US07863517B1
A solar power plant (10) capable of generating electricity comprising a light pipe carrying highly concentrated solar light (19), a hot reservoir (24), a cold reservoir (20), and a plurality of large-scale solid-state nano-structured photonic crystals (12) that are capable of recycling out-of-band photons with transition energies associated with a photovoltaic cell (13) into photons with in-band energies associated with the same photovoltaic cell (13) when photon energy is subjected to propagation through a thermal temperature gradient that is held across a suitably nano-structured photonic crystal (12). The input thermal photons from the hot thermal reservoir (24) are shifted in energy to the optimal photovoltaic cell energy for electron-hole pair generation by work that is expanded by the heat engine to convert said input photons into phonons and then back to photons again at a new wavelength through a process of phonon rethermalization occurring inside the nano-structured photonic crystal (12).
US07863515B2
A thin-film solar cell having a first solar cell layer with a plurality of unit cells including a photoelectric conversion layer that are connected in series; a second solar cell layer with a plurality of unit cells including a photoelectric conversion layer that are connected in series, and that has band gap energy different from the first solar cell layer and a threshold voltage coincident with the first solar cell layer; and an electrode connector, that connects the first solar cell layer with the second solar cell layer in parallel.
US07863511B2
A system and method for automatically generating a composed audio output sequence of a prescribed, utilizing a unique marker syntax that provides compatibility with MIDI standards and permits musical integrity preservation during automatic audio output sequence generation.
US07863510B2
A method, medium, and system classifying a music theme for music by using a corresponding music title, by generating a theme class vector in association with the music theme, generating a music title class vector in association with the music title, calculating similarity between the theme class vector and the music title class vector, and assigning a theme of the music title based on the similarity.
US07863506B2
An inbred corn line, designated CB11, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred corn line CB11, to the plants and plant parts of inbred corn line CB11 and to methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing the inbred line CB11 with itself or another corn line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from the inbred corn line CB11.
US07863504B1
According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated XB18T09. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety XB18T09, to the plants of soybean XB18T09 to plant parts of soybean variety XB18T09 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety XB18T09 with another soybean plant, using XB18T09 as either the male or the female parent.
US07863499B2
Provided are non-human mammals treated with doxorubicin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA), where the mammal exhibits a symptom characteristic of infantile spasms. Also provided are methods of making a non-human mammal exhibit a symptom of infantile spasms. Additionally, methods are provided for screening a compound for the potential to attenuate a symptom of infantile spasms.
US07863497B2
A disposable absorbent article to be worn about the lower torso of a wearer that facilitates an easy, intuitive change is provided. The disposable absorbent article includes at least one serviceable indicium that facilitates an easy change by providing alignment of the article relative to an anatomical feature of the wearer or by externally highlighting one or more components of the article thereby indicating alignment and fit about the wearer's lower torso.
US07863488B2
A method comprising reducing an acenequinone to form an acenepolyhydrodiol by exposing the acenequinone to a reducing environment comprising an alkoxyaluminate.
US07863486B2
The present invention relates to a process for preparing an amine, which comprises the step cathodic reduction of a corresponding oxime derivative of the general formula (I) where R is C1-6-alkyl or C2-6-alkenyl which is optionally substituted by one or more substituents selected independently from the group consisting of phenyl, O—C1-6-alkyl, NH—C1-6-alkyl, N(C1-6-alkyl)2, OH and NH2; R1 is H; C1-6-alkyl or C(O)—C1-6-alkyl and A is a 5-, 6- or 7-membered hydrocarbon ring which is saturated or has a double bond and in which at least one CH2 group may, if appropriate, be replaced by —O—, —S— —NH—, —N═ or —N(C1-6-alkyl)- and which may optionally be substituted by one or more further substituents selected independently from the group consisting of phenyl, C1-6-alkyl, O—C1-6-alkyl, NH—C1-6-alkyl, N(C1-6-alkyl)2, OH and NH2; wherein, based on the ring carbon bearing the substituent R, the oxime derivative has an excess of the R or S form of at least 10%.
US07863479B2
The present invention relates to alkyl ether sulfate salts of the general formula I RO—(CH2CH2O)x—(CH2—CHR1O)y—(CH2CH2O)zSO3−M+ (I), where R is an unbranched or branched C8-C18-alkyl radical or mixtures of different unbranched or branched C8-C18-alkyl radicals, R1 is an aliphatic radical selected from the group consisting of methyl and ethyl, M+ is a cation, selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, NH4+ and HNR23+, where R2 is selected from the group consisting of unbranched or branched alkyl radicals, CH2CH2OH and CH2CH(OH)CH3, x has a mean value of 0-3, y has a mean value of 1-10, z has a mean value of 0-30, and the quotient A = c m c ( RO - ( CH 2 CH 2 O ) z SO 3 - M + ) c m c ( RO - ( CH 2 CH 2 O ) x - ( CH 2 - CHR 1 O ) y - ( CH 2 CH 2 O ) z SO 3 - M + ) is > 1 and to their use as anion surfactant component in laundry detergents and cleaning compositions, in chemical engineering applications or in cosmetics formulations.
US07863475B2
Compounds useful for the treatment of various metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance syndrome, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, fatty liver disease, cachexia, obesity, atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis, are disclosed.
US07863473B2
A method of producing an organosilylamine containing a radiation-polymerizable functional group that is useful as a surface treatment agent is provided. The method includes reacting an organosilylamine containing a haloalkyl group, and at least one salt having a radiation-polymerizable functional group selected from the group consisting of alkali metal salts of organic acids having a radiation-polymerizable functional group and alkaline earth metal salts of organic acids having a radiation-polymerizable functional group, at a temperature within a range from 50 to 150° C. An organosilylamine containing a radiation-polymerizable functional group composed of a specific silazane unit is also provided.
US07863472B2
The present invention concerns a process for producing refined avocado oil rich in triglycerides. The invention also pertains to refined avocado oil rich in triglycerides obtainable by said process. Advantageously, the refined avocado oil of the invention contains a sterols-enriched unsaponifiable fraction. Advantageously, the refined avocado oil of the invention is substantially free of acetogenins and furanic lipids. The invention also concerns compositions containing said oil. The invention also pertains to such compositions for use as a medication, as a dermatological agent, as a cosmetic agent, or as a nutriceutical, for human or animal use.
US07863462B2
The present invention provides an improved process for the purification of ropinirole hydrochloride. The process includes (i) treating ropinirole hydrochloride with sodium dithionate and charcoal in suitable alcoholic solvent; (ii) triturating the ropinirole hydrochloride obtained in step (i) with ethanol; (iii) reacting the triturated solid with base in water immiscible solvent and isolating the free base; and (iv) treating the free base obtained in step (iii) with ethanolic HCl to give ropinirole hydrochloride.
US07863461B2
Novel epoxy compounds having imide structures represented by general formula (I) or general formula (II) below, and having an allyl group in the same molecule, as well as a process for their production (wherein R1 and R2 each represent hydrogen, a C1-6 alkyl group, or a C1-4 trialkylsilyl group) (wherein R3 represents hydrogen, a C1-6 alkyl group, or a C1-4 trialkylsilyl group).
US07863460B2
In a process for producing 1-substituted-3-fluoroalkyl-pyrazole-4-carboxylate (3) by a reaction of 2-alkoxymethylenefluoroacylacetate (1) and hydrazine (2), the reaction is conducted in the presence of a base and water, to produce 1-substituted-3-fluoroalkylpyrazole-4-carboxylate (3) with high selectivity and yield. This novel process enables to produce 1-substituted-3-fluoroalkylpyrazole-4-carboxylate (3), which is useful as an intermediate for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals, with high selectivity and yield by simple and safe operations.
US07863452B2
Processes are disclosed for preparing piperidine derivative compounds of the formulae I, II or III: The processes involve reacting a compound of formula Ia, IIa or IIIa with isobutyrate or an isobutyrate equivalent.
US07863450B2
The present invention relates to compounds comprising an oxazoline or thiazoline moiety, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds and their uses as H3-receptor ligands, (I), wherein A1 is CH C(CH3) or N; R1 is hydrogen or halogen; R2 is (II); A2 is O or S; R3 is hydrogen, halogen, C1-4 alkyl or C1-4 alkoxy; R4 is hydrogen, halogen, C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 alkoxy, trifluoromethyl or —O—(CH2)n-NR12aR each CH2 in —O—(CH2)n-NR12aR12b being optionally substituted by one or two C1-4 alkyl; R5 is hydrogen or —O—(CH2)m—NR13aR13b, each CH2 in —O—(CH2)m—NR13aR13b being optionally substituted by one or two C1-4 alkyl, and at least one of R4 and R5 should be a —O—(CH2)n-NR12/13aR12/13b group.
US07863441B2
The present invention discloses a process for the preparation of quetiapine, which comprises the ring closure of a compound of the formula shown below, as well as novel intermediates in the process.
US07863438B2
The present invention provides a stable salt of 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (PAPS) and a production method therefor.The present invention is directed to a stable salt of PAPS (amine salt), which is formed between PAPS and an amine compound, and to a method for producing a stable salt of PAPS, which includes adding an amine compound to an aqueous PAPS solution in an amount by mole equal to or greater than that of PAPS, and lyophilizing the resultant solution.The present invention has first realized production of a solid-form PAPS salt having considerably improved stability through a very simple technique. Since the thus-produced amine salt of PAPS is very stable, the salt can be stored or employed without taking much care about decomposition thereof at ambient temperature.
US07863437B2
The invention relates to oligomeric compounds (oligomers), which target PIK3CA mRNA in a cell, leading to reduced expression of PIK3CA. Reduction of PIK3CA expression is beneficial for the treatment of certain medical disorders, such as hyperproliferative diseases (e.g., cancer). The invention provides therapeutic compositions that include the oligomers and methods for modulating the expression of PIK3CA using said oligomers, including methods of treatment.
US07863435B2
L-threonine importer from Corynebacterium and a preparation method of a strain producing L-threonine
The present invention relates to a preparation method of an L-threonine producing strain by utilizing a novel L-threonine importer identified from Corynebacterium glutamicum. The method can be advantageously used for the production of L-threonine by increasing the fermentation concentration of Lthreonine and the yield per unit thereof.
US07863433B2
The invention provides isolated nucleic acid and amino acid sequences of sensory cell specific G-protein coupled receptors, antibodies to such receptors, methods of detecting such nucleic acids and receptors, and methods of screening for modulators of sensory cell specific G-protein coupled receptors.
US07863432B2
The invention relates to polynucleotides which encode a protein kinase A anchor proteins (AKAP) and the use of such polynucleotides to generate AKAP polypeptides or fusion proteins containing AKAP proteins. The present invention also relates to methods of determining the interaction of AKAP proteins with regulatory subunits of protein kinase A and methods for identifying cell-permeable substances.
US07863430B2
The present invention relates generally to constructs and in particular genetic constructs comprising polynucleotide sequences capable of release in covalently closed, circular form from a larger nucleotide sequence such as a genome of a eukaryotic cell. Preferably, once released, a polynucleotide sequence is reconstituted in a form which permits expression of the polynucleotide sequence. In one embodiment, the reconstituted polynucleotide sequence comprises a coding sequence with all or part of an extraneous nucleotide such as an intronic sequence or other splice signal inserted therein. Expression and in particular transcription of the coding sequence involves splicing out the extraneous sequence. The release and circularization is generally in response to a stimulus such as a protein-mediated stimulus. More particularly, the protein is a viral or prokaryotic or eukaryotic derived protein or developmentally and/or tissue specific regulated protein.
US07863419B2
The invention provides a method of producing aglycosylated Fc-containing polypeptides, such as antibodies, having desired effector function. The invention also provides aglycosylated antibodies produced according to the method as well as methods of using such antibodies as therapeutics.
US07863414B2
The present invention provides for methods of treating and cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy or hypertension comprising the use of CaMKII-HDAC binding domains. The present invention discloses not only the fact that CaMKII binds to HDAC4 at a specific site, but that HDAC4 may dimerize with other HDACs. Both events can lead to export of HDACs from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, an event associated with the development of heart disease. Thus the methods of treatment and the screening methods of the present invention are novel attempts to prevent, treat or identify therapies for cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy or hypertension.
US07863412B2
This invention provides a mixing method by which a mixing object can be uniformly mixed into a gelled assembly within a short time period. The method for mixing a mixing object into a gelled assembly comprises freezing the gelled assembly; melting the frozen assembly to obtain a sol; mixing the resultant sol and the mixing object; and reconstituting the gelled assembly from the sol into which the mixing object has been mixed.
US07863408B2
A body fluid compatible and biocompatible resin for use in a medical treatment involving a contact of said resin with at least one member selected from the group consisting of a body fluid and a biological tissue, which comprises at least one substituted oxyalkylene polymer having a weight average molecular weight of from 1,000 to 1,000,000 and represented by the following formula (1): wherein each of R1, R2 and R3 independently represents a hydrogen atom or a —CH2R4 group, and each R4 independently represents a hydroxyl group or a —OR5 group (wherein R5 represents a group selected from the group consisting of a C1-C10 aliphatic hydrocarbyl group, a C6-C10 aryl group, a —R6COOH group and a derivative thereof, and a —CH2—O—CH2—CH(OH)—CH2—OR7 group, wherein R6 represents a C1-C10 aliphatic hydrocarbylene group and R7 represents a C1-C10 aliphatic hydrocarbyl group or a C6-C10 aryl group), provided that all of R1, R2, and R3 are not simultaneously hydrogen atoms; and 10≦x≦10,000 and 0≦y≦10,000.
US07863406B2
Biodegradable poly(ester-amides) are synthesized from amino acids, diols and dicarboxylic acids where one or both of the diols and dicarboxylic acids contain unsaturation; e.g., from di-p-nitrophenyl dicarboxylates and p-toluenesulfonic acid salts of bis(alpha-amino acid) disesters of diols where one or both of the dicarboxylate and diol moieties contain unsaturation or from di-p-nitrophenyl dicarboxylates, and p-toluene-sulfonic acid salts of bis(alpha-amino acid) diesters of diols and p-toluenesulfonic acid salt of lysine ester where one or both of the dicarboxylate and diol moieties contain unsaturation. The polymers are useful as biodegradable carriers for drugs of other bioactive agents.
US07863405B2
In one embodiment, there is provided a process comprising introducing polyester polymer particles containing residual acetaldehyde into a vessel at a temperature within a range of 130° C. to 195° C. to form a bed of particles within the vessel, flowing a gas through at least a portion of the particle bed, and withdrawing finished particles from the vessel having a reduced amount of residual acetaldehyde. In this process, it is not necessary to introduce a hot flow of gas at high flow rates otherwise required to heat up cool particles to a temperature sufficient to strip acetaldehyde. Rather, this process provides a benefit in that, if desired, gas introduced into the vessel at low flow rates and low temperatures can nevertheless effectively strip acetaldehyde in a reasonable time because the hot particles quickly heat a the gas to the particle temperature.
US07863401B2
A compound having the formula: Each Ar is an aromatic group. Each R is an alkyl group. The value n is a positive integer. The values of w, x, y, and z are 0 or 1. If y is 0 than x and z are 0 and w is 1, and if y is 1 than x and z have different values and w equals z. A thermoset made by crosslinking a silane-containing compound with the above compound. A method of making the above compound when y is 1 by: reacting 4,4′-difluorobenzophenone with an aromatic diol to form an oligomer; and reacting the oligomer with a vinyl dialkylsilane. A method of making the below compound by: reacting 4,4′-difluorobenzophenone with a vinyl dialkylsilane. Each R is an independently selected alkyl group.
US07863400B2
Deoxybenzoin-phosphonate and other copolymer compounds, compositions and related methods.
US07863396B2
The present invention provides a silicon compound represented by Formula (1) and a polymer obtained by using the same, and this makes it possible not only to obtain an organic-inorganic composite material having a distinct structure but also to control the structure of the above polymer as a molecular aggregate. wherein R1 is a group independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl having a carbon atom number of 1 to 40, substituted or non-substituted aryl and substituted or non-substituted arylalkyl; in this alkyl having a carbon atom number of 1 to 40, optional hydrogens may be substituted with fluorine, and optional —CH2— may be substituted with —O—, —CH═CH—, cycloalkylene or cycloalkenylene; in alkylene in this arylalkyl, optional hydrogens may be substituted with fluorine, and optional —CH2— may be substituted with —O— or —CH═CH—; and A1 is a group having an α-haloester group.
US07863395B2
A method for preparing a cationic polyacrylamide composition particularly suitable for making a glyoxylated polyacrylamide composition useful as a temporary wet-strengthening agent and the composition resulting from that method, along with the use of the composition for adding temporary wet strength to paper and the resulting strengthened paper products.
US07863384B2
The present invention relates to the preparation of a fluoropolymer exhibiting improved whiteness upon fabrication. The fluoropolymer is a multiphase copolymer or blend of fluropolymers. Fluoropolymer compositions of this invention could have application in both melt processing and solvent casting operations for such products as pipes, tubes, sheets, rods, solvent-casted and melt-processed films.
US07863382B2
A resin composition in which a polylactic acid resin (A) 95-5 wt %, an aromatic polycarbonate resin (B) 5-95 wt %, and, with respect to 100 wt parts of the total of the (A) and the (B), at least one compatibilizer selected from a polymer compound containing an acrylic resin or styrene resin unit as a graft (C), a polymer compound to which a glycidyl compound or an acid anhydride is grafted or copolymerized (D) and an oxazoline compound, an oxazine compound and a carbodiimide compound (E) are compounded.
US07863377B2
Thermoplastic molding compositions, comprising A) at least one thermoplastic polyester A, B) at least one graft polymer B of b1) a graft base of an elastomeric polymer B1 based on alkyl acrylates, ethylene/propylene, dienes, or on siloxanes, and with a glass transition temperature below 0° C., b2) a graft B2 composed of b21) styrene or of substituted styrenes B21 of formula I where R is alkyl or hydrogen and R1 is alkyl radical and n is 1, 2, or 3, or mixture, and b22) at least one unsaturated nitrile B22, C) at least one thermoplastic copolymer C of c1) styrene and/or of substituted styrenes C1 of formula I, and c2) at least one unsaturated nitrile C2, D) at least one copolymer D, obtainable via reaction of d1) at least one thermoplastic methacrylate polymer D1 comprising at least one of epoxy, carboxy, hydroxy, anhydride, or oxazoline, with d2) at least one thermoplastic polyester D2.
US07863370B2
Dispersion powders stabilized include a protective colloid. The protective colloid includes at least one polyvinyl alcohol having a Höppler viscosity μ1 of not more than 3 mPas and at least one polyvinyl alcohol having a Höppler viscosity μ2 of from 4 mPas to 25 mPas. The weighted Höppler viscosity μw of the protective colloid is not more than 6 mPas.
US07863365B2
Polymeric binder blended from thermoplastic and uncured elastomer binds magnetizable particulate in segmentally magnetizable materials used for encoder targets used in encoders and assemblies where encoders determine rate of motion. The polymeric binder has a dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer tangent delta value (ASTM E 1640-94) not greater than 0.1 at a temperature not less than the liquefaction supra point temperature of the thermoplastic when cured with radiation (preferably electron beam radiation) prior to being blended with either the magnetizable particulate or with other filler materials. The binder effects encoder targets evidencing robustness to thermal or chemical agent stress. Pre-cured blends of magnetizable particulate in the binder evidence good extrusion (pultrusion) performance.
US07863363B2
A cleaning blade for use in an image-forming apparatus formed by molding a thermosetting elastomer composition containing a rubber component, a filler, a crosslinking agent, and a dispersion-improving agent. As the dispersion-improving agent, thiol or/and sulfide having a specific chemical structure are contained in the thermosetting elastomer composition at 0.05 to 15 parts by mass for 100 parts by mass of the rubber component; or fluorine-substituted benzenethiol or/and a metal salt thereof are contained in the thermosetting elastomer composition at 0.05 to 10 parts by mass for 100 parts by mass of the rubber component.
US07863354B2
A resin composition which contains polycarbonate resin, does not transmit a wavelength of 385 nm substantially and has a high total light transmittance and excellent heat resistance.The resin composition comprises (1) polycarbonate resin, (2) an ultraviolet absorber (A) such as 2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-p-cresol, (3) an ultraviolet absorber (B) such as 2,2′-methylenebis[4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-6-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)phenol] and (4) at least one compound (C) represented by the following formula (I) or (II) and is used for spectacle lenses. (R1—S—CH2—CH2—C(O)O—CH2—)4C (I) (R2—O—C(O)—CH2—CH2—)2S (II) (wherein R1 is an alkyl group having 4 to 20 carbon atoms, and R2 is an alkyl group having 6 to 22 carbon atoms.)
US07863348B2
The present invention generally provides implantable articles and methods of forming implantable articles from a crosslinked ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (“UHMWPE”) blend stabilized with Vitamin E. The crosslinked UHMWPE blend may be prepared by combining the UHMWPE material and vitamin E prior to irradiating the UHMWPE blend with electron beam radiation at a sufficient radiation dose rate to induce crosslinking. The crosslinked UHMWPE blend may be incorporated into a variety of implants, and in particular, into endoprosthetic joint replacements
US07863347B2
A resin composition is provided comprising a compound having a structure represented by formula (1) and a crosslinking agent: wherein in formula (1), R0 is a single bond or has a structure represented by formula (2); R1 to R8 are respectively any of hydrogen, a group having an alicyclic structure, an organic group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms other than the group having an alicyclic structure, a hydroxyl group and a carboxyl group; and “X” is any of —O—, —NHCO—, —CONH—, —COO— and —OCO—; further, wherein in formula (2), “Ar” is an aromatic group; “Y” is any of a single bond, —O—, —S—, —OCO— and —COO—; “q” is an integer of 1 or more; R9 is hydrogen or an organic group having 1 or more carbon atoms and may be identical with or different from each other when “q” is an integer of 2 or more; at least one of R1 to R8 is the group having an alicyclic structure when R0 is a single bond; at least one of R1 to R9 is the group having an alicyclic structure when R0 has the structure represented by formula (2); and “*” and “**” represent a position to be bonded to a different chemical structure.
US07863346B2
The invention is based on the discovery that certain well-defined crosslinkable polyester compounds are useful as components in mold compositions having increased adhesion to substrates, compared to mold compositions that do not contain the crosslinkable polyester compounds described herein.
US07863341B2
The present invention discloses a process for the preparation of syngas from two sources with different hydrogen: carbon ratios, the first source having a low hydrogen:carbon ratio including any one or a combination of coal, brown coal, peat, bitumen and tar sands, and the second source having a high hydrogen:carbon ratio including any one or a combination of natural gas, associated gas and coal bed methane. The sources are converted to syngas and then combined to provide syngas with an optimum hydrogen:carbon monoxide ratio for use in a Fischer-Tropsch process.
US07863339B2
A synergistic demulsifier composition for the improvement of demulsification properties and method of making said composition is disclosed along with a lubricant composition containing same. The demulsifier composition consists of effective amounts of one or more demulsifier additives and one or more dispersants. The demulsifier additives consist of a first copolymer of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide and a second copolymer of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide. The dispersant can be an untreated polyalkene succinimide type dispersant, preferably an untreated polyisobutylene succinimide type dispersant.
US07863338B2
Absorbent polymer granulate comprising the following process steps: i) polymerization of an aqueous monomer solution to obtain a polymer gel; ii) comminution of the polymer gel to obtain a gel granulate; and iii) drying of the gel granulate, and is characterized in that the gel granulate after step ii) has a spread behavior. The production process of an absorbent polymer distinguishes itself by a particularly efficient drying step iii), which enables a particularly gentle and uniform drying of the gel granulate. The obtained absorbent polymers and products and items produced therefrom have a particularly uniform product quality and constant physical-chemical properties.
US07863335B2
Methods for treating or reducing the risk of transmission of chlamydia to a recipient by topically applying a metalloprotease inhibitor to a site on the recipient which is likely to be exposed to Chlamydia. Topical compositions containing metalloprotease inhibitors are also disclosed for treating or reducing the risk of transmission of Chlamydia, as well as barrier contraceptive devices coated therewith.
US07863327B2
Compounds and methods useful for chemopreventative treatment of diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, and multiple sclerosis.
US07863313B2
Methods of inhibiting the cytokine or biological activity of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) comprising contacting MIF with a compound of formula (I) are provided. The invention also relates to methods of treating diseases or conditions where MIF cytokine or biological activity is implicated comprising administration of compounds of formula (I), either alone or as a part of combination therapy. Novel compounds of formula (I) are also provided for.
US07863309B2
In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds having the formula: wherein: Ar, r, Z, X, R3, and R5-7 are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. These compounds have AT1 receptor antagonist activity and neprilysin inhibition activity. In another aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds; methods of using such compounds; and process and intermediates for preparing such compounds.
US07863307B2
An efficient process is disclosed for producing a compound that is an inhibitor of CETP. The last step of the process is the coupling of an oxazolidinone derivative with a biphenyl moiety to provide a compound of formula (I). In a specific embodiment of this synthesis, a crystalline product is produced which is characterized as a non-solvated crystalline polymorph.
US07863306B2
The present invention concerns the compounds having the formula N-oxides, salts, stereoisomeric forms, racemic mixtures, prodrugs, esters and metabolites thereof, wherein R1 and R8 each are H, optionally substituted C1-6alkyl, C2-6alkenyl, C3-7cycloalkyl, aryl, Het1, Het2; R1 may also be a radical of formula (R11aR11b)NC(R10aR10b)CR9—; t is 0, 1 or 2; R2 is H or C1-6alkyl; L is —C(═O)—, —O—C(═O)—, —NR8—C(═O)—, —O—C1-6alkanediyl-C(═O)—, —NR8—C1-6alkanediyl-C(═O)—, —S(═O)2—, —O—S(═O)2—, —NR8—S(═O)2; R3 is C1-6alkyl, aryl, C3-7cycloalkyl, C3-7cycloalkylC1-4alkyl, or arylC1-4alkyl; R4 is H, C1-4alkylOC(═O), carboxyl, aminoC(═O), mono- or di(C1-4alkyl)aminoC(═O), C3-7cycloalkyl, C2-6alkenyl, C2-6alkynyl or optionally substituted C1-6alkyl; R5 and R6 are H or C1-6alkyl. It further relates to their use as broadspectrum HIV protease inhibitors, processes for their preparation as well as pharmaceutical compositions and diagnostic kits comprising them. It also concerns combinations thereof with another anti-retroviral agent, and to their use in assays as reference compounds or as reagents.
US07863305B2
Compounds of formula I: or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates or prodrugs thereof, wherein p, Ar, R1, R2, R3, Ra, Rb, Rc, Rd and Re are defined herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, methods of using, and methods of preparing the compounds.
US07863302B2
Compounds of formula and their pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use are disclosed as useful for treating dyslipidemia and related diseases.
US07863297B2
Methods of treating, preventing and/or managing myelodysplastic syndromes are disclosed. Specific methods encompass the administration of an immunomodulatory compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, hydrate, stereoisomer, clathrate, or prodrug thereof, alone or in combination with a second active ingredient, and/or the transplantation of blood or cells. Specific second active ingredients are capable of affecting or blood cell production. Pharmaceutical compositions, single unit dosage forms, and kits suitable for use in methods of the invention are also disclosed.
US07863293B2
The present invention relates to compounds that bind to chemokine receptors, and having the formula wherein each A, X, Y, R1, R2 and R3 are substituents. The present invention also relates to methods of using such compounds, such as in treating HIV infection and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, the present invention relates to methods to elevate progenitor and stem cell counts, as well as methods to elevate white blood cell counts, using such compounds.
US07863289B2
Compounds active on protein kinases are described, as well as methods of using such compounds to treat diseases and conditions associated with aberrant activity of protein kinases.
US07863286B2
The present invention provides stereoisomers and stereoisomeric mixtures of 3-aminocarbonyl-bicycloheptene-2,4-pyrimidinediamine compounds having antiproliferative activity, compositions comprising the compounds and methods of using the compounds to inhibit cellular proliferation and to treat proliferate diseases such as tumorigenic cancers.
US07863280B2
This invention relates to compounds of formula (I), wherein R1 and R3 independently represent fluorine, methoxy, —OCF3, C2-C3-alkenyl or C1-C4-alkyl which is optionally substituted by chlorine, methoxy or one, two or three fluorine atoms; R2 represents hydrogen, fluorine, methoxy, —OCF3, C2-C3-alkenyl or C1-C4-alkyl which is optionally substituted by chlorine, methoxy or one, two or three fluorine atoms; X represents O, S, NH or N(C1-C3-alkyl); and Ar represents an unsubstituted or at least monosubstituted aryl or heteroaryl. Said compounds are inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), and may be used for the treatment of a variety of disorders.
US07863279B2
The invention relates to the triazolopyridine carboxamide derivatives and triazolopyrimidine carboxamide derivatives of general formula (I): Wherein X, A, R1 and R2 are as defined herein. The invention further relates to preparation methods and therapeutic use thereof.
US07863277B1
A transdermal composition that contains an antipsychotic is provided for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Also, provided are methods for preparing a topical antipsychotic composition. Methods for treating neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, are further disclosed. The transdermal composition includes a therapeutically effective amount of an antipsychotic in an amount sufficient to treat neuropsychiatric disorders in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
US07863271B2
Compounds of formulae I, II and III: are disclosed as 5-HT3 inhibitors. The compounds are useful in treating CINV, IBS-D and other diseases and conditions.
US07863268B2
Disclosed are benzothiazin derivatives of formula (I), preparation methods therefore, and treatment methods employing such compounds as antibacterial agents in treating infectious diseases of mammals caused by bacteria, especially diseases like tuberculosis and leprosy caused by mycobacteria: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6, and other variables enumerated under one or more of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are as defined.
US07863256B2
The present invention concerns amide derivatives of hyaluronic acid (HA) and biomaterials made of amide derivatives of hyaluronic acid (HA), particularly the hexadecylamide of HA, administered by the intra-articular route as a partial/total substitute for synovial fluid to treat joints affected by osteoarthrosis (OA) as well as cases of joint inflammation and/or trauma that cause damage to the cartilage and/or synovia (associated with pain).Lastly, we describe and claim their use in the treatment of joints where the entire structure shows signs of wear due to physiological aging.
US07863252B2
Compounds, compositions and methods are provided for modulating the expression of C-reactive protein. The compositions comprise oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acid encoding C-reactive protein. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of C-reactive protein expression and for diagnosis and treatment of disease associated with expression of C-reactive protein are provided.
US07863248B2
A tyrosinase activity inhibitor and an ameliorant for facial blood flow that are excellent in terms of safety, and medicinal compositions, food compositions, and cosmetic preparations that contain the inhibitor and the ameliorant as active ingredients are provided. A tyrosinase activity inhibitor and an ameliorant for facial blood flow that contain anthocyan obtained by concentration or extraction of plant material, and medicinal compositions, food compositions, and cosmetic preparations that have an inhibitory action on tyrosinase activity and ameliorating action on facial blood flow are provided.
US07863239B2
The invention provides means and methods for producing compounds suitable for testing for the presence and/or identification of an immunogenic compound and/or a binding compound of interest. Immunogenic compounds and compositions are also herewith provided, as well as peptidomimetics of members of the cystine-knot family.
US07863236B2
The present invention provides a detergent composition D comprising at least one compound of formula (1) together with at least one compound of formula (2) wherein all substituents have the meanings as defined in the claims; as well as a process using such detergent composition and mixtures comprising fluorescent whitening agents.
