US07863168B2
In order to realize a plasma doping method capable of carrying out a stable low-density doping, exhaustion is carried out with a pump while introducing a predetermined gas into a vacuum chamber from a gas supplying apparatus, the pressure of the vacuum chamber is held at a predetermined pressure and a high frequency power is supplied to a coil from a high frequency power source. After the generation of plasma in the vacuum chamber, the pressure of the vacuum chamber is lowered, and the low-density plasma doping is performed to a substrate placed on a substrate electrode. Moreover, the pressure of the vacuum chamber is gradually lowered, and the high frequency power is gradually increased, thereby the low-density plasma doping is carried out to the substrate placed on the substrate electrode. Furthermore, a forward power Pf and a reflected power Pr of the high frequency power supplied to the substrate electrode are sampled at a high speed, and when a value of which the power difference Pf-Pr is integrated with respect to time reaches a predetermined value, the supply of the high frequency power is suspended.
US07863163B2
A method for depositing a carbon doped epitaxial semiconductor layer comprises maintaining a pressure of greater than about 700 torr in a process chamber housing a patterned substrate having exposed single crystal material. The method further comprises providing a flow of a silicon source gas to the process chamber. The silicon source gas comprises dichlorosilane. The method further comprises providing a flow of a carbon precursor to the process chamber. The method further comprises selectively depositing the carbon doped epitaxial semiconductor layer on the exposed single crystal material.
US07863162B2
A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device in which the oxygen and carbon concentrations are reduced at the interface of each layer making up the semiconductor multilayer film. A first semiconductor layer is formed on a single-crystal substrate in a first reactor; the substrate is transferred from the first reactor to a second reactor through a transfer chamber; and a second semiconductor layer is formed on the first semiconductor layer in the second reactor. During substrate transfer, hydrogen is supplied when the number of hydrogen atoms bonding with the surface atoms of the first semiconductor layer is less than the number of surface atoms of the first semiconductor layer, and the supply of hydrogen is stopped when the number of hydrogen atoms bonding with the surface atoms of the first semiconductor layer is greater than the number of surface atoms of the first semiconductor layer.
US07863160B2
A method of processing a wafer having a plurality of devices which are composed of a laminate consisting of an insulating film and a functional film laminated on the front surface of a substrate, along streets for sectioning the devices, comprising a first trip blocking groove forming step for activating a first laser beam application means to form a blocking groove for dividing the laminate along a street of the wafer while moving the chuck table in a first direction in the processing-feed direction; a second trip blocking groove and dividing groove forming step for activating the first laser beam application means to form a blocking groove for dividing the laminate along a street and also to form a dividing groove along the blocking groove formed by the first trip blocking groove step while moving the chuck table in a second direction in the processing-feed direction.
US07863155B2
It is an object of the present invention to obtain a large-sized SOI substrate by providing a single-crystal silicon layer over a large-sized glass substrate in a large area. After a plurality of rectangular single-crystal semiconductor substrates each provided with a separation layer are aligned over a dummy substrate and both of the substrates are fixed with a low-temperature coagulant, the plurality of single-crystal semiconductor substrates are bonded to a support substrate; the temperature is raised up to a temperature, at which the low-temperature coagulant does not to have a bonding effect, so as to isolate the dummy substrate and the single-crystal semiconductor substrates; heat treatment is performed to separate part of the single-crystal semiconductor substrates, along a boundary of the respective separation layers; and single-crystal semiconductor layers are provided over the support substrate.
US07863140B2
A molecular detection chip including a metal oxide silicon-field effect transistor (MOSFET) on sidewalls of a micro-fluid channel and a molecular detection device including the molecular detection chip are provided. A molecular detection method, particularly, qualification methods for the immobilization of molecular probes and the binding of a target sample to the molecular probes, using the molecular detection device, and a nucleic acid mutation assay device and method are also provided. The formation of the MOSFET on the sidewalls of the micro-fluid channel makes easier to highly integrate a molecular detection chip. In addition, immobilization of probes directly on the surface of a gate electrode ensures the molecular detection chip to check for the immobilization of probes and coupling of a target molecule to the probes in situ.
US07863130B2
System and method for creating stressed polycrystalline silicon in an integrated circuit. A preferred embodiment includes manufacturing an integrated circuit, including forming a trench in an integrated circuit substrate, forming a cavity within the integrated circuit substrate, wherein the cavity is linked to the trench, depositing a dielectric layer within the cavity, and depositing polycrystalline silicon over the dielectric layer, wherein an inherent stress is induced in the polycrystalline silicon that grows on the dielectric layer. The dielectric layer may be, for example, silicon aluminum oxynitride (SiAlON), mullite (3Al2O3.2SiO2), and alumina (Al2O3).
US07863109B2
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing an inner stacking module die; encapsulating the inner stacking module die with an inner stacking module encapsulation to form an inner stacking module, the inner stacking module encapsulation having an inner stacking module protrusion having a planar protrusion surface; and encapsulating at least part of the inner stacking module encapsulation with an encapsulation having a flat top coplanar with the planar protrusion surface or fully encapsulating the inner stacking module encapsulation.
US07863107B2
The bonding time of a metallic ribbon is shortened in the semiconductor device which connects a lead frame with the bonding pad of a semiconductor chip with a metallic ribbon. The bottom of the wedge tool is divided into two by the V-groove at the first branch and the second branch. In order to do bonding of the Al ribbon to the source pad of the silicon chip, and the source post of the lead frame, first, the first branch and second branch of the wedge tool are contacted by pressure to Al ribbon on the source pad, and supersonic vibration is applied to it. Subsequently, the first branch is contacted by pressure to Al ribbon on the source post, and supersonic vibration is applied to it. Here, since the width of the first branch is narrower than the width of the source post, Al ribbon is not joined at the end surface of the width direction of the source post.
US07863106B2
A testing method for a silicon interposer employs a test probe and an electrically conductive glass handler. The silicon interposer includes multiple interconnects that extend between the opposed major surfaces of the interposer, namely from a test side of the interposer to a conductive glass handler side of the interposer. On the glass handler side, the interposer includes a layer of patterned insulative resist with open regions at some interconnects on the glass handler side and remaining resist regions at other interconnects on the glass handler side. The interposer may include a conductive adhesive layer that couples together interconnects at the open regions on the glass handler side. In this manner, a probe may send a test signal from a first interconnect at one location on the test side of the interposer, through the first interconnect, through the conductive adhesive, through a second interconnect to another probe on the test side of the interposer. The method thus provides same-sided probe testing of the interposer. The method also provides for loading or power application to the conductive glass handler and testing of circuits and interconnects on the test side of the silicon interposer.
US07863105B2
An image sensor package comprises a substrate, a chip mounted over the substrate. A molding material is formed surrounding the chip to expose a micron lens area, wherein the molding material includes via structure passing there through. A protection layer is formed on the micro lens area to prevent the micro lens. A redistributed conductive layer is formed over the molding material to connect to a pad of the chip. Metal pads are formed on via structure as connecting points with PCB. A cover layer is formed over the substrate to isolate the metal pads.
US07863098B2
A QFN package and method of making same is provided comprising a substrate having a metal line extending from a connection element on a perimeter region of the substrate to a high current contact pad on interior region of the substrate. A semiconductor chip having an active surface generally faces the interior region of the substrate, wherein a heat-dissipating patterned metal distribution layer is formed over the active surface and electrically connected to an active component thereon. A solder strip electrically and thermally connects the high current contact pad and the metal distribution layer, and a mold compound generally encapsulates the semiconductor chip. The solder strip is generally uniform in depth and surface area, wherein low electrical resistance and inductance is provided between the high current contact pad and the metal distribution layer. An integrated heat sink may be further formed or placed on a passive surface of the chip.
US07863092B1
Disclosed is a method of fabricating an integrated circuit assembly in which a plurality of mother dice having a plurality of through-die vias (TDVs) are formed in the first (active) surface of a semiconductor wafer, a substrate is attached to the active surface of the wafer, the second (inactive) surface is back-ground to expose one end of the through-die vias, a plurality of daughter dice are mounted to the inactive surface of the wafer, each daughter die being electrically coupled to a mother die, and the mother dice are then singulated. Attaching the substrate can be accomplished by adhering a glass wafer carrier to the wafer. The wafer carrier allows handling of the wafer during back-grinding the inactive surface, forming under-bump metal (UBM) pads on the TDVs and attaching the daughter dice.
US07863090B2
Circuit structures and methods of fabrication are provided for facilitating implementing a complete electronic system in a compact package. The circuit structure includes, in one embodiment, a chips-first multichip base layer with conductive structures extending therethrough. An interconnect layer is disposed over the front surface of the multichip layer and includes interconnect metallization electrically connected to contact pads of the chips and to conductive structures extending through the structural material. A redistribution layer, disposed over the back surface of the multichip layer, includes a redistribution metallization also electrically connected to conductive structures extending through the structural material. Input/output contacts are arrayed over the redistribution layer, including over the lower surfaces of at least some integrated circuit chips within the multichip layer, and are electrically connected through the redistribution metallization, conductive structures, and interconnect metallization to contact pads of the integrated circuit chips of the multichip layer.
US07863089B2
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.
US07863084B2
Back contact solar cells including rear surface structures and methods for making same. The rear surface has small contact areas through at least one dielectric layer, including but not limited to a passivation layer, a nitride layer, a diffusion barrier, and/or a metallization barrier. The dielectric layer is preferably screen printed. Large grid areas overlay the dielectric layer. The methods provide for increasing efficiency by minimizing p-type contact areas and maximizing n-type doped regions on the rear surface of a p-type substrate.
US07863078B2
A method is disclosed for making an anti-reflection film of a solar cell. The method includes the step of providing a laminate. The laminate includes a ceramic substrate, a titanium-based compound film, a p+ type poly-silicon back surface field, a p− type poly-silicon light-soaking film and an n+ type poly-silicon emitter. The laminate is passivated with SiCNO:Ar plasma in a plasma-enhanced vapor deposition device, thus filling the dangling bonds of the silicon atoms at the surface of the n+ type poly-silicon emitter, the dangling bonds of the silicon grains at the grain boundaries of the p− type poly-silicon light-soaking film and the dangling bonds of the silicon atoms in the p+ type poly-silicon back surface field. Finally, the n+ type poly-silicon emitter is coated with an anti-reflection film of SiCN/SiO2.
US07863076B2
Disclosed herein is a solid-state image pickup device which includes: a light-receiving unit for photoelectric conversion of incident light; and a charge transfer unit of an n-channel insulating gate type configured to transfer a signal charge photoelectrically converted in the light-receiving unit; wherein the charge transfer unit has an insulating film formed on a transfer electrode and having a negative fixed charge.
US07863075B2
A manufacturing method of a polycrystalline solar cell is disclosed. A polycrystalline silicon solar cell in accordance with the present invention performs crystallization-annealing amorphous silicon with a metal catalyst so as to reduce a crystallization temperature. The manufacturing method of a solar cell in accordance with the present invention includes the steps of (a) forming a first amorphous silicon layer on a substrate; (b) forming a second amorphous silicon layer on the first amorphous silicon layer; (c) forming a metal layer on the second amorphous silicon layer; (d) performing crystallization-annealing the second amorphous silicon layer; and (e) forming a third amorphous silicon layer on a resulting crystalline silicon layer of the step (d).
US07863062B2
In a solid-state imaging device 1 in which a hollow section 9 is formed between a solid-state imaging element 2 and a covering section 4 and an air path 7 extending from the hollow section 9 to the outside is formed in an adhesive section 5, a shielding section 11 for shielding the air path 7 is formed on the air path 7 so as to be positioned on a portion exposed from the covering section 4. This makes it possible to reduce noises occurring in a signal processing section of a semiconductor element while preventing condensation in the covering section for covering the semiconductor element.
US07863061B2
Provided is a surface emitting laser manufacturing method, etc., which reduces process damage occurring to a surface relief structure, enabling stable provision of a single transverse mode characteristic. Provided is a method including a surface relief structure for controlling a reflectance in a light emitting portion of an upper mirror, the surface relief structure including a stepped structure, includes: forming a resist pattern including a pattern for forming a mesa structure and a pattern for forming a stepped structure, on or above the upper mirror, and performing first-phase etching for etching the surface layer of the upper mirror to determine the horizontal position of the stepped structure; forming a current confining structure after the performing first-phase etching; and performing second-phase etching for further etching the area that the first-phase etching has been performed, to determine the depth position of the stepped structure, after the forming a current confining structure.
US07863054B2
A microfluidic system includes a plate-shaped microfluidic chip having a flow path, a liquid introduction tube for supplying liquid to the flow path, the liquid introduction tube having an end communicating with an end of the flow path and its other end that can be soaked in the liquid that is to be supplied to the flow path, and a liquid discharge head communicating with the other end of the flow path for discharging liquid that has passed through the flow path.
US07863052B2
A grating-based sensor is disclosed that has a grating structure constructed and designed for both evanescent resonance (ER) fluorescence detection and label-free detection applications. Some embodiments are disclosed which are optimized for ER detection in an air mode, in which the sample is dry. Other embodiments are optimized for ER detection in liquid mode, in which the sample is suspended in liquid medium such as water. One and two-dimensional gratings are also disclosed, including gratings characterized by unit cells with central posts, central holes, and two-level, two-dimensional gratings. A readout system for such sensors is also disclosed. One embodiment includes a first light source optimized for collecting label-free detection data, a second light source optimized for collecting ER fluorescence amplification data, and at least one detector. In one embodiment, the detector is an imaging system and includes a CCD camera for collecting both ER and label-free data. In other embodiments, the at least one detector takes the form of a spectrometer for collection of label-free data and a photomultiplier for collecting ER data. In other embodiments, a single light source such as a tunable laser or broad band light source is used.
US07863051B2
A detection method for detecting a plurality of different substances contained in a specimen using a label, includes sequentially the steps of flowing the specimen through a detecting element having a first substance trapping portion immobilizing a first substance trapping body, a second substance trapping portion immobilizing a second substance trapping body, and a channel, and flowing a solution containing the label through the first substance trapping portion immobilizing the first substance trapping body and the second substance trapping portion immobilizing the second substance trapping body. Additional steps include flowing a solution for generating a signal from the label through the first substance trapping portion immobilizing the label to thereby acquire a signal from, and flowing a solution for generating a signal from the label through the second substance trapping portion immobilizing the label to thereby acquire a signal.
US07863048B2
Protein dyes whose molecular structure is that of a coumarin moiety coupled to a quaternary ammonium heterocycle through a vinyl or polyvinyl linkage demonstrate the ability to associate with proteins in a non-covalent, non-specific manner at low pH, where the associated form displays a significantly higher fluorescence emission than the unassociated form. This makes the dyes useful as selective labels for proteins at the low pH and eliminates the need for the removal of extraneous components from the medium in which the proteins reside prior to detection.
US07863045B2
Cartilage-derived morphogenetic protein CDMP-1 or a transforming growth factor β having at least 80% homology with CDMP-1, or a factor co-expressed and/or co-detectable therewith, is used as a marker of skeletal precursor cells from any part of a mammalian body.
US07863039B2
A composting system including a vertically-orientated vessel with mechanisms attached to a vertically oriented central mounted rotating shaft, including rotatable size reduction blade(s), agitation mechanism(s), and discharge blade/mechanism(s). The composting system includes internal size reduction mechanism for reducing the size of material introduced to the vessel. The composting system includes a loading hatch, a discharge hatch, and a source of air to maintain aerobic conditions within the vessel. In use, material introduced moves from the upper region of the vessel gravitationally and via agitation through a zone of size reduction to the lower region of the vessel. Process conditions within the vessel are controlled by an operator and via electronic control mechanism, which can monitor operating conditions such as temperature and loading rate (for example), to manage air injection, mechanical agitation and size reduction such that composting proceeds efficiently and at an optimal rate.
US07863038B2
A new class of biosensors and methods for making and using same are disclosed. The biosensors are multi-layered membrane composites, where at least one layer is prepared by the layer-by-layer process and at least one layer is responsive to changes is a property of a biological system such as changes in the concentration of an atom, ion, molecule or molecular assembly. Because the biosensors are multi-layered, a single biosensor is capable monitor a number of different properties of a biological system simultaneously. The biosensors are monitored by systems that impinge an excitation waveform on the biosensors and analyze a reflected and/or a transmitted resultant waveform. Additionally, the biosensors can be associated with field activated electronic components so that implantable, self-contained analytical devices can be constructed and monitored by field generators, where data is transmitted to an analyzer after field activation.
US07863036B2
A biochip, and a device for reading the biochip, the biochip including a plurality of molecular recognition areas distributed with a determined layout to create a format of molecular recognition areas and a mechanism for making optical position marks for each molecular recognition area, distributed with a determined layout to form an optical format. The optical format and the format of recognition areas are formats produced independently of each other. A mechanism is provided determining the relative position of the two formats being provided on the biochip.
US07863030B2
Cytochrome P450 BM-3 from Bacillus megaterium was engineered using a combination of directed evolution and site-directed mutagenesis to hydroxylate linear alkanes regio- and enantioselectively using atmospheric dioxygen as an oxidant. Mutant 9-10A-A328V hydroxylates octane primarily at the 2-positio to form S-2-octanol (40% ee). Another mutant, 1-12G, hydroxylates alkanes larger than hexane primarily at the 2-position, but forms R-2-alcohols (40-55% ee). These biocatalysts are highly active for alkane substrates and support thousands of product turnovers. These regio- and enantio-selectivities are retained in whole-cell biotransformations with E. coli, where the engineered P450s can be expressed at high levels and the expensive cofactor is supplied endogenously.
US07863023B2
Method for stereoselectively preparing a (R) or (S) gamma-lactone consists in microbially biosynthesizing gamma-lactone, wherein the biosynthesis is carried out from a substrate selected from C5 to C20 fatty acids with the aid of a strain selected from those enabling a stereoselective hydroxylation in C4 of the substrate, in particular Aspergollus sp or Mortierella sp. The biosynthesis of the gamma-lactone and the use thereof in perfumery and for food flavouring agents are also disclosed.
US07863014B2
The present invention provides a novel process for preparing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP). The process of the present invention comprises performing phosphorylation using a polyphosphoric acid or a salt thereof and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) as substrates in the presence of a polyphosphate-dependent NAD+ kinase from a Mycobacterium, wherein the reaction solution contains 0.1-15% by weight of the polyphosphoric acid or a salt thereof, and 5-150 mM of a divalent metal ion.
US07863012B2
The methods and reagents described in this invention are used to analyze circulating tumor cells, clusters, fragments, and debris. Analysis is performed with a number of platforms, including flow cytometry and the CellSpotter® fluorescent microscopy imaging system. Analyzing damaged cells has shown to be important. However, there are two sources of damage: in vivo and in vitro. Damage in vivo occurs by apoptosis, necrosis, or immune response. Damage in vitro occurs during sample acquisition, handling, transport, processing, or analysis. It is therefore desirable to confine, reduce, eliminate, or at least qualify in vitro damage to prevent it from interfering in analysis. Described herein are methods to diagnose, monitor, and screen disease based on circulating rare cells, including malignancy as determined by CTC, clusters, fragments, and debris. Also provided are kits for assaying biological specimens using these methods.
US07863005B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a simple, reliable and low-invasive method to detect perilymph fistulas. The present invention provides a method for detecting a perilymph fistula, which comprises detecting the existence of Cochlin in body fluid existing in the middle ear.
US07863004B2
There is provided a diagnostic tool for use in diagnosing diseases, the tool having a detector for detecting the presence of an array of markers indicative of disease. Also provided is a combination of markers for disease, the combination including at least two markers of the disease. A method of choosing such combinations of markers for a given disease as well as a method for detecting a combination of markers for diagnosing the presence of a disease state or determining a disease stage is also provided. The method includes selectively biopanning sera obtained from a patient to obtain cDNA clones to array for analysis and determining if the markers are present among the cDNA clones present in the disease. Epitopes found using this method are also provided as well as a database incorporating these epitopes. A biochip for detecting the presence of a disease marker in a patient's sera is provided, wherein the biochip has a detector contained within the biochip for detecting disease markers in a patient's sera.
US07863000B2
A probe, a set of probes, and a probe carrier on which the probe or the set of probes is immobilized, are provided for classification of fungus species. The probe or the set of probes is capable of collectively detecting fungus of the same species and distinguishingly detecting those fungus from fungus of other species. The probe is an oligonucleotide probe for detecting a pathogenic fungus DNA and includes at least one of base sequences of SEQ ID NOS. 1 to 2 and mutated sequences thereof.
US07862995B2
Methods and materials for predicting responsiveness to treatment with dual tyrosine kinase inhibitor
The present invention relates to a panel of targeted therapy markers that can be used in assessing a particular subject's sensitivity to various therapeutic agents and cancer treatments as a means of prognosticating whether a treatment or use of a particular therapeutic agent will result in a clinically positive outcome. Cellular receptors, ligands to those receptors and molecules involved in the programmed cell death pathway are examples of targeted therapy markers that might be used in the present invention.
US07862993B2
A method of detecting proliferative diseases causing sclerosis, comprising measuring the expression of at least one substance selected from the group consisting of STAT3, phosphorylated STAT3, Smad1, phosphorylated Smad1, activin receptor-like kinase 1, activin receptor-like kinase 3 and bone morphogenetic proteins in a biological sample. A kit therefor. A prophylactic and/or therapeutic agent for proliferative diseases causing sclerosis, comprising as an active ingredient a substance having an inhibitory effect on the expression of at least one substance selected from the group consisting of STAT3, phosphorylated STAT3, Smad1 and phosphorylated Smad1. A method of identifying substances effective in preventing and/or treating proliferative diseases causing sclerosis, comprising judging whether or not a test substance inhibits the expression of at least one substance selected from the group consisting of STAT3, phosphorylated STAT3, Smad1 and phosphorylated Smad1. A kit therefor.
US07862992B2
One or more set point values are generated by a dynamic fermentation controller for one or more of temperature, pH, and enzyme dosage for a fermentation system. The one or more set point values are output to one or more controllers of the fermentation system. The generation of the one or more set point values and the outputting of the one or more set point values is repeated until a change in conditions in the fermentation system is detected.
US07862984B2
A radiation-sensitive composition includes a free-radically polymerizable component, an initiator composition capable of generating free radicals sufficient to initiate polymerization upon exposure to imaging radiation, an infrared radiation absorbing compound, and a polymeric binder. The initiator composition includes a unique polyonium borate comprising a polyvalent onium cation with multiple onium moieties and sufficient organic borate counterions to provide a net neutral charge. The radiation-sensitive composition can be used to prepare a negative-working imageable element that is sensitive to suitable imaging infrared radiation, can be imaged at relatively low energy, and can be developed either on-press or off-press.
US07862983B2
A composition of matter consisting of a stable solution containing a polymer derived from a solution of a polymer containing trace metals, the derived method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a polymer solution containing a polymer, a first solvent and trace metals; (b) passing said polymer solution through an acidic cation ion exchange material to remove said trace metals therefrom and thereby forming a polymer solution containing free acid radicals; (c) precipitating said polymer from said polymer solution of step b by contacting with a second solvent wherein the polymer is substantially insoluble therein; (d) filtering said solution and said second solvent to thereby form a solid polymer cake; and (e) contacting said cake from step d with sufficient quantities of additional said second solvent in order to remove free acid radicals therefrom.
US07862981B2
A compound including a polyhydric phenol compound represented by general formula (I) shown below (wherein R11 to R17 each independently represents an alkyl group of 1 to 10 carbon atoms or aromatic hydrocarbon group which may contain a hetero atom in the structure thereof, and X represents an aliphatic cyclic group) and having a molecular weight of 300 to 2,500, in which some or all of the hydrogen atoms of the phenolic hydroxyl groups are substituted with acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting groups; a positive resist composition containing the compound; and a method of forming a resist pattern using the positive resist composition.
US07862980B2
The present invention provides a salt represented by the formula (I): wherein P1, P2, P3, Q1, Q2 and R are defined in the specification and the present invention further provides a chemically amplified resist composition comprising the salt represented by the above-mentioned formula (I).
US07862977B2
A method to form an image using a trickle developing system, wherein (a) the toner comprises colorant particles with a volume median diameter of 3 to 8 μm having first inorganic particles on surfaces of the colorant particles to form toner particles; (b) the carrier comprises magnetic particles with a weight average particle diameter (D4) of 20 to 40 μm having second inorganic particles on surfaces of the magnetic particles to form carrier particles; and (c) an area ratio of element (A) based on a total area of surfaces of the carrier particles is 0.5 to 3.0 area % determined by using an X-ray analysis, provided that element (A) represents one or more elements commonly contained in the first inorganic particles and in the second inorganic particles.
US07862973B2
Provided is a toner that comprises a binder resin, a releasing agent, and a colorant, wherein the mass average particle diameter of the toner is 3 μm to 8 μm, the content of particles having a particle diameter of no more than 5 μm is from 60% by number to 90% by number, the binder resin comprises a polyester resin (A) having a softening temperature Tm(A) from no lower than 120° C. to no higher than 160° C. and a polyester resin (B) having a softening temperature Tm(B) from no lower than 80° C. to lower than 120° C., and at least one of the polyester resins (A) and (B) is prepared by condensation polymerization between an alcohol component and a carboxylic acid component, and the alcohol component comprises divalent alcohol of 1,2-propanediol in a content of no less than 65% by mole and consists substantially of aliphatic alcohol; and also provided is a developer that comprises the toner and a carrier.
US07862969B2
The present invention provides an image bearing member that includes: a photoconductor; and a heating unit which heats the photoconductor, wherein the photoconductor includes: a support; a charge generating layer on the support, a charge transport layer, and a crosslinked charge transport layer in this order, wherein the crosslinked charge transport layer includes a reaction product of a radically polymerizable compound with three or more functional groups which does not have a charge transporting structure, and a radically polymerizable compound with one functional group, which compound has a charge transporting structure.
US07862964B2
The invention includes methods for photo-processing photo-imageable material. Locations of the photo-imageable material where flare hot spots are expected to occur are ascertained. A substantially uniform dose of light intensity is provided to at least the majority of the photo-imageable material other than the hot spot locations, and is not provided to the hot spot locations. The provision of the substantially uniform dose of light intensity can occur during formation of a primary pattern in the photo-imageable material with a reticle, utilizing the same reticle as that used for making the primary pattern; or can occur at a separate processing stage than that utilized for forming the primary pattern and with a separate reticle from that utilized to form the primary pattern. The invention also includes reticle constructions which can be utilized for photo-processing of photo-imageable material.
US07862959B2
The present invention is a transfer mask for exposure comprising a mask portion having a plurality of cells, each of which an opening of a predetermined pattern is formed in. When one side of the plurality of cells is exposed to a charged particle beam, each of the plurality of cells is adapted to make the charged particle beam pass through itself to the other side thereof based on the pattern of the opening formed in the cell. Thus, when a substrate to be processed is arranged on the other side of the cell, the pattern of the opening formed in the cell is transferred to the substrate to be processed and hence an exposure pattern is formed on the substrate to be processed. The feature of the present invention is that a part of or all the plurality of cells can be exchanged at the mask portion.
US07862953B2
An unsaturated compound including a urethane bond in a main chain and a sulfonic acid group, a phosphoric acid group, an alkylsulfonic acid group, or an alkylphosphoric acid group on a benzene ring in a side chain is provided. In addition, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane containing a compound prepared by polymerizing the above-mentioned compound and an electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly including diffusion layers adhered on both surfaces of the electrolyte membrane are provided. Furthermore, a solid polymer fuel cell using the electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly is provided.
US07862948B2
A device and method to predict and regulate nitrogen concentration in a flow shifting system. In one aspect of the system, a bleed valve fluidly coupled to multiple fuel cell stacks is used to reduce the presence of nitrogen in an anode flowpath. One or more sensors can be used to measure voltage within one or both of the fuel cell stacks. By assessing fuel cell voltage changes within the anode flowpath and equating such changes with nitrogen fraction buildup, the system can manipulate the bleed valve at appropriate times to improve system operability. In one form of equating the sensed voltage changes with the nitrogen fraction buildup, a predictive algorithm can be used by a logic device in a controller to compare the sensed voltage so that the controller instructs the bleed valve when to open and close. In a variation, the controller can compare the sensed voltages against stored data rather than rely on a formula or related algorithm.
US07862946B1
A fuel cell power system comprises an internal or self-regulating control of a system or device requiring a parasitic load. The internal or self-regulating control utilizes certain components and an interconnection scheme to produce a desirable, variable voltage potential (i.e., power) to a system or device requiring parasitic load in response to varying operating conditions or requirements of an external load that is connected to a primary fuel cell stack of the system. Other embodiments comprise a method of designing such a self-regulated control scheme and a method of operating such a fuel cell power system.
US07862938B2
A fuel cell and heat engine hybrid system using a high-temperature fuel cell having an anode compartment adapted to receive fuel from a fuel supply path and to output anode exhaust gas and a cathode compartment adapted to receive oxidant gas and to output cathode exhaust gas. A heat engine assembly is adapted to receive oxidant gas and a further gas comprising one of the anode exhaust gas and a gas derived from the anode exhaust gas and to cause oxidation of the further gas and generate output power, the heat engine also generating heat engine exhaust including oxidant gas. The heat engine exhaust is then used to provide oxidant gas to the cathode compartment of the fuel cell.
US07862936B2
A bipolar plate for a fuel cell is disclosed including a first unipolar plate having an active surface with a plurality of flowfield channels formed therein. The first unipolar plate further includes an inlet header disposed at a first end of the unipolar plate that is in communication with the active surface, and an outlet header disposed at a second end of the unipolar plate having an exhaust opening formed therethrough. A peripheral edge of the exhaust opening is chamfered and is also in communication with the active surface. The chamfered exhaust opening forms a water removal channel in the bipolar plate. A fuel cell stack including the bipolar plate is also disclosed.
US07862933B2
The present invention provides a lithium secondary battery which has improved safety, mainly coming from use of an electrolyte solution which is not inflammable at room temperature (20° C.), while not deteriorating output characteristics at low temperatures and room temperature or output maintenance characteristics after storage at high temperature (50° C.). The lithium secondary battery of the present invention, encased in a container, is provided with a cathode and an anode, both capable of storing/releasing lithium ions, a separator which separates these electrodes from each other, and an electrolyte solution containing a cyclic carbonate and a linear carbonate as solvents and a compound such as VC at composition ratios of 18.0 to 30.0%, 74.0 to 81.9% and 0.1 to 1.0%, respectively, based on the whole solvents, all percentages by volume.
US07862932B2
Disclosed is a catalyst, including a catalyst particle containing at least one component selected from the group consisting of gold, platinum and an gold alloy, the gold alloy containing gold and at least one element selected from transition metal elements of the fourth period, fifth period and sixth period of the Periodic Table, and a catalyst carrier carrying the catalyst particle and containing a perovskite type oxide represented by general formula (1) given below: A(1-x)BxTiOy (1) where the element A is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ca, Sr and Ba, the element B is at least one element selected from the group consisting of La, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu, the molar ratio x satisfies 0
US07862926B2
A hybrid power supply includes a fuel cell and an interface between the fuel cell and a fuel cartridge or external battery and a switching type DC/DC boost type converter that receives energy from the fuel cell or external battery and is arranged to deliver the energy to a rechargeable cell. The hybrid power supply also includes a fuel cell current sensor/comparator, included in a feedback control loop disposed about the DC/DC converter, which controls in part operation of the converter to provide constant current discharge on the fuel battery side of the hybrid power supply. An adapter that couples a source of AC power such as a charger to the interconnect is also disclosed.
US07862925B2
A secondary battery having an increased winding area of the electrode assembly due to an absent positive electrode terminal. An electrode plate of the electrode assembly is directly welded to the can for electrical connection and to prevent the electrode assembly from floating inside the can. The secondary battery includes a hexahedronal can having an opening formed on a side and an electrode assembly contained in the can. The electrode assembly has a first electrode plate, a separator, and a second electrode plate laminated and wound together. The first electrode plate is connected to the inner surface of the can and the second electrode plate is connected to an electrode tab extending a predetermined distance to the exterior. A cap assembly has a cap plate coupled to the opening of the can to which the electrode is welded and an electrode terminal is coupled to the electrode terminal.
