber to form a mixture of fuel and air that burns as it travels through the combustion chamber. The pressure remains substantially constant within the combustion chamber over a wide range of operating and load conditions.
US07748350B2
An apparatus and blade assembly includes a first array of single-edged parallel metal blades, each blade in the first array having rounded ends with a sharpened interior curve, and a second array of parallel double-edged blades with a sharpened interior curve, both arrays being fixably attached such that the first array and the second array are sufficiently spaced to create a blade assembly. A two-sided blade assembly includes a first shorter projecting side including a first plurality of blades configured with interior cutting curves, the first plurality of blades including single-edged blades; and a second projecting side coupled to the first shorter projecting side, the second projecting side including a second plurality of blades having a decreased number of blades as compared to the first plurality of blades, each blade in the second plurality of blades being double-edged including a blade edge for the first shorter projecting side and a second blade edge configured for the second projecting side.
US07748346B2
A feeding chamber is reached by an ascending ramp and an entrance passage, the top of said feeding chamber being defined by a first grid through which feed descends into said feeding chamber and the floor of said feeding chamber being defined by a second grid which allows food to fall from within said feeding chamber into a spillage chamber.
US07748345B2
A highly automated method and system for providing individual animal electronic identification, measurement and value based management of cattle in a large cattle feedlot. Through the use of (1) a computer system integrated with (2) automatic individual animal identification (3) multiple measurement and remeasurement systems with automatic data input and (4) a cattle handling and sorting system, animals are individually (a) identified and (b) measured by weight, external dimensions and characteristics of internal body tissue. With this information together with animal physiological characteristics and historical data, the computer system calculates the optimum (c) slaughter weight, (d) economic end point and (e) marketing date for shipment to a packing plant. After measurement, individual animals are (f) sorted by direction of the computer in response to calculations from the measurements. The computer system also calculates from individual animal data and other data (g) each animal's pro rata share of total feed intake for the animal's feed group. The computer system (h) stores individual animal measurement, performance and location data, which is used by management to (i) select animals for shipment from the feedlot for slaughter at the optimum time. Following an animal's shipment to a slaughter facility, its identification in the computer system is used to (j) correlate the live animal physical characteristics and performance data to the measured and evaluated carcass characteristics data obtained during the slaughter process and (k) build a data base to more accurately identify and measure value-based characteristics in subsequent animals produced and fed for more effective value-based selection and management of those animals.
US07748342B2
A sealant forming device, a sealant forming method and a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device using the same are disclosed. According to the present invention, a sealant coagulated in a nozzle can be minimized or prevented by performing an instantaneous suction process. A sealant forming device includes a dispenser including a syringe, and a nozzle connected to a lower end of the syringe to discharge a sealant therethrough; a dispensing tube connected to the syringe to apply a pressure to the syringe; and an instantaneous suction tube connected to the syringe to extract the sealant remaining in the nozzle after discharging the sealant.
US07748339B2
A rigid inflatable boat has a structure to position and protect an inflatable tube without having to separate the tube from a boat body. The rigid inflatable boat may include a rubber tube that is attached to each side of a boat body. A folding panel includes one hinged end on each lower side of the boat body and another end including a hook for coupling with a fastener formed on a top portion of the boat body. The rubber tube is connected to an inner surface of the folding panel and a side portion of the boat body by a connection mechanism. The connection mechanism is configured to connect the tube to an inner surface of the folding panel and to the side of the boat body including a pair of guide plates and a pair of insertion bars. The guide plates have one side attached to the inner surface of the moveable plate and the boat body and another side formed with guide grooves disposed longitudinally along the length of boat body. The insertion bars are wrapped with protective fabric and attached to an outer surface of the tube and configured to be inserted longitudinally into the guide grooves.
US07748327B2
A moving device in a pipeline, including: more than three segments, including a front segment, arranged in series; an extendable interconnecting element to connect adjacent segments; and an engaging force changing component to change engaging force of a segment that is to be moved with the inside of the pipeline to a smaller force, smaller than the engaging force of a remaining segment with the inside of the pipeline. The front segment has a head part, a body part, a joint part to turn the head part centering around the body part, and a drive unit to move the head part around the body part. The drive unit have a magnet provided in the head part and an electromagnet provided in the body part.
US07748323B2
There is provided a semiconductor bridge device wherein a reaction time for generating sparks is short and a spark generating amount is large. This semiconductor bridge device comprises a substrate, a pair of land portions, a bridge portion electrically connecting between the pair of the land portions, and an electrode pad arranged on each upper surface in the pair of the land portions and emitting sparks at the bridge portion through an electric current passed between the electrode pads, in which the pair of the land portions and the bridge portion consist of a laminate formed by alternately laminating a metal layer and a metal oxide layer plural times, and an outermost layer in the laminate is a metal layer, and a metal oxide having a decomposition temperature of higher than 1500° C. is used in the metal oxide layer.
US07748320B2
A sheet feeding device which feeds a sheet by loosening a sheet by loosening sheets by blowing air to the end portions of the sheets, comprising: a sheet tray provided to be capable of lifting up/down supporting the sheets; air blowing means which loosens the sheets by blowing air to the end portion at the topside of the sheets supported by the sheet tray; and a pair of restricting members which restricts both end portions in the direction perpendicular to the sheet feeding direction of the sheet with sheet opposing faces opposing the end portions of the sheets, wherein the interval between the sheet opposing faces at the top side of the pair of the restricting members is set larger than the interval between the sheet opposing faces below the position in which air is blown to the sheets with the air blowing means.
US07748316B2
Disclosed is a method of adding moisture to a double compressed bale. The method includes the steps of receiving a forage and separating the forage to form a separated forage. The method further includes applying a moisture stream to the separated forage to form a moisten forage. The moisten forage is then compacted to a density of greater than 20 pounds per cubic foot. Furthermore, the moisten forage may be compacted and reduced in volume from about 10:1 to 30:1.
US07748314B2
The present invention relates to a fermentation apparatus comprising a storage compartment which is formed with an accommodating space for storing food and at least one of a heating part and a cooling part to ferment the food in the storage compartment, further comprising a sensor to sense a fermentation level of the food; an input part comprising a memory button allowing to memorize the fermentation level in a state that the food is fermented to an extent that a user wants to memorize; and a controller to control operation of at least one of the heating part and the cooling part, and store a fermentation value from the sensor as a custom fermentation value if the memory button is selected. Thus, the present invention provides a fermentation apparatus for customizing a fermentation level and a method thereof, which memorizes a desired fermentation level and repeatedly provides food at a desired fermentation level by selecting a memorized fermentation level.
US07748313B2
A continuous flow pressurized cooker/blancher cooks a food product by continuously transporting the product on a conveyor system and by forcing steam through or over the surface of the food product. The food product to be cooked may be, but is not limited to, seafood and preferably crustaceans. The cooker/blancher includes an exterior pressurized housing, an infeed weigh hopper, an infeed and an outfeed transfer device, and an internal conveyor system. Each transfer device comprises an internal and an external transfer chamber. A pressure assembly forces steam into the exterior pressurized housing while the transfer device is adapted to maintain a selected pressurized environment.
US07748307B2
A shield for shielding a structural member from an explosive blast or accidental or malicious destruction is provided. The shield includes a plurality of shield members which include cast ultra high strength concrete, wherein the shield members are capable of being assembled to enclose at least a portion of the structural member to provide protection to the enclosed portion from, for example, an explosive blast. In one embodiment, the shield members include a chassis, at least one ballistic liner disposed on the energy absorbing layer, and a concrete-integrating structure.
US07748302B2
A workpiece exchanging apparatus for exchanging a machined workpiece with an unmachined workpiece is provided, the workpiece exchanging apparatus including a gripping arm provided at its two longitudinal end sections with gripping sections for gripping, respectively, a machined workpiece and an unmachined workpiece, the gripping arm being able to turn around a turn axis that is positioned at a longitudinal center section of the gripping arm and being able to move linearly in the axial direction of that turn axis; a first cam mechanism for making the gripping arm turn; and a second cam mechanism for making the gripping arm linearly move.
US07748293B2
A container opener that is used by a user to remove a cap of a bottle or container such as, but not limited to, a medicine bottle or container that includes a childproof cap. The container opener includes a cavity that is designed to at least partially receive the cap of a bottle or container. The cavity can include one or more gripping elements designed to engage the cap when inserted in the cavity. The cavity can be designed to receive a plurality of different sized caps. The container can include a magnifier.
US07748288B2
An apparatus for controlling backlash comprising an intermediate gear capable of adjustably meshed engagement between a first driving gear and a second driven gear, and a body rotatably supporting the intermediate gear and capable of movement in a direction that reduces the center distance between the intermediate gear and either the first gear, the second gear, or both. The movement of the body utilizes both resilient urging and hysteretic damping to supply appropriately light resilient biasing while being fortified against rapid retraction or repulsion.
US07748276B2
A manufacturing method of a pressure sensor that includes a pressure detector having a bottomed cylindrical member with a bottom including a thin-wall portion and a strain detecting mechanism provided on one side of the bottom for detecting a strain of the bottom and a pressure-introducing joint for introducing the fluid to be measured into the bottomed cylindrical member is provided. The method includes: first welding for butt-welding an end of the cylindrical portion of the bottomed cylindrical member and an end of the pressure-introducing joint; and second welding for welding the pressure-introducing joint in parallel to a first weld bead formed by the first welding.
US07748275B2
A pressure sensor for an extracorporeal circulating circuit includes a liquid chamber, a pressure measuring means, and a liquid flow path. The liquid chamber includes a reference surface not deformed by a pressure in the extracorporeal circulating circuit, a deforming surface disposed separated from the reference surface and deformed at least partially by a pressure in the extracorporeal circulating circuit, a first connection surface that joins the deforming surface with the reference surface to form a closed liquid-tight space inside them and is not deformed by a pressure in the extracorporeal circulating circuit, a liquid inflowing port provided in the side surface of the first connection surface, and a liquid outflowing port disposed away by ½ to less than one round from the inflowing port in the flowing direction of liquid introduced along the inner periphery of the side surface of the first connection surface. The pressure measuring means measures the deformation amount of the deforming surface, and is disposed outside the liquid chamber; and the liquid flow path is liquid-tightly connected with the liquid inflowing port so that liquid to be introduced into the liquid chamber flows in along the inner periphery of the side surface of the first connection surface.
US07748260B2
A drive actuator for a measurement instrument having a probe, the drive actuator including a heating element in a thermally conductive relationship with the probe such that application of electric current to the heating element modifies a characteristic of the probe. The probe device includes a probe including a cantilever having a lever made of a material having a selected thermal expansivity and a drive actuator in operable cooperation with the cantilever lever made of a material having a thermal expansivity different than the thermal expansivity of the material of which the cantilever lever is made.
US07748255B2
A device and method for measuring the back pressure in chemical reactor tubes includes many automated features. Inflatable tube seals may be automatically inflated. The device may measure several tubes at once. It may transmit data electronically to a remote computer for analysis and graphic display.
US07748253B2
A method and apparatus are provided for maintaining pressure inside a closed chamber equal to the changing outside pressure, detecting leaks in the plumbing (i.e., air handling system) of a trace gas flux measurement system, and estimating the kinetic volume, e.g., of such a system.
US07748240B1
Disclosed herein is a hosiery garment for providing grip to a person's foot between the foot and the hosiery garment, and for simultaneously providing grip to the person's foot between the hosiery garment and the inside of a footwear. The hosiery garment comprises a foot enclosure configured to conform to the person's foot. The foot enclosure defines an inner surface and an outer surface. A first pair comprising a first tacky thread and a first supplementary thread defines the inner surface. A second pair comprising a second tacky thread and a second supplementary thread defines the outer surface. The inner surface defined by the first pair provides grip to the person's foot between the foot and the hosiery garment, and the outer surface defined by the second pair simultaneously provides grip to the person's foot between the hosiery garment and the inside of the footwear.
US07748239B2
A circular knitting machine is described which has a plurality of knitting systems which are arranged on the circumference of the needle cylinder and a corresponding plurality of drawing frames which are assigned individually to the knitting systems for feeding substantially untwisted fibrous materials to knitting tools which can be deployed in the knitting systems into in each case a fibre-receiving position. According to the invention, the drawing frames are configured as miniature bars which have at least four and at most eight adjacent drawing frames and a central housing (25) which is designed to receive the drives and from which the upper and lower rolls (26b, 27b, 28b) of the drawing frame assembly protrude on both sides.
US07748235B1
A portable cooling apparatus and associated method include an ice chest having an inner cavity defined by one or more side walls extending upwardly from a floor forming a lower end of the ice chest and having a lid positioned at an upper end of the ice chest so as to close access to the inner cavity; a manifold removably positioned on the floor of the inner cavity of the ice chest, the manifold having an inlet and an outlet extending through the one or more side walls to outside the ice chest; and an electric fan associated with the manifold outlet for drawing air from the inlet through the manifold so as to blow air through the outlet.
US07748233B2
A method and apparatus for sanitizing a water dispenser that dispenses water for human consumption is disclosed. The dispenser can be in the form of any dispenser that dispenses water for human consumption employing a reservoir that dispenses water through one or more spigots. Water in the reservoir is sanitized with an air/ozone gas mixture that is transmitted to a porous polymeric diffuser having a central bore and a porous wall. The porosity of the porous wall defines bubble size.
US07748231B2
An ice-cube complete filling detector and a refrigerator comprising the same comprise a cam, an arm lever rotated by the cam, a detector driving gear rotated by the arm lever, a detector driven gear rotated by the detector driving gear, and an ice-cube detection lever connected to the detector driven gear, so that the detector driven gear is rotated via gear engagement by the detector driving gear and the detector driven gear, and the ice-cube detection lever can be rotated in a large range of about 180 degrees, thereby ensuring high accuracy of detection.
US07748230B2
A refrigerator includes an ice container storing the ice made in an ice making device and including an opening through which the ice is discharged and a carrying shaft carrying the stored ice to the opening; an outlet, into which ice carried through the opening is supplied, discharging the ice to an outside of the refrigerator; and a three rotating blades coupled with the carrying shaft and carrying the ice discharged from the opening to the outlet, wherein the outlet is arranged to deviate from an ice discharging axis of the opening.
US07748227B2
To provide a compact and well serviceable heat pump water boiler.The heat pump water boiler is constituted to have a body unit (1) by integrating: a refrigerant cycle, in which a compressor (2), a radiator (3), a radiator (4), pressure reducing means (5) and an evaporator (6) are connected; a blower fan (8) for blowing wind to the evaporator (6); a hot-water supplying water-refrigerant heat exchanger (9) acting integrally with the radiator (3) for converting water into hot water; a hot-water supplying circulation water pump (15) for feeding water to the hot-water supplying water-refrigerant heat exchanger (9); a bath warming/heating water-refrigerant heat exchanger (17) acting integrally with the radiator (4) for further raising the temperature of the hot water of the bath tab; a bath water circulating pump (18) for circulating the hot water of the bath; and hot-water reserving tank (10) for reserving the hot water. The body unit (1) is provided with an extending portion (40a) at a jacket back (40) confronting the hot-water reserving tank (10).
US07748226B2
A waste heat collecting system for an internal combustion engine has an object to collect waste heat from the engine and make most use of the collected waste heat to achieve the maximum effect of improving fuel consumption ratio. The waste heat utilizing system has a waste heat collecting cycle for collecting waste heat from an internal combustion engine and having an expansion device for generating rotational driving force from the collected waste heat, a refrigerating cycle having a compressor device for compressing a refrigerant and a power transmitting means rotationally driven by a driving force generating means and operatively connected to the compressor device to rotationally drive the same. In this system, the expansion device is operatively connected to the compressor device to rotationally drive the same.
US07748210B2
A system is provided and includes a first condenser configured to fluidly receive a first steam supply and tower water and to output a first water supply, a second condenser configured to fluidly receive a first portion of a second steam supply and the first water supply and to output a second water supply, and a vapor-absorption-machine (VAM) configured to fluidly receive a second portion of the second steam supply and the second water supply by which a refrigeration cycle is conducted to thereby cool at least one of the tower water and a third water supply used to cool the tower water.