US07863235B2
The invention provides an activation method of α-amylase. α-Amylase or particles containing the same are contacted with an oxidizing agent or particles containing the same. After contacting, the activated α-amylase can be separated from the oxidizing agent. After contacting, α-amylase and the oxidizing agent can be incorporated in the form of a mixture into a detergent base to give a detergent composition.
US07863225B2
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to defoaming methods and compositions for well treatment fluids. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a method of defoaming a well treatment fluid, comprising combining a defoaming composition with the well treatment fluid, wherein the defoaming composition comprises an amide of a carboxylic acid, a polypropylene glycol, an ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty alcohol, an ethoxylated alcohol comprising from 3 carbons to 6 carbons, and a hydrophobic silica in an amount of up to about 3% by weight of the defoaming composition.
US07863224B2
A method of servicing a wellbore comprising preparing a composition comprising a calcium aluminate cement, water, a polyphosphate, a pozzolan, and a set retarding agent, wherein the set retarding agent comprises an alkali halide and a basic phosphate salt, placing the composition in the wellbore and allowing the composition to set. A composition comprising a calcium aluminate cement in an amount of from about 30 wt. % to about 60 wt. % and a set retarding agent in an amount of from about 0.1 wt. % to about 15 wt. % based upon the total weight of the composition, wherein the set retarding agent comprises an alkali halide and a basic phosphate salt in a ratio of from about 3:1 to about 1:3.
US07863217B2
Disclosed is an exhaust gas purifying catalyst, which comprises a catalyst layer formed on a honeycomb-shaped support. The catalyst layer is formed by mixing a catalyst powder (A) consisting of a composite oxide (RhZrCeNdO) which contains at least Ce, Zr, and a catalytic noble metal composition, and a catalyst powder (B) consisting of a Zr-based oxide (RhZrXO) which contains at least Zr and has Rh existing on a surface thereof. A ratio (RhZrXO/RhZrCeNdO) of a mass of the catalyst powder (B) to a total mass of the catalyst powder (A) and the catalyst powder (B) may be set in the range of 1 to 50%. Further, the catalyst powder (B) may consist of a composite oxide which contains Zr as a primary component, a rare-earth metal except Ce, and Rh. The exhaust gas purifying catalyst of the present invention can provide enhanced exhaust gas conversion efficiency.
US07863216B2
The invention provides a discharge gas treatment catalyst which can effectively decreases NOx and SO3 contained in a discharge gas. The discharge gas treatment catalyst, for removing nitrogen oxide and sulfur trioxide from a discharge gas, includes a carrier which is formed of titania-tungsten oxide and which carries ruthenium, and a titania-tungsten oxide-based NOx removal catalyst serving as a substrate which is coated with the carrier. When a discharge gas to which ammonia has been added and which contains SO3 and NOx is brought into contact with the catalyst, decomposition of ammonia is suppressed by ruthenium, and reduction of SO3 and NOx contained in the discharge gas is promoted, whereby SO3 concentration and NOx concentration can be further decreased.
US07863211B2
Epoxidation catalyst based on titanium zeolite in the form of extruded granules. Use of this catalyst in the synthesis of epoxides, preferably 1,2-epoxy-3-chloropropane or 1,2-epoxypropane, by reacting an olefinic compound, preferably allyl chloride or propylene, with a peroxide compound, preferably hydrogen peroxide. Process for the preparation of an epoxide, preferably 1,2-epoxy-3-chloropropane or 1,2-epoxypropane, by reacting an olefinic compound, preferably allyl chloride or propylene, with a peroxide compound, preferably hydrogen peroxide, in the presence of the aforementioned catalyst.
US07863199B2
The invention includes methods of forming particle-containing materials, and also includes semiconductor constructions comprising particle-containing materials. One aspect of the invention includes a method in which a first monolayer is formed across at least a portion of a semiconductor substrate, particles are adhered to the first monolayer, and a second monolayer is formed over the particles. Another aspect of the invention includes a construction containing a semiconductor substrate and a particle-impregnated conductive material over at least a portion of the semiconductor substrate. The particle-impregnated conductive material can include tungsten-containing particles within a layer which includes tantalum or tungsten.
US07863191B2
A first structure is formed, having a contact plug formed on the bottom of a first opening in an interlayer insulating film, a second opening formed through the interlayer insulating film to reach a semiconductor substrate, and a third opening formed through the interlayer insulating film to reach a polymetal gate electrode. A cobalt layer is deposited on the surface of the structure, and thermally treated to form a cobalt silicide layer on the surface of the contact plug and on the bottom face of the second opening. The structure is then treated to remove the cobalt, in the state in which the cobalt silicide layer is formed, with the use of a chemical solution capable of dissolving cobalt but not the polymetal.
US07863184B1
A bond pad structure has a first conductive layer and an anti-reflective coating layer disposed on the first conductive layer. The first conductive layer includes first and second portions (which could be formed by etching). Part of the first portion is exposed within a bond pad opening, and the second portion is electrically connected to an integrated circuit. The anti-reflective coating layer also includes first and second portions (which could be formed by etching). The first portion may be located near the bond pad opening, and the second portion may be located farther away from the bond pad opening. A second conductive layer electrically connects the first and second portions of the first conductive layer. In this way, the first portion of the anti-reflective coating layer may undergo oxidation without leading to oxidation of the second portion of the anti-reflective coating layer.
US07863177B2
The present invention relates to a fuse in a semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same. An oxide film is formed on sidewalls of a barrier metal layer in a bottom portion of a fuse pattern, thereby preventing the barrier metal layer from being exposed. As a result, the oxidation of the barrier metal layer is inhibited to improve characteristics of the device.
US07863176B2
Devices and methods for providing low-resistance interconnects in a semiconductor device are provided. Specifically, one or more embodiments of the present invention relate to disposing a conductive material in a trench without disposing a resistive barrier material between the conductive material and the sidewalls of the trench so that the conductive material takes up the full width of the trench. For example, the trench may be disposed over one or more contacts made of a barrier material such as titanium nitride that also acts as a seed, and the conductive material may be grown on top of the titanium nitride to fill the trench.
US07863161B2
In a method of cutting a wafer, a supporting member is attached to an upper surface of the wafer on which semiconductor chips are formed. An opening is formed at a lower surface of the wafer along a scribe lane of the wafer. The lower surface of the wafer may be plasma-etched to reduce a thickness of the wafer. A tensile tape may be attached to the lower surface of the wafer. Here, the tensile tape includes sequentially stacked tensile films having different tensile modules. The supporting member is then removed. The tensile tape is cooled to increase the tensile modules between the tensile films. The tensile tape is tensed until the tensile films are cut using the tensile modules difference to separate the tensile tape from the semiconductor chips. Thus, the lower surface of the wafer may be plasma-etched without using an etching mask.
US07863158B2
A method and/or system are provided for producing a structure comprising a thin layer of semiconductor material on a substrate. The method includes creating an area of embrittlement in the thickness of a donor substrate, bonding the donor substrate with a support substrate and detaching the donor substrate at the level of the area of embrittlement to transfer a thin layer of the donor substrate onto the support substrate. The method also includes thermal treatment of this resulting structure to stabilize the bonding interface between the thin layer and the substrate support. The invention also relates to the structures obtained by such a process.
US07863156B2
A method of producing a strained layer on a substrate includes assembling a layer with a first structure or first means of straining including at least one substrate or one layer capable of being deformed within a plane thereof under the influence of an electric or magnetic field or a photon flux. The layer is strained by modifying the electric or magnetic field or the photon flux. The strained layer is assembled with a transfer substrate and all or part of the first straining structure is removed.
US07863152B2
A semiconductor device with a strain layer and a method of fabricating the semiconductor device with a strain layer that can reduce a loading effect are provided. By arranging active dummies and gate dummies not to overlap each other, the area of active dummy on which a strain layer dummy will be formed can be secured, thereby reducing the loading effect.
US07863148B2
According to one exemplary embodiment, a method for forming an NPN and a vertical PNP device on a substrate comprises forming an insulating layer over an NPN region and a PNP region of the substrate. The method further comprises forming a buffer layer on the insulating layer and forming an opening in the buffer layer and the insulating layer in the NPN region, where the opening exposes the substrate. The method further comprises forming a semiconductor layer on the buffer layer and in the opening in the NPN region, where the semiconductor layer has a first portion situated in the opening and a second portion situated on the buffer layer in the PNP region. The first portion of the semiconductor layer forms a single crystal base of the NPN device and the second portion of the semiconductor layer forms a polycrystalline emitter of the vertical PNP device.
US07863139B2
A method of fabricating a double gate FET on a silicon substrate includes the steps of sequentially epitaxially growing a lower gate layer of crystalline rare earth silicide material on the substrate, a lower gate insulating layer of crystalline rare earth insulating material, an active layer of crystalline semiconductor material, an upper gate insulating layer of crystalline rare earth insulating material, and an upper gate layer of crystalline rare earth conductive material. The upper gate layer and the upper gate electrically insulating layer are etched and a contact is deposited on the upper gate layer to define an upper gate structure. An impurity is implanted into the lower gate layer to define a lower gate area aligned with the upper gate structure. A source and drain are formed in the active layer and contacts are deposited on the source and drain, respectively.
US07863134B2
A charge holding insulating film in a memory cell is constituted by a laminated film composed of a bottom insulating film, a charge storage film, and a top insulating film on a semiconductor substrate. Further, by performing a plasma nitriding treatment to the bottom insulating film, a nitride region whose nitrogen concentration has a peak value and is 1 atom % or more is formed on the upper surface side in the bottom insulating film. The thickness of the nitride region is set to 0.5 nm or more and 1.5 nm or less, and the peak value of nitrogen concentration is set to 5 atom % or more and 40 atom % or less, and a position of the peak value of nitrogen concentration is set within 2 nm from the upper surface of the bottom insulating film, thereby suppressing an interaction between the bottom insulating film and the charge storage film.
US07863131B2
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method for reducing the number of required lithography masks added to the nonvolatile memory in the standard CMOS process to shorten the production period and reduce costs. In a split-gate memory cell with silicided gate electrodes utilizing a sidewall structure, a separate auxiliary pattern is formed adjoining the selected gate electrodes. A contact is set on a wiring layer self-aligned by filling side-wall gates of polysilicon in the gap between the electrodes and auxiliary pattern. The contact may overlap onto the auxiliary pattern and device isolation region, in an optimal design considering the size of the occupied surface area. If the distance to the selected gate electrode is x, the ONO film deposit thickness is t, and the polysilicon film deposit thickness is d, then the auxiliary pattern may be separated just by a distance x such that x<2×(t+d).
US07863129B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming an oxide film uniformly in a trench in the device isolation by, for example, a radical oxidation process. The method also includes increasing the thickness of the oxide film positioned at recess sidewalls by forming a gate oxide film. Manufacturing the device according to this method will prevent junction leakage and maintain a gate oxidation intensity characteristic that will improve the refresh characteristic of the device.
US07863128B1
A memory device may include a substrate, a first dielectric layer formed over the substrate and a charge storage element formed over the first dielectric layer. The memory device may also include a second dielectric layer formed over the charge storage element and a third dielectric layer formed over the second dielectric layer. The third dielectric layer may have a high dielectric constant and may be deposited at a relatively high temperature. A control gate may be formed over the third dielectric layer.
US07863125B2
The manufacturing method of the CMOS type semiconductor device which can suppress the boron penetration from the gate electrode of the pMOS transistors to the semiconductor substrate in the case that boron is contained in the gate electrodes, while enabling the improvement in the NBTI lifetime of the pMOS transistors, without degrading the performance of the nMOS transistors, is offered. The manufacturing method of the CMOS type semiconductor device concerning the present invention has the following process steps. Halogen is introduced to the semiconductor substrate of pMOS transistor formation areas. Next, a gate insulating film is formed on the semiconductor substrate of the pMOS transistor formation areas. Next, nitrogen is introduced to the gate insulating film.
US07863112B2
Protecting a FET from plasma damage during FEOL processing by forming a FET-like structure in conjunction with and adjacent to an FET, in a same well as the FET, but having a body doped opposite to the well polarity. The FET-like structure is formed with thinner oxide than the gate oxide of the FET, has a gate structure (poly) connected with the gate of the FET, and may be shorted out by the first metal layer (M1).
US07863110B2
A semiconductor device includes a device isolation layer on a semiconductor substrate defining an active region in the semiconductor substrate, a low voltage well of a first conductivity type in the active region of the semiconductor substrate, a high voltage impurity region of a second conductivity type in the active region of the semiconductor substrate, the high voltage impurity region positioned in an upper portion of the low voltage well, a high concentration impurity region of the second conductivity type within the high voltage impurity region and spaced apart from the device isolation layer, and a floating impurity region of the first conductivity type between the device isolation layer and the high concentration impurity region, the floating impurity region being a portion of an upper surface of the active region.
US07863108B2
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system is provided including: forming a D-ring includes half etching a paddle, etching a ring, and etching a tie bar. The tie bar is between the paddle and the ring. The system further includes mounting an integrated circuit die on a central portion of the D-ring, connecting the integrated circuit die and the D-ring, and encapsulating the integrated circuit die and a portion of the D-ring.
US07863100B2
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: forming a base package having a base interposer; forming an intermediate package having an intermediate interposer and an intermediate package embedded link trace, the intermediate package embedded link trace being encapsulated in an intermediate package mold compound; forming a cap package having a cap interposer; and connecting the intermediate package to the cap package and the base package using the intermediate package embedded link trace.
US07863091B2
A Planar Memory Module (PAMM) device comprising a generally planar card comprising a first side and a second side, the first side having a plurality of couplings and the second side having a plurality of connectors, a plurality of memory devices coupled to the card via a first portion of the plurality of couplings, and at least one hub chip coupled to the card via a second portion of the plurality of couplings. Each of the plurality of couplings is connected to an associated one of the plurality of connectors.
US07863077B2
An image sensor and method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. A semiconductor substrate can be prepared comprising a photodiode region, a transistor region, and a floating diffusion region. A gate dielectric can be disposed under a surface of the semiconductor substrate in the transistor region. A first dielectric pattern can be provided having a portion above and a portion below the surface of the semiconductor substrate in the photodiode and the floating diffusion regions. A second dielectric can be disposed under the gate dielectric. The second dielectric can extend the depth of the gate dielectric into the semiconductor substrate to space the movement path of photoelectrons from the photodiode region to the floating diffusion region.
US07863072B2
A method for producing a micromechanical diaphragm sensor, and a micromechanical diaphragm sensor produced with the method. The micromechanical diaphragm sensor has at least one first diaphragm as well as a second diaphragm, which is disposed essentially on top of the first diaphragm. Furthermore, the micromechanical diaphragm sensor has a first cavity and a second cavity, which is essentially disposed above the first cavity.
US07863067B2
The present disclosure provides a method for fabricating a semiconductor device including providing a semiconductor substrate comprising a first surface and a second surface, wherein at least one imaging sensor is located adjacent the first surface, activating a dopant layer in the semiconductor substrate adjacent the second surface using a localized annealing process, and etching the dopant layer.
US07863055B2
The present invention is a method and apparatus for sampling a high-temperature gaseous process stream containing components with high boiling points. The sampling system is especially suited for instruments having extremely low pressure chambers, such as mass spectrometers. The invention reduces the condensation of high boiling point components of the sample in the sampling system without the necessity of maintaining extremely high temperatures. The gaseous sample is passed through an orifice from the high temperature stream into a lower-temperature zone of the sampling system where a low pressure is maintained by a vacuum pump. The low pressure reduces the boiling point of the sample components so they may be maintained in a gas phase without excessive heating. The low pressure sample is then introduced into an instrument chamber through a sample introduction valve.
US07863046B2
The present invention provides a method of micropropagating a monocotyledonous plant comprising: (a) cultivating an explant of tissue from a monocotyledonous plant shoot tip on a primary medium, wherein the explant has been pretreated with a cold temperature and the primary medium comprises auxin or auxin and cytokinin, to produce a totipotent embryogenic cell culture; (b) treating the totipotent embryonic cell culture with a cold temperature; (c) maintaining the totipotent embryogenic cell culture by cultivation on a secondary medium, whereby a totipotent embryogenic cell culture of a monocotyledonous plant is produced and maintained; and (d) transferring the embryogenic cell culture of step (c) to a tertiary medium to continue multiplication and to produce a plantlet with roots and shoots, thereby micropropagating a monocotyledonous plant. The micropropagation techniques described herein provide plants for such purposes as development of elite plant lines, phytoremediation and biomass production.
US07863017B2
Disclosed is a fusion protein including a full-length TAT-utrophin or an anti-dystrophinopathic fragment thereof, a method of treating dystrophinopathies (including Duchenne muscular dystrophy) using the fusion protein, a pharmaceutical composition for treating dystrophinopathies in mammals comprising the fusion protein, and nucleic acid constructs for expressing the fusion protein.
US07863002B2
A milk or other dairy product, capable of minimising the onset of disease such as coronary heart disease or enhancing the immune response is derived from animals which are substantially free of the β-casein A allele. Bulk milk can be produced by testing for and culling cows who test positive for the β-casein A allele, or by producing immunoglobulins and other immune response proteins, in cow's milk from animals not possessing the β-casein A1 allele, or other commercial milk producing animals, to this allele, to counteract the immunosuppressant substances present that are produced from it, in commercial milking cows such as Holsteins, together with its blending with non-treated milk or the recovery of such immunoproteins.
US07862998B2
Provided are a method of detecting target genes capable of increasing sensitivity in a Palsar method and of simultaneously detecting multiple genes, an assist probe to be used in the above method, and a method of forming a signal probe polymer by using the assist probe. The method of detecting target genes includes: forming a signal probe polymer by using a first probe having a nucleic acid region X, a nucleic acid region Y and a nucleic acid region Z in the stated order from the 5′ end, a second probe having a nucleic acid region X′, a nucleic acid region Y′ and a nucleic acid region Z′ in the stated order from the 5′ end, and an assist probe having a plurality of the same nucleic acid regions as in the first probe and a target region capable of hybridizing with a target gene. In this method, the assist probes are designed so as to have a structure including the nucleic acid regions X, Y and X, and the target region in the stated order from the 5′ end or a structure including the target region, and the nucleic acid regions Z, Y and Z in the stated order from the 5′ end.
US07862991B2
A method for fabricating a recess pattern in a semiconductor device includes forming a photoresist layer over a substrate including active regions, performing a first photo-exposure process on the photoresist layer using a photo mask including repeatedly formed line structures and spaces, performing a second photo-exposure process on the photoresist layer using a photo mask exposing the active regions, performing a developing process on regions of the photoresist layer whereon both the first and second photo-exposure processes are performed, and etching the substrate to form recess patterns using the remaining photoresist layer.
US07862988B2
Provided is a method for forming patterns of a semiconductor device. According to the method, first mask patterns may be formed on a substrate, and second mask patterns may be formed on sidewalls of each first mask pattern. Third mask patterns may fill spaces formed between adjacent second mask patterns, and the second mask patterns may be removed. A portion of the substrate may then be removed using the first and third mask patterns as etch masks.
US07862975B2
A carrier core material for an electrophotographic developer containing Li ferrite, maghemite, and Fe3O4, wherein a part thereof is substituted with Mn, a Li content is 1 to 2.5% by weight, a Mn content is 2 to 7.5% by weight, and a silicon content is 25 to 10,000 ppm, a compression breaking strength is 130 MPa or more, an SF-1 is 125 to 145, respective cumulative strengths of respective spinel crystal structure faces in X-ray diffraction satisfy a certain equation, a vacuum resistivity R500 across a 2 mm gap when a measurement voltage of 500 V is applied is 1×106 to 5×109 Ω, and a vacuum resistivity R1000 across a 6.5 mm gap when a measurement voltage of 1,000 V is applied is 5×107 to 1×1010 Ω.
US07862972B2
Disclosed herein is a polyester resin-based toner binder which can impart both excellent anti-blocking property under high temperature and humidity conditions and low-temperature fixing properties to a toner. The toner binder for developing electrostatic images includes a polycondensation polyester resin produced in the presence of at least one titanium-containing catalyst (a) represented by the following general formula (I) or (II): Ti(—X)m(—OH)n (I) O═Ti(—X)p(—OR)q (II) wherein X is a residue formed by removing H of one OH group from a (poly)alkanolamine having 2 to 12 carbon atoms; R is H or a C1 to C8 alkyl group which may have 1 to 3 ether bonds; m is 1 to 4, n is 0 to 3, and the sum of m and n is 4; and p is 1 to 2, q is 0 to 1, and the sum of p and q is 2 (m, n, p, and q are each an integer).
US07862963B2
A halftone type phase shift mask blank including, on a transparent substrate, at least a phase shifter film having a predetermined transmittance for an exposed light and a predetermined phase difference for the transparent substrate, wherein the phase shifter film is formed by a multilayer film in which films including at least two layers having an upper layer formed on the most surface side and a lower layer formed thereunder are provided, and a thickness of the upper layer is adjusted in such a manner that a refractive index of the film to be the upper layer is smaller than that of the film to be the lower layer and a surface reflectance for the inspecting light of the phase shifter film is maximized and approximates to a maximum.
US07862962B2
Provided is a method including layout design of an integrated circuit. A first pattern is provided. The first pattern includes an array of dummy line features and a plurality of spacer elements abutting the dummy line features. A second pattern is provided. The second pattern defines an active region of an integrated circuit device. An edge spacer element of the active region is determined. A dummy line feature of the array of dummy line features is biased (e.g., increased in width), the dummy line feature is adjacent an edge spacer element.
US07862956B2
A flexible flow field separator includes a substrate layer formed of a flexible material and having first and second surfaces. A structured flow field pattern is defined on the first surface of the substrate layer. The structured flow field pattern defines one or more fluid channels. The separator includes a first layer formed of one or more metals and disposed on the first surface of the substrate layer. The first layer is formed of an electrically conductive material. The separator further includes a second layer disposed on the second surface of the substrate layer. The second layer is formed of a flexible electrically conductive material. The first layer contacts the second layer at one or more locations to define an electrical connection between the first and second layers.
US07862944B2
An isolation fault detection system for detecting isolation faults in a fuel cell system associated with a fuel cell hybrid vehicle. The isolation fault detection system measures a stack voltage potential, a positive fuel cell voltage potential, a negative fuel cell voltage potential, a positive battery voltage potential, and an overall battery voltage potential. The isolation fault detection system then uses these voltage potentials in mesh equations to compare the measured voltage potentials to voltage potentials that would occur during a loss of isolation. In one embodiment, the isolation fault detection system uses these five measured voltage potentials to determine whether an isolation fault has occurred at four separate locations in the fuel cell hybrid vehicle. The system also can detect the location of the isolation fault.
US07862941B2
A fuel cell system that controls an anode exhaust gas bleed during power up-transients. The fuel cell system includes a by-pass valve that allows compressor air to by-pass the fuel cell stack and be directly emitted into the cathode exhaust gas stream. The system detects a power up-transient by monitoring the rate of closing of the by-pass valve and the rate of change of an increase in the compressor airflow set-point. If these parameters pass a certain threshold, then the system determines that a power up-transient is occurring, and prevents an anode exhaust gas bleed for a predetermined period of time. If cathode pulsing is occurring where power up-transients come one after another, then the system will continuously reset the time period for preventing the anode exhaust gas bleed until a second time limit is reached, where the bleed is then forced.
US07862935B2
A strategy of controlling a state of hydration of a fuel cell(s) and actively managing operation of the fuel cell(s) to achieve a desired state of hydration. The control strategy monitors the state of hydration and a rate of change of the state of hydration which are used to control the operation of the fuel cell(s). A supervisory control strategy is implemented that alters the operating parameters of the fuel cell(s) based upon the state of hydration, the rate of change of the state of hydration, and a desired operational range for the state of hydration.
US07862934B2
The object of the present invention is to provide a reliable alkaline storage battery having a structure by which a short circuit between the electrodes can be prevented in the manufacturing procedures.To achieve this object, the present invention provides a cylindrical battery that includes an electrode assembly including a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate spirally wound together and sandwiching a separator. The collector plate includes a main body. One or more convex parts, each having a top extending linearly, are formed on a main surface of the main body by bending processing. A part of at least one of the convex part is cut out to form a cutout region. The collector plate is welded to the end part of the electrode assembly at the top of each convex part.
US07862921B2
The present invention provides a process for producing a polymerelectrolyte membrane comprising the steps of coating a solution of a polymerelectrolyte on at least one surface of a porous substrate and laminating the coated porous substrate and a supporting material while applying a tension F (kg/cm) in a range of the following expression (A) 0.01≦F≦10 (A) to the coated porous substrate. According to the present invention, a polymerelectrolyte composite membrane in which wrinkling and the like are suppressed and whose appearance is excellent can be continuously produced.
US07862918B2
A recording medium includes a magnetic material and a pulp-fiber, a minimum value of shortest distances between the magnetic material and an edge of the recording medium substantially parallel to the pulp-fiber orientation direction being about 1 mm or more.
US07862917B2
Provided is a thermally stable perpendicular magnetic recording medium. The provided perpendicular magnetic recording medium includes a perpendicular magnetic recording layer between a lower layer and an upper layer, wherein a thickness of the perpendicular magnetic recording is determined by Equation 7, in the case of K>105 erg/cm3 and D > ( 30 k B T π K A ) 1 / 2 , and determined by Equation 9, in the case of K>105 erg/cm3, n > 30 k B T π D 2 A K , and D ≤ ( 30 k B T π K A ) 1 / 2 . The provided perpendicular magnetic recording medium includes the perpendicular magnetic recording layer having a thermally stable thickness even when the value of K is large and an energy barrier does not follow KV. Thus, data recorded on the provided perpendicular magnetic recording medium is preserved for over 10 years.
US07862909B2
An organic electroluminescent element comprising an anode and a cathode having therebetween an emission layer containing a phosphorescent compound and an layer adjacent to the emission layer, the layer adjacent to the emission layer being provided between the emission layer and the cathode, wherein the layer adjacent to the emission layer comprises a compound having an electron withdrawing group; and the compound exhibits a HOMO level of −5.7 to −7.0 eV and a LUMO level of −1.3 to −2.3 eV.
US07862897B2
A biphasic nanoporous vitreous carbon material with a cementitious morphology characterized by presence of non-round porosity, having superior hardness and tribological properties, as useful for high wear-force applications. The biphasic nanoporous vitreous carbon material is produced by firing, under inert atmosphere, of particulate vitrified carbon in a composition containing (i) a precursor resin that is curable and pyrolyzable to form vitreous carbon and, optionally, (ii) addition of one or more of the following: solid lubricant, such as graphite, boron nitride, or molybdenum disulfide; a heat-resistant fiber reinforcement, such as copper, bronze, iron alloy, graphite, alumina, silica, or silicon carbide; or one or more substances to improve electrical conductivity, such as dendritic copper powder, copper “felt” or graphite flake, to produce a superior vitreous carbon that is useful alone or as a continuous phase in reinforced composites, in relation to conventional glassy carbon materials.
US07862891B2
The present invention includes a nontwisted composite tether comprising one or more composite rods encased in a jacket and a method for manufacturing same. A portion of the rods may be bundled into one or more strands, provided however that the rods comprising the strands are not twisted into twisted strands in the assembled nontwisted tether. Such untwisted strands, if any, additionally are not twisted relative to each other. Temporary and/or permanent buoyancy may be to the tether. The present invention includes methods for preparing, transporting, and installing a composite tether on a floating platform. The tether, preferably assembled at a waterfront, is launched into the water and towed to an offshore installation site, where the tether is upended and connected via a bottom end connector on the tether to an anchor foundation in the seabed and connected a top end connector on the tether to the floating platform.
US07862876B2
Provided are a film for suppressing conduction of radiation heat to sustain an infrared-ray-reflective capability over a long term and exhibit an excellent radiation-heat suppressivity, and a heat-insulating material using the same. A film for suppressing conduction of radiation heat includes a resin film having at least an infrared-ray absorptivity of lower than 25%, an infrared-ray-reflection layer and an adhesive layer, wherein an infrared-ray reflectivity is 50% or higher.
US07862873B2
An Irrigation pipe having a wall comprising: a core layer formed from a biodegradable material; and at least one relatively non-biodegradable protective layer formed on the core layer.
US07862872B2
The present invention relates to a multilayer structure based on polyamides and graft copolymers having polyamide blocks, comprising, in this order: a) a first layer (1) formed from a polyamide (A) or else a polyamide (A)/polyolefin (B) blend having a polyamide matrix; b) optionally, a tie layer (2a); c) a layer (2) based on a graft copolymer having polyamide blocks, formed from a polyolefin backbone and from at least one polyamide graft in which: the grafts are attached to the backbone by the residues of an unsaturated monomer (X) having a functional group capable of reacting with a polyamide having an amine end group; the residues of the unsaturated monomer (X) are attached to the backbone by grafting or copolymerization via its double bond; the layers (1), (2a) and (2) being successive and adhering to one another in their respective contact region. One particularly useful application relates to tubes for cooling circuits of internal combustion engines, such as the engines of cars or lorries.
US07862869B2
The present invention provides a flexible multilayer packaging film and packages formed therefrom wherein the films include a first film layer comprising a first biaxially-oriented polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyester, a polyolefin, a polyamide, and a blend thereof and a surface-roughened portion, a second film layer comprising an adhesive, a third film layer comprising a barrier material, a fourth film layer comprising a second biaxially-oriented polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyester, a polyolefin, a polyamide, and a blend thereof and at least one score-line; wherein the packages comprise a tear-initiation area and a directional tear zone.
US07862868B2
The present invention refers to an ink-jet recording material comprising a support, and at least one ink receiving porous layer coated on the support, wherein at least one porous layer comprises, dispersed therein, an organic solvent having a logP value higher than 2.00, an antifading compound, a non-ionic surfactant having low EDLB, an anionic surfactant, and a carboxylic derivative.
US07862862B2
A method of applying to a metal surface a composition and drying the surface for crosslinking, which composition comprises a dispersion in the solvent of a compound comprising the reaction product of (1) a polyamine in which a plurality of amine groups are bonded to at least one radical comprising alkylene or arylene groups that separate the polyamine nitrogen atoms by at least four intermediate atoms in a chain, and (2) a silane which carries a plurality of silicon-bonded hydrolysable groups, and a silicon-bonded organic group that is covalently reactive with and which bonds with an amine group, to provide a reaction product molecule which comprises an average of at least about 2.5 of said silane groups per molecule. Some of these materials show superior advantage as a paint primer and some provide excellent corrosion resistance.
US07862861B2
Normal simultaneous multi-layer coating can be accomplished without allowing the coating liquids to increase in viscosity before and during their application, and inter-layer mixing can be prevented by increasing the viscosity after the application. In a method of manufacturing an information recording material in which at least one out of a plurality of layers formed by simultaneous multi-layer application of a plurality of coating liquids over a running supporting base 14 with a slide bead coating device 16 is an information recording layer, and the multi-layer coats so formed are dried by a drying device 20, at least one of the plurality of coating liquids contains PVA and boric acid whose mutual contact or mixing causes the coating liquids to increase in viscosity.