US07862923B2
The present invention relates to a proton exchange membrane having a polymer comprising of a main chain and a branch chain connected to said main chain wherein the chemical formula for said branch chain is and where n is an integer. Said main chain is a polymer selected from the group that includes: aliphatic polymers, aliphatic block polymers, and aliphatic random copolymers. The fabrication method for said polymers comprises the steps of: reacting a polymer having a benzene ring in its branch chain with a sulfo-alkylated chemical reagent and a catalyst in an anhydrous solvent in an inert atmosphere; separating the resulting sulfo-alkylated polymer; and acidifying to obtain said fabricated polymer. Proton exchange membranes made with these polymers are pliant, do not expand much during wet conditions, and, are chemically, hydrolytically, dimensionally and thermally stable.
US07862919B2
A high-capacity battery pack attachable to a small-sized electronic device in which a lithium-polymer cell and a lithium-ion cell are physically coupled and to be electrically connected in parallel, and an electronic device using the battery pack maximize a battery mounting space while providing a high-capacity battery pack useful for the small-sized electronic device. The battery pack is arranged such that the lithium-polymer cell having a thin thickness in a large cross-sectional area and a lithium-ion cell having a thick thickness in a small cross-sectional area are appropriately arranged to maximize the space of the battery accommodating portion.
US07862906B2
An electroluminescent element which can easily control the balance of color in white emission (white balance) is provided according to the present invention. The electroluminescent element comprises a first light-emitting layer containing one kind or two or more kinds of light-emitting materials, and a second light-emitting layer containing two kinds of light-emitting materials (a host material and a phosphorescent material) in which the phosphorescent material is doped at a concentration of from 10 to 40 wt %, preferably, from 12.5 to 20 wt %. Consequently, blue emission can be obtained from the first light-emitting layer and green and red (or orange) emission can be obtained from the second light-emitting layer. An electroluminescent element having such device configuration can easily control white balance since emission peak intensity changes at the same rate in case of increasing a current density.
US07862905B2
The present invention provides an arylamine compound having a molecular weight of from 1500 to 6000 represented by the general formula (1): According to the present invention, there can be provided an arylamine compound having excellent hole injection and transporting characteristics and being capable of forming a stable thin film. By using the compound, emission efficiency and durability of conventional organic EL devices can remarkably be improved.
US07862904B2
The present invention relates to the improvement of phosphorescent organic electroluminescent devices by using materials of the formula in the hole blocking layer.
US07862903B2
The invention relates to a bi-functional extruded structural element, particularly a stringer for aeronautical construction, comprising a base that can be fixed on a surface, and a body, wherein the base comprises a first aluminum-based alloy, and further wherein the body comprises a second heat treatable aluminum-based alloy, having properties that are different from the properties of the first aluminum based alloy.
US07862899B2
The invention relates to a multilayer structure which is especially suitable for the anti-scratch sealing and decorative metallic finishing of topographically defined polymer surfaces, and to vacuum methods for building up the series of layers.
US07862894B2
A material composition for play or modelling purposes includes a particulate material and a binder which is disposed as thin layers on the particles. T-he binder includes a hydroxy-terminated polymer cross-linked by a boron compound, in particular a silicone oil. The concentration of particles is 90-98 vol % of the finished composition. A method for producing the material composition includes placing the particles in a mixer, adding the hydroxyl-terminated polymer, in particular silicone oil, and distributing it as thin layers on the surfaces of the particles and, thereafter, adding a boron-containing cross-linking agent in solution and mixing so that a cross-linking of the polymer takes place and the viscosity increases.
US07862892B2
A microparticle can include a central region and a peripheral region. The peripheral region can include a nanoparticle, such as a metal nanoparticle, a metal oxide nanoparticle, or a semiconductor nanocrystal. The microparticle can be a member of a monodisperse population of particles.
US07862885B2
A method of bonding includes using a bonding layer having a fluorinated oxide. Fluorine may be introduced into the bonding layer by exposure to a fluorine-containing solution, vapor or gas or by implantation. The bonding layer may also be formed using a method where fluorine is introduced into the layer during its formation. The surface of the bonding layer is terminated with a desired species, preferably an NH2 species. This may be accomplished by exposing the bonding layer to an NH4OH solution. High bonding strength is obtained at room temperature. The method may also include bonding two bonding layers together and creating a fluorine distribution having a peak in the vicinity of the interface between the bonding layers. One of the bonding layers may include two oxide layers formed on each other. The fluorine concentration may also have a second peak at the interface between the two oxide layers.
US07862881B2
A label for in-mold formation is provided which can be readily delaminated from the container by any one because of its excellent delamination initiation property and delamination transmission property as well as its low interlaminar strength, and which can be recorded with information such as pictures and letters on the inner side concealed by the label, and therefore, enabling effective utilization of the display area, or utilization of the delaminated label portion as a request form or a discount ticket, so called coupon.The present invention discloses a label for in-mold formation which includes a base layer (A) containing a thermoplastic resin, a layer (B) which enables delamination, and a heat seal layer (D) in this order; the aforementioned label for in-mold formation which includes an intermediate layer (C) between the layer (B) which enables delamination and the heat seal layer (D); and a resin molded product with a label to which the label for in-mold formation is attached to integrate with such a resin molded product by thermal fusion.
US07862877B2
A sanitary article is provided for reducing the spread of contamination between a user and an object. The article comprises a permeable layer, an impermeable layer, and an anti-bacterial gel interposed between the permeable layer and the impermeable layer. The permeable and impermeable layers may be sealed to each other to restrict the movement of the gel and to make the article unitary. The gel may at least partially diffuse through the permeable layer upon the user contacting the permeable layer while the impermeable layer impeded diffusion of the gel toward the object upon the object contacting the impermeable layer.
US07862867B2
Disclosed is a bifunctional polymerizable compound represented by the formula [1]. Also disclosed is a polymerizable liquid crystal composition comprising at least one bifunctional polymerizable compound represented by the formula [1] and a polymerizable liquid crystal compound. The bifunctional polymerizable compound has a high polymerizability. When added to a polymerizable liquid crystal compound to prepare a polymerizable liquid crystal composition, the bifunctional polymerizable compound enables to remarkably improve the thermal stability of a polymer produced from the composition. The polymerizable liquid crystal composition containing the bifunctional polymerizable compound has a low crystallization temperature and shows a stable liquid-crystallinity under ordinary environment wherein X1, X2 and X3 independently represent a single bond or a benzene ring; Y represents —O— or a single bond; M represents a lactone ring or an acrylate group; and n represents an integer of 4 to 10.
US07862864B2
The present invention provides a bar coating method comprising the step of: weighing and applying a coating liquid by the bar with bringing the bar into contact with a continuously running web and supplying the coating liquid to an feed side of the web with respect to the bar to form a coating liquid puddle, wherein a plurality of coating liquids are supplied to the feed side of the web with respect to the bar via a plurality of slits formed in a multistage form in an feed direction of the web in order to apply the coating liquid having a high viscosity or low wettability without problems.
US07862857B2
A novel lead zirconium titanate (PZT) material having unique properties and application for PZT thin film capacitors and ferroelectric capacitor structures, e.g., FeRAMs, employing such thin film material. The PZT material is scalable, being dimensionally scalable, pulse length scalable and/or E-field scalable in character, and is useful for ferroelectric capacitors over a wide range of thicknesses, e.g., from about 20 nanometers to about 150 nanometers, and a range of lateral dimensions extending to as low as 0.15 μm. Corresponding capacitor areas (i.e., lateral scaling) in a preferred embodiment are in the range of from about 104 to about 10−2 μm2. The scalable PZT material of the invention may be formed by liquid delivery MOCVD, without PZT film modification techniques such as acceptor doping or use of film modifiers (e.g., Nb, Ta, La, Sr, Ca and the like).
US07862849B2
A method of stamping of molecular patterns and/or devices based on the reversible self-assembly of molecules, particularly organic molecules is disclosed. This method is suitable for the stamping of almost any nanofabricated device and can be used to transferring a large amount of pattern information from one substrate to another at the same time.
US07862848B2
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dry coating solid dosage forms. The method includes the steps of placing solid dosage forms in a rotatable, electrically grounded housing, and spraying a film forming polymer powder composition into the housing during rotation thereof to form a polymer coating on the solid dosage forms, the polymer powder composition being sprayed using an electrostatic spray gun, and curing the coated solid dosage forms.
US07862846B2
Two or more different materials such as food material are co-extruded through adjacent orifices of an extruder. The flows of the two materials are cut in a direction transverse to the flow to form segments of flow. These segments are interspersed so as to join upstream and downstream of each segment of first material to a segment of a second material. Generally two rows of joined segmented flows are extruded side by side. Preferably between the two rows is formed a boundary cell wall which usually is transformed to a harder material after extrusion. Cell walls of the harder material may surround, in two or three dimensions, cells of softer or foamed material. The apparatus and method to provide the food product having the cell-like structure is particularly useful for producing confectionery products formed of chocolate, marzipan or dough materials.
US07862841B1
A multiple serving container shaped to incorporate an opening dimensionally sized to fit within the opening of the typical plastic liquid containers used for bottling water, fruit juice and soda. The serving container fitting inside an opening into the liquid container allows transfer of contents without spillage.
US07862819B2
Nucleic acid compositions encoding mammalian DGAT2α polypeptide products with diglyceride acyltransferase activity, as well as the mammalian DGAT2α polypeptide products encoded thereby and methods for producing the same, are provided. The subject DGAT2α polypeptide and nucleic acid compositions find use in a variety of applications, including research, diagnostic, and therapeutic agent screening applications, as well as in treatment therapies and in the production of triacylglycerols.
US07862813B2
The present invention relates to the treatment of immune system abnormalities that can be found in lethal human cancers and also in the progressive Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) infections and provides medicaments to correct abnormalities in a subject with cancer or HIV-1-infected subjects, in order to allow the immune system to fight the cancer or HIV-1 infections. The present invention also discloses multivalent polypeptides which specifically bind to and enable destruction and/or inactivation of immune cells that have CD11b and CD3 on their surface, therefore dissipating the deleterious effects of the CD11b+ T cells.
US07862804B2
C-glycoside compounds having the formula (I): are useful for depigmenting/whitening the skin and/or for the anti-browning thereof.
US07862803B2
The invention concerns a cosmetic composition for treating keratinous materials comprising in a carrier suitable for keratinous materials: (a) at least an amphiphilic polymer comprising at least an ethylenically unsaturated monomer with sulphonic group, in free form or partly or completely neutralized and further at least a hydrophobic part; (b) at least an oxidizing agent.
US07862802B2
The present invention relates to a dry type tooth whitening patch comprising peroxide as a tooth whitening agent. In particular, disclosed is a dry type tooth whitening patch in which a peroxide is contained, as a teeth whitening agent, in a matrix type adhesive layer. The adhesive layer includes, as a base polymer thereof, a hydrophilic glass polymer which provides a strong adhesion to teeth while releasing the tooth whitening agent when hydrated on the enamel layers of teeth in the moist oral cavity. The dry type patch according to the present invention is convenient in use, as compared to wet type patches. Further, it exhibits a superior adhesion while being maintained in a state attached to the teeth for a lengthened period of time so as to assure an enough contact time between the whitening agent in the patch and stains on the teeth, thereby giving a sufficient whitening effect.
US07862801B2
A dental bleaching composition comprises a dental bleaching agent and a polyvinylpyrrolidone thickening agent. The bleaching composition may include water, flavoring agents, a basic substance and desensitizing agents, as desired. Polyvinylpyrrolidone avoids acid etching and chelation of teeth that were problematic in bleaches using carbomer as a thickener. A delivery system for delivering the bleaching composition comprises the aforementioned dental bleaching composition in combination with a moisture-resistant barrier layer such as a dental tray or a flexible strip of material.
US07862796B2
A cadmium sulfide nanocrystal, wherein the cadmium sulfide nanocrystal shows maximum luminescence peaks at two or more wavelengths and most of the atoms constituting the nanocrystal are present at the surface of the nanocrystal to form defects.
US07862792B2
The invention relates to carbon chemistry and is embodied in the form of a diamond-carbon material, in which carbon is contained in the form a diamond cubic modification and in a roentgen-amorphous phase at a ratio of (40-80):(60-20) in terms of a carbon mass, respectively, wherein the inventive material comprises 89.1-95.2 mass % carbon, 1.2-5.0 mass % nitrogen, 0.1-4.7 mass % oxygen and 0.1-1.5 mass % fire-resisting impurities. The inventive method for producing said material consisting in detonating, in a closed space of a carbon-inert gas medium, a carbon-containing oxygen-deficient explosive material, which is placed in a condensed phase envelop containing a reducing agent at a quantitative ratio between said reducing agent mass in the condensed phase and the mass of the used carbon-containing explosive material equal to or greater than 0.01:1. A method for processing the samples of diamond-carbon material produced by means of a detonation synthesis for examining the elemental composition thereof is also disclosed.
US07862791B2
In one aspect, the invention provides a hydrogen storage material that is formed by reacting solid precursors (a) and (b). The (a) precursor is a compound containing X—H and Y—H bonds, where X is a Group 13 and Y is a Group 15 element. Preferably X is boron (B—H) and Y is nitrogen (N—H). Most preferably, the precursor (a) is borazane. The (b) precursor is preferably a hydride, such as LiH or LiAlH4. Another feature of the present invention is a novel hydrogen storage composition material that is formed as an intermediate (INT) in the reaction of the (a) with the (b) precursors. The INT hydrogen storage material can be a quaternary B—H—Li—N composition. Other aspects of hydrogen storage materials are provided herein.
US07862789B2
A circulating fluidized bed power plant 100 includes; a circulating fluidized bed boiler 110 which generates flue gases, a flash dry absorber scrubber 140 configured to receive the flue gases from the circulating fluidized bed boiler 110, and a lime feed 150 configured to introduce lime into the flash dry absorber scrubber 140.
US07862787B1
A boiler conveys an exhaust gas stream to a heat recovery device. The heat recovery device includes an air straightener, a heat recovery unit or feedwater heater, and a catalyst assembly positioned between the air straightener and the feedwater heater. The catalyst assembly has a catalyst drawer or bed that holds a quantity of catalyst materials for removing contaminants from the exhaust gas stream. The air straightener has a plurality of baffles that are arranged in a manner that optimizes the performance of the catalyst drawer or bed. The baffles also prevent condensation from leaking from the feedwater heater into the boiler. The feedwater heater recovers a quantity of heat from the exhaust gas stream.
US07862786B2
A method for recovering zinc ions by selective zinc sulfide precipitation from an aqueous solution comprising zinc ions and metal ions of a metal that precipitates as a metal sulfide at a pH lower than a pH at which zinc ions precipitate as a zinc sulfide.
US07862782B2
An apparatus and method are disclosed for producing nanoparticles in a dense fluid medium. The method is based on the formation of nanoparticles from nanoparticle precursors in a dense fluid medium in which a plasma discharge is created between electrodes submerged in the dense fluid medium. The electrodes define a plasma discharge zone between opposing electrode discharge faces and further define an internal cavitation zone into which a cavitation gas is released, creating bubbles in the dense fluid medium. The result is the efficient production of nanoparticles using a high-frequency, high-voltage electric field to react dense-phase precursors in an atmospheric pressure, low temperature environment.
US07862776B2
An interactive security screening system includes a main housing, a contact pad provided on the main housing and a sample sheet positioned upon the contact pad. A sensor is operatively connected to the contact pad to measure pressure applied to the contact pad during a sample collection process. A feedback system, operatively connected to the contact pad and the sensor, provides the subject or screener with at least one of a visual signal and an audio signal to indicate whether requisite pressure was applied to the contact pad. A sample processing system analyzes the sample collection sheet through series, parallel or image processing to determine whether the trace residue sample contains a threat residue. The screening system also employs a spatial recognition system that focuses the sample processing system on particular portions of the sample collection sheet to increase overall system accuracy.
US07862771B2
A virtual analyzer is provided to estimate either an attribute of a reactant applied during performance of, or an amount of a reactant exhausted by, a process having multiple process parameters (MPPs) that is performed to control an amount of a pollutant emitted into the air. The virtual analyzer includes an interface which receives signals corresponding to attributes of the MPPs. If the process is a wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) process, the signals include a signal corresponding to a measured pH level of the applied reactant. If the process is a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) process, the signals include a signal corresponding to a measured amount of the reactant exhausted by the process.
US07862765B2
Provided are an apparatus and method for synthesizing a conductive composite with enhanced electrical conductivity. The apparatus includes: an injection-molding machine which injection-molds pellets created by mixing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with polymers; and an electric field generator which applies an electric field to the pellets that are melted while the melted pellets are injection-molded and thus rearranges the CNTs included in a composite into which the melted pellets are injection-molded.
US07862763B2
The invention relates to a method of controlling the quality of blocks that are produced front face-up in a mold, and verifying the accuracy of the production of such blocks, to ensure that the blocks are manufactured with consistent quality and minimal block-to-block variability. Measurement locations are formed on the front faces of predetermined blocks. By measuring the distances between the measurement locations and the rear faces and comparing with a target distance, any variation provides an indication that the blocks are not being properly formed. The process variables, such as the alignment of the compression head and/or the pressure plates to the mold, can then be adjusted accordingly.
US07862762B2
A method of moulding and a moulding installation is disclosed. The installation comprises a compounder (16), a flow path (26) from the compounder to a vessel (34) in which the mouldable material emerging from the compounder is accumulated, and further flow paths (28) from the vessel (34) to a number of moulders (30) each of which is associated with a mould (32). The moulders take charges of mouldable material on a cyclical basis.
US07862759B2
A method of manufacturing a liquid ejecting head and a supply member having a plurality of liquid supply passages is provided. The supply member includes first and second supply members in which liquid supply passages are provided and filters provided between the first supply member and the second supply member. The method includes: preparing a connected filter formed of a plurality of filter element portions corresponding to the plurality of liquid supply passages and a connecting portion that connects the plurality of filter element portions; in a state where the filter element portions of the connected filter are held between the first supply member and the second supply member, charging molten resin from a position corresponding to the connecting portion of the connected filter to separate the connecting portion; and, during the charging, molding.
US07862744B2
The present invention provides a method for preparing DMF for sucralose production, including, e.g., isolating DMF from a composition comprising DMF, water, and methanol, using a single-tower rectification system. In various embodiments of the present invention, the composition, after the removal of water and methanol, may be further dried/dehydrated, such as, by using a dehydration agent and/or filtration. The resulting substantially pure DMF may comprise at least about 98-99% DMF. The present invention further provides a method of preparing a composition comprising anhydrous sucrose for sucralose production, which may comprise mixing regular sucrose with a water-containing DMF composition, and drying the resulting sucrose-DMF composition. Also provided is a single-tower separation system for isolating DMF from a composition comprising DMF, water, and methanol.
US07862740B2
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.
US07862738B2
The present invention relates to an inorganic composition mainly containing a compound semiconductor, wherein the inorganic composition contains iridium element. The invention also relates to a method of producing an inorganic composite for producing an luminescent material, wherein the method comprises subjecting an inorganic composition mainly containing a compound semiconductor to an explosion by gunpowder and/or explosive in a sealed vessel.An inorganic composite for producing a luminescent material can be prepared by subjecting an inorganic composition to a doping treatment such as explosive treatment or heat-treatment. The inorganic composite can further be heat-treated to produce a luminescent material. The resulting luminescent material can be formed into a layer as a light emitter layer of an inorganic EL device.
US07862732B2
In a method for forming micro lenses, a lens material layer made of an inorganic material is formed on a substrate, and an intermediate layer made of an organic material is formed on the lens material layer. Then, a mask layer made of an organic material is formed on the intermediate layer, and lens shapes are formed in the mask layer. The lens shapes of the mask layer are transcribed to the intermediate layer by etching the mask layer and the intermediate layer. Thereafter, the lens shapes of the intermediate layer are transcribed to the lens material layer to form micro lenses by etching the intermediate layer and the lens material layer using a processing gas containing SF6 gas and CHF3 gas.
US07862728B2
An Ultraviolet-C (UVC) based portable water purification system employing a novel array of baffles increases the efficiency per unit energy of irradiating UVC light in the eradication of pathogens in the water. Closed loop feedback allows monitoring the application of UVC light power to ensure high levels of pathogen eradication. This system is capable of eradicating a wide range of waterborne bacteria, viruses, protozoa, helminthes, yeast, and mold found in natural freshwater sources worldwide. By adding pre- or post-filters, the system can remove harmful organic compounds, pesticides, inorganic compounds and heavy metals from the water. The system can also be used to eradicate pathogens in fluids other than water. As a feature of this invention, a communications systems that can reach geographically dispersed populations at low cost without the need to install costly wired communications infrastructure is combined with and powered by the water purification system. In one embodiment, a packet radio system is provided to create nodes in a wireless mesh communications system to provide voice, data, video and internet communications using an array of the water purifiers to create a wireless mesh network.
US07862723B2
An apparatus for purifying water according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a feed line fluidically connected to a reverse osmosis module containing a semipermeable membrane. The semipermeable membrane produces purified water and a concentrate. A drain line is also connected to the reverse osmosis module configured to transport concentrate. A product line is connected to the reverse osmosis module for transporting purified water. Operatively associated with the product line and drain line is a shut-off mechanism containing a pressure sensor or gasket operatively associated with an appliance configured to activate the shut-off mechanism.
US07862722B2
A sewage treatment control device, a method and a sewage treatment system, are disclosed. In one example, the sewage treatment control device includes measuring units having sensors for inspecting specific components in water, respectively; validity verification units connected to the measuring units to determine validities for measured component values, respectively; target value setting units connected to the validity verification units to set target values for the component values measured in the measuring units, respectively; a manual setting unit for setting a target value depending on a component value inputted by an operator; a signal selection unit for allowing either one of the respective target value setting units or the manual setting unit to be connected; a proportional-integral-derivative control unit for performing proportional, integral or derivative action for the target value inputted from the signal selection unit to convert the target value into a control signal; and a manipulation unit for manipulating a sewage treatment apparatus depending on the control signal converted in the proportional-integral-derivative control unit.
US07862710B2
Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a reverse osmosis (RO) system that includes a housing and a pre-filter within the housing such that feed water flows into the housing and enters the pre-filter. The reverse osmosis (RO) system further includes a membrane element within the housing such that the pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter and enters the membrane element and permeate exits the membrane element through the housing. In some embodiments, the housing includes a first end cap at one end and a second end cap at an opposing end such that feed water flows through the first end cap into the pre-filter and pre-filtered water flows from the pre-filter into the first end cap. In addition, the pre-filtered water may flow from the first end cap to the membrane element such that permeate exits the membrane element through the first end cap in order exit the housing.
US07862707B2
A process for converting feedstock into liquid hydrocarbon fuel condensate includes the steps of providing an unconventional feedstock for producing liquid hydrocarbon fuel, providing a heated heat transfer medium flowing through at least one thermal reaction zone under substantially carbon rejection process conditions and placing the feedstock onto the heated heat transfer medium flow so that the feedstock substantially rides on the flow surface of the heated heat transfer medium without substantially any mixing of the feedstock with the heat transfer medium, vaporizing at least a portion of the feedstock to form vapours while the feedstock is in the thermal reaction zones by heat transfer to the feedstock from the heat transfer medium and condensing the vapours into a liquid hydrocarbon fuel condensate.
US07862695B2
According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrochemical sensor (10) for detecting the concentration of analyte in a fluid test sample is disclosed. The sensor (10) includes a counter electrode having a high-resistance portion for use in detecting whether a predetermined amount of sample has been received by the test sensor.
US07862692B2
A method of evaporating liquid in a liquid evaporating system having heat exchangers, evaporators, and steam reheaters, includes: preheating condensed water in the heat exchangers; distilling in the evaporators the condensed water from the heat exchangers, wherein the evaporators each has a horizontal plane evaporating chamber at an upper side thereof and a horizontal plane steam heating chamber at a lower side thereof, wherein heating steam is provided from an external boiler to the heating chamber; exchanging heat between the evaporating chamber and the heating chamber using a heat exchange boundary face formed in a concavo-convex shape, wherein the heat exchange boundary face is formed of a metal plate; and reheating in the steam reheaters the steam from the respective evaporators, wherein the reheaters each are coupled to a subsequent one of the heating chambers to serve as a heating source of the subsequent heating chamber.
US07862683B2
An apparatus and method for improving the chamber dry cleaning of a PECVD system. The apparatus includes an annular gas ring with multiple outlets for introducing a cleaning gas into the process chamber, and the method includes using the gas ring to introduce a cleaning species from a remote plasma source into the processing chamber.
US07862682B2
Showerhead electrode assemblies are disclosed, which include a showerhead electrode adapted to be mounted in an interior of a vacuum chamber; an optional backing plate attached to the showerhead electrode; a thermal control plate attached to the backing plate or to the showerhead electrode at multiple contact points across the backing plate; and at least one thermally and electrically conductive gasket separating the backing plate and the thermal control plate, or the backing plate and showerhead electrode, at the contact points. Methods of processing semiconductor substrates using the showerhead electrode assemblies are also disclosed.
US07862667B2
Embodiments of the present application are directed towards steel compositions that provide improved properties under corrosive environments. Embodiments also relate to protection on the surface of the steel, reducing the permeation of hydrogen. Good process control, in terms of heat treatment working window and resistance to surface oxidation at rolling temperature, are further provided.
US07862665B2
A drawer-type dishwasher includes a frame assembly, a tub, a wash arm and a pump system. The pump system includes a flow housing mounted at a rear portion of the tub and a drain conduit. The flow housing includes an inlet portion, an outlet portion, a pump portion and a drain port. Within the pump portion are arranged an impeller, a chopper mechanism as well as a plurality of flow straightening fins. A motor is mounted to the flow housing for driving the impeller and the chopper mechanism. The drain conduit is connected between the drain port and a drain line. A venturi is provided in the drain conduit to create a siphoning action the decreases an amount of time required to drain the tub.
US07862652B2
Microtubules are excellent candidates for the fabrication of nanostructures, including nanowires. A method for controlled nucleation and growth of microtubules on substrates (e.g., gold on a silicon wafer) is provided. The substrate is functionalized with a nucleating agent for microtubule growth. The method can be employed to generate nanoscale structures on substrates or between substrates by additional attachment of MT capture agents which function to capture the ends of growing MT to form connecting MT structures. The method can be used to form 2- and 3-D structures on or between substrates and can function to establish interconnects between nanoscale devices or molecular electronic devices and electrodes. A specific method for metallization of biological macromolecules and structures in provides which can be beneficially applied to metallized the MT formed by the growth and capture method. The metallization method is biologically benign and is particularly useful for copper metallization of MTs.
US07862651B2
A contactor/separator is formed from a vessel; an inlet for receiving a vapor/liquid mixture; an inlet for receiving a superheated vapor; a hub located within the vessel, the hub including a plurality of vanes for imparting a centrifugal motion to the vapor/liquid mixture or the superheated vapor; an outlet in a bottom of the vessel for removing liquid; and an outlet for removing vapor from the vessel. A method is also provided for heating and separating liquid and vapor from a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising introducing a hydrocarbon feedstock into a contactor/separator: introducing a superheated vapor into the contactor/separator such that it contacts and vaporizes a portion of the feedstock within the contactor/separator; separating unvaporized feedstock from vaporized feedstock in the contactor/separator; removing the vaporized feedstock and the superheated vapor through a first outlet; and removing the unvaporized feedstock through a second outlet.
US07862648B2
Thin layers of a mixed composition are deposited on a porous substrate by chemical vapor deposition in an inert atmosphere at high temperature. The resulting membrane has excellent stability to water vapor at high temperatures. An exemplary membrane comprises an amorphous mixed-element surface layer comprising silica and at least one oxide of additional element, an optional porous substrate on which said surface layer is deposited, and a porous support on which said substrate or mixed-element surface layer is deposited, wherein the permeance of the membrane is higher than 1×10−7 mol m−2s−1Pa−1 and the selectivity of H2 over CO, CO2, and CH4 is larger than 100, and wherein the H2 permeance of the membrane after exposure to a stream containing 60 mol % water vapor at 673 K for 120 h is at least 50% of its initial H2 permeance.
US07862647B2
A method of separating a mixture of carbon dioxiode and hydrocarbon gas using a mixed-ligand, metal-organic framework (MOF) material having metal ions coordinated to carboxylate ligands and pyridyl ligands.
US07862643B2
A method of manufacturing a hydrogen separation membrane comprises the steps of forming an intermediate layer suitable for controlling oxidation of a hydrogen permeable metal layer on the surface of the hydrogen permeable metal layer on the surface of the hydrogen permeable metal used as a substrate; and attaching a catalytic metal in a granular form on the surface of the intermediate layer. This method can be used to manufacture a hydrogen separation membrane in which the quantity of catalytic metal used is controlled.
US07862634B2
A sintered polycrystalline composite for cutting tools that includes a plurality of diamond or cubic boron nitride particles; a plurality of nanotube materials; and a refractory or binder material is disclosed. Methods of forming such polycrystalline composites that include integrating or mixing a plurality of nanotube materials with diamond or cubic boron nitride particle and/or refractory or binder particles are also disclosed.
US07862632B2
Disclosed is a multi-burner gasification reactor for gasification of slurry or pulverized hydrocarbon feed materials and industry applications thereof. Burners are disposed on the periphery or top of a gasification reactor vessel, wherein the side burners are at a small downward angle relative to the horizontal plane, which can prolong the life of refractory bricks. The operating pressure of the gasification reactor is 0.1˜12 MPa, and the operating temperature thereof is 1350° C.˜1700° C. The gasification reactor is applicable to a hot-wall lining as well as a cold-wall lining. The notable advantages of the gasification reactor are carbon conversion is high and can reach 99%, and the effective gas content is high; specific coal consumption and specific oxygen consumption are low; and it is applicable to a large coal gasification plant that processes above 3000 tons of coal per day.
US07862631B2
A primary reactor for a fuel processor system that employs steam and air to convert a liquid hydrocarbon fuel into a hydrogen-rich gas stream. The liquid fuel and an air-steam mixture are mixed in a mixing region within the reactor. The fuel mixture is then directed through an electrically heated catalyst region that heats the mixture to the operation temperature of a light-off catalyst at system start-up. The heated fuel mixture is then directed through a light-off catalyst monolith where the hydrocarbon fuel is dissociated. Once the fuel mixture is heated to the operating temperature of the light-off catalyst, the electrically heated catalyst region is turned off because the exothermic reaction in the light-off catalyst monolith generates the heat necessary to sustain the catalytic reaction.
US07862622B2
A prosthetic foot having an adjustable height heel includes a frame portion with an ankle link pivotally supported on the frame portion at a first pivot axis. A detent rod is pivotally connected to the ankle at a second pivot axis, and a detent member is pivotally affixed to the frame portion at a third pivot axis. The detent member is selectively operable to receive and releasably retain a length of the detent rod therein so that the length of the detent rod extending between the second and third pivot axes may be selectably adjusted. When the length of the rod is so adjusted, the angular relationship of the frame portion and the ankle link is changed thereby changing the heel height of the foot. The detent mechanism may be activated by various means including fluidic means, mechanical means, electromechanical means, and the like.
US07862617B2
A spinal disc prosthesis and method of placing a spinal disc prosthesis between adjacent vertebrae are provided. The inventive spinal disc prosthesis can comprise one or more solid, compressible prosthesis elements that are formed prior to the method of placing the prosthesis, or one or more solid prosthesis elements that are formed in situ. The inventive method of placing a spinal disc prosthesis between adjacent vertebrae of a patient is based on a posterior approach. The invention also includes a spinal disc prosthesis insertion apparatus and specially constructed surgical instruments for use in carrying out the method.