US07748206B1
The harvester incorporates a system and method for detecting rigid standing objects such as reinforced posts in the harvester's path and responsively reducing forces exerted by harvesting apparatus of the harvester against the object. The harvesting apparatus including at least one member movable in contact with the plants by a drive for exerting forces for detaching the fruit. At least one sensor is disposed and operable for sensing a rigid object in advance of being contacted by the member or members. In response, the movements of the member or members will be reduced or altered at an appropriate time and duration for reducing forces exerted against the object while protecting harvest yield.
US07748198B2
Described is an apparatus and method for applying to a palletized load protective corner elements having first and second sides designed to protect contiguous sides of at least one corner of the load. The apparatus comprises a transfer system for conveying at least one corner element from an initial position to a position where the sides of the corner element are close to the corresponding edges of the corner to be protected, this transfer system comprising an actuating system for transferring the corner element by a rotational movement through predetermined angles α and β from the initial position to a position where at least a first side of the corner element is substantially aligned with a first side of the corner of the load.
US07748192B2
A building block (2) comprising two side panels (6, 8) with at least one open side, the side panels spaced apart by two bridging parts (10, 12), a removable section (17) on at least one bridging part (10, 12), and a pair of recessed or protruding formations (20) on opposite inner faces of the open end of the side panels (6, 8) to enable building blocks to be interconnected. A location device (40) comprising two members (44) spaced apart by cross members (42), where the two members (44) extend beyond the cross members (42) to engage with formations (26) of one or more building blocks (2) is also disclosed. A wall constructed from building blocks (2) and utilising location devices (40) and a method of constructing such a wall are similarly disclosed.
US07748190B1
A cleat for tying together two or more structural elements in either one or both of a horizontal and a vertical plane. The cleat comprises a first set of protrusions located on a first half of a plate, and a second set of protrusions located on a second half of the plate, wherein the first set of protrusions are mirror images of the second set of protrusions. Additionally, both the first and second set of protrusions are arranged in rows, wherein each successive row comprises protrusions having a height less than the height of the protrusions located in the immediately preceding row. Furthermore, the protrusions in the various rows are staggered in position relative to the protrusions located in the other rows.
US07748184B1
A damping system includes a base substrate, a constraining substrate and a non-foam damping layer between them. The base substrate has greater lateral dimensions than the constraining substrate. Consequently, the damping system is provided in a localized region of the base substrate. The damping system can be provided, for example, at a region of the base substrate where a longitudinal projection or moving linkage extends through an opening in the base substrate, such as a steering column through a dashboard panel. In this embodiment, a composite opening is provided through the damping system to accommodate the extending projection or linkage, and the damping system is effective to provide localized damping against vibrations due to the through-the-panel linkage. The damping system provides these benefits without increasing the overall thickness of the body part, and without providing damping and constraining layers across its entire lateral expanse, saving cost and weight. Methods of making such a damping system are also provided.
US07748182B2
A modular wall system is described that includes a plurality of wall panels, a horizontal main bracket having a length; and a plurality of wall panel brackets. Each wall panel bracket is configured for attachment to a corresponding one of the wall panels. Each wall panel bracket is configured to engage the horizontal main bracket so as to hang the corresponding the wall panel while allowing movement of the wall panels in substantially horizontal directions.
US07748175B2
The specification and drawing figures describe and show a low profile mounting system that includes a at least one rail. A plurality of tracks is formed in the rail with opposing jaws. The opposing jaws define a slot. The opposing jaws are disposed in the rail asymmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the rail. At least one ledge monolithically extends from the rail for holding an object such as a solar panel. A coupler is provided for demountably connecting a solar panel to the rail. A cleat also is provided for attaching the system to a surface. A connector connects the rail to the cleat. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure, but this abstract is not to be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of any claim.
US07748167B2
The invention relates to a drive device, particularly for doors, garage doors, etc., comprising a guide device, particularly a rail or guide rail, extending in movement direction of the door. The invention is characterised in that the feed means comprises a first insert body which can be plugged at the ends of the guide rail into this and is provided with a connecting cable and which is held at the guide rail end and constructed in such a manner that it fulfils its function not only at one end of the guide rail, but also at the other end of the guide rail.
US07748164B2
The present invention provides a micro gravity environmental control apparatus, such as a plant cultivating apparatus, an animal raising apparatus, and a micro gravity environmental control method, such as a plant cultivating method, an animal raising method, a breeding method, capable of cultivating a plant and raising an animal by using soil and also capable of recovering moisture supplied to the soil so as to reuse the moisture, under a weightless environment or a micro gravity environment. There is provided a micro gravity environmental control apparatus comprising a chamber, an air suction pipe arranged in the vicinity of a lower end portion within the chamber, and an air sucking part communicated and connected with the air suction pipe and used for sucking air within the chamber out of the chamber.
US07748163B2
The invention relates to a method for treating seeds, comprising the following steps: (a) a sterilization step wherein, for 0.1 to 60 seconds and at a minimum pressure of 0.5 bar absolute, the seeds are contacted with a condensing medium having a condensation temperature of 80-200 DEG C, wherein the medium condenses on the seeds and the temperature of the surface of the seeds is raised to 200 DEG C at most; and (b) a cooling step wherein the sterilized seeds obtained in step (a) are cooled, wherein the temperature of the surface of the seeds is lowered, within 30 seconds at most, to 50 DEG C at most, and wherein the conditions of steps (a) and (b) are set such that the germination capacity of the seeds is relatively preserved or increases. The invention further relates to seeds obtainable with the method according to the invention.
US07748162B1
A modular greenhouse system for permitting a greenhouse of desired size to be created in a desired location includes a container defined by a plurality of panels removably coupled together and forming a perimeter wall. Each of a plurality of locking pins is engageable to the panels of the container. Each of a plurality of stanchions slidably receives a portion of the locking pins extending upwardly from the panels. Each of a plurality of ceiling joists is coupled to a pair of the stanchions opposite the container and extending across a width of the container. Each of a plurality of spanners extends between and is engageable to the ceiling joists and is configured to maintain positioning of the ceiling joists.
US07748158B2
A box for storing fishing flies including a cover assembly having two dish-like cover portions, each having a continuous distal edge portion; and a hinge affording pivotal movement of the cover portions between an open position and a closed position with the distal edge portions of the cover portions opposed to and closely spaced from each other. A fly retaining assembly included in the box comprises a support plate that extends between the distal edge portions of the cover portions in their closed position, can be engaged by flies, can pivot relative to the hinge independent of the cover portions, and can be removed from between the cover portions when they are open. A layer of over molded sealing material provided on the support plate is in sealing engagement with the edge portions of the adjacent cover portions when they are in their closed position.
US07748153B2
A grip (10) of a firearm (12), particularly of a gun, comprises a body (14) extending substantially in a development direction (16) and a gripping portion (20) removably mounted on the body (14) in a rear area with reference to a trigger of the weapon. The gripping portion (20) at least partially envelops and covers a rear surface (14a) and a tract of side surfaces (14b) of the body (14). Means for locking the gripping portion (20) on the body (14) operating in an inserting direction (24) transversal to the development direction (16) are arranged in at least one side portion of the body (14) and the gripping portion (20) and comprise first strikes (52) associated with the gripping portion (20) and offset in the development direction (16) relative to second strikes (54) associated with the body. Interference means are interposed between the first and second strikes (52, 54) for locking the gripping portion (20).
US07748151B2
An improved A-frame sign stand is disclosed. The sign stand includes front and rear panels hingedly attached. A support rod is removably attachable to the panels and prevents both separation and buckling of the panels. The support rod can be placed into various storage positions. In one such position, the rod may be used as a handle. In another embodiment, the rod can be pivoted upward and stored on an inner surface of the panel.
US07748147B2
A method and system for automated operation of a work vehicle comprises a boom having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A first hydraulic cylinder is associated with the boom. A first sensor detects a boom angle of a boom with respect to a support near the first end. An attachment is coupled to the second end of the boom. A second sensor detects an attachment angle of attachment with respect to the boom. A second cylinder is associated with the attachment. A switch accepts a command to move to or enter a preset position from another position. A controller controls the first hydraulic cylinder to attain a boom angle within a target boom angular range and for controlling the second cylinder to attain an attachment angle within a target attachment angular range associated with the preset position in response to the command.
US07748141B2
An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly has an upper plate and a plurality of support assemblies. Each support assembly includes a web spaced from the upper plate and a plurality of elastomeric support columns extending between the upper plate and the web. An outsole is secured to at least one of the support assemblies.
US07748140B2
Therapeutic footwear includes upper and lower portions formed of resilient material sized and shaped to fit beneath and above a foot of a user. The upper portion is hingedly attached to the lower portion. A removable pouch is formed of flexible, permeable material and sized and shaped to fit beneath the foot above the lower portion. The pouch contains at least one of aromatherapy and thermal reservoir materials. A cavity is located between the upper portion and the lower portion and is sized and shaped to receive the removable pouch. Stitching through the removable pouch at least partially divides the compartment into at least two subspaces to control movement of the contents. When the removable pouch is heated or cooled and placed in the cavity, the footwear will heat or cool while providing aromatherapy benefits. The footwear includes an outer sole formed of resilient material and suitable for outdoor use.
US07748137B2
A method of drying comprises placing a moist material inside a substantially enclosed solar greenhouse. The greenhouse comprises at least one light transmission roof and/or wall panel that is substantially transparent to solar radiation, but resistant to convective and conductive heat transfer. The interior temperature and humidity of the greenhouse are maintained within their pre-determined ranges while the interior moisture of the greenhouse is effectively reduced to allow a controlled drying of the material. A solar greenhouse for the drying process is also disclosed.
US07748135B1
A measuring template for measuring both outside and inside diameters. The template includes a plate inscribed with a plurality of arcs with a common centerline and tangent. It also includes two pins attached perpendicularly to the plate such that their centerline intersects the centerline of the arcs at right angle.
US07748133B2
An exemplary workpiece inspecting device includes a base, a slider, a handle, a number of magnets, a number of probes and a measuring block. The slider is slidably mounted on the base and supports the handle thereon. The magnets are respectively embedded into the base for attracting and fixing a workpiece on the base. The probes are separately disposed on both the base and the slider for inspecting the perforations defined on a workpiece. The measuring block is attached on the slider for sliding and inspecting a thickness of the workpiece during the movement of the slider.
US07748132B1
A substrate has front and rear faces, short first and second end edges, long side edges and interior and exterior side edges. First and second setting slides have front and rear faces, short end edges, long side edges and interior and exterior side edges. A measuring slide has front and rear faces, short first and second end edges and long side edges. Couplers adjustably interconnect the measuring slide to the substrate. The side edges of the measuring slide are provided parallel with the end edges of the substrate. The two setting slides are adjustably interconnected to the substrate. The side edges of the setting slides are provided parallel with the side edges of the substrate.
US07748131B2
The invention relates to a method of inspecting gears during their manufacture in the gear cutting machine, wherein the respective workpiece is traveled to by the tool at specific reference points to determine any deviations. The setting of the tool can be corrected by means of these deviations via a control loop.
US07748122B2
A folding knife incorporates an opening assist mechanism that functions to drive the blade from the closed to the open position. A pair of torsion springs held axially on the blade axis pin and within a pair of bushings are stationary relative to the knife handle. One leg of each spring is fixed to a bushing. The opposite leg of the spring rides in a pocket formed in the surface on the blade axially around the opening through which the blade axis pin is inserted. As the blade rotates from the closed position toward the open position, the legs of the springs rotate through and cooperate with structures formed on the bushings to transfer the spring pressure instantly to the blade to drive the blade open.
US07748118B2
The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a rigid internal gear for a wave gear device comprising an internally toothed portion and a gear main body portion comprised of different materials. In this method, a gear main body ring for forming a gear main body portion is preformed using a first aluminum alloy powder; an internal teeth-forming ring is preformed using a second aluminum alloy powder that has lower processability, is less durable, has higher abrasion resistance, and is harder than the first aluminum alloy powder; the internal teeth-forming ring is fitted inside the gear main body ring and the assembly is integrated by powder forging; and the resulting ring-shaped forging is subjected to post-processing, including cutting teeth. The gear main body portion and internally toothed portion are securely integrated by powder forging, and a lightweight rigid internal gear with high durability can therefore be obtained.
US07748117B2
A method for producing electric contact parts includes the following stages: a) stamping a strip of electric conducting parts connected together in the longitudinal direction (X-X) by a continuous strip; b) inserting said strip inside a mould; c) over-moulding the conducting parts with insulating material depending on the final form envisaged for the electric contact part; d) cutting the continuous strip in the region of the flat pins; e) extracting the finished parts.
US07748110B2
A connection member can be produced without a via-forming step. The connection member includes an insulating substrate which has an upper surface, a lower surface opposed to the upper surface, and a side surface which connects these surfaces; and at least one wiring which extends from the upper surface to the lower surface through the side surface.
US07748109B2
A crimping apparatus includes an anvil for supporting a metal terminal including a base plate portion for mounting an electric wire thereon and a pair of crimping piece portions extending upwardly respectively from opposite side edges of the base plate portion, and a crimper which has a press-fastening portion for press-fastening the crimping piece portions. The anvil and the press-fastening portion of the crimper cooperate to press-fasten the crimping piece portions for crimping the crimping piece portions to the electric wire mounted on the metal terminal. The press-fastening portion is subjected to a mirror finish.
US07748102B2
A conduction-cooled superconducting power transmission cable wherein a High-Temperature Superconducting (HTS) wire is surrounded by an inner layer of thermal insulator, one or more layers of high thermal conductivity material, such as copper, and an outer layer of thermal insulator with cryogenic coolant sources distributed along the power transmission cable and coupled to the copper layers or both the copper layers and the HTS wire. The cryogenic coolant sources can be reservoirs, a distribution system of coolant or stand alone refrigeration systems. He H2 or N2 liquid coolant can be used. A method for calculating the parameters to maintain the critical temperature of the HTS wire and a method for calculating the cool down time from ambient conditions are disclosed.
US07748091B2
The present invention concerns a coupling (1) including a first part (2) and a second part (3), where the first part (2) includes a housing (4) with a displaceable locking ring (8). The locking ring having a locking device (9) for receiving and fixing a projecting part (5). The housing is provided with an internal cylindrical surface with an annular recess (11) arranged for accommodating the locking device (9). The locking ring is connected with a spring-biased locking unit (17) for moving and locking the locking ring in at least two positions in the housing (4). The locking unit (17) includes an insert (18) connected to the locking ring (8) at one end and at an oppsoite end is provided with a number of oblique teeth (23).
US07748090B2
The present invention concerns breathable fasteners for use with hook fastener systems. The breathable fastening system comprises a first breathable mechanical fastener surface, which is generally a loop or fibrous type surface that can optionally be joined to a breathable backing loop, and a recon large area breathable hook type fastener. The hook type fastener generally has an integral film backing which film backing has a porosity of from 0.0001 to 0.005 cm3, a backing thickness of from 25 to 200 μm, a stiffness of from 10 to 2000 Gurley units and a hook or projection containing surface area of at least 10 cm2.
US07748080B2
A refrigerator comprises a body defining a refrigerated enclosure, a door movable between a closed position and an open position, a hinge comprising a first member coupled to the body and a second member coupled to the door and pivotably coupled to the first member, and a closure mechanism configured to provide a varying force to the door depending on the position of the door relative to the body. The closure mechanism includes a guide slidably mounted in a slot on the first member, a biasing mechanism coupled to the first member, and a closer arm coupled to the door and to the biasing mechanism through the guide.
US07748078B2
The present invention relates to a portable blower-vacuum device which comprises a motor (3) operated by a switch (7) and located in a main body (2) and a fan (4) drivable by the motor. A vacuum nozzle (11) and a blower nozzle (12) are associated with the main body and the vacuum nozzle comprises a main portion (14a) extending in a direction of an axis (Z1) of the main portion and a terminal portion (14b) with an axis (Z2) angularly disposed with respect to the axis (Z1) of the main portion.
US07748077B2
A windscreen wiper with a link arm arrangement (4) including a first pair of arms (5) and a second pair of arms (6) to which the first pair of arms (5) is connected in such a way that they can pivot, the first pair of arms (5) being attached to a chassis in such a way that they can pivot and the second pair of arms (6) being attached to a windscreen wiper blade (7) in such way that they can pivot. The windscreen wiper further including an adjustment mechanism (8) for controlling the size of an angle between the first pair of arms (5) and the second pair of arms (6) in synchrony with the pivoting of the first pair of arms (5).