US07862860B2
A method of immobilizing a catalyst on a substrate surface involves providing novel ligating copolymers comprising functional groups capable of binding to a substrate surface and functional groups capable of ligating to catalysts such as metal ions, metal complexes, nanoparticles, or colloids; applying the ligating copolymer to a substrate surface to cause the ligating copolymer to bind thereto, and contacting the modified substrate surface with a solution of a catalyst, causing the catalyst to be ligated by the ligating copolymer and thus immobilized on the substrate surface. The ligating copolymer may be patterned on the substrate surface using a method such as microcontact printing. A method of selectively metallizing a substrate in a desired pattern involves using a ligating chemical agent comprising functional groups capable of binding to a substrate surface and functional groups capable of ligating to electroless plating catalysts; applying the ligating chemical agent to a substrate in a desired pattern using microcontact printing to cause the ligating chemical agent to bind thereto; contacting the modified substrate surface with a solution of an electroless plating catalyst, causing the catalyst to be ligated by the ligating chemical agent and thus bound to the surface; and metallizing the catalyzed regions of the substrate surface using electroless plating.
US07862859B2
A method of correcting for pattern run out in a desired pattern in directional deposition or etching comprising the steps of providing a test substrate; providing a stencil of known thickness on the test substrate; providing a stencil pattern extending through the stencil to the test substrate. exposing the test substrate through the stencil to a source of directional deposition or etching; comparing the stencil pattern to the pattern on the substrate at a plurality of points along at least one direction to determine pattern run out at said points; fitting the measured pattern run out as a function of position to a function of the form ΔX=MX+C where ΔX=pattern run out, X=position on the substrate, M=Magnification and C=translational offset; providing a further substrate at a known position relative to the first; providing a further stencil of known thickness; adjusting the magnification to allow for the difference in stencil thickness between the test stencil and the further stencil; adjusting the transitional offset to allow for the difference in position of the test substrate and further substrate along said direction; providing a desired pattern to be deposited or etched on the further substrate; correcting each point of the desired pattern by the inverse of the determined pattern run out at the point; providing the corrected desired pattern on this further stencil, the pattern extending through the further stencil to the substrate; exposing the further substrate through the further stencil to the directional source of deposition or etching.
US07862856B1
The present invention provides a method for making a polymer dielectric composition incorporating diamondoids or diamond-like hydrocarbon units. The method includes forming a polymer solution from the cardo-diol 9,9-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)fluorene and a diacid chloride, casting a freestanding thin polyester film from the polymer solution, and metallizing the polyester film with an evaporated Al layer to form the dielectric composition. The diacid chloride may be derived from trans-1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid; 1,3-adamantanedicarboxylic acid; or 4,9-diamantanedicarboxylic acid.
US07862844B2
The present invention in a first aspect relates to taste improvement of foodstuffs, beverages, pharmaceutics, tobacco products and oral care products, using extremely small amounts of a substance according to formula (I), or edible salts thereof: R1—CR2(OR3)—CO—X (I). It was found that at very low concentrations, substances represented by formula (I) are capable of modifying and complementing, the sensory impact of taste imparting substances. Thus, the present taste improving substances are advantageously applied in flavour compositions, foodstuffs, pharmaceutics, tobacco products and oral care products. Typical examples of taste improving substances according to the present invention include N-lactoyl GMP, N-lactoyl AMP, N-lactoyl CMP, N-lactoyl IMP, N-gluconyl GMP, N-gluconyl AMP, N-gluconyl CMP, N-gluconyl IMP, O-lactoyl-GMP, O-lactoyl AMP, O-lactoyl CMP, O-lactoyl IMP, O-gluconyl GMP, O-gluconyl AMP, O-gluconyl CMP and O-gluconyl IMP and mixtures thereof.
US07862843B2
A method for treating biological tissue, particularly meats for human consumption, so as to sanitize the tissue, is described. The method inactivates microorganisms and pathogenic prions (proteins) in the tissue.
US07862837B2
The present invention relates to a novel herbal composition comprising extract of leaves of Polyalthia longifolia and method of manufacture of said composition. The present invention relates to a herbal extract selectively comprising a compound 16-hydroxycleroda-3,13(14)-dien-15,16-olide (compound 1), as a bioactive marker and optionally other active(s). The invention also discloses methods of administration of the said herbal composition for the treatment of various inflammatory disorders. Optionally the said extract may be combined with other bioactive substances to obtain a synergistic effect.
US07862835B2
Methods of manufacturing drug-coated medical devices having a porous coatings thereon. The pores are created by solid particle additives added to a mixture comprising a solvent, a drug, and a polymer to create a suspension, which is applied to the medical device. The method includes adding a surfactant to the mixture to prevent or decrease flocculation of the solid particle additives. Another method is provided that includes spraying a suspension on a medical device that comprises solid particle additives, a drug, and a polymer and analyzing the distribution of the solid particle additives in the suspension.
US07862833B2
Opiate containing dosage forms and methods using same are described. These dosage forms include substantially less opiates by weight than known oral formulations. These dosage forms are intended for oral administration across the oral mucosa.
US07862832B2
Fentanyl containing dosage forms and methods using same are described. These dosage forms include substantially less fentanyl by weight than know oral formulation and have advantages in terms of cost and side effects. These dosage forms are intended for oral administration of fentanyl across the oral mucosa.
US07862828B2
Hybrid polypeptides comprising at least two different allergenic proteins or fragments thereof wherein each fragment consists of at least eight consecutive amino acids of the respective allergenic protein are disclosed. The hybrid polypeptides and polynucleotides coding therefor can be used as pharmaceutical compositions, in particular as vaccines.
US07862824B2
The effects of GLP-2 are enhanced using a GLP-1 activity inhibitor. For medical use to treat or inhibit the onset of medical conditions, disorder or diseases for which treatment with GLP-2 is indicated, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical combination comprising a GLP-2 activity enhancer, and a GLP-1 activity inhibitor. The combination is useful particularly to treat gastrointestinal conditions such as small bowel syndrome, mucositis and Crohn's disease, and to suppress appetite, for instance to treat obesity.
US07862820B2
The invention relates to a chimeric monomer-dimer hybrid protein that comprises a first and a second polypeptide chain, the first polypeptide chain comprising at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region and a biologically active molecule, and the second polypeptide chain comprising at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region without the biologically active molecule of the first polypeptide chain. The invention also relates to methods of using and methods of making the chimeric monomer-dimer hybrid protein of the invention.
US07862816B2
In certain embodiments, this present invention provides polypeptide compositions, and methods for inhibiting Ephrin B2 or EphB4 activity. In other embodiments, the present invention provides methods and compositions for treating cancer or for treating angiogenesis-associated diseases.
US07862808B2
The present invention is directed to a novel method for preventing or treating respiratory infections and acute otitis media in infants. The method comprises the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a Bifidobacteria strain and an adherence-promoting probiotic, such as LGG, to the infant.
US07862793B2
Methods by which the growth of a nanostructure may be precisely controlled by an electrical current are described here. In one embodiment, an interior nanostructure is grown to a predetermined geometry inside another nanostructure, which serves as a reaction chamber. The growth is effected by a catalytic agent loaded with feedstock for the interior nanostructure. Another embodiment allows a preexisting marginal quality nanostructure to be zone refined into a higher-quality nanostructure by driving a catalytic agent down a controlled length of the nanostructure with an electric current. In both embodiments, the speed of nanostructure formation is adjustable, and the growth may be stopped and restarted at will. The catalytic agent may be doped or undoped to produce semiconductor effects, and the bead may be removed via acid etching.
US07862785B2
An aqueous sulfuric acid-containing composition which comprises at least one surfactant, and a process for extricating metal from metal-containing materials with the aid of this aqueous sulfuric acid-containing composition are described.
US07862775B2
The present invention provides sensors and methods for determination of an analyte. The analytes may be determined by monitoring, for example, a change in an optical signal of an emissive material upon exposure to an analyte. In some embodiments, the analyte and the emissive material may interact via a chemical reaction, or other chemical, biochemical or biological interaction (e.g., recognition), to form a new emissive species. In some cases, the present invention may be used for the detection of analytes such as explosives (e.g., RDX, PETN). Methods of the present invention may be advantageous in that the high sensitivity of luminescence (e.g., fluorescence) spectroscopy can allow for the reliable detection of small changes in luminescence intensity.
US07862772B2
The present invention relates to a test piece supplying device (1) comprising a container (4) for containing a plurality of test pieces, and also includes a movable body (3) moving relative to the container (4) with the test piece accommodated in a recess (30) so as to take the test piece out of the container (4). The container (4) includes a sweeping portion (41) for interfering with the test pieces, in the container (4), located above the test piece accommodated in the recess (30), when the movable body (3) moves relative to the container (4). When a warped test piece accommodated in the recess (30) is moved relative to the container (4), the interfering portion (41) flattens the test strip to be accommodated in the recess (30) so that the test piece is easily taken out of the container (4).
US07862756B2
A method of making a substantial replica of a first imprint template which bears a first pattern is disclosed. The method includes filling recesses of the first pattern with a first material, removing the first material from the first imprint template to form a second imprint template which bears a second pattern, the second pattern being the substantial inverse of the first pattern, filling recesses of the second pattern with a photo-curable medium, curing the photo-curable medium by illuminating it with radiation, and removing the cured medium from the second imprint template to form a third imprint template which bears a pattern that is a substantial replica of the first pattern.
US07862755B2
An extrusion die for extruding thermoplastic materials to produce a sheet of substantially uniform thickness, the extrusion die having a manifold width that increases from the centerline toward the die exit or lip. The increasing width manifold arms, with the preland portion, provide a constant shear rate at all areas of the die and a constant residence time, so that every fluid particle path through the die has the same residence time. By having the increasing width manifold arms, the preland area of the extrusion die is decreased, usually by about 30%, often about 40-60%, compared to a Winter die, thus decreasing clam-shelling effect and allowing design and extrusion of wider sheets.
US07862746B2
The invention relates to a method of stabilizing natural composites against damage by heat and light by treating the wood derived fillers with a water based solution of a sterically hindered amine, drying the treated wood derived filler and then combining with plastic via compounding methods such as extrusion.
US07862742B2
The present invention relates to compositions for use in refrigeration, air-conditioning, and heat pump systems wherein the composition comprises a fluoroolefin and at least one other component. The compositions of the present invention are useful in processes for producing cooling or heat, as heat transfer fluids, foam blowing agents, aerosol propellants, and fire suppression and fire extinguishing agents.
US07862737B2
Provided is a planarizing method in which a planarization with high flatness can be performed, without being restricted by the distribution of film thickness in the applied resist film. The planarizing method comprises the steps of: forming a resist film on a film to be planarized formed on a substrate; exposing the resist film with the amounts of exposure light in respective sections into which an area in which the film to be planarized is formed is divided, the amounts of exposure light being determined so as to realize film thicknesses to be left for planarization of the resist film in the respective sections; developing the exposed resist film, to form a resist film pattern with a controlled distribution of film thickness; and etching the resist film pattern and the film to be planarized, until eliminating the thickness amounts to be eliminated of the film to be planarized.
US07862736B2
Method of cleaning a plasma etching apparatus capable of suppressing variation in line width among wafers in a single lot, and improving throughput in the cleaning process, includes steps of supplying a cleaning gas into a chamber of a plasma etching apparatus; igniting a plasma of the cleaning gas in the chamber; and allowing plasma cleaning to proceed in the chamber, by bringing the cleaning gas in plasma form into contact with a deposit adhered on the inner wall of the chamber so as to etch off the deposit, wherein in the step of plasma cleaning in the chamber, intensity of plasma emission ascribable to the deposit adhered on the inner wall of the chamber is detected in a time-dependent manner, and the plasma cleaning in the chamber is terminated based on changes in the intensity of the plasma emission.
US07862733B2
The present invention provides a probe manufacturing method in which, after a metal material for a probe is deposited on a base table, the probe can be detached from the base table relatively easily. A sacrificial layer is formed on a base table. The sacrificial layer is partially removed so as to form a recess in the sacrificial layer. A mask that exposes an area formed in a desired probe flat surface shape containing the recess is formed on the sacrificial layer. A probe material exhibiting different etching resistance characteristics from those of the sacrificial layer is deposited in the area exposed from the mask. By the deposition of the material, a coupling portion corresponding to the recess and a probe that is integral with the coupling portion are formed. After the mask is removed, the sacrificial layer is removed with use of etchant. Thereafter, the probe held on the base table at the coupling portion is detached from the base table together with the coupling portion.
US07862727B2
A method and composition for processing natural water such as seawater, brackish, and estuarine water wherein the water is concentrated with or without heating comprising adding to the water (I) a water-soluble polymeric phosphonate and (II) a water-soluble polycarboxylate to control scale formation and deposition. Optionally a water -soluble poly[isopropenylphosphonic acid] can also be utilized as component (I) without the addition of component (II).
US07862725B2
A method for removing mercury from a fluid stream includes the steps of providing a porous composite material comprising a substrate and a plurality of catalyst and/or photocatalyst particles, and contacting substrate with a fluid stream. The porous composite material adsorbs and/or then oxidizes or reduces metallic species including elemental mercury. A fossil fuel fired power plant can include an emission control device comprising the porous composite material to filter flue gas to and thereby minimize mercury emissions into the environment.
US07862721B2
A process for the decontamination of an effluent containing one or more dissolved metals is provided. The process includes producing hydrogen sulphide in an aqueous medium by culturing alkaliphilic sulphate-reducing or thio-sulphate reducing bacteria in the presence of an organic compound serving as an electron donor and in the presence of a sulphurous compound serving as an electron acceptor. The effluent is contacted with the hydrogen sulphide and the dissolved metals are reduced and/or precipitated in the form of metal sulphides.
US07862720B2
A portable filter and filter system. The filter has a filter housing defining a liquid channel from an inlet to an outlet. The portable filter includes a liquid filter located in the filter housing, a mouthpiece mechanically associated with the dispensing end of the filter housing, and a liquid receiving means connected to the receiving end of the filter housing. The device can include a pre-filter assembly of which the liquid receiving means is a part. The liquid receiving means can include multiple connection members to receive liquid from a variety of liquid sources. The filter can be combined with a liquid container to form a portable filter system. The container can be a flexible bladder having a strap to connect the filtration device to the bladder.
US07862706B2
A method of recovering hydrocarbons from water-containing hydrocarbonaceous materials can include forming a constructed permeability control infrastructure. This constructed infrastructure defines a substantially encapsulated volume. A mined or separately collected water-containing hydrocarbonaceous material can be introduced into the control infrastructure to form a permeable body of hydrocarbonaceous material. The permeable body can be heated sufficient to initially remove water therefrom as a water vapor. The water vapor can be removed from the infrastructure via an outlet which can be controlled or shut off when the permeable body is sufficiently dewatered. The dewatered permeable body can be heated sufficient to remove hydrocarbons therefrom. During heating the hydrocarbonaceous material is substantially stationary as the constructed infrastructure is a fixed structure. Removed hydrocarbons can be collected for further processing, use in the process, and/or use as recovered.
US07862702B2
Methods and apparatus for preparing a smear for cytopathology or other analysis. In a representative embodiment, cells of a sample are subjected to a dielectrophoretic force to segregate the cells into two or more zones of a surface. The particles are attached to the surface, thereby defining a “segregated smear.” The segregated smear is then fixed and stained for cytopathology analysis.
US07862701B2
An electro-dipcoating apparatus is described in which, in conventional manner, a work-piece to be lacquered is dipped into a lacquer bath, moved through the latter, and lifted out again in a continuous process. Along the path of motion of the work-piece in the lacquer bath there are arranged electrodes which are connected to a first pole of at least one voltage source. Several contact rails extend parallel to one another without electrical interruption along the entire path of motion of the work-piece leading through the lacquer bath and are each connected to the second pole of varying voltage sources. To each work-piece a contact device is assigned which can be brought into communication with a respective one of the several contact rails and in this way applies the potential of the second pole of the corresponding voltage source to the work-piece. In this way, cuts in the contact rails are avoided that would result in wear of the contact devices and in increased control effort.
US07862689B2
Information (particularly, water content) of a sheet material which changes during progression of processing is estimated with higher accuracy and information output or (image formation) processing is performed. The water content estimation method of the present invention includes: detecting a first information regarding moisture contained in a sheet material; detecting a second information regarding a factor affecting information regarding the moisture contained in the sheet material; predicatively computing an estimation of a water content of the sheet material based on the first information and the second information; and adjusting processing conditions for image formation based on the estimation of the water content which is computed.
US07862687B2
A process useful for producing low density high mineral wool based acoustical panels with improved acoustical absorption properties using a water felting process is disclosed. The process includes forming a dilute slurry mixture including water, mineral wool, a thermoplastic binder and/or starch; and distributing the dilute slurry on a porous carrier to have the slurry dewatered to a base mat by gravity drainage to remove water by gravity. A vacuum is adjusted to gradually apply vacuum to the gravity dewatered base mat to further dewater the base mat without subjecting the mat to static pressure that would compress the base mat. The base mat is dried to form an acoustical ceiling product that has a low density and excellent acoustical absorption properties.
US07862686B2
Tissues are provided as multi-ply tissue products having greater tactile sensation and resiliency in hand. Improved tissues may have a thickened and reduced density middle layer. The tissues may serve as applicators for chemical agents to be released during use of the tissue. A tissue having an improved tactile impression to the consumer, with enhanced resilience and high external bulk is disclosed. In one embodiment, a multi-ply structure having at least three plies is desirable. A middle or intermediate ply is comprised an increased thickness and a greater bulk is employed. In general, the exterior plies of the tissue are smooth and desirable to the consumer.
US07862685B2
The present invention provides methods for deinking printed waste paper—particularly methods that use a deinking composition that includes a hydrophobically-modified inorganic particle (“MIP”) to improve ink collection efficiency under traditional alkaline, reduced alkali, and true neutral deinking conditions. Deinking compositions are provided that include a hydrophobically-MIP substrate, a nonionic surfactant, and a fatty acid, or mixtures thereof. The improved ink collection of the present invention can result in deinked pulp of high quality and/or yields that has excellent brightness and effective residual ink concentrations (“ERIC”) values.
US07862676B2
A rear end portion of a leading TAC film and a front end portion of a following TAC film are connected using a double-sided adhesive tape and a single-sided adhesive tape. A laser welding device emits a welding laser beam along a welding line onto the films. Owing to the welding laser beam, the leading and following TAC films are welded along the welding line. The laser welding device emits a cutout laser beam along a cutout line onto the films. Owing to the cutout laser beam, a part of the leading and following TAC films surrounded by the cutout line is cut out. The cut out part has the single-sided adhesive tape attached. Since the tape cannot be recycled, the cut out part is absorbed by an absorbing device and disposed.
US07862674B2
In a forming method for forming an assembly of a bead core and an apex rubber, there is used a rotating body which comprises a rotating base substance having an assembly forming surface, and a core receiving portion projecting from the rotating base substance in the axially outward direction of the rotating base substance. The core receiving portion projecting has a receiving surface supporting the radially inner peripheral surface of the bead core.The apex rubber is formed by winding an unvulcanized rubber strip along the assembly forming surface from a starting position constituted by the radially outer peripheral surface of the bead core supported on the receiving surface so as to laminate in a tapered cross sectional shape.
US07862670B2
A process for the manufacture of a decorative board, which board includes at least one thermosetting resin impregnated paper layer. A decor paper in the form of a web or a sheet, provided with a plurality of decor sections, each decor section being intended to constitute a decor of a decorative panels, is placed as a surface layer on a base layer and bonded thereto by pressing under elevated pressure. A plurality of press plates or press foils, each press plate or press foil being provided with a surface structure intended to match at least one decor section of the decor paper, are accurately positioned on top of the thermosetting impregnated paper layer before the pressing and is after the pressing separated from the laminate achieved. The laminate will hereby be provided with a decor surface with a matching surface structure which is in register with the decor of the decor paper.
US07862668B1
A gun propellant formulation comprising: a nitrocellulose component comprising from about sixty-five percent (65.0%) to about ninety-five (95.0%) of the gun propellant by weight, having a nitrogen proportion of substantially twelve and six-tenths percent (12.6%) nitrogen; an energetic plasticizer component comprising from about 5.0 percent (5.0%) to about 35 percent (35.0%) of the gun propellant by weight, and comprising N-Butyl-2Nitratoethyl Nitramine (BuNena); a burning rate moderator and stabilizer component comprising from about one-half of one percent (0.5%) to about five percent (5.0%) of the gun propellant by weight, and comprising Sym-Diethyl Diphenyl Urea, N,N′-Diethyl Carbanilide (Ethyl Centralite, Centralite I); and a stabilizer component comprising about one-half of one percent (0.5%) to about five percent (5.0) of the gun propellant by weight, and comprising Acetyl triethyl citrate (ATEC). Additional components comprising less than 5% of the gun propellant may optionally include Graphite, carbon black, and candelilla wax.
US07862666B2
A highly corrosion resistant high strength stainless steel pipe for linepipe, having a composition containing about 0.001 to about 0.015% C, about 0.01 to about 0.5% Si, about 0.1 to about 1.8% Mn, about 0.03% or less P, about 0.005% or less S, about 15 to about 18% Cr, about 0.5% or more and less than about 5.5% Ni, about 0.5 to about 3.5% Mo, about 0.02 to about 0.2% V, about 0.001 to about 0.015% N, and about 0.006% or less O, by mass, so as to satisfy (Cr+0.65 Ni +0.6Mo+0.55Cu−20C≧18.5), (Cr+Mo+0.3Si−43.5C−0.4Mn−Ni−0.3Cu−9 N≧11.5) and (C+N≦0.025). Preferably quenching and tempering treatment is applied to the pipe. The composition may further contain about 0.002 to about 0.05% Al, and may further contain one or more of Nb, Ti, Zr, B, and W, and/or Cu and Ca. The microstructure preferably contains martensite, ferrite, and residual γ.
US07862664B2
A dishwasher is disclosed which includes a washing cabinet, a frame disposed within the washing cabinet, and a basket, which is placed on the frame, and whose height is adjustable by a back and forth movement. With this construction, there is no need to lift the basket, rotate it 90°, and reposition the basket to adjust a height of the basket. Rather, it is possible to adjust the height of the basket by a simple operation of pulling the basket forward or pushing it rearward.
US07862659B2
The present invention relates to a semiconductor manufacturing device that a maintenance or a repairing is easy so that an efficiency of manufacturing can be enhanced because a high temperature of a susceptor can be rapidly down. The present invention relates to a semiconductor manufacturing device that an efficiency of manufacturing can be enhanced because a heater for heating the semiconductor is heated by an external heating device.
US07862655B2
Subterranean cementing methods and compositions comprising oil suspensions of water soluble polymers
Of the many methods and compositions provided herein, one method comprises providing a cement composition, wherein the cement composition comprises a cementitious component and an additive comprising a polymer, a phosphorus component, a polyvalent metal ion, an oil-based liquid, and a surfactant; introducing the cement composition into at least a portion of the subterranean formation; and allowing the cement composition to at least partially set therein. Another method provided herein comprises providing a cement composition that comprises a cementitious component and an additive comprising a polymer, a phosphorus component, a polyvalent metal ion, an oil-based liquid, and a surfactant; introducing the cement composition into a void located in a pipe string; and allowing the cement composition to at least partially set therein. A cement composition provided herein comprises a cementitious component; and an additive comprising a polymer; a phosphorus component; a polyvalent metal ion; and an oil-based liquid; and a surfactant.
US07862654B2
A fluoride coating film formed with a fluoride-containing solution wherein a rare earth fluoride or an alkaline earth metal fluoride, in particular, fluoride of Pr, Nd, Dy, Tb and Ho, is swollen in a solvent comprising a major amount of an alcohol, and the solution is a colloidal solution in which the rare earth fluoride or the alkaline earth metal fluoride is dispersed homogeneously in the solvent comprising a major amount of an alcohol improves magnetic properties of NdFeB rare earth magnets including not only sintered magnets but also bonded magnets.
US07862641B2
A highly porous substrate is provided using an extrusion system. More particularly, the present invention enables the production of a highly porous substrate. Depending on the particular mixture, the present invention enables substrate porosities of about 60% to about 90%, and enables advantages at other porosities, as well. The extrusion system enables the use of a wide variety of fibers and additives, and is adaptable to a wide variety of operating environments and applications. Fibers, which have an aspect ratio greater than 1, are selected according to substrate requirements, and are typically mixed with binders, pore-formers, extrusion aids, and fluid to form a homogeneous extrudable mass. The homogeneous mass is extruded into a green substrate. The more volatile material is preferentially removed from the green substrate, which allows the fibers to form interconnected networks. As the curing process continues, fiber to fiber bonds are formed to produce a structure having a substantially open pore network. The resulting porous substrate is useful in many applications, for example, as a substrate for a filter or catalyst host, or catalytic converter.
US07862640B2
A system for treating diesel exhaust is disclosed. The system includes a first filter including layers of filtration material positioned between layers of corrugated metallic foil. The metallic foil defines a honeycomb arrangement of longitudinal passageways from an upstream end to a downstream end and also openings for allowing exhaust to pass between adjacent longitudinal passageways of the metallic foil. The filtration material is positioned such that exhaust between the adjacent longitudinal passageways passes through the filtration material. The metallic foil also includes flow diverting structures to divert flow within the longitudinal passageways through the openings. A second filter is positioned downstream from the first filter. The second filter defines a honeycomb arrangement of longitudinal passageways. The longitudinal passages are selectively plugged adjacent upstream and downstream ends to force flow radially through walls between the longitudinal passages of the second filter.
US07862629B2
Aviation gasolines having an enhanced peak indicated mean effective pressure are provided by admixing with a leaded base aviation gasoline an aromatic amine of the formula NH2—Ar—(R1)n wherein R1 is selected from C1-C10 alkyl, halogen, and mixtures thereof provided that when R1 is alkyl it occupies the meta- or para-positions on the aromatic ring, Ar is a phenyl aromatic group and n is an integer from 0 to 3 to provide an aviation gasoline having a peak indicated mean effective pressure as determined by ASTM D-909 of greater than about 200 psi.
US07862627B2
A method of fabricating a battery comprises selecting a battery substrate having cleavage planes, and cutting the battery substrate with pulsed laser bursts from a pulsed laser beam to control or limit fracture along the cleavage planes. The pulsed laser beam was also found to work well on thin substrates which are sized less than 100 microns. Before or after the cutting step, a plurality of battery component films can be deposited on the battery substrate. The battery component films include at least a pair of electrodes about an electrolyte which cooperate to form a battery.
US07862612B2
A method and apparatus for reconstructing a ligament using a graft ligament support block which comprises a body, and a graft hole and a transverse fixation pin hole extending through the body, with both the graft hole and the fixation pin hole preferably extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body. A graft ligament is looped through the graft hole, and the support block is advanced into the bone tunnel, with the two free ends of the looped graft ligament extending back out the bone tunnel. Next, a transverse tunnel is formed in the host bone, with the transverse tunnel being aligned with the fixation pin hole. Then the support block is secured in place by pinning the support block within the tunnel, i.e., by advancing a fixation pin along the transverse tunnel in the host bone and into the fixation pin hole in the support block.
US07862609B2
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a stent graft for insertion into a body vessel of a patient, the stent graft includes a hollow substantially cylindrical radially expandable stent having a body, two open ends and a longitudinal axis therebetween. The body of the stent is made from a plurality of interconnected struts. The stent graft further includes a graft member attached to the body of the stent, wherein the graft member having a plurality of substantially longitudinally directed pleats disposed thereon. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the graft further includes a plurality of radially oriented pleat interruptions disposed thereon.
US07862608B2
The present invention is directed to an implantable vascular prosthesis configured for use in a wide range of applications, such as treating aneurysms, maintaining patency in a vessel, and allowing for the controlled delivery of therapeutic agents to a vessel wall. The prosthesis comprises one or more helical sections coupled to one or more anchoring sections having a generally zig-zag or cell-like configuration. The prosthesis is configured to conform to a vessel wall without substantially remodeling the vessel, and further is configured to be precisely deployed in a vessel without shifting or foreshortening during deployment.
US07862599B2
A convective warming device including a clinical garment and at least one inflatable convective apparatus supported on an inside surface of the garment is provided with a drape. When the convective warming device is used to warm a person, the drape is deployed over skin of the person not covered by the clinical garment. The drape protects the covered skin from thermal injury by an air hose used to conduct heated pressurized air to the inflatable convective apparatus.
US07862598B2
The present disclosure relates to dressings, such as patches and bandages, and other devices and systems that deliver nitric oxide.
US07862596B2
The invention relates to an osteosynthesis implant (1) that preferably consists of a bioresorbable plastic material. The inventive implant receives the longitudinal fixation elements (10) to be anchored in the bone, especially in the form of wires, nails, pins or screws. The openings destined to receive the fixation elements (10) do not completely extend through the implant (1) like in conventional bone plates or intramedullary nails but are degenerated to indents (2) in the surface of the implant (1) so that they may serve as a guide for the fixation elements (10) to be guided through the implant (1). The inventive implant (1) allows insertion of the fixation elements (10) in the bone diverging angles and crossing one another, so that the fixation elements (10) extending intramedullarly or in the spongiosa are primarily prevented from migrating in a proximal or distal direction.
US07862595B2
The present invention relates to methods and instruments for placing a brace or connecting element into an animal subject for engagement with anchors secured in the animal subject. The installation instrument includes anchor extensions coupled to the anchors. The instrument is movable with respect to the anchors to position the connecting element in a position more proximate the anchors.
US07862589B2
Facet replacement device is provided. The facet replacement device comprises a superior seating device coupled to a superior vertebral body and an inferior seating device coupled to an inferior vertebral body. The seating devices provide a joint to replace the facet. Another device comprises a superior vertebral body anchor with a first extension terminating in a joint connection, such as, a socket. An inferior vertebral body anchor has a second extension terminating in a corresponding joint connection, such as, a ball.
US07862588B2
The disclosed screw assemblies include a screw that attaches onto the bone, a housing member that connects and inter-locks the bone screw to the rod, and one or more locking members that permit immobilization of various components of the assembly relative to one another while still permitting some relative movement. The bone screws and bone screw assemblies described herein permit flexible stabilization of the spine.
US07862587B2
A hinged bone screw and tool set is used for implanting such bone screws in a human spine, followed by the implantation of a longitudinal connecting member into the bone screws. The hinged bone screw includes a shank with an upper portion and a receiver with integral arms forming a U-shaped channel. A lower curved seat partially defining the U-shaped channel cooperates with an upper portion of the bone screw shank for hinged movement of the shank with respect to the receiver. The tool set includes an insertion tool, a bone screw driver, a reduction tool and a closure starter. The insertion tool includes a bone screw attachment structure and a laterally opening channel. The insertion tool further includes a threaded portion for cooperation with the reduction tool to provide synchronized placement of a closure structure in the bone screw receiver while reducing and capturing a longitudinal connecting member within the receiver. Further alternative bone screws are hinged, polyaxial or fixed and include lordosing or kyphosing lateral surfaces.
US07862569B2
Systems, procedures and tools for repairing, or reinforcing the spinous process. The systems and procedures provide for injecting bone cement into and optionally around the spinous process. Additional reinforcing elements may be embedded in the bone cement inside or outside the spinous process. The procedures include positioning of the guide and reinforcing elements relative to a spinous process, preparation of the spinous process for injection and injection of bone cement into the spinous process. Tools are provided to facilitate the accurate injection of bone cement. The systems and procedures increase the strength of the spinous process and enhance the applicability and outcome of spinal interventions.
US07862562B2
Apparatus, systems and methods for forming lesions in target tissue and positioning an insulation element adjacent to non-target tissue.