US07862616B2
An intervertebral implant having a three-dimensional body (10) and a securing plate (1). The three-dimensional body (10) includes an upper side (1) and an underside (2) which are suitable for abutting the end plates of two adjacent vertebral bodies, a left side surface (3) and a right side surface (4), a front surface (5) and a rear surface (6), a horizontal middle plane (7) between the upper side (1) and the underside (2), and a vertical middle plane (12) extending from the front surface (5) to the rear surface (6). The three-dimensional body further includes a plurality of boreholes (9a) passing through the body (10), which are suitable for accommodating longitudinal fixation elements (20). The intervertebral implant also includes a front plate (8) displaceably disposed as an insert with the front side (5) of the three-dimensional body, the front plate (8) having a plurality of boreholes (9) in which the longitudinal fixation elements (20) can be anchored, and whose openings overlap with the openings of the boreholes of the three-dimensional body (10). A securing plate can be fastened essentially parallel to the front plate (8) at the three-dimensional body (10) in such a manner that the boreholes of the front plate (9) are covered at least partly by the securing plate (18). By virtue of the configuration of the intervertebral implant, a rigid, firm connection between the intervertebral implant and the longitudinal fixation elements used to fasten it, is possible.
US07862615B2
The invention concerns an intervertebral implant that includes a spacer designed firstly to assume an implantation shape in which the spacer has two opposed channels (3, 4) bordered by retaining wings (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b), intended to receive the two spinous processes of two vertebrae, and secondly an insertion shape in which the parts of the implant forming the channels (3, 4) are separated by a value (d), and on at least one of their sides are lacking the retaining wings (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b), characterized in that the implant (1) is made from a shape-memory material, so that the implant changes to its implantation shape when it is subjected to heat, and so that, in this implantation shape, the parts of the implant forming the channels (3, 4) are separated by a value (D) that is greater than the value(d) of the insertion shape, in order to ensure the separation of the spinous processes.
US07862610B2
A vascular valve constructed from a biocompatible material that is designed to be surgically implanted in a patient's blood vessel, such as the right ventricular outflow tract. At the first end of the valve there is an orifice defined by at least two opposing free edges, and which can occupy either a first, closed position or a second, open position. At the second end of the valve there are at least two flexible members attachable to an anterior and a posterior wall of a patient's blood vessel. A length of the orifice between said at least two opposing free edges when the orifice is generally closed is equal to about 1.5 to 2 times the diameter of a patient's blood vessel. Optionally, the two flexible members to a stent or tubular graft. The valved stent or tubular graft can be inserted into a patient's blood vessel or heart.
US07862607B2
A helical stent having bioresorbable connecting members connecting sections of the stent. The connecting members provide various spring rates or spring constants to the stent, and permit a change in the flexibility of the stent subsequent to implantation while maintaining the unitary design of the stent. A method of making the helical stent includes forming a tube with a section made of a bioresorbable material prior to forming the stent.
US07862606B2
The invention relates to stents made of a material with an elongation at rupture of 30% or less and with a tubular base body which entirely or in parts comprises structural segments which are interconnected in longitudinal direction of the stents by means of transverse connectors and in which the structural segments comprise a zigzagging or undulating structure of a brace which is wrapped around the longitudinal axis of the stent. Due to the mechanical properties of the materials used, adaptation of the stent design is required. This is achieved in that in a turning region of the zigzagging or undulating structure the brace comprises a straight bending section aligned in circumferential direction.
US07862605B2
A coated implantable medical device 10 includes a structure 12 adapted for introduction into the vascular system, esophagus, trachea, colon, biliary tract, or urinary tract, and at least one layer 18 of a bioactive agent posited over at least one surface of the structure 12. Optionally, the device 10 can include at least one porous, preferably polymeric layer 20 posited over the layer 18 of bioactive agent, and can alternatively or additionally include at least one coating layer 16 posited on one surface of the structure 12, the at least one layer 18 of bioactive agent being posited in turn on at least a portion of the coating layer 16. The porous layer 20 and the coating layer 16 each provide for the controlled release of the bioactive material from the device 10. The structure 12 is preferably configured as a stent graft. The polymer of the porous layer 20 is preferably applied by vapor or plasma deposition. It is particularly preferred that the polymer is a polyamide, parylene or a parylene derivative which is deposited without solvents, heat or catalysts, but rather by condensation of a monomer vapor.
US07862603B2
A stent delivery system 1 for supplying a stent to a body cavity which includes an endoscope 6 that has an insertion portion 5 with a curvature portion 3 disposed at the distal end thereof, a sheath 7 that is disposed with the insertion portion 5 inserted in the inside thereof and a stent 2 placed on the outer surface of the distal end side thereof; and a regulating portion 8 that regulates the relative movement of the stent 2 to the proximal end side of the sheath 7, with the sheath 7 formed of a length that allows the distal end of the insertion portion 5 that is inserted in the sheath 7 to protrude from the distal end of the sheath 7. In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to provide a stent delivery system that can place a stent by endoscope observation without the need of excessive diametrical contraction or additional expansion of the stent.
US07862601B2
Apparatus and methods are provided for delivering a stent into an ostium. The apparatus includes a catheter including a proximal end, a distal end, and proximal and distal balloons disposed adjacent one another on the distal end. The balloons are expandable independently of one another, and a stent is provided surrounding the balloons. During use, the distal end of the catheter is introduced into a main lumen, and the proximal balloon is inflated to flare a proximal portion of the stent. The distal end is then advanced into the ostium until the flared proximal portion contacts a wall of the main lumen surrounding the ostium. The distal balloon is inflated to expand a distal portion of the stent, e.g., to dilate a lesion within the branch and/or ostium. Thereafter, the balloons are collapsed, and the apparatus is withdrawn, leaving the stent within the ostium.
US07862583B2
The present invention relates to a fusible suture for joining portions of tissue. The suture includes an elongate electrical conductor. The conductor extends between opposite ends of the suture and has sufficient flexibility to permit segments of the conductor to overlap, thereby forming a loop sized for joining portions of tissue. The overlapped segments of the conductor are heated upon application of an electrical current to the conductor. The suture further includes a coating that at least partially covers the conductor and extends over at least one of the segments of the conductor. The coating softens when its temperature is at and above a softening temperature so that the overlapping segments of the coating coalesce. The softening temperature is lower than a melting temperature of the conductor. The coating returns to a non-softened state when its temperature falls below a hardening temperature, thereby forming a bond between the overlapped segments of the conductor.
US07862581B2
A tissue conveyor includes a conveyor body having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end includes a handle allowing for operator control of an end effector located at the distal end. The end effector includes a grasper assembly composed of a first jaw bar and a second jaw bar connected by a support base to define a cavity into which tissue is drawn. A first conveyor member is positioned upon the first jaw bar for movement along an internal surface of the first jaw bar and a second conveyor member is positioned upon the second jaw bar for movement along an internal surface of the second jaw bar. The method for creating a tissue fold includes positioning a tissue conveyor adjacent tissue, pushing the respective first jaw bar and the second jaw bar into the tissue in the area where a fold is desired, and pulling the first conveyor member and the second conveyor member proximally to draw the first and second conveyor members and tissue into a cavity defined by the first jaw bar and the second jaw bar to create a tissue fold.
US07862580B2
The present invention is directed to a tool having a wrist mechanism that provides pitch and yaw rotation in such a way that the tool has no singularity in roll, pitch, and yaw. In one embodiment, a minimally invasive surgical instrument comprises an elongate shaft having a working end, a proximal end, and a shaft axis between the working end and the proximal end; and an end effector. A wrist member has a flexible tube including an axis extending through an interior surrounded by a wall. The wall of the flexible tube includes a plurality of lumens oriented generally parallel to the axis of the flexible tube. The wrist member has a proximal portion connected to the working end of the elongate shaft and a distal portion connected to the end effector. A plurality of actuation cables have distal portions connected to the end effector and extend from the distal portion through the lumens of the wall of the wrist member toward the elongate shaft to proximal portions which are actuatable to bend the wrist member in pitch rotation and yaw rotation.
US07862579B2
Methods and devices are provided for actuating and/or articulating a grasping device. In one exemplary embodiment, a grasping device is provided having a shaft with an end effector having opposed jaws coupled to the shaft. An electrically expandable and contractible actuator, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, can be used to actuate the end effector to open and close the opposed jaws to grasp tissue or other objects. In another embodiment, an electroactive polymer actuator can be used to pivotally or angularly adjust a position of the end effector relative to the shaft by delivering energy to the electroactive polymer actuator.
US07862570B2
Surgical positioners may include platforms, surgical item positioners and/or surgical references as well as methods for using stabilizer platforms, surgical item positioners and/or surgical references. Stabilizer platforms may include low profile platforms rigidly mounted to portions of an individual's anatomy. Various items may be secured and/or stabilized by the stabilizer platform, including support platforms as well as surgical references. Support platforms may stabilize and assist surgeons in using, navigating, aligning and positioning surgical items. Surgical references may include modular fiducial systems that may be secured to stabilizer platforms, support platforms, surgical items and/or directly to portions of an individual's anatomy.
US07862568B2
The present invention relates to a fixing device comprising at least one guide for a securing element, a fixing system comprising such a fixing device and at least one securing element, as well as a positioning system comprising such a fixing system, and a positioning element.
US07862561B2
Apparatus including includes first and second energy transmission surfaces with a predetermined spacing and a device that allows the spacing to increase when the energy transmission surfaces are brought into contact with a tissue structure that is thicker than the predetermined spacing.
US07862555B2
In a fractional treatment system, an adjustable mechanism can be used to adjust the beam shape, beam numerical aperture, beam focus depth, and/or beam size to affect the treatment depth and or the character of the resulting lesions. Adjustment of these parameters can improve the efficiency and efficacy of treatment. Illustrative examples of adjustable mechanisms include a set of spacers of different lengths, a rotatable turret with lens elements of different focal distances, an optical zoom lens, and a mechanical adjustment apparatus for adjusting the spacing between two optical lens elements. In one aspect, the fractional treatment is configured with a laser wavelength that is selected such that absorption of the laser wavelength within the tissue decreases as the tissue is heated by the laser (e.g., 1480-1640 nm). Desirably, the laser wavelength is primarily absorbed within a treated region of skin by water and has a thermally adjusted absorption coefficient within the range of about 7 cm−1 to about 26 cm−1.
US07862540B2
An ophthalmic injection device has a dispensing chamber housing, a needle fluidly coupled to a dispensing chamber, a power source for providing current to the dispensing chamber housing, a controller for controlling the power source, and a housing at least partially enclosing the dispensing chamber housing, the power source, and the controller. The dispensing chamber housing is made of a shape memory alloy and has an inner surface defining a dispensing chamber for receiving a quantity of a substance. The controller directs a first current to the dispensing chamber housing to heat the substance contained in the dispensing chamber and a second current to the dispensing chamber housing to alter the shape of the dispensing chamber housing to deliver the substance.
US07862536B2
A combined nasal spray and aspirator device includes an air pump disposed within a housing and comprises a spray and aspirator assembly. The air pump, at which an air suction connector and an air discharge connector are disposed, is driven by a driving component to perform air suction and discharge actions. The spray and aspirator assembly, mounted to the air suction connector and the air discharge connector, comprises a spray conduit and a first aspiration conduit; the spray conduit connects to an atomizer which is provided with liquids from a liquid storage container, and the first aspiration conduit connects to a mucus collector so that when some air carrying mucus enters the mucus collector, the mucus is left behind and the air enters the air pump through a second aspiration conduit. The device of the present invention integrates the operations of a nasal spray and a nasal aspirator, sucking the mucus away right after it sprays and liquefies the mucus, with said actions occurring almost simultaneously. The present invention is physically more favorable for users.
US07862534B2
Infusion system configurations and assemblies facilitate routing of infusion circuit tubing lines. Tubing lines are routed into and out from compartments of a shielding assembly for the infusion system, at locations which prevent kinking and/or crushing of the lines, and/or provide for ease in assembling the circuit. A plurality of the lines may be held together by a support frame to form a disposable infusion circuit subassembly, that can further facilitate routing of the lines.
US07862528B2
A unitary knee patella stabilizer for a user's leg, the stabilizer including a patella stabilizer sleeve having an open-upper end and an open-lower end adapted to slidably receive the leg portion of the user and an upper fastener assembly having a first strap, connected at its proximal end to an upper end of the patella stabilizer sleeve, the first strap having a fastener at a distal end of the first strap. The apparatus further includes a lower fastener assembly having a second strap, connected at its proximal end to a lower end of the patella stabilizer sleeve, the second strap having a fastener at a distal end of the second strap and a buttress comprising a plurality of straps adapted to be adjustably positioned on an inside surface of the patella stabilizer sleeve around a location on a circumferential edge of a patella opening.
US07862522B1
A Sensor glove is an instrument, in the same way that a piano is an instrument. The Sensor glove is purchased and the owner then learns to use it and the sensors therein to develop the performance of a sound, character or model, or to “conduct” or “play” the sensor movements and experience the response of the model in real time. Several performers with a number of the Sensor glove can control over 200 motors or hundreds of control points on a character at one time, manipulate audio data, or computer images etc. The characteristics of the sensors on the gloves can be adjusted to the needs and demands of the wearer or the many performer and wearers in those venues where multiple performers are used with many gloves to control or produce the motions and sounds of many distinct characters in a screen play.
US07862519B1
A multiple use analyte sensing assembly that includes a long, thin conductor. A plurality of sensing sites are spaced along the conductor and each sensing site includes a membrane system adapted to create a current when placed into contact with body fluid containing the analyte. The assembly also includes a housing, having an aperture, an uptake spool and a payout spool, the conductor being wrapped about the payout spool before the sensing assembly is used. A sensor positioning actuator turns the uptake spool to move each sensing site, in sequence, to the housing aperture and then to the uptake spool. The assembly also includes a skin broaching assembly, having a multiplicity of lancets and a lancet positioning actuator adapted to move each lancet to the aperture. In addition, a lancet use actuator is adapted to move each lancet at least partially through the aperture and then back again.
US07862518B2
A biopsy device comprises a targeting set, a probe assembly, and a holster assembly, which are detachable from one another. The targeting set comprises a needle assembly having a tissue piercing tip, a tissue receiving aperture, and fluid sealing mechanisms. The probe assembly comprises a tissue cutter, a variable external helix, a body, and telescopic cutter cover. The helix may partially retract the cutter within the probe assembly, while a portion of the cutter extends distally from the probe body. The telescopic cutter cover extends from the distal portion of the probe assembly when the probe assembly is detached from the needle assembly. This extension of the telescopic cutter cover shields a user of the biopsy device from the sharp cutter. The telescopic cutter cover further retracts into the probe assembly when the probe assembly is coupled with the needle assembly of the targeting set assembly.
US07862516B1
The present invention describes a novel device for the stimulation of the visual system for the purpose of recording evoked responses. The specific features of the device are particularly relevant to the elicitation of such responses in uncooperative subjects including the mentally impaired, young children, and those under the influence of anesthesia.
US07862515B2
An apparatus for diagnosing sleep apnea only uses an electrocardiogram signal and a computer processor and associated computer code that are configured to analyze the electrocardiogram signal and classify each time period of the electrocardiogram signal as either apneic or normal. A diagnostic measure of sleep apnea for the human patient is provided based on classification results obtained by combining a results for various electrocardiogram signal time periods. A computer-readable medium has computer code that causes the computer to analyze an electrocardiogram signal relating to the human patient and classify each time period in a set of time periods as either apneic or normal. A diagnostic measure of sleep apnea is provided based on classification results obtained by combining a plurality of results from the set of time periods using either time or frequency domain processing, or both.
US07862514B2
The diastolic blood pressure and a systolic blood pressure of a vertebrate are measured using an inflatable pressure cuff disposed about a limb of the vertebrate and connected to an inflation device through a single conduit. A pressure sensor is pneumatically connected to the cuff through the same common conduit. The sensed pressures at the diastolic and systolic points are corrected for a pressure differential associated with the flow of an inflation fluid through the common conduit. The sensed pressures at the diastolic point and the systolic point may be measured during inflation of the cuff or during controlled deflation of the cuff.
US07862509B2
Methods and systems for measuring transducer movement are provided. For example, free-hand scanning for three-dimensional imaging is provided. An optical sensor within the transducer measures motion along the skin surface similar to measuring movement of a personal computer mouse with an optical sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the transducer is tilted at an angle other than perpendicular to the skin surface generally towards or away from the direction in which the transducer is translated. The transducer is then translated while maintaining the angle. Motion to or from the transducer is measured, and a component of the motion measured while the transducer is maintained at an angle is parallel to the direction of translation. The component of motion is angle corrected and used to determine a distance of travel.
US07862507B2
Use of Confocal Raman Spectroscopy (CRS) for dermatological studies, including a method for determining the thickness of the Stratum Corneum (SC) on a test area of the skin, and to a method for quantifying the effectiveness of a skin care composition. The methods of the invention can be carried in vitro (either artificial skin or a sample of skin) or in vivo (directly on the human skin of a person).
US07862503B2
A flexible endoscopic clip applier includes a flexible coil with a manual actuator coupled to one end and a jaw assembly coupled to the other end. A store of clips is arranged adjacent to the jaw assembly and a clip pusher is arranged adjacent to the store of clips. The actuator includes a lever for opening and closing the jaws, a knob for rotating the jaw assembly, and a crank for dispensing clips. The knob and the lever are coupled to a single control member which extends through the coil to a joiner where it is joined to a pair of pull wires coupled to the jaws. The crank is coupled to a second control member which is threaded along a distal portion. The threaded portion engages a threaded member near the pusher and is coupled to the pusher such that rotation of the threaded control member by the crank causes the pusher to be moved distally.
US07862499B2
A wrap (20) for securing about a blood vessel (36) by encasing a section of the vessel. The wrap (20) being of thin flexible construction having two ends (22, 24) and two sides (26, 28). The wrap (20) is more elastic or stretchable at, near, or along at least some of its sides (22, 24) compared to at, near, or along its center, to provide strain relief from wrapped to unwrapped aorta. The wrap (20) is not inelastic, so that loss of aortic compliance is minimized or enhanced. The wrap (20) is adapted to apply, in use, less compressive force at, near, or along at least some of its sides (22, 24) compared to at, near, or along its center.
US07862494B2
The present invention relates to a centrifuge apparatus. The centrifuge apparatus is operable at certain predetermined parameters depending upon a product to be separated and is useable with a plurality of rotor assemblies. For example, a first rotor assembly of said plurality of rotor assemblies includes a first core having a first core configuration which is contained within a rotor housing of the first rotor assembly to define a first volume capacity such that the product passing through the first rotor assembly having the first volume capacity during rotation of the first rotor assembly in the centrifuge apparatus achieves a first particle separation of the product. A second rotor assembly of said plurality of rotor assemblies includes a second core having a second core configuration which is contained with a rotor housing of the second rotor assembly to define a second volume capacity such that product passing through the second rotor assembly having the second volume capacity during rotation of the second rotor assembly in the centrifuge apparatus achieves a second particle separation of the product. It is observed that the second particle separation is a linear change with respect to the first particle separation.
US07862485B2
A boxing device that fights back in response to an attackers blows to simulate a boxing match comprises a boxing bag, a pair of padded arms each having a boxing glove at its end, and a pair of reel type pieces wherein each of said reel type piece works as an axis holding each a padded arm that rotates around the piece in response to an impact applied to the boxing bag.
US07862481B2
A stepper apparatus includes a base, two axle units, two pedal units and a coordinating unit. The base includes a post formed thereon. Each of the axle units includes an axle extended downwards from a flank of the post. Each of the pedal units includes a pedal pivotally connected to the axle of a related one of the axle units. The coordinating unit includes a lever pivotally connected to the post and formed with two ends each connected to a related one of the pedals so that one of the pedals is moved upwards and outwards while the other pedal is moved downwards and inwards.
US07862479B2
Embodiments of the invention are directed to trampolines and component parts including a frame assembly to fold a fixed or foldable trampoline from an expanded state to a collapsed state or vice-versa. In one embodiment, a frame assembly includes a base frame member, two peripheral frame members and two connecting members connecting the two peripheral frame members to the base frame member. The two peripheral frame members are also connected to a center joint which may slide up and down a center frame post via a folding mechanism which may include a crank shaft and an elongated threaded member. In some embodiments, the frame assembly may include hydraulics and the two peripheral frame members may be off-set relative to one another. Embodiments of component parts for the trampoline may also include a plurality of net frame members, a foldable ladder, a wheeled support and a frame pad.
US07862476B2
A control system and method for exercise equipment and the like provides a way to simulate a physical activity in a manner that takes into account the physics of the physical activity being simulated to provide an accurate simulation. According to one aspect of the present invention, the control system and method takes into account the physics of the corresponding physical activity to generate a virtual or predicted value of a variable such as velocity, acceleration, force, or the like. The difference between the virtual or expected physical variable and a measured variable is used as a control input to control resistance forces of the exercise equipment in a way that causes the user to experience forces that are the same or similar to the forces that would be encountered if the user were actually performing the physical activity being simulated rather than using the exercise equipment.
US07862472B2
In a planetary gear type stepped automatic transmission, a gear shift control to shift a gear shift stage between a first gear shift stage and a second gear shift stage is performed by a first shift control section by referring to a first gear shift control data used when the gear shift stage is switched between the first gear shift stage and the second gear shift stage, an abnormality state due to a failure of at least one of a first frictional engaging element and a second frictional engaging element is detected, and an abnormality state gear shift control is performed to shift the gear shift stage between a third gear shift stage (for example, first speed) and a fourth gear shift stage (for example, 2.5 speed) by the first shift control section, while forcefully releasing the first frictional engaging element, when detecting the abnormality state.
US07862468B2
The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets having five torque-transmitting mechanisms, three fixed interconnections and a grounded member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The five torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
US07862465B2
An automatic transmission that includes two clutches that are provided in mutually different positions in a radial direction while overlapping each other in an axial direction. The two clutches each include a clutch drum; a piston that structures a operating oil chamber while using a part of the clutch drum as a cylinder; a plurality of friction plates that engage the clutch drum; and a cancel oil chamber that is disposed on a back face side of the piston and that cancels a centrifugal hydraulic pressure acting on the operating oil chamber.
US07862462B2
A differential device is provided with a case being capable of rotation around a rotation axis; a differential gear set housed in and drivingly coupled to the case, which includes first and second output gears and is configured to differentially transmit the rotation of the case to the first and second output gears; a clutch configured to controllably limit and free a differential motion between the first and second output gears, which is housed in the case; an actuator configured to actuate the clutch; and a notifying member configured to notify whether the differential motion is limited or freed to an exterior of the case.
US07862458B2
A game ball, which may be a soccer ball or a variety of other types of ball. The game ball includes a plurality of pentagonal panels, with each of the pentagonal panels having five convex edges. The game ball also includes a plurality of hexagonal panels, with each of the hexagonal panels having three substantially linear edges and three concave edges. The pentagonal panels and the hexagonal panels are connected along abutting concave edges and convex edges, and the hexagonal panels are connected each other along abutting linear edges.
US07862454B2
The present invention provides a golf ball composed of a core and a cover having an outside surface on which are formed a plurality of dimples. Letting BV and CV be the initial velocity (m/s) of, respectively, the ball and the core as measured by a method using an initial velocity measuring apparatus of the same type as a USGA drum rotation-type initial velocity instrument and letting BE and CE be the deflection (mm) of, respectively, the ball and the core when compressed under a final load of 1,275 N (130 kgf) from an initial load of 98 N (10 kgf), the ball initial velocity BV is from 70.0 to 76.0 m/s and the ball satisfies the formula 0≦(CV−BV)−(CE−BE)≦2. The golf ball of the invention has a flight distance that can be reduced compared with official golf balls currently in use, yet has the same good feel on impact and excellent controllability, scuff resistance and durability to repeated impact as a game ball.
US07862449B2
A golf club head (such as a putter head), has a face that includes a ball-contacting region. The ball-contacting region has an inset containing an elastically deformable material and at least one rigid element disposed within the elastically deformable material. When a golf ball is struck, the elastically deformable material compresses and the rigid element imparts overspin to the ball that causes it to roll more accurately.
US07862436B2
A configurable gaming machine includes a door defining a component area. The component area is configured to accept multiple components, such as displays and player tracking elements, in multiple arrangements, permitting the gaming machine to be constructed in multiple configurations. Other aspects of the invention include an internal component mounting configuration, a door biasing mechanism, a venting configuration, a backlight enclosure, a speaker mount, and a gaming machine stand with integrated footrest.
US07862433B2
A game device receives from another game device through a network calculation data. The calculation data includes, at least, position data which represents a position of an object operated by using the other game device, and time data which represents time in which the object is at the position. The game device calculates, based on the position data and the time data included in the received calculation data, a calculated position of the object as of when the calculation data is received. Further, the game device determines, based on the calculated position, a position of the object in a game space as of when the calculation data is received.
US07862426B2
In accordance with at least one embodiment, an expiring prepaid casino account is disclosed. The expiring prepaid casino account has associated therewith an amount of money, time, and/or game plays. The amount of money, time, and/or game plays expires in predetermined portions over a plurality of defined expiration periods, thus encouraging a player to return to a casino during each of the predefined expiration periods. The present invention may be implemented via either a brick-and-mortar casino or an online casino.
US07862423B2
In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method for facilitating play of a gaming device is presented, in which the method comprises enabling a reverse payout mode of play of the gaming device and displaying an indication that play of the gaming device is to be provided in accordance with the reverse payout mode of play. In some embodiments, the indication may include a representation of a virtual player playing in a normal mode of play.
US07862420B2
A gaming device including a free spins game having a plurality of reels with a plurality of symbols. The symbols include at least one prize symbol, where a physical prize is associated with the prize symbol. In one embodiment, the gaming device activates or spins the reels for a designated number of spins in a game. The gaming device spins the reels in the game and accumulates any prize symbols indicated on the reels. If the accumulated number of prize symbols reaches a designated number of prize symbols necessary to win the physical prize, the gaming device awards the physical prize to the player.
US07862408B1
A meat tenderizer with disposable face plates requires that a fresh face plate be chosen for each use to prevent cross contamination from one use of the tenderizer to the next. The table or tables of the tenderizer head are flat and accept the face plates which may have a flat tenderizing surface or any of several textured tenderizing surfaces. The face plates are intended for a single use. Once used a face plate is discarded. The user selects the appropriate face plate for the task at hand, attaches it to the tenderizer and removes and discards it after use. Since a clean unused face plate is selected for each use, the tenderizer does not have to be washed between uses thereby saving time for the chef and providing a sanitary tenderizing surface for contact with the meat.
US07862407B2
The present invention concerns a device (1) for portioning a food product (3) continuously extruded from a filling apparatus, preferably for making meat-base elongated extrusions in form of sausages, frankfurters and the like, wherein two front and opposed pincers (4) carry out a succession of neckings onto the extrusion (3), via outwardly and inwardly reciprocating alternate motions therebetween parallel, carried out by plural gearings, the kinematic motion enabling the pincers (4) to carry out axial displacement s concomitantly to said reciprocating motions, so as to follow the extruded product (3) in the feeding direction thereof and in predetermined lengths which are variable by variably adjusting the angular velocities of said gearings.
US07862406B2
A saw chain sharpening assembly including a support member, a grinding head, a clamping device and a cooling system whereby the saw chain sharpening assembly is adapted to provide a means for efficiently sharpening small and/or large chains.
US07862402B2
The present invention relates to a polishing apparatus for removing surface roughness produced at a peripheral portion of a substrate, or for removing a film formed on a peripheral portion of a substrate. The polishing apparatus includes a housing for forming a polishing chamber therein, a rotational table for holding and rotating a substrate, a polishing tape supply mechanism for supplying a polishing tape into the polishing chamber and taking up the polishing tape which has been supplied to the polishing chamber, a polishing head for pressing the polishing tape against a bevel portion of the substrate, a liquid supply for supplying a liquid to a front surface and a rear surface of the substrate, and a regulation mechanism for making an internal pressure of the polishing chamber being set to be lower than an external pressure of the polishing chamber.
US07862395B2
Methods are disclosed to design resilient hydrofoils (164) which are capable of having substantially similar large scale blade deflections under significantly varying loads. The methods permit the hydrofoil (164) to experience significantly large-scale deflections to a significantly reduced angle of attack under a relatively light load while avoiding excessive degrees of deflection under increased loading conditions. A predetermined compression range on the lee portion of said hydrofoil (164) permits the hydrofoil (164) to deflect to a predetermined reduced angle of attack with significantly low bending resistance. This predetermined compression range is significantly used up during the deflection to the predetermined angle of attack in an amount effective to create a sufficiently large leeward shift in the neutral bending surface with the load bearing portions of the hydrofoil (164) to permit the hydrofoil (164) to experience a significantly large increase in bending resistance as increased loads deflect the hydrofoil (164) beyond the predetermined reduced angle of attack. The shift in the neutral bending surface causes a significant increase in the elongation range required along an attacking portion of the hydrofoil (164) after the predetermined angle of attack is exceed. Methods are also disclosed for designing the hydrofoil (164) so that it has a natural resonant frequency that is sufficiently close the frequency of the reciprocating strokes used to attain propulsion in an amount sufficient to create harmonic wave addition that creates an amplified oscillation in the free end of the reciprocating hydrofoil (164).
US07862390B2
An electrical connector assembly includes a main conductive member and a tap conductive member separately fabricated from one another. Each of the main and tap conductive members including at least one conductor receiving channel, wherein the main and tap conductive members together include at least three channels configured to receive conductors therein and extending along three different channel axes. The channel(s) of the main conductive member is configured to receive a main power line conductor, and the channel(s) of the tap conductive member is configured to receive a tap power line conductor. The main and tap conductive members are joined to one another such that the main conductive member and the tap conductive member cooperate to capture the main power line conductor therebetween when the main and tap conductive members are joined, and the tap conductive member and the main conductive member cooperate to capture the tap power line conductor therebetween when the main and tap conductive members are joined.
US07862389B2
Terminal block for connecting electric wires comprising an insulating body and a conducting part housed inside it and associated with means for retaining the free end of the electric wire, said conducting part having a U-shaped form.
US07862380B1
A waterproof structure for a transform plug of a socket includes a housing having a front receiving portion and a rear receiving portion spaced in a hollow exterior thereof by using a first and the second partition to receive a conducting pieces and a transforming unit respectively, and a waterproof layer is formed between outer rims of a back cover, a rear cover, and the housing to prevent water from permeation. In addition, a photo resistor and a transparent portion of the back cover are used to conduct the power source to a light string automatically based on lights, thus flashing light freely.
US07862379B2
This invention relates to a shielded electrical connection arrangement with a plug-in contour which accommodates at least one plug-in contact with a plug-in region and a receiving region for receiving and holding the plug-in contact in an attachment section of the plug-in contact, a cover for attaching the attachment section in the receiving region of the plug-in contour, the cover and the receiving region having shields on their outside contour and electrically conductive connecting elements being provided for contact-making of the plug-in connections and mechanical connection of the cover to the plug-in contour.
US07862377B2
A special USB connector which can accommodate PCBA with discrete components soldered on the frontal portion of PCBA is disclosed. The components can be positioned inside the USB connector. A carrier is utilized for PCBA support within a special USB connector used for compact USB devices and sliding motion.
US07862370B1
A connector includes a housing, a flexible circuit board, a terminal and a pressing element. The flexible circuit board, two sides of which are formed respectively with a latching part, is electrically connected with the connector. The terminal includes a movable arm and a fixed arm which are extended toward a same direction and parallel provided. An end of the movable arm is a pushing part, and the other end is a pushed part. The fixed arm is fixed by using the housing and includes a snap part close to the pushing part. The pressing element has an abutting part to push the pushed part. Accordingly, when the pressing element is acted upon by a displacement operation to displace toward a pre-determined direction, the snap part of the fixed arm is engaged into the latching part of the flexible circuit board which is therefore effectively fixed at the connector.