US07748062B2
A body transfer system, includes a housing having a substantially planar top portion configured to support a body and having a substantially planar bottom portion; a bottom translation mechanism disposed at the bottom portion and configured to translate the system across a first surface upon which a body rests; and a top translation mechanism disposed at the top portion and configured to burrow the system between the first surface and the body as the bottom translation mechanism translates the first surface. A method of transferring a body is also included.
US07752676B2
Provided are a method, system and article of manufacture, wherein a request to access data is received from a requestor. A determination is made as to whether the requestor is authorized to access the data. In response to determining that the requestor is authorized to access the data, a determination is made as to whether the data is encrypted. An encryption key is requested from the requester, in response to determining that the data is not encrypted.
US07752671B2
Some embodiments of the present invention may relate to a device and a method of questioning computerized devices within an organization's network. The device, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, may include a questioning module and an agentless module. The questioning module may be adapted to receive data specifying a plurality of computerized devices to be questioned, and to receive data indicating which one or more questioning subjects are selected to be questioned on the specified computerized devices. The agentless module may be adapted to invoke and configure at least a remote access process, to question at least a registry of a remote computerized device. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the questioning module may be adapted to utilize multiple threads of the agentless module to invoke and configure a plurality of remote access processes to question in parallel and without using agents at least a registry of the specified computerized devices, in accordance with the selected questioning subjects.
US07752667B2
A procedure and implementations thereof are disclosed that significantly reduce the amount of time necessary to perform a virus scan. A file signature is created each time a file is modified (i.e., with each “file write” to that file). The file signature is inserted, with a date stamp, into the file attributes. The virus scan program checks the previously-created file signature against the virus signature file instead of creating the file signature for every file during the virus scan. Checks to ensure that the file signature is secure, and is valid and up to date, are also implemented. Only if the file signature is not valid and up-to-date does the virus scan program create a new file signature at the time of the running of the virus scan.
US07752666B2
A method and system for detecting routing loops and time-to-live (TTL) expiry attacks in a telecommunications network are disclosed. The detection of routing loops and TTL expiry attacks can be achieved based on the comparison of TTL expiries occurring on two or more routers in the network. A quantity of TTL expiries associated with a router can be summed. Additionally, a quantity of TTL expiries associated with other routers that are operatively coupled to the router can be summed. A difference between the sums can be calculated and a determination of whether a routing loop exists can be made in response to the difference.
US07752662B2
A method for detection and blocking of zero day worm attacks is disclosed. A zero day worm attack is the initial appearance of a new or revised Web worm. The method compares a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) request sent from an attacking computer (or server) to a predefined behavior profile of a protected Web application in order to detect a worm attack. A zero day worm attack based on the first data packet of an HTTP request can be detected.
US07752655B2
An access control device controls an access right with respect to a plurality of electronic devices in a network for each combination of electronic devices. An authority information generating section generates authority information which is used when an electronic device accesses an application on an electronic device. A permission information generating section generates permission information which is information about whether or not the electronic device permits an access request from the electronic device, in relation with the authority information. An access information storing section stores the authority information and the permission information. A transmission control section transmits via the communication section the authority information to the electronic device and the permission information to the electronic device.
US07752647B2
Systems and methods for rearranging valid data within a block of data for transmission along a data path are described herein. By utilizing previously unused bits in data words, the valid data can be transmitted in fewer clock cycles, thereby increasing the availability of the data bus to other masters. An exemplary embodiment of a system for transmitting data along a data bus includes one or more masters, one or more slaves, and a data bus interconnecting the masters and slaves. One of the slaves is a memory controller configured to access data from an external memory device. The memory controller may be further configured to pack video data for transmission along the data bus. One of the masters is a video display controller configured to feed video data to an external video display. The video display controller may be further configured to receive the packed video data and unpack the packed video data for transmission to the video display.
US07752645B2
A digital television (DTV) receiver and a decoding method are discussed. According to an embodiment, the DTV receiver includes: a receiving unit for receiving a digital broadcasting signal including a plurality of extended text tables (ETTs) that appear in transport stream packets having common PID values, each ETT comprising a section header and a message body, wherein the section header contains a table identification extension field that serves to establish uniqueness of each ETT, and wherein the message body includes an extended text message (ETM) which provides detailed descriptions of a virtual channel or an event associated with each ETT; and a program and system information protocol (PSIP) decoder for detecting the table identification extension field to determine uniqueness of each ETT and detecting at least one pertinent ETT from the plurality of ETTs using the determined uniqueness of each ETT.
US07752638B2
A method for defining and dynamically invoking polymorphic call flows in a call flow system. A publisher call flow and subscriber call flows are defined. A first trigger point in the publisher call flow is defined. Triggers specifying late-binding references to trigger points are defined in the subscriber call flows. A second trigger point in a first subscriber call flow is defined. A trigger specifying a late-binding reference to the second trigger point is defined. Publishing the call flows includes storing a second subscriber call flow's representation that includes a first trigger's representation. To execute the publisher call flow, identifiers of the publisher call flow and the first trigger point are located in the first trigger's representation. Without changing any other call flow and without terminating and restarting the publisher call flow, a call flow is added to the call flow system and invoked.
US07752629B2
A system and method for application server with overload protection. A system, for example a server or a cluster, is designed to generate a message, and/or reject further work, whenever the server becomes overloaded. It does this in a processor-efficient manner so as not to place even more strain on the already burdened server. The rejection message or action is customizable. In accordance with an embodiment, the system determines where the request would appear in a priority queue, and rejects those further down the queue. It does this quickly and with minimal processing time by determining to which workload manager the request is going to be delivered.
US07752621B2
Disclosed is a method, system, and program for implementing priority inheritance in an operating system. A first list includes a boost request to boost a priority of an indicated thread holding a shared resource to an indicated priority. Further included is a second list. The system processes the boost request in the first list to boost the priority of the indicated thread to the indicated priority. After boosting priority, the system removes the processed boost request from the first list and places the processed boost request in the second list.
US07752618B2
A software upgrade server that remotely links a software upgrade file as a DLL and transmits the DLL to a mobile station via a wireless network. The mobile station comprises a memory for storing the software file and a controller that communicates with the software upgrade server. The controller receives a message from the software upgrade server indicating a software file is available for upgrading. The controller determines an available space in the memory where the available software file may be installed and transmits to the software upgrade server a target address at the start of the available memory space. The server uses the target address to link a plurality of object files into a DLL and transmits the DLL to the mobile station.
US07752616B2
An electronic device with a handoff agent is capable of coordinating the update by one or more update agents in the electronic device. The handoff agent is capable of selectively updating an application software or firmware that is stored in non-volatile memory that may employ multiple FLASH chips, the handoff agent employing appropriate update agents, that each employs appropriate subsets of an update package that has been retrieved from an external system.
US07752607B2
Systems and methods are provided for automated testing of business process application configurations. A test library contains test elements, which are building blocks that codify all possible interactions with business processes in business process application configuration. The elements interact with the business process application's user interface. A business process test can be defined in a test development environment by adding data input elements to the test to test specific business processes. The flow of execution in a business process test can be defined by adding control elements to the test. The control elements interact with the application's user interface submit or cancel business process operations. The business process test can be executed as a test script to perform automated testing. The tests can continue to function properly when the application or its user interface changes, because the elements are independent of most details of the user interface.
US07752606B2
Systems and methods are provided for the automated development and implementation of software using parameter-based requirements. Such systems and methods may include acquiring terms usable to create a parameter-based requirement, in which each of the terms contains at least one attribute, and storing a glossary containing the terms. The systems and methods may further include collecting a system requirement from a user based on the terms stored in the glossary, generating the parameter-based requirement based on the terms stored in the glossary and the system requirement, and creating an artifact based on the parameter-based requirement.
US07752597B2
A technology for layered software development using files is disclosed. In one method a runtime environment for a class of a layered software application is developed. A layer file folder is opened. The layer file folder is located in a computer file system and is for storing classes belonging to a layer of the layered software application. A class file is opened in the layer file folder. The class file comprises a text file representing the class of the layered software application that is being developed into a runtime environment. The class file further comprises data describing a method performed as part of the class. It is then determined if the method of the class file has been previously loaded into the runtime environment.
US07752595B2
A pattern producing method includes specifying a first pattern and a second pattern obtained by modifying the first pattern, specifying a correction area based on the second pattern, in a part of an area including the first pattern and the second pattern, producing at least a part of the first pattern, which is included in the correction area, as a correction target pattern, producing a part of the first or second pattern, which is not included in the correction area, as a correction reference pattern, correcting the correction target pattern on the basis of the correction target pattern and the correction reference pattern, and producing a pattern based on the corrected correction target pattern and the second pattern.
US07752593B2
A method, system and computer program product for performing synthesis of representations is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a representation of a relation and building a gate representing an OR function of one or more selected parent paths into a node of said representation of said relation. A synthesized gate for said gate representing said OR function and synthesis of a set of representations of relations by iterating said building step and said creating step over one or more variables in said representation of said relation is performed to accumulate a synthesized gate set, which synthesized gate set is returned.
US07752590B1
Disclosed are methods and mechanisms for implementing tessellation-based processing of an integrated circuit design. Tessellation based routing of objects on an integrated circuit layout can be performed by identifying a spacing rule for tessellating at least a portion of the integrated circuit layout, forming one or more plane figures in the tessellation having one or more edges compliant with the spacing rule, the edges of the one or more plane figures forming a contour derived from a shape of a blockage object, and identifying a routing path along at least part of the one or more edges. Packing and pushing of objects may be performed using this approach.
US07752589B2
A method, apparatus, and computer program product for visually indicating the interaction between one or more edges of a design that contribute to a defined critical area pattern.
US07752587B2
Broadly speaking, the embodiments of the present invention fill the need for methods of designing vertical transmission lines for optimal signal transition in multi-layer BGA packages. By controlling the impedance and geometry continuity of micro vias in each micro via layer in the package to follow smooth impedance and geometry curves from layer to layer, the return loss and insertion loss of the transmission line can be reduced or controlled to within acceptable ranges.
US07752586B2
A design structure for an integrated circuit which includes: a first flip-flop which is capable of flushing and which operates by using a first clock signal CLK 1; a second flip-flop DFF 2 which operates by using a second clock signal CLK 2, and which is connected to the first flip flop; and a third flip-flop DFF 3 which operates by using the second clock signal CLK 2, and which is connected to the first flip-flop. A test on a path between the first and second flip-flops is carried out in a manner that test data is released and captured on receipt of the clock signal CLK 2 between the second flip-flop DFF 2 and the third flip-flop DFF 3 via the first flip-flop DFF 1, and that the test data is flushed by the first flip-flop DFF 1.
US07752575B2
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for accessing information in screen captures. The process copies an image displayed on a display to form a screen capture. Next, the process receives a selection of an attachment image in the screen capture. Finally, the process links a document to the attachment image to form a file attachment overlay.
US07752574B2
Systems, methods and articles for displaying data distributions in data trees are provided. An example method retrieves a data tree organized into a plurality of nodes that store a data parameter and identifies a parent node from among the plurality of nodes, the parent node being linked to a plurality of child nodes in the data tree. The relative distribution of the data parameter among the plurality of child nodes is determined and a plurality of graphical connectors that visually link the parent node to the child nodes are displayed on a computer display, each of the graphical connectors including a data distribution indicator that indicates the relative distribution of the data parameter among the child nodes.
US07752567B2
A method and system for providing an easily recognizable visual feedback to a user in a multi-parameter aircraft instrument display, such as a flat panel display, of manually induced variations in individually selected manually adjustable data associated with a selected one of a plurality of displayable parameters in a simultaneous display of these parameters. The method and system provides visual confirmation of the parameter being manually varied in response to such manual variations by enlarging the display of the selected parameter, such as by zooming out the displayed image of the selected parameter to between two and four times its normal size in response to the manual variation of this parameter, and returns the image size to its original size, such as by zooming in, in response to a cessation in the manual adjustments by the user of the associated dimensional data, such as within a predetermined interval after such cessation, such as two to four seconds thereafter. A frame may be provided about the enlarged image to provide further visual confirmation to the user.
US07752556B2
Systems, methods, computer-readable mediums, user interfaces and other implementations are disclosed for workflow widgets. In some implementations, a widget workflow method includes: launching a widget at a first device; and updating the widget with content created at a second device.
US07752530B2
A reconfigurable maximum a-posteriori probability (MAP) calculation circuit for decoding binary and duo-binary code. The reconfigurable MAP calculation circuit comprises M memory banks for storing N input data samples. Each input data sample comprises systematic data, non-interleaved parity data and interleaved parity data. The N input data samples are divided into M logical blocks and input data samples from each logical block are stored in each of the M memory banks. The reconfigurable MAP calculation circuit comprises M processing units. Each processing unit processes one of the M logical blocks. The reconfigurable MAP calculation circuit comprises a communication switch for coupling the M processing units to the M memory banks such that the M processing units simultaneously access input data samples from each of the M logical blocks in each of the M memory banks without collision.
US07752517B2
A test device that makes a test of a circuit device including a plurality of modules being substitutable in terms of function for one another, and in which a function change can be made for assignment to each of the modules based on an incoming control signal. The test device includes: a control section that generates the control signal, without changing a function to be assigned to a whole of the modules, to make the function change for assignment to each of the modules at least in a group of the modules; and a determination section that detects whether the circuit device operates differently when the function change is made for assignment to the modules, and based on a detection result, determines whether or not at least the group of the modules includes a defective module.
US07752514B2
Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for isolating a defect in a scan chain. The invention includes modifying a first test mode of a plurality of latches included in a scan chain, operating the latches in the modified first test mode, and operating the plurality of latches included in the scan chain in a second test mode. A portion of the scan chain adjacent and following a stuck-@-0 or stuck-@-1 fault in the scan chain may store and/or output a value complementary to the value on the output of the previous portion of the scan chain due to the fault. Such values may be unloaded from the scan chain and used for diagnosing (e.g., isolating a defect in) the defective scan chain. Numerous other aspects are provided.
US07752509B2
When a primary spare area is allocated for slipping replacement and linear replacement upon initialization, and a remaining portion of the primary spare area after slipping replacement and allocated for linear replacement after initialization are insufficient, a supplementary spare area is allocated. The sizes of the primary and supplementary spare areas are determined by the number of defects generated upon initialization. The information on the sizes of the spare areas, and the remainder state information representing the degree of use of the spare areas, are recorded, so that the spare areas can be efficiently managed. Also, in the defect management method, when an area that has already been linearly replaced is allocated as a supplementary spare area, defective blocks within the allocated supplementary spare area are not used for linear replacement, and the entries of a secondary defect list (SDL) with respect to the defective blocks are not changed.
US07752508B2
A method and system for handling real-time indications of resource scheduling conflicts. In one embodiment, the method includes a computer system including a user interface, display, processor, and some form of memory. Contained within the memory is a resource scheduling process that analyzes resource data, scheduling criteria, and work parameters to create a working schedule. In conjunction with the creation of a working schedule, the scheduling process detects resource conflicts that can inhibit the schedule's functionality. Once detected an identification process conveys the error to the user concurrently with the schedule process to provide the user with a real-time indication of resource conflicts. The indication is presented in an unobtrusive manner so as to not interfere or impede the scheduling process. In addition, should the specific resource causing the conflict be identifiable, the indication process conveys that information in a similar real-time methodology.
US07752505B2
A method for detecting errors in a tag array includes accessing the tag array with an index, retrieving at least one tag from the tag array, and computing a parity bit based on the expected tag.
US07752504B2
A network device and a method for monitoring operational messages is described. The method comprises monitoring an occurrence of an operational message of the network device, and storing dynamic context information at the time that the operational message occurred. The stored dynamic context information is then associated with the operational message. The operational message (e.g., a syslog message) may be stored together with the dynamic context information in a metalog memory and may comprise a snapshot of a procedure stack, the procedure stack including information indicative of a sequence of procedure invocations.
US07752501B2
A machine implemented technique for performing dynamic globalization verification testing in a software user interface includes identifying one or more user interface controls in the software user interface having text strings that have been pseudo translated, generating one or more applicable test cases that test for display defects stemming from the pseudo translations, executing the test cases, and logging defects.