US07862556B2
A surgical system that ablates soft tissue. The system may include a fiber laser oscillator as the gain medium that emits electromagnetic radiation. The system may process the electromagnetic radiation, and direct the electromagnetic radiation on to the soft tissue to be ablated. Due at least in part to the nature of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the fiber laser oscillator, the system may provide various enhancements, such as a higher power conversion efficiency, a longer lifetime, less heat dissipation, a more compact design, and/or other enhancements, for example. The system may also generate electromagnetic radiation with a relatively high beam quality. This may reduce beam divergence and beam spot size on targeted soft tissue, thereby enhancing power density in the electromagnetic radiation guided to the soft tissue. This enhanced power density may facilitate effective ablation.
US07862553B2
A medical device includes a tube end to which a tip having a medical tool is attached. The tip includes a tip housing and a lock tab, as well as a yoke. The tube end includes an outer tube and an inner shaft, in which the inner shaft engages the yoke and the outer tube engages the tip housing. The lock tab fits into a recess in the outer tube to prevent twisting of the tip when engaged with the tube end, and the yoke includes a locking ring to which a spring protrudes, to fixedly and detachably connect the tip to the tube end.
US07862551B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for treating damaged tissue using apparatus that atraumatically delivers a bioactive agent within the tissue, wherein the apparatus provides a column of stem cells may be advanced simultaneously with a needle during needle insertion, and then held stationary or injected at low pressure while retracting the needle. Alternatively, the needle may employ electromotive forces, or to change a dimension of the needle, to expel the bioactive agent into the needle track.
US07862548B2
A nasal irrigation device includes a container for storing nasal cleansing fluid, a spout having a connecting end, a nose engaging end and a spout passage, the connecting end of the spout being removably coupled to the container to allow the spout passage to receive nasal cleansing fluid from an opening of the container, the spout having a curved portion for directing nasal cleansing fluid toward a nasal passageway of a user when the container is clear of a nasal discharge path, the spout passage being continually open and unobstructed. The container is partially collapsible to force nasal cleansing fluid through the spout passage and into the nasal passageway.
US07862544B2
A drive arrangement for an injection device, including a first stage, a second stage and a drive for shifting the stages, wherein the drive acts on one of the stages to shift said one of the stages first and wherein the stage which is first shifted encounters a higher resistance than does the other stage, such that the other stage is shifted.
US07862541B2
The present invention relates to a catheter having a soft distal tip that can be manufactured at lower cost than catheters in the prior art. In one embodiment, the catheter is produced by coupling a soft sleeve to the distal end of a catheter tube. The sleeve may affixed to the catheter tube under temperature and pressure conditions that cause the proximal end of the sleeve to taper against the outer surface of the catheter tube, avoiding or minimizing discontinuities in the insertion profile of the catheter, and that also cause the inner wall of the sleeve to taper against the distal end of the catheter tube, avoiding or minimizing discontinuities in the lumen of the catheter.
US07862539B2
The present invention provides a method for safely infusing a toxic fluid into a patient comprising the steps of drawing toxic fluid from a toxic fluid container into a withdrawing syringe, disconnecting a safety set from the toxic fluid container at a junction of a first male locking connector and ar interlocking slide, pushing the interlocking slide into a needle shroud assembly such that a sharpened distal tip of the needle is positioned within a resilient septum carried by the interlocking slide, connecting a second male locking connector to the interlocking slide, connecting the second male locking connector to a connect set, dispensing the toxic fluid from the syringe into the infusion bag, withdrawing the needle to position its sharpened distal tip within the resilient septum, attaching the connect set to the cyto admin set and infusing the toxic fluid into the patient.
US07862535B2
A process for verifying that at least one component of a flow control apparatus is functioning within a predetermined operational range comprises loading a re-certification feeding set to a flow control apparatus and sensing that the re-certification feeding set has been loaded. Software comprising a re-certification procedure verifies at least one component of the flow control apparatus is functioning within a predetermined operational range.
US07862525B2
An automated massage device for biomechanical rehabilitation massage for use on CP patients comprises at least one inflatable bladder with inflation means adapted to provide compressive forces against the body to stimulate smooth muscles in a controlled manner. The device includes a programmable controller that is able to receive instructions on a dynamic prescriptive basis from a professional therapist and then relay these instructions to a care-giver in a home situation. The instructions include the placement of the bladder, the duration of the massage and the sequence of body locations to receive massage therapy. Once the bladder is placed in the required position against the body the device will execute the prescribed massage therapy for that location and then cue the care-giver to move the bladder to the next body location in the prescribed sequence. The prescription is time limited and once expired renders the device inoperable to prevent over application of the massage therapy.
US07862520B2
A sampling module includes a housing and a penetrating member positioned in the housing. An attachment device is coupled to the housing. The attachment device is tiltably attached to a tissue interface that permits the tissue interface surface to tilt. The tissue interface includes an opening for the penetrating member to pass there through.
US07862500B2
This invention is directed to a system and method for partitioning a patient's heart chamber into a productive portion and a non-productive portion which are particularly suitable for treating patients with congestive heart failure. The partitioning system has a plurality of partitioning devices with reinforced, expandable membranes which separate the productive and non-productive portions of the heart chamber. When deployed within the patient's heart chamber, the second partitioning device is off-set from the deployed first partitioning device to cover a region of the wall defining the patient's heart chamber which is not covered by the first partitioning device. The multiple partitioning devices may be independent from each other or may be interconnected, e.g. a tether or strand.
US07862495B2
A radiation delivery source, such as a stent, and method for making radioactive a delivery source are disclosed. A drug delivery source and method for making a drug delivery region on the drug delivery source are also disclosed.
US07862493B2
A screw centrifuge for the continuous separation of flowable substances of different densities includes a rotor drum having discharge openings for the heavy phase that are arranged in a conical portion of the rotor wall, and weir openings for the light phase that are provided on an end wall of the rotor drum. A conveyor screw is rotatable inside the rotor drum and has a screw blade mounted on a hollow shaft for transporting the heavy phase to the discharge openings. A mixture inflow tube is arranged coaxially inside the hollow shaft and leads to a feed chamber in the hollow shaft that is in flow communication with the screw blade. An air extraction member is provided before the feed chamber and generates, in the annular space enclosing the inflow tube, a suction flow co-directional with the delivery direction in the inflow tube.
US07862482B1
The adjustable elliptical trainer has a base, a transmitting wheel, two link assemblies and two pedals. The base has a wheel frame mounted on the base and having a fulcrum shaft on a top end of the wheel frame. The transmitting wheel is mounted rotatably on the wheel frame and has a transmitting shaft and two transmitting levers. The transmitting levers are respectively mounted radially on the transmitting shaft and extend in two opposite directions. The link assemblies are respectively set on two sides of the base, and each has multiple levers and an adjusting element. The levers are mounted pivotally on the fulcrum shaft and the transmitting lever to rotate the transmitting wheel. The adjusting element is mounted on the levers and is adjusted to change an orbit of the elliptical trainer. The pedals are respectively mounted on the link assemblies.
US07862473B2
An ECU executes a program including outputting, when the oil temperature THO of ATF
US07862471B2
A solenoid control system for implementation with an electronic range selection (ETRS) system that shifts a transmission range between a park position and an out-of-park position. A first solenoid assembly is operable to control a fluid valve to supply pressurized fluid to urge a valve spool toward a first position. A second solenoid assembly is operable to control a fluid valve to supply pressurized fluid to urge said valve spool toward a second position. A control module selectively energizes one of the first and second solenoids based on a transmission fluid temperature.
US07862459B2
To prevent engine speed from increasing during low-speed operation, a transmission includes a change-gear mechanism, a centrifugal clutch, a control unit and a secondary sheave rotation sensor. The change-gear mechanism has an input shaft, an output shaft and an actuator for changing a change-gear ratio between the input and output shafts. The centrifugal clutch is connected to the output shaft. The control unit controls the actuator. The secondary sheave rotation sensor detects and outputs a rotational speed of the output shaft to the control unit. The control unit controls the actuator based on a target change-gear ratio obtained by dividing a target rotational speed of the input shaft by the rotational speed of the output shaft.
US07862456B2
A composite hockey stick having a tubular hollow rectangular shaft and a blade is disclosed. The shaft comprises an inner layer and an outer layer, each of the inner and outer layers are formed of uni-directional substantially continuous fibers disposed in a hardened resin matrix and wrapped and molded around a middle elastomer layer. A new manufacturing method is also disclosed in which a cured hollow tubular composite hockey stick shaft is inserted between the front and back faces of an un-cured composite hockey stick blade and the blade is then cured in a mold around the hockey stick shaft to form a unitary composite hockey stick.
US07862444B2
In general, this disclosure relates to a golf swing training device, comprises three interoperating portions, the first portion of the device being an active area, the second being a collapsible frame, and the third being a golf club-like device and carriage. The collapsible base frame allows the active area to be repositioned from a fully upright orientation, to a partially lowered orientation, and continue to a significantly lowered orientation, to a fully lowered (collapsed) orientation. In the fully lowered orientation, the device has a much smaller profile and can therefore be more easily transported and stored.
US07862443B2
A golf putter with a novel offset and shaft-attachment design is disclosed and claimed. The club includes a head having a strike surface, a sole, and a top line. A tube is coupled to the head, a coupling member is coupled to the distal end of the tube, and a shaft is also coupled to the coupling member. The coupling member connects the tube and the shaft such that they are relatively offset. The longitudinal axes of the tube and the shaft may be substantially parallel, or the coupling member may be adjustable such that the longitudinal axes are not parallel. An alignment indicia is provided on the club head. The tube is coupled to the head at an angle such that it blocks the indicia from a user's view at address when the head is aligned properly. If the club head is not properly aligned, the golfer will be able to see the indicia and therefore know to adjust the club head before putting. Thus, putter disclosed and claimed herein provides both offset and a putting alignment aide.
US07862439B2
Unpleasant vibration and muffled sound are restrained. A constant velocity universal joint includes an outer joint part having a plurality of track grooves formed on its cylindrical inner circumferential surface and extending in an axial direction, an inner joint part having a plurality of track grooves formed on its spherical outer circumferential surface and extending in the axial direction, six torque transmitting balls, each being put in a ball track formed by a pair of the track groove of the outer joint part and the track groove of the inner joint part, and a cage having pockets for retaining the torque transmitting balls. The center of curvatures of the spherical outer circumferential surface and the center of the spherical inner circumferential surface of the cage are offset by the same distance in the opposite directions along the axis about the center of the joint. A circumferential arrangement of the ball tracks is made with a uniform pitch, and a circumferential arrangement of the pockets of the cage is made with a random and non-uniform pitch of 55° or more.
US07862437B2
A damper assembly for absorbing and attenuating torsionals and vibrations transmitted from an engine to a transmission is provided. The damper assembly includes a damper flange with a plurality of spring-mass damper systems operatively attached thereto and elongated circumferentially about its outer periphery. Each spring-mass damper systems include an inner spring nestably positioned inside an outer spring, a first spring retainer having a base portion defining a first interface surface with a first pilot portion extending therefrom to define a second interface surface with a second pilot portion extending therefrom, and a second spring retainer having a base portion defining an interface surface with a pilot portion extending therefrom to define a fourth interface surface. The first and third pilot portions engage with and thereby restrict axial and radial movement of the outer spring. The second pilot portion is attached to the inner spring thereby restricting relative movement therebetween.
US07862435B1
A gaming machine having a multi-tiered power supply and power distribution system which enables maintenance of low security and higher failure rate components such as video monitors, LCDs, or reel mechanisms without disconnecting power from higher security, low failure rate components such as the main processor board. The ability to provide multi-tiered power in this manner allows low security risk items to be serviced while the gaming machine is still in contact with the casino's backend reporting system, reporting on its status. This improves security, accountability of maintenance personnel, and significantly reduces overall gaming machine down time.
US07862432B2
Methods and systems are described for providing a multi-player game system using standard consumer electronics equipment. For example, a system for playing multi-player games on a DVD player and other standard consumer electronics equipment receives commands from player remote controls in response to prompts from a game being played on the DVD player and other standard consumer electronics equipment. An electronic control mechanism determines which of the player remote controls first responds to the prompt. If necessary, the electronic control mechanism translates commands from the remote controls to commands compatible with and understandable by the DVD player and other standard consumer electronics equipment. A transmitter then sends the commands to the DVD player and other standard consumer electronics equipment. Based on those commands, the game proceeds until completed.
US07862418B2
A gaming system and related methods comprising a gaming device and a voucher mechanism in communication with the gaming device. The voucher mechanism is configured to present various types of vouchers to the player depending on a game outcome. The types of vouchers include, without limitation, a jackpot voucher, a merchandise voucher, a free play voucher, a mystery voucher, a competition entry voucher, and a restricted machine play voucher.
US07862404B2
A micro-concave portion machining method is provided for forming micro-concave portions on an inner circumferential surface of a cylindrical bore form in a workpiece. The micro-concave portion machining method includes performing mirror surface machining and subsequent plastic working on the inner circumferential surface. The plastic working on the inner circumferential surface forms a plurality of recesses with each of the recesses including a micro-concave portion.
US07862397B1
A toy or game apparatus that includes a base in the shape of a cupcake, a simulated flame structure movable between an exposed-to-view position and a hidden-to-view position within a simulated candle structure, a support structure mounted to the base with a top edge in contact with a bottom edge of the flame structure to support the flame structure in the exposed position, a reset structure having a slanted top surface to enable the flame structure to move to the support structure and have the top edge of the support structure engage the bottom edge of the flame structure, the candle structure being depressible for moving the support structure relative to the reset structure, and a spring for raising the flame structure and the support structure so that the flame structure is again exposed, is disclosed and described.
US07862386B2
A power supply cord set includes a power connector and a power cord. The power connector includes an insulating body, a first conducting element and a second conducting element. The second conducting element includes a first conducting part having a first connecting segment and a second connecting segment. The power cord includes a first multi-core wire and a second multi-core wire, which are covered by the external insulating cover layer. The internal insulating cover layer is partially extended out of a distal aperture of the external insulating cover layer. The bare wire portion of the first multi-core wire is fixed on the first conducting element of the power connector. The bare wire portion of the second multi-core wire is fixed on the first connecting segment of the second conducting element. A terminal part of the internal insulating cover layer is fixed by the second connecting segment.
US07862376B2
A compliant pin is configured to be press-fit into a cavity of at least one of a connector assembly and a substrate to retain the pin in the cavity. The pin includes a neck, a plurality of compliant beams, and an insertion tip. The neck interconnects the pin with the connector assembly. The beams are configured to engage an inner surface of the cavity to retain the pin in the cavity. The beams are arranged side-to-side and project along a longitudinal plane in a loading direction. The beams have arcuate portions that are arched in different directions transverse to the longitudinal plane. The arcuate portions are shaped to deflect toward the longitudinal plane without substantially engaging one another. The insertion tip interconnects the ends of the beams.
US07862375B2
The roll-up heating (1) for a floor, or wall, comprises an insulating layer (10), a heating element (11) and a cladding (12). The insulating layer (10) is intended for laying on a floor (2) and the heating element (11) extends between the cladding (12) and the insulating layer (10). The cladding (12) is intended to support a floor covering and comprises a force distribution layer (13) for transmitting a force which is exerted on the cladding (12) in a distributed manner to the insulating layer (10). In as far as (a part of) the heating element (11) is at the location or in the vicinity of the exerted force, the load which will be exerted on it will be lower than the original load, due to the force being transmitted in a distributed manner. This lowers the risk of the heating element (11) being damaged.
US07862373B2
An electrical connector has a flexible boot to create a flexible, sealed interface. A connector body has a plurality of pin receivers positioned within a tubular sleeve. The flexible boot is received in the connector body and includes a tubular body of elastically flexible material. The tubular body has a body diameter dimensionally controlled to provide an interference fit when received in the tubular sleeve. A boot flexible sleeve is positioned outward of the tubular body. A boot joining wall homogenously joins the tubular body to the flexible sleeve. A flange extends from a free end of the flexible sleeve defining a circular ring oriented transverse to and encircling the flexible sleeve. A boot ring fixes the flange to a panel. The connector body is thereafter elastically displaceable with respect to the panel when the tubular body deflects with respect to the flexible sleeve and the flange.
US07862365B2
A block-out cover is installed in a jack module to prevent entry of undesirable objects. The block-out cover includes at least one window and at least one locking arm. The locking arm secures the cover to the jack module. The window receives a removal tool designed to remove the cover from the jack module. The removal tool includes a body, a lever secured to the body to engage the cover and a prong with a cam surface. The cam surface of the prong deflects the cover from locking engagement with the jack module allowing the removal tool to remove the block-out cover.
US07862364B2
An electrical connector includes a base defining at least a passageway extending from an upper surface of the base to a bottom surface of the base. An electrical contact is inserted into the passageway from the bottom surface and includes a retention portion engaging with an inner wall of the passageway. A lead-in chamfer is formed on an edge of the retention portion and toward the inner wall such that the lead-in chamfer is offset away an edge of the inner wall of the passageway and the contact is inserted by guiding of the chamfer.
US07862359B2
Electrical connectors and contacts for transmitting power are provided. One power contact embodiment includes a first plate that defines a first non-deflecting beam and a first deflectable beam, and a second plate that defines a second non-deflecting beam and a second deflectable beam. The first and second plates are positioned beside one another to form the power contact.
US07862356B1
An electrical busway system includes a joint assembly having a joint housing with an upper plate and a lower plate. The lower plate has a nut-receiving hole. A top mounted bolt secures a plurality of electrical conductors to the joint housing, the conductors being mounted between the upper plate and the lower plate. A nut is connected to a threaded end of the bolt, the nut having a main body positioned at least in part within the nut-receiving hole and a tightening end positioned outside the nut-receiving sleeve. A nut gasket is provided for the main body of the nut within the nut-receiving hole to form a sealed zone for preventing water entry into the joint housing.
US07862352B2
An electrical panel assembly comprised of individual electrical panel modules. The electrical panel modules comprise a first receptacle comprising transmitting electrical contacts to interface with a first connector comprising receiving electrical contacts and a first rotation ring for facilitating contact between the transmitting electrical contacts and the receiving electrical contacts, where the first rotation ring rotates between an open position permitting connection or disconnection of the first connector from the receptacle and a closed position preventing connection or disconnection of the first connector from the first receptacle. The first electrical panel module interacts with a second electrical panel module in a manner that the absence of the first connector in the first receptacle prevents the second electrical panel module from accepting a second connector.
US07862348B2
According to one embodiment, a connector for a composite structure includes at least one conducting element that is coupled to a node of an electrical circuit embedded in a composite structure. The composite structure has two opposing surfaces in which the conducting element is disposed essentially between the surfaces of the composite structure.
US07862344B2
A contact module is provided for an electrical connector. The contact module includes a body having a mating edge portion and a mounting edge portion. A lead frame is held by the body. The lead frame includes a differential pair of terminals extending between the mating edge portion and the mounting edge portion. The differential pair includes a positive terminal and a negative terminal having positive and negative mating contacts, respectively, and positive and negative mounting contacts, respectively. The positive and negative mating contacts extend from the mating edge portion in a first orientation. The positive and negative mounting contacts extend from the mounting edge portion in a second orientation. The first orientation at the mating edge portion is inverted relative to the second orientation at the mounting edge portion.
US07862343B1
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing and a plurality of contacts. The insulative housing have a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of passageways extending through the top and the bottom surfaces. Each contact includes an upper terminal mounted into the passageway form the top surface and a lower terminal mounted into the passageway from the bottom surface. The upper terminal is configured with an upper retention portion and an upper spring arm extending beyond the top surface of the insulative housing. The lower terminal is configured with a lower retention portion, a lower spring arm extending beyond the bottom surface of the insulative housing, and a lower engaging portion extending upwardly from the lower retention portion to elastically contact with the upper terminal.
US07862339B2
A system for testing a negative pressure wound dressing, includes a simulated wound having a housing and a wound cavity within the housing, and having a shape and dimension representative of an actual wound type, a wound dressing positionable at least over the simulated wound, a negative pressure source in fluid communication with the wound cavity, at least one sensor adapted to record at least one parameter within the simulated wound, an air leak model including a valve in fluid communication with the wound cavity whereby opening of the valve simulates an air leak within the wound cavity, a fluid source in fluid communication with the wound cavity for delivering fluid to the wound cavity to simulate presence of exudates and a computer coupled to the at least one sensor for recording and analyzing data recorded by the at least one sensor to thereby providing an indication of functioning of the system.
US07862336B2
Feedback data useful in prosthodontic procedures associated with the intra oral cavity is provided. First, a 3D numerical model of the target zone in the intra oral cavity is provided, and this is manipulated so as to extract particular data that may be useful in a particular procedure, for example data relating to the finish line or to the shape and size of a preparation. The relationship between this data and the procedure is then determined, for example the clearance between the preparation and the intended crown. Feedback data, indicative of this relationship, is then generated, for example whether the preparation geometry is adequate for the particular type of prosthesis.
US07862332B2
A method and apparatus for reducing air pollutants associated with dry process, precalciner cement manufacturing is shown. Raw feed meal used in cement production is heated in a special heating chamber to drive off volatile compounds, such as organic materials and salts of ammonia. Preferably, the feed meal is heated to a temperature of at least 350° F. The gases that are driven off flow to the precalciner where they are combusted and rendered harmless. Heat is provided by diverting at least a portion of the exhaust gases from the cement pyroprocessing kiln to the special heater. The raw feed meal is indirectly heated using a heat exchange wall between the feed meal and the kiln exhaust gas flow. In addition, a base-containing material such as lime or precalcined feed meal, may be added to the raw feed before treatment meal to promote the breakdown of inorganic ammonium compounds, thereby releasing gaseous ammonia which is also destroyed upon subsequent combustion. Hot precalcined meal may also be used to provide some of the heat required to heat the raw feed meal in the special heating chamber.
US07862328B2
The invention relates to a station for the stretching/blowing of preforms having an upward-facing open end. The inventive station comprises a bracket that supports a blow mould, a stretch rod and means for controlling the movements of the stretch rod. The aforementioned control means comprise: (i) an actuator, and (ii) a roller and a speed control cam, said roller coming into contact with the speed control cam as the stretch rod enters the blow mould, thereby controlling the speed with which the stretch rod enters the blow mould. The invention is characterised in that the speed control cam is disposed below the base of the blow mould.
US07862321B2
A molding arrangement is provided for multi-level stack molds wherein mold sets and runners are made up of modular sections interchangeable individually or as larger assemblies for exchanging molds for one part for those for different parts or exchanging runners between hot tip and valve gate designs to accommodate different molding arrangements. The arrangement has discrete melt paths for each mold level, at least some of which extend around rather than through the mold levels and which incorporate readily separable connectors. This enables one set of molds and possibly as well the runners for one mold level to be interchanged without interfering with the mold and runner arrangement for an adjacent level.
US07862319B2
The invention relates to an adjustment method, especially for the adjustment of optical or fiber optical components, whereby a partial region of an actuator is locally heated in such a defined manner that compressive stresses are created therein as a result of the restricted thermal expansion of said heated partial region, caused by at least one other partial region of the actuator. If the yielding point σ of the material of the partial region is exceeded, said compressive stresses lead to the plastic compression of the heated partial region. Furthermore, said heated partial region is contracted during cooling and leads to a defined modification of the geometry of the actuator following the cooling process. Tensile stresses are created as a result of a restriction of said contraction by means of at least one other partial region in the previously heated partial region, and compressive stresses are frozen in the at least one other region. During the adjustment process, essential regions of the actuator, in which the tensile stresses or compressive stresses are frozen after cooling, are brought to a critical temperature in relation to the operating temperature of the actuator, at least until flow processes of the material are ended at the critical temperature.
US07862318B2
A tray (100) or container (478) which may be hermetically sealed having a flange (116), rim (124), handle (258), rib, bottom surface (500), sidewall (114), or other portion that is encapsulated by or formed from injection-molded material.
US07862316B2
Foamed thermoplastic polymeric mechanical planarization polishing pads (“MP pads”) made with supercritical fluids are presented. A supercritical fluid foaming agent is dissolved in a thermoplastic polymer. A rapid change in the solubility and volume of the supercritical fluid foaming agent in the thermoplastic polymer results in foaming of the thermoplastic polymer. Foamed thermoplastic polymeric MP pads are advantageously both significantly and uniformly porous.
US07862311B2
A variable displacement vane pump includes a pump body, a rotor, an annular cam ring, a rear body closing the pump body, a low pressure supply passage constantly connecting the inlet passage and the other of the first fluid pressure chamber and the second fluid pressure chamber, a low pressure introduction port formed in the other of the pressure plate and the rear body, and opened in the other of the first fluid pressure chamber and the second fluid pressure chamber, and a low pressure introduction passage formed in the other of the pressure plate and the rear body, the low pressure introduction passage connecting the low pressure introduction port and the inlet side vane back pressure grooves.
US07862307B2
At a housing, a first gas passage I and a second gas passage II extending along the axial direction, a third gas passage III formed substantially symmetrical to the first gas passage I relative to a plane containing a drive shaft, a fourth gas passage IV formed substantially symmetrical to the second gas passage II and communicating with the second gas passage II and an external component that includes an intake port and an outlet port are disposed. Either the first gas passage or the third gas passage is made to communicate with the intake port to supply a working fluid to a front-side intake chamber and a rear-side intake chamber, and either the second gas passage or the fourth gas passage is made to communicate with a front-side outlet chamber and a rear-side outlet chamber with the gas passage not in communication with the outlet chambers made to communicate with the outlet port. The specific shapes assumed by the gas passages inside the compressor raise the level of freedom with regard to the positions at which the intake port and the outlet port may be formed in a swash plate compressor.
US07862306B2
A variable displacement engine oil vane pump includes a displacement control for controlling displacement of the pump. The control includes a cam ring in a housing pivotally connected to a wall of the housing by a pivot. The cam ring is internally engaged by slide vanes. A control chamber is defined by the cam ring and the housing wall. A control orifice provides for communication of control oil from a pressurized source to the control chamber. A vent chamber is generally opposite the control chamber and is defined by the cam ring and the housing wall. A dump chamber is defined by the cam ring and the housing wall and is generally disposed between the control chamber and the vent chamber. A dump orifice provides for communication between the control chamber and the dump chamber. A vent orifice provides for communication between the vent chamber and the dump chamber.
US07862299B1
A turbine blade for use in a gas turbine engine, the blade being formed from two pieces bonded together along the blade chamber line to from a pressure side piece and a suction side piece. The pressure side piece includes a first serpentine flow cooling circuit with a first leg located on the suction side leading edge region and the second leg on the pressure side leading edge region with the last leg adjacent to the trailing edge region and connected to exit slots to discharge cooling air out the pressure side of the trailing edge. The suction side piece includes a second serpentine flow cooling circuit with a first leg adjacent to the trailing edge region and connected to suction side exit slots to discharge cooling air. The suction side serpentine circuit ends in a last leg adjacent to the first leg of the pressure side serpentine circuit with a row of film cooling holes to discharge cooling air from the last leg to the suction side airfoil surface for film cooling. The two serpentine flow circuits are separated from each other so that the cooling design can be flexible.
US07862291B2
A gas turbine engine component includes a platform and an airfoil extending from the platform. The platform includes an outer surface. A cover plate is positioned adjacent to the outer surface of the platform. A cooling channel extends between the outer surface and the cover plate and receives cooling air to cool the platform and the airfoil.
US07862282B2
A separation fastener assembly including a base and a housing positioned adjacent the base. A nut is disposed in the cavity. A bolt extends through an aperture in the base and including an end coupled to the nut. A washer is positioned proximate the nut and operative to retain the nut within the housing. The washer includes a plurality of segments. An actuator is carried by the housing and is in communication with the cavity. The actuator is operative to displace the housing relative to the washer from a first position radially retaining plurality of segments of the washer and retaining the nut in the cavity to a second position permitting radial expansion of the plurality of segments and permitting withdrawal of the nut from the housing.
US07862281B2
The present invention provides a linear fastening system capable of rapid engagement and disengagement. More specifically, the system utilizes a cooperating collet member and a compression ring member which are constructed and arranged to slip easily over a shank member. The fastener system is secured by linearly traversing a compression member in an overlapping fashion over the collet member thereby utilizing ribbed surfaces to compress the collet member to grip the outer surface of the shank member. In this manner, the linear fastener system is capable of providing a precise, secure, and reproducible connection between multiple components without the need to apply rotational torque to the assembly.
US07862274B2
A fastener to affix a component in a support fitted with an aperture, comprising an affixation casing of resilient plastic, further a hollow conical shell, and at one end a radial flange that cooperates in sealing manner with the support surface facing it when the affixation casing has been mounted in said aperture, the casing being fitted peripherally with radial bosses, ribs or the like that engage from below the aperture rim when the affixation casing, being temporarily deformed radially at its bosses, ribs or the like is being inserted into said aperture, further comprising a plastic core which is fitted with a head and which can be inserted from the affixation casing's flanged end into the core cavity and which radially expands the casing and prevents it from being removable from the aperture, characterized by at least one radially inwardly pointing boss on the wall of the casing cavity and by the core being fitted at its end with a preferably peripheral groove that is entered by said boss when the core is pressed into the conical shell of the affixation casing and by the core being fitted on the side of the clearance facing the of the core with a shoulder or a shoulder engaging under the boss when the core has been fully inserted into the conical shell.
US07862272B2
A clip which is easily removed from an object to be fixed is provided. The clip includes: two parts including a first member 1 and a second member 2, the first member having a head portion 4 and a shaft portion 5, and the second member having a flange portion 11 and a leg portion 12, wherein an opening 13 is formed in the flange portion of the second member, and the leg portion of the second member is split into two split leg portions 16 to form a gap 17, which communicates with the opening and into which the shaft portion of the first member is inserted between the split leg portions 16, and wherein elastic blades 18 projecting radially are provided in multiple stages along a vertical direction on outer peripheral surfaces of the split leg portions. Consequently, if the shaft portion of the first member is pulled out from the gap between the split leg portions of the second member, the shaft portion of the first member ceases to be present in the gap formed between the split leg portions of the second member. Therefore, if the first member together with the second member is subsequently removed from the object to be fixed while the head portion of the first member is being gripped, the split leg portions are greatly deflected inwardly by making use of the gap, so that it becomes possible to easily remove the clip itself.
US07862269B2
A vehicle cargo bed includes a cargo bed floor, a wall structure and an attachment member. The cargo bed floor has an approximately horizontal cargo bed surface. The wall structure at least partially surrounds the cargo bed surface. At least a portion of the wall structure has an upper end. The attachment member is secured to the upper end of the portion of the wall structure defining an approximately horizontal first surface disposed above the cargo bed surface. The first surface has a linearly extending scalar demarcations formed thereon.
US07862268B2
A cargo securing apparatus for holding cargo to the bed of a vehicle such as a pickup truck includes a one-piece body and straps. The body has a first horizontally extending portion, a second vertically extending portion and a third angled portion. The horizontal portion extends either under or over the cargo. The vertical panel extends along the end of the cargo. Straps are used to secure the body to the vehicle.
US07862265B1
An off-set drill guide assembly useable with a conventional drill press or bench vice and portable power tool to drill holes in a workpiece has a body chucked to the drill press supporting a horizontal slide connected to the power tool with an adapter to locate the power tool off-set from the drill press beyond the normal range of the drill press. The body and power tool are moved downward to drill holes in a workpiece.