US07862369B2
The invention relates to a backshell coupling for connecting an electrical cable to an electrical component, the coupling comprising a first part having a cylindrical sleeve suitable for passing the cable, the sleeve having an end provided with a first pair of arms; and a second part having guide means for said cable and a second pair of arms, the free ends of the first arms facing the ends of the second arms, with one of the pairs of ends being disposed between the other pair of ends; means defining a pivot axis between the pairs of arms, the facing faces of said ends being provided with portions in relief for defining a plurality of relative angular positions between the two parts, the arms having their ends disposed between the ends of the other arms being elastically deformable; and means for temporarily deforming the arms.
US07862368B1
A socket assembly includes a socket, a connection terminal, and a snap-fit member. The connection terminal is plugged into the socket. The snap-fit member includes a main body, a positioning portion, and a snap-fit portion. The positioning portion and the snap-fit portion are connected to the main body. The positioning portion is locked with the socket. The main body is pivotable between a first position and a second position about the portioning portion. The snap-fit portion is snappingly engaged with the connection terminal when the snap-fit portion is in the first position. The snap-fit portion is disengaged from the connection terminal when the snap-fit portion is in the second position.
US07862360B2
Provided is an antenna connector assembly which eliminates adverse effects to a window glass when being fitted on a manufacture line, and is easily and surely attached and removed even in a small space. The antenna connector assembly for connecting an antenna element and a cable is composed of a plug section (10) and a socket section (20). A cable (11) is connected to the plug section (10). The antenna element is connected to the socket section (20), and the plug section (10) fits in the socket section. The socket section (20) has an inserting port (201) from which the plug section (10) can be inserted by being slid in the longitudinal direction of the socket section (20). The plug section (10) has an inclined surface (101) on a portion which abuts to the socket section (20) when the plug section is started to be inserted into the inserting port (201) in a diagonal direction.
US07862355B2
A repair device for a PCB includes a clamp portion having a plurality of receptacles defined therein, a connector head having a plurality of contacts configured to connect with the PCB, a plurality of conductive lines arranged side by side, and a lead wire. One end of each of the conductive lines is connected to the clamp portion and exposed to outside of the clamp portion via a corresponding receptacle of the clamp portion, the other end of each of the conductive lines is connected to a corresponding contact of the connector head. Two ends of the lead wire are electrically connected to two of the conductive lines via the corresponding receptacles, thereby switching signal transmission from one of the input terminals of the PCB to another input terminal of the PCB.
US07862353B1
An electrical connector housing has a housing body and a U-shaped lever that is connected to the housing body in a manner that the U-shaped lever can both pivot and slide relative to the housing body. The U-shaped lever engages a mounting structure so that the U-shaped lever pivots from a pre-engaged position to an engaged, extended position in order to draw a female electrical terminal into secure connection with a male electrical terminal and, simultaneously therewith, the housing body is drawn into sealing contact with the mounting structure. From the engaged, extended position, the U-shaped lever slidably moves to an engaged, retracted position relative to the housing body. The electrical connector housing and the mounting structure constitute an electrical connector assembly.
US07862341B2
A mobile furniture and accessory system for an office environment includes storage components, table or desk components, screen or partition components, paper management components, marker board components, computer support furniture and the like, for use in facilitating flexibility in manufacturing such components to user specifications and in arranging such components according to user requirements.
US07862340B2
A method, apparatus and system for simulating the release of radio opaque dye within a vasculature system. The method, apparatus and system include simulating a vessel tree of the vasculature system for display on a display device, activating a particle-based contrast software effect, and injecting a plurality of physics-based particles into a confined vessel space of said vessel tree. The method and apparatus may also include fading down over a period of time an opacity of each of the physics-based particles and opacifying a portion of a vessel wall.
US07862334B2
A heat treatment apparatus and a heat treatment method using the same are disclosed. In the method, a support plate on which a device substrate is mounted is loaded into the heat treatment apparatus using a transfer unit in an in-line manner, and the device substrate mounted on the support plate is heat-treated using the heat treatment apparatus.
US07862327B2
Device for moulding thermoplastic containers by blow-moulding hot preforms, comprising a mould (1) and blow-moulding means (2) comprising a bell nozzle (8) which is axially displaceable between a raised position and a blow-moulding position in abutment against the mould; the driving means comprising mechanical means (12) with a cam follower roller (13)/cam (14) and pneumatic means (16) with a piston (18) integral with the upper end of the nozzle and sliding in a fixed enclosure (17), defining therein an upper chamber (19) connected to a source (24) of control fluid and a lower chamber (20) connected to this source and to the upper chamber via a solenoid valve (26); the upper face of the piston has a surface area which is greater than that of its lower face and that of the bell (9) of the nozzle.
US07862326B2
A mold lock for a mold that includes a plurality of interlocking arrangements that are configured to provide at least a plurality of interlocks during mold closing. A male interlocking arrangement includes a head with a nose that has a recessed or offset portion that facilitates primary interlocking during mold closing. The nose can be configured with one or more spaced apart bosses that make contact with arms of a female interlocking arrangement at an initial point of contact that then facilitate mold alignment when a second point of contact is achieved.
US07862323B2
A press includes a pressure chamber filled with a substantially incompressible medium that at least partially encloses an elastomeric vessel filled with a substantially incompressible fluid that is in fluid communication with a pressurized source of the same fluid. Method and systems employing the press are also disclosed.
US07862320B2
A three-dimensional object forming apparatus forms a three-dimensional object by binding powder particles with a curable liquid. The apparatus includes a powder layer forming unit that spreads a powder to a uniform thickness to form a powder layer. A curable liquid ejection head ejects the curable liquid to the powder layer through an ejection nozzle. A sectional data producing device produces sectional data at each of a plurality of cross sections of a desired three-dimensional object according to shape data of the desired three-dimensional object. A cross-sectional member forming section is also included by which cross-sectional members are formed by ejecting the curable liquid to the powder layer from the curable liquid ejection head according to the sectional data and thus binding the powder layer. The cross-sectional member forming section includes a permeation rate controller controlling the permeation rate of the curable liquid to the powder layer.
US07862315B2
A screw displacement pump is provided. The screw displacement pump is of single-entry, double-shaft construction with an external bearing of the two screw shafts. A pump housing encloses the screw shafts by forming feed chambers and externally delimiting the feed chambers with its internal shell surface, as well as a suction chamber for the medium to be induced and a pressure chamber to accommodate the medium pumped by the screw shafts. The pump housing is inserted into a pressure housing and attached to the pressure housing, so that the pressure chamber encloses the pump, at least in part.
US07862314B2
A screw compressor rotatably accommodates, within a casing including a suction port and a delivery port, a pair of female and male rotors under the meshed state and compresses gas in the state where a liquid is mixed by pouring the liquid to the gas confined within a working chamber formed with both rotors and the casing. On the wall surface of the casing opposing to the rotor delivery end, a recessed part is provided. The working chamber is communicated with the recessed part immediately before isolating from the delivery port and this communication is maintained until a volume of the working chamber substantially becomes zero. Thereby, the screw compressor can be control increase in power consumption, vibration, and noise.
US07862313B2
A compressor and an oil separating device therefor are provided which are capable of always maintaining a predetermined amount of oil in the compressor without additionally providing an oil separating device along a refrigerating cycle system. This results in the refrigerating cycle system having simplified piping and the refrigerant discharged from the compressor having a constant pressure, thereby preventing a function of the refrigerating cycle system from being reduced. The compressor includes a casing, a compression device having a compression chamber disposed within the casing and configured to receive, compress, and output a refrigerant, and an oil separating device disposed within the casing. The oil separating device includes a separation chamber configured to circulate the refrigerant to separate oil therefrom, a guide member configured to direct the refrigerant discharged from the compression device, and a circulation member configured to receive the refrigerant from the guide member and direct the refrigerant into the separation chamber in a direction of circulation.
US07862305B2
A variable displacement vane pump, including a pump body, a driving shaft, a rotor, a cam ring swingable around a swing fulcrum, first and second support members on opposite axial sides of the cam ring, a suction port and a discharge port disposed on at least one of the support members, a seal dividing a space on an outer circumferential side of the cam ring into a first fluid pressure chamber defined in a direction in which the cam ring is swung to cause increase in a flow rate of a working fluid discharged, and a second fluid pressure chamber defined in a direction in which the cam ring is swung to cause decrease in the flow rate of the working fluid discharged, and a plunger biasing the cam ring from a side of the second fluid pressure chamber toward a side of the first fluid pressure chamber.
US07862302B2
A fluid circulation system wherein circulation is caused within a body by establishing a ring vortex within the fluid caused by an impeller designed in accordance with the Golden Section or Phi Geometry.
US07862290B2
Apparatus for harnessing energy from wind comprises upper and lower continuous-loop trackways defining a continuous loop path and a series of connected, movable wind foils. Each wind foil has a leading edge mast engaging and guided by the upper and lower trackways. Each wind foil is movable between first and second orientations when moving along first and second portions of the path. A second example comprises a support structure having upper and lower closed loop trackways having inner and outer trackway rails and defining a closed loop path which guides a series of connected trolleys. Each trolley has a roller mounted to a roller support. The roller is guided by the rails of the upper and lower trackways. Sail assemblies each have a mast and a sail extending from the mast, with the upper and lower ends of the mast mounted to and supported by upper and lower trolleys.
US07862289B2
A vacuum processing apparatus and method in which the apparatus includes vacuum processing chambers for subjecting a sample to vacuum processing, a vacuum carriage, a switchable chamber, a cassette support for supporting a plurality of cassettes capable of housing samples, and a waiting cassette support for supporting a waiting cassette that differs from the cassettes supported on the cassette support and capable of having a number of samples. An atmospheric carriage enables carrying a sample among a given cassette of the plurality of cassettes or the waiting cassette. A controller effects control for carrying unprocessed and processed samples among the given cassette, the waiting cassette and the vacuum processing chamber, so that a mixture of both processed and unprocessed samples does not exist in the given cassette or the waiting cassette.
US07862284B2
A pallet transfer system capable of smoothly transferring a pallet between a machine tool and a pallet conveying device is provided. The pallet transfer system includes an intermediated station to temporally place a pallet between a front ward position of a pallet stand-by position and the pallet stand by position. The pallet on a conveying plate at a stand-by position is carried to a temporary placing position by horizontally moving the conveying plate. Then the pallet is transferred to the intermediate position by being supported by lift arms which are raised from the conveying plate. Further, the pallet, supported by the lift arms, is transferred from the intermediate station to a stacker crane by advancing the stacker crane toward the intermediate station side and entered into an entering space below the pallet.
US07862273B2
A part mounting mechanism includes a boss, and a resin clip adapted to be assembled to the boss. The resin clip includes holding pieces, elastic engagement pieces, and a connecting portion. The part mounting mechanism also includes projecting portions formed on facing inner surfaces of the connecting portion at predetermined intervals in a staggered fashion along a direction in which the boss is inserted. When the boss is inserted into the connecting portion, the projecting portions bite into the distal end portion of the boss.
US07862271B2
A method of joining workpieces includes rotating a friction stir rivet via a mandrel and driving the rivet into the workpieces causing frictional heating between the rivet and the workpieces and causing the materials of the workpieces to soften, thereby providing a fiction stirred displaceable path for the rivet to traverse, and driving the rivet along the displaceable path until the rivet mandrel pierces through the workpieces and a cap of the rivet is seated against the workpieces. Subsequent to seating the cap, further rotation of the mandrel is stopped and the workpieces are allowed to cool and harden. An axial load is then applied to the mandrel sufficient to provide mechanical loading between the rivet body and the workpieces. A resultant volume of displaced material from the workpieces is fixedly attached to the workpieces, thereby avoiding the creation of a potentially detachable slug of the displaced material.
US07862267B2
A rotary cutting machine 10 has a machine body 14 and an arbor 18. The arbor 18 includes a proximal rotary shaft 22 mounted to the machine body 14 for rotation, an intermediate rotary shaft 24 telescopically connected to the proximal rotary shaft via a splined connection, and a distal rotary shaft 26 telescopically connected to the intermediate rotary shaft 24 via a splined connection. A cutting tool C secured to the arbor 18 is extended and retracted via a feed mechanism 20 including first, second, and third racks 30, 31, and 32, and first and second pinions 33, 34.
US07862263B2
A cutting tool having multiple cutting edges includes a tool body having a longitudinal axis, a first cutting edge including a first leading edge that defines a first profile when rotated about the longitudinal axis, and a second cutting edge including a second leading edge that defines a second profile when rotated about the longitudinal axis, the first and second profiles being different from each other and being adapted to cut a workpiece in succession. A method is also disclosed.
US07862251B2
A vehicle arresting device comprises a net intended to be laid flat on the ground in the path of an oncoming vehicle to be arrested. Two rows of barbed spikes are attached to the net along its leading edge. When a vehicle runs over the device the spikes lodge in its front tyres and the net is caused to wrap around the front wheels, eventually being pulled tight under the vehicle so that the tension in the net prevents further rotation of the wheels and the vehicle is brought to a stop. The net is manufactured such that in its deployed condition it has sufficient lateral stretch to allow it to become fully wrapped around the front wheels before the tension builds up to a level at which there might otherwise be a risk of the spikes being pulled from the tyres.
US07862248B2
A pen retention bracket for releasably securing a pen tether retracting reel therein is disclosed. The pen retention bracket includes four surfaces that define a rectangular cavity having four sides and a top opening and a bottom opening. A first protrusion and a second protrusion are disposed upon a first surface and extend from the first surface toward a second surface, a distance between the first protrusion and the second protrusion greater than a height of the pen tether retracting reel. The first surface is responsive to an application of force to the pen tether retracting reel to elastically deform and increase a depth between the second surface and at least one of the first protrusion and the second , thereby releasing the pen tether retracting reel via either of the top opening and the bottom opening.
US07862245B2
An optical fiber connector for forming a mechanical splice between first and second optical fibers comprises a connector body arranged to clamp the optical fibers therein, wherein the connector body is configured to be at least partially opened to release, or to allow insertion of, at least one of the optical fibers by a squeezing action applied to the connector body.
US07862238B2
A hydrodynamic bearing rotary device which can reduce rotation friction, and recording and reproducing apparatus including the same is provided. In the hydrodynamic bearing rotary device, such as hard disc devices, a rotary shaft having a hub on one end is provided in a bearing of a sleeve so as to be rotatable. Thrust hydrodynamic grooves are provided on the other end surface of the rotary shaft, to form a thrust bearing with the thrust plate. A communication path is provided in the sleeve. The second gap between the hub and the sleeve end surface is used as a flow channel and is connected to the communication path. In this way, the rotation friction torque of the thrust bearing can be made sufficiently small, and internal pressure in bonded portions of the rotary shaft or the bottom plate can be suppressed. Thus, the oil can be prevented from oozing out from a small space of the bonded surfaces. Furthermore, the hydrodynamic bearing can be made thin. These effects can be combined to realize an optimal hydrodynamic bearing rotary device.
US07862228B2
The invention provides an apparatus for use in high temperature conditions, constituted of a downhole element and a master element connected together via a sealed connection; wherein the downhole element comprises a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor without any electronics and is embedded in a sealed housing resistant to high temperature; wherein the master element comprises electronics needed for function of the temperature sensor and the pressure sensor; and wherein the sealed connection is resistant to high temperature.
US07862227B2
An apparatus (A) for testing an associated construction material sample includes a housing (20) having an internal chamber (22) divided by a wall portion (30) into first and second portions (24, 26). A support in the housing is dimensioned to mount an associated construction material sample therein. A first burner (60) communicates with first portion of the housing for supplying a flame thereto. A second burner (80) communicates with the second portion of the housing for preheating the first portion. The testing method of an associated construction material sample includes installing the sample in the housing, preheating the housing, introducing a flame toward the sample, monitoring the flame as combustion progresses longitudinally along the sample, and recording data regarding the flame progression. The method further includes weighing fuel used for combustion in order to calculate BTU input to the test chamber, may also include using a remote (98) to actuate a recording member (94) that is selectively advanced as the flame spreads, and may further include providing a continuous window along the housing through which the flame can be viewed.
US07862224B2
Vibrational energy generated with a pneumatic vibrator is controlled to independently adjust the amplitude and the frequency. A mechanical resonator is used to adjust the frequency. The controlled vibrational energy can be applied to equipment, such as a heat exchanger to mitigate fouling.
US07862223B2
The subject invention provides a thin and flexible light guide element, which comprises a first optical layer composed of a flexible transparent material; a second optical layer formed on the lower side of the first optical layer and having a light-adjusting structure to change the light path; and a third optical layer formed on the upper side of the first optical layer and having a convex-concave structure to homogenize the light emitted from the first optical layer, wherein the first and second optical layers have different refractive indices.
US07862215B2
A lamp cover assembly for a recessed light fixture assembly is provided. The light fixture has a socket for receiving an electrical light bulb and a canister housing for housing the bulb of the light fixture assembly. The canister housing has an opening for allowing the passage of light through the opening. The lamp cover assembly includes a lens body that is substantially translucent to allow the passage of light through the body and is configured to cover the opening so that the light bulb of the light fixture assembly is generally concealed from view through the opening. A light fixture engagement portion for engagement with the light fixture assembly is provided with the lamp cover assembly so that the lamp cover may be selectively engaged and disengaged from the light fixture assembly. The body of the lamp cover assembly has an outer perimeter that is sized so that the perimeter is spaced radially inward a distance from the edges of the opening of the light fixture assembly when the cover assembly is engaged with the light fixture assembly.
US07862213B2
An apparatus and method for high intensity lighting includes, in one aspect, a reflector frame having a main portion generally following a surface of revolution of the type that produces a converging beam and a second portion following a surface of revolution of the type that produces a different shape beam. Placement of the second portion in the reflector frame allows shifting of parts of the light beam in desired directions.
US07862210B2
An LED lamp includes a support, an envelope, a heat sink assembly and a plurality of LED modules. The envelope is coupled to the support. The heat sink assembly includes a first heat sink mounted on the envelope, a cylindrical second heat sink attached to a bottom surface of the first heat sink and positioned in the envelope, and a plurality of heat pipes. The LED modules are mounted on an outside wall of the second heat sink. The heat pipes have condensing portions embedded in the bottom surface of the first heat sink and evaporating portions sandwiched between the outside wall of the second heat sink and the LED modules.
US07862193B1
A compact flashlight that allows a user to view documents in a dark situation without having to hold a flashlight. The pocket light fits easily over the top of the pocket and can be covered by a conventional pocket flap. The light is an LED display device that produces a significant amount of light so a user can check identification or documentation, as in a license check, or registration verification for police. The pocket light has a push button power switch that can be activated by the user through the fabric of their shirt.
US07862187B2
Microstructured articles, such as a retroreflective articles, having a plurality of (e.g. cube-corner) microstructured elements projecting from a major surface are described. The microstructured (e.g.) cube-corner elements or interface with an adjacent layer comprises certain nitrogen-containing ingredients. The inclusion of such nitrogen-containing ingredients can improve the adhesion of the (e.g. cube-corner) elements to adjacent (e.g. olefinic) layers such as a body layer, seal film layer, or combination thereof. The flexible retroreflective articles have a light transmissive polymeric body layer having an elastic modulus of less than 7×108 pascals.
US07862186B2
This projector comprises a source lamp, a lamp storage portion, storing the source lamp therein, including an air discharge opening for discharging internal air from the lamp storage portion and a netlike member so arranged as to cover the outer side of the air discharge opening of the lamp storage portion for inhibiting fragments of the source lamp from being discharged outward from the lamp storage portion through the air discharge opening when the source lamp is broken. The lamp storage portion further includes a protrusion provided on the outer side surface close to the air discharge opening to protrude in a direction intersecting with the extensional direction of the netlike member with a function of inhibiting the fragments of the source lamp from passing through a clearance between the lamp storage portion and the netlike member.
US07862174B2
A method for measuring, in a given plane, the scattering of an optical system, including: the illumination of the system by a point source emitting a light flux to be transmitted by the system, and including a direct flux component and a flux component scattered by the system; the interception of part of the transmitted flux by a sampler positioned in a plane, the intercepted flux including the direct flux component and a narrow angle of the scattered flux component; the measurement of the intercepted flux by an analyser including an array of microlenses and first image detector, each microlens forming the image of the sampler on the first image detector, the dimensions of the sampler being defined such that the images of the sampler formed by adjacent microlenses present an overlap zone smaller than the projection zone of a microlens on the image detector.
US07862172B2
A face horizontal direction measuring unit measures the angle of the face horizontal direction for a face image obtained by an imaging unit. By using information on the radius of the head and information on the shoulder position of the person obtained by the aforementioned measurement, a face vertical displacement measuring unit measures a face displacement in the vertical direction not affected by a head posture. According to the obtained displacement, the face angle in the vertical direction is decided. By using the obtained face direction, the angle of the gaze in the horizontal direction and the eyeball radius are measured. Further, a gaze vertical displacement measuring unit is provided for which measuring the pupil center position against the eyeball center position as the gaze displacement in the vertical direction. This displacement amount is used to measure the gaze angle in the vertical direction.
US07862170B2
Methods, devices, and systems establish an optical surface shape that mitigates or treats a vision condition in a patient. An optical surface shape for a particular patient can be determined using a set of patient parameters for the specific patient by using a compound modulation transfer function (CMTF). The compound modulation transfer function can include a combination of modulation transfer functions (MTF's) at a plurality of distinct frequencies.
US07862146B2
Provided is a pagewidth printhead assembly. The assembly includes two printheads arranged on opposite sides of a print media path for duplex printing, and a printhead actuating mechanism configured to move the printheads relative to each other. The assembly also includes a capping member and a capping member actuating mechanism for moving the capping member between an uncapped position outside the media path and a capped position inside the media path for capping both printheads.
US07862143B2
A compact printer is provided with a static page width printhead. An elongate support case defines a docking bay and has a personal computer (PC) interface connector protruding from one end thereof. A print media cartridge is configured to dock in the docking bay in a releasable manner. A page-width printhead assembly is mounted across an opposite end of the support case to said one end. The printhead assembly includes a static ink ejection printhead configured to eject ink upon print media supplied from the cartridge.
US07862141B2
A light-emitting element emits a beam onto a droplet discharged from a nozzle from a direction opposite to a direction of discharge of the droplet. A light-receiving element receives a scattered light generated by scattering of the beam by the droplet. Finally, a failure detecting unit detects a liquid discharge failure from data of the scattered light received by the light-receiving element.
US07862133B2
A liquid discharging head is appropriately driven to effectively prevent a satellite from being generated irrespective of conditions such as a property of a discharge liquid or a head structure. The liquid discharging head is driven using volume variation in a manner that a liquid extending in a column shape at the time of separating a liquid droplet (main droplet) is gradually thickened from the separation portion to a discharge port, and that the liquid protrudes from the discharge port during a period where the length of the liquid extending in the column shape is shortened after the droplet is separated. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively prevent a liquid column from further being separated after the main droplet is separated, and to restrict the satellite from being generated, irrespective of conditions such as the property of the discharge liquid or the head structure.
US07862119B2
The invention relates to a vehicle seat with a back rest having a frame (2) and a lordosis support (6), with the following additional configuration: The lordosis support (6) comprises a pressure plate (9) that is essentially bend resistant in at least the transverse direction of the seat or the Y-direction, forms a supporting surface in the lordosis region of the back rest and is arranged between two side frame parts (3) of the frame (2); there is at least one holding element (5a, 5b) that extends between the side frame parts (3) with a length-variable adjustment section (21), which runs in the Y-direction and connects to the pressure plate (9), and is affixed there at fixing points (30) arranged opposite each other; in an inoperative position, the pressure plate (9) is arranged with a horizontal clearance (11) or a clearance in the X-direction behind the fixing points (30); there is a driving device with which the length of the adjustment section can be shortened as the horizontal clearance is reduced.
US07862112B2
The invention relates to a support device suitable for being installed in an arrangement referred to as “mounted” against the rear of a back of a seat comprising a headrest. The headrest is held at the top of the back by at least one upright. The support device includes a framework suitable for being positioned and supported on the top of the back, a clamp movable in relation to the framework, and at least one reversible fastener making it possible to fasten the clamp to the framework so as to immobilize the framework in relation to the upright.
US07862111B2
A multi-functional adjustable tray that mounts on the arm of a chair to provide a comfortably accessible work surface to support a computer mouse and other IO devices. The adjustable tray may be easily mounted to an arm of a chair and provides width, length, rotation, and storage adjustments. The adjustable tray includes a platform that is pivotally connected to an armchair stop. The armchair stop may be supported by adjustable guides that may be secured to the chair arm by a compression element. The tray may include one or more rotatable joints to allow the platform or IO devices to be tilted to a comfortable working angle.
US07862108B2
A vehicle lower body structure (1) including a vehicle compartment; a windshield pillar (3) that is provided at the side portion the vehicle and that extends in the vehicle-height direction; a rocker (4) that is connected, at the front end portion, to the lower end portion of the windshield pillar (3) and the extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle; a floor tunnel member (5) that is provided at the lateral center portion of the vehicle and that extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle; a floor cross-member (6) that is connected to the rocker (4) and the floor tunnel member (5) and that extends in the vehicle-width direction; and a floor panel (7) that is connected to the windshield pillar (3), the rocker (4), the floor tunnel member (5), and the floor cross-member (6) and that forms the floor of the vehicle compartment.
US07862094B1
A container scoop and scraper device operable by a user's fingers and opposing thumb of one hand forms a container around a grasped object or material. The device includes a first arcuate scoop adjoining an elliptical right side to an elliptical left side along a minor arc on both sides, a front edge of the first scoop forms a scraper. The device also includes an ergonomic concave pocket to receive the user's thumb and extends the width of the device. Similarly, a second arcuate scoop is configured to adjoin elliptical sides along a major arc, and form a second scraper. An ergonomic convex pocket receives the user's fingers and also extends the width of the device. A hinge adjoins the first scoop to the second scoop and disposes the first scoop sides adjacent the second scoop sides to form a closed rigid container around a grasped object or materials.
US07862091B2
An apparatus, circuit and method for operating a solenoid-actuated electromechanical door latching mechanism that includes a capacitor to meet the power surge requirements needed to move a door latching mechanism. A power supply at one end of a transmission line is coupled with a capacitor adjacent the solenoid at the other end of the transmission line to reduce the need for a larger capacity power, heavy gauge transmission lines and increases the distance at which a power supply may be located from a door latching device.
US07862090B1
A plug in fitting for direct connection into an aperture in a housing. The fitting includes an inner cylindrical member having a body with an external diameter, a first end, and an opposed, second end having an radially extending cam. An outer sleeve includes a body and an inner diameter slightly larger than the external diameter of the inner body. A first end of the outer sleeve terminates in a radially extending flange larger than the aperture. A second end of the outer sleeve is opposed to the first end. At least one tab extends radially inward from the body of the outer sleeve, wherein the first end of the inner cylindrical member is inserted through the outer sleeve to form a combined assembly, and wherein the combined assembly is inserted through the aperture so that the radially extending flange of the outer sleeve rests against the housing and wherein the inner cylindrical member is rotated with respect to the outer sleeve so that the radially extending cam of the inner cylindrical member engages the housing and locks the assembly to the housing.
US07862081B2
A safety restraint system for selectively restraining an occupant of a motorized vehicle is provided. The safety restraint system includes a cylinder defining an elongate channel therein. A piston is disposed inside the channel, and selectively translates from an undeployed position to a deployed position. A linking member operatively connects the safety belt webbing to the piston such that translation of the piston increases the tension of the belt webbing. The safety restraint system also includes an inflatable cushion operatively attached to the cylinder, and configured to selectively transition from a non-expanded state to an expanded state. An inflation device operable to release inflation fluid is in fluid communication with both the inflatable cushion and the cylinder. Activation of the inflation device operates to transition the cushion from the non-expanded state to the expanded state, and translate the piston from the undeployed position to the deployed position.
US07862069B2
A basket structure for a stroller is formed with a basket tube extending around the upper surface of the basket structure from one seat tube to the laterally opposing seat tube. The basket tube is a single formed tubular member that extends rearwardly from the seat tubes and bends downwardly at a rearward end thereof to define an access opening. The formed basket tube is depressed at the access opening below the surface against which the seat back is located when lowered into a reclined position. The access opening, therefore, remains open and allows access into the interior of the basket, even when the seat back is reclined, without disturbing the child positioned in the seat.
US07862067B2
A device for adjusting a fifth wheel, comprising a displacement device provided with two guide rails placed on the vehicle, in particular on a tractor semi-trailer combination in the longitudinal direction thereof, said guide rails whereon a slide may be installed capable of being moved by means of an actuating device, said actuating device being designed such that, upon a displacement, the positive connection between the guide rails and the slide is maintained. The actuating device, which is designed to move the slide, comprises a first powered device. Additionally, at least one first position sensor is arranged to detect the position of the slide, at least said first position sensor being connected to a control device.
US07862066B2
A three-way hitch assembly for a tractor-type vehicle, such as an ATV/UTV, is designed to facilitate the attachment of multiple accessory devices to the vehicle. The hitch assembly includes: a drawbar pintle, a hook, and a replaceable hitch ball.
US07862037B2
An image forming apparatus has a sheet feed cassette to store a sheet supplied to the image forming apparatus. The sheet feed cassette has a cassette body and a cassette cover. The cassette body stores the sheet and has first and second cassette portions coupled adjustably in length. The cassette cover is detachably mounted on the cassette body to cover its upper portion and has first and second cover portions coupled adjustably in length. The cassette cover has a fitting portion, and the cassette body has fitting receive portions in the first and second cassette portions. Each of the fitting receive portions is fittable with the fitting portion. The fitting receive portions overlap in a sheet feed direction when the cassette body is retracted. Of the fitting receive portions, one fitting receive portion not fitted with the fitting portion when the cassette body is extended is at least partially closed.
US07862025B2
A sheet post-processing apparatus includes a sheet aligning device that increases, when the number of sheets conveyed thereto exceeds a predetermined number, the number of times of an aligning operation of the sheet aligning device, which aligns the sheets conveyed thereto, to be larger than the number of times of the aligning operation at the number of sheets equal to or smaller than this predetermined number.
US07862023B2
A sheet processing device includes a stapling tray, a rear-end clamp, and a stapler that staples sheets while the rear-end clamp is clamping the sheets. In response to a start signal, the stapler moves to a position where the stapler does not interfere the rear-end clamp while being closest to a stapling position. When the last sheet of a sheet bundle to be stapled is conveyed into the stapling tray, timing at which the stapler moves to the stapling position is determined according to a preset condition.
US07862015B2
In a sheet folding device 1 provided with a folding part 70 for folding a sheet S carried into the device, a discharge part 80 for discharging a sheet S already subjected to folding processing, and a discharge tray 74 for receiving a sheet S discharged from the discharge part 80, a holding member 5 for holding a discharged sheet S from above and an arm 4 disposed above the discharge tray 74 and also adjacently to the discharge part 80 and so provided as to project in a sheet discharge direction are provided. The holding member 5 is supported at the arm 4 in such a manner as to be rotatable upward and downward, and also rotatable to a position above the bottom end of the arm 4.
US07862014B2
In a tank for treating wastewater and including a first plurality of air diffuser elements and a second plurality of air diffuser elements, means for adjusting the relative height of the first diffuser elements with respect to the height of the second diffuser elements in response to changing operating conditions in the tank and changes in the characteristics of the diffusers.
US07862010B2
A barrier is disclosed which includes a connected pair of upstanding and equidistantly spaced first and second walls which together define a channel having a bottom and an open top. Dirt or rock fill (or fill of any other non-vegetative material) is poured into or otherwise placed in the channel between the walls to cover the bottom of the channel and at least partially fill the channel. The area of the channel containing the fill may be lined with geo-textile material to help contain the fill.