US07752497B2
Disclosed are a method and system for detecting errors in a computer system including a processing unit to perform tasks to change items. The method comprises the steps of assigning a task control block to the processing unit, and using the task control block to keep track of items being changed by the processing unit. The method comprises the further steps of at defined times, checking the task control block to identify items being changed by the processing unit, and checking the states of said identified items to determine if those states are correct. The preferred embodiment of the invention detects an error when it arises (where possible), and utilizes an infrastructure that allows simple and periodic consistency checks (for example, at designated code points) that detect the error before it causes follow-on problems.
US07752491B1
Methods and structures for providing on-the-fly head depopulation in a dynamically mapped storage device. In a dynamically mapped storage device in which all user supplied logical blocks are dynamically mapped by the storage device controller to physical disk blocks, features and aspects hereof allow on-the-fly head depopulation to protect data when a subsection of a storage device, such as a head of surface is failing. When the storage device detects that a head is failing, data may be migrated off the failing subsection into other subsections (e.g., a different head or surface) using mapping features and aspects hereof. Thus, the data on the failing subsection is still available should the subsection or head eventually fail.
US07752485B2
A method of virtually removing field replaceable units (FRUs) from a computer system during concurrent maintenance operations. Firmware within a flexible service processor (FSP) assigns unique resource identification (RID) numbers to each FRU in the computer system. The firmware collects vital product data (VPD) for each FRU and generates a duplicate test shared library, which is stored in a memory directory corresponding to the FSP. When the firmware receives input from a graphical user interface (GUI) that includes at least a first FRU selected for virtual removal from the computer system, the firmware adds the RID number of the selected FRU to the memory directory and recollects VPD. The FSP subsequently ignores any FRUs corresponding to RID numbers stored in the memory directory during operation of the computer system.
US07752469B2
This patent specification describes a power adapter which includes a power unit including a converter to supply power to a computer and a peripheral unit configured to communicate with the computer and to be controlled by the computer. Further, the power adapter includes a multiplexing-demultiplexing circuit configured to multiplex and demultiplex a power signal with a data or control signal.
US07752464B2
Techniques are disclosed for deterring theft of media recording devices. Input received from a sensor, or some portion of the input, is encrypted prior to storing a media file. A decryption key must be provided when the media file is to be played back. If the key is not provided, then the file is preferably still played back, but is played back in a degraded manner. For example, a background color or other filler may be rendered in place of the encrypted portion. Additional parts of the file may also be degraded during playback. By making the playback unpleasant for the listener/viewer, theft of the recording device will be much less desirable—yet recording can continue uninterrupted, thereby minimizing disruption to legitimate users. The disclosed techniques may also be used to deter theft of the recorded media.
US07752454B2
There is provided an information processing apparatus which can communicate data between an external apparatus, including a setting unit for setting up condition of encryption communication in a case of communicating with the external apparatus, in accordance with designation from a user, and a selecting unit for selecting one of a plurality of authentication methods, which is used by authentication processing performed between the external apparatus, in accordance with the setting condition.
US07752446B2
A method and system for enhancing security in a database by establishing a bit pattern using secret information, the pattern establishing a watermark that can be detected in a copy (authorized or not) of the database only by using the secret information.
US07752442B2
A distributed security system is provided. The distributed security system uses a security policy that is written in a policy language that is transport and security protocol independent as well as independent of cryptographic technologies. This security policy can be expressed using the language to create different security components allowing for greater scalability and flexibility. By abstracting underlying protocols and technologies, multiple environments and platforms can be supported.
US07752438B2
Authorizing access to a network resource utilizing an autonomous authorization service. One method embodying the invention includes receiving a request to access a resource and acquiring credentials, identifying an authorization service that is autonomous of the resource, providing the credentials to the authorization service and requesting authorization to access the resource. The authorization service authenticates the credentials and authorizes access the resource only if the credentials are authentic.
US07752435B2
A method of managing a user key for a broadcast encryption. The method includes assigning numbers to respective users and arranging the users on a ring-shaped structure in order to map hash chains onto the respective nodes of a ring-shaped structure. The method further includes making random node keys correspond to the respective nodes, one by one, constructing the hash chains from the corresponding node keys using a hash function, and successively mapping the constructed hash chains onto the nodes of the ring-shaped structure.
US07752431B2
A distributed security system is provided. The distributed security system uses a security policy that is written in a policy language that is transport and security protocol independent as well as independent of cryptographic technologies. This security policy can be expressed using the language to create different security components allowing for greater scalability and flexibility. By abstracting underlying protocols and technologies, multiple environments and platforms can be supported.
US07752430B2
The present invention is concerned with a method to encrypt OFDM modulation, by multiplying its underlying QAM symbols by a complex-valued generalized key stream sequence. Performing encryption on the physical layer ensures that all services and applications running over the OFDM modem will be protected against eavesdropping. It is also proposed to include in the encryption any training symbols used for synchronization and channel estimation. Only the legitimate receiver knowing the encryption key is hence able to synchronize and correctly demodulate the received signal. Attackers will not even be able to acquire the encrypted signal.
US07752425B2
A data processing apparatus is disclosed comprising: trace logic for monitoring behavior of a portion of said data processing apparatus; and prediction logic operable to provide at least one prediction as to at least one step of said behavior of said portion of said data processing apparatus; wherein said trace logic is operable to: monitor behavior of said portion of said data processing apparatus; determine from said monitored behavior whether or not said at least one prediction is correct; and output a prediction indicator indicating whether or not said at least one prediction is correct.
US07752421B2
A parallel-prefix broadcast for a parallel-prefix operation on a parallel computer includes: configuring, on each node, a parallel-prefix contribution buffer for storing the node's parallel-prefix contribution; configuring, on each node, a parallel-prefix results buffer for storing results of a operation, the results buffer having a position for each node that corresponds to node's rank; and repeatedly for each position in the results buffer: processing in parallel by each node, including: determining, by the node, whether the current position in the results buffer is to include the node's contribution, if the current position is not to include the contribution, contributing the identity element, and if the current position is to include the contribution, contributing the contribution, performing, by each node, the operation using the contributed identity elements and the contributed contributions, yielding a result from the operation, and storing, by each node, the result in the position in the results buffer.
US07752412B2
In a nonvolatile memory system, a host allocates clusters and records allocation information in a File Allocation Table that is stored in the nonvolatile memory. A controller separately allocates certain data and records allocation in a record in a volatile memory. File Allocation Table information provided to the host is modified according to the record in the volatile memory.
US07752408B2
Disclosed is an access control apparatus controls access to a storage device and includes an access password input device that receives an input of an access password; an access control information acquiring unit that acquires access control information indicating an access password to be inputted for access; an access controller that controls access to a file stored in a file storage region, based on the inputted access password and the access control information, wherein the access controller is operable when different region access passwords are set for accessing a first file storage region and a second file storage region, respectively, to control access after a file stored in the first file storage region has been transported to the second file storage region so that at least one password that could be used to access the file in the first file storage region is inherited after transportation.
US07752405B2
A data recording apparatus includes a determining unit that determines whether a storable area is present in the first storage device. The storable area is a combination of a plurality of empty areas having contiguous physical addresses with a total data volume larger than that of a volume of the data. When the determining unit determines that the storable area is present, a first storage unit stores the data in the storable area, and a second storage unit stores the data that has been stored by the first storage unit in the storable area as a lump into the second storage device.
US07752404B2
Toggling between a first storage configuration and a second storage configuration includes disabling asynchronous data transfer to a third storage group from one of the first storage group and the second storage group and enabling asynchronous data transfer to the third storage group from an other one of the first storage group and second storage group. Toggling between a first storage configuration and a second storage configuration may also include, prior to disabling asynchronous data transfer to the third storage group, transferring pending data to the third storage group. Toggling between a first storage configuration and a second storage configuration may also include, after enabling asynchronous data transfer to the third storage group, transferring data to the third storage group that had been pending prior to disabling asynchronous data transfer to the third storage group.
US07752397B2
In a cache coherency protocol multiple conflict phases may be utilized to resolve a data request conflict condition. The multiple conflict phases may avoid buffering or stalling conflict resolution, which may reduce system inefficiencies.
US07752394B1
Systems and methods which provide an extensible caching framework are disclosed. These systems and methods may provide a caching framework which can evaluate individual parameters of a request for a particular piece of content. Modules capable of evaluating individual parameters of an incoming request may be added and removed from this framework. When a request for content is received, parameters of the request can be evaluated by the framework and a cache searched for responsive content based upon this evaluation. If responsive content is not found in the cache, responsive content can be generated and stored in the cache along with associated metadata and a signature formed by the caching framework. This signature may aid in locating this content when a request for similar content is next received.
US07752392B1
A method and apparatus for accessing a virtualized storage volume are described. At least one volume map is copied to a virtualization switch prior to an application requesting access to a storage volume via the virtualization switch, where the volume map facilitates mapping the storage volume access request to an appropriate physical storage device and is copied from a source external to the virtualization switch.
US07752391B2
A method for managing data storage is described. The method includes receiving data from an external host at a peripheral storage device, detecting a file system type of the external host, and adapting a caching policy for transmitting the data to a memory accessible by the storage device, wherein the caching policy is based on the detected file system type. The detection of the file system type can be based on the received data. The detection bases can include a size of the received data. In some implementations, the detection of the file system type can be based on accessing the memory for file system type indicators that are associated with a unique file system type. Adapting the caching policy can reduce a number of data transmissions to the memory. The detected file system type can be a file allocation table (FAT) system type.
US07752385B2
A high density storage enclosure houses first and second pluralities of hard disk drives (HDDs). The enclosure may be partitioned into a plurality of virtual enclosures, the first plurality of HDDs being associated with a first virtual enclosure and the second plurality of HDDs being associated with a second virtual enclosure. Configuration of the storage enclosure is performed by an SES processor in the storage enclosure accessing configuration parameters received from an external configuration unit coupled to the storage enclosure. The virtual enclosures may be configured as two (or more) independent virtual enclosures on two (or more) independent fabrics or may be configured in a trunked manner. Power supplies and cooling blowers in the storage enclosure may also be partitioned and assigned to be managed by SES processors in the virtual enclosures.
US07752379B2
Managing write-to-read turnarounds in an early read after write memory system is presented. Memory controller logic identifies a write operation's bank set, allows a different bank set read operation to issue prior to the write operation's completion, and allows a same bank set read operation to issue once the write operation completes. The memory controller includes operation counter logic, operation selection logic, operation acceptance logic, command formatting logic, and memory interface logic. The operation counter logic receives new-operation-related signals from the operation acceptance logic and, in turn, provides signals to the operation selection logic and the operation acceptance logic as to when to issue a read operation that corresponds to either an even DRAM bank or an odd DRAM bank.
US07752378B2
A partition priority controlling apparatus includes a partition ID identifying unit, a partition ID match detecting unit for detecting whether or not a partition to which one of a plurality of system board modules belongs matches partitions to which the other system board modules respectively belong for at least one combination of the system board modules, and an inter-crossbar-unit conflict partition detecting unit for detecting a combination of partitions, which make a conflict between two of a plurality of crossbar units, for at least one combination of the two crossbar units on the basis of the determination result of the partition ID identifying unit, and the detection result of the partition ID match detecting unit.
US07752376B1
A configuration space operation packet is received from a link. The configuration space operation packet is detected using a hardware mechanism. The configuration space operation packet is forwarded to a software-controlled entity for processing. A received packet can be detected as a configuration space operation packet from an address range of an address in a header of the received packet. The software-controlled entity can provide configuration space virtualisation.
US07752367B2
An apparatus, program product and method effectively virtualize a hardware device shared between multiple processors by a file accessible by a processor such that access to the hardware device may be controlled via a lock associated with the file. By doing so, file-based locking, e.g., as provided by a file locking facility in an operating system running on a processor, may be used to control access to the hardware device on behalf of the processor.
US07752356B1
The transfer of data from a host computer to a recordable disk in a disk drive operating on the host computer is managed. A buffer for temporarily storing data to be transferred between the host computer and the recordable disk is maintained, wherein the buffer comprises a plurality of host segments and a plurality of disk segments, and wherein each of the host segments and disk segments have a sector count value associated therewith. In a case where the transfer of data corresponds to a host segment, the host segment is selected from the plurality of host segments in the buffer. In a case where the transfer of data corresponds to a disk segment, the disk segment is selected from the plurality of disk segments in the buffer. In a case where a host segment is selected, the sector count value of the selected host segment is adjusted. In a case where a disk segment is selected, the sector count value of the selected disk segment is adjusted. Thus, the amount of hardware resources is seen to be reduced, and expansion of segmentation is seen to be improved.
US07752347B2
The present invention provides a computer readable medium recording a program for providing information relating to an optional device installable on an apparatus such as a printer, the program being an information providing program for providing information, to a user in an easily understandable form, related to an installable optional device that is presently uninstalled. In the information providing program for causing an information providing device to execute a processing of providing information relating to an optional device installable on a target apparatus, the information providing device is caused to execute: acquiring information relating to the installation status of the optional device on the target apparatus and determining an uninstalled optional device, which is an installable optional device that has not been installed; and displaying an image representing the determined uninstalled optional device to a user.
US07752346B2
A universal routing identifier (URID) is provided to extend the function space in PCI-Express fabrics. Methods and systems based on the URID are provided for configuring URID capable devices and upgrading PCI-Express bridges and switches having lookup tables with access control functionality. The lookup table entry contains URIDs of destination ports, backup ports, acceptance ports, and permitted ports for downstream and upstream filtering, routing and arbitrating of transaction packets. URID capable devices can be incrementally added to current PCI-Express bridges and switches. A configuration mechanism is added to the current PCI/PCI-Express enumeration software. The URID capabilities can be disabled to maintain system compatibility. A URID capable PCI-Express system is able to address ten of thousands single-function devices. A URID capability segment field is provided in the current PCI-Express configuration space. Each URID capable device contains the URID capability segment implemented in its own set of configuration space registers.
US07752342B2
An electronic apparatus with a USB connection has a functional circuit with a processor, a parallel address data bus couple to the processor and a USB device controller circuit with a USB interface in parallel with said address/data bus. The apparatus contains an interface integrated circuit electronically between the USB connection on one hand and the parallel address/data interface and the USB interface on the other hand. The interface integrated circuit has external terminals for connecting to a USB bus, a transceiver capable of transceiving for both a USB host and a USB device, the transceiver having a USB interface, a host interface and a device interface. The USB interface is coupled to the USB connection. The device interface is connected to the external USB device controller circuit. A host controller is coupled to the host interface, the host controller being coupled to the functional circuits via the parallel data/address bus.
US07752340B1
A data transfer retry method includes: A. receiving a particular atomic data transfer command from a director; B. processing identification information associated with the particular atomic data transfer command; C. comparing the identification information associated with the particular atomic data transfer command to identification information of a previous atomic data transfer command received from the director; D. determining that the particular atomic data transfer command is a retry command of the previous atomic data transfer command received from the director; E. determining a status of the execution of the previous atomic data transfer command received from the director; and F. processing the particular atomic data transfer command based on the status of the execution of the previous atomic data transfer command determined in Step E.
US07752338B2
A method is provided for determining the integrity of a domain defined in a network. The method includes processes and systems to facilitate the discovery a conceptual ring topology of the domain in the network, and the determination of the integrity of the domain based on the conceptual ring topology that was discovered.
US07752326B2
A session-based client-server asynchronous information search and retrieval system for sending character-by-character or multi-character strings of data to an intelligent server, that can be configured to immediately analyze the lengthening string and return to the client increasingly appropriate search information. Embodiments include integration within an Internet, web or other online environment, including applications for use in interactive database searching, data entry, online searching, online purchasing, music purchasing, people-searching, and other applications. In some implementations the system may be used to provide dynamically focused suggestions, auto-completed text, or other input-related assistance, to the user.
US07752322B2
A system for ubiquitous network presence and access without cookies utilizes a unique customer ID that is created for a customer using a client device connected to the Internet and is stored on the device and by other server applications for future automatic authentication and login of the customer when accessing the variety of services available on a business network.
US07752320B2
A method and apparatus are provided for authenticating the contents of a device requesting access to a first network, such as an enterprise network. If a device has connected to at least one other network then the content of the device is evaluated prior to obtaining access. The scope of the content evaluation may be based, for example, on properties of the other network or on one or more defined content authentication rules. If a device attempts to access a network, the content of the device is evaluated and the device may be restricted to accessing only one or more restoration services if the content fails to satisfy one or more predefined criteria, such as a content item that is out of date or a determination that the device connected to one or more external networks. The restoration service(s) can update a content item that is out of date, reinstall one or more programs or return configuration settings to default values.