US07862259B2
An anchor system for an erosion control surface. The system includes a resilient strap and a one-way retainer, which may be inserted utilizing a single operator and inexpensive tools. The resiliency of the system biases the erosion control surface into the ground and prevents undesired movement of the erosion control surface.
US07862247B2
Provided is a printer that employs a platen roller as conveying means, for which the accuracy of the assembly of the constituents of a drive transmission mechanism that drives a platen roller is increased, and the heat releasing function of a motor that is a drive source is also improved, so that downsizing and increasing output can be coped with. Therefore, according to the present invention, a printer comprises: a platen roller, for conveying a recording sheet, a print head, arranged opposite the platen roller, a drive unit, for rotating the platen roller, and a main frame, including a pair of side walls that can rotatably support the platen roller, wherein the drive unit includes: a motor; idler gears, for transmitting a rotational force provided by the motor to the platen roller; and a gear fitting member, integrally formed with gear support shafts that support the idler gears, wherein the motor and idler gears are capable of being mounted in the main frame while attached to the gear fitting member, and wherein a drive gear of the motor and the idler gears are stored in a space defined by the gear fitting member and one of the side walls of the main frame.
US07862246B2
A feeding device including: (a) a feed mechanism including a motor driven with supply of a power thereto, and a feeder operated by the motor for feeding an object; (b) a power supply controller for supplying the power to the motor until an actual operating position of the feeder coincides with a power-supply-stop operating position located before a target operating position of the feeder, and to stop the supply of the power to the motor when the actual operating position coincides with the power-supply-stop operating position, for causing the actual operating position to eventually coincide with the target operating position owing to an inertia of the feed mechanism; and (c) a power-supply-stop operating-position determiner for determining the power-supply-stop operating position, for reducing a positioning error of the object in presence of a torque fluctuation of the feed mechanism, based on the target operating position and a cyclic variation of an operating velocity of the feeder that is caused by the torque fluctuation.
US07862240B2
Bearing device (1) with a first bearing part (2) and a second bearing part (3) which cooperate in bearing contact, wherein the first bearing part (2) and the second bearing part (3) is each provided with a surface layer (21, 31), wherein the hardness of the surface layer (21) of the first bearing part (2) is greater than the hardness of the surface layer (31) of the second bearing part (3).
US07862225B2
An apparatus configured for mixing and distributing a cleaning solution for use in a vehicle washing system. A container includes a cavity configured to receive the cleaning solution. A supply device for providing an aqueous solution includes a control mechanism for determining the level of aqueous solution in the container. One or more conduits in fluid communication with the supply device supply the aqueous solution to the container. A distribution device in communication with the cavity of the container is configured to remove the aqueous solution from the container for distribution to the vehicle washing system. The one or more conduits include one or more injection inlets for supplying the aqueous solution under pressure to dilute an additive placed in the container with the aqueous solution to create the cleaning solution.
US07862219B2
A light diffusing device for use in photodynamic therapy has a progressively distally increased exposed amount of core fiber defining a light emitting section. Excessive light energy emission is thus prevented access to proximal locations and provides an increased amount of available light energy at distal locations, thus permitting an even emission of light energy along the light emitting section.
US07862218B2
A point electromagnetic radiation source apparatus (200) for fluorescence microscopy comprises an array of individually unpackaged light emitting diodes. A lightguide (102) is coupled to the array of individually unpackaged light emitting diodes (202) by abutment, the lightguide having a coupling window (210) that receives electromagnetic radiation emitted by the array of individually unpackaged 10 light emitting diodes (202).
US07862208B2
A dimming device for a searchlight for adjusting the brightness of a light field generated by a searchlight is provided. The dimming device comprising a plurality of different screening elements, which are formed and provided to partly or completely screen the light emitted by the searchlight. The screening elements are formed by different structured masks at least partly screening the light emitted by the searchlight, which include regularly arranged opaque or partly transparent regions and transparent regions. Means each are provided for incremental adjustment of the brightness of the generated light field of the searchlight either to bring the screening elements into the region of the light emitted by the searchlight, in order to reduce the brightness of the light field generated by one brightness level, or to remove the same from the region of the light emitted by the searchlight, in order to increase the brightness of the light field generated by one brightness level.
US07862203B2
A lighting assembly is adapted to be connected to at least one conductive connection hole of an illumination device. The lighting assembly comprises at least one lighting cell and connection mechanism, wherein the lighting cell comprises a base, at least one electrical connector and a lighting unit. The electrical connector and the lighting unit are connected to the base, and electrically connected with each other. The lighting unit has a plurality of lighting circuits linearly arranged thereon, and one end of the connection mechanism is electrically connected to the electrical connector. When the lighting assembly only comprises one lighting cell, the other end of the connection mechanism is connected to the electrode connection hole; while when the lighting assembly comprises a plurality of said lighting cells, the other end of the connection mechanism is selectively connected to the conductive connection hole and the other electrical connector of the neighbor lighting cell.
US07862201B2
A lighting device comprises a serpentine shaped CCFL, a driver driving the CCFL, a connector that allows the device to connect to and receive power from conventional power sockets, and a fixture that connects them into a single device. Such device can be used for general lighting purposes and replaces incandescent and other fluorescent lamps in current use without having to change electrical sockets. The fixture mechanically connects the CCFL, the driver and the connector to form an unitary mechanical structure. Preferably an air gap is maintained between the CCFL and the driver.
US07862200B2
A lamp arrangement is disclosed, with at least one low-pressure discharge lamp, in particular, a compact fluorescent lamp to generate a main illumination with at least one discharge bulb, fitted in a socket and at least one alternative light source, in particular, a light diode arrangement with at least one light diode (LED) for generation of an alternative illumination. According to the invention, the light diode arrangement is at least partly arranged in the vicinity of cold spots on the low pressure discharge lamp.
US07862197B2
A flexible attachment means for use with a searchlight or other device is disclosed. The flexible attachment means allows a user to attach a housing to an uneven metallic surface, such as a car hood, boat prow or other locations. The flexible attachment means has an attachment base fixed to the bottom of a housing for the searchlight. The attachment base has attachment locations that flexibly attach to a flexible base gasket having a plurality of magnets to hold the flexible attachment means to a metallic surface.
US07862189B1
A mirror device for observing an infant in a rear-facing child safety car seat secured to the rear seat of a vehicle including a front seating area, a rear seating area, and a rear seat within the rear seating area, the rear seat having an upwardly-extending headrest. The mirror device includes a mirror and backing assembly having a rear surface, and an attachment connected to the rear surface for attaching the mirror device to the headrest. The attachment in turn includes a swivel device having a concavity element including a first bowl-like structure having a concave working surface; and a corresponding convexity element including a second bowl-like structure having a convex working surface configured to engage the concave working surface. The concavity and convexity elements are frictionally maintained in a desired adjusted position with reference to each other, while at the same time permitting manual adjustment.
US07862188B2
Imaging systems in which an undedicated optical component—i.e., a component that would be present in the system even in the absence of image stabilization—is configured to undergo corrective motion and/or other correction of image data, and thus to function as a stabilization component. The stabilization component may be a mirror and/or a lens, and a positioner may be provided to tilt, rotate, and/or otherwise precisely adjust the position and orientation of the stabilization component to improve image resolution, compensate for platform motions, and/or improve image tracking. Because an undedicated optical component functions as the stabilization component, the stabilization occurs upstream, rather than downstream, from separation (if any) of the incoming image data into two or more beams. As a result, only one stabilization component is required regardless of whether the system is configured to split the image data into multiple data channels, and imaging systems as described herein therefore may be particularly well-suited for integration into a shared-aperture imaging system.
US07862185B2
A casing 20 of a mobile phone body is provided with a sub-liquid-crystal display panel 23, a projector lens 26, a light source 35 including an LED. The sub-liquid-crystal display panel 23 and the projector lens 26 are movable between a normal position contained within the casing 20 and a raised position raised from the normal position. The sub-liquid-crystal display panel 23 is fixed at the raised position roughly perpendicularly to the light axis Q between the-sub-liquid-crystal display panel 23 and the light source 35 so that the light axis of the projector lens 26 is substantially aligned with the light axis Q. The illumination light from the light source is set to be parallel rays.
US07862175B2
An optometer for subjectively examining refractive power of an examinee's eye, comprises: a phoropter which selectively disposes an optical element in front of the examinee's eye; a controller having a switch panel for transmitting a signal to the phoropter and a horizontally extending rotation axis; a display rotatable about the rotation axis of the controller, orientation of the display being changeable by its rotation between a side with the switch panel and a side without the switch panel; and a control part which controls a display screen of the display to appear in a constant orientation irrespective of whether the display is reversed upside down by its rotation.
US07862169B2
The invention provides methods for designing contact lenses in which method the lens flexure is taken into account. The method of the invention is insensitive to the lens' back surface design and does not require complex back surface designs. Additionally, the lens design can be optimized virtually, eliminating the need for iterative design-test on-eye-re-design cycles.
US07862167B2
A linear element, especially a spectacle side, of the type comprising a flexible metal core coated with a flexible elastomer for comfort and/or appearance. Its structure is composed of a plurality of rigid plastic rings placed in fixed positions around predetermined areas of the flexible metal core so that each can serve as a point of intermediate mechanical attachment of the flexible elastomer with respect to the core. The cross section of the rings are inscribed within that of the elastomer surrounding it.
US07862166B1
A side-view mirror attachment for a pair of spectacles constructed of a pair of mirrors each having a hemispherical shape, a center frame that has two opposite ends each fixedly connected to one of the pair of mirrors, and a mounting device for either detachably or permanently mount the attachment to a pair of spectacles.
US07862163B2
The image forming method for forming a desired image on a recording medium, includes the steps of: applying a first liquid on the recording medium, the first liquid containing no coloring material and having a dynamic surface tension at a surface age of 0.1 seconds measured at 25° C. of γ1(0.1 s); and then depositing droplets of a second liquid on a region of the recording medium where the first liquid has a form of a liquid film, the second liquid containing coloring material and having a dynamic surface tension at a surface age of 0.1 seconds measured at 25° C. of γ2(0.1 s) that is greater than γ1(0.1 s).
US07862162B2
A fluid coupling for establishing a sealed connection between a first conduit and a second conduit that has a seal seat and a compression member. The compression member is movable relative to the seal seat in which an annular seal is positioned. An engagement mechanism moves the second conduit from a disengaged position where there is no sealed fluid connection between the first and second conduits, to an engaged position where the compression member moves toward the seal seat to compress the annular seal to form a sealed fluid connection.
US07862161B2
An ink cartridge configured to hold an ink includes a substantially hollow body including an inner space and a substantially continuous inner wall. The cartridge further includes an optical prism in the inner space, disposed at a predetermined distance from the continuous inner wall such that an ink pocket is defined by a prism wall and the continuous inner wall. The prism includes at least one reflection site formed at an angle configured to reflect light from a light source through the prism at a predetermined height relative to a bottom of the body. If ink is present in the ink pocket at a level below at least a portion of the reflection site, the ink does not block the light reflected off of the portion of the reflection site from traveling across the ink pocket at the predetermined height, such that the reflected light is externally viewable.
US07862156B2
Embodiments of a heating element of a fluid ejection device are disclosed.
US07862153B2
The electrical wiring structure includes an electrical connection section where a first electrode and a second electrode are connected, wherein: the electrical connection section is formed by a first alloy containing at least gallium metal; and the first alloy has a melting point lower than 30° C.
US07862150B2
The inkjet printhead includes substrate having an ink feed hole formed to supply ink, a chamber layer stacked on the substrate, and including a plurality of main ink chambers formed therein with the ink feed hole therebetween and a plurality of compensation ink chambers formed therein between the main ink chambers that face each other; and a nozzle layer stacked on the chamber layer, and including a plurality of main nozzles corresponding to the main ink chambers and a plurality of compensation nozzles corresponding to the compensation ink chambers.
US07862144B2
Provided is a printhead assembly that includes a printhead mounted on a support structure, said printhead having an ink ejection face, and a print media guide mounted on the support structure for guiding print media past the printhead for printing. The assembly also includes a wicking element mounted on the support structure between the support structure and the print media guide, as well as a pad with an angled contact surface to operatively facilitate the transferal of ink from the printhead to the wicking element. The wicking element is formed from an absorbent material and is positioned in a cavity defined between the print media guide and the support structure.
US07862135B2
A method of driving a liquid ejecting head is provided. The liquid ejecting head varies pressure of a liquid in a pressure-generating chamber as a result of operating a pressure-generating element by supplying an ejection pulse, to eject liquid drops from a nozzle opening due to the pressure variation. The method includes performing a first contraction and performing a second contraction. In the first contraction, the liquid drops are ejected from the nozzle opening as a result of contracting the pressure-generating chamber. In the second contraction, the pressure-generating chamber is contracted so as to reduce withdrawal towards the pressure-generating chamber, of a meniscus after the ejection of the liquid drops A time from a start of the first contraction to a start of the second contraction is between ¼ to ¾ of a Helmholtz vibration period Tc of the pressure-generating chamber. A time of the first contraction is less than or equal to a natural vibration period Ta of the pressure-generating element.
US07862130B2
Disclosed herein is a solenoid valve for a brake system to reduce manufacturing costs via a shorter length and more simplified configuration of a magnet core. In the solenoid valve for a brake system to be mounted in a bore of a modulator block having an inlet and an outlet, the solenoid valve includes a magnet core having a center longitudinal penetrating hole and an entrance and exit for oil flow, an armature movably provided at one end of the magnet core and serving to open or close the exit, a valve seat provided at the other end of the magnet core, and a sleeve in which the armature and magnet core are received, the sleeve being fixed to the bore.
US07862120B2
The invention achieves a chair in which a shape of a backrest surface can be three-dimensionally changed while following a motion such as a sitting person looks around while sitting or the like. In a chair provided with a backrest in which an upper portion of a backrest surface is supported by a plurality of frame elements arranged so as to be spaced with each other in a width direction, the respective frame elements are independently movable backward and forward.
US07862109B2
An open roof construction for a vehicle comprises a roof opening in a fixed roof part and a roof assembly having a movable panel for opening and closing said roof opening. At opposite sides of the panel flexible cover members are provided for covering lateral gaps created when the panel moves towards an open position. Further it comprises two guide members extending along corresponding opposite sides of the roof opening for guiding respective parts of the open roof construction. The cover members are integrally connected with the respective guide members.
US07862105B2
A rail assembly for a motor compartment of a motor vehicle having a bumper and a deformable energy-absorbing device secured rearward of the bumper, includes a longitudinally-extending motor compartment rail operatively connected rearward of the energy absorbing device and having an inner rail member and an outer rail member configured to define a cavity therebetween. A stability enhancement member transversely spans the cavity and is secured to both the inner rail member and the outer rail member.
US07862102B1
An apparatus for reducing the drag on a moving vehicle includes combinations of a movable diverter with a corresponding fixed diverter. Each combination is adapted to be mounted the rear of a vehicle with the fixed diverter positioned forward of the movable diverter. The movable diverter has a retracted position and an extended position and is biased to the retracted position. The movable diverter deploys to the extended position when moving above a predetermined velocity and returns to the retracted position when moving below the predetermined velocity. The movable diverter in the extended position having the rear end extending over the rear of a vehicle to direct air thereto.
US07862100B1
A motorcycle seat covering system includes a motorcycle having a frame, handlebars, seat and rack extending rearward of the seat. A housing has a pair of end walls and a perimeter wall extending between the end walls. The housing has an elongated opening therein. A coupling assembly couples the housing to the handlebars. A spindle is mounted within the housing and extends through a sleeve. A biasing member biases rotation of the sleeve in a first direction with respect to the spindle. A flexible panel is attached to the sleeve and has a free end extending outwardly of the housing through the slot. The panel is rolled up onto the sleeve when the sleeve is rotated in the first direction. A fastener is attached to the free end and is releasably attached to the rack when the panel is pulled outwardly from the housing to cover the seat.
US07862097B2
A combination storage and tread unit has a housing which is installed beneath a second row of seating in an automotive vehicle body. The housing has a tread pad at each end which a person can step on to reach a third row of seating when a seat in the second row is tumbled forwardly. The housing has two module-receiving compartments for storing electrical control modules and related wiring. The compartments are covered and protected by the second row of seating when the seats in the second row are in a normal occupant-supporting position, but are readily accessible when the seats are tumbled forwardly, so that the modules may be removed and serviced without removing the seats.
US07862084B2
A vehicle steering apparatus, includes a steering member for rotational operation, a support mechanism that supports the steering member so as to be movable between a housing position where the steering member is housed in a fixed frame of an instrument panel and a projection position where the steering member projects to an outside of the fixed frame, and that regulates an attitude of the steering member located between the housing position and the projection position, and a movable frame that moves together with the steering member, and that constitutes a part of the instrument panel by covering an opening formed in the fixed frame of the instrument panel when the steering member is housed at the housing position.
US07862080B2
An inflatable member is restricted to expand outwardly in the vehicle width direction and allowed to expand upwardly to a position facing a side of an occupant's head when a lateral collision occurs. A belt guide mounted on the shoulder portion of a seat back guides a restraint webbing, including an inflatable member that is provided for supporting the head of a vehicle occupant when inflated, and allows a guide hole to be vertically enlarged by being projected upwardly in the vehicle vertical direction when the inflatable member is inflated. The inflatable member is thereby expanded so as to form a vertically extended shape regulated by the guide hole and disposed to an upward position facing the side of the occupant's head when a lateral collision occurs.
US07862077B2
A side-impact airbag is disposed in a space between a side wall portion of a vehicle and a seat. The side-impact airbag includes a plurality of chambers partitioned in the airbag, a communication passageway formed in a front region of the airbag in a front-and-back direction of the vehicle, and a tether disposed between two of the plurality of chambers located at a rear region of the airbag in the front-and-back direction. The communication passageway allows at least two of the plurality of chambers to communicate with each other at the front region. An inflator supplies the gas to expand the side-impact airbag. The gas from the inflator is lead toward the communication passage through one of the partitioned chambers.
US07862073B2
Air bag assembly is inflatable by an inflator mounted on the vehicle forward of the vehicle occupant seat. The air bag assembly has a vertical extending, occupant facing restraining surface located at a distance from the air bag base end. An air bag base wall extends generally horizontally from a base end mounted on the inflator and divides the air bag assembly into a lower air bag portion for restraint of the occupant lower torso and an upper air bag portion for restraint of the upper torso. The upper air bag portion includes an inflatable left hand lobe rising from the left side of the base wall and an inflatable right lobe rising from the right side of the base wall. The left and right hand lobes define an upper un-inflated void space, the lower extent of which is provided by the horizontal extending base wall.
US07862068B2
A towed, PTO-driven implement is equipped with a jack that can be selectively coupled to the draft tongue either in a working position at a forward region of the tongue, or in a stored position at a rearward region of the tongue. A PTO drive shaft assembly extends over the draft tongue and a pin for releasably connecting the jack to the tongue incorporates a PTO drive shaft assembly support which is positioned so as to support the PTO drive shaft assembly when the jack is in either of its working or stored positions.
US07862065B2
An adjustable length bicycle mountable hand pump. The pump includes a barrel having an internal cylinder within which a piston is reciprocatingly moveable. A piston rod connects to a piston at a proximal end and to a handle at a distal end. The handle is selectively, longitudinally, adjustably lockable relative to the barrel. The end of the handle is contoured to mate with a bicycle frame member. A head having a contoured portion mates with an opposing spaced bicycle frame member.
US07862062B2
A non-motorized foot board scooter including a frame, a front wheel and a rear wheel, a steering assembly, and a drive train. The drive train includes a kick arm that rotates the rear wheel when the kick arm is pushed backwards by the rider. The kick arm is centered with the rear wheel and a kick guard is located between the rear wheel and the kick arm. A first sprocket is mounted to the arm. The rear wheel has an associated second sprocket that is connected to the rear wheel via a clutch. A chain is mounted to the frame and extends around the first and second sprockets. The chain is routed such that as the arm is rotated the chain is drawn across the second sprocket thereby rotating the drive wheel.
US07862055B2
A vehicle includes a deck, an aft running gear attached to the deck, a steering assembly, a flexible joint attaching the steering assembly to the deck, such that the steering assembly is pivotable about the flexible joint with respect to the deck between a rider-standing mode and a rider-sitting mode, and a brake assembly attached to the deck.
US07862049B2
A gasket and method of forming a seal between opposite surfaces of a pair of bodies. The gasket has a body with one portion having a plurality of perforations adapted for receipt between the opposite surfaces. The method of forming the seal includes disposing the portion of the body with the perforations between the opposite surfaces and fastening the pair of bodies to one another to compress the perforate portion of the body therebetween.
US07862047B2
A brush seal for sealing off components movable relative to one another with respect to a pressure difference is disclosed. The brush seal having bristles which are arranged in a bristle housing which consists of two housing halves having free ends of legs which project into the area of the ends of the bristles, which legs carry mutually facing supporting surfaces for the bristles.
US07862045B2
An apparatus for determining and retrieving positional information including a surface having a plurality of first elements and a plurality of second elements, a first detection element connected to at least one of the plurality of first elements, and a second detection element connected to at least one of the plurality of second elements. The detection elements may include pulse detection elements or current sensing circuits. The plurality of first elements and the plurality of second elements may include conductive and non-conductive threads, and the conductive threads may include piezoelectric crystals embedded within conductive plastic.
US07862044B1
A simulated football game that may be played using a deck comprising “run,” “pass,” and “catch” cards and other special football cards relating to moments of a football game or using an electronic device simulating such cards. Run cards may be played alone, while pass and catch cards must be played as corresponding pairs having corresponding yardages. An exemplary game allows scoring a touchdown by accumulating a drive of exactly 100 yards or scoring a field goal by playing a “field goal” card once the drive has advanced a predetermined number of yards. Some embodiments include variations of the game ranging from a one-drive game to a complete four quarter game. A specialized deck of cards is provided.
US07862036B2
A media restraint device in an input tray of an imaging apparatus includes a movable partition including a primary section and a secondary section. At least one locking mechanism selectively locks the primary section to the input tray, and the secondary section to the primary section. The locking mechanism unlocks either the primary section or the secondary section when the other is at a predetermined position.
US07862030B2
A first guide member includes a concave-shaped guide surface. A recording medium such as a sheet fed by register rollers takes a curved position while being fed in a sheet feeding direction such that the leading edge of the sheet slides on the guide surface. A space is defined between the sheet and the guide surface due to the stiffness of the sheet. Thus, the sheet smoothly curves. When a speed of conveying the sheet by the register rollers is faster than a speed of conveying the sheet by a conveying belt, slack in the sheet is allowed in the space defined between the sheet and the guide surface. Therefore, the sheet can be stably conveyed without applying excessive load to the sheet or a sheet conveying device.
US07862028B2
A sheet processing apparatus, comprising: a sheet introduction port for feeding a sheet to inside from outside of the sheet processing apparatus; a sheet exit port for ejecting the sheet from inside to outside of the sheet processing apparatus; a sheet carrying part having a sheet carrying passage that communicates the sheet introduction port and the sheet exit port; a fold processing part disposed in a middle of the sheet carrying passage, for arbitrarily folding the sheet; a sheet stacking part that stacks the sheet ejected from the sheet exit port; and a detector that detects whether a height of a bundle of sheets stacked on the sheet stacking part reaches a prescribed height and outputs an OFF signal for turning off a drive of the sheet carrying part, wherein the detector performs detection at a first detection level for detecting the prescribed height of the bundle of sheets folded when the fold processing part is set in a drive state, and at a second detection level for detecting the prescribed height of the bundle of sheets not folded when the fold processing part is in a stop state, with the first detection level and second detection level differentiated from each other.
US07862022B2
A sheet processing apparatus including: a saddle stitching stapler including a staple driving portion movable in a sheet width direction and a staple clinching portion arranged at a saddle stitching position, and adapted to staple a middle portion of a sheet bundle by causing the staple driving portion to approach the staple clinching portion after the staple driving portion moves to the saddle stitching position; and a side stitching stapler including a staple driving portion and a staple clinching portion pivoted to each other, and adapted to staple an end portion of the sheet bundle by holding the end portion between the staple driving portion and the staple clinching portion after the staple driving portion and the staple clinching portion move to a side stitching position in the sheet width direction, the side stitching stapler and the saddle stitching stapler being aligned in the sheet width direction.
US07862012B2
A carburetor of a remote control model has a main body axially bored with an axial hole that is installed with a throttle and a second needle in its one side and provided with a female-threaded section formed at a certain portion of its other side for engaging with a male-threaded section of an adjustment valve. The adjustment valve possesses a fuel entering passage formed axially with a dead end, and an injection nozzle formed at the end corresponding to and for a needle valve of the second needle to move to and fro therein. And, the adjustment valve is directly installed in the axial hole without being accompanied with other components, effective to lower progressive tolerance between the injection nozzle and the needle valve to provide uniform fuel injection.
US07862006B2
An air intake valve apparatus for pneumatic tool, configured in an intake port of a pneumatic tool for controlling air circulations, mainly comprises a valve base configured in the intake port of the pneumatic tool, a stem configured through the valve base inside capable of shifting to a air-blocking position and a air-exhausting corresponding to the valve base and a flexible component propped the stem for keeping the stem on the air-blocking position regularly, wherein the stem has a first portion, a second portion and a mid-reducing portion, the mid-reducing portion is coupled to the first portion and the second portion respectively with different transiting surfaces so as to maintain the force driving the stem in constant no matter the air pressure entering the valve base is lower or higher.
US07862002B2
To provide a vacuum valve with an improved endurance of a bellows, a vacuum valve comprises: a valve section including a first port, a second port, a valve seat provided between the first and second ports, and a valve element movable into or out of contact with the valve seat; an actuator section including an orifice through which an operating fluid is supplied to the actuator section, and a piston coupled to the valve element, the piston being allowed to operate according to changes of pressure of the operating fluid to apply a driving force to the valve section; and a bellows which can be contracted and elongated as the valve element vertically moves upward and downward. The orifice is designed to have an effective sectional area determined so that an operating speed of the valve element and the piston is controlled to a predetermined speed for preventing damage of the bellows.
US07862001B2
An automatic flush actuation apparatus, which is incorporated with a flushing system having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water chamber communicating therebetween, that includes a valve member being moved by a flush lever for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing from the water inlet to the water outlet, and a sensor-operated powering assembly including a relief valve provided at the valve member for controlling the water flowing to the water outlet and an actuator arranged in such a manner that while sensing a presence of a user of the flushing system, the actuator is driven to move the relief valve to an opened position for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing to said water outlet.
US07861999B2
An adjustable mold includes a distortable boundary, a flexible membrane, and a pressurizer, and method of use thereof. Pressure is applied to the flexible membrane, which causes the membrane to distort over the boundary. The shape of the boundary and the distortion of the flexible membrane control the optical characteristics of a lens resulting from the application and curing of a molding composition placed on the flexible membrane or to cast other items having variable shapes determined in part by the flexible membrane. In addition, a mold edge is used to allow casting in predetermined shapes, reducing need for grinding or edging. Visual and emission device calibration features used in conjunction with calibration reference images allow uniform selective distortion of the flexible membrane.
US07861993B2
A cup holder, wherein the cup holder comprises a well adapted to receive a beverage container through an open top of the well. The cup holder also includes a sealing unit having a ring seal secured to the well adjacent to the open top of the well. The ring seal engages the container when the container is disposed in the well to cooperate with the well in providing a substantially closed and sealed chamber resistant to heat transfer to or from the chamber.
US07861990B2
Components for constructing and installing an awning and light support system to provide sun and weather protection to a window or door of a structure are disclosed. Included are a pair of uniquely-constructed bracket members having an L-shaped configuration used to removably secure horizontally-disposed supports and awning spars to provide a frame to support the awning material or skin. Also disclosed is an awning support structure comprising a support channel that extends along the top of an awning and supports a corresponding member attached to an awning frame. In some instances, the awning may be further supported by awning projection props secured between the awning frame and the building at a lower portion of the awning.
US07861987B2
A device for holding archery bows and/or other hunting accessories is provided. The hunting accessory holding device includes a base member that attaches to a mounting substrate such as a tree, an arm assembly that is configured to hold the archery bow, and a lift mechanism that connects the arm assembly to the base member. The lift mechanism automatically retracts the arm assembly upwardly, from an extended position to a retracted position, when the bow is removed from the arm assembly, thereby removing the arm assembly from the hunter's view and way. The lift mechanism can include a spring that provides a retracting force for moving the arm assembly. As desired, the lift mechanism can also provide an adjustable or variable braking force that opposes the retracting force and enables the hunter to determine a rate of arm retraction, as desired.
US07861986B2
A bracket and method for supporting a cubicle wall on a movable wall having at least one horizontal mounting channel. The bracket has a lower bracket member and at least an upper bracket member that attaches to a movable wall module. A cubicle wall start is then coupled thereto. If a higher cubicle is needed, the bracket will have at least one intermediate bracket member to increase the overall length of the bracket.
US07861985B2
A hands-free electronic device holder for holding handheld electronic devices with a screen at or below the user's eye level at a typical distance of 20 to 30 cm is provided. The handheld electronic device is selected from MP3 players, video players, cell phones, PDAs, GPS units or other screen containing devices that display images or interacts with the user via software generated buttons. The hands-free device holder has a flexible adjustable gooseneck, the proximal end of which carries a tab having two spring pins that securely engage with a pocket member. A securement attachment means secures the pocket member to the backside of the handheld electronic device, and two lateral slots receive the pins. The distal end of the flexible adjustable gooseneck connects to a spring clip similar to a clothes line pin, which attaches the hands-free electronic device holder to an airline dining tray or a worktable.
US07861983B2
The invention relates to a cold-insulated fixed-point pipe support for a low-temperature pipeline which includes an insulating system arranged between an outer shell and a supportable low-temperature pipeline having solid thermal insulating material which thermally insulates the pipeline from the low-temperature environment. A rotation-preventing and displacement-preventing device prevents rotation and displacement of the thermal insulating material with respect to the pipeline and an outer shell. A fixed-point pipe support is adapted to be fitted and removed in a substantially radial direction over the pipeline, and has at least one division with respect to shape with a division plane thereof extending perpendicular to a cross-sectional plane, and having a connecting device for releasable connecting and fixing shaped parts formed by the division.
US07861979B2
Disclosed systems, methods, and apparatti generally define inventions that detect and alert train crews of a potentially unsafe condition caused by equipment hanging below any portion of the train. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US07861972B1
An object is deployed from an aircraft using gravity extraction of the object with the aid of a small parachute. The object is restrained in the fore and aft directions on either side of the center of gravity by fore and aft loading chains which hold the object to a loading deck. The chains are attached to the object by pear shaped rings mounted to a load plate. The load plate is supported on a lower attachment plate mounted to the object and is attached by a pin to an upper attachment plate also mounted to the object. Pulling the pin causes the load plate to rotate about a hinge formed on the lower attachment plate followed by release of the load plate from the lower attachment plate and the object to be deployed.
US07861963B2
A thread accumulation device includes a discharge chute (13) for receiving and guiding a strand that is formed by a thread take-up device and a carriage for taking up a thread spiral, guided on the discharge chute (13) and resting on the end of the strand of the side that is opposite to the thread take-up device. At the outlet of the thread take take-up device, the discharge chute (13) is equipped with a transport unit (16) that adapts to the inside shape of the discharge chute (13). The invention can be applied more particularly in the field of the textile industry, in particular the treatment of thread.