US07861996B2
Adapter devices are provided that, when installed on an aircraft seat track break area, allow for the installation and/or positioning of passenger seats thereat. The devices include a main body having two portions. One end of the portion is integrated to a fork-shaped part 2 which defines a half-opening 3. Close to the end of the other portion there is provided a pair of half-tabs which are symmetrically disposed in relation to one another on each side of the body. Pairs of symmetrically disposed semi-circular tabs are provided on the main body. Threaded pass-through holes are located one of the body portions so as to threadably accommodate retaining discs in the form of screw screws heads provided with screws which are installed in the threaded holes.
US07861980B1
A hanger bracket for a rainwater deflector in a gutter system comprises channels for holding heater cables, flanges and ribs to strengthen the bracket against bending, and a ledge that captures and holds the lip of a gutter without fasteners. Tabs on one side of the bracket engage a panel of the rainwater deflector, while a mounting hole on the other side of the bracket enables the bracket to be mounted to the fascia after the panel is affixed.
US07861975B2
An in-space spacecraft servicing system (10) includes a servicing spacecraft (22) and a propellant module (24). The servicing spacecraft includes a client servicing system (136), as well as navigation avionics (108) for independent flight operation and a servicing propellant tank (170). The propellant module moves the servicing module from an upper stage drop off location and releases it in proximity to a client spacecraft (16) for a servicing mission. It has a propellant tank (172) with capacity for multiple missions and is used to refill the servicing spacecraft's propellant tanks between missions. Either or both the servicing spacecraft and the propellant module may have navigation avionics. The servicing spacecraft also has a universal docking adaptor (70) for different client spacecraft, and can convert a client spacecraft from non-cooperative to cooperative.
US07861969B2
A stiffened skin panel of an aircraft that includes an aircraft skin panel of composite material and a composite stringer consolidated with the aircraft skin panel. The stringer has a pair of stringer sides, each extending from a stringer top to a stringer leg. The stringer sides may each extend through a wide radius, smooth continuous curve to a stringer leg. The wide radius, smooth continuous curve may be proximate the base of the stringer side in a region where the stringer side transitions to the stringer leg.
US07861961B2
A system for utilizing a tape leader in a tape drive system. The tape drive system receives a first tape leader and buckles the first tape leader to a drive reel leader. Then the tape drive system threads the first tape leader and a second tape leader connected to the first tape leader through a tape path within the tape drive system using the drive reel leader. After threading the first tape leader through the tape path, the tape drive system retracts head protect pins while the second tape leader is still in the tape path. Subsequent to retracting the head protect pins, the tape drive system performs read/write operations on a data storage media, which is coupled to the first tape leader via the second tape leader inserted between the first tape leader and the data storage media.
US07861958B2
An impact mill including a base portion on which is disposed a rotor rotatably mounted in a bearing housing, the rotor having an upwardly aligned cylindrical surface portion coaxial with the rotational axis. The impact mill is provided with a mill casing within which is located a conical track assembly which surrounds the rotor to form a conical grinding path. The mill casing is provided with a downwardly aligned cylindrical collar which may be axially adjusted to set a grinding gap between the rotor and the mill casing. The rotor is provided with a plurality of impact knives complementary with a plurality of impact knives disposed on the inside top surface of the mill casing. The conical track assembly can be a series of assembled conical sections or one unit with varied number of serrations in either a vertical or sloped configuration. This flexibility allows for greater compatibility with the feedstock being milled.
US07861956B2
There is provided an apparatus for crushing anodes, including a chamber for receiving the anodes. At least one movable wall is received in the chamber. The wall has a plurality of cutting devices associated therewith. The wall is able to move in a first direction for crushing the anodes and in a second direction away from the anodes. An apparatus is provided for applying pressure to the wall for moving the wall in the first direction. At least one pressure sensor associated with the apparatus for applying the pressure is provided. When a predetermined pressure level is reached, the wall ceases moving in the first direction and begins moving in the second direction.
US07861955B2
The process of the present invention includes obtaining a feed material having an initial median particle size. A solution of a polycarboxylate dispersant in water is formed, then the feed material is added to the solution to form a slurry. The slurry is wet-ground to reduce the median particle size of the feed material. Optionally, the total amount of polycarboxylate dispersant is divided into a plurality of doses that are added periodically over the total grinding time.
US07861944B2
A jet device is provided in the present invention. The jet device includes a chamber having a nozzle and a lateral channel, wherein the lateral channel is disposed along the outer side of a first side of the chamber, the nozzle is disposed at one end of the lateral channel and the chamber is connected with the lateral channel via the nozzle which is connected with the external space, wherein the fluid is filled in the chamber, the nozzle and the later channel and an arc and a block are disposed at the connection of the nozzle and the lateral channel; and a piston disposed at a second side of the chamber.
US07861940B2
A plate handling system provides for movement from storage of a variety of image-ready printing plates, organized in plate stacks with interleaf protective slipsheets. Each stack contains plates of a particular size, corresponding to the capabilities of an associated imaging system. Each plate stack is supported by a pallet, which facilitates easy loading and unloading into the plate handling system. A plate picker aligns with the desired plate and transports the appropriately sized plate to an imaging system. The corresponding slipsheet is transported to a storage area where it is stored with a flat orientation.
US07861934B1
A sales lead recorder and a method of operation are described. The sales lead recorder may be used at an exhibition (or similar venue) to capture, compile, and output sales lead data associates with attendees of the exhibition. When an attendee provides a badge, the sales lead recorder captures embedded sales lead data within the badge. The presented recorder includes an imager that may capture a variety of embedded codes positioned at a variety of locations with a badge. In addition, the sales recorder is optimized for configuring the sales recorder according to an exhibitor's preferences. Furthermore, a variety of downloading and output options for sales lead data are available.
US07861926B2
A transaction card includes a housing, a first roller, a second roller and a machine readable link. The first roller is rotatably coupled to and at least partially stored within the housing and has a first rotational axis. The second roller is rotatably coupled to and at least partially stored within the housing and has a second rotational axis. The second rotational axis differs from the first rotational axis. The machine readable link to an account or record is coupled with the housing. The account or record is configured to track an associated value available for application toward one of a purchase and a use of one or more of goods and services. Other cards, products, assemblies and methods of using such cards, products and assemblies are also disclosed.
US07861913B2
In a soldering method for mounting a semiconductor device on a wiring board, a plurality of solid-phase solders are provided between the semiconductor device and the wiring board, and are thermally melted to thereby produce a plurality of liquid-phase solders therebetween. A constant force is exerted on the liquid-phase solders by relatively moving the semiconductor device with respect to the wiring board so that an invariable gap is determined between the semiconductor device and the wiring board.
US07861903B2
A display apparatus for use with a truck having a receiver hitch includes a mounting bracket having oppositely disposed first and second ends, the first end being configured to be received in the receiver hitch. The apparatus includes a main support member coupled to the second end of the bracket, the main support member being height adjustable. The main support member defines an elongate channel. At least one fastener is coupled to the main support member for movement along the elongate channel, the fastener being selectively securable at a desired position along the channel. The fastener includes an eyelet to which a flag or banner may be secured. The apparatus may also include at least one auxiliary support member pivotally coupled to the main support member for displaying another flag.
US07861901B2
A pants hanging system with a vertically disposed hanger strip, a plurality of elongate hanger receiving members and a plurality elongate semi rigid pants hanging members. The hanger receiving members are attached to the hanger strip in an equal spacing one above the other. The hanger receiving members are formed into a U shaped profile. The pants hanging members have a teardrop shaped profile. The bottom most portion of the teardrop shape includes a gap capable of removably retaining the cuff portion of a pair of pants. The rear, wall facing side of each the pants hanging member includes a horizontally disposed inverted U shaped profile. The U shaped portion of the hanger receiving member can slidably engage with the inverted U shaped portion of the pants hanging member to removably retain the pair of pants.
US07861897B2
An applicator device for a free-flowing substance includes a carrier body provided with an application device at one end and a pin at an opposing end. A transverse channel penetrates the pin, and an axial channel branching off from the transverse channel leads to the application device. A reservoir device having a ring-shaped edge seal sealingly engages the pin, whereby the applicator device is activated by displacing the reservoir device on the pin toward the application device to open a flow connection between the reservoir device and the transverse channel. The reservoir device has a receptacle segment that is elastically deformable at least in portions so that, when the applicator device is activated and a flow connection between the transverse channel and the receptacle segment exists, the free-flowing substance is discharged via the application device by manual compression of the elastically deformable area of the receptacle segment.
US07861895B2
A foam pump including a pump housing with a liquid chamber in fluid communication with a foamable liquid filled container and an air chamber in fluid communication with a high pressure air source through an air inlet. The foam pump also includes a dispensing tube having a wiper seal post with a closed distal end positioned within the pump housing, and an outlet tube with an open distal end positioned outside the pump housing. The wiper seal post includes at least one inlet hole in fluid communication with the liquid chamber, and a check valve near the second open end. The foam pump further includes at least one foam screen in the open end of the outlet tube, a wiper seal slidably positioned around the wiper seal post and in sealing contact with the pump housing and the wiper seal post, and a spring bias to bias the wiper seal in an unactuated position. The wiper seal forms a movable barrier between the liquid chamber and the air chamber and is adapted to slide axially along the wiper seal post past the inlet hole when actuated by high pressure air, thereby allowing the high pressure air to enter the dispenser tube and cause mixing of said air and foamable liquid within the dispensing tube. The mixture is then expelled through the check valve and the foam screen.
US07861891B2
A device for discharging a stream of fluid is presented. The device includes a water pump handle and trigger mechanism that are selectively connectable to a ratchet mechanism to allow incremental discharge of the fluid. The device includes a body accommodating a water reservoir and a fluid line extending through the body. A spring urges the ratchet bar to allow the discharge of fluid during the spring-induced movement of said ratchet bar. A trigger mechanism arrests the spring-induced movement of the ratchet bar.
US07861889B2
A thin-part feeding device is provided which is compact and efficient. The device has a funnel portion with a feeding opening at the bottom thereof, a take-out tube for taking out thin parts from the funnel portion, and a receiving portion with separate opening for receiving thin parts from the discharge opening. The receiving portion is movable, and the receiving opening is sized to receive only one thin part. The device is operative to repeat a state where the receiving opening faces the discharge opening, and a state where the receiving opening is away from the discharge opening to enable thin parts to be taken out from the receiving opening. The device also features a novel, posture-correcting portion to correct vertical posture of thin parts, a delivery portion for receiving posture-corrected thin parts, and a transporting portion as described.
US07861887B2
A pressure vessel capable of securely sealing a mouth ring with a liner portion, and being manufactured at low costs. A boss seal part 112 is provided in a liner portion 11 of the pressure vessel, and an inner peripheral surface of a boss part 20 of a mouth ring 2 is covered with the boss seal part 112. A boss-side collar part 114 is provided in the boss seal part 112 so as to project outwardly, and a sealing member 4 composed of a resilient body is disposed in a space between an inner peripheral surface of the boss seal part 112 and an outer peripheral surface of the valve 3.
US07861884B2
A fuel tank assembly are provided which may limit the damage otherwise occasioned by the impact of a ballistic projectile. The fuel tank assembly may include a bladder defined between exterior and interior bladder walls, with the interior bladder wall defining a volume for storing fuel. The exterior bladder wall is at least as or more rigid than the interior bladder wall. The fuel tank assembly can also include connectors between the exterior and interior bladder walls to at least partially limit expansion of the bladder. The fuel tank assembly can also include an inlet opening into the bladder to permit a pressurized gas to be introduced into the bladder. The fuel tank assembly may also include a valve through the interior bladder wall into the volume for storing fuel to permit at least some of the pressurized gas to be introduced therein.
US07861880B2
Containers provide for portability and ease of handling by being constructed of pliable materials such as various polymers and having additional features. The containers may have biasing members such as tension poles to hold the containers in an upright and open top position and/or may have sleeves that can be engaged by a forklift for dumping of the container by a conventional forklift equipped garbage truck. The containers may include additional features such as loops along a top edge to allow grasping of the loops by a lift and loops along a bottom edge to allow dragging of the container such as onto a flatbed hauler. Additional features may include a top cover that can be pulled over the open top and secured such as by a fastener.
US07861871B2
A hand tool rack has an elongated base bracket, multiple clamping elements, two hangers and a lock. The base bracket has a baseboard and a rail bracket. The rail bracket is detachably mounted on the baseboard. The clamping elements are movably mounted on the rail bracket of the base bracket. The hangers are movably mounted on the base bracket and each hanger has two mounting arms and a hanging arm. The mounting arms of the each hanger are clamped on the baseboard. The hanging arm is formed with the mounting arms of the hanger for hanging on a tool cart. The lock is detachably connected to the base bracket to provide a burglarproof effect and has a display clamp and a container clamp. The display clamp has a display panel and a catching bracket. The container clamp has a container panel and a container casing.
US07861867B1
A reconfigurable grizzly-type system providing improved field processing of ore, rock, and soil. The system provides reconfigurable screening of rocks, rubble, gravel, and debris from soil based on material size. The system also provides improvements related to efficient storage and transportation.
US07861866B1
A screening system with knocking devices includes a screen panel support, connector bars, knocking devices, and screen panels. The knocking devices are generally spherical-shaped balls held by elastic arms connected to the connector bars. When the screening system is activated by moving material onto the screen panels and vibrating the screen panel support, the knocking devices bounce around the undersurface of the screen panels and prevent the build-up or jamming of material blocking the openings in the screen panels. The knocking device and screen panels are separate so that when one of those elements becomes defective, the screening system can be fixed without replacing both elements.
US07861864B2
A tray includes a base having opposed front and rear walls and opposed side walls. The front and rear walls are shorter to provide access to products stored on the tray when in a stacked configuration. The trays provide audible feedback when one tray is slid on another when they are properly aligned during a blind stacking operation to confirm the proper alignment. The tray further includes reinforced intersections between the front and rear walls and side walls.
US07861863B2
A tray for bakery items includes a floor and side walls extending around a periphery of the floor. The tray has a relatively thin upper edge with a bail member pivotably attached to the upper edge along at least one of the first and second pairs of side walls. The bail member is rotatable between a stack orientation wherein a like tray may be rested upon the bail member, and a nest orientation in which like trays may be nested within like trays. Further, one or more side walls also includes a relatively large continuous opening therein capable of retrieving bakery items stored in the tray through the at least one pair of side walls, the opening extending generally from the upper edge to the periphery of the floor. In another embodiment, at least one of the sidewalls is pivotably attached to the floor and is movable between an upright position and a collapsed position.
US07861858B2
A bathroom tool holding device includes a hollow body with an opening, a bearing member installed on the body to hold a toilet cleaning brush, a bottom cover joined to a bottom of the body, and a lid with a base; the bottom cover has a middle cavity, in which a pivotal shaft component is inserted; the lid is held in the body, and can be rotated to a closed position to shut the opening of the body at a curved covering half part thereof; the lid can be rotated to an open position so that a plunger can be placed in and taken out of the body; the base is pivoted on the pivotal shaft component for smooth rotation of the lid; the base is biased to come into close touch with the body with an elastic element, and in turn there is no aperture in between.
US07861854B2
A cartridge container unit having a compartment for storing a material. The compartment is adapted for separately storing one component of a formulation until ready for mixing with a second component in an assembly unit prior to use. Thus, the cartridge unit allows the user to store a material until ready for use, or to store multiple components of a formulation in separate individually sealed containers until ready for use that can be readily assembled into a single multi-compartment container. The cartridge unit includes a substantially cylindrical housing having a sealable opening at its top end and an opening at its bottom end. The bottom end may be adapted and configured to engage and seal the assembly unit. A first inwardly extending annular shoulder is provided between the sealable opening and the bottom opening, defining a flow passage along a longitudinal axis of the housing.
US07861816B2
A motorcycle includes a main frame having left and right main frame members which each extend obliquely downwardly and rearwardly from a forward end to a rearward end. The forward end of the main frame includes a steering interface and the rearward end of the main frame includes a swingarm interface. An engine is attached to the main frame. A swingarm is attached to the swingarm interface and supports a rear wheel. A seat is attached to the main frame at an attachment location. The main frame, the swingarm, and the seat together at least partially define an open space of sufficient size to facilitate substantially complete access to the second cylinder head when the motorcycle is fully assembled.
US07861808B2
A cutter comprising a base portion, an ultrahard layer disposed on said base portion, and at least one recessed region on an outer surface of the cutter. A start of the recessed region disposed a selected distance behind a cutting face.
US07861799B2
It is an object of the invention to provide a technique which is effective in improving the durability of an angular positioning device of a tool bit and in reducing weight of a tool body in an impact tool. A representative impact tool includes a tool body, a lubricant sealed in the housing space, a driving mechanism, a tool holder, an angular positioning device disposed on a tip end side of the tool body and serves to fix a position of the tool bit around the axis with respect to the tool body. The angular positioning device includes first and second locking members. The first locking member is disposed between the tool body and the tool holder. The second locking member is disposed opposite to the first locking member. One end of the first locking member in the axial direction of the tool bit extends into the housing space of the tool body and is connected to the tool body within the housing space.
US07861795B2
An implement apparatus includes a hitch frame, center frame section, and right and left wing sections pivotally attached to the center section. An actuator pivots the center frame section upward about the hitch frame axis at the rear of the hitch frame to raise the frame sections upward and rearward from a horizontal aligned operating position, where front ends of the frame sections are forward of the hitch frame axis, to a raised position where the frame sections are oriented vertically. Working members mounted to the frame sections forward of the hitch frame support the apparatus on the ground in the operating position, move upward off the ground in the raised position. Transport wheels rearward of the hitch frame axis are above the ground in the operating position, and move down to support the apparatus in the raised position, where wing sections can pivot rearward to the transport position.
US07861787B2
A wellbore tubular including: an inner tubular wall; an opening through the inner tubular wall; an outer tubular wall positioned about the inner tubular, the outer tubular wall including an opening therethrough; a chamber between the inner tubular wall and the outer tubular wall; and a chemical treatment material in the chamber and positioned between the opening of the inner tubular wall and the opening of the outer tubular wall. The wellbore tubular may be used in downhole fluid treatment process.
US07861782B2
A variety of methods and compositions are disclosed, including, in one embodiment, a cement composition comprising: cement; a surfactant composition comprising: an ethoxylated alcohol ether sulfate in an amount in the range of about 60 to about 64 parts by weight, a first alkyl or alkene amidopropyl betaine in an amount in the range of about 30 to about 33 parts by weight, and a second alkyl or alkene amidopropyl betaine in an amount in the range of about 1 to about 5 parts by weight; a gas; and water.
US07861778B2
A pressure orienting swivel arrangement includes a freely rotatable weight assembly to orient to gravity prior to being urged to a fixed position. In the fixed position, a pin adapter is reactably interengagable with the weight assembly to orient the pin adapter to the weight assembly without reorienting the weight assembly from gravity. A method for orienting a downhole tool is also included.
US07861765B2
A mold assembly for footwear components is cast as a collection of mold elements having integral attachment members. Attachment members of separate mold elements may then be joined by, e.g., welding. Handles may also be formed into one or more mold elements as part of the casting process. Outsole negatives are juxtaposed with templates for attachment tabs and/or handles and used to form ceramic casting molds. The ceramic casting molds can then be used to cast individual mold elements.
US07861763B2
A panel (14) for an overhead sectional door (10) offers increased performance and economy by optimizing the panel skin (38, 42, 50, 52). The upper and lower structural rail areas (46, 48) which typically mate with corresponding lower and upper rails (48, 46) of an adjacent panel (14) have thicker skin (38, 42, 50, 52). The non-structural areas or the front face of the panel (14) in one embodiment has a thinner skin (38, 42) which is typically embossed with a wood grain or other pattern. The structural rail areas (46, 48) which have the thicker skin (50, 52) add rigidity and resistance to deflection from wind loads and similar dynamic forces. The overhead door panel (14) with differing performance characteristics for specific portions of the skin (38, 42, 50, 52) may be utilized with a variety of rail configurations (46, 48) such as a lap joint, tongue and groove joint, and convex/concave joint between adjacent panels (14). In another aspect, a specific bottom rail section (48) using the variable thickness concept avoids the need for an astragal retainer thereby providing a cost savings while offering structural and strength benefits.
US07861760B2
A method and apparatus for demounting tires from wheel assemblies with a hook assembly and a prying foot. One tool has two holding hooks that grasp the tool to the wheel and a foot that is attached to the holding hooks, and a bearing pivot point that allows the demounting tool to easily and safely remove the tire from the wheel. The tool can be used for all types of tire and wheel types. One tool is for large truck and trailer tires and a second too is for light truck, trailer and automobile tires. A third tool is designed for low profile, stiff sidewall tires and includes a telescoping structure to raise and lower the dual hooks. A forth embodiment is for demounting a first and second bead using a fixed pivot hook, sized prying feet and a telescoping assembly for pulling the bead from the wheel assembly.
US07861756B2
A method and apparatus for producing disposable undergarments having areas of defined elastic material is disclosed. The method provides for staggered cutting knives for severing the elastic material, which results in less necessary material used in the construction of the undergarments.
US07861753B2
A system is provided for creating bevel edges on a plank. In some embodiments, the system comprises two bevel-cutting tools disposed in fixed positions and two guided cylinders disposed to independently move two edges of a plank to within varying degrees of contact with the bevel-cutting tools. Separate controllers can be provided to independently control the time, frequency, and rate of movement of the guided cylinders. Methods are provided for creating the appearance of a hand-scraped wood plank. A method for creating irregular bevel edges on a plank is also provided as are a system and method that use a plank production line operation. A plank having irregular beveled edges and the appearance of a hand-scraped wood plank is also provided.
US07861744B2
The invention comprises a device for expanding tubular members to a controlled diameter and its method of fabrication. The device includes an expandable bladder held in a convoluted form. After the device is inserted into a cylindrical tube to be evenly expanded, the bladder is expanded by hydraulic pressure to a controlled maximum diameter. It is then deflated so the device can then be moved to another location and reused. The bladder is formed from a flexible impervious material having integral reinforcing fibers. It is initially formed in a fully expanded configuration over a convoluted mandrel and a removable cylindrical shell. When the shell is removed vacuum or external pressure draws the bladder against the mandrel. The bladder is overmolded with a resilient cover to hold it in reduced form until pressurized. The bladder cover prevents the bladder from kinking during the expansion.
US07861738B2
A process for remanufacturing valve bodies, such as fuel injector valve bodies, includes regrinding a valve seat of a salvaged valve body with a grinding apparatus, and linking a center axis of the valve seat with a center axis of a guide bore for a valve which contacts the valve seat. Linking the center axis of the valve seat with the center axis of the bore includes contacting a locating element of the grinding apparatus with a locating surface on an outer diameter of the valve body during regrinding the valve seat. Locating on the outer diameter enables run-out between the axes to be inhibited during regrinding the valve seat based on concentric congruity between the locating surface and the bore.
US07861728B2
A smokeless tobacco product includes a powdered or granular smokeless tobacco formulation that is contained within a moisture-permeable packet or pouch. The smokeless tobacco formulation may include finely ground particles of tobacco in powder-like form and other ingredients such as sweeteners, binders, colorants, pH adjusters, fillers, flavoring ingredients, disintegration aids, antioxidants and preservatives. The tobacco formulation may have a dry or moist form. The container has the form of a pouch or bag, such as is the type commonly used for the manufacture of snus products. The container preferably contains at least one capsule, such as a spherical breakable capsule. The container is intended to be placed in the mouth of the tobacco user, such that the tobacco formulation within the container may be enjoyed by the user. After the tobacco user is finished using the smokeless tobacco product, the container is removed from the user's mouth for disposal. Alternatively, the container is dissolvable or dispersible in the mouth of the user.
US07861727B1
The cigar splitter apparatus provides a smoker of cigars with a compact, precise tool for splitting a cigar along its axis. The apparatus can be selectively latched in a closed position for safety. Further, the cutter does not extend beyond the boundary of the apparatus so that use is also safe.
US07861722B2
A dental oral appliance to reduce or eliminate snoring or obstructive sleep apnea and to open the airway for a sleeping patient. The appliance covers the inside (lingual) of the upper or lower teeth and has an open palate. Retention for the appliance is provided by an occlusal coverge of the upper or lower teeth. A raised incisor ramp that extends from the incisal tip of the incisors toward the lingual, or posterior ramps, separate the posterior teeth to open the airway. A transpalatal bar, which extends from the inside (lingual) of the right molars to the inside of the left molars, inhibits the upward and backward movement of the tongue. An anterior tongue restrainer which is attached to the transpalatal bar at one end and the front of the appliance at the other end, aids in inhibiting and restraining the upward and backward movement of the tongue.
US07861718B2
An adjustable mask apparatus for use in a breathing assistance system may include a housing, an adjustment arm, and a locking member. The housing may support a cushion configured to provide a seal against a patient's face. The adjustment arm may include a first end configured for attachment to a head gear, and a second end rotatably coupled to the housing to allow rotation of the adjustment arm to adjust a distance between the first end of the adjustment arm and the patient's head. The locking member may be coupled to the housing and may be configured to secure the adjustment arm in one of a plurality of predetermined rotational positions, each predetermined rotational position comprising a rotational position of the adjustment arm with respect to the housing.
US07861710B2
A hand-held apparatus that delivers pressurized breathing gas to the airway of a patient, thereby creating positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) and reducing respiratory muscle fatigue. The apparatus includes a deformable reservoir, a breathing interface, and a pressure relief valve. The apparatus may include a means for creating fluid communication between the deformable reservoir and a source of pressurized breathing gas. The apparatus may also include an adjuster that allows a user to vary the pressure of the breathing gas contained in the deformable reservoir.
US07861705B2
A vertical food cooker includes: (a) an open-bottomed upper warming portion including: a support frame, a temperature measuring gauge, an adjustable upper air vent, and an openable cooker lid, the support frame including a substantially cylindrical-shaped upper collar and at least two spaced apart rails extending generally downward from the upper collar; (b) a cooker base portion including: a burn chamber, an adjustable base damper to the burn chamber, a substantially planar fire pan at a bottom of the otherwise bottomless burn chamber, and at least three legs; (c) a cooker mid portion between the upper warming portion and the base portion, the mid portion including between about one and about six substantially cylindrically shaped, open-bottomed, independently openable, stacked cooking drawers; and (d) grate brackets attached to the support frame, each of the cooking drawers, and the burn chamber; grill grates being supportable on the grate brackets. An expandable base unit vertical food cooker and a cooker add-on kit are also included.
US07861704B2
A paintball gun having an internal pressure regulator is provided. The paintball gun includes a body, a launching tunnel, a rear lead shaft, the pressure regulator, and a back cover. A hollow barrel of the body allows the launching tunnel and the rear lead shaft to be accommodated successively therein. The pressure regulator is received in the rear lead shaft. The back cover is screwed to the body. Thereby, pressurized air coming from a gas cylinder is directly introduced to the pressure regulator so as for the paintball gun to dispense with any external air duct. Thus, the paintball gun poses no risk of duct burst and requires less assembling operation and fewer fixtures, thus reducing manufacturing costs.
US07861703B2
A paintball gun includes an air valve and a body portion, in which the body portion includes a paintball hole, a communicator, a piston, an axle and a bolt. By the pneumatic control of the air valve, the piston is pushed between the first and second positions, and the movement of the bolt is controlled between the third and fourth positions, so as to control the pneumatic air to flow out of the projection passage to project the paintball.
US07861699B2
A ball tossing apparatus includes a support frame and a plurality of launch devices fixed to the support frame and arranged in a two-dimensional array. The launch devices include cylinders having a spring fixed therein, with a ball carrier fixed to the spring. The balls are retained in a loaded position (springs compressed) and then upon activation of the launch devices are launched vertically into the air to the sports player. In another embodiment, the launch devices include a rotating lever which is acted on by a biasing member to launch the ball vertically from the cylinder. A method for launching the balls includes the steps of loading the balls into a two dimensional array, and then launching the balls according to a launch sequence. An electronic control system for use with the ball tossing apparatus includes a launch module for launching the loaded balls in the plurality of launch devices according to a launch sequence. The launch sequences can be randomly generated, programmed by the sports player, or retrieved from memory. The launch of the balls can also be controlled remotely.
US07861698B2
A toy device for use in entrapping an object including a handheld implement exhibiting at least a barrel which supports a propelling mechanism and a trigger which, further upon depressing, actuates the propelling mechanism. A projectile includes a stem and a pair of mutually hingedly supported and opposingly actuation pads, the stem being supported upon the barrel and in contact with the propelling mechanism. Upon being discharged, the pads are actuated from a first position to a second rotated position, such as through the action of a lanyard extending from the handheld implement to a release plate associated with the projectile, and in order to entrap the object such as a winged insect.
US07861685B2
In a direct fuel injection diesel engine equipped with a pentroof-shaped piston, a collision angle (α) at which fuel injected in a direction in which the height of the top face of a piston (13) is high collides with a cavity (25) is set larger than a collision angle (β) at which fuel injected in a direction in which the height of the top face of the piston (13) is low collides with the cavity (25). By so doing, in a direction in which the height of the top face is high fuel that has collided with the cavity (25) easily rebounds upward, thus achieving effective combustion by mixing with a large amount of air present in the vicinity of the opening of the cavity (25) where the height is high, and in a direction in which the height of the top face is low it is difficult for fuel that has collided with the cavity (25) to rebound upward, thus achieving effective combustion by suppressing the flowing out of fuel or flame from the opening of the cavity (25) where the height is low, thereby appropriately mixing fuel and air in all directions in the circumferential direction of the cavity and making it possible to improve the engine output and reduce harmful exhaust substances.
US07861683B2
After an engine automatic stop processing is started, a diagnosis of a starter is started at a time of t1 when an engine speed drops to a diagnosis starting speed. Before the engine speed drops to the lower limit speed at which an engine can be restarted without being cranked by the starter, the diagnosis of the starter is conducted. In the diagnosis of the starter, it is determined whether the starter is faulty based on a current passing through the starter when a relay is turned off to stop energization of the starter before the starter actually rotates after the relay is turned on. Thereby, a malfunction of the starter can be detected before the engine is automatically stopped. It is avoided to automatically stop the engine which is incapable of being automatically restarted due to the malfunction of the starter.
US07861682B2
Systems and methods for managing camshaft dynamic loads associated with actuation of a camshaft-driven auxiliary device in a multiple-cylinder internal combustion engine apply positive and negative torque to the camshaft in a phased relationship relative to actuation of the auxiliary device and optionally relative to actuation of intake or exhaust valves operated by the camshaft.
US07861679B2
In an opposed piston engine, a pair of pistons are disposed in opposition in the bore of a cylinder. The cylinder includes first liquid coolant grooves having a first cooling capacity to cool a portion of the cylinder extending from a central portion toward an exhaust port, and second liquid coolant grooves having a second cooling capacity, less than the first cooling capacity, to cool a portion of the cylinder extending from the central portion toward an inlet port. Each piston includes a cylindrical skirt with a crown and an open end opposite the crown, a piston rod with a bore, a first end attached to a back surface of the crown, and a second end extending through the open end of the skirt, a radial array of liquid coolant flow passages in communication with the bore and disposed between the first end and the back surface of the crown, and a single wristpin retained on the second end section of the piston rod and positioned externally to the piston.
US07861678B2
A high-efficiency water heater dip tube includes a wall having orifices formed therein for conducting an outflow of relatively colder water from the dip tube into relatively hotter water in an interior of a water heater. The orifices have a size, number, shape, pattern and location for at least minimizing turbulence, for reducing admixing near the tube, for diluting, equalizing and blending efflux flow and for reducing outflow force and speed. A method for reducing turbulence in water heaters includes providing a dip tube including a wall having orifices formed therein, conducting an outflow of relatively colder water from the dip tube into relatively hotter water in an interior of the water heater, and selecting a size, number, shape, pattern and location of the orifices for at least minimizing turbulence, reducing admixing near the tube, diluting, equalizing and blending efflux flow and reducing outflow force and speed.
US07861677B2
Among other things, apparatus and methods are disclosed for collecting animal waste. A garment or harness is provided for placement on a dog or other animal that collects eliminated waste before the waste contacts the ground, and without having to pick up the waste.