US07752318B2
A method of exchanging data stored in a server connected to a network, so that a receiving user can access the data of a sending user, including the steps of encrypting information including at least identification of an item of the data to be exchanged with the receiving user and time information in which the sending user sets the item of data accessible, receiving second information indicating at least identification of an item of the data and a time period in which the item of data becomes accessible, comparing the first information and the second information, and setting the item of the data accessible for the time period if the first information and the second information match.
US07752312B1
Methods and systems for providing information management services to data objects at both global and local levels. The computer system includes an information management server for providing customized services to the data objects. One exemplary method identifies data objects that have been divided into logical groups within a computer system. A first and second set of information management rules are also identified, where the first set of information management rules has been associated with one of the logical groups. The first set of information management rules is applied to the data objects located within the logical group associated with the first set of information management rules, and the second set of information management rules is applied to all of the data objects in all of the logical groups. The second set of information management rules may include global service areas and levels that are offered by the information management server.
US07752308B2
A system is presented for measuring, analyzing and/or reporting web traffic, predetermined events, and/or user activity on one or more web pages utilizing a landing page having code embedded thereon, wherein the program code is structured to deploy at least one portal element onto the landing page. Further, the portal element is structured to display at least one web page therein, while remaining substantially imperceptible at a client interface. Additionally, the program code is structured to detect a source of the web visit, and other predetermined events, including mouse clicks and other navigation activity.
US07752307B2
A system for analyzing an information system connected between a plurality of information processors through a communication line, including: a capturing unit for capturing communication packets sent through the communication line; a first counting unit for extracting an attribute value representing communication attributes from each of the captured communication packets to add attribute values for each destination of the communication packets; a second counting unit for extracting an attribute value representing communication attributes from each of the captured communication packets to add attribute values for each source of the communication packets; and a determining unit for determining which of a server function and a client function uses a TCP/UDP port of each of the information processors on the basis of the total attribute value for communication packets addressed to the TCP/UDP port and the total attribute value for communication packets sent from the TCP/UDP port.
US07752302B2
A central control system operates in conjunction with multiple mobile traffic probes to analyze and characterize traffic in a particular region or area. The traffic probes operate autonomously to collect traffic related data and report the collected data to the central control system. The traffic probes can analyze the collected data to identify traffic anomalies, and in response, change the amount and type of data collected, as well as the frequency of reporting the data to the central control system. In addition, the central control system can analyze the received data to identify traffic anomalies or points of interest and force one or more deployed traffic probes to change the amount and type of data collected, as well as the frequency of reporting.
US07752296B2
A device management system and device management scheduling method thereof, in which a server transmits to a client a scheduling context including a device management command and a schedule for the performing of the device management command, and the client generates a device management tree using the device management scheduling context, performs the command when a specific scheduling condition is satisfied, and, if necessary, reports the command performance result to the server, whereby the server performs a device management such as requesting a command to be performed under a specific condition, dynamically varying the scheduling condition, and the like.
US07752294B2
A method and system to add a storage controller in a SAN includes receiving a storage controller node to add to a logical storage controller in the storage area network having a logical nodename and a sequence of logical ports, adopting the logical nodename from the logical storage controller in place of the predetermined nodename associated with the storage controller and renumbering a set of ports associated with the storage controller to extend the sequence of logical ports associated with the logical storage controller. Removing the storage controller includes removing a storage controller node from the logical storage controller in the storage area network having a logical nodename and a sequence of logical ports, deleting the set of ports associated with the removed storage controller from the sequence of logical ports associated with the logical storage controller and renumbering the sequence of logical ports to accommodate the deleted ports.
US07752289B2
An apparatus and a method capable of efficiently and accurately constructing an access control configuration having high security are realized. Only the MAC address of a controller (client) 351 authorized by a user is authenticated and registered in a MAC address table of a device 352, and the device 352 performs MAC address filtering for permitting access by the controller 351 (client) which is authenticated and registered in the MAC address table. Furthermore, by making a registration completion notification and by performing version adjustment, a reliable access control configuration is constructed. The device authentication apparatus 350 avoids access from an unauthorized party which is not authenticated and registered, and makes the presence of a server not known to the controller which attempts to illegally perform device authentication. Therefore, access control with high security is realized.
US07752288B2
In an information processing apparatus capable of changing the setting contents including setting items, an occupied state in that the setting items cannot be accessed and the settable state in that the setting items can be accessed are managed. The settable state in that a plurality of setting device managing parts cannot transit is transferred from one setting device managing part to another setting device managing part.
US07752285B2
A method and apparatus for shortcut sets to data sources, such as web sites, is disclosed. The shortcut sets may be associated with a controlled environment. A controlled environment might be a home, corporation, business, etc. As an example, an information technology (IT) manager configures shortcuts for the employees of the company. As another example, a family member configures shortcuts that are common to all family members, when at home. A user may enter a shortcut into a search box of a web browser to be directed to a data source. If the shortcut indicates a search at the data source is desired, then a search is automatically performed at the data source.
US07752284B2
When an application server for performing a Web application is developed, a framework describing each of the modules of data, a logic, and a screen is provided. To attain this, the input contents of a Web page are converted into a data object, the combination of the type of the data object and a command is mapped in each process routine using a first foreign definition file, a process routine to be executed is determined from among prepared process logics based on the type of the data object, the command, and the first foreign definition file, and the combination of an execution result of the process logic and the type of the displaying data object is mapped in the displaying component using a second foreign definition file. These files are provided in the application server.
US07752272B2
A system and method are provided for filtering data be pushed from a server to a communication device in accordance with a set of predefined rules. Data to be pushed to the communication device is received at the server. A content filter engine is used to determine at the server whether the data meets criteria established by the set of predefined rules, the set of predefined rules having been established by a user of the communication device via a user interface. The data is transmitted to the communication device only if the data is not filtered by the set of predefine rules.
US07752270B2
A method and apparatus for linking sounds and emoticons to allow a recipient of a message containing an emoticon to hear audio associated with the emoticon. In one aspect of the invention, a first user or sender establishes a link or association between the emoticon being sent and a sound file to be associated with that particular emoticon. The emoticon is then transmitted from the sender to the recipient along with the link or association such that the recipient can hear the audio when the emoticon is displayed.
US07752261B1
A method and system for triggering multiple client requests, including: providing directions for obtaining multibeacon instructions, in response to a content request from the client device, providing the multibeacon instructions in response to a request from the client device, with the request for multibeacon instructions submitted by the client device based on the directions, receiving an initial image request at the multibeacon management server from the client device wherein the initial image request is submitted by the client device upon execution of the multibeacon instructions, and, composing and sending a beacon from the multibeacon management system to the client device in response to the initial image request causing the configuration of a storage device at the client device for storing the beacon, wherein the properties of the beacon are configured to trigger the multibeacon instructions to instruct the client device to submit additional image requests to the multibeacon management system.
US07752257B2
An information serving system that includes an information device capable of setting a user identifier carrying a medium type indicating an information type the information device is compatible with and identifying an information-provided user and also capable of connection to a network. An information serving device to which the information device is connected via the network, the information serving device includes databases having recorded therein, in association with each other, user profile data indicating information to be provided correspondingly to a user identifier, and content data associated with a medium type and information genre, respectively, and a request handling computer which searches, upon request from the information device, the database for content data to acquire the content data and supplies the information device with the content data as a one of the medium type the information device is compatible with.
US07752255B2
A device, method, computer program product, and network subsystem are described for receiving information from a remote agent locally and responding to the information from the remote agent by deciding whether to signal a change of a security configuration of the remote agent.
US07752238B2
The present invention provides a method for converting a searchable electronic catalog of the type used in e-commerce and industrial materiel systems. Such catalogs are typically configured as databases but can be created from a variety of different source materials. The method includes identifying a set of items to be converted, identifying the characteristics for each item, accessing the characteristic values for each identified item, accessing mapping rules for each characteristic and each item, mapping the characteristic values for each item in the first catalog into the characteristic identified by the rule for the item in the second catalog, and compiling the mapped characteristic values for each item to form the second catalog.
US07752236B2
A lead enhancement module transmits to one or more data sources an enhancement list requesting additional data items associated with a lead record. The enhancement list may comprise one or more data bundles, each comprising indicators associated with one or more additional data items. A personalized data bundle may be created by each client listing those specific additional data items that the particular client would like to retrieve for lead records from the client. A default data bundle may be included in the enhancement list for clients that have not defined a personalized data bundle, or the default bundle may be included in the enhancement list in addition to the personalized data bundle. Various default bundles, such as vertical market specific data bundles, may be created and provided to the client for possible inclusion in the enhancement list.
US07752234B2
An apparatus and method for managing utility pole information is provided in the illustrative embodiments. A method for managing the utility pole information may include creating several audit forms and searching those forms for an audit of a selected pole. The method may further include pre-populating the audit form with data from a repository of engineering work orders. The method may further include recording general pole information, a pole inspection information, a pole test information, a first attachment information, and inspector's notes about the selected pole on the audit form resulting in an updated audit form. The method may then transfer the updated audit form to a repository of utility poles audit information.
US07752230B2
In one embodiment, a data processing system includes a first database 304 maintained by a first party (such as a customer); a second database 324, 328 maintained by a second party (such as a vendor) different from the first party; a work queue 316 to specify data to be added to the second database; an extract, transform and load module 308 to write data from the first database to the work queue; and a data import module operable 320 to import data from the work queue to the second database. In the system, the first party is not privileged to write the data directly to the second database but is privileged to write the data to the work queue. The import module transforms the data written to the work queue to a form semantically compatible with the second database.
US07752227B2
A method and system for managing risk by indicating links between one or more persons or entities which can include a process that gathers information about individuals and organizations into a computerized system where it can be analyzed to associate one or more individuals or organizations with links to other individuals or organizations. A user can designate a person or entity and the system will provide an indication of linkages associated with the designated person. Some embodiments can include a user specifying a particular type of link or limit links to a specified degree of separation between the designated person and any other person or entity.
US07752226B1
Information identifying the inode of the parent directory of a file may be stored in that file's inode. A reverse pathname lookup from the file's inode identifier may be performed by reading a parent directory inode identifier of the file's parent directory from the file's inode and using the parent directory inode identifier to generate a pathname for the file. Generating the pathname may involve identifying the filename of the file by searching the parent directory identified by the parent inode identifier for the file's filename. A file's inode may include more than one parent directory inode identifier.
US07752213B2
A system and computer readable medium for processing a request to retrieve data from a database is disclosed. The system and computer readable medium of the present invention comprises receiving the request which comprises a function that processes at least one data item specified in the request, retrieving the at least one data item from a database, and invoking the function. When the function is invoked, at least one parameter comprising information related to the at least one data item is passed to the function. Thus, a function can be written independently of the data which they are called to process.
US07752207B2
Systems and methods in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention provide for a computer based method for crawling application data from an application data store. The applications data store has business objects of an application stored thereon. The method may include identifying a first request for application data received from a search engine as a seed universal resource locator (URL). A crawlable definition for the identified business object is accessed, the crawlable definition including a query selecting one or more attributes of the business object. Moreover, the method can include sending the query to the application data store and receiving query results in response thereto. Additionally, the method can include forming a crawlable document which includes the retrieved results of the business object.
US07752195B1
A universal query result set is generated from several different search index result sets by including identifications of items from the different search index result sets in an accurate manner. After a query has been submitted, search index result sets are received from several different search indexes, an allocation score for each search index is computed and a universal item score for the top-level item identified in each search index is computed. The allocation score and the universal item score are combined for the top level item for each search index result set. The item with the highest combined score is added to the universal query result set.
US07752191B2
Disclosed are apparatus and methods for quantifying the value of purchasing a particular search keyword, so that a particular search result is presented in a sponsored search results list for that particular search term, as compared to not purchasing the particular search keyword. In example embodiments, the quantified value of the particular search term indicates the particular search term's incremental value when the particular search result is presented in the sponsored search result list, as compared to when the same particular search result is not presented in such sponsored search result list. The particular search term's incremental value is based on a difference between the sum of the number of searchers who select the particular search result from the sponsored search list and the algorithmic search list, if any, versus the number of searchers who select the particular search result when it is not presented in the sponsored search list and may be only presented in the algorithmic search results.
US07752190B2
A computer-implemented method and system for managing keyword bidding prices are disclosed. An example system embodiment includes an automatic keyword bidding module, operably coupled with a processor and a memory, operable to determine a revenue per click value associated with a keyword, obtain bidding information associated with the keyword, obtain automatic bid controls associated with the keyword, and automatically generate a bid value for the keyword based on the revenue per click value, the bidding information, and the automatic bid controls.
US07752178B2
The present disclosure is directed to a method to indicate context synchronization of applications on a computer desktop that polls information from disparate applications and provides an indication of whether or not the information is synchronized. The disclosure uses an application located on each workstation that performs the “polling” and displays the synchronization state. The present disclosure does not involve a server process. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used to construe the claims.
US07752176B1
Identifying a file system element for restoration is disclosed. The technique comprises of receiving a request to restore a file system element; determining an offset indicating where a record associated with the file system element is located within a collection of records, wherein the record includes metadata related to stored data to be used to restore the file system element; and using the determined offset to retrieve the record from the collection of records.
US07752172B2
A processor (2) in a transaction processing system (1) has an event engine and a scenario engine. The event engine stores a framework (20) for each entity or type of service. The framework (20) has a parent class (21) and subsidiary classes (22-27). In real time the event engine instantiates an event object from a relevant class (22-27), giving it an effective time on a timeline of the parent class (21). The event objects many subsequently be handled as autonomous units for generation of reports or batch processing. The event engine moves the event objects between states of a finite state machine. A scenario engine also manipulates objects according to a finite state machine with future dates as the effective times. There is a state transition from the scenario environment to the event engine (live) environment.
US07752166B2
Aspects of the invention provide for information to be synchronized in an asynchronous manner among two or more computing devices.
US07752158B2
A knowledge generation machine (KGM) that collects information of varying types from a plurality of different sources is provided. Because information about a software component may come from third parties or external information, the KGM is configured to find and store the new information from these sources. The KGM detects this new information quickly and automatically, and extends a knowledge model using this new information. The KGM generates a knowledge model that expands and adapts as new information is acquired, without the need for manual intervention.
US07752154B2
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for inferring a probability of a first inference absent from a database at which a query regarding the inference is received. Each datum of the database is conformed to the dimensions of the database. Each datum of the plurality of data has associated metadata and an associated key. The associated metadata includes data regarding cohorts associated with the corresponding datum, data regarding hierarchies associated with the corresponding datum, data regarding a corresponding source of the datum, and data regarding probabilities associated with integrity, reliability, and importance of each associated datum. The query is used as a frame of reference for the search. The database returns a probability of the correctness of the first inference based on the query and on the data.
US07752151B2
A method for and system for training a connection network located between neuron layers within a multi-layer physical neural network. A multi-layer physical neural network can be formed having a plurality of inputs and a plurality outputs thereof, wherein the multi-layer physical neural network comprises a plurality of layers, wherein each layer comprises one or more connection networks and associated neurons. Thereafter, a training wave can be initiated across the connection networks associated with an initial layer of the multi-layer physical neural network which propagates thereafter through succeeding connection networks of succeeding layers of the neural network by successively closing and opening switches associated with each layer. One or more feedback signals thereof can be automatically provided to strengthen or weaken nanoconnections associated with each connection network.
US07752150B2
In an embodiment, a system and method provide a constraint on a genetic algorithm, and further provide dynamic programming capability to the genetic algorithm. The system and method then allocate load demand over a finite number of time intervals among a number of power generating units as a function of the constraint on the genetic algorithm and the dynamic programming capability of the genetic algorithm.
US07752149B2
A method and an apparatus for determining variable dependency are disclosed. In the present invention, a variable dependency is determined in advance arbitrarily; partial variables are selected from the current variable dependency, and a legitimate superior variable set is re-selected for each of the partial variables, and the new variable dependency is stored only if it meets the criterion of acceptance; when the termination criterion for establishing variable dependency is met, the optimal variable dependency is determined from all variable dependencies. Because the existing variable dependency is not taken as a reference when the new variable dependency is created, the new variable dependency is not misled by the existing variable dependency, and the time for finding the globally optimal variable dependency can be shortened.