US07861960B2
A tube mill is provided with liners fastened to a shell. The tube mill is provided with an adaptor plate. The adaptor plate is provided with a first pattern of drilling holes in a DIN pattern and a second pattern of drilling holes in a non-DIN pattern. The adaptor plate is fastened to the shell via one or more holes of the second pattern and a number of liners is fastened to the adaptor plate via one or more holes of the first pattern.
US07861945B2
A first wash fluid discharging passage having an outlet end thereof opened to an outer peripheral surface is provided on a rotary atomizing head and positioned behind a paint reservoir. A second wash fluid discharging passage having an outlet end thereof opened to the paint reservoir is also provided on the rotary atomizing head positioned around a fore end of a paint tube. Also, a nozzle is provided at a fore outlet end of a wash fluid tube. The nozzle internally defines an annular chamber for pooling a wash fluid. The nozzle includes first and second outlet openings to spurt a wash fluid toward the first and second wash fluid discharging passages. Further, a check valve in the annular chamber of the nozzle prevents a reverse flow of a wash fluid.
US07861941B2
A thermostat system having multiple and individual schedules. For instance, a user may have different schedules and setpoints for heating and cooling. An appropriate schedule combining individual schedules may be automatically selected based on a system configuration. Schedule control may involve manual changeover from one schedule to another or automatic changeover relative to the schedule combining schedules. The thermostat system may be programmable. Also, there may be a system switch mode, for example, between heat and cool, where the schedules of either may be edited. Scheduling may be menu and option key driven.
US07861936B2
A digital image capture and processing system having a set of standard features and functions, and a set of custom features and functionalities said external host computer system, which can be extended by third parties to modify the standard behavior of the digital image capture and processing system into a custom behavior for the system, without permanently modifying the standard features and functions thereof.
US07861931B2
In some embodiments, an identification token assembly includes: a card-shaped plastic body having a scored line formed therein, the plastic body including a subcard body, the scored line adapted to allow the subcard body to be detached from the plastic body; a radio frequency identification (RFID) integrated circuit (IC) supported by the subeard body; and an antenna supported by the subeard body and coupled to the RFID IC to transmit a signal generated by the RFID IC.
US07861925B2
A method of verifying a material application including the steps of inputting a first product number, inputting a second product number and confirming. The inputting of the first product number is done from a routing instrument. The inputting of the second product number is done from a number physically associated with the product. The confirming step is carried out by confirming the first product number and the second product number are identical.
US07861922B2
Disclosed is a method, apparatus and system for providing a financial service through a mobile station in a mobile communication network. The system includes the mobile station for reading a barcode, transmitting user authentication data and the barcode, receiving passbook data, and storing and managing the passbook data; the mobile communication network for receiving the user authentication data and the barcode to thereby provide barcode information to a bank server, determining whether to approve the service; the bank server for managing the passbook data, allocating a specific barcode to each automatic machine, providing the location information of the automatic machine, corresponding to the barcode, and providing the mobile station with a banking service; and the automatic machine for receiving the barcode and outputting the received barcode, and providing the banking service through the bank server when the service is approved.
US07861919B2
A system for managing token image replacement is provided. The system includes a remote server, a token acceptance device, such as a personal computer (PC), connected to the remote server, a token, such as a phone, that can be read by the PC, and a token image server. Using application logic and rules, the remote server is able to read the token image on the token and determine if the image on the phone needs to be updated. The remote server forwards a backup token image to the PC which, in turn, writes the backup token image including transaction information to the phone. Once the backup token image is written onto the phone, subsequent interactions with the system would not initiate an update.
US07861916B2
Materials for and method for manufacturing container with integrated divider and resulting container
In accordance with the invention, a method of manufacturing containers such as shipping, display and display ready packaging, for example, and resulting containers and associated preassemblies and blanks are provided, which, when utilized, result in preassemblies that are more easily, reliably and quickly assembled into fully assembled containers.
US07861912B2
Productivity is to be improved in assembling a semiconductor integrated circuit device. A matrix substrate is provided and semiconductor chips are disposed on a first heating stage, then the matrix substrate is disposed above the semiconductor chips on the first heating stage, subsequently the semiconductor chips and the matrix substrate are bonded to each other temporarily by thermocompression bonding while heating the chips directly by the first heating stage, thereafter the temporarily bonded matrix substrate is disposed on a second heating stage adjacent to the first heating stage, and then on the second heating stage the semiconductor chips are thermocompression-bonded to the matrix substrate while being heated directly by the second heating stage.
US07861910B2
This invention provides a method for inspecting a joined region and joining strength of a joined object formed by a spot friction stir joining process. In this method, an ultrasonic wave is introduced into the joined object from a backing face 25 opposed to a joining tool plunging face 24 and the ultrasonic wave reflected from the joined object 20 is taken in. In this case, the joining region 21 and the joining strength is estimated by observing a reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave in the vicinity of a position, along a reference direction Z, corresponding to an interface 27 of two joining members, without using the reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave reflected from the joining tool plunging face, thereby inspecting the joined object based on the estimation result. Thus, influence of a concave/convex shape of a joining mark 29 formed in the joining tool plunging face 24 can be avoided, and the use of the ultrasonic wave for estimating the joined region 21 can achieve an inspection of joining quality without destroying the joined object 20.
US07861907B2
An endoscopic surgical apparatus is provided for placing lateral lines of surgical fasteners into body tissue. The apparatus includes a frame portion, an elongated portion extending from the frame portion, and an articulating fastener applying assembly associated with a distal end of the elongated portion. The fastener applying assembly includes a base portion, a staple cartridge housing, and an anvil member which has a forming surface thereon against which surgical fasteners are driven as they are ejected from the cartridge housing. A first mechanism is provided for effectuating the rotation of the fastener applying assembly about an axis defined by the body portion, a second mechanism is provided for effectuating the articulation of the fastener applying assembly, and a third mechanism is provided for independently rotating the cartridge housing and anvil member relative to a longitudinal axis defined by the base position to increase the range of operability of the apparatus.
US07861900B2
A fluid dispensing system for efficiently rapidly dispensing fluid for a user to drink. The fluid dispensing system generally includes a container including an upper end, a lower end, a cavity and an upper opening, wherein the upper end is opposite the lower end, wherein the upper opening extends within the upper end and wherein the cavity extends from the upper opening of the upper end toward the lower end. A release valve extends within the container, wherein the release valve includes a channel extending through the release valve and wherein the release valve selectively seals the channel.
US07861885B2
The invention concerns a fuel tank (1) of thermoplastic material, comprising functional installation fitments for air intake and venting, for fuel take-off or the like, which is distinguished in that at least one functional installation fitment is connected to the inside wall (3) of the container in material-bonded relationship in such a way that the functional installation fitment defines with the container wall a volume separated from the filling volume of the container in such a way that the inside wall (3) of the container serves directly as a boundary wall of said volume.
US07861879B2
A folding container having integrally formed hinge elements. The container including a base portion, first and second lower side wall portions having a snap-fitted hinge connection to a first side and second side of the base portion respectively, first and second upper side wall portions having a hinge connection to the lower side wall portions, and a rim portion having a snap-fitted hinge connection to the first and second upper side wall portions, and end walls having a hinged connection to the rim portion. The hinge elements including hook-shaped snaps having a first ramp segment and a second ramp segment on the outer surface of the hook portion to facilitate connection of a hinge axel to the hook-shaped snaps. A tongue and groove combination in the lower and upper side wall portions to provide structural support for loads placed on the container. The folding container including locking tabs in the base portion for engaging notches in the lower side wall portions when the container is in a folded configuration. A plurality of stanchion ribs extending upward from the rim portion to supports loads on the container. A locking tab having a window for providing visible evidence the end wall is properly positioned in an unfolded configuration. A stamping tab extending downward from the rim to facilitation hot stamping of the tab when the container is assembled.
US07861876B2
A container exhibiting superior resistance to unwanted or uncontrolled sidewall deformation has plurality of vacuum responsive panels, generally uniformly spaced around the sidewall periphery, including a panel surface portion radially inset from the sidewall. A post or land is provided between each nearest neighbor pair of vacuum panels, the posts having upper and lower ends joined together upper and lower sidewall edge portions. A margin is located at least at the upper and lower edges of each vacuum panel and extending between the panel surface and the sidewall. At least one of the upper and lower margins of each vacuum responsive panel includes an axially offset portion, which in response to decreasing pressure focuses any initial deflection of the panel surface to that portion of the panel contiguous to the axial offset portion.
US07861873B1
A child resistant dispensing system having a flip-top closure. The flip-top closure has a push button positioned in the skirt of the flip-top lid wherein an opposed squeeze disengages the child resistant latch mechanism. The child resistant latch mechanism includes a latch projecting from the flip-top lid and engaging a projection of the closure body. A latch guide assists in positioning the latch during engagement with the projection of the closure body. The push button may be positioned substantially flush with the outside surface of the flip-top lid and closure body.
US07861862B2
An arrangement of envelope packages, the arrangement including a plurality of discreet envelope packages, each package including a plurality of generally aligned envelopes which are compressed together. The plurality of envelope packages are arranged in a first row and a second row located above the first row in a vertical direction thereof. At least one envelope package of the first row is oriented generally perpendicular to at least one envelope package of the second row.
US07861853B2
A beaded lip protection and tamper-resistant device for canisters with caps is disclosed, as well as multiples of the same device joined together to form multiple-canister carriers that may be provided with one or more handles.
US07861851B2
An apparatus for moving grain from a grain includes a vertical main auger at a rear end of a frame, a knife extending rearward to cut the grain bag, a turret auger pivotally attached to the top of the main auger, and a feed auger extending laterally from the bottom intake of the main auger. A bias element forces a pair of pinching rollers against each other. A drive rotates the pinching rollers such that an empty portion of the bag can be fed between the rollers and the rollers rotated to pull the empty bag upward from the ground and forward between the rollers such that the empty bag falls on the ground in front of the rollers as the frame moves rearward, and such that the frame is pulled rearward by the rollers and the feed auger moves rearward into a filled portion of the grain bag.
US07861849B2
A merge conveyor comprising a timing conveyor feeding a singulating conveyor characterized by a transverse-roller conveyor belt having rollers with a high-friction peripheral surface. The timing conveyor delivers articles to the singulating conveyor one article at a time at precise intervals. The rollers in the transverse-roller belt rotate freely transverse to the conveying direction. A plow guides the timed articles received on the singulating belt into a single file. The high-friction rollers inhibit the rollers from sliding along the rollers in the conveying direction to maintain the precise timing established by the timing conveyor.
US07861845B1
This device feeds and sorts tablets or small parts from a common hopper to a product count sensor head. Two parallel feed and transport rollers rotate together on an adjustable incline. The rotation direction of each feed and transport roller can vary along with its speed. As the feed and transport rollers rotate the feeding threads will push out the product from the hopper and sort them along the length of the rollers. As the roller angle increases so does the product feed rate. As the product flows out from the hopper, the product will start to separate in a common row. This is also due in part to the feed and transport roller angle and the product's roll ability. The product exits the bottom end of the feed and transport rollers in a straight line, is spaced, and directed downwards through a guide to a product count sensor arrangement.
US07861844B2
A method and apparatus are provided for sorting items to a plurality of sort destinations. The items are loaded onto one of a plurality of independently controlled delivery vehicles. The delivery vehicles follow a track that guides the delivery vehicles to the sort destinations, which are positioned along the track. Once at the appropriate sort destination, the delivery vehicle ejects the item to the sort destination and returns to receive another item to be delivered.
US07861840B1
An anti-back drive system preferably includes a drive housing, a drive ring, a lock ring and an output pinion. The drive housing includes a drive counterbore. The drive housing is secured to an electric motor. The drive ring preferably includes a base member and a plurality of drive projections. The drive ring is secured to a drive shaft of the electric motor. The lock ring includes a plurality of inward facing cam surfaces and a plurality of inward facing loop projections. The output pinion includes a drive gear and a plurality of drive fingers, which extend radially outward from the output pinion. The plurality of inward facing cam surfaces are sized to receive an end perimeter of said plurality of drive fingers. A push on clip is secured to the drive shaft to retain the drive ring, the lock ring and the output pinion on the drive shaft.
US07861837B2
A hydraulic clutch actuation system is provided having a hydraulic clutch control device which includes one first clutch master cylinder that communicates via a first pressure-medium line with a first clutch slave cylinder, which is used for actuating a first clutch device, and a second clutch master cylinder that communicates via a second pressure-medium line with a second clutch slave cylinder used for actuating a second clutch device, the pressure prevailing in the first and/or in the second pressure-medium line being relievable via at least one emergency release valve device to permit disengagement of at least one of the clutch devices in an emergency situation. The emergency release valve device includes a 4/2-way directional control valve which has a connection for the first pressure-medium line, a connection for the second pressure-medium line, a connection for a first pressure-relief line, which is connectable via the 4/2-way directional control valve to the first pressure-medium line, and a connection for a second pressure-relief line, which is connectable via the 4/2-way directional control valve to the second pressure-medium line.
US07861836B2
The present invention provides a roller-type one-way clutch comprising an annular outer race provided at its inner periphery with a cam surface, an inner race spaced apart from the outer race in a radially inner diameter side and disposed coaxially with the outer race for a relative movement therewith and having an annular outer peripheral track surface, a plurality of rollers disposed between the outer race and the inner race and adapted to transmit torque between the outer peripheral track surface and the cam surface, a cage for holding the plurality of rollers, and a C-shaped annular spring for biasing the rollers, through the cage, toward engagement with the cam surface.
US07861835B2
A disposable strip of non-elastic, tear resistant luggage wrap material is provided that extends around the outer periphery of a piece of luggage and adhesively secures to itself. A plurality of disposable strips may be coupled end-to-end to accommodate large luggage pieces. The disposable strip may be removed by tearing along a plurality of spaced, inline apertures. The disposable strip includes several features, such as indicia that identify luggage as belonging to a group, organization or commercial carrier. The disposable strip also may include a security portion having an area for receiving the user's signature or initials to inhibit unauthorized tampering. A pocket may be provided on the disposable strip to receive user identification, a travel itinerary or other document. Furthermore, the disposable strip may be configured to receive an R.F.I.D. tag for electronic tracking.
US07861833B2
A damper for a washing machine includes: a cylinder; a piston body having one end inserted into the cylinder; a first friction member interposed in a contact surface between the piston body and the cylinder; an extension bar extended from an inserted portion of the piston body, the extension bar having a circumferential stopper at the extended portion; a friction ring formed between the circumferential stopper and the first friction member; and a second friction member formed on an outer circumferential surface of the friction ring to contact with an inner surface of the cylinder.
US07861832B2
A first component portion including a first material and that may have a flange. The flange may have one or more ribs located on a surface thereof. A second component portion including a second material that is different from the first material. The second component portion may be cast-in-place over a part of, or substantially all of, the flange and over the ribs. An interconnection is formed between the first and second component portions so that relative movement between the component portions is substantially prevented. Also, thermal expansion and contraction which may occur during use of the first and second component portions is accommodated at the interconnection.
US07861823B2
A duct 26 has circumferentially distributed features capable of scattering acoustic energy associated with fluid dynamic shocks 34 extending in a shock orientation direction D. Each feature is oriented, over at least a portion of its length, substantially perpendicular to the shock orientation direction. The features may be splices 42 used to connect segments of an acoustic liner 30, partitions 56 in a stability enhancing casing treatment 32, or other features capable of scattering acoustic energy associated with shocks.
US07861822B2
A vehicle including an enclosure and a separator wall is disclosed. The enclosure defines an engine compartment and the engine compartment encloses an internal combustion engine. The separator wall extends from a forward portion of the engine compartment to a rear portion of the engine compartment. The engine compartment is at least partially separated into an upper portion and a lower portion by the separator wall.
US07861817B2
An occupant protection apparatus for a vehicle includes: a plurality of communication devices for communicating an external device; and a controller for determining a collision of the vehicle based on information transmitted from the external device via the plurality of communication devices and for activating an occupant protection device corresponding to the collision. The controller prohibits activation of the occupant protection device when the controller detects communication anomaly occurred at more than one communication device.
US07861812B2
A vehicle suitable in consideration of each of an electric power supply amount to a motor and a mounting space of a fuel cell or the like is provided. The outputs of a fuel cell and a battery are raised in voltage by a voltage raising device, and electric power of these raised voltages is supplied to a motor. A total output voltage of the fuel cell and the battery, and their total volume can be correspondingly reduced. The total volume of a group is reduced including the fuel cell, the battery and the voltage raising device, and a mounting space of the group in the vehicle. A space of a frame on an upper side of a floor panel and a lower side of a seat in a vehicle interior space can be utilized effectively as the mounting space of the group, without enlarging the space of the frame.
US07861810B2
A mobile body includes a string body that can be pulled out from and retracted into a main body, a length measurement device configured to measure a pull-out length by which the string body is pulled out, and an angle measurement device configured to measure an angle of the string body with respect to the main body. A drive unit is controlled on the basis of the results of the measurements performed by the length measurement device and the angle measurement device.
US07861805B2
A rock drilling bit having PDC radial bearings has journal and cone bearing surfaces with increased contact area to increase load support. The radius of curvature of the bearing pin journal and cone bearing surfaces are matched or conformed on the bearing pressure side. The conformal journal surfaces may be formed on the main journal bearing, the pilot pin radial bearing, or both surfaces. In addition, diamond inlays may be located on the bearing surfaces of the cone, the bearing pin, or both components.
US07861800B2
A method is described for determining an oilfield parameter for a drilling operation in an oilfield, the oilfield having a well site with a drilling tool advanced into a subterranean formation with geological structures and reservoirs therein. A first set of decision factors and a second set of decision factors about the drilling operation are identified. Each of the first set of decision factors is contained within a first set of nodes, and each of the second set of decision factors is contained within a second set of nodes. Both the first set of nodes and the second set of nodes contain a set of common nodes, which are common to both the first and second sets. The first set of nodes is associated to create a first belief network and the second set of nodes is associated to create a second belief network. Then, the set of common nodes of the first belief network is associated with the set of common nodes of the second belief network to form a multinet belief network. Oilfield parameter can be generated from the multinet belief network.
US07861791B2
A high circulation rate packer (50) for establishing a sealing and gripping engagement with a well casing (34) disposed in a wellbore (32). The packer (50) includes a packer mandrel (54), a seal assembly (72) slidably disposed about the packer mandrel (54) that has a running position and a radially expanded sealing position and a cover (74) that is slidably disposed relative to the packer mandrel (54). The cover (74) has a running position wherein the cover is disposed about the seal assembly (72) and a retracted position wherein the cover (74) is at least partially removed from about the seal assembly (72).
US07861790B2
The present invention generally relates to controlling the flow of fluids in a wellbore. In one aspect, a valve for selectively closing a flow path through a wellbore in a first direction is provided. The valve includes a body and a piston surface formable across the flow path in the first direction. The piston surface is formed at an end of a shiftable member annularly disposed in the body. The valve further includes a flapper member, the flapper member closable to seal the flow path when the shiftable member moves from a first position to a second position due to fluid flow acting on the piston surface. In another aspect, a valve for selectively closing a flow path through a wellbore in a single direction is provided. In yet another aspect, a method for selectively closing a flow path through a wellbore in a first direction is provided.
US07861788B2
Casing valves for selective well stimulation and control. A well system includes at least one valve interconnected in a casing string operable via at least one line external to the casing string to selectively control fluid flow between an exterior and interior of the casing string, and the casing string, valve and line being cemented in a wellbore. A method of selectively stimulating a subterranean formation includes: positioning a casing string in a wellbore, the casing string including spaced apart valves operable via a line to selectively control fluid flow between an interior and exterior of the casing string; and for each of multiple intervals of the formation in sequence, stimulating the interval by opening a corresponding one of the valves, closing the remainder of the valves, and flowing a stimulation fluid from the casing string into the interval.
US07861785B2
A propellant assembly for subsurface fracturing and method for using the same are provided. The assembly can include a first tubular member having an annulus formed therethrough; a second tubular member at least partially disposed within the annulus of the first tubular member; one or more tubular propellants housed within the first tubular member, between an inner diameter of the first tubular member and an outer diameter of the second tubular member; and one or more detonating cords housed within the second tubular member, wherein the second tubular member has one or more portions thereof having a reduced wall thickness.
US07861783B2
A method for adapting a tubular element extending into a wellbore formed in an earth formation, where the tubular element is susceptible to damage caused by axially compressive forces acting on the tubular element as a result of compaction of the earth formation surrounding the tubular element. The method comprises the steps of reducing the axial stiffness of at least one section of the tubular element, and allowing each tubular element section of reduced axial stiffness to be axially compressed by the action of said axially compressive forces, thereby accommodating compaction of the earth formation surrounding the tubular element.
US07861779B2
A method and a device for establishing an underground borehole (10) and setting a casing (6) in the borehole (10), wherein the running tool (1) including a drilling tool (14), an expandable casing (6), an expansion tool (32) and a packer (30) which is arranged to seal against the wall of the borehole (10), is placed at the bottom of the borehole (10), whereupon the borehole (10) is drilled to the necessary length in order then to set the expandable casing (6), and in subsequent operations the casing is reinforced and a completion string is run, having built-in cables for downhole control and monitoring.
US07861775B2
A casing patch includes a deformable seal configurable to a deformed and undeformed position for sealing and unsealing respectively with a target stub and a pressure based subsystem in operable communication with the deformable seal. The patch may also contain a stop ring to prevent overcompression of the seal.
US07861771B2
A stuffing box for sealing around a polished rod in a well including a cylindrical connector for receiving the polished rod, a packing member having top and lateral surfaces and wherein the packing member is concentrically disposed around the polished rod, a body concentrically disposed around the packing member and sealing engaging the cylindrical connector, and wherein the body may be selectively moved to expose the top and lateral surface of the packing members is disclosed. A method of repairing, redressing, or replacing packing members of a stuffing box including providing a stuffing box at a wellhead, manipulating the stuffing box such that top and lateral surfaces of the packing members are exposed, removing the packing members, and redressing the stuffing box with new packing members is also disclosed.
US07861768B1
A heat sink having an embedded heat pipe and fins attached to opposite sides of a base plate having a heat spreader component made of a diamond copper composite is disclosed. In various embodiments, the diamond copper composite heat spreader contains channels for receiving a main heat pipe as well as auxiliary heat pipes.
US07861762B2
Overhead door guide assemblies, guide tracks, and guide track support brackets are disclosed herein. An overhead door track assembly configured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a vertical track segment mounted to a wall adjacent an opening therein, and a curved track segment operably coupled to the vertical track segment. The curved track segment includes a first guide surface spaced apart from a second guide surface to define a first gap region that movably receives the door guide members as the door moves away from the opening. The track assembly further includes a non-vertical track segment operably coupled to the curved track segment. The non-vertical track segment includes a third guide surface spaced apart from a fourth guide surface to define a second gap region that movably receives the door guide members from the curved track segment. In this embodiment, the second gap region is wider than the first gap region to reduce binding as the door moves onto the non-vertical track segment.
US07861750B2
A dispenser for holding multiple doses of fluids or other substances, and for dispensing the substances, has a vial, a flexible bladder received within the vial, and a variable volume storage chamber formed between the bladder and vial. A filling valve is coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber and defines (1) a normally closed, fluid-tight position hermetically sealing the storage chamber from the ambient atmosphere, and (2) an open position allowing the passage of fluid through the valve both to evacuate the storage chamber and to introduce fluid through the valve to fill the storage chamber. A pump is coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber for pumping fluids out of the storage chamber. A dispensing valve is coupled in fluid communication with the pump and defines (1) a normally closed, fluid-tight position preventing the passage of fluid out of the dispenser, and (2) an open position for dispensing pumped fluid therethrough. The sealed, empty dispenser is sterilized, such as by applying gamma radiation thereto. Then, the sterilized, sealed, empty dispenser is filled with fluid by engaging the filling valve with an evacuating/dispensing member to evacuate the storage chamber, and by introducing fluid from the filling member through the open filling valve and into the storage chamber. The filling member is withdrawn from the valve, and a spring moves the valve to a closed position to hermetically seal the fluid within the dispenser.
US07861749B2
A dispenser for dispensing metered amounts of powdered material, such as baby formula, from a dispenser unit, or cartridge, that can be quickly and easily interconnected with the dispenser. The dispenser can accommodate formula bottles of various sizes and includes a dispensing plunger that provides an oscillating action to prevent compaction of the formula and functions to ensure even dispensing of the formula into the formula bottle. Uniquely, actuation of the dispensing plunger creates a negative pressure internally of the dispensing chamber of the dispenser so as to assist the uniform withdrawal of formula from the cartridge.
US07861745B2
A flexible hose construction adapted for separately conveying two or more fluids therethrough. The construction includes a core tube, a second tube helically disposed about the core tube, and a tubular jacket surrounding the core tube. The second tube may be substantially concentric with the core tube. The tubular jacket may be substantially cylindrical so as to have a substantially smooth outer surface.
US07861735B2
A folding canopy for a mobility device, such as a wheelchair or scooter, can be displaced, via switch activation, from a folded position behind the backrest to the operating position above the mobility device. In the folded position, the canopy and structural members are kept behind the backrest. A press of the switch located on the armrest activates an electric motor and drives a mechanical assembly comprising of: two gears a shaft and two U-shape tubular structural members attached to weather resistant upholstery. The canopy and structural members assemble directly above the vehicle. Another press of the switch retracts the canopy.
US07861730B2
Devices, methods, and kits for making and using a graphic film laminate to decorate fingernail and/or toenail are provided. In one aspect, a thermally-curable vinyl-based pressure-sensitive self-adhesive nail cover/coating laminate is provided.
US07861724B2
A dental oral appliance for use with patients who suffer with sleep disorders, to reduce or eliminate snoring and to open the airway for a sleeping individual who suffers with obstructive sleep apnea. The appliance covers the inside (lingual) of the upper teeth and has an open palate. Retention for the appliance is provided by either clasps placed over the upper right and left molars and a retainer in the anterior area or by an occlusal coverage of the upper teeth. A raised incisor ramp that extends from the incisal tip (biting edge) of the incisors toward the lingual, or posterior raised ramps, separate the posterior teeth to reduce spasm on the temporalis muscle. A transverse, transpalatal member, which extends from the inside (lingual) of the upper right molars to the inside of the upper left molars, covers the tongue, preventing it from moving upward or backward during sleep, opening the airway.
US07861723B2
An airway obstruction correction apparatus including an expandable bladder configured to fit within a user's external auditory canal, a pump configured to expand the bladder with a pumped fluid, a passage coupled with the pump and with the bladder and configured to convey a fluid between the pump and the bladder, a microcontroller coupled with the pump and configured to affect an activation condition of the pump, and a reservoir coupled with the pump and configured to retain sufficient fluid to expand the bladder into contact with a surface of the auditory canal when transferred to the bladder by the pump. At least one of a local data processing means and/or a remotely located data processing means can be configured to receive data from the apparatus and transmit data to the apparatus via a data networking means and/or at least one of a wired or wireless signal. According to a method using an apparatus configured as described, a detected indication of an obstructed airway causes the apparatus to stimulate a user and induces an involuntary airway clearing response.
US07861720B1
A patient axillary support cushion utilizing a first member having a base, a first leg, and a second leg. First and second legs are connected to the base to form a channel for placement adjacent the axilla of a patient. The first leg is shorter than the second leg and is intended to allow the placement of endo-tracheal tubes. A second member formed of softer material overlies the channel formed by the elements of the first member. The second member may include convoluted surface characteristics for pressing the skin of the patient.
US07861712B2
A sealed self-piercing capsule for storing and delivering a substance, such as a medicine, comprises one or more barrier layers forming a sealed chamber for containing the substance. An internal puncturing mechanism is disposed within the capsule chamber for puncturing a barrier layer to release the substance from the chamber. The internal puncturing mechanism may comprise a sharpened edge located on a movable tube, which moves relative to a barrier layer forming the sealed chamber to puncture the barrier layer.
US07861709B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus including a heat source, a covering, and a transportable case. The a transportable case may be sized and shaped to enclose the heat source and the covering in thermal transfer relation to warm the covering while the covering is in a first state. The covering may also have a second state, after being heated by the heat source in the first state wherein it may be at least partially wrapped around a user to partially warm the user from the heat provided thereto in the first state. The covering may be formed into a canopy-like form, in the second state, being substantially enclosed at a top and wherein the heat source may be positioned in relation to the canopy-like form to provide heat to within the canopy-like form.
US07861708B1
A draft inducer blower for high efficiency furnaces, including a blower housing which provides enhanced contact between the blower housing and the furnace collector box to reduce the flexing and vibration between the blower housing and the collector box. The blower housing includes contact structure which provides a direct abutting contact relationship between the blower housing and the collector box at least along a substantial periphery of the blower housing and/or at one or more rigid transition points on the collector box. In one embodiment, the contact structure can be part of the blower housing body and/or the blower housing cover. In another embodiment, the contact structure can be part of the collector box or furnace to which the blower housing is mounted. When fasteners secure the blower housing to the collector box, the contact structure provides a substantially integral rigid construct between the blower housing and the collector box.
US07861693B2
An injection system for an internal combustion engine has at least one injector (18) which is coupled hydraulically to a fuel accumulator (16), a prefeed pump (12) for feeding fuel from a fuel tank (10), a high pressure pump (14) which is arranged downstream behind the prefeed pump (12) for feeding the fuel into the fuel accumulator (16), and a line (42) which branches off downstream of the prefeed pump (12) and upstream of the high pressure pump (14) and is coupled hydraulically to an exhaust section injector (47), by way of which fuel can be injected into an exhaust section of the internal combustion engine.
US07861691B2
A common-rail fuel injection system is equipped with a common-rail, a fuel pump 11, and an injector. The fuel pump has a plurality of fuel pumping systems. A pressure sensor is provided at a fuel inlet of the injector. When the fuel pump supplies fuel to each of the fuel pumping systems, an ECU detects a variation in fuel pressure in a fuel passage between the fuel pump and the injector. Based on the detected fuel pressure variation, the ECU computes a pumping characteristic with respect to each of the fuel pumping systems.
US07861689B2
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine with at least two cylinders in the case of irregular running caused by combustion problems has the following steps: measurement of a segment time of a first cylinder during a first time interval T1 in the sequence of operations of the internal combustion engine, with a corresponding first signal being transmitted as a first actual value to a control, sensing of pressure fluctuations in the second cylinder during a second time interval T2 in the sequence of operations of the internal combustion engine, with a corresponding second signal being transmitted as a second actual value to a control and changing of operating parameters of the at least one cylinder by means of the control on the basis of the first and second signal, when the first and the second actual value each deviate from setpoint values stored in the control.
US07861672B2
The collector habitat device comprises panels of non-biodegradable and/or synthetic fibrous material set in durable weatherproof frames and attached to a base; when placed in, the panels hang within the water column providing numerous parallel settlement surfaces for post-larvae. A float assembly, optionally attached to the opposite side of the base from the panels, allows the device to float just below the water's surface. The collector habitat device also incorporates a guard, surrounding the panels, with apertures to allow settlement-stage post-larvae access to the settlement surfaces, while preventing larger organisms and potential predators from gaining access. The collector habitat device also, optionally, incorporates an optionally removable/re-attachable reservoir hung below the guard; and an optional olfactory attractant delivery device.
US07861668B2
A plasma processing apparatus comprises a processing chamber in which a plurality of substrates are stacked and accommodated; a pair of electrodes extending in the stacking direction of the plurality of substrates, which are disposed at one side of the plurality of substrates in said processing chamber, and to which high frequency electricity is applied; and a gas supply member which supplies processing gas into a space between the pair of electrodes.