US07861669B2
The present invention relates to a milking machine and a method for milking animal using a milking machine, wherein the milking machine comprises at least a first teat cup, the first teat cup is provided with a teat cup liner to be positioned around a teat of the milking animal, the teat cup liner comprises a lower end connected to a milking vacuum source for drawing milk from the milking animal, and a top end having a space and an orifice in which the teat is to be introduced, the teat cup liner further comprises an inlet to the space connected to a space vacuum source. The method is comprises the step of setting the vacuum level in the space so that the vacuum difference between the vacuum level in the lower end and the vacuum level in the space is related to a milking criteria for the particular udder quarter being milked.
US07861655B2
A method and apparatus are provided for detonation of a super-compressed insensitive energetic material by cylindrical implosion followed by an axial detonation to a detonation velocity several times that of TNT and a detonation pressure in excess of ten times that of TNT. The device provides a conical metal flyer shell within which is disposed a cylindrical anvil surrounded by explosive. The anvil retains an insensitive energetic material to be compressed and detonated. A first detonation of explosive by impact of the flyer shell generates a reverberating oblique shock wave system for sample compression. Axial detonation of the compressed sample through any length of a sample is achieved following the principal of matching the axial velocity and compression time of the oblique shock wave system to the detonation velocity and induction delay time of the compressed sample. The method and apparatus are also applicable to enhancing the effect of anti-armor and anti-hard-target munitions. The apparatus is also applicable to inert sample compression to the megabar range without using the axial detonation.
US07861654B2
A cylinder of a printing machine is provided with at least one axially extending channel located beneath the circumferential surface of the cylinder. At least one plate end holding device is arranged in the channel and usable to exert a clamping force on an end of at least one printing forme or plate positioned on the assembly's circumferential surface. At least one control assembly is utilized to counteract the clamping force exerted on the plate end by the at least one holding device. A force that is exerted by the control assembly can be set to a value which is different either a maximum force or a minimum force which the control assembly can exert. Preferably, the circumferential surface of the cylinder can be divided, in its axial direction, into several adjacent sections. Several of the plate end holding devices are then arranged in the cylinder channel or groove and are positioned adjacent each other. The forces exerted by the control assembly against each one of the plate end holding devices can differ from each other.
US07861649B2
A self-adjusting stripper pin is for use in a strap chute for a strapping machine and includes a mount mounted to a fixed portion of the strapping machine, a reciprocating pin disposed in the mount for reciprocating movement relative to the mount and a pin spring disposed between the pin and the mount for biasedly mounting the pin to the mount. When the movable wall of the strapping machine is moved toward the fixed wall of the strapping machine, the pin moves out from the track to allow the strap to traverse therethrough and when the movable wall is moved away from the fixed wall, the pin is moved into the track to urge the strap out of the track. The spring positions the pin at about an outer edge of the track when the movable wall is moved away from the fixed wall.
US07861645B2
An apparatus useful for preventing the release of residual liquid in a beverage brewing device prior to and after the brewing process, and for preventing the premature release of liquid during the heating process is disclosed. The apparatus includes a flexible member, a closing member and a recess. The apparatus is fabricated such that the pressure of the liquid being delivered to the brewing chamber displaces or depresses the closing member sufficiently into the recess to form a first fluid passage. The pressure of the fluid also creates a channel or cavity on a surface of the flexible member. The first fluid passage and the channel or cavity form a second fluid passages which provide fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the brewing chamber. Preferably, the flexible member, closing member and recess is formed as an integral unit.
US07861642B2
A valve block disposed adjacent a tool attachment of a working machine, where the tool attachment is adapted for connection to different types of hydraulically maneuvered tools or implements with the aid of a hydraulically actuated locking device. The valve block includes first port means, second port means, and third port means for connecting hydraulic lines of the working machine to hydraulic coupling elements and to the locking device respectively. The valve block includes a line system and valve means which communicate with the port means so as to fulfill at least three of the following five functions: ensuring the presence of pressure in the locking device in the event of a fracture in the hydraulic lines of the working machine; ensuring connection of the first port means with either the second port means or the third port means to obtain post-tensioning of the locking device to relieve the pressure load; and to provide pressure limitation.
US07861629B2
Tomatoes are placed on cutting blades (20) in article openings (46) of an article positioning plate (44). The blades are moved as article pushers (24) move downwardly and engage the upper facing surfaces of the tomatoes, pushing the tomatoes through parallel cutting blades (20). The end slices (30 and 40) are gathered in end collectors (96) and discarded while the intermediate slices (42) are received in transfer tray (72). Gathering plates (100) urge the intermediate slices of the several tomatoes to gather in one accumulation of tomato slices, and the transfer tray (72) is lowered to a position immediately above shipping containers (74) and tilted to deposit the tomatoes in the containers.
US07861627B2
A bed for machine tool includes a fluid channel crossing the bed and at least one reinforcement bridging the fluid channel. Thus the machining accuracy of a workpiece becomes higher.
US07861622B2
A lockable pliers comprises a fixed assembly comprising a first handle supporting a first jaw. A second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw between an open position and a closed, locked position. A second handle is movable relative to the first handle and is connected to the second jaw at a fixed pivot. A toggle-link locking mechanism locks the second jaw in the closed, locked position. A movable pivot connects the second jaw to the fixed assembly such that the second jaw can move relative to the fixed assembly when the second jaw is in the closed, locked position and a torque is applied to the pliers.
US07861612B2
A range selection control system for a transmission facilitates safe operation of a power take off. A fluid actuated range piston assembly within a range cylinder moves between low range and high range positions. Range cylinder and range piston assembly define sealed high range and low range chambers. A neutral cylinder intersects range cylinder. A fluid actuated neutral piston assembly within neutral cylinder defines a neutral chamber. Neutral piston assembly engages range control piston assembly responsive to pressurization of neutral chamber. Neutral piston assembly is received by an engagement feature of range piston assembly when range control piston assembly is in a neutral position, retaining range piston assembly there. An electrically responsive locking mechanism locks neutral piston assembly in place when range piston assembly is in the neutral position. The locking is controlled by a condition of an electrical switch indicating a transmission condition.
US07861608B2
The present invention relates to a universal fitting for in-line fluid measurement in a process application. The fitting includes an inlet and outlet port for in-line coupling to the process application. Also, a fluid flow passage provides fluid communication between the ports. At least one sensor housing extends outwardly away from a wall of the fluid passage. Also, the housing is sized to receive a sensor assembly which assembly measures at least one characteristic of the fluid. A base of the housing is integrally formed with the wall and includes a sensor seat for receiving a portion of the sensor assembly. Further, at least one probe aperture is provided for receiving a probe portion of the sensor assembly. The probe aperture is disposed in the wall of the fluid passage and extends from the fluid passage through the sensor seat into the housing.
US07861607B1
The present invention is directed to a pressurized fluid station. In an exemplary embodiment, the pressurized fluid station includes a vessel for receiving a sample probe. The vessel includes walls contoured to form a seal around the sample probe. Further, a delivery system is coupled to the vessel for delivery of a pressurized fluid to the sample probe while the sample probe is disposed within the vessel. In use, the formation of a seal around the sample probe and delivery of a pressurized fluid into the probe while such probe is disposed within the vessel allows for removal of sample blockage from the probe as well as high speed rinsing of the sample probe in between analyses.
US07861606B2
A measuring arrangement is associated with a branch channel of a channel through which crops flow. The measuring arrangement comprises a measuring device for detecting the constituents of a sample of a crop stream in the branch channel, where in the branch channel between an opening and the measuring device, a processing device is arranged for reducing in size or for squeezing the sample.
US07861596B2
An airflow detecting system includes a tubular structure having an inner surface defining an interior of the tubular structure, one open end and an opposite open end. The tubular structure is configured to receive and expel air through both the one end and the opposite end. The system further includes a flap connected to the inner surface of the tubular structure by a hinge. The flap is configured to impede airflow within the interior of the tubular structure upon the application of differential pressure across the two ends of the tubular structure. The system further includes a device attached to the flap in a position in which the device spans the hinge. The device is configured to measure a parameter associated with the movement of the flap in response to airflow within the interior of the tubular structure. Other embodiments and methods are further disclosed.
US07861586B2
A method for measuring an air mass flow flowing in a main flow direction, and a hot-film air mass meter by which the method is able to be realized. The method and the hot-film air mass meter are especially suitable for use in the induction tract of an internal combustion engine. The hot-film air mass meter includes a sensor chip having a chip surface across which an air mass flow is able to flow. The chip surface in turn has a measuring surface, the measuring surface including a central hot-film air mass meter circuit having at least one central heating element and at least two temperature sensors. The method is implemented so that the at least one central heating element is periodically heated using a frequency ω. With the aid of at least two temperature sensors, at least two measuring signals are detected. The measuring signals and/or at least one differential signal of the at least two measuring signals are modulated using the frequency ω.
US07861584B2
An instrument for obtaining airborne measurements of cloud microphysical parameters. The instrument comprises supporting arms mounted thereon, optics and a detector for measuring the cloud microphysical parameters The supporting arms define an optical path of the instrument and comprise probe tips affixed thereto. The probe tips comprise an outer portion for deflecting particles away from the optical path of the instrument and an inner portion opposite the outer portion. The outer portion of the tips have a pyramidal section with a centre ridgeline and flat or concave surfaces effective to reduce water shedding and particle shattering during in-flight collection of data.
US07861583B2
A system for estimating a freestream wind characteristic for a wind turbine having a rotor includes estimating a nacelle wind speed for the turbine; determining, from the estimated nacelle wind speed, at least one angular position of the rotor for measuring a nacelle wind characteristic for the turbine; and measuring the nacelle wind characteristic at the determined angular position of the rotor.
US07861582B2
In a flow rate estimation method of a blood pump, a general flow rate estimation formula which includes a correction term is formed based on a plurality of blood pumps. Measured data obtained from an objective blood pump implanted inside a patient is substituted into the correction term, thus forming a flow rate estimation formula of the objective blood pump. The flow rate Q of the objective blood pump is estimated based on the flow rate estimation formula and the values of the rotational speed N and the consumption current I of the motor of the objective blood pump, and the attribute data Z of the blood of the patient.
US07861576B2
A sample analyzing apparatus using centrifugal force and inertia including a rotating body composed of a disk including upper and lower thin-films; a plurality of chambers composed of a polygonal space parts in the rotating body and including apertures on one side corner and a bottom side thereof; paths connected between the apertures of the chambers to transfer fluids mixed or separated in the chambers; sample inputting holes connected to the chambers formed inside of the rotating body through the paths; and balls moving within the chambers.
US07861574B2
Photoacoustic spectroscopy system and technique for remote sensing of explosives and toxic chemicals
A user-friendly photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) system and process (technique) provides an open-field PAS instrument, unit and device to remotely sense explosives, chemicals and biological agents. The PAS system and process can include: a pulsed tunable laser, such as a CO2 laser, a reflector, such as a parabolic reflector, an acoustic reverberant resonator in which a microphone is installed, and a data acquisition and analysis system.
US07861571B1
A mechanical process to reduce and/or reform the mass of a tube (either metallic or of some other material) to specified dimensions, by any or all of the following means: thinning the wall of the tube, reducing the diameter of the tube, and elongation of the tube. The tube is operated on by a ball and a die having interior areas including: an initial entry with reduction angle, a wall reduction chamber, a final reduction angle, a land/bearing, and an exit relief ending in an area with a reverse taper. The tube has an outside diameter larger than the wall reduction chamber (in the raw material starting size) with a wall thickness somewhat larger than the gap between the outside diameter of the ball, and the inside diameter of the wall reduction chamber. The tube is pulled, pushed or drawn between the die and the ball, reducing its dimensions.
US07861566B2
A bending press for making tubing from a substantially planar and longitudinally extending metal sheet has a support extending transversely generally parallel to the sheet vertically offset from the sheet, and a bender at one of the edges of the sheet and slidable transversely generally parallel to the sheet on the support. The bender has a pair of bending tools, a tie rod extending transversely in the direction adjacent the pair of tools, and an actuator braced transversely in the direction between the tie rod and the tools and extensible in the direction to tension the rod and press the tools against opposite faces of the sheets at the one edge to deform the one edge. A clamp is engageable between the bender and the support for releasably locking the bender to the support at any of a plurality of positions offset transversely therealong generally parallel to the sheet.
US07861565B2
In applying a non-graphite-based lubricant composed of, by mass %, 10 to 70% of an oxide-based lamellar compound and 30 to 90% of boric acid onto a mandrel bar, the lubricant film thickness is set from a predetermined master curve for the lubricant film thickness corresponding to an amount of mica. This stably produces a seamless steel pipe of high quality, while preventing seizing marks and internal flaws.
US07861562B2
A vehicle mountable personal property securement device includes a plurality of walls that device a housing with an aperture. A real is operably disposed in the housing for spring-biased rotation. A cable is threaded through the aperture of the housing and includes a first end that is secured to the reel. The second end of the cable is disposed external the housing and is terminated by a head of dimension greater than a diameter of the aperture. A ratchet is disposed in operable configuration in cooperation with the reel to enable ratcheted rotation of the reel in a first direction during cable extraction and further operable at periodic intervals of rotation to enable reversal of wheel rotation.
US07861557B2
The improved plasma torch for making synthetic silica includes use of nitrogen screen gas from outer quartz tubing to provide active environment isolation. In addition, the present induction plasma torch includes a ring disk for more compact but complete environmental protection (360 degree coverage). It also includes offsetting and switching the position of the chemical injection nozzles for allowing improved deposition in both directions, when operated in a horizontal mode. Further, the present induction plasma torch maintains laminar flow for the injected chemicals and the middle quartz tube is provided with a concave section for increasing the average enthalpy of plasma jet, thus improving the efficiency of the plasma torch. In addition, it may utilize more plasma gas inlets. It also includes chemical injection nozzles having a downward angular inclination.
US07861549B2
A dewpoint cooler comprises: two medium circuits coupled mutually via a heat-conducting wall, through which circuits two media can flow, wherein the second medium contains gas, which wall has heat-conducting protrusions; wherein the wall and the protrusions are covered with a hydrophilic coating which can absorb an evaporable liquid and relinquish it again through evaporation such that the wetted coating, and thereby also the heath-conducting surfaces and the protrusions, are cooled; a wetting unit for subjecting the secondary medium to wetting by the evaporable liquid by evaporating liquid from the coating such that the evaporated liquid entrained by the secondary medium extracts heat from the primary medium via the heath-conducting wall. The coating consists of a porous technical ceramic material, such as a mineral wool.
US07861537B2
Improvements in the device and method of providing portable electrical, hydraulic and compressed air power to a variety of job site applications requiring the use of hand held industrial tools.
US07861524B2
A master cylinder of a brake is disclosed. The master cylinder includes a cylinder body connected with an oil tank and defining therein a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber, which are separated from each other by a partition, a first piston to perform reciprocating movements in the first pressure chamber, a second piston to perform reciprocating movements in the second pressure chamber, a first return spring to elastically support the first piston in the first pressure chamber, and a second return spring to elastically support the second piston in the second pressure chamber. The first piston has a plurality of recesses formed at one end thereof to assure smooth supply of oil during braking. The master cylinder has the effects of assuring smooth supply of brake oil during braking, and preventing fluctuation of a piston therein.
US07861518B2
An engine controller determines the cost of operating a combustion engine and the cost of operating an emissions after-treatment device. Accordingly, the engine controller adjusts parameters for operation of the engine and the after-treatment device to ensure cost-effective use of the engine and the after-treatment device while complying with exhaust emissions requirements. In particular, the engine controller receives the price of fuel consumed by the engine and the price of reductant used by the after-treatment device to determine the respective cost of operation. Specifically, the fuel is diesel fuel used in a diesel engine; the reductant is urea use in a urea-based Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system; and the regulated exhaust emissions is nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The engine operating parameters may include cooled exhaust gas recirculation airflow, fuel injection timing, fuel injection pressure, and air-to-fuel ratio. The SCR system operating parameters may include the volume of urea injected.
US07861516B2
An exhaust system for a vehicular lean-burn internal combustion engine includes a NOx reduction catalyst, a source reductant, means (20) for contacting the catalyst with the reductant, means for sensing the temperature of the exhaust gas and/or the catalyst bed and means, when in use, for controlling reductant addition. The reductant addition control means supplies an amount of reductant to the catalyst at a rate corresponding to a measured temperature value of the exhaust gas and/or catalyst bed, which temperature value has been pre-determined to correlate, in use, with an amount of NOx in the exhaust gas.
US07861514B2
During deterioration detection of a catalyst, exhaust gas of a lean air/fuel ratio and exhaust gas of a rich air/fuel ratio are alternately supplied to the catalyst, and decrease of the O2 storage function is detected by obtaining the oxygen occlusion amount in the catalyst, based upon the timing at which, after changeover of the air/fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalyst, the air/fuel ratio of the exhaust gas passed through the catalyst changes to track that air/fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the catalyst. At this time, the rich air/fuel ratio of the exhaust gas and the lean air/fuel ratio of the exhaust gas supplied to the catalyst are set closer to the stoichiometric air/fuel ratio, the larger is the exhaust flow amount.
US07861512B2
A cooling apparatus for cooling a fluid in a bypass gas turbine engine comprises a heat exchanger disposed within a bypass duct and accommodated by a sub-passage defined by a flow divider affixed to an annular wall of the bypass duct. The sub-passage defines an open upstream end and an open downstream end to direct a portion of the bypass air flow to pass therethrough.
US07861501B2
In one embodiment, an apparatus for applying a flexible, expandable sleeving over an elongated structure includes a first area for receiving the member and an elongated hollow conduit that receives the elongated structure within a hollow interior space thereof. The expandable sleeving is compressed and bunched and held in compression along an outer surface of the conduit. The apparatus also includes a second area that includes a pair of rollers that are disposed about one end of the conduit and are configured so that they contact the sleeving as it is paid out onto an outside of the elongated structure and prevent the compressed sleeving from suddenly releasing its stored energy and self-ejecting off of the conduit as the sleeving and bundle are mated and are moved away from the rollers.
US07861481B2
The invention relates to a connecting element (24) for a floor covering (20) consisting of a first part element (26) and a second part element (28), each having connecting openings (34) by which means they can be connected to one another by a connecting means (36). In the assembled state these form a connecting channel (38) in which a connector (40) can be disposed, which connector also has a connecting opening (34) for the connecting means (36), wherein the connector (40) projects laterally from the connecting element (24) in such a manner that it can be inserted into a connecting channel (38) of a neighbouring connecting element (24) and a connecting means (36) can likewise extend there through a second connecting opening (34) so that two connecting means (36) located adjacent to one another can be connected to one another by the connector (40), wherein the connecting means (36) has dimensions such that it does not protrude over a useful area (21) of the floor covering (20) (FIG. 5).
US07861479B2
A corner bracket for modular foam forms for poured concrete walls includes an outer, horizontal strap with generally vertical strips attached thereto or molded therewith for encapsulation in the outside and optionally the inside foam panels of such a form.
US07861477B2
A method for making a sound-insulating load-bearing floor, includes the following steps: providing a load-bearing floor; applying a sound-insulating material onto the load-bearing floor so as to form a substantially continuous coating layer; allowing the substantially continuous coating layer to dry; wherein the sound-insulating material includes: 40% by weight to 95% by weight, preferably 60% by weight to 90% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sound-insulating material, of at least one rubber in a subdivided form; 5% by weight to 60% by weight, preferably 10% by weight to 40% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the sound-insulating material, of at least one binding agent including at least one water-dispersible polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of −50° C. to +50° C., preferably of −40° C. to +10° C.
US07861475B2
A wall panel system includes a sliding wall panel assembly that includes a pivot lock for converting the wall panel assembly between a sliding configuration and a pivoting configuration. The pivot lock includes a first lock member that is configured to selectively prevent translation of the wall panel assembly along a track and a second lock member that is configured to selectively prevent pivoting of at least a portion of the wall panel assembly relative to the track.
US07861470B2
A J-runner, used in the construction of shaft walls in buildings is provided with a lifting element or ledge or both to permit simple centering of studs or shaft walls or both. By providing a lifting member in a lower J-runner, the studs or shaft walls or both can rest upon the lifting member to assist in vertically centering the studs or shaft walls or both when the shaft is fully constructed.
US07861468B1
A window well for use by a person to escape through a window formed in a basement wall including a generally U-shaped body member having upper and lower ends and inner and outer ends. The open upper end of the body member has a spacer and a removable lid mounted thereon. The body member is comprised of a composite material such as fiberglass.
US07861467B2
A baffle vent is formed to span several roof rafters in a panel form with alternating flat ribs and rounded valleys extending along the longitudinal length thereof. The spacing of the flat ribs is four inches on center so that the transverse width of the panel will be engaged properly with roof rafters spaced on a multiple of four inches. The baffle vent includes uniformly spaced transverse ribs that extend from one transverse edge of the panel to the other to stiffen the panel which is formed of vacuum molded polyvinyl chloride film. The baffle panel is placed on top of the roof rafters before the roof sheeting is applied so that the insulation will force the baffle vent against the roof where the flat ribs engage the roof sheeting and the rounded valleys provide a passage for air to flow from the building soffit to the roof vent.
US07861466B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a mounting apparatus that includes at least two ceiling mounts. Each of two scissor mounts may be coupled to the same or different dropped ceiling rail(s) using a corresponding scissor clip feature. The mounting apparatus further includes a mounting pipe that is coupled to each of the scissor mounts. The mounting pipe is thus suspended by the scissor mounts below the dropped ceiling, providing an unlimited number of potential mounting positions for lighting and/or lighting accessories.
US07861464B2
A vehicle window glass mounted in a vehicle component and movable to open and close a window is disclosed. The window glass may comprise a generally vertical first side edge; a generally vertical second side edge in opposed relation to the first side edge; and a bottom edge extending between the first side edge and the second side edge and including a first downward sloping portion extending from the first side edge in a downward sloping direction and a first drip notch recessed into the bottom edge along the first downward sloping portion, whereby water wicking along the first downward sloping portion of the bottom edge will drop from the window glass when the water makes contact with the first drip notch.
US07861460B1
An emergency window opening system includes a vehicle, a vehicle door attached to the vehicle and a window mounted in the vehicle door. A primary window motor is mechanically coupled to a lift gear mechanically coupled to the window to allow selective raising or lowering of the window. A housing is mounted within the vehicle door. A secondary motor is mounted within the housing. A drive shaft of the secondary motor is mechanically coupled to the lift gear. The secondary motor lowers the window when turned on. An actuator is mounted on the vehicle door and is electrically coupled by a wire to the secondary motor. The secondary motor is turned on when the actuator is actuated. A power supply line extends between and directly electrically couples a battery to the secondary motor. The power supply line extends into the housing.
US07861456B2
A fishing rig that reduces the likelihood of snags on submerged objects. The fishing rig includes a flexible rod and a retainer secured to the top of the rod. The retainer has a ring for fastening a fishing line to the rig. A float is secured to the rod adjacent the retainer. A sinker is secured to the bottom of the rod. A spreader is secured to the rod between the retainer and the float. The spreader has a pair of outstretched arms, each of which has an outer end with an aperture therein. Two flexible leaders have inside ends that are connected to the ring and have outside ends extending respectively through the apertures. A fishhook is fastened to the outside end of each one of the flexible leaders.
US07861445B2
The present invention pertains to a solar powered flower of dynamic simulation comprising a stem, a solar power supplier, a connecting base, a driving unit, a movable tray, and plurality of swinging members as well as petals. Wherein, the connecting base fixed on the top end of the stem and peripherally provided with multiple inlaying slots, in which the swinging member is pivoted. Each swinging member provides an upper arm to install a petal, and a lower arm to pivot the movable tray, on which contacts an output terminal of the driving unit for the movable tray to move up- and downward to motivate the vacillation of the swinging member as a seesaw. The petals then swing conforming to the swinging member to bloom and close achieving a dynamic simulation of the reality. When the ornamental states of the flower change according to the light variation in the daytime and at the night, the performance of the product is more close to Nature, which conduces to promote the ornamental function and market competitiveness thereof.
US07861425B2
A method and apparatus for aligning structures. In one advantageous embodiment, an apparatus comprises a tapered member and a plurality of segments. The tapered member has a first end and a second end, a diameter that increases from the first end to the second end, and the diameter has a first center. The each of the plurality of segments has an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the plurality of segments define a tapered channel capable of receiving the tapered member, wherein the outer surface has an outer diameter with a second center corresponding to the first center, and wherein movement of the plurality of segments to the second end increases the outer diameter with the second center remaining in around a same location.
US07861422B2
A skyline imaging system includes an image sensor and an inclination reference coupled to the image sensor. The inclination reference provides a righting moment for the image sensor and establishes a predetermined orientation for the image sensor relative to the Earth's gravity vector. A heading reference determines an azimuth heading for the image sensor.
US07861415B2
Lettuce can be commercially harvested by removing the bottom portion of a head of lettuce to obtain only the top portion of the head. After the top portion of the head is obtained, a center section of the top portion of the head is removed to leave a cup-shaped portion of the head. The bottom portion of the head is removed and the center section of the top portion is removed in the field in which the head is harvested.
US07861414B1
A cutting tool having a clamp mechanism, a holding device, and a cutting device disposed on one of the clamp mechanism and holding device is disclosed, whereby the clamp mechanism and the cutting device cooperate to cause a severing of a work piece by the cutting device.
US07861410B2
A method is provided for perforating a steel plate, forming a devolatilizer nozzle from the steel plate, and heat treating the devolatilizer nozzle. The devolatilizer nozzle may have a yield strength of at least about 110 ksi, and a tensile strength of at least about 140 ksi. The perforations in the steel plate are holes in the nozzle and may be no more than about 0.05 inches in diameter. The thickness of the steel plate may be from about 0 to about 0.75 inches. The nozzle may include at least about 500,000 perforations where the center-to-center hole distance may be at least about 0.08 inches. The capacity of the devolatilizer nozzle may be from about 0 to about 75,000 pounds per hour.
US07861402B2
A method is disclosed for producing a pole face of a metal closing elements of a solenoid, especially for electromechanical switchgear. In at least one embodiment, the method includes machining the surface of a crude stamped part of the closing element to give the pole face. A corresponding armature, yoke, solenoid and switchgear are also disclosed.
US07861398B1
A method for fabrication of a filter includes forming an input transformer pole in a first substrate by forming a first conductive via, forming an output transformer pole in the first substrate by forming a second conductive via, forming one or more filter poles in the first substrate between the input transformer pole and the output transformer pole by forming one or more conductive vias in the first substrate between the input transformer pole and the output transformer pole, fabricating one or more tuning elements on a second substrate, wherein the number of tuning elements corresponds to the number of filter poles between the input transformer pole and the output transformer pole, and bonding the second substrate to a top surface of the first substrate so that each tuning element on the second substrate is aligned with and overlays a filter pole on the first substrate.
US07861388B2
A piezoelectric actuator capable of being driven with a high electric field intensity, obtaining a larger displacement and being high in electric conducting reliability of electrodes, and comprising: at least one cell defined by two side walls, a substrate and a ceiling wall; the two side walls being disposed on the substrate and being covered with the ceiling wall to define one cell, at least the two side walls comprising piezoelectric/electrostrictive devices, and the piezoelectric/electrostrictive devices being capable of changing a volume of the cell by displacement of the walls. Each of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive devices comprises a plurality of layered piezoelectric/electrostrictive bodies and electrodes which are alternately stacked, and end portions of the electrodes are embedded in the piezoelectric/electrostrictive bodies in at least the internal side of the cell.
US07861387B2
A method for manufacturing a piezoelectric resonator element from a substrate made of piezoelectric material is provided. The method includes forming a first dry etching mask in a first masking region of a first surface of the substrate in a first mask forming process and performing a first dry etching process to remove a portion of the substrate in areas between the first dry etching mask after the first mask forming process. The method further includes maintaining a first un-etched portion of the substrate between the first dry etching mask after the first dry etching process and removing the first dry etching mask in a mask removing process after the first dry etching process. A wet etching process is performed to remove the first un-etched portion of the substrate after the mask removing process, thereby forming the piezoelectric resonator element.
US07861383B2
A clasp for connecting a pair of bands has a support member connected to one of the bands and a movable member connected to the other of the bands. A plurality of engaging parts that engage the movable member are disposed to the support member along the length of the band, and the movable member can be moved from one engaging part to another engaging part only when the movable member is inclined to the support member. The length can therefore be adjusted with a simple, easily understood operation using a simple and compact arrangement.
US07861380B2
The replaceable elastic hand grip for framed mobility devices such as walkers that have a substantially elliptical gripping portion with at least one hole, the replaceable hand grip includes a substantially elliptical hand grip cover which includes an opening to form a C-shape cross section for securely installing the grip over the gripping portion of the frame of the mobility device. The hand grip further includes a mechanical means, such as a normally mounted pin on the inner surface of the grip cover that mates with the hole of the gripping portion of the mobility device so that the hand grip is prevented from slipping. The elastic and non-absorbent hand grip provides a replaceable, sanitary, stable grasping point for the user of the framed mobility device.
US07861370B2
A caster includes a casing having a shank and a locking unit is located at a lower end of the shank. Two wheels are connected to two sides of the casing by a shaft and an inner gear is connected to each of the two wheels. A direction unit is located in the casing and includes a first lever and an opening, the first lever connects the direction unit to the locking unit. A brake unit is located in the casing and includes a second lever. The second lever connects the brake unit to the locking unit and the inner gears. The second lever is engaged with the opening of the first lever and shares a common pivot with the first lever so as to respectively brake the caster and control direction of the caster.
US07861365B2
A robotic vacuum cleaner is disclosed in the present invention, which comprises a controller, at least a driving wheel module, and a dust-collecting module. The controller is disposed on a housing plate. The driving wheel module, electrically connecting to the controller, further includes: a driver; a wheel connecting to the output shaft of the driver; a linkage rod, having two ends pivotally fixed on the housing plate and the driver respectively; and a resilience element, having two ends pivotally connected to the housing plate and the driver respectively. The dust-collecting module, disposed on the housing plate, is capable of vacuuming for filtering and collecting dust.
US07861355B2
A retractable eraser has an elongated contoured housing which has a longitudinal slot and spaced detents and an opening at one end. A carrier has a button which is depressible so that a catch clears the detents to permit selective longitudinal displacement of the carrier. An oval shaped eraser element is mounted to the carrier and displaced into and out of the housing so as, in one position, to project beyond the housing. Bristles project longitudinally from the housing around the opening.
US07861354B1
A multipurpose gardening tool that comprises a broom assembly, a housing assembly for disposable bags, a spike assembly, a rake assembly, and a dustpan assembly. The multipurpose gardening tool can be readily assembled and disassembled into different configurations or can be combined to form one single tool. The multipurpose gardening tool can be utilized in commercial or residential settings for gardening and landscaping, whereby each can detach from each other to utilize each of the above defined in a manner that corresponds with the work to be accomplished.
US07861348B2
An electric toothbrush is provided. The electric toothbrush has a handle, a head with carriers and a longitudinal axis, and a neck disposed between the handle and the head. A motor is disposed within the handle. A shaft is operatively connected to the motor. The shaft is operatively connected to the carrier to move the carrier in a first motion. The carrier is capable of moving in a second motion when subjected to user forces.
US07861347B2
A vehicle for removing an accumulation of particles comprises a vehicle body, a system configured to remove the particles in bulk, and an arm coupled to and extending from the vehicle body. The arm comprises a first sweeping element and a second sweeping element. Each sweeping element includes a shaft member rotatable about a longitudinal axis, and a set of bristles projecting away from the axis along the shaft member. The first and second longitudinal axes are a distance apart, and the sweeping elements define a concerted sweeping area. The arm may be movably coupled to the vehicle body and may be configured to move the sweeping element around the vehicle body by rotating the arm about a horizontal axis. When a sweeping element rotates in proximity to the ground, the longitudinal axis is substantially vertical. The vehicle may further include a computer system for tracking the location of an object.