US07752145B2
A system and method provide emergency back-up power for communications, security and other systems of an electric power consumer, and for peak-shifting of the electrical load so that electricity is generated and stored when demand is low, and the stored power is used when demand is high. Embodiments include providing an electric power management device having a battery and a communication system at the premises of a consumer of electricity, and connecting the power management device to an electric power provider. The battery is charged at an off-peak time when a demand for electricity is low, as determined by the electric power provider; and discharged to provide electricity to the consumer at a time when the demand for electricity is high, as determined by the electric power provider. The charging and discharging is controlled by the electric power provider.
US07752143B2
The present invention enables users to access shipping information pertaining to the shipment of parcels by utilizing an add-in module that is distributed from a remote server to the users. Specifically, the add-in module is invoked by merely selecting an action from a tool bar or menu associated with a text string in a document or spreadsheet either recognized by a MICROSOFT OFFICE® smart tag or highlighted by the user. The actions from which to select include but are not limited to tracking, time in transit, or shipping history. The add-in module is adapted to recognize the text string located in the document or spreadsheet and to transmit the text string to a database server connected to the network and adapted for receiving the text string, querying a database to retrieve shipping information corresponding to the text string, and transmitting the shipping information to the user via the communications network.
US07752129B2
Providing interest to clients' deposited funds without limitation on the number of demand withdrawals from deposit accounts is accomplished by an administration system that keeps all of the records for the clients' deposits and withdrawals, calculates the total of the deposits and withdrawals for all clients, and uses the calculation to determine whether funds are deposited to or withdrawn from one or more deposit accounts in which all clients' deposit funds are kept. Clients can make unlimited withdrawals, such as by check, credit card, debit card, or electronic transfer, through the administrator. By placing the administrator as the holder of the deposit account(s), exemptions to the limitation on earning interest in demand accounts is facilitated; additionally, dispersing the deposit account funds among multiple banks allows the client to obtain FDIC insurance for all of the deposited funds, which may amount to insurance in excess of the statutory maximum allowed (presently $100,000.00).
US07752123B2
A system includes a communication module to communicate with at least one client; and a server to process a task identified by the client, the task associated with an account, the server including a plurality of account-centric pipelines, one or more account-centric pipelines each configured to process the task.
US07752122B2
A user interface for an electronic trading exchange is provided which allows a remote trader to view in real time bid orders, offer orders, and trades for an item, and optionally one or more sources of contextual data. Individual traders place orders on remote client terminals, and this information is routed to a transaction server. The transaction server receives order information from the remote terminals, matches a bid for an item to an offer for an item responsive to the bid corresponding with the offer, and communicates outstanding bid and offer information, and additional information (such as trades and contextual data) back to the client terminals. Each client terminal displays all of the outstanding bids and offers for an item, allowing the trader to view trends in orders for an item. A priority view is provided in which orders are displayed as tokens at locations corresponding to the values of the orders. The size of the tokens reflects the quantity of the orders. An alternate view positions order icons at a location which reflects the value and quantity of the order. Additionally, contextual data for the item is also displayed to allow the trader to consider as much information as possible while making transaction decisions. A pit panel view is also provided in which traders connected to the pit are represented by icons, and are displayed corresponding to an activity level of the trader.
US07752120B2
A system determines insurance parameters for insuring online auctions. The insurance parameters may be based on predicted auction results. An insurance policy reflecting the insurance parameters may be offered to an online auction buyer, seller, or other market participant. The insurance policy may insure, for example, that an item for sale will obtain at least a price specified by the insurance policy.
US07752114B2
A seat ticket auction method and system using the Internet is provided. A user submits a tender for the auction of each seat while referring to a seating table, and also performs a search of an exhibition before submitting a tender during the auction. Further, when the seating table is referred to, information for a seat appropriate for a person in a wheelchair, and a simulation (view) of what a user will see of the stage from a seat are displayed on the terminal of the user. Three tender types, a personal tender, a complete group tender and an incomplete group tender can be selected. For the complete group tender, when a bid is not successful for all the members of the group, the bid is abandoned.
US07752112B2
A system and method is provided for identifying peer securities relative to a primary security based, at least in part, on analyst coverage. Peer securities may be identified for the primary security by identifying one or more analysts associated with the primary security, and generating a set of candidate peer securities, each of which are associated with at least one of the primary security's analysts. A set of peer securities may be generated based on a degree of analyst overlap among the candidate peer securities. In some implementations, the set of peer securities may be customizable. Thus, investors, analysts, or other users may compare data for comparable securities based on degrees of overlapping analyst coverage, or the comparable securities may be analyzed in other ways, such as creating a classification system based on degrees of overlapping analyst coverage.
US07752108B2
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for an asset backed purchase card. The present invention includes a house account comprising one or more assets, each of the one or more assets having a substantially continually updated spot purchase price. The invention receives funds from a consumer in exchange for a portion of the one or more assets from the house account based on an internal spot price of the asset, increasing a balance in a purchase account of the consumer. The purchase account is debited by selling a quantity of the asset backing the purchase account balance to the house account based on the internal spot price of the asset in response to a transaction based on a purchase card purchase by the consumer.
US07752103B2
Methods and systems for auctioning units of securities research resources from a supplier of securities research services to potential consumers of the supplier's securities research are disclosed. According to various embodiments, the method includes the steps of receiving from a plurality of the potential consumers at least one bid for at least one unit of the securities research resources services of the supplier in at least one bidding stage, and allocating units of securities research resources services of the supplier to certain of the potential consumers (i.e., winning bidders) based on the received bids of the potential consumers. The units may be, for example, research time units of a research team of the supplier of the securities research. Also, the units may be a preferred service access level to a member of a research team of the supplier of the securities research. The preferred access level may entitle a holder thereof to direct enhanced consultative contact with the member of the research team.
US07752097B2
Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed for providing a payment plan to credit card customers. A customer may be offered membership into a payment plan that allows the customer to pay past due penalty fees included in a balance associated with the customer's credit card account. Once a customer is member of the plan, a new segment is created for the customer's account. The penalty fees are removed from the balance and applied to a balance associated with the new segment. Thereafter, each time payment is received for the financial account, the payment may be applied in whole or part to the new segment's balance until it reaches zero. Subsequent payments are applied to the balance of the financial account. In one configuration, the financial account may not be charged any penalty fees while the customer is a member of the plan.
US07752095B1
In a system and method for enabling electronic bill presentment and payment and account and billing distribution, one or more intermediaries are provided to coordinate and control account and billing information transfer among multiple supplying entities and multiple recipient entities including billing portals and consolidators. The distributor provides software to the suppliers and recipients including billing portals that includes a user interface to a billable entity associated with a billing portal. The user interface presents account and billing information to the billable entity and enables payment of bills in response to receiving instructions from the billable entity. Billing information can include the combination of summary billing information and detailed billing contact information. The distributor also provides software to billing entities to expedite the gathering of billing information from the billing entities.
US07752084B2
A computer-implemented method is disclosed, where first information that is related to a current commercial transaction that is being evaluated for fraud is received, either directly or indirectly, from a consumer through an online service or internet. The computer obtains an internet address from which the first information is received from the consumer. In response to obtaining the internet address, the computer accesses at least one database to obtain a second information on a plurality of commercial transactions that have been previously associated with the internet address from which the first information is received from the consumer. An indication is produced on whether the current commercial transaction is fraudulent based on correlating at least one subset of the second information and at least one subset of the first information.
US07752083B2
A method and system for providing a transactional environment including a server and one or more set-top boxes in communication with the server. The server stores product information data, which is updated in the server as soon as the product information data changes. The set-top boxes receive the product information data as well as navigable displays in a single transmission, which guide a user through a product ordering process on his or her television. The user may navigate and complete the ordering process in a real-time basis using a television remote control. The product information, e.g., available inventory, is updated as soon as the product information changes, and the set-top boxes replaces outdated navigable page data on a real-time basis.
US07752071B2
A process and system for generating a job value for a job that can be used to provide a definitive measure of contribution of the job to an entity. The process involves generating an impact value representing effect of the job on an entity, generating an input value representing attributes of the job, and generating the job value on the basis of the impact value and the input value. The impact value is determined on the basis of an accountability value and a job type value. The accountability value represents results expected from the job by the entity, and the type value represents the significance of the job to the entity. The input value is determined on the basis of a knowledge value, and an integration value, and an interpersonal value. The knowledge value represents the level of knowledge required to perform the job. The integration value represents the level the job requires the coordination, integration and direction of resources. The interpersonal value represents the level of skill required to relate to and lead other parties.
US07752069B1
After defining a relevant market area around a selected geographical point, a map is generated using stored geographical map information around a selected geographical point and a geographical area is selected around that point. Multiple bands are formed on the map around the geographical point and market information is gathered from a database for the defined geographical area. The bands are weighted based according to empirical data drawn from within the market area, if available, or from data from a demographically matched location. A net demand model is constructed to perform point studies, comparison studies, area studies, and multi-unit simulations for the selected geographical area.
US07752068B1
Disclosed herein is a synergy tracking tool and method for tracking target, forecast, and actual synergies created by a merger or other activity. The tool provides a disciplined method for synergy tracking relative to an implementation plan for executing the merger or other activity. This tool provides a formal way for reporting savings and lining up the savings with an implementation plan to explain why the savings are occurring.
US07752065B2
A method for tracking progress of a construction project is described. The method includes storing a digital representation of a construction project; and monitoring progress of the project. The method also includes comparing the progress with the digital representation and generating a graphical representation of the progress as a function of the digital representation. The progress includes a physical completion of said project and labor and material costs incurred for said physical completion.
US07752063B2
Methods and apparatus, including computer systems, are provided for securitizing a mortality risk. A premium is received by an issuer from a counterparty, and the issuer provides coverage of a mortality risk to the counterparty. An investment is received by the issuer from an investor, and the issuer provides a risk instrument to the investor. The risk instrument provides a contingent return of the investment to the investor, where if a first condition is satisfied then the entire investment is returned, if a second condition is satisfied then none of the investment is returned, and if neither the first nor the second conditions are satisfied then a portion of the investment is returned. The first and second conditions are related to the mortality risk.
US07752059B2
Advanced patient management systems include a unit for collecting data from a device associated with a patient, and a host in communication with the unit, the host identifying a time for the device to update data on the device. The system can identify a time for the device to update data associated with the device by developing a histogram of the availability of the device for interrogation. The system can also optimize processing loads for the system by developing a histogram of the time at which the caregiver is most likely to access the system to review the collected and processed data. Methods for optimizing device data update and processing times are also included.
US07752057B2
System and method of continuously analyzing trial data of an ongoing clinical trial is provided. A statistical analysis is performed on a trial database containing subject trial data without suspending the ongoing clinical trial. If the result of the statistical analysis does not exceed a predetermined threshold value, then the statistical analysis is repeated while the clinical trial is ongoing. In a blinded clinical trial, a grouped database is generated from the trial database and a blinding database prior to performing the statistical analysis. The grouped database groups the subject trial data according to the study groups. The ability to continuously monitor and analyze the trial data for statistical significance in tandem with data collection while the trial is ongoing provides many benefits to the researchers because the trial database no longer becomes the bottleneck in obtaining useful results and statistical analysis can be conducted on a near real-time basis without having to wait until completion of the trial.
US07752045B2
A method for comparing a first audio data source with a plurality of audio data sources, wherein the first audio data source has an utterance spoken by a first person and the plurality of audio data sources have the same utterance spoken by a second person. The method includes performing a speech recognition function on the first audio data source to isolate at least one element of the first audio data source. The method also includes comparing the isolated element with a corresponding element in the plurality of audio data sources and determining whether the utterance spoken by the first person contained an error based on the comparison.
US07752042B2
Methods and apparatus to operate an audience metering device with voice commands are described herein. An example method to identify audience members based on voice, includes: obtaining an audio input signal including a program audio signal and a human voice signal; receiving an audio line signal from an audio output line of a monitored media device; processing the audio line signal with a filter having adaptive weights to generate a delayed and attenuated line signal; subtracting the delayed and attenuated line signal from the audio input signal to develop a residual audio signal; identifying a person that spoke to create the human voice signal based on the residual audio signal; and logging an identity of the person as an audience member.
US07752039B2
A method for coding speech or other generic signals includes dividing a speech signal into a plurality of frames, and dividing at least one of the plurality of frames into at least two subframe units. A search for a fixed codebook contribution and an adaptive codebook contribution for subframe units is conducted. At least one subframe unit is selected to be coded without the fixed codebook contribution. The encoder may iteratively arrange and encode subframes differently for the same frame, and select for transmission that arrangement that minimizes an error measure across the frame. Various embodiments are shown, as are embodied computer programs, a decoder, and a communication system.
US07752036B2
Recognizing a stream of speech received as speech vectors over a lossy communications link includes constructing for a speech recognizer a series of speech vectors from packets received over a lossy packetized transmission link, wherein some of the packets associated with each speech vector are lost or corrupted during transmission. Each constructed speech vector is multi-dimensional and includes associated features. After waiting for a predetermined time, speech vectors are generated and potentially corrupted features within the speech vector are indicated to the speech recognizer when present. Speech recognition is attempted at the speech recognizer on the speech vectors when corrupted features are present. This recognition may be based only on certain or valid features within each speech vector. Retransmission of a missing or corrupted packet is requested when corrupted values are indicated by the indicating step and when the attempted recognition step fails.
US07752035B2
The present invention relates to a message structure for electronically exchanging medical information between applications utilizing disparate medical coding systems and record architectures, the message structure comprising an optional storyline keyword that sets the context for one or more subsequent statements, each of which statements comprise a genre selected from a set of genre keywords representing message categories, a subject, comprising either a natural language string of one or more words or a nested statement, and, optionally, one or more parametrized predicates comprising a context joiner selected from a set of context joiner keywords, and a parameter comprising a natural language string of one or more words or a nested statement.
US07752034B2
A system is configured to provide writing assistance within a monolingual input environment based on statistical machine translation techniques typically utilized to translate from an input language to a different target language.
US07752025B2
A device and a method for identifying parameters of at least one field device used in automation technology are provided. To simplify the assignment of parameters to field devices in automated systems, the behavior of the field device is monitored and operating information that describes the field device behavior is recorded. The operating information is stored in a first memory area, a manufacturer-independent field device model is stored in a second memory area and model parameters belonging to the manufacturer-independent field device model are identified on the basis of the operating information with the aid of a processing unit.
US07752021B2
A method of controlling hydraulic pressure to a torque converter is provided. The method includes: determining a slip error from a target slip value and a measured slip; integrating said slip error; determining a state space feedback control matrix for said measured slip; determining a state space feedback control matrix for said integrated slip error; and controlling pressure based on said state space feedback control matrix for said measured slip and said state space feedback control matrix for said integrated slip error.
US07752019B2
Output feedback pole placement problems with parameter drift are solved with stabilizing solutions. Changes in system parameters trigger alerts in an automated manner. A representative method includes determining a set of solutions for an output feed pole placement problem, based on parameters of a physical system. The solutions are stable and well-conditioned for monitoring changes to the parameters of the physical system. The physical system is adjusted, or controlled, based on the solutions determined. Updated parameters of the physical system are acquired. A set of updated solutions for the output feedback pole placement problem are determined based on the updated parameters. The physical system is then adjusted, or controlled, based on the updated solutions determined. A system manager may also be notified of the updated parameters and/or the updated solutions. Furthermore, changes within the system may be monitored, and/or potentially critical changes within the system may be detected.
US07751996B1
A D/U ratio is measured for desired and undesired signals in a wireless video transmission system at a shared channel frequency based on a received signal at a geographic location in proximity to regions within respective service areas for the desired and undesired signals. A video tuner demodulates the received signal to generate a baseband video signal. A leveling circuit normalizes the baseband signal. A video processor identifies horizontal sync pulses within the baseband signal, generates a sampled signal comprising the horizontal sync pulses, and removes components of the desired signal from the sampled signal to generate an undesired signal component. A D/U analyzer determines a Fourier transform having a plurality of bins in response to the undesired signal component, identifies at least one of the bins having a spectral peak corresponding to an undesired signal, and calculates the D/U ratio in response to a magnitude of the identified peak.