US07861667B2
An improved upper electrode system has a multi-part electrode in which a central portion of the electrode having high wear is replaceable independent of an outer peripheral portion of the electrode. The upper electrode can be used in plasma processing systems for processing semiconductor substrates, such as by etching or CVD. The multi-part upper electrode system is particularly useful for large size wafer processing chambers, such as 300 mm wafer processing chambers for which monolithic electrodes are unavailable or costly.
US07861662B2
An inflatable boat comprising an inflation structure which in turn has a drop stitch structure which is made of upper and lower fabric layers and also a core section made up in an array of threads extending throughout the drop stitch structure. The outside contour comprises a watertight/air tight sidewall enclosing the drop stitch structure and there is a seating compartment within the drop stitch structure and an interior wall sealing off the inside of the flotation structure.
US07861659B2
A lightweight hopper car that includes one or more reinforcing members at specified locations, so that the hopper car has both a carrying capacity and a structural strength comparable to those of existing, heavier hopper cars. Specifically, the present application discloses that the hopper car may be reinforced at one or more locations including (i) at selective intersections between the center sill and slope sheets of cargo wells; (ii) between side slope sheets of adjacent cargo wells; (iii) at the junction between the side sheets and end slope sheets of the hopper car; and (iv) along the end combing seal between opposed carlines, if the hopper car is covered. In addition, the present application discloses a novel means of reinforcing side sheets of a rail car, including hopper cars, against the warping that commonly occurs when welding the side sheets at the car is fabricated.
US07861646B2
A device for brewing batches, such as, but not limited to, relatively small one or two cup batches, of coffee from water and liquid coffee concentrate, preferably shelf stable. The size of the device, preferably similar to an automatic drip coffee maker, allows the device to be conveniently utilized in the home, an office, a hotel suite, or hospitality area or the like. The device includes a metered volumetric mix valve assembly that, when activated, admits simultaneously or sequentially a finite volume of water and liquid concentrate to a mixing chamber or conduit where they are mixed and then dispensed to a container such as a carafe, cup, mug or the like. Mixing can take place in one or more of the mixing chamber or conduit and the container in which the water and concentrate are dispensed. In this manner, repeatable beverage solutions are obtained. Advantageously, the device is constructed so that the liquid concentrate flows gravimetrically to the volumetric mix valve assembly, and a costly concentrate pump is not necessary. The device can be sealed so that theft of the coffee concentrate can be prevented.
US07861635B1
An ambidextrous charging handle for a firearm consists of an oblong handle having a crossbar section. A cavity is formed in the oblong handle and includes a slotted portion. A longitudinal central shaft extends generally perpendicularly from the crossbar section of the oblong handle and terminates in a bolt hook at a distal end. A pivotable latch in the cavity includes a latch cam portion and a latch hook. A plunger has a plunger cam portion and is slidably disposed in the slotted portion of the cavity. A biasing element urges the latch hook toward the central shaft. Slidable movement of the plunger in the slotted portion of the cavity, against the bias of the biasing element, urges the cam portion of the plunger against the latch cam portion, thereby pivoting the latch and urging the latch hook away from the central shaft.
US07861634B2
The present invention provides a toroidal structure comprising a plurality of closed-loop toroids interconnected together, each toroid having a body defining an interior, the toroidal structure comprising: a first toroid of the plurality of toroids having a first proximal portion and a first distal portion; a second toroid of the plurality of toroids having a second proximal portion and a second distal portion; and an interconnection between the first and the second toroid formed by looping the first proximal portion around the body of the second toroid and passing through the interior of the first toroid adjacent to the first distal portion to cause the first distal portion to be positioned adjacent to the second proximal portion.
US07861633B2
An angular adjustment apparatus for a miter saw having a base and a turntable mounted to the base and rotatable around a generally centrally located axis, the turntable having a handle portion for rotating the turntable relative to the base. The apparatus includes an arcuate rack gear positioned on the base, and an elongated adjustment mechanism associated with the handle portion. The adjustment mechanism includes a pinion gear configured to engage the rack gear when brought into contact therewith, and a control wheel operatively connected to the pinion gear. The control wheel is rotatable around an axis concentric with the pinion gear and moveable along the concentric axis to cause the pinion gear to selectively engage and disengage the rack gear, wherein rotation of the control wheel while the pinion gear is engaged with the rack gear causes the turntable to rotate relative to the base.
US07861630B2
A method and an apparatus for increasing the capacity and precision of a portion cutter wherein the items to be portion cut are positioned abutting each other. In particular are provided a method and apparatus for identifying a boundary between consecutive items to be cut when the items are placed on a conveyor abutting each other with little or no gab between the items. At least one characteristic is measured for each of the items, and at least one process parameter is controlled in order to achieve predetermined product portions from the items based on the measured characteristic.
US07861628B2
A calibration procedure is carried out for determining the displacement distance from a reference point to the center of the blade in a web cutter in a mail inserter. A photosensor is placed near the paper plane of the web cutter to sense a web edge at the reference point downstream or upstream from the blade. At the start of the calibration procedure, the blade is caused to cut the web for providing a web edge. The web edge is moved in a backward and forward motion over the photosensor a few times for determining the theoretical center position of the photosensor relative to the position where the web is cut by the blade. By taking into account the chip-out width, the displacement distance from the center of the photosensor to the center of the chip out blade can be determined.
US07861617B2
A hand-operated swage device includes a first hand-operated actuator and a second hand operated actuator that, when actuated together, control the sequential operation of a clamping mechanism and a swaging mechanism of the hand-operated swage device. For example, the first actuator of the swage device is disposed on a first handle while the second actuator is disposed on a second handle of the swage device. To operate the hand-operated swage device, an operator grasps the first handle with one hand and grasps the second handle with his other hand to actuate both of the actuators in a substantially simultaneous manner. Actuation of both actuators controls sequential delivery of pressurized air to a first pneumatic device mechanically coupled to the clamping mechanism and to a second pneumatic device mechanically coupled to the swaging mechanism.
US07861609B2
An apparatus for constructing a target core to enable testing at simulated wellbore conditions. The apparatus includes a support core having a target core receiving region. A flexible jacket is operable to receive the support core and apply a confining stress to the support core. A quantity of unconsolidated sand is disposed within the target core receiving region of the support core. The support core is operable to transmit at least a portion of the confining stress to the unconsolidated sand, thereby forming the target core. The apparatus simulates downhole conditions such that flow tests may be performed on the target core before and after perforating the target core.
US07861605B2
A pressure distribution sensor utilizing electromagnetic coupling in which alignment of electromagnetically coupled coils is facilitated, and a force in a slip direction can be detected. The pressure distribution sensor utilizing electromagnetic coupling has a detection surface comprises a plurality of first loop wires (1) arranged in parallel on the same plane, a plurality of second loop wires (2) arranged in parallel on the same plane in the direction perpendicular to the first loop wires (1), and a plurality of third loop wires (3) arranged in parallel on the same plane as the first loop wires. The third loop wires (3) are formed to be connectable to a drive section (10) in a separated manner from the first loop wires. The drive section (10) connected to the first loop wires drives the first loop wires, and a detecting section (20) connected to the second loop wires detects pressure from detection signals based on electromagnetic coupling at the electromagnetic coupling portions from the second loop wires.
US07861599B2
An instrument-equipped bicycle component has a detection unit for detecting at least one parameter representative of a stress exerted upon the component. The component may have a single piece or multiple parts that do not move relative to one another. The component may be mobile with respect to the bicycle frame while the bicycle is traveling, and the detection unit moves as a single piece with the component with respect to the bicycle frame. The detected parameter may be the torque applied by the cyclist to the aforementioned component through the bicycle pedals.
US07861595B2
A pressure sensing device comprises a substrate having an opening, a pressure sensor die electrically connected to the substrate, and a pedestal having an upper surface that extends through the opening in the substrate, with the upper surface affixed to the sensor die. The pedestal has a pressure port that extends from the upper surface to a bottom surface of the pedestal, with the pressure port containing a hermetic sealing tube therein. A hermetic sealing cover is affixed to the substrate over the sensor die, with the cover and the substrate containing a reference pressure for the sensor die. A media isolation component has a chamber filled with a fluid that transmits a pressure applied to the media isolation component to the pressure sensor die. A capillary tube is affixed within the pressure port of the pedestal and is in communication with the sealing tube. The capillary tube and the sealing tube provide fluid communication between the chamber of the media isolation component and the sensor die.
US07861594B2
A method of operating a vibratory testing apparatus is disclosed including providing a table frame with at least one vibrator attached thereto and attaching the at least one vibrator to a solenoid valve, wherein an input of the solenoid valve is connected to a pneumatic air supply and an output of the valve is connected to the vibrator. The solenoid valve is connected to a controller and a first control signal is sent from the controller to the solenoid valve for opening the valve and allowing a first burst of air to the vibrator thereby causing the vibrator to vibrate the table frame at a first amplitude. Then a second control signal is sent from the controller to the solenoid valve for opening the valve and allowing a second burst of air to the vibrator thereby causing the vibrator to vibrate the table frame at a second amplitude.
US07861589B2
The invention is to provide a ring body and supporting structure of a vibratile gyroscope. The ring body is a thin sheet ring body having a height. The supporting structure is provided for supporting the ring body. The supporting structure is located on two opposing edges of the ring body. The supporting structures provide axial and radial supporting forces to restrain the ring body, providing better sensitivity and capability to resist environmental vibration and noise. Additionally, a reinforcing structure surrounding the ring body is arranged at an interior surface of the ring body to raise the rigidity of the ring body and maintain an elliptical resonance mode. If the reinforcing structure si arranged as high as the ring body, then it is possible to arrange electrodes at both inner and outer sides of the ring body to raise the effective area of driving and/or sensing electrodes. Raising the effective sensing area is further beneficial to reduce the needed driving voltage and increase the signal-to-noise ratio.
US07861581B2
Disclosed herein is a device for measuring fluid dispense volumes including one or more wells adapted to receive a fluid; a tube having an internal passageway fluidly coupled to the one or more wells, wherein fluid in the wells passes into the internal passageway via capillary action to form a fluid column having a meniscus spaced from the wells; and a scale coupled to the tube, the scale calibrated to provide an indication of the volume of the fluid based upon the location of the meniscus in the fluid passageway.
US07861580B2
According to one exemplary embodiment, a virtual turbine speed sensor for a multi-stage turbocharger system of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The multi-stage turbocharger system includes at least two sequential turbochargers each having a compressor and a turbine. The virtual turbine speed sensor includes a compressor efficiency module, an inter-stage air temperature module, and a turbine speed module. The compressor efficiency module is configured to estimate an efficiency of a compressor of a first of the at least two turbochargers. The inter-stage air temperature module is configured to estimate an inter-stage temperature of air between the at least two compressors. The inter-stage temperature estimate is based at least partially on the efficiency of the compressor of the first turbocharger. The turbine speed module is configured to estimate a speed of a turbine of a second of the at least two turbochargers. The speed estimate of the turbine of the second turbocharger is based at least partially on the temperature estimate of air between the at least two compressors.
US07861569B2
A reaction device for forming equipment includes a base, a reaction member movably spaced therefrom by guides, and a return gas spring carried by the base and operatively engaged to the reaction member for yieldably biasing the reaction member away from the base. The base has a return gas spring passage and guide shaft passages spaced apart therefrom. A return gas spring is received in the return gas spring passage of the base, and has a piston rod with an end arranged for contact with the reaction member. The guides include guide shafts arranged for engagement with the reaction member and disposed in guide bushings, which are received in the guide shaft passages of the base and preferably project below the base for use in locating the reaction device on the forming equipment.
US07861568B2
A die set for press-forming a blank of thin metallic sheet. The die set has a punch and a blank holder. The blank holder has a first bead for restraining an edge of the blank with a constant force. The first bead is disposed further to an inside than a second bead for restraining the edge of the blank with a force that varies during pressing of the blank.
US07861564B2
A slot device for holding a portable device that communicates with a controller installed in a vehicle. The slot device includes a retainer for retaining the portable device, a shutter for closing the retainer, and a spring received in a spring receptacle for urging the shutter to close the retainer. The spring is supported in an inclined state to contact the inner surface of the spring receptacle and prevent vibrations and noise.
US07861554B2
An adjustable ring according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a ring portion having an outer surface and an inner surface defining an opening for receiving a finger therethrough; a movable segment coupled to the ring portion and movable between a first position and a second position; and a spring element coupled to the ring portion and the movable segment to allow movement of the movable segment between the first position and the second position. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the adjustable ring further includes an insert portion coupled to an inner surface of the ring portion, the insert portion having an opening; and the movable segment coupled to the insert portion and having a surface movable through the insert portion opening.
US07861551B2
A method and device for producing ice droplets on-demand in a refrigerator is provided wherein small water droplets are dropped from a valve through a supercooled chamber where the water freezes and forms ice pieces, such as in the form of pellets, while free-falling through the chamber, with the ice being directed to a dispenser assembly. The size and dispensing rate of the droplets can be selected by a user and regulated by a controller. The method and device eliminates the need for bulk ice storage and dispensing components.
US07861546B2
A controller and method for control of a refrigeration system having a compressor rack operable at a plurality of capacities may include determining a rate of change in suction pressure for a first capacity, determining a rate of change in suction pressure associated with a second capacity, and determining which of the first capacity and the second capacity will produce the least variation between a measured suction pressure and a desired suction pressure based on the rate of change in suction pressure associated with each.
US07861545B2
A cut-out circuit for an air conditioner protects the air conditioning system components when subjected to low pressure conditions, without manually resetting the system after low pressure cut-out. The cut-out circuit preferably includes a relay, connectable to a voltage source through a normally closed low pressure switch to a compressor clutch, the relay operable in a closed state to output a voltage from the voltage source through the low pressure switch to the clutch, and in an open state to interrupt the voltage. The low pressure switch may open responsive to a low pressure condition interrupting voltage flow to the clutch. The circuit includes a normally open high pressure switch, connected to the relay and a voltage source, operable to close responsive to a high pressure condition, to output a voltage from a voltage source to the relay for changing the relay operating state to open.
US07861543B2
A method of preventing water carryover to an object cooled by an air flow from a cooling device includes receiving at least one representation of a relative humidity of the air flow, and preventing water carryover to the object by adjusting at least one cooling parameter of the cooling device based, at least in part, on the relative humidity. Further embodiments and cooling systems are also disclosed.
US07861533B2
The method and apparatus for in-flight relighting of a turbofan engine involve in one aspect selectively controlling an accessory drag load on one or more windmilling rotors to permit control of the windmill speed to an optimum value for relight conditions.
US07861532B2
A method for operating an energy system includes calculating an auto-ignition temperature of a fuel in use with the energy system, storing the auto-ignition temperature in a system memory, unloading a gas turbine associated with the energy system to a pre-determined range of operations, controlling a temperature of the exhaust flow discharged from the gas turbine, opening an exhaust bypass damper to a pre-determined position to enable a pre-determined volume of air to enter an exhaust flow path defined within the energy system, and releasing the energy system for normal operation after a pre-determined amount of time has elapsed.
US07861529B2
An injection device for injecting a mixture of air and fuel into a combustion chamber of a turbomachine is disclosed. The injection device includes two fuel circuits and a Venturi which improves the carburation.
US07861526B2
The invention relates to a steam generation plant, comprising a steam generator (1) with a combustion chamber (8), an evaporator, a superheater (9), an intermediate superheater (12), a condenser (14), a feed water preheater (16, 19, 19′) regeneratively heated by steam, a steam turbine set (2) with a high-pressure section (4), a medium pressure section (5) and a low-pressure section (6), a flue gas line (22), connected to the combustion chamber (8), an air supply line (21), for the supply of combustion air to the burner in the combustion chamber (8) and an air preheater (3) with flue gas and combustion air passing therethrough. An air line (23) branches off from the air supply line (21) downstream of the air preheater (3) in said steam generation plant and supplies an air-fractionation unit (25). Air coolers (34, 35) are arranged in the air line (23) through which the condensate or feed water from the condensate/feed water circuit from the steam generator (1) flows. The oxygen output from the air fractionation unit (25) is connected to the burner of the combustion chamber (8) by means of an oxygen line (26).
US07861520B2
A method of reducing emissions from a diesel engine including the steps of providing an injector to an exhaust outlet of the diesel engine, the injector having an orifice with a diameter of about 0.006 inch or less, providing a reagent to the injector at an inlet pressure between about 120 psi and about 60 psi, actuating the injector on and off at a frequency between about 10 Hz and about 1 Hz with an on-time of about 1% or more, injecting the reagent via the orifice into the exhaust outlet at an injection rate, and wherein varying of at least two of the inlet pressure, the frequency, and the on-time achieves a turn-down ratio of a maximum injection rate to a minimum injection rate of at least about 31:1.
US07861519B2
A procedure to operate an exhaust gas treatment device, which contains a catalytically active surface for the exothermic conversion of a reagent substance, and a device to implement the procedure are proposed. Provision is made to measure a first measurement for the reaction temperature of the reagent substance in the area of the catalytically active surface as well as to calculate a second measurement for the reaction temperature using a model of the catalytically supported reaction. A measurement for the unconverted reagent substance in the area of the catalytically active surface is ascertained from a comparison of the two measurements. The procedural approach according to the invention makes possible on the one hand a protection of the exhaust gas duct components with regard to an excessive temperature and on the other hand an energy efficient heating of the exhaust gas duct components.
US07861513B2
A gas turbine engine comprising a ventilation zone defined between a core engine casing and a core fairing and having a discharge nozzle, the engine further comprises a pre-cooler having a flow of coolant therethrough and which coolant being ducted into the ventilation zone wherein an additional ventilation zone outlet system is provided and comprises a variable area outlet.
US07861509B2
Methods and systems of operating an integrated gasification combined cycle system are provided. The method includes coupling a non-fuel fluid conduit to a fuel conduit, warming a flow of non-fuel fluid, and channeling the warmed non-fuel fluid through the fuel conduit such that heat from the warmed non-fuel fluid heats the fuel conduit to a predetermined temperature.
US07861496B2
An article packaging machine includes a trailing article pusher assembly for pushing the trailing articles of a packaging production run down infeed conveyer lanes and through workstations of the packaging machine so that the trailing articles can be packaged. The pusher assembly comprises a pusher chain that is flexible in one direction to allow the chain to be coiled upon itself and generally inflexible in the other direction beyond a substantially straight configuration of the chain. A pusher block is attached to a free end of the pusher chain. The pusher chain is normally stowed on a take-up magazine beside its associated infeed lane during a packaging operation. When the trailing articles of a production run approach the workstations of the packaging machine, a gate opens to allow the pusher chain and its pusher block to be extended into the infeed lane behind the last trailing article. A drive sprocket engaged with the pusher chain is rotated to extend the chain and its pusher block into the infeed lane until the pusher block engages and exerts a pushing force on the last trailing article. Continued rotation of the drive sprocket further extends the pusher chain and pushes the trailing articles through the workstations of the packaging machine until the trailing articles are packaged. The drive sprocket is then reversed in direction to retract the pusher chain from the infeed lane and coil it in its stowed position on the take-up magazine.
US07861494B2
An apparatus for producing an absorbent article includes a holding tool, a female tool disposed along a machine axis, and a male tool disposed along the machine axis. The holding tool has an aperture aligned along the machine axis and means for holding a flexible sheet across the aperture. The female tool has at least one folding element extending in a direction radially away from the machine axis, and the male tool has means for holding a fluid storage element and at least one pleating blade extending in a direction radially away from the machine axis. At least two of the holding tool, female tool, and male tool are capable of relative motion along the machine axis. Further the at least one pleating blade and of the male tool and the at least one folding element of the female tool are aligned to permit manipulation of the flexible sheet about the fluid storage element.
US07861485B1
A method and apparatus for installing a stanchion on a tile roof includes a tile which has an aperture and a stanchion which fits through the aperture. An existing roof tile is removed and the stanchion is connected to the roof sheathing at the place of removal. The tile is then placed over the stanchion so that the stanchion project through the aperture. In an embodiment of the invention, a sleeve surrounds the aperture and a seal provides a weather proof seal between the stanchion and the sleeve.
US07861483B2
The invention relates to a panel, with a tongue on a longitudinal and a transverse edge, projecting beyond said longitudinal or transverse edge, with essentially parallel tongue surfaces and a groove on the opposing longitudinal or transverse edge, enclosed by lateral panel sections, corresponding to the tongue of an adjacent panel with essentially parallel groove edges. In order to lock two adjacent panels such as to run into each other, a projecting locking element is provided on at least one tongue surface at least in parts and in each region of (a) panel section(s) corresponding to said locking element(s) for connected panels a recess(es) is provided, whereby the region (B) of the tongue with the locking element and/or at least one of the regions of the tongue and the panel sections which are in contact on introducing the tongue into the groove, before the locking element clips into the recess, have an elastic embodiment such that said elasticity is greater than the elasticity of the locking element.
US07861482B2
A locking system for a floor panel includes a first connecting device, a second connecting device, and a third connecting device. The first connecting device includes a combination lock including an upwardly directed locking element configured to cooperate with a locking groove. The combination lock further including a flexible tongue in a displacement groove. The displacement groove and the flexible tongue of the combination lock are configured to cooperate with a tongue of a third connecting device.
US07861474B2
A prefabricated wall panel has a top frame structure defining an upward-opening channel extending lengthwise along the upper edge of the panel. An elongate header member is normally disposed within this channel. The header member is vertically slidably supported on supports fixed to the top frame structure so that the header member, in a storage position, is retained in the space. When the panel has been swung upwardly so that the upper edge is aligned below a preinstalled ceiling track, then the header member is manually displaced upwardly until the header telescopes over the ceiling track. A fixed connection is then formed between the header and the ceiling track to provide lateral stability at the upper edge of the wall panel.
US07861472B2
An inexpensive device is provided for quickly and efficiently securing protective panels such as, for example, plywood and the like, to exterior surfaces of buildings to protect windows, doors and/or other vulnerable features from wind and flying debris. The device comprises a stationary base, and a clamping member attached to such base. At least one device of the present invention is mounted to a building in general proximity to a window, door or other feature to be covered with a protective panel; the clamping member(s) secure the protective panels in place against the building. When not in use, the present invention can be maintained in a stowed position.
US07861465B1
A method of preventing finger access into a space between a hinged edge of a door member that is unexposed when the door is closed, and that is hingedly attached to a door jamb member with spaced hinges, and a surface of said jamb member that is unexposed when the door is closed, comprising cutting a first section of flexible sheet material, having a width sufficient to allow the door to be opened and closed when opposed longitudinal edges of the flexible sheet material are affixed, respectively, to said hinged edge of the door member and said surface of the jamb member on a side of the door having protruding hinges, to a length about equal to a spacing between said spaced hinges securing the opposed longitudinal edges of said first section of flexible sheet material, respectively, to said hinged edge of the door member and said surface of the jamb member between the spaced hinges, without covering the hinges with said first section of flexible sheet material, and optionally securing a second section of flexible sheet material below the first section of flexible sheet material, without covering a hinge.
US07861463B1
A sliding door grab bar opener for opening and closing a sliding door. The opener includes outside and inside tube members, each having first and second ends. The inside tube member is positioned within the outside tube member and is adapted to slide from a fully retracted configuration with the first end of the inside tube member being located adjacent the first end of the outside tube member to a fully extended configuration with the first end of the inside tube member being located adjacent the second end of the outside tube member. First and second end stanchion members are attached to the outside and inside tube members adjacent their first and second ends, respectively. A middle stanchion member is attached to the outside tube member adjacent its second end. The stanchion members are adapted to be attached to the frames of the sliding door panels by fastener means.
US07861457B2
A splice system for linear connection of fishing lines includes a female connector and a male connector. Each connector has first and second opposite ends, a longitudinal axis, and a shaped exterior surface. The first end of the female connector is connected to a first fishing line section; the second end has a first opening; and the connector has a raised interior feature. The second end of the male connector is connected to a second fishing line section; the first end is configured for coaxial insertion into the first opening of the female connector, and the first end has a raised exterior feature. The connectors have a first relative position representing a disengaged state and a second relative position representing an engaged state. The first relative position and the second relative position are rotationally displaced about the axis.
US07861453B2
A decoy has a body and a stand to support the body. In one embodiment, the stand has a least three legs which pivot between extended and collapsed positions, wherein a retainer structure releasably retains the legs in the extended positions. In another embodiment, the decoy includes an interconnect for securing the stand to the body. The interconnect snaps into connection with the body. In one embodiment, the interconnect has a pair of circumferential openings retaining the stand along the body during shipment.
US07861450B2
A polymeric revolver including a frame, a cylinder mounted in a rectangular aperture in the frame, a cylinder retaining mechanism and a cylinder releasing mechanism is provided. The cylinder retaining mechanism includes two assemblies: (1) an extractor, locking bolt and locking bolt retainer that house an extractor rod spring, and (2) a ratchet hub driver, hub drive center pin and central pin plate that house a ratchet drive spring. The two assemblies are biased toward one another forming a locking engagement of the extractor and the ratchet hub driver. The locking engagement is enhanced by a star-shaped configuration of grooves and ridges on the extractor and ratchet hub driver, respectively. The cylinder releasing mechanism includes a cylinder release lever that actuates the hub drive center pin and ratchet hub driver out of locking engagement with the extractor, and an ambidextrous thumb piece that facilitates access to the cylinder release lever.
US07861449B1
A revolver with latching mechanism for swing-out type cylinder. The revolver includes a frame, a rotatable cylinder movable from a ready-to-fire position in the frame to a loading position laterally displaced outwards from the frame, and a latching member retained in the frame by a barrel insert that defines a bullet bore. In one embodiment, the latching member may be a spring-loaded plunger movable from a locked position in which the cylinder is locked in the ready-to-fire position to an unlocked position in which the cylinder is movable to the loading position. A cylinder crane pivotally mounts the cylinder in the frame and moving the plunger to the unlocked position allows the cylinder crane to be swung out laterally from the frame by a user. In one embodiment, the plunger is held in the frame by a retaining plug engaged by the barrel insert.
US07861444B2
A device which simulates natural flowering actions, including growth and efflorescence, is actuated by partial immersion of a stem into a liquid. An aperture through the stem base admits the liquid into the stem. A piston slidably disposed within the stem is driven downwardly by the bias force of a resilient spring while an agent which impedes the piston motion dissolves in the liquid. Growth is simulated by a sleeve outside the stem which descends in relation thereto to push the flower upwardly. A simulated corolla is attached to the stem and gradually rotates and opens during the ascent thereof. A cam controls the pivotal position of lifters which open and close the corolla. The petals of the corolla vibrate before opening and open with variations in starting time. As the corolla opens, a surprise gift, gradually ascending on a presentation platform, is revealed. The device may be reused.
US07861443B2
An identification tag that is adapted to be attached to a collar ring. The tag has a molded tag body that defines a pair of recesses, and a pliable clip having spaced arms that are adapted to be releasably received into the tag body recesses, the clip further adapted to be coupled to the collar ring, to releasably couple the tag body to the collar ring.
US07861442B2
Embodiments relate to food-product preparation kits and food-product preparation apparatuses. In one embodiment, a food-product preparation kit includes at least one support including a plurality of support slots, a food-product preparation apparatus, and at least one recipe card. The food-product preparation apparatus includes a base and walls attached to the base. The base and walls define receiving spaces for receiving food product. The food-product preparation apparatus includes at least one flange portion extending from the base. The at least one flange is configured to be received by at least one support slot and cooperate therewith so that the food-product preparation apparatus is supported in an upward fashion at a convenient viewing angle. The at least one recipe card is configured to be received by at least one of the support slots and cooperate therewith so that the at least one recipe card is oriented in an upward fashion.
US07861437B2
The present invention relates to novel dryer systems that incorporate two-stage processes for heating air for drying a traveling web. The present invention is operable within a drying system having a drying hood containing a dryer. The drying hood receives heated air through an intake and expels system air through an exhaust. The portion of system air that is maintained in the system is divided into two portions and directed into separate parallel conduits for two-stage heating that results in greater temperature uniformity and efficiency within the system. One loop includes a mixing chamber for the initial mixing of system air with the combustion products of a burner. A second loop includes an injection chamber that receives the initially mixed air and injects it into the other portion of the system air, resulting in greater temperature uniformity within the drying hood and increased operating efficiency for the entire system.
US07861436B2
A laundry treating machine is disclosed. The laundry treating machine includes a case having a laundry receiving space for receiving laundry defined therein, the case being located above another laundry treating machine, a hot air supply unit for supplying hot air into the laundry receiving space, a manipulation part for allowing a user to select a drive course, a control unit for controlling the hot air supply unit to be driven according to the course selected by the manipulation part, and a guide unit for assisting the user to put the laundry in the laundry receiving space.
US07861435B1
A method of determining an alignment of a floating seal for a turbo machine, including establishing a reference surface on a rotor of the turbomachine that is essentially perpendicular to an instantaneous centerline of the rotor, establishing a control surface that radially aligns a floating seal member that surrounds the rotor, providing an inflatable member arranged between a stationary portion of the turbomachine and a surface of the floating seal, inflating the inflatable member such that the inflatable member urges the floating seal firmly against the control surface, measuring an axial distance between the floating seal and the reference surface at a plurality of locations, determining a parallelism between the facing surfaces of the floating seal and the rotor based upon the plurality of measured axial distances, comparing the determined parallelism with a predetermined threshold, and adjusting an orientation of the control surface based upon the comparison.
US07861434B2
A post sleeve installation device includes a standing structure, a structure coupled to the standing structure and configured to support a post sleeve below the standing structure, and a mechanism configured to enable selective translation of the support structure in three axes and rotation around a vertical axis. Locks are provided to lock the post sleeve at a selected position and orientation relative to the standing structure. A beam extending from one installation device to another measures or controls the relative spacing, orientation, and elevation of associated post sleeves, and related data is collected for off-site manufacture of fence panels. Additionally, a repository is provided, to which the data is transmitted for retention, and from which the data can be retrieved for manufacture of replacement fence panels.
US07861432B1
A method and apparatus for measuring hole parameters by using a probe signal have been disclosed.
US07861431B2
The invention relates to a feeler (1) having a shaft (2) and a coupling body (3) fixing the latter for coupling to a coordinate measuring device. It is provided here that the shaft is fixed in the receiving body by means of injection molding.
US07861430B2
Apparatus for a co-ordinate positioning machine is described that comprises an articulating probe head for supporting a measurement probe. The articulating probe head comprises at least one electric motor. Heating means are provided for generating heat in the articulating probe head. The heating means may be the motors or discrete heating elements. Temperature sensing means, such as one or more temperature sensors, is also provided for determining the temperature at the articulating probe head. The apparatus allows the temperature of the articulating probe head to be controlled.
US07861424B2
The invention provides a pipe laser that automatically self levels an inner frame system in both cross-axis and on-axis directions to provide a completely level reference for grade and line control adjustments mechanisms of a reference line generating laser source. The invention also provides a pipe laser that is operable via a bidirectional remote control.