US07861335B2
The present invention provides an air bearing pallet comprising a network of tethers oriented and connected between the upper and bottom sheets of a plenum chamber, which cause a system of indentations to become formed in the bottom sheet when the plenum chamber is inflated. Perforations in the bottom sheet enable air to escape thereby generating an air film below the chamber within the predefined system of indentations. The size, shape, depth, bottom surface tension/stiffness, airflow through, quantity and location of the indentations can be varied in order to optimize lifting performance and efficiency and reduce system level losses over irregularities and gaps in the support surface.
US07861330B2
A toilet tank lever assembly may be mounted in various toilet tanks by selective positioning of a long lever arm relative a short lever arm. One such lever assembly includes a long lever arm which may be mounted at an infinite degree of adjustment relative a short lever arm as provided by a ball and socket interface between the lever arms. The ability to reverse the short lever arm essentially doubles the number of mounting possibilities. By selecting between a front insert and a side insert, a handle is readily positioned for either front or side tank mounting. Various handles may also be readily attached to the lever post to provide various aesthetic appearances.
US07861326B2
A device is provided to protect the neck and the base of the skull of a person engaged in sports or other physical activities. The device comprises a first impact-resistant pliable substrate for protecting the back of the person's head, a second cushioning substrate lining the first substrate. The device encircles a substantial portion of the person's neck; with straps or other fastener devices provided to facilitate closure and anchoring of the device around the person's neck. While the device is typically worn with a helmet and attached thereto, the device also may be used alone, or in combination with a soft-style cap.
US07861319B2
The present invention relates to a garment with enhanced knee support.
US07865965B2
Techniques for optimizing distributed anti-virus (AV) scanning are described. In one implementation, a message is received into a multi-node network that includes a plurality of distributed scanning tools. An acceptable scanning policy threshold is determined that is representative of a plurality of individual scanning policy configurations of the plurality of scanning tools. A determination is made whether the message has previously been scanned to the acceptable scanning policy threshold based on a single valued element. If the message has been previously scanned, the message is allowed to be communicated. Otherwise, the message is scanned at the acceptable scanning policy threshold. If the scanning is successful, then the message is marked as having been scanned, and is allowed to be communicated. If the scanning is unsuccessful, the message is prevented from being communicated.
US07865961B2
In a program execution method in which a program to be executed is stored in a central unit and a terminal unit acquires the program from the central unit and executes the program, when the central unit receives an acquisition request from the terminal unit, it creates a load module different from the program, which produces the same computation results and differs in the location where essential information is to be embedded, and transmits the load module to the terminal unit together with the essential information necessary for executing the program. The terminal unit receives the program, stores the program on a memory, and executes the program based on the embedded essential information. This method makes it difficult for malicious third parties to illegally execute the program by reverse analysis, and enhances the security of the load module to be executed.
US07865955B2
An apparatus and method for extracting signature candidates and optimizing a corresponding signature are provided. The apparatus includes a packet separator, a header parser, a traffic information generator, a substring extractor, and a signature candidate extractor. The packet separator separates a packet into a header and a payload. The header information parser parses the header information, and the traffic information generator generates traffic information. The substring extractor measures a frequency of appearing of a substring with a predetermined length in the separated payload for a constant observation period, and extracts a substring having a frequency higher than a predetermined setup value by updating the measured frequency information to a substring frequency table. The signature candidate extractor generates a signature by collecting the extracted substring information and the generated traffic information, updates a signature frequency table, and extracts a signature candidate with reference to information of the signature frequency table.
US07865953B1
An arrangement for performing active malicious web page discovery is provided. The arrangement includes a web monitor module, which is configured to monitor a plurality of potential suspicious unified resource locators (URLs). The arrangement also includes a crawler module, which is configured to download the plurality of potential suspicious URLs. The arrangement further includes a malicious page identifier (MPI), which is configured to verify a set of risk statuses for the plurality of potential suspicious URLs.
US07865952B1
Systems and methods are provided for pre-emptively isolating vulnerabilities, or potential vulnerabilities in a network. In one embodiment, application data corresponding to a plurality of software applications hosted by respective network devices is stored in a network database. Based on the application data, a set of applications is determined that correspond to a software update. The set of applications are then blocked such that they cannot be executed until the software update is applied or until it is determined that they do not include a vulnerability targeted by the software update. In some embodiments, applications are blocked when a vulnerability becomes known, even if a fix for the vulnerability is not yet known. In one embodiment, new devices attempting to connect to the network are restricted until known vulnerabilities are resolved.
US07865948B1
A method and apparatus for restricting the execution of security sensitive instructions. A first security identification (ID) is associated with each of a plurality of instructions or a set of instructions that are to be executed by a processor. Software code running on the processor requests to execute at least one of the plurality of instructions or set of instructions. The processor obtains a second security ID associated with the software code running thereon and compares the second security ID with the first security ID. The processor executes the requested instruction or set of instructions providing that the second security ID matches the first security ID.
US07865941B2
A system for controlling an authorization procedure of a task according to a preferred embodiment is provided. The system includes: a database server for storing data about a task to be authorized; and an application server for obtaining basic information of the task to be authorized, configuring an authorization procedure for the task, designating an authorizer for each step of the authorization procedure, and controlling the whole authorization procedure.
US07865939B2
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for secure data exchange between an external network and an internal network (1 and 2) via a transaction interface (3), in which an external user can undertake predetermined data transactions within the internal network (2). An interface server (7) and interface memory (11) may be coupled between an external network and an internal network. The present invention discloses security techniquest that may be used, including encryption, request processing, and checking. In one embodiment, a first firewall is coupled between the external network and the interface server and a second firewall is coupled between the interface server and the internal network.
US07865935B2
When an electronic apparatus is forcibly put into an inoperable state by theft, the inoperable state is canceled using a code from a dealer, without carrying the electronic apparatus into the dealer. After electric power is supplied again, a CD reproduction apparatus is used to playback a CD, and TOC information is used as a code C1. When code C1 is identical to an authorized code A21, the electronic apparatus is made operable. To cancel the inoperable state after the number of inconsistencies becomes 10 or more, a code A22 is notified to the dealer. The dealer carries out a calculation using the code A22, and a result B2 of the calculation is notified to the user. An individual code calculating means carries out the same calculation as the above-mentioned calculation and obtains calculation result B3. When calculation result B2 coincides with calculation result B3, the inoperable state is canceled.
US07865933B2
An authentication agent apparatus that authenticates a user who uses an image processing apparatus has an agent portion. The agent portion intermediates an authentication process between an image processing apparatus and a corresponding authentication portion among multiple authentication portions having different protocols, when a request for the authentication process is received.
US07865932B2
A network system of a projector is provided in which a network connection is established between a plurality of information terminal apparatus and the projector, and an image data file owned by an information terminal apparatus can be commonly used. A network system of a projector is arranged by an information terminal apparatus and a projector connectable to the information terminal apparatus via a network. The information terminal apparatus is arranged by a personal computer which supplies image data to the projector, and personal computers which are connected to this personal computer by a wireless manner. When the network connection is established between the personal computer and the projector, and when the network connection between the personal computer and the personal computers is established, the image data is commonly used among these personal computers.
US07865924B2
Providing input and output for a mobile device may be provided. At a mobile device, input may be received from at least one of a plurality of remote input devices. The plurality of remote input devices may be remote from the mobile device. The mobile device may have at least one local input device. The at least one of the plurality of remote input devices may have a greater form factor than the local input device. Next, the received input may be processed. The mobile device may transmit the output to at least one of the plurality of remote output devices. The plurality of remote output devices may be remote from the mobile device. The mobile device may have at least one local output device. The at least one of the plurality of remote output devices may have a greater form factor than the local output device.
US07865921B2
An apparatus for recording/reproducing a digital broadcast and method thereof are disclosed, by which a user is provided with record information for the corresponding program and by which a data structure enabling an implicative representation of a recorded broadcast stream is proposed. The present invention includes a storage unit having at least one storage medium storing a broadcast program, the storage unit generating a record information file including at least one sub-record information having a display level assigned thereto by a broadcast program unit, the storage unit storing the generated record information file in the corresponding storage medium and a control unit reading the sub-record information to which the display level meeting an inputted display mode is assigned from the corresponding record information file if a display mode condition is inputted together with a record information browsing command, the control unit displaying the read sub-record information.
US07865918B2
There is provided a content distribution system configured by a distribution apparatus for storing content data, a display apparatus for displaying content data distributed from the distribution apparatus in accordance with a predetermined display schedule, and a user terminal for acquiring the content data displayed on the display apparatus from the distribution apparatus. The user terminal receives data of a display schedule from the display apparatus, and requests the distribution apparatus to send data of content identified from the display schedule.
US07865893B1
A computer system includes a Hypervisor having the highest privilege level; a Primary Virtual Machine Monitor (VMM) running with the same or fewer privileges than the Hypervisor; and a Primary Virtual Machine (PVM) without system level privileges and having a Primary operating system (POS) running within it. The POS can be the same operating system that ran on the computer system prior to activation of the Hypervisor. The POS can have hardware drivers used by other components for accessing hardware through the POS. The Hypervisor can have hardware drivers used by other components for accessing hardware through the Hypervisor. Alternatively, the POS can have some hardware drivers used by other components for accessing hardware, and the Hypervisor can have other hardware drivers used by the other components for accessing other hardware through the Hypervisor. The POS can have direct access to at least some real hardware devices.
US07865887B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide improved event handling between systems. In one embodiment, the present invention includes software event handling method comprising receiving a first event from a first source system in a plurality of source systems, the first event including event information, accessing context information corresponding to the first event, generating a second event based on at least a portion of the event information and context information using one or more rules, assigning a priority to the second event, and sending the second event to a first target system in a plurality of target systems.
US07865884B1
A method, computer program and device for the translation of typed data objects in a heterogeneous computational environment is described. The operating system (or installed shared code libraries) translates typed data objects from a first format (e.g., big-endian) to a second format (e.g., little-endian) if the application sending the object and the application receiving the object utilize different formats. By placing data object format translation capabilities into the operating system, the software development effort required to permit an application (e.g., a user-level application) to execute in a heterogeneous environment is significantly reduced.
US07865883B1
A debugger for aiding in the debugging of multi-threaded program, in response to an event such as, for example, a breakpoint in a thread which has caused an operating system to stop execution of all threads, identifies the thread which contained the breakpoint. After identifying the thread which contained the breakpoint, the debugger enables the operating system to resume execution of the other threads, that is, the threads which did not contain the breakpoint. By allowing the other threads, that is, the threads which did not contain the breakpoint, to continue execution, the debugger's impact on program execution is substantially reduced, particularly for programs which contain a large number of threads.
US07865880B2
A method for testing a provider in a common information model. The method generally includes the steps of (A) generating a test case class of the common information model, the test case class residing in a class hierarchy of an object-oriented model, (B) generating a client test case class of the common information model below the test case class in the class hierarchy, the client test case class defining control of at least one logical configuration for the provider and (C) generating an instance tester class of the common information model below the client test case class in the class hierarchy, the instance tester class defining at least one verification module for testing the provider.
US07865878B2
A method and apparatus for enabling an application to run from a detachable device attached to a host computer, the method comprising eliminating the usage of the registry of the computer, and using relative file paths. These modifications enable organization applications, and particularly database applications to be installed and run from a smart drive.
US07865877B2
A software configuration management method and apparatus provide a respective workspace for each developer. Each workspace (i) defines a subject software configuration as being developed by the respective developer, and (ii) has a respective file area holding shared files and private files corresponding to the subject software configuration. A team repository holds immutable versions of shared files resulting from developers' respective workspaces and checked into the team repository. The team repository also provides state of checked-in files of developer workspaces. Files are referenced with respect to both namespace of file areas of developer workspaces and namespace of the team repository. Employed in each file area are universally unique identifiers of at least each file of the file area which has been checked in to the team repository.
US07865870B2
The invention is directed to a method which derives from metadata definitions the allowable values for a method argument, where the allowable values are a subset or a restricted set of values from a defined range of values for that type of method argument. The subset of allowable values is then converted into a fragment of source code that can be used to initialize the argument variable with one of the allowable values when the method is invoked. The fragment of source code is inserted into the source code for that method argument using an editor tool. A system for implementing the method may comprise an integrated development environment (IDE) program.
US07865868B2
An object model is provided that allows .NET developers to customize the Office Ribbon user interface according to a .NET Ribbon model rather than the Ribbon XML/callback model of Office applications. The .NET Ribbon model implements the IRibbonExtensibility interface and provides properties and events for Ribbon components. At runtime, the .NET Ribbon model generates and provides an Office application or document with the XML needed to render the custom Ribbon user interface. A visual designer tool uses the .NET Ribbon model to provide .NET developers with a component view architecture that allows developers to set component properties and generate events.
US07865867B2
A criteria-based system and method is provided for performing workload management. Unlike conventional systems, the invention provides a system and method that includes a core workload management entity for performing workload management for multiple process lines. Each process line is defined based on the criteria for a workload, such as a product line or service based task. The method may include providing initial information related to components supply, then developing workflow processes and workflow exit criteria algorithms for individual workflow steps. The exit criteria may produce a common thread among multiple product lines, allowing the process to extend to create a diverse master workflow system to manage and monitor the workflow of an organization. The system and method are adaptable to product supply chain workflow management, project management, service provision management, and any other scenario where some level of concurrent management of multiple workflows is desired.
US07865862B2
A design structure embodied in a machine readable medium used in a design process includes an apparatus for dynamically selecting compiled instructions for execution, the apparatus including an input for receiving static instructions for execution on a first execution unit and receiving dynamic instructions for execution on a second execution unit; and an instruction selection element adapted to evaluate throughput performance of the static instructions and dynamic instructions based on current states of the execution units and select the static instructions or the dynamic instructions for execution at runtime on the first execution unit or the second execution unit, respectively, based on the throughput performance of the instructions.
US07865860B2
A layout design device according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention is a layout design device for designing layout of an integrated circuit, including a routing section for adjacently wiring a signal line having a high activity rate and a signal line having a low activity rate based on an activity rate of the signal line of each circuit element.
US07865847B2
A system and corresponding method for creating an adaptive computing engine (ACE) includes algorithmic elements, ACE building blocks, and creates a design for heterogeneous nodes to provide appropriate hardware circuit functions that implement the algorithmic elements. Creating the design includes selecting an initial set of the ACE building blocks. The system and corresponding method also optimizes the design by selecting a different set of the ACE building blocks that meets predetermined performance standards for the efficiency of the ACE when performance of the ACE is simulated. The ACE building block preferably belong to one of a plurality of building block types. Preferably, the system and method includes a profiler for providing code to simulate a hardware design that implements the algorithmic elements, for identifying hotspots in the code, and for creating the design based thereon.
US07865842B2
The invention disclosed is a computer program for displaying one or more entries from a buddy list. The computer program receives a partial input in a text entry field and displays a result set in a result field, wherein the result set comprises entries from the buddy list having data that matches the partial input.
US07865837B1
A software application displays user interfaces for functionality of the software application. A user interface element is displayed on a user interface for the software application. A configuration screen for user configuration of the software application is displayed in response to a user command indicating selection of said user interface element. The configuration screen includes content corresponding to a state of the software application when the user command is received. The configuration screen may include content based on entered data in the user interface or on a data entry point of the user at the time of selecting the user interface element. The user interface element is displayed in a location on a plurality of user interface screens that is substantially identical for each screen. The configuration screen may include user preferences.
US07865835B2
A computer-based graphical user interface for graphically controlling processing of hydrological data, comprising a display menu interface listing executable tools from the group comprising one or more of: hydrological data input, hydrological data validity checking and correction, and hydrological modeling, a GUI for selecting and arranging tools from the display menu in a graphical display area to construct a hydrological process, the selected tools each being represented by icons on the graphical display, and for establishing a connection between at least one output of a first tool and an input of a second tool said tools by graphically displaying the connection between said tools representative icon and input means for receiving user input to arrange and execute said constructed hydrological data processing process.
US07865834B1
A videoconferencing application includes a user interface that provides multiple participant panels, each of which is displayed with perspective with the panels appearing to be angled with respect to the user interface window. The participant panels display live video streams from remote participants. A two-way layout provides two participant panels for two remote participants, each of which is angled inwardly towards a center position. A three-way layout provides three participant panels for three remote participants, with a left, center and right panel, with the left and right panels angled inwardly towards a center position.
US07865831B2
A self-powered video display device provides an automated point of purchase advertising display that includes a readily programmable and re-programmable operating system. The display device is updated through the connection of a memory card or handheld computer and the transfer of video and other files over the connection.
US07865828B1
A system, method and computer program product are provided for updating help content. Initially, information relating to issues associated with software is gathered from a plurality of users. Such software includes a first set of help content. Next, an additional set of help content is gathered based on the information. Further, the additional set of help content is distributed to the users based on an update schedule, utilizing a network. Thus, the additional set of help content is capable of being integrated with the first set of help content and presented to the user via a single interface, utilizing the software.
US07865824B1
A system receives a term from a device, where the term is input into the device via an input device. The system changes a spelling of the term based on a geometry of the input device.
US07865823B2
In one embodiment, the invention may include receiving an XML schema and document with first, second, third, and fourth nodes. The second and third nodes may descend from the first node. The fourth node may descend from the second node. The third and fourth nodes may be simultaneously validated.
US07865805B1
A method for detecting and correcting bit errors. The method includes the steps of receiving original data, partitioning the memory storage into a first portion and a second portion, storing the original data in the first portion of the memory buffer, modifying the original data into modified data, storing the modified data in the second portion of the memory buffer, comparing the original data with the modified data, combining the original data and the modified data to create a final data stream, and outputting the final data stream. The method may further include the step of calculating and storing parity data.
US07865803B2
A method for processing noise interference in a serial AT Attachment (SATA) interface. In the method, when a receiver does not receive a SOF primitive (start of frame primitive) but does receive an EOF primitive (end of frame primitive) or WTRM primitive (wait for frame termination primitive), the receiver outputs a R_OK primitive (reception with no error primitive) and sets a error flag to report to the application layer of the receiver to eliminate the interference.
US07865782B2
An input/output (I/O) device fault processing method for executing, without contradiction, fault recovery processing of a physical I/O device which is commonly used or shared by a plurality of virtual computers in such a way that no influence is exerted on a virtual computer which does not presently use the shared I/O device is disclosed. A hypervisor performs fault monitoring of the physical I/O device. Upon occurrence of an operation failure, this failure is detected and notified to a virtual management computer. In responding to receipt of the notice, the virtual management computer performs the fault recovery processing of the physical I/O device.
US07865769B2
Embodiments of the invention relate to methods and systems for error detection and recovery from errors during pipelined execution of data. A cascaded, delayed execution pipeline may be implemented to maintain a precise machine state. In some embodiments, a delay of one or more clock cycles may be inserted prior to a write back stage of each pipeline to facilitate error detection and recovery. Because a precise machine state is maintained error detection and recovery mechanisms may be built directly into register files of the system. If an error is detected execution of the instruction associated with the error and all subsequent instructions may be restarted.
US07865762B2
A virtual machine monitor (VMM) in a data processing system handles errors involving virtual machines (VMs) in the processing system. For instance, an error manager in the VMM may detect an uncorrectable error in involving a component associated with a first VM in the processing system. In response to detection of that error, the error manager may terminate the first VM, while allowing a second VM in the processing system to continue operating. In one embodiment, the error manager automatically determines which VM is affected by the uncorrectable error, in response to detecting the uncorrectable error. The error manager may also automatically spawn a new VM to replace the first VM, if the processing system has sufficient resources to support the new VM. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07865753B2
Embodiments of the invention are generally directed to systems, methods, and apparatuses for a resource power controller. In some embodiments, an integrated circuit includes a resource power controller to control whether a resource is in an up state or a down state. In some embodiments, the resource power controller heuristically estimates when to return the resource to an up state based, at least in part, on an estimate of a gap size.
US07865752B2
A method, apparatus, and program product for reducing unwanted host wake-up messages. A host computer finds a port in use by a host application, selects program information based on the port in use by the application, and sends the program information to a port filter. The port filter receives a packet that contains a port identifier. The port-filter uses the program information to decide whether there is a host application associated with the port identifier and sends a wake-up message to the host computer only when there is an associated host application.
US07865741B1
A system and method securely replicates a configuration database of a security appliance. Keys stored on an original configuration database of an original security appliance are organized as a novel key hierarchy. A replica or clone of the original security appliance may be constructed in accordance with a cloning technique of the invention. Construction of the cloned security appliance illustratively involves sharing of data between the appliances, as well as substantially replicating the key hierarchy on a cloned configuration database of the cloned appliance.
US07865734B2
A system and method to control the writing on electronic paper (e-paper). An e-paper device may incorporate authentication indicia as part of informational data written on e-paper material. The informational data is protected by a security methodology that is accessible to authorized entities. A reader device may be used to help make a verification determination of whether encrypted or encoded data has been altered. In some instances an output alert operably coupled to the reader device serves as a verification status indicator.
US07865733B2
The instruction code including an instruction code stored in the area where the encrypted instruction code is stored in a non-rewritable format is authenticated using a specific key which is specific to the core where the instruction code is executed or an authenticated key by a specific key to perform an encryption processing for the input and output data between the core and the outside.
US07865728B2
Cryptographic methods and systems are disclosed. The cryptographic methods provide transparent encryption and decryption of documents in an electronic document management system. The cryptographic system adds a software module to an electronic document management system which traps file I/O events and performs cryptographic functions on the relevant documents before passing control back to the electronic document management system.
US07865727B2
An extensible authentication framework is used in cable networks such as Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) cable networks. The authentication scheme allows for centralized authentication of cable modems, as well as authentication of the cable network by cable modems. Additionally, the authentication scheme allows a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) to authenticate devices downstream from cable modems, such as Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) devices.
US07865723B2
Method and apparatus providing program information to client devices for at least one multicast stream of digital content is described. In one embodiment, session description messages for the at least one multicast stream of digital content are generated. Each of the session description messages includes at least one content access parameter. The at least one content access parameter may include digital rights management (DRM) data, channel key identification data associated with the at least one channel of the at least one multicast stream of digital content, and/or data indicative of whether each session description message is associated with a channel, a program, or a program segment. Each of the session description messages is signed using a cryptographic key. The session description messages are then multicasted to the client devices using a predefined multicast address.
US07865703B2
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for executing instructions. A determination is made as to whether a processor executing a plurality of instructions is in an instrumentation mode. The processor has a normal set of resources and an alternate set of resources in which the alternate set of resources is associated with the instrumentation mode. When a determination is made that the processor is in the instrumentation mode, the processor executes instrumentation instructions in the plurality of instructions using the alternate set of resources and executes all other instructions in the plurality of instructions using the normal set of resources.
US07865682B2
Even when a host does not give a write time to write data, consistency can be kept among data stored in secondary storage systems. The present system has plural primary storage systems each having a source volume and plural secondary storage systems each having a target volume. Once data is received from a host, each of the plural storage systems creates write-data management information having sequential numbers and reference information and sends, to one of the primary storage systems, the data, sequential number and reference information. Each of the secondary storage systems records reference information corresponding to the largest sequential number among serial sequential numbers and stores, in a target volume in an order of sequential numbers, data corresponding to reference information having a value smaller than the reference information based on the smallest value reference information among reference information recorded in each of the plural secondary storage systems.
US07865672B2
An electronic system has a first electronic unit for carrying out a first predetermined operation and a second electronic unit for carrying out a second predetermined operation. The first and second electronic units are electrically communicable with each other. In the system, the first electronic unit stores control data. The second control unit requires the control data for carrying out the second predetermined operation. The second electronic unit sends to the first electronic unit a request to send the control data when the second electronic unit is reset.
US07865671B2
The design of nonblocking linked data structures using single-location synchronization primitives such as compare-and-swap (CAS) is a complex affair that often requires severe restrictions on the way pointers are used. One way to address this problem is to provide stronger synchronization operations, for example, ones that atomically modify one memory location while simultaneously verifying the contents of others. We provide a simple and highly efficient nonblocking implementation of such an operation: an atomic k-word-compare single-swap operation (KCSS). Our implementation is obstruction-free. As a result, it is highly efficient in the uncontended case and relies on contention management mechanisms in the contended cases. It allows linked data structure manipulation without the complexity and restrictions of other solutions. Additionally, as a building block of some implementations of our techniques, we have developed the first nonblocking software implementation of load-linked/store-conditional that does not severely restrict word size.
US07865658B2
A method and system for balancing host write operations and cache flushing is disclosed. The method may include steps of determining an available capacity in a cache storage portion of a self-caching storage device, determining a ratio of cache flushing steps to host write commands if the available capacity is below a desired threshold and interleaving cache flushing steps with host write commands to achieve the ratio. The cache flushing steps may be executed by maintaining a storage device busy status after executing a host write command and utilizing this additional time to copy a portion of the data from the cache storage into the main storage. The system may include a cache storage, a main storage and a controller configured to determine and execute a ratio of cache flushing steps to host write commands by executing cache flushing steps while maintaining a busy status after a host write command.
US07865656B2
A storage controller that can control memory addresses even when a memory module having a different device configuration than an already mounted memory module is added as an expansion module. More specifically, a storage controller for controlling a storage unit that can be constructed using a plurality of memory modules is configured so as to include: a register which stores memory module configuration information for a basic memory module and an expansion memory module independently of each other; and an address conversion unit which, based on the memory module configuration information stored in the register, generates an address that can access the storage unit even when the memory address space of the expansion memory module is different from the memory address space of the basic memory module.
US07865654B2
A computer system includes compute nodes coupled through a switch to shared or non-shared I/O devices. The switch includes a pool of bridge headers and virtual bridges coupling a root port of a compute node to each of one or more shared or non-shared I/O devices. The switch is configured to associate each of the virtual bridges with a respective one of the fixed pool of bridge headers, receive a packet including data identifying the root port and a shared or non-shared I/O device, and route the packet in response to comparing data in the packet to data in the bridge headers associated with the virtual bridges. The virtual bridges comprise a hierarchy of virtual bridges in which one virtual bridge connects the root port to the remaining virtual bridges of the hierarchy. The switch may change the associations between virtual bridges and bridge headers.
US07865652B2
An embodiment of the present invention includes a communication system configured to conform to SATA and/or SAS standards and causing communication between one or more hosts and a SATA device. A multi-port bridge device is in communication with the one or more hosts through at least one link, the bridge device includes a power control block operative to control power to a SATA device through a power connection, wherein the power control block causes power to be provided to the SATA device even when the at least one link is operational.
US07865651B2
A multi-protocol serial interface system comprises a multi-protocol port pin array, a transport protocol change FPGA, a pull-up change FPGA and a memory. The multi-protocol port pin array comprises a plurality of port pins which interface with an external system for exchanging data with the external system. The transport protocol change FPGA determines roles of port pins of the multi-protocol port pin array depending on a variably changed protocol by selecting one of the plurality of programmed transport protocol circuits in response to code data. The pull-up change FPGA regulates pull-up load of the port pins corresponding to the roles of the port pins determined in the transport protocol change FPGA. The memory stores data processed in the transport protocol change FPGA unit and exchanged with the external system.
US07865649B2
The invention relates to a module for reproducing a transmitter signal (xactE). A control device (1) is coupled to a driving device (4a) for controlling a machine while being coupled to the module (5, 5′) via a data bus (7) for exchanging data. A reproduced transmitter signal (xactEn) is determined from a reference value (xdes) that is predefined by the control device with the aid of the module (5, 5′). The module (5, 5′) is logically coupled to the control device (1) via the data bus (7) in such a way that the module (5, 5′) is projected in the same way as the driving device (4a) from the perspective of the control device (1). The inventive module (5, 5′) for reproducing a transmitter signal (xactE) thus makes it possible to project, start, and adjust the dynamics of the machine in a simple manner.
US07865645B2
A bus arbiter includes an arbitration stop determining unit and a transaction arbitrating unit. The arbitration stop determining unit generates an arbitration stop signal based upon transaction grouping request signals which indicate whether successive transactions are requested. The transaction arbitrating unit selectively performs an arbitration operation based upon the arbitration stop signal.
US07865635B2
A buffer device that transfers data and is shared by a plurality of CPU cores arranged in a symmetrically inverted manner about a predetermined reference line, each CPU core breaking up a data block into a plurality of data lines and outputting the data lines via a plurality of ports, includes a plurality of line buffers that correspond to the data lines and are connected to the ports in the CPU cores, wherein the line buffers are paired into line buffer groups, and the line buffers in each buffer group are arranged symmetrically about the reference line.
US07865632B2
A memory allocation method for a direct memory access controller (DMAC) in a limited-memory-size computer system includes the steps of allocating a memory space having continuous memory addresses to form a buffer of the DMAC; dividing the memory space successively into a plurality of first memory blocks and a second memory block, wherein the size of the second memory block is equal to a maximum frame size possibly accessed by the DMAC; and assigning the plurality of first memory blocks and the second memory block to a plurality of descriptors in order, wherein each of the plurality of descriptors is utilized for recording a memory address of a corresponding memory block as a pointers for the corresponding memory block.
US07865625B2
An apparatus for a node of a peer-to-peer network having a plurality of nodes comprises one or more I/O adapters; a cache component; one or more inter-node routing components; a memory mapping component for presenting to the I/O adapters a single address space mapped across a plurality of memory elements each associated with the cache component; and a direct memory access component for performing a memory operation on the memory elements via the memory mapping component on behalf of the I/O adapters.
US07865613B2
Method and apparatus for integrating distributed shared services system which integrates web based applications with each other and with other centralized application to provide a single sign-on approach for authentication and authorization services for distributed web sites requiring no access time back to the authentication/authorization server is provided.
US07865611B2
A content delivery method and apparatus that can achieve stable streaming in a system that performs data exchange efficiently by dividing content into blocks and distributing them among a plurality of nodes. A receiving node transmits the playback start time of each block as delivery reservation request information to a corresponding one of delivery nodes. The corresponding delivery node receives the delivery reservation request information from the receiving node, determines delivery start time and delivery end time based at least on the delivery reservation request information and on reservation status and network bandwidth information, and transmits the delivery start time and delivery end time as delivery reservation result information to the receiving node. The receiving node receives the delivery reservation result information from the corresponding delivery node, and receives the block by requesting, in accordance with the delivery reservation result information, delivery of the block from the corresponding delivery node.
US07865602B2
The invention provides a system, method, and network elements for providing a service, preferably an advice of charge, AoC, service requested by a user equipment at a session set-up or during a session. An application server provides information for the requested service to the user equipment. In an embodiment, authorization information and the information for the requested service may be sent to the user equipment. Depending on an input by the user or other type of confirmation such as expiration of a timer, the user equipment may initiate continuation of the session, for example by generating an authorization response based on the received authorization information, and sending the generated authorization response to the application server for verification.
US07865598B2
Methods and systems for allocating resources, such as computer controlled resources, in a networked system are described. In an example embodiment, a plurality of requests to select one or more resources are received from distributed computer systems over a network at a receiving computer system. The receiving computer system allocates resource selection time windows to at least a portion of the requests based on one or more allocation criteria, and transmits information regarding the allocated resource selection time windows to corresponding requesting computer systems. A load balancer balances request loads among a plurality of servers. A web proxy processor is configured to selectively block or route an inbound user browser request. A cache cluster system is configured to cache data and states for access by other system components.
US07865597B2
The present invention discloses a novel method to implement a Smart Device Network Application Infrastructure (SDNA) that supports and facilitates the development, deployment and management of device networks and device network applications. The Smart Device Network Application infrastructure (SDNA) refers to an integrated processing platform that supports and facilitates the development, deployment and management of distributed applications based on device networks. It involves the concurrent execution of several processes that interact to provide support and resources for said applications.
US07865595B2
Provided are a method, system, and program for processing call requests with respect to objects. A call request is received with respect to an object. Access authority for the object is require. An access authority set is read for execution of the call request with respect to the object. A determination is made as to whether the access authority is contained in the access authority set. A storage section storing execution results for a previous execution of the object is searched prior to executing the call request and in response to determining that the access authority is contained in the access authority set.