US07751993B2
Systems and methods for detecting ground fault at the common DC bus in a high impedance ground system. A fault detection component can detect characteristics of an electrical signal including phase number (n) and fundamental frequency (H). A fast Fourier transform is performed at (n×H) and (2n×H), and the two values are compared. A healthy system (no ground fault) can display a large difference between (n×H) and (2n×H), while in an unhealthy system the difference can be minimal. A system and method of detecting variable phase number and fundamental frequency can be used in the calculation to perform the ground fault detection when these characteristics are variable.
US07751986B2
The present invention generally relates to methods of rapidly and efficiently searching biologically-related data space. More specifically, the invention includes methods of identifying bio-molecules with desired properties, or which are most suitable for acquiring such properties, from complex bio-molecule libraries or sets of such libraries. The invention also provides methods of modeling sequence-activity relationships. As many of the methods are computer-implemented, the invention additionally provides digital systems and software for performing these methods.
US07751980B2
A method of TI formation evaluation is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a plurality of borehole measurements; deriving a correlation between a first TI stiffness parameter and other TI stiffness parameters where the first and other TI stiffness parameters representing mechanical behavior of the TI formation; and computing the first and other TI stiffness parameters based on the borehole measurements and the derived correlation. The method further comprises evaluating TI formation elastic properties based on the computed first and other TI stiffness parameters. The method further comprises assuming that the shear modulus parallel to TI symmetric axis can be approximated from other moduli.
US07751979B2
A method of determining in-situ a relation between the seismic velocity and the state of stress in an underground formation located under a surface subjected to time-changing surface loading conditions. A relation is selected between the seismic velocity and the state of stress containing at least one unknown parameter. A seismic source is arranged at surface or in a borehole penetrating the underground formation, and a seismic receiver is arranged at a distance from the seismic source at surface or in a second borehole. At two different times the seismic velocity of the formation along a path from the seismic source to the seismic receiver is determined. The difference in surface loading conditions at the two times is converted in a difference in states of stress in the underground formation. The unknown parameter(s) are calculated to obtain the relation between the seismic velocity and the state of stress in the underground formation.
US07751976B2
A method of obstacle avoidance for a rotary wing aircraft includes detecting an obstacle proximate to the aircraft and commanding a servo to generate a force to an input control device in a direction that tends to preclude the aircraft from contacting the detected obstacle, the command having lesser authority than a pilot input command.
US07751973B2
An in-vehicle system and method for warning a driver of upcoming curves in a road including. In general, a vehicle positioning module determines the vehicle's position in a global positioning system and a map matching module determines the vehicle's position on a map based on the position in the global positioning system. A look ahead module looks ahead on the map for a curve, determines a candidate list of probable driving paths through the curve, and from this candidate list determines the most likely path of the vehicle around the curve. A warning module then assesses the threat the upcoming curve poses to the vehicle.
US07751967B2
One embodiment of the invention includes a method for managing a system. The method includes providing a plurality of system values and generating an event signal if one of the plurality of system values is logically related to a compare value. At least two of the plurality of system values are captured at a time that is related to the event signal. Other systems and methods are also disclosed.
US07751964B2
A control unit and method are provided for controlling an automatic shut-off process of a vehicle power plant in a motor vehicle, wherein the control unit emits a shut-off signal for initiating corresponding shut-off measures for automatically shutting off the vehicle power plant, when predetermined shut-off request conditions are fulfilled, and no predetermined shut-off inhibiting condition is fulfilled. The control unit sends to a memory unit a memory signal for storing at least one memory entry, allocated to a shut-off inhibiting condition, when predetermined conditions are fulfilled. In an analogous manner, a control unit and method are designed for controlling an automatic start-up process.
US07751955B2
Diagnostics data collection and analysis method and apparatus to diagnose vehicle component failures
A vehicle diagnostic data collector/analyzer compiles historical vehicle diagnostic data, including measured operating parameters from a number of different vehicles operating under a variety of normal vehicle operating conditions and vehicle component failure conditions, and performs statistical analyses on various vehicle type/operating condition combinations to establish operating parameter ranges corresponding to normal operating conditions and various failure conditions. The diagnostic data collector/analyzer also measures real-time operating parameters on specific test-subject vehicles and evaluates similarities and differences between the measured operating parameters and the established ranges, and correlates the test data with known operating conditions in order to diagnose potential failure modes of vehicle components.
US07751952B2
A system for computing car switching solutions in a railway switch yard. The system is computer based and has an input for receiving data conveying information about one or more arrival trains arriving at the switch yard and data conveying information about departure trains to depart the switch yard. A processing entity processes the data and computes car switching solutions for the railcars.
US07751949B2
The invention relates to a time and location dependent atmosphere model and especially determining the altitude of a mobile terminal based on this model and the measured barometric pressure at the location of the terminal. The atmosphere model provides a long term, wide area barometric pressure model estimate.
US07751943B2
In a process for protection of a gas turbine (1) from damage caused by pressure pulsations (P), pressure pulsations (P) occurring during the operation of the gas turbine (1) are measured, from the measured pressure pulsations (P), a pulsation-time signal (PZS) is generated, the pulsation-time signal (PZS) is transformed into a pulsation-frequency signal (PFS), from the pulsation-frequency signal (PFS), a pulsation level (PL) is determined for at least one specified monitoring frequency band (12), the pulsation level (PL) is monitored for the occurrence of at least one specified trigger condition, and, when the at least one trigger condition occurs, a specified protective action (16) is carried out.
US07751937B2
A behavior control apparatus to control behavior of a device capable of sensing a state of an environment and selecting an action on the basis of a sensing result is provided. The behavior control apparatus includes a predicting unit configured to learn the action and change in the state of the environment and predict change in the state of the environment caused by a predetermined action on the basis of the learning; a planning unit configured to plan a behavior sequence to achieve a goal state from a present state on the basis of the prediction made by the predicting unit; and a control unit configured to control each action of the behavior sequence planned by the planning unit and learn an input/output relationship if the goal state is achieved through the action.
US07751930B2
The present invention relates to pneumatic tube systems generally. More specifically, it relates to an automated system for the storage and distribution of empty carriers for a pneumatic tube system. The system comprises an easy to use one-touch process and includes the following apparatus: storage cabinets and pneumatic tube system comprising a blower, controller, retrieval cabinets, and main station.According to the invention there is provided an automated storage and distribution system comprising a pneumatic tube system, a first diverter with blower, and a storage cabinet with a second diverter. The system comprises several methods which are currently in the market place, and is useful in many places, such as hospitals, where the automated processing of pharmaceutical products via robot devices is used. Such a system is disclosed in co-pending application Parenteral Products Automation System (PPAS), application Ser. No. 08/513,569.
US07751927B2
A method for loading a dumper with broken rock or the like and an apparatus for implementing the method. In the method, a loading area is defined for the dumper. The dumper is stopped at the loading area at a predefined position for loading. An emptying area is correspondingly defined in advance for a loader for transporting the material in its bucket onto the dumper box. The apparatus includes a controller for controlling the dumper at least during loading, and the controller includes means for stopping the dumper for loading at the predefined position so that the material transported by the loader can be emptied onto the dumper box in a predefined location in the longitudinal direction.
US07751922B2
A processing furnace for performing prescribed heat treatment on plural substrates, a boat for carrying the plural substrates that are laid one over another in the boat into and out of the processing furnace, a substrate detecting sensor for detecting the plural substrates laid one over another in the boat by changing a relative position of the substrate detecting sensor with respect to each of the plural substrates, and a control section for registering reference positions of the plural substrates and an allowable range of positional deviations from the reference positions of the plural substrates are provided. The control section receives pieces of position information of the plural substrates measured by the substrate detecting sensor, compares a maximum value of pieces of position information of substrates with an average thereof and compares a minimum value of pieces of position information of substrates with an average thereof if the pieces of position information of the plural substrates are out of the allowable range of positional deviations from the reference positions of the plural substrates, and judges that deviation has occurred in a boat stop position if differences determined by the respective comparisons are within the allowable range of deviations of the substrates.
US07751917B2
A method of optimising the design of a component is provided, in which a set of principal design variants is generated, the variants having design parameters which are common to all design variants of the set and some which differ between variants. Subsets of secondary design variants are generated by a computer executed rule based geometry engine, the subsets comprising at least one secondary design variant, generated by modifying at least one design parameter or design variable of the principal design variant.
US07751905B2
An active fixation cardiac electrode lead having a fixation helix movably placed in a housing at the electrode lead's distal end so as to be extended out of the housing's distal end and retraced into an inner space enclosed by the housing. The housing has a wall and a protrusion formed in the wall that protrudes into the inner space into interspaces between windings of the fixation helix. The protrusion causes an axial movement of the helix when the helix is rotated around its longitudinal axis. The protrusion is an integral part of the housing's wall which is bent or embossed to form the protrusion.
US07751904B2
An electrode lead for implantation into a small heart vessel, especially into a coronary sinus, is provided with an elongated outer insulating lead body (1), having a proximal end (2), a distal end (3) and at least one electrode pole (4) at the distal end (3). At least one electrical conductor unit (6, 6′) leads to said electrode pole (4), each of said electrical conductor units (6, 6′) having a conductor core (7) and a separate insulating sheath (8) surrounding said conductor core (7). A lumen (9) is provided in said insulating lead body (1), being defined by a tubular envelope (10), to accommodate a guide wire means (11). The at least one electrical conductor unit (6, 6′) and the envelope (10) of the lumen (9) are each slidable relative to each other along their longitudinal direction (L) and fixed relative to each other at least in the vicinity of the distal end (3) of the lead body (1).
US07751901B2
An advanced patient management system including at least one device that is implanted in a patient, the device being configured to measure physiological attributes of the patient and provide therapy to the patient. The advanced patient management system may also include an interrogator/transceiver unit in communication with the device and a network, the unit being positioned relative to the device to facility communication between the repeater and the device. The advanced patient management system also includes a host, in communication with the device through the network, to store data from the device and to provide a predictive diagnosis of an oncoming event. The interrogator/transceiver unit may include programmable or updateable with software from a computer system or remote host.
US07751900B2
Methods of selecting a number of channels for stimulation within a neural stimulation system include determining an amplitude of a multiplicity of stimulation signals each corresponding to a channel within a multiplicity of channels in the implantable stimulation system, using the amplitudes of the stimulation signals to determine a probability of each of the stimulation signals, and using the probabilities of one or more of the stimulation signals to randomly select a predetermined number of channels from the multiplicity of channels through which one or more of the stimulation signals are applied to a patient during a stimulation frame.
US07751895B2
A device for imparting therapeutic doses to living tissue is disclosed. The device includes a planar carrier including or structured to adjustably accommodate a multitude of electrodes. Positions of the electrodes may be altered by a user during a treatment procedure involving the impartation of therapeutic doses to the living tissue.
US07751890B2
A self-diagnostic system for an implantable cardiac device such as a pacemaker, cardioverter, or resynchronization device which utilizes a subcutaneous ECG channel is described. The subcutaneous ECG channel allows the device to, in real time and independent of the standard pacing and sensing circuitry, verify the presence of pacing spikes, chamber senses, and other device outputs and hence establish and verify device integrity.
US07751888B1
Techniques are described for delivering inotropic electrical therapy to myocardial tissue using an implantable cardiac stimulation device such as a pacemaker. In one example, electrical stimulation is applied by a pacemaker to the heart of a patient while taking into account dynamic trans-cardiac impedance waveforms measured within the patient. In another example, a series of subthreshold inotropic stimulation pulses are delivered just prior to delivery of a suprathreshold depolarizing pulse that triggers systole. Additional subthreshold inotropic stimulation pulses can also be delivered following the suprathreshold pulse. Preferably, the magnitudes of the inotropic pulses are incrementally increased prior to systole then decremented thereafter, thereby gradually recruiting myocardium that has differing thresholds for depolarization. Both techniques seek to improve myocardial contractility of diseased tissue by improving calcium flux. Both techniques may additionally exploit the use of “multidimensional forced fusion”, described herein.
US07751882B1
An electro-mechanical activation probe obtains information pertaining to both myocardial electrical activity and myocardial mechanical activity at each of a plurality of locations relative to the myocardium of a heart chamber. For each location, the temporal difference between a feature of the electrical activity, such as the QRS complex of an IEGM, and a feature of the mechanical activity, such as the onset of myocardial contraction, is compared to obtain a mechanical activation delay. A stimulation electrode is then positioned at one of the locations based on the comparison. The electrode may be positioned at the location having the greatest mechanical activation delay. Other mechanical activity, such as contractual force, may be used in conjunction with the mechanical activation delay to determine the optimal electrode location.
US07751881B2
An acoustic transmitter produces a pulsed ultrasound waveform which is transmitted through body tissues to an implanted receiver-stimulator device. The waveform has an acoustic amplitude, pulse width, and pulse repetition period, which corresponds to a pacing pulse electrical amplitude, pacing pulse width, and pacing cycle length, respectively. The receiver-stimulator device intercepts at least a portion of the transmitted acoustic energy and coverts that acoustic energy into electrical energy using piezoelectric or other devices. This electrical energy is applied to circuitry, which produces a desired stimulating pulse waveform, which is then applied to tissue-contacting electrodes.
US07751879B2
In one embodiment, an implantable pulse generator comprises: pulse generating circuitry for generating pulses and delivering the pulses to outputs of the implantable pulse generator; a controller; wherein the pulse generating circuitry comprises a voltage multiplier for multiplying a battery voltage, the voltage multiplier including multiple outputs, wherein a first output of the multiple outputs provides a voltage that is programmably selectable from a plurality of voltages including non-integer multiples of the battery voltage, wherein a second output of the multiple outputs provides a voltage that is a fixed multiple of the battery voltage; wherein the controller controls the pulse generator circuitry to generate a first pulse for stimulation of the patient using a first output of the multiple outputs and controls the pulse generator circuitry to generate a second pulse to discharge output capacitors of residual charge from the first pulse using a second output of the multiple outputs.
US07751869B2
A system and method for treating a target tissue region (e.g., malignant tissue) is provided. A hyperthermic probe is placed into contact with the target tissue region, and the target tissue region is exposed to a therapeutic x-ray radiation beam. The probe is operated to increase the temperature of the target tissue region, thereby facilitating a therapeutic effect of the radiation beam. Image data of the probe containing a fiducial datum is acquired while in contact with the target tissue region, a position of the target tissue region within a treatment coordinate system is determined based on the fiducial datum, and the radiation beam is spatially adjusted relative to the target tissue region based on the determined position of the target tissue region.
US07751858B2
Embodiments of sleep-mode statistics apparatus, systems, and methods are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US07751855B2
A method and apparatus for permitting different treatment of calls from different callers. Favored callers who receive preferred treatment, the preferred treatment including the ability to complete calls, are provided with a private number. If the callers use the private number, they are subject to an incoming class of service to the called party that is substituted for the class of service provided to callers who use the public telephone number of the called station. Advantageously, at the discretion of the called party different callers may be provided with different private numbers and their calls may be blocked or completed with special alerting tones.
US07751853B2
A media player system is disclosed. One aspect of the media player system pertains to a docking station that allows a media player to communicate with other media devices. Another aspect of the media player system pertains to a wireless media player system that includes a hand held media player capable of transmitting information over a wireless connection and one or more media devices capable of receiving information over the wireless connection. Another aspect of the media player system pertains to a method of wirelessly connecting the hand held media player to another device. The method includes selecting a media item on the hand held media player; selecting one or more remote recipients on the hand held media player; and transmitting the media item locally to the hand held media player, and wirelessly to the selected remote recipients. Another aspect of the media player system pertains to a hand held music player that includes a transmitter for transmitting information over a wireless connection. The transmitter is configured to at least transmit a continuous music feed to one or more personal tuning devices that each include a receiver capable of receiving information from the transmitter over the wireless connection. Yet another aspect of the media player system pertains to a connector that includes a housing and a plurality of spatially separated contacts mounted within the housing. A first set of contacts are directed at a first functionality and a second set of contacts are directed at a second functionality that is different than the first functionality.
US07751849B2
A plurality of operation portions are arranged at a surface on a sub-display side of a cellular phone with a camera so that various kinds of setting, selection and control can be performed without opening the cellular phone in its folded state, and the cellular phone can achieve improved operability and convenience. Cellular phone includes a first display portion at a surface of a first body opposed to a second body in the folded state, and includes a second display portion, an image taking portion and a plurality of operation portions arranged at a rear surface of the first body remote from the first display portion.