US07861421B2
The present invention provides a method for measuring a rotation angle of a bonded wafer, wherein a base wafer and a bond wafer each having a notch indicative of a crystal orientation formed at an outer edge thereof are bonded to each other at a desired rotation angle by utilizing the notches, a profile of the bond wafer having a reduced film thickness is observed with respect to a bonded wafer manufactured by reducing a film thickness of the bond wafer, a positional direction of the notch of the bond wafer seen from a center of the bonded wafer is calculated by utilizing the profile, an angle formed between the calculated positional direction of the notch of the bond wafer and a positional direction of the notch of the base wafer is calculated, and a rotation angle of the base wafer and the bond wafer is measured. As a result, the method for measuring a rotation angle of a bonded wafer that enables accurately and easily measuring the rotation angle of the notches of the base wafer and the bond wafer in a bonded wafer manufacturing line can be provided.
US07861420B2
This invention provides a device and a method for aligning concrete forms. It relates to a device and a method which is used in conjunction with hollow, shaped concrete forms such as Sonotube forms in order to align, square and properly site said forms to produce optimally supported structures. The key advantage of this device and method are to eliminate the trial and error practice in the aligning of wood columns on top of concrete forms, to provide the ability to center or off-center posts accurately as required by the project design, to provide the ability to accurately set the hollow, shaped concrete forms for the proper elevation, for the correct location, and for the correct plumb level, and eliminate the need for batter boards or wooden edge forms which are placed outside of the project dimensions and used as inaccurate reference points for measuring the placement location of the hollow, shaped concrete forms along the edges of a project area.
US07861419B2
A razor handle having a handle first end adjacent a razor head, a handle second end opposite the handle first end, an upper surface, a lower surface, and a handle length extending from the handle first end to the handle second end. The razor handle includes a rigid plastic base portion and a compressible portion. A plurality of ribs formed of the rigid plastic base portion and the compressible portion are included on the upper surface of the handle at the handle first end, each rib of the plurality of ribs having a rib first end, a rib second end, a center disposed at approximately the midpoint between the rib first and second ends, and a rib length extending from the rib first end to the rib second end. In addition, the center of each of the plurality or ribs is longitudinally aligned along the handle length.
US07861412B2
A method prevents a cylindrical body from buckling in externally curling edges of both side portions by pressing curling dies in an axial direction after molding the cylindrical body having a drop portion whose outer diameter is small and two side portions whose outer diameter is large by enlarging a cylindrical material made of aluminum alloy by electromagnetic molding. In curling the edges of the side portions, a buckling preventing die restrains an outer periphery of the drop portion of the cylindrical body. Because the buckling preventing die receives the axial compression force of the curling dies, it can prevent the cylindrical body from buckling and deforming. The buckling preventing die is what a split die disposed on the side of an outer periphery of the cylindrical material in the electromagnetic molding is used as.
US07861404B2
A method and apparatus for compressing the endplate of an electric generator to relieve the restraining force on a plurality of key blocks that restrain the endplate in compression. The method includes simultaneously applying independent compressive loads at each of the key block locations to the endplate to relieve pressures on the key blocks and removing the key blocks so the endplate can be removed.
US07861385B1
A perpetual memorial or legacy card comprised of polycarbonate card having a small quantity of human cremains sealed within said card, and furthermore having graphical and textual material on the front and rear faces of the card, that can be carried in a pocket or wallet, with the card serving as a remembrance of the deceased.
US07861381B2
In an apparatus at a spinning preparation machine, especially a flat card, roller card or the like, a clothed, rapidly rotating roller is located opposite at least one component at a spacing. In order, by means that are simple and that save time, to make it possible to set a modified carding gap when components having different parameters (construction, properties) are replaced, the component has an electronic storage unit in which information relating to the nature of the component is arranged to be stored. A writing device for writing in the information and a reading device for reading out the information may be provided.
US07861375B2
A hinge assembly comprises a first hinge half, a second hinge half, a spring, and a pin passing through the spring joining the first hinge half and the second hinge half. The spring in turn comprises a coil body, a first spring arm extending from the coil body having a first distal end portion, a second spring arm extending from the coil body having a second distal end portion, a first support extending from the first distal end portion towards the first hinge half and bearing on the first hinge half, and a second support extending from the second distal end portion towards the second hinge half and bearing on the second hinge half.
US07861374B2
A hinge unit useful in the manufacture of readily assembled and erect shelving and storage units and furniture comprises an elongate locking member having a first portion adapted to be received within a slotted channel in the surface of a first panel, a second portion extending away from the elongate member for attaching the hinge to a second panel and integral axial flexion member between the two portions of the hinge. The cross-sectional shape of the elongate locking member and the channel are selected to prevent rotation of the locking member within the channel.
US07861373B2
An assemblable jerk handle for a lanyard cord including in one embodiment a base portion having a center channel with interior progressive teeth for receiving the lanyard cord and a cap portion for permanently snap-fitting to the base portion to securely grip and therefore retain the lanyard cord within the base portion. In another embodiment, the assemblable jerk handle comprises a base portion having a center channel positioned therethrough for receiving a bifurcated plug that receives the lanyard cord therein and forcibly closes about the lanyard cord to securely grip and therefore retain the lanyard cord within the base portion.
US07861372B2
An automobile door checker includes a case secured to a door, a check plate that runs movably through the case and has its base end pivotably supported on a body, a detent member fitted into and retained by the case and working in cooperation with a detent face of the check plate and a resilient member that is formed from a resilient material and is provided in a compressed state in a housing chamber defined between an outer end face of the detent member and an inner end face of the case, wherein the resilient member substantially and tightly fills the housing chamber, thus preventing rainwater from infiltrating into the housing chamber. In this way, it is possible to prevent infiltration of rainwater into a housing chamber of a case housing a resilient member by a simple structure.
US07861364B2
An articulating ball joint for connecting a pair of driven members to a driving member such as a crank pin. In one embodiment, a single ball is held in a first, or inner, socket defined by a coupling member having a convex outer surface, and the first socket is held within a second, outer, socket defined in a second coupling member also having a convex outer surface, which is, in turn, engaged by a retainer.
US07861357B1
A cleaning tool for grills and the like that provides multiple selective cleaning surfaces contoured for contact with the grill to be cleaned. A cleaning cylinder is rotatably mounted in a support handle frame so as to be indexed by rotation on a central axis by the user to position new contact cleaning surface areas for use.
US07861343B2
A method of controlling the operation of a steam generator in a fabric treatment appliance by changing a flow rate of water supplied to the steam generator to determine a change in calcification of the steam generator.
US07861342B1
A multi-combinational spring mattress includes a frame portion for enclosing and defining a containing space, a bottom layer having a plurality of linear ditches longitudinally and latitudinally intersected at the top of the bottom layer, a plurality of lumps formed among the ditches, and the bottom layer being disposed at the bottom of the containing space, a plurality of spring layers, each having a plurality of individual spring cylinders and stacked onto the top of the bottom layer, a surface layer stacked onto the top of the spring layers, and a wrapping cover for completely wrapping the frame portion, the bottom layer, the spring layers and the surface layer in the wrapping cover, and the spring layers have elasticity coefficients, so that users can change the configuration of the spring mattress or replace any damaged or elastically fatigue spring layer easily.
US07861333B2
A slat connector for use with a futon sofa bed may be used for connecting a slat to a rail of a frame of the futon sofa bed. The slat connector may include a body having an opening for receiving an end portion of a slat, and a protrusion extending in a generally normal direction from an outer surface of the body. The rail of the frame may include an opening for receiving the protrusion of the connector for connecting the slat to the rail.
US07861332B2
The present invention relates to a sink access device which is utilized to facilitate a child or a diminutive person to wash their hands at a lavatory located in a public restroom. The sink access device includes a step support mount having a base and an upwardly extending arm. The step support mount is fixedly attached to a portion of a public restroom. A step is pivotally mounted to the upwardly extending arm of the step support mount. The step has a first position wherein the step is in a vertical position and a second position wherein the step is in a horizontal position providing a platform for a diminutive person to step onto. The step is positioned either at or behind a vertical plane defined by the front profile of a sink when the step is in the first position and the step breaks the plane when in the second position.
US07861323B2
Leg wear includes a front having leg opening forming portions, and a back connected to the front having leg opening forming portions continuing to the leg opening forming portions of the front. The leg wear further includes thigh portion parts connected to the leg opening forming portions of the front and back and formed into a cylindrical shape for inserting the thigh portions. The heights of the crests of the thigh portion parts are smaller than the curved depths of the leg opening forming portions, and the widths of the crests are made larger than those of the curved portions of the leg opening forming portions, so that the thigh portion parts having a cylindrical shape in the worn state are shaped to protrude forward relative to the front.
US07861322B2
Provided are a size adjuster and a headwear using the same having advantages of increasing exterior aesthetical features and automatically adjusting a circumference of a wearing portion of a headwear. The size adjuster may include: a first guide having one end connected to the wearing portion; a second guide having one end connected to the wearing portion corresponding to a position of the first guide; a case having an inner portion connected to the respective other ends of the first and second guides and where the first and second guides move through; and an elastic band extended or contracted by connecting to the first and second guides.
US07861321B2
A protective sports glove that includes a protective knuckle system introduced to the outside of the glove in the finger and thumb portions that includes a flexible base portion that is sewn or otherwise affixed to the underlying inner layer and located over a wearer's knuckles. The flexible base portion includes at least one protruding portion extending upwardly and outwardly from the flexible base section opposite the inner layer. Coupled within or to the ends of each of the respective protruding portion is a knuckle cap portion. The knuckle cap portions are located in the gaps between the padded portions of the finger and thus provide protection to the knuckle of the wearer where the fingers or thumb are flexed and align when the finger or thumb are not flexed.
US07865963B2
A digital movie screening system in which a movie subtitle can easily be used with protection of the copyright on the subtitle. A character information generating apparatus includes an encryption unit to encrypt a font file including data for displaying characters in a specific font, and a character information file generator to generate a character information file including a main file describing therein text data representing the content of characters to be displayed on a display unit and control data for displaying the characters and a font file encrypted by the encryption unit. The character information file generator also describes, in the main file, information on whether a font file indicated with a pointer, if any, described in the main file is an encrypted file.
US07865959B1
A method and system for managing access information for users and other entities in a distributed computing system is disclosed. In one approach, information relating to user access is stored in a centralized directory while user roles are locally defined at a networked node. When the user connects to the system, the system looks up the necessary information about the user in the central directory to authorize the user. Thereafter, the user's privileges are determined by the user's assigned roles.
US07865958B2
A flexible, efficient and easy-to-use computer security management system effectively evaluates and responds to informational risks on a wide variety of computing platforms and in a rapidly changing network environment. An individual computer system dynamically monitors its end user, without regard to network connectivity, in order to calculate a risk score and to ensure that the end user's behavior does not put corporate information or other assets at risk. Data regarding such risks and responses are analyzed and stored in real-time.
US07865949B2
A system grants “provisional privileges” to a user request for the purpose of provisionally performing a requested transaction. If the provisionally-performed transaction does not put the system in a degraded state, the transaction is authorized despite the user request having inadequate privileges originally.
US07865947B2
Systems and methods for allowing authorized code to execute on a computer system are provided. According to one embodiment, a method is provided for locking down a computer system. A customized, local whitelist database is stored with a memory of the computer system. The whitelist database forms a part of an authentication system operable within the computer system and contains therein cryptographic hash values of code modules expressly approved for execution by the computer system. A kernel mode driver of the authentication system intercepts a request to create a process associated with a code module. The authentication system determines whether to authorize the request by causing a cryptographic hash value of the code module to be authenticated against the whitelist database. The authentication system allows the code module to be loaded and executed within the computer system if the cryptographic hash value matches one of the cryptographic hash values.
US07865937B1
A method of authenticating users to reduce transaction risks includes indicating a desire to conduct a transaction and determining whether the transaction requires access to protected resources. Moreover, the method determines whether inputted information is known, determines a state of a communications device when the inputted information is known, and transmits a biometric authentication request from a server to an authentication system when the state of the communications device is enrolled. Additionally, the method includes validating the communications device, capturing biometric authentication data in accordance with a biometric authentication data capture request with the communications device, biometrically authenticating the user, generating a one-time pass-phrase and storing the one-time pass-phrase on the authentication system when the user is authenticated, comparing the transmitted one-time pass-phrase against the stored one-time pass-phrase, and granting access to the protected resources when the transmitted and stored one-time pass-phrases match.
US07865931B1
The invention provides a system that includes: a web server, an application server, and a data server all connected to each other. The system is intended to protect web based applications. A web server receives a request and transmits it as a message to the application server. When the application server receives the request, the application server extracts attributes of this request. The application server uses an authorization engine to determine if each attribute of the request is authorized by accessing the data server to compare each attribute of the request with at least one rule from a rules store. The rules store resides on the data server. If the attributes of the request meet the rules in the rules store, then the request is executed by the application server.
US07865920B1
A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc. At receiver stations, signals in received transmissions and from local inputs (225, 218, 22) cause control processors (200) and computers (205) to automate connection and operation of converters (201), tuners (215), decryptors (224), recorder/players (217), computers (205), furnaces (206), etc. Processors (71, 200) meter and monitor availability and usage of programming.
US07865917B2
A broadcast system is disclosed that allows a broadcaster to provide multiple levels of subscription services. Subscribers have the option of listening to fewer (or no) commercials if they pay a higher fee, or listening to more commercials if they pay a lower (or no) fee. Commercials can be demographically targeted, cannot be skipped, and can be audited for billing purposes.
US07865910B2
A virtual driver is enabled and a class driver is bypassed to provide at least one functionality different than that of the bypassed class driver. A filter driver is initialized in the stack of a class driver in order to bypass the class driver. The filter driver receives inputs associated with the input device and/or application emulating an input device and passes the input data to a virtual driver. The virtual driver provides data to an operating system for functionality that is at least partially different than that of the bypassed class driver.
US07865905B2
The present invention relates to the field of network computing, and in particular to method and system for designing a Web Portal including a hierarchical structure of portal pages and portlets for accessing Web contents accessible via the Portal. In order to increase the user comfort, a context exchange mechanism is includes defining a storage area for a single thread of processing by multiple applets on the Web portal, listening to events fired by each of the applets used by a user during processing by the multiple applets, collecting and storing the information associated with the listened to events in the storage area, wherein a piece of information is stored as a pair of an attribute and an attribute value, clustering the stored information into multiple different attributes, and propagating the clustered information automatically into the multiple applets.
US07865903B2
This invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for processing a message of a large number of agents. An example of an apparatus includes: a memory; means for managing a state of an agent based on whether the agent is in the memory and whether there is a message, by determining a priority level of the agent based on a message inserted into the agent; means for assigning a thread to the agent if the agent is in the memory and for assigning a thread to the agent after calling the agent to the memory if the agent is not in the memory, on condition that the agent having a highest priority level has been detected; and message processing means for repeating message processing until a predetermined criterion is satisfied, in relation to the agent to which a thread has been assigned.
US07865902B2
A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for optimizing Web services binding. A request is received from a client for Web services binding information for a Web service. The current availability of the Web service requested by the client is identified in response to receiving the request to form an identified current availability. An indication of the identified current availability of the Web service is sent to the client in response to identifying the current availability of the Web service requested by the client. The client uses the indication of the identified current availability to selectively use the Web service.
US07865897B2
A method includes receiving, at an interconnect, a first transaction request from a first requesting module. The first transaction request includes a request to utilize at least one system resource accessible via the interconnect. The method further includes determining potential interferences at the interconnect expected to occur as a result of a utilization of the at least one system resource by the first requesting module and initiating processing of the first transaction request at the interconnect. The method additionally includes authorizing processing of a second transaction request from a second requesting module during the processing of the first transaction request based on the determined potential interferences.
US07865896B2
A method, system and program product are provided for facilitating scheduling of computer jobs of a computing environment having a plurality of resources. The method includes decoupling a job scheduling algorithm from responsibility for maintaining data structures for tracking recorded usage of the plurality of resources by computer jobs. The decoupling includes (i) providing resource space data structures separate from the job scheduling algorithm for recording usage of the plurality of resources by computer jobs; and (ii) providing operators for facilitating manipulation of values within the resource space data structures by the job scheduling algorithm and by one or more functions external to and independent of the job scheduling algorithm.
US07865891B2
There has been expected to improve the management of version compatibility among multiple program modules that cooperatively implement a specified function. There is provided a method for a program module to perform a process instructed from an application program. To do this, the method acquires an execution instruction for a specified process from the application program. The method selects a program module for performing the process instructed for execution from a plurality of versions of program modules for performing the specified process. The method allows the selected program module to perform the specified process.
US07865890B2
A disclosed electronic apparatus causes a network apparatus to update software of the network apparatus, both apparatuses being connected via a network, and a result of updating is provided to the electronic apparatus. The electronic apparatus includes a software management unit that manages software information for executing the software update, and an apparatus management unit for inquiring about the update result after the elapse of a predetermined period.
US07865888B1
Systems and methods for obtaining information about a deployment of a software application are disclosed. One system comprises a plurality of deployment servers running components of the software application deployment, a plurality of monitors associated with the deployment servers, and an analysis subsystem that generates requests for state metrics from the deployment, based on rules describing known problems with the software application. The analysis subsystem transmits each request for state metrics to a monitor associated with a deployment server that is associated with the request. The monitors are configured to receive the requests for state metrics from the analysis subsystem and collect the state metrics from one of the components of the software application deployment. The monitors, which can reside on the deployment servers or locally with respect to the analysis subsystem, can transmit the collected state metrics back to the analysis subsystem. An application model storing a representation of objects of the deployment can also be provided, wherein the analysis subsystem queries the application model for deployment information necessary to transmit the requests for state metrics to appropriate ones of the monitors. The monitors can be configured to conduct post-processing of collected state metrics, and also to prevent redundant collection.
US07865886B2
A method and apparatus for to blocking nested loops having feedback or feedforward indexing. An embodiment of a method includes receiving a computer code segment, the segment including a first inner loop and a second outer loop, the inner loop being within the outer loop and the inn loops having a one-dimensional iteration space that is independent of the outer loop. The first loop is indexed by a variable I over a contiguous one-dimensional iteration space and addresses one or more data arrays with a shift in the index. The method further includes dividing a two-dimensional iteration space of the first loop and the second loop into multiple contiguous windows, where the second loop uses only one window of the plurality of windows during each iteration and the plurality of windows cover the iteration space. The method includes modifying the computer code segment by adding a third outer loop outside the second loop of the segment, the third loop encompassing the first loop and the second loop.
US07865875B2
A robust toolkit that can be configured and assembled in an object-oriented manner to develop a custom case management software application. The toolkit provides a set of software components that serve as a framework for integration with off-the-shelf components. The software components are organized in a vertical layered architecture, with each layer depending upon the layers below it. The toolkit includes a top enterprise application layer, a middle case management application layer, and a bottom customized application layer. The toolkit allows developer to focus on meeting the specific case management needs of a target business/organization, instead of developing case management business logic and application logic from the ground up.
US07865869B2
Under the present invention desired portlet behaviors are embodied as portlet patterns. When a developer wishes to create a new portlet for a portal page, the developer will select a presentation template, select one or more portlet patterns and input values for the selected portlet patterns. Thereafter, the portlet will be encoded by binding the values to the selected patterns according to the presentation template. Once encoded, the portlet will be bound to a portal server catalog corresponding to the portal page. The binding to the portal server catalog allows the portlet to be visible to end users visiting the portal page. Then, if an end user selects the portlet, an instance thereof will be created by an instantiator portlet. Any underlying functions of the portlet can then be carried out by the instantiator portlet.
US07865865B2
A method of decomposing a target pattern containing features to be printed on a wafer into multiple patterns. The method includes the steps of: (a) defining a region of influence which indicates the minimum necessary space between features to be imaged; (b) selecting a vertex associated with a feature of the target pattern; (c) determining if an edge of another feature is within the region of influence with respect to the vertex; and (d) splitting the another feature into two polygons if the edge of another feature is within the region of influence.
US07865863B2
An integrated circuit verification system provides an indication of conflicts between an OPC suggested correction and a manufacturing rule. The indication specifies which edge segments are in conflict so that a user may remove the conflict to achieve a better OPC result. In another embodiment of the invention, edge segments are assigned a priority such that the correction of a lower priority edge does not hinder a desired OPC correction of a higher priority edge.
US07865856B1
A method of using a static performance analyzer that accepts as input a cell-level netlist, to perform static performance analysis on a circuit represented by a transistor level netlist. The method begins with converting said transistor-level netlist to a cell-level netlist by modeling individual transistors with a cell model. Then, a static performance analyzer is used to perform a static performance analysis of said cell-level netlist. Among performance characteristics that may be analyzed are timing (static timing analysis) and leakage power. The method described may also be used for statistical static timing and power analysis.
US07865853B2
Systems, methods, and media for block-based assertion generation, qualification and analysis are disclosed. Embodiments may include a method for generating assertions for verifying a design. The embodiment may include generating session preferences, the session preferences including a selection of one or more assertion schemas for use in generating the assertions, where the selected assertion schema each have one or more design attributes. The embodiment may also include parsing the design to determine locations in the design for the assertions based on the design architecture, structure, and hierarchy and generating the assertions based on at least the session preferences, the determined locations for the assertions, and the design attributes associated with the selected assertion schema. Generating the assertions may further include analyzing and modifying existing assertions based on the session preferences and design attributes or qualifying the assertions for consistency and compliance with the session preferences and design attributes.
US07865843B2
A toolbar that is provided or inserted in a markup language document so as to facilitate features or functionality provided by a server is disclosed. The toolbar is able to determine whether the toolbar should be displayed as part of the markup language page being displayed. In one embodiment the server is an intermediary server.
US07865841B2
An input/output device enables a system to adapt its operation to the user's learning the system without interfering with what the user has already learned about operating the system. In an input/output device enabling a system to adapt to how frequently the user uses particular functions, a storage unit 12 accumulates information about the operations the user performs, a user learning evaluation unit 13 determines if the user has learned each function based on the input operation history accumulated by the storage unit 12, and a menu display position adjustment unit 14 leaves the menu display position unchanged for any function the user learning evaluation unit 13 determines the user has learned, and rearranges the menu display positions of only those functions the user learning evaluation unit 13 determines the user has not learned in descending order of the frequency of execution based on the input operation history stored by the storage unit 12.
US07865840B2
An apparatus includes a content detector portion, a display controller portion, an operation state detector portion, and a popup display controller portion. The content detector portion detects contents belonging to a same time range The display controller portion collects the contents, and displays, on a display portion along a time series, content-related graphical information of the respective contents, and a selector serving to select a desired content from among respective contents displayed. The operation state detector portion detects an operation state of an operation portion serving to perform an operation of moving the selector. In accordance with time information of a content selected when a predetermined operation state is detected, the popup display controller portion detects a content having past time information with respect to the time information of the selected content, and popup displays content-related graphical information of the detected content on the display portion.
US07865838B2
A graphical user interface displays a coarse control scrollbar to provide a user with coarse resolution sequential data control and a magnified view scrollbar proximate to the coarse control scrollbar. The magnified view scrollbar provides the user with fine resolution sequential data control. When the cursor is on the scrollbar, an overlay is opened which is a zoomed version of the scrollbar. The zoom range of the overlay is adjustable and can either be preset by the user or set during the zooming operation. When operating the overlay, a menu is available which allows the user to choose between zooming up or down to select the desired position.
US07865836B1
The invention as disclosed is a method to identify and monitor/track ships as they traverse waterways. The earth's surface is partitioned into geospatial regions with attributes of each region being stored. A priority is assigned to each partitioned region. A variety of data sources are used to collect data about ships in the geospatial regions. The data is merged and presented in geospatial or tabular formats on a graphical user interface, where the data itself, the data accuracy, and the age of the data can be visually determined graphically and chromatically from the display.
US07865821B2
This invention provides an electronic document update notification device for notifying a user of update information of an electronic document including: a updated document name generating part 170 for generating a updated document name based on a stylized document name; a document data obtaining part 150 for obtaining document data after update based on the updated document name; a difference extracting part 180 for extracting difference data between document data before update and the document data after update; and an update information creating part 190 for creating an update information notification based on the difference data. This makes it possible to notify a user of the update information of the electronic document even when a document after update is created with the document name with the document name before update changed according to a predetermined rule, at the time of update of the electronic document.
US07865819B2
Systems and methods for enabling the parent in a hierarchically organized pair of objects to allow the child to share access to selected assets. In one embodiment, the assets are shared in one of three modes: an IMPOSE mode; an INHERIT mode; and a CO-OWN mode. In the IMPOSE mode, the parent allows the child to utilize the asset, but not to modify it. In the CO-OWN mode, the parent and child have equal rights to access the asset, including the right to modify it. In the INHERIT mode, both the parent and child have equal rights to access the asset, including the right to modify it, but if the child attempts to modify the asset, it actually gets a copy of the asset, which it then modifies. The asset is no longer a single asset shared between the parent and child.
US07865812B2
An apparatus for generating a detected punctured position in punctured convolutional codes. A delay line circuit has a plurality of delay elements connected in series, storing a finite sequence of an input bit stream. A logic gate circuit, coupled to outputs of a part of the delay elements of the delay line circuit in accordance with a parity check polynomial, performs a logic operation to output a number stream. The number stream is accumulated for possible punctured positions and the one of the possible punctured positions with a minimal accumulated number is selected and determined as the detected punctured position.
US07865811B2
The invention relates to a data live streaming system comprising at least one data live streaming broadcaster LSB and at least two live streaming recipients LSR, said at least two live streaming recipients LSR forming at least a part of a peer-to-peer streaming network and said at least two live streaming recipients LSR each comprising means for generation of peer-to peer streaming to other live streaming recipients LSR of said peer-to peer streaming network and wherein said peer-to peer streaming to other streaming recipients LSR comprises loss resilient code representations of data from said at least one live streaming broadcaster LSB.
US07865810B2
An error correction encoding and/or decoding apparatus and method of a digital dual-stream broadcast transmission and/or reception system. An error correction encoding apparatus includes a TRS encoding part to apply the transversal encoding to normal data packets and robust data packets and to append parity packets to the normal data packet and robust data packet, a randomization unit to randomize the data packets and the parity packets according to a predetermined pattern, an RS encoding unit to append parities to the randomized data packets and parity packets, a packet format unit to split the data packets and the parity packets into normal data and robust data and to process the normal and robust data, and a system control unit to control the packet format unit. Accordingly, a robust error correction encoding apparatus can be provided for the digital dual-stream broadcast transmission system to which Transversal Reed-Solomon (TRS) encoding is applied.
US07865804B2
A system and method for detecting and correcting errors in a memory in a device includes generating an error value of data stored at first predetermined locations in a first memory. The generated error value is compared to a corresponding error value stored in an error memory, each value in the error memory being calculated from at least two data values stored at predetermined locations in the first memory. The data stored in the first predetermined locations of the first memory is rewritten with data stored in first predetermined locations of a second memory if the generated error value is different than the corresponding error value stored in the error memory, the data stored in the second memory being the same as the data stored in the first memory.
US07865802B1
A communications channel includes a buffer configured to store data. The data includes a plurality of symbols. A data dependent scrambler is configured to select a non-zero symbol and compare the non-zero symbol to each of the plurality of symbols stored in the buffer. In response to the non-zero symbol being different than each of the plurality of symbols stored in the buffer, the data dependent scrambler is further configured to generate a scrambling sequence to be used in scrambling the data, and the non-zero symbol is a seed of the scrambling sequence.
US07865795B2
Methods and apparatuses for generating a random sequence of commands for a semiconductor device. The method generates random state transitions within a finite state machine model of the semiconductor device. A sequence of commands is determined which are associated to the generated random state transitions based on the finite state machine model of the semiconductor device.
US07865794B2
A novel decompressor/PRPG on a microchip performs both pseudo-random test pattern generation and decompression of deterministic test patterns for a circuit-under-test on the chip. The decompressor/PRPG has two phases of operation. In a pseudo-random phase, the decompressor/PRPG generates pseudo-random test patterns that are applied to scan chains within the circuit-under test. In a deterministic phase, compressed deterministic test patterns from an external tester are applied to the decompressor/PRPG. The patterns are decompressed as they are clocked through the decompressor/PRPG into the scan chains. The decompressor/PRPG thus provides much better fault coverage than a simple PRPG, but without the cost of a complete set of fully-specified deterministic test patterns.
US07865793B2
A method of generating a test case from a given test case structure, the method including generating instructions for the given test case structure, propagating predefined results in a backwards manner, randomly generating remaining operands of the test case structure in a forwards manner, and calculating a result for the test case by determining missing input operands and storing these input operands in both the temporary register file and the initial register file, and calculating missing results and storing all results in the temporary register file.
US07865791B2
This disclosure describes a reduced pin bus that can be used on integrated circuits or embedded cores within integrated circuits. The bus may be used for serial access to circuits where the availability of pins on ICs or terminals on cores is limited. The bus may be used for a variety of serial communication operations such as, but not limited to, serial communication related test, emulation, debug, and/or trace operations of an IC or core design. Other aspects of the disclosure include the use of reduced pin buses for emulation, debug, and trace operations and for functional operations.
US07865787B2
Disclosed is an arrangement for testing an embedded circuit as part of a whole circuit located on a semiconductor wafer. Disclosed is an integrated semiconductor arrangement comprising a whole circuit (8) with inputs and outputs (7), an embedded circuit (1) that is part of the whole circuit (8) and is equipped with embedded inputs and outputs which are not directly connected to the inputs and outputs (7) of the whole circuit (8); a test circuit (2, 5, 6) that is connected to the embedded inputs and outputs in order to feed and read out signals during a test phase. A separate supply voltage connection (3) is provided which is used for separately supplying the embedded circuit (1) and the test circuit (2, 5, 6) independently of a supply voltage of the whole circuit (8) such that the inputs of the whole circuit do not have to be connected for testing the embedded circuit while only the inputs and outputs that are absolutely indispensable for testing the embedded circuit need to be connected to a test system.
US07865783B2
A method, system and computer program product for logging and identifying microcode errors in a computing environment is provided. Each of a plurality of errors in the microcode is logged using a plurality of error logging commands. Each of the plurality of errors is indexed to generate a plurality of indexed errors. A plurality of unique keys is associated to each of the plurality of indexed errors. A master index of the plurality of unique keys is created.
US07865781B2
A method of providing diagnostic service for a data processing system includes retrieving product data identifying a data processing element in response to an alert generated by the element. The retrieved product data is forwarded to a networked diagnostic site. A diagnostic package is retrieved, the diagnostic package including diagnostic code appropriate for the alerting element. The diagnostic package is forwarded to the data processing system. The diagnostic code is then installed and executed to perform diagnostic testing of the element. Results generated during execution of the diagnostic code may then be used to take machine initiated corrective action. After the results have been generated, the diagnostic software is uninstalled from the data processing system.
US07865778B2
A method and system for error detection in programs with collective synchronization and/or procedures are provided. In one aspect, the method and system may use interprocedural analysis for matching synchronizations in a program in order to detect synchronization errors, and, if no such errors exist, may determine the synchronization phases of the program. The method and system in one aspect may use a combination of path expressions and interprocedural program slicing to match the synchronization statements that may execute along each program path. If the synchronization matching succeeds, the method and system in one aspect may determine the sets of synchronization statements that synchronize together. A matching failure may indicate the presence of a synchronization error and the method and system in one aspect may construct a counter example to illustrate the error.
US07865773B2
A method, device, and system including built-in self tests for a communication bus device is disclosed. In one form, a method of testing a device operable to be coupled to a communication port an information handling system includes accessing a configuration descriptor of a first device operable to be coupled to a communication bus of an information handling system. The method can also include detecting a self-test descriptor associated with the configuration descriptor and testing a portion of the first device using test information associated with the self-test descriptor. The device and system can include logic to perform the methods described herein.