US07865585B2
Systems and methods of storing previously transmitted data and using it to reduce bandwidth usage and accelerate future communications are described. By using algorithms to identify long compression history matches, a network device may improve compression efficiently and speed. A network device may also use application specific parsing to improve the length and number of compression history matches. Further, by sharing compression histories, compression history indexes and caches across multiple devices, devices can utilize data previously transmitted to other devices to compress network traffic. Any combination of the systems and methods may be used to efficiently find long matches to stored data, synchronize the storage of previously sent data, and share previously sent data among one or more other devices.
US07865577B1
An enhanced network element and method for configuring and deploying computer network elements is disclosed. A customer orders a network element from an equipment provider. Upon receipt of the unconfigured network element, a Trusted Configuration Device (TCD) is shipped from a network provider to the customer. The TCD transmits information to the NE that enables it to download a configuration file from a Provisioning Server (PS) via a secure channel.
US07865574B1
A system for processing data retrieved from an information service layer is provided. The system includes a requestor component to provide a request for data to the information service layer. A receiver component is operable to communicate with a client service of the information service layer to receive a response string from the information service layer. The response string includes data based on the request. An analysis component analyzes at least a portion of the response string. A writer component is operable to format the at least portion of the response string based upon a desired format. A method for processing data retrieved from the information service layer is also provided.
US07865570B2
A memory server provides data access as a service to clients and has a memory service architecture and components for removing data management burdens from the client processor and providing increased speed and utility for the client through aggressive prediction of client memory requirements and fast provision of data.
US07865569B1
Techniques for modifying a script portion of markup language documents are described. By modifying the script portion of markup language documents, access to resources residing on remote servers through an intermediate server is facilitated. The script portions can be modified at the intermediate server, client devices, or both.
US07865567B1
An electronic book selection and delivery system distributes text to subscribers. The system provides for on-demand and virtual on-demand delivery of electronic books. Specified electronic books may be broadcast to a set of subscribers. Alternatively, a first section of the specified electronic books may be broadcast. A second section of each of the electronic books is then available for later delivery, upon order by a subscriber. The second sections, as well as first sections, and true on-demand electronic books may be loaded into one or more queues. The queues may then be emptied based on a priority model. Electronic books in an on-demand queue may be given priority for delivery over electronic books in other queues.
US07865566B2
A real time notification for updating online identities, known as avatars, is disclosed. For example, when a user updates his or her avatar(s), the changes are stored in a user database. The changes are also detected by an event router that sends a change notification in real time to all pertinent servers that are currently supporting on-line applications for the user. The servers will send the change notification in real time to pertinent clients, e.g., an instant messenger client, a mobile instant messenger client, an interactive game client and the like.
US07865565B2
A method of inputting an electronic address into an address field on a communications device, the electronic address including a plurality of text characters and non-text symbol characters. The method includes: receiving a plurality of inputs for the address field through a user input interface of the device; adding text characters to the address field corresponding to the inputs; and detecting among the inputs repetitive successive inputs of a predetermined delimiter, selecting a non-text symbol character from a set of non-text symbol characters in dependence on a number of times the delimiter has been repetitively input without any intervening inputs, and adding the selected non-text symbol character to the address field.
US07865562B2
In some embodiments, a method comprises detecting a request to append a signature to an outgoing email, wherein the outgoing email is addressed from a sender to a recipient. A plurality of email signature rules for the sender is accessed. At least one of a condition and a property associated with the outgoing email are evaluated against the plurality of email signature rules. It is determined that at least two of the plurality of email signature rules are satisfied based on evaluating at least one of the condition and the property associated with the outgoing mail against the plurality of email signature rules. A plurality of email signatures is identified from a list of email signatures based, at least in part, on the at least two email signature rules that are satisfied. A composite signature is generated with the plurality of email signatures.
US07865560B2
The present invention discloses a pre-processing summarization technique that makes use of knowledge specific to the electronic mail domain to pre-process an electronic mail message so that commercially-available document summarization software can subsequently generate a more useful summary from the message. The summarization technique removes extraneous headers, quoted text, forward information, and electronic signatures, leaving more useful text to be summarized. If an enclosing electronic mail thread exists, the summarization technique uses the electronic mail message's ancestors to provide additional context for summarizing the electronic mail message. The disclosed system can be used with IBM Lotus Notes and Domino infrastructure, along with existing single-document summarizer software, to generate a summary of the discourse activity in an electronic mail thread dynamically. The summary may be further augmented to list any names, dates, and names of companies that are present in the electronic mail message being summarized.
US07865556B2
A solution to failover processing for automatic responder in a mixed server environment. The instant response system is part of mail delivery system without requiring every server in the cluster to be upgraded to the latest version. The auto-responder is installed in the router, as part of the mail delivery. In order to process messages delivered to the older version of servers seamlessly, the invention comprises an agent trigger which runs only on server start, an agent with a new type in the user mail file, which performs Out of Office functionality (similar to the current mail template functionality) or “failover” agent. The router processing for auto responder will enable the agent in the user mail file when it becomes activated (based on user specified configuration). The agent does not require any special security configuration because it is signed by the server. The email comes from the mail owner (intended recipient) setting the “Principal” field. The router auto responder processing marks each email it auto-responds (this happens before the email is written down to the user mail box, so this special marking does not require any additional I/O). It also stamps out of office profile document with date it performed the processing.
US07865552B2
In one embodiment, a method for sending a video message and a text message in a communication session is provided. The method includes determining when a contextual trigger is detected in the communication session between a first user and a second user. For example, the contextual trigger may be when a first user focuses on a window being used for the communication session. The first user may then input a text message. A video message of the first user in the communication session is also determined. The video message is determined based on when the contextual trigger is determined. For example, the video message may include video from a time before when the contextual trigger is determined, such as 10 or 20 seconds before, until a time when the first user is finished inputting the text message. The text message and video message are then sent to a second user.
US07865551B2
Determining influential and/or popular participants in a network using messages exchanged among a group of participants. One method includes: representing the group of participants and the messages exchanged among the group of participants as nodes and links, respectively; analyzing the messages to produce message relevant data for each node; and propagating the message relevant data of the each node out to other nodes in the network to produce a corresponding influence value for each node, wherein the corresponding influence value indicates relative size and strength of social activity or connections of a participant corresponding to each node.
US07865545B1
Collaboration space object model provides for a Place consisting of rooms. A room is made up of pages. Folders are used to organize pages. Members belong to rooms, and are those users authorized to access them. Place type controls the creation of a place, including how many rooms it has, for example. Room type controls the appearance and content of rooms. A form manages the display of data notes. A form can contain fields for containing data and employ scripts to process and compute data. A page is the basic vehicle for content. Content is created using an or importing content from an external source. A member is also a data note, and each place contains its own member directory. A place is created and managed from a client browser in on-line mode and in offline mode with respect to a replicated copy of the space. Room security is independently managed, and security and aesthetics characteristics of subrooms selectively inherited. Room navigation and workflow processing is provided, as are forms creation and uploading from browser to server.
US07865544B2
A system for providing XML-based asynchronous and interactive feeds for Web applications that provides a highly efficient and extensible XML Javascript framework allowing easy insertion of a comment/news feed control into any Web page. The framework allows for reading of any XML format and provides a new and easy way for modifying the look-and-feel of the control via HTML templates with familiar XPath bindings. The rendering performed through the system supports both flat and indented (“threaded”) views for a comment thread. The system improves the parsing speed of incoming XML, and supports a flexible event model for others to develop plug-ins and mashups in the spirit of Web 2.0.
US07865543B2
An averaging circuit includes an averaging unit and an offset compensation unit. The averaging unit generates an average signal from first and second input signals. The offset compensating unit is coupled to the averaging unit for conducting away bias currents from the averaging unit for preventing an offset in the average signal when any of the first and second input signals is too low or too high.
US07865542B2
A digital signal processing block having: 1) a first digital signal processing element including: a first multiplexer of a first plurality of multiplexers, the first multiplexer selecting between a first data input and a first zero constant input; and a first arithmetic unit coupled to the first plurality of multiplexers, the first arithmetic logic unit configured for addition; and 2) a second digital signal processing element including: a second multiplexer of a second plurality of multiplexers, the second multiplexer selecting between a second data input and a second zero constant input; and a second arithmetic unit coupled to the second plurality of multiplexers and to a third multiplexer of the first plurality of multiplexers, the second arithmetic unit configured for addition.
US07865532B2
Techniques for customizing draw styles of widgets to better accommodate a user's direct manipulation needs. A user can customize various attributes of a widget and its manipulators to suit the user's needs. The customizations are stored as a style. The stored style can subsequently be applied to the widget to control the appearance and behavior of the widget. Stored styles may be applied to other widgets and can also be shared between users.
US07865530B2
The present invention provides methods, systems and apparatus: for constructing a personalized category tree; for maintaining a personalized category tree; for displaying documents by category by utilizing a personalized category tree; and a personalized categorization system. A personalized category tree is a category tree that includes at least one category node. A method for constructing a personalized category tree includes: the independent creation of each of said at least one category node comprises the steps of: defining a label for the category node; and specifying at least one keyword for the category node.
US07865520B2
In a system having plural storage devices, high-speed file access is obtained by arranging files optimally without the trouble of setting for each file to which storage device the file is allocated. A storage system comprising: nodes coupled to one another via a network; storage devices connected to the nodes; a file attribute detecting module that detects one or more file attributes; a file access rule information storing unit that stores information about one or more file access rules that are associated with the file attribute; and a file access control module that controls access to a file in the storage devices in conformity with the one or more file access rules that are associated with the one or more detected file attributes.
US07865518B2
In a system for searching identity data, a first database includes a plurality of identity records. A computing device includes a processor and memory in electronic communication with the processor. An identity database is stored in the memory and is separate from the first database. The identity database includes the plurality of identity records. Each identity record includes at least two or more data elements. The identity database includes a plurality of past identity records. The past identity records are previous versions of the plurality of identity records. The identity database is searchable by applications in electronic communication with the computing device. The applications in electronic communication with the computing device cannot directly update the identity database.
US07865514B2
A pre-fetch server, which is connected to a DB server running a DBMS and to a storage apparatus storing DB data, stores information required for judging whether or not a pre-fetch is effective. Judgment on whether or not the pre-fetch will be effective is performed when a pre-fetch I/O is issued. If the pre-fetch server judges that the pre-fetch will be effective, it issues the pre-fetch I/O to the storage apparatus.
US07865513B2
In one embodiment, a knowledge base is automatically built for enriching feeds coming from different sources and that have tags of different conventions, by deducting which tags go into various categories of knowledge. In one embodiment, method for a relationship between objects is determined based on the relationships between their tags.
US07865510B2
A script management and asset development system is disclosed. The system includes user activated menus for facilitating the distribution, viewing, listening, analyzing, storage, archiving, retrieving, searching, sorting, annotating, prioritizing, quantifying, tracking, printing and managing of assets. Each asset can include one or more of a document, image, literary piece, script, manuscript, treatment, book, synopsis, logline, song. Assignable Asset Restriction Levels within the system facilitate the imposition of restrictions, limitations, and permissions to both users and assets. A Rubric is assignable to each asset. The Rubric includes elements to which a user can respond for each asset thereby producing a numeric value. Also, a numeric value grading system, which implements a running calculation of an RPA (Rubric Point Average) to provide a grade or rank to each asset, is provided based upon scoring of the elements on the Rubric.
US07865505B2
A machine implemented system and method that efficiently facilitates and effectuates exact similarity joins between collections of sets. The system and method obtains a collection of sets and a threshold value from an interface, and based at least in part on an identifiable similarity, such as an overlap or intersection, between the collection of sets the analysis component generates and outputs a candidate pair that at least equals or exceeds the threshold value.
US07865497B1
Methods, systems and apparatus, including computer program products, for generating a sitemap where a last modified time of website content is not available to a network crawler. A current version number of a content item is compared to the version number of that content at the time sitemap for the website was generated. If the version number has changed the last modified time in a generated sitemap is set to the current time to cause the item to be revisited by a search engine.
US07865473B2
Provided are a method, system, and program for generating and indicating incremental backup copies from virtual copies of a data set. A virtual copy operation is initiated to create a virtual copy of a data set, wherein the virtual copy represents the data set at a point-in-time copy, and wherein the virtual copy is completed without transferring the data set to a backup location. An incremental backup operation is initiated with respect to an identified virtual copy, wherein the incremental backup operation copies changes to the data set that occur since a most recent creation of an incremental backup set.
US07865471B1
A method of recovering a target data object. In one embodiment, the method includes restoring the target data object to a data state that existed at a point of time prior. Once the target data object is restored, a first object is retrieved from backup memory, wherein the first object comprises a plurality of transactions for modifying the target data object. After the target data object is restored, the target data object is modified in accordance with the transactions of the first object. A second object is retrieved from backup memory, wherein the second object comprises a plurality of transactions for modifying the target data object. The second object is retrieved from backup memory before the target data object is modified in accordance with all of the transactions of the first object.
US07865469B2
Systems and methods for synchronizing multiple copies of data in a network environment that includes servers and clients so that incremental changes made to one copy of the data can be identified, transferred, and incorporated into all other copies of the data. The synchronization can be accomplished regardless of whether modifications to the data have been made by a client while the client is in an on-line or off-line mode of operation. The clients cache data locally as data are modified and downloaded. The caching enables the clients to access the data and allows the synchronization to be performed without transmitting a particular version more than once between a client and a server. Such elimination of redundant data transmission results in an efficient use of time and network bandwidth.
US07865468B2
A technique for enhancing the transfer of files from a source network host to a destination network host includes accessing a file stored on the source host from the destination host, caching a local copy of the file on the destination host, and prefetching all remaining files in a file system group of which the file is a member by caching local copies thereof on the destination host.
US07865467B2
A method of accessing program meta-data is disclosed. The method includes receiving a plurality of program meta-data virtual containers, at least one of the virtual containers comprising normalized program meta-data of programs having instances in a plurality of time windows, receiving an input indicating a selected time window, the input at least one of comprises and refers to a time-window identifier identifying the selected time window, and using the time-window identifier to filter the plurality of virtual containers, so as to obtain a subset of the program meta-data which corresponds to the selected time window. Related apparatus and methods are also disclosed.
US07865460B2
A method and system for migrating source data from one or more databases to a destination database, wherein the destination database is selected based on power consumption of the destination database. A data migration server determines which destination database should be selected by selecting a number of candidates and comparing the power consumed, the available space and the maximum monthly power consumption limit. A user intervention policy is created to evaluate which data should be moved to a destination database. A “payback period” is calculated to determine the amount of time that will elapse before savings are realized.
US07865458B2
A method and system for enforcing rule selection on user email inboxes include an inbox monitor and administrative rules at an email server. The inbox monitor includes a first agent for identifying inactive user inboxes from email messages stored at the email database, and a second agent for identifying, from the inactive user inboxes identified by the first agent, user inboxes without appropriate user rules activated. For each user inbox identified by the second agent, administrative rules are applied to the user inbox if the user inbox has been inactive for at least a predetermined period of time. If the user inbox has not been inactive for at least the predetermined period of time, a notification message is sent to a user associated with the user inbox. The notification message informs the user that administrative rules will be applied to the user inbox if appropriate user rules are not activated.
US07865453B1
An embodiment of a computer implemented method for determining the disposition of a hyperdocument includes retrieving a hyperdocument from an information source, providing information about content of the hyperdocument to a trained artificial neural network (ANN), the ANN being capable of evaluating the information and providing results reflecting the evaluation and determining the disposition of the hyperdocument based upon results of the ANN.
US07865435B1
A person stores funds in a lower interest checking account and a higher interest savings account of a banking institution. For each of a plurality of cycles, funds are received at the beginning of the cycle from an amount of income (‘INC’) of the person. An amount at least equal to a total amount of regularly recurring bills of the person that have a generally fixed amount (‘FIX’) is deposited into a bills account of the person, and at least a portion of a remainder of INC is deposited into the checking account. During the cycle, the person pays the regularly recurring bills from the bills account and other bills from the checking account. At the end of the cycle, a final amount left in the checking account above a floor value (‘FLO’) is transferred to the savings account. Thus, excess funds are not allowed to accumulate in the checking account.
US07865432B2
Methods and systems for exchanging various forms of value, including coins, currency, credit, debit, and/or bank account funds, for prepaid cash cards, credit cards, phone cards, and the like. In one embodiment, a value exchange machine includes a coin input region, a coin sorting/counting apparatus, a card reader, and a communications facility configured to communicate with a remote computer network. In another embodiment, a value exchange system includes one or more of the value exchange machines connected to one or more remote computers via a communications link. A user wishing to purchase, for example, a prepaid cash card can visit one of the value exchange machines, select the desired transaction, and pay for the card with coins, currency, a credit card, a debit card, and/or bank account funds. After confirming payment, the value exchange machine dispenses the card to the user.
US07865427B2
According to one aspect, transaction information is received and applied to multiple fraud risk mathematical models that each produce a respective raw score, which are transformed with respective sigmoidal transform functions to produce optimized likelihood of fraud risk estimates to provide to a merchant. In one embodiment, the respective fraud risk estimates are combined using fusion proportions that are associated with the respective risk estimates, producing a single point risk estimate, which is transformed with a sigmoidal function to produce an optimized single point risk estimate for the transaction. The sigmoidal functions are derived to approximate a relationship between risk estimates produced by fraud risk detection models and a percentage of transactions associated with respective risk estimates, where the relationship is represented in terms of real-world distributions of fraudulent transaction and non-fraudulent transaction. One embodiment is directed to computing respective risk test penalties for multiple risk tests in one or more of the multiple fraud risk mathematical models used to estimate the likelihood of fraud, given a certain pattern of events represented by the transaction information, wherein the respective risk test penalties are computed as the inverse of the sum of one and a false positive ratio for the respective risk test.
US07865426B2
A computer-implemented apparatus is provided for administering an actively managed investment company that invests assets in fixed income securities. The apparatus includes an investment company processor, an investment company portfolio trading and managing computer, and a computer database. The investment company processor issues one or more classes of shares that are listed for trading on a securities exchange and that are bought and sold in a secondary market at negotiated market prices. The investment company portfolio trading and managing computer receives instructions to select and hold a portfolio of fixed income securities that relate to a benchmark index. The selection is made in an actively managed manner such that the duration range of the securities holdings is either longer than the duration of the benchmark index, close to the duration of the benchmark index, or shorter than the duration of the benchmark index. The investment company portfolio trading and managing computer also defines a creation unit basket having a duration that is equal to a midpoint of the duration range of the securities holdings of the investment company that are held in the investment company portfolio trading and managing computer. The computer database stores the creation unit basket.
US07865423B2
The invention relates to methods and systems for providing investment competitions. In one aspect, trading algorithms that automatically generate trading instructions in response to market data are developed by and received from a distributed plurality of independent trading algorithm developers. The algorithms are periodically executed against market data and generate trading instructions, which, based on an association of investment accounts with the trading algorithms, initiate correlative trades in the investments accounts.
US07865420B1
An auction system and method, which identifies at least one lot to be auctioned, having a plurality of units within the lot and associated auction parameters; transmits a remaining quantity of units within the lot from a central server to a plurality of remote locations; receives bid identifications for remaining units within the lot at the contemporaneous offering price from the plurality of remote locations; and decrements the offering price over time. The decrement may be adaptive to a bid activity pattern, and the bid activity pattern may be stored in a database. A local server may be provided to communicate between the central server and remote locations while changing the format of the information communicated. The packets preferably include compressed information, and preferably include quantity remaining information for a plurality of auction lots.
US07865418B2
A system for correctly evaluating a price distribution and a risk distribution for a financial product or its derivatives introduces a probability density function generated with a Boltzmann model at a higher accuracy than the Gaussian distribution for a probability density. The system has an initial value setup unit and an evaluation condition setup unit. Initial values include at least one of price, price change rate, and the price change direction of a financial product. The evaluation conditions include at least time steps and the number of trials. The Boltzmann model analysis unit receives the initial values and the evaluation conditions, and repeats simulations of price fluctuation, based on the Boltzmann model using a Monte Carlo method. A velocity/direction distribution setup unit supplies the probability distributions of the price, price change rate, and the price change direction for the financial product to the Boltzmann model analysis unit. A random number generator for a Monte Carlo method employed in the analysis by the Boltzmann model, and an output unit displays the analysis result. A dealing system applies the financial Boltzmann model to option pricing, and reproduces the characteristics of Leptokurcity and Fat-tail by linear Boltzmann equation in order to define risk-neutral and unique probability measures. Consequently, option prices can be evaluated in a risk-neutral and unique manner, taking into account Leptokurcity and Fat-tail of a price change distribution.
US07865414B2
A method, system, and computer readable medium for managing a financial transaction of a user at a merchant, including authenticating the user via a device of the user while the user is at the merchant; transmitting activation information for activating a reusable, pre-existing, unaltered and permanent credit or debit card account number of the user from the user device to a financial institution for processing financial transactions, while the user is authenticated; submitting a payment request including the account number to the financial institution from the merchant, while the account number is activated; and de-activating the account number after the payment request is processed by the financial institution. The financial institution only accepts and processes payment requests received from merchants while the account number is activated, and the financial institution declines payment requests while the account number is de-activated.
US07865413B2
The present invention discloses a system and method for processing business transactions between trading partners using a central interactive platform. The processing may include comparing purchase order data and invoice data to identify matching information and non-matching information. If the information matches, the invoices are processed for payment. If the information does not match, the discrepancies are identified to the buying company or the selling company for resolution.
US07865408B2
The present invention provides systems and methods that allow a user to track packages throughout the course of delivery without requiring the user to completely reenter tracking information such as an 18 character tracking number and also allow the user to use a wide variety of communication devices to track and retrack a package without requiring the user to reenter the entire tracking number.
US07865379B2
Systems and methods are described for processing queue data and for providing queue messaging over a network. An illustrative queuing system includes a first queue configured to hold resource requests from a plurality of users, and program code stored in computer readable memory configured to determine or estimate whether a resource requested by a first resource request submitted by a first requester will be available when the first resource request will be serviced, and to transmit a message over a network to the first requester indicating that the requested resource will not be available when the queued request is serviced if it is estimated or determined that the requested resource will not be available when the first request is serviced.
US07865374B2
Computerized methods for verifying authority to modify clinical orders are provided. The methods may include receiving a clinical order having components associated with a plurality of phases; associating a plurality of the components to form a cross-phase group, the components including components associated with a first phase and a second phase, each of the components including a common attribute; receiving an indication to modify the common attribute of the component associated with the first phase; and determining whether a user from whom the indication is received has the authority to modify the common attribute. If it is determined that the user has the authority, the method may further include modifying all components that are associated in the group. If it is determined that the user does not have the authority, the method may further include not modifying the common attribute. Computerized systems for performing the disclosed methods are also provided.
US07865371B2
Managing information flow and workflow in medical imaging services includes mapping activities in medical imaging services to a set of discrete steps in a model medical imaging process. Data concerning the medical imaging services is collected and tracked using an electronic data store and a communications network. Collected data is correlated to at least one of the discrete steps in the model medical imaging process and process metrics for performance are calculated based upon the correlated data.
US07865356B2
A method of proper name recognition includes classifying each word of a word string with a tag indicating a proper name entity category or a non-named entity category, and correcting the tag of a boundary word of the word string.
US07865355B2
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for identifying a language corresponding to a string of data include receiving a data string and dividing the data string into coded character sequences for each of a plurality of languages. A length of one or more coded character sequences varies among different languages for coded character sequences having a particular number of characters. The coded character sequences are analyzed to calculate, for each of the plurality of languages, a probability that the data string corresponds to language. The calculated probabilities are compared among the languages, and a language is identified as corresponding to the data string based on the comparison.
US07865352B2
Grammatical element prediction is used to predict grammatical elements in text fragments (such as phrases or sentences). In one embodiment, a statistical model, using syntax features, is used to predict grammatical elements.
US07865347B1
A method, apparatus and a filter compiler system for building a filter is disclosed. The filter compiler system includes a filter resource estimator. The filter resource estimator is configured to estimate an implementation cost of the filter. The filter compiler system determines whether the implementation cost is acceptable and updates a design of the filter upon determining that the implementation cost is unacceptable.
US07865346B2
A hardware simulation accelerator to simulate logic designs, a method to encode instructions for use in the hardware simulation accelerator, and a computer program product having code of the method by which the hardware simulation accelerator can read encoded instructions to simulate the logic design, and computer program product of the encoded instructions to simulate a logic design in a hardware accelerator. Each instruction has one of a plurality of opcodes, the opcodes select which of the hardware resources of the hardware simulation accelerator will implement and use the values set forth in other programmable bits of the encoded instruction. The encoded instruction may be a routing and/or a gate evaluation instruction.
US07865344B2
A method for creating a global simulation model of an architecture for models of integrated circuits under development, including reading an architecture description file of the global model and storing information related to all of the possible configurations instantiating the components and storing the corresponding information, topologically connecting the interface signals, physically connecting the interface signals, at the level of each instance of the components using a component and connection rule table, and storing the corresponding information, and automatically generating the HDL-type and HLL-type source files of the global simulation model.
US07865321B2
Methods for detecting electrical arcing on an electrical power system are provided, as well as systems and computer program products for carrying out the method. The method includes the steps of: a) obtaining data indicative of the temporal behavior of a signal which is indicative of a first periodic property of the electrical power system; and b) determining whether an arcing event is present on the electrical power system based on the shape observed in the first data.
US07865313B2
Methods and systems of extracting extensible motifs from a sequence include assigning a significance to extensible motifs within the sequence based upon a syntactic and statistical analysis, and identifying extensible motifs having a significance that exceeds a predetermined threshold.
US07865297B2
A first device is operated to obtain a navigation track between a first location and a second location by establishing a peer-to-peer communication connection with a second device and receiving a message that contains information associated with the first location and/or the second location from the second device. The information is associated with a navigation module on the first device. The information associated with the at least one of the first location and the second location is processed using the navigation module to obtain the navigation track between the first location and the second location.
US07865295B2
A fuel injection controller includes a correcting section that performs a concentration learning procedure in which a concentration of the alcohol of the fuel in a fuel tank is learned as a learned concentration value based on a detection value of the oxygen concentration sensor, and also corrects a fuel injection amount of an injector connected to a delivery pipe in correspondence with the learned concentration value in such a manner that an air-fuel ratio corresponding to a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio is obtained. A refueling detecting section detects that refueling has been carried out to the fuel tank, and a restricting section performs a restricting procedure in which returning of the fuel from the delivery pipe to the fuel tank through a return passage is restricted on condition that the refueling detecting section has detected that the refueling has been performed.
US07865294B2
The invention relates to a method for regulating the lambda value of an internal combustion engine with a catalytic converter for subsequently treating the exhaust gases of the internal combustion engine, with a binary lambda probe, which is mounted upstream from the catalytic converter and which senses the composition of the exhaust gases. According to the invention, the lambda set value is superimposed with a lean/rich amplitude. This lean/rich amplitude has an integral component and a discontinuous component leading back to the lambda set value. When a change that differs from the change in the exhaust gas composition caused by the lean/rich amplitude is detected, the coefficient of the integral component is modified and/or a discontinuous component is added to the integral component or subtracted therefrom.
US07865293B2
A fuel injection control device (ECU) for controlling injection supply of fuel to a target engine includes a program for sequentially sensing fuel pressure fluctuating with injection of a predetermined injector of each cylinder of a multi-cylinder engine based on an output of a fuel pressure sensor, a program for detecting a diagram as a profile of a transition of a fuel quantity injected from the injector per unit time (i.e., an injection rate) at a present time based on the sequentially sensed fuel pressure transition, and a program for varying an injection command to the injector based on the diagram that is the profile of the injection rate transition and that is detected by the latter program and a predetermined basic diagram such that the diagram as the actual profile of the injection rate transition belongs to the basic diagram.
US07865292B2
An apparatus for controlling a throttle opening degree of a diesel engine with a supercharger is disclosed. The apparatus includes an electronic control unit having functions of detecting section, a computing section, a correcting section, and a correction limiting/inhibiting section. The detecting section detects the atmospheric pressure, and the computing section computes an atmospheric pressure correction value with respect to the throttle opening degree based on the detected atmospheric pressure. The correcting section corrects the throttle opening degree in accordance with the atmospheric pressure correction value. When the degree of separation of an actual charging pressure from a target charging pressure in the supercharger is les than a predetermined value, the correction limiting/inhibiting section limits or inhibits correction of the throttle opening degree in accordance with the atmospheric pressure correction value.
US07865289B2
A method of distribution braking between the brakes of an aircraft. The method includes a first step of estimating a braking force objective and a steering torque objective to be achieved by the brakes of the aircraft. It also includes the steps of defining at least two groups of brakes (12, 13) and determining, for each group, a braking level that is to be achieved by the group. The braking levels being calculated in such a manner that braking performed in application of the braking levels is, at least under normal operating conditions of the brakes, in compliance with a braking force objective and with a steering torque objective.
US07865285B2
A machine control system may include a machine mounted stereo imaging apparatus configured to provide a 3-D model indicative of a terrain feature. The machine control system may also include a control module configured to process the 3-D model, and automatically perform an operation with a work tool based on the characteristics of the 3-D model.
US07865284B2
Each output from an angular-velocity detecting element (2) and first and second signal processing sections (21, 22) is supplied to each input terminal of a switch circuit (7) having input terminals of a number corresponding to the number of the outputs, and an output terminal of the switch circuit (7) is connected to an output terminal (4). The connection state of the switch circuit (7) is switched, corresponding to a mode signal outputted from a mode-signal generation circuit (8), one output is selected out of the outputs from the angular-velocity detecting element 2 and the first and the second signal processing sections (21, 22), and the selected output is supplied to the output terminal (4).
US07865280B2
An imaging apparatus mounted on a vehicle and imaging a vicinity of the vehicle, includes a photographic lens, an image pickup device, an accident detection sensor, an image processing section, and a recording section. The image pickup device generates an image signal by performing photoelectric conversion of an object image based on a light flux from the photographic lens. The accident detection sensor detects an accident occurrence based on a shock to the vehicle. The image processing section generates first accident image data and second accident image data which photograph the same accident situation at an accident occurrence, based on the image signal. The recording section records the first accident image data and the second accident image data in different states of security levels regarding data credibility, respectively.
US07865270B2
Apparatus for managing a residential wastewater treatment system includes an in situ control unit that monitors an individual system. The control unit provides local control and alarms, and also sends status reports and/or alarms to a remote monitoring center via a telemetry device. The remote monitoring center makes information concerning the individual system available through a website.
US07865268B2
Compliant mechanisms whose dominant modes of vibration match the desired kinematics for locomotion in a given environment are used to mimic motions of a living animal. Mechanisms are simple and mechanically robust. They may have as few as one actuator, which excites the compliant portion to vibrate in a natural mode that results in motion that mimics a living animal. Additional actuators may drive directional elements such as flippers. Models for compliant mechanism bodies were derived and used to identify actuator, material, and geometrical properties of the required mechanisms. The design and fabrication techniques of mechanisms implementing these ideas is also presented. Experiments found that important features of fish-swimming kinematics can be captured qualitatively by compliant mechanisms. The resulting mechanism swimming performance was ⅓ of the real fish performance, comparable to current robotic fish. A compliant mechanism approach to biomimetic locomotion has significant advantages since mechanisms are simpler and more robust than traditional mechanisms used for biomimetic robots and performance achieved is comparable. Radio control is straightforward. The flexible material may be uniform, but need not be. Active materials, such as piezoelectric materials may be used to change the stiffness or other mechanical properties of the flexible portion. The material may be distributed uniformly or non-uniformly. The tail portion may be tapered or uniform or variable cross-section.
US07865259B2
A digital data set representing a pre-scanned tooth geometry, including generic crown data, is merged with data representing a scanned patient tooth crown image, which lacks sufficient data to completely represent a complete tooth crown.