US07751847B2
A radio access network node and method of allocating cell downlink power to a set of channels (e.g., DPCH channels) and to a high-speed shared channel such as a high-speed downlink shared channel (HS-DSCH) or a high-speed shared control channel (HS_SCCH). After allocating part of the cell downlink power to the set of channels, the node allocates only a portion of the remainder of the cell downlink power to the high-speed shared channel. The node reserves a power margin for possible use during a future timeslot of a channel of the set.
US07751846B2
The present invention relates to a mobile station apparatus and a transmission power control method for the same apparatus, capable of improving the decision accuracy in a mobile station with respect to a TPC command from a base station to the mobile station and of maintaining the optimum transmission power. In the mobile station which is made to control the transmission power to the base station on the basis of a TPC command received from the base station, a plurality of TPC commands received from a plurality of base stations are weighting-combined so as to control the transmission power to the base stations on the basis of a result of the weighting combination.
US07751841B2
Disclosed is a method and system for establishing a session for a Push to Talk (PTT) over Cellular call (PoC). In the method, when an answer (response) mode of a PoC server and a PoC client are not in accordance with each other, an error message is transmitted to the receiving PoC server Moreover, call processing for a PoC call is improved by inserting a new data field indicating an automatic answer of a server into a payload of a Real-time Transport Protocol (RTCP) message, and a function of the terminal is extended using an added data field when the answer modes of the corresponding PoC server and PoC client are not in accordance with each other.
US07751831B2
In cellular telephony mobile equipment location-based services data transmission an application carries out measures on Base Transceiver Stations or associated cells by detecting, storing and transmitting respective information to a remote Service Center by means of messages, and a processing system, applying calculation procedures and a Base Transceiver Stations geographic position database, computes data associated with the location-based services. In the application at least one message is generated containing a set of data in compressed format, the set of data being selected from a set comprising specific data on each single message, specific data on the message set, specific data on measurements and specific data on the cells monitored by the mobile equipment. The dimensions of the specific data on the measurements generated in compressed format depend on results of the measurements made at a current instant and those obtained at an earlier time.
US07751825B2
Methods and apparatus are presented herein for controlling the degree of precision with which geographic information is reported to a requesting entity. A precise geographic location is used to determine an adjusted geographic location, which is then transmitted to the requesting entity rather than the precise geographic location.
US07751822B2
A frequency reuse scheme that provides high spectral efficiency and reduced interference in areas where cell sites overlap is provided. Three frequencies are allocated per cell site, with each sector employing two frequencies, one frequency being transmitted at a higher power and the second frequency being transmitted at a lower power. The higher power frequency in one sector differs from the higher power frequency employed in the other two sectors, and the lower power frequency used in one sector differs from the lower power frequency used in the other two sectors.
US07751819B2
A mobile communication system of the present invention includes a handover control unit and a packet transfer network, which are independent of each other. The handover control unit selects a handover control system in accordance with a QoS. The handover control unit issues an instruction to the packet transfer network in accordance with the selected handover control system.
US07751811B2
A data acquisition system that comprises several mobile terminals, each comprising a broadcast receiver for receiving the broadcast signals that are unidirectionally transmitted from a broadcasting station via an air interface, and a mobile radio module for the communication via a mobile network. Furthermore, the mobile terminals each include means for providing data accountings; their contents depending on the broadcast signals received and, for example, on data relating to the signal quality of the received broadcast signals. The data acquisition system comprises a memory connected to the mobile network. The data accountings provided are transmitted from the mobile terminals by means of the mobile radio modules via the mobile network where they are stored in the memory.
US07751804B2
A method of developing a visual/audio campaign for delivery to a device having a radio wave receiver is disclosed. The method includes a managing node receiving broadcast specific information from a plurality of radio stations, the managing node receiving broadcast non-specific information, the managing node creating the visual/audio campaign at least partly by matching an item of broadcast non-specific information with an item of broadcast specific information, and delivering the visual/audio campaign to the device via radio waves.
US07751802B2
A method of obtaining a response to associated announcement files. The method includes associating a first announcement file including an attribute of a tangible item with an email and associating an interactive information file with the email. The email is sent with the associated announcement file and the associated interactive information file to the recipient to a recipient. The announcement file causes presentation of the attribute of the tangible item to the recipient upon receipt of the email by the recipient. The interactive information file causes presentation of the interactive information file to the recipient upon receipt of the email by the recipient.
US07751792B2
Transmission of a high frequency signal is provided by a passive mixer. The passive mixer receives a low frequency signal as an input. The passive mixer includes a plurality of transistors each with a gate, a source, and a drain. The passive mixer also includes a local oscillator connected to the gates of the transistors. The gates of the transistors are also connected to a DC bias proportional to the threshold voltage of the transistors. In addition, an output of the passive mixer may be attenuated by a passive attenuator wherein both the passive attenuator and passive mixer are substantially free of quiescent current.
US07751791B2
In a system and method for simultaneously receiving or switching between dual frequency carrier signals in a GPS receiver, the GPS receiver is adapted to utilize different harmonics of a sub-harmonic frequency generator, which may include a lower frequency voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) to detect the L1 and L2 GPS carriers. A sub-harmonic mixer may be used to simultaneously down convert the L1 and L2 signals to a lower intermediate frequency (IF). A second mixer may be an image reject (IR) mixer used to separate the downconverted L1 and L2 signals. This mixer may be configured to simultaneously monitor the L1 and L2 signals, or to switch between the L1 and L2 signals. High frequency switching is not required of the radio frequency (RF) input or local oscillator signals, and simultaneous L1 and L2 reception is enabled without and 3 dB image noise degradation. This system and method minimizes the RF components and power dissipation in a dual frequency GPS receiver, while optimizing the functionality and performance.
US07751786B2
A signal processing system according to various aspects of the present invention includes an excursion signal generator, a scaling system and a filter system. The excursion signal generator identifies a peak portion of a signal that exceeds a threshold and generates a corresponding excursion signal. The scaling system applies a real scale factor to contiguous sets of excursion samples in order to optimize peak-reduction performance. The filter system filters the excursion signal to remove unwanted frequency components from the excursion signal. The filtered excursion signal may then be subtracted from a delayed version of the original signal to reduce the peak. The signal processing system may also control power consumption by adjusting the threshold. The signal processing system may additionally adjust the scale of the excursion signal and/or individual channel signals, such as to meet constraints on channel noise and output spectrum, or to optimize peak reduction. The magnitude threshold, excursion signal and/or individual channel signals may also be adaptively adjusted based on, for example, a channel signal quality such as a noise level specification.
US07751784B2
In a power amplifier, techniques are provided for protecting the power amplifier from temperature extremes resulting from conditions such as load mismatches. After sensing the temperature of the power amplifier, the operation of the RF power amplifier is controlled accordingly. In one example, the power amplifier is shut down when the sensed temperature reaches a threshold value, which can be set to a value just below the point where permanent damage would occur. In another example, when a threshold temperature is reached, the operation of the power amplifier is changed, to prevent the temperature of the power amplifier from rising to a level that would damage the power amplifier.
US07751783B2
In a power amplifier, techniques are provided for protecting the power amplifier from temperature extremes resulting from conditions such as load mismatches. After sensing the temperature of the power amplifier, the operation of the RF power amplifier is controlled accordingly. In one example, the power amplifier is shut down when the sensed temperature reaches a threshold value, which can be set to a value just below the point where permanent damage would occur. In another example, when a threshold temperature is reached, the operation of the power amplifier is changed, to prevent the temperature of the power amplifier from rising to a level that would damage the power amplifier.
US07751780B2
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate remotely monitoring and/or controlling a media device that obtains broadcast and/or multicast transmission(s). According to various aspects, systems and methods are described that facilitate remotely controlling media device(s) that operate in connection with broadcast and/or multicast transmission(s) with limited or no reverse link (e.g., employing Forward Link Only (FLO) technology, . . . ). Such systems and methods may monitor various service issues, device performance, network performance, and the like.
US07751777B2
Disclosed is a system and method for transmitting data from a first base station to a first destination subscriber station (DSS). The first base station is capable of transmitting data directly to the first DSS through a direct route. Co-channel interference is present at neighboring cells during the transmission of the data through the direct route. The method includes selecting a relay station from a plurality of relay stations for transmitting data to the first DSS via a relay route. The relay route includes a route from the first base station to the relay station and further from the relay station to the first DSS. A height of the relay station is lower than a height of the first base station. Further, the method includes transmitting the data through the relay route when a throughput of the relay route is greater than a throughput of the direct route by a predetermined threshold.
US07751775B2
A method transmits a message by radio from a transmitter to a receiver. In a first step, the transmitter transmits the message to a forwarding station. In a second step, the message is subsequently transmitted at the same time from the transmitter and the forwarding station to the receiver. A transmitter carries out the method.
US07751773B2
A portable communication device includes a media time controller that facilitates searching for and viewing media content based on user-selected time constraints. The media time controller causes the portable communication device to prompt a user for a time constraint value and to receive user input indicative of the time constraint value. The portable communication device queries a media content database for media content files with durations that are consistent with the time constraint value. The portable communication device with a media time controller allows the user to quickly find suitable media for the time available at the moment.
US07751769B2
A fixing device for image forming apparatus includes: a first nip member in a shape of an endless belt and a second nip member that rotates while pressed against the first nip member. A heat source heats at least one of the nip members. A pressure receiver receives pressure applied to the first nip member from the second nip member. A sliding contact has a contact surface that makes sliding contact with an inner surface of an axial end of the first nip member. A supporting mechanism supports the sliding contact to displace the contact surface thereof away from the pressure receiver as the first nip member moves away from the sliding contact along the axial direction. The displacement increases frictional forces between the contact surface and the inner surface of the first nip member, thus suppressing axial displacement of the first nip member from the sliding contact.
US07751763B2
The image forming apparatus has: a unit including a transfer medium that circularly moves; an image forming section provided along a circulation direction of the transfer medium; a movement mechanism that moves the unit in a direction substantially perpendicular to a moving direction of the transfer medium, and enables the unit to move in a first direction so as to bring the unit into contact with the image forming apparatus and in a second direction so as to move the unit apart from the image forming apparatus; and a cushioning component for applying a load in directions opposite to moving directions of the unit when the unit is moved in the first and second directions, respectively, thereby to relax impact caused by motion of the unit.
US07751762B2
A transfer device including an intermediate transfer belt provided to extend in an arranged direction of a plurality of photosensitive drums, and primary transfer rollers each transferring a toner image formed on a corresponding one of the plurality of photosensitive drums to the intermediate transfer belt, each of the primary transfer rollers being moved between a position causing the intermediate transfer belt to be in contact with the photosensitive drums and a position causing the intermediate transfer belt to be separated from the photosensitive drums, each of the primary transfer rollers being rotatably supported by a movable member which includes an abutting portion which regulates a position of the primary transfer roller, the abutting portion abutting on an abutted member whose positional relationship with the photosensitive drum is defined such that the position of the abutted member causes the intermediate transfer belt to be in contact with the photosensitive drum.
US07751753B2
A cleanerless image forming apparatus configured to reduce the density unevenness of halftone images. The apparatus includes a photosensitive member, a charging roller device for uniformly charging the surface of the photosensitive member, an optical writing unit for forming latent images on the surface of the photosensitive member after uniform charging, a developing device for developing the latent toner image on the photosensitive member, a transfer unit for transferring the toner image to an intermediate transfer belt, and a brush member for trapping post-transfer residual toner adhering to the surface of the photosensitive member after passing through the transfer process by the transfer unit and before entering the developing process by the developing device, wherein the post-transfer residual toner is recovered within the developing device after re-transfer of the post-transfer residual toner within the brush member to the surface of the photosensitive member.
US07751750B2
A belt unit installed apparatus includes an apparatus frame; a belt unit attached to the apparatus frame, said belt unit having a first roller, a second roller, a belt placed between the first roller and the second roller, and a belt frame for supporting the first roller and the second roller; an engaging member disposed on the belt frame for engaging the apparatus frame; a receiving portion formed in the apparatus frame for engaging the engaging member; and an urging member disposed on the apparatus frame for urging the engaging member. The engaging member maintains an engagement state relative to the receiving portion when the engaging member engages the receiving portion.
US07751747B2
A process cartridge unit and an image forming apparatus having the same. The image forming apparatus includes a main body, a process cartridge unit removably mounted in the main body, an opening provided in the main body to permit the process cartridge unit to be installed or removed, and a cover rotatably mounted to the main body so as to expose or shield the opening. The process cartridge unit includes a container to store a developer and at least one knob coupled to the container. When the cover is closed, the knob is folded by the cover, and when the cover is opened, the knob is unfolded. Accordingly, since the position of the knob is changed, a mounting space of the process cartridge unit can be decreased, and a user can easily grasp the knob.
US07751745B2
A developing apparatus usable with an image forming apparatus includes a developer receptacle having a sidewall on which a shaft hole is formed, a rotation shaft having a length shorter than a distance between opposite sidewalls of the developer receptacle and an end on which a connection hole is formed, and a driving member rotatably supported by the shaft hole of the developer receptacle and having a connecting shaft inserted into the connection hole of the rotation shaft.
US07751724B2
An optical modulator is provided which includes: an optical splitting part that splits an input light wave into two light waves; two optical waveguides that propagate the two light waves into which the input light wave is split, respectively; a first SSB modulating part that is provided in one of the two optical waveguides and modulates a light wave, which propagates into the first SSB modulating part, with a carrier frequency so that the light wave is converted into a different light wave having a single side band; a second SSB modulating part that is provided in the other of the two optical waveguides and modulates a light wave, which propagates into the second SSB modulating part, with a data signal in order to generate a signal light wave having a different single side band; and an optical combining part that combines the light wave modulated by the first SSB modulating part with the signal light wave generated by the second SSB modulating part.
US07751722B2
To provide an optical transmission system which cancels out noise components and whose construction cost is lower than that of the conventional system, the present invention is an optical transmission system for transmitting an optical signal from an optical transmitter to an optical receiver and outputting an output electrical signal after a noise canceling process is performed. The optical receiver and transmitter are connected by one optical fiber, through which an optical signal is transmitted before being intensity-modulated. The optical receiver includes; a first processing unit receiving an optical signal, intensity-modulating the received optical signal, and splitting the intensity-modulated optical signal into two optical signals whose respective intensity-modulated components are in antiphase; first and second optical transmission fibers transmitting the two optical signals respectively; and a second processing unit converting the two optical signals into electrical signals respectively, and generating an output electrical signal by performing differential amplification.
US07751718B2
An efficient means for transmitting digitized return path signals over a cable television return path is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, the cable television return path includes a node that receives an analog return signal from a subtree of the cable television system and generates a digital transport signal representative of the analog return path signal. The digital transport signal, however, is not a digitized form of the analog return signal. Rather, the digital transport signal is encoded such that fewer bits are used to represent the analog return signal without substantially impacting the accuracy and dynamic range of the signal. At the hub, the digital transport signal is decoded and converted to produce an analog signal that is a close approximation of the analog return signal.
US07751716B2
An open-path/free-space optical communication system using reflected light has modulated optical or laser sources and provides communication between the modulated source and a detector in an obstructed line-of-sight relationship. The system detects backscattered light impinging on a target illuminated by the source of light. Barrier objects positioned in a line-of-sight path between the source and detector are circumvented and a first device that provides the modulation signal for the source controls a remote second device.
US07751714B2
A Centralized Resource Management (CRM) system that supports the sharing of all the transponders in a WXC node, i.e., any spare transponder can be reconfigured to accommodate any drop channel, regardless of wavelength or input port. Consequently, network restoration in case of network failures is supported as well as the ability to reconfigure as a result of dynamic traffic requirements in the network. CRM advantageously is applied to conventional WXC node as well as WSS-based WXC nodes in the WDM networks. Three CTM schemes which manage the transponders in the WSS-based WXC node are described along with reconfiguration algorithms for an optical switchless CRM solution.
US07751712B2
A Passive Optical Network includes: an Optical Line Terminal, an Optical Distribution Network, and an Optical Network Unit or an Optical Network Terminal, wherein the Optical Line Terminal is adapted to exchange data with the Optical Network Unit or the Optical Network Terminal by using an optical module via the Optical Distribution Network, and the optical module is an optical module sending data in a continuous mode. Further, a method for data communication based on the Passive Optical Network includes: sending data by using an optical module sending data in a continuous mode; receiving the data by an optical module based on a set optical power threshold of data “0” and a set optical power threshold of data “1”.
