US07928146B2

Fecal incontinence and anal itch can be treated by administration, more particularly by local application to the anus, of an αadrenergic blocker, nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, prostaglandin F2α, dopamine, morphine, β-blockers, and 5-Hydroxytryptamine. The patients who benefit most from the invention are those who have a normal or low maximum anal resting pressure and a structurally intact internal anal sphincter muscle, and patients who have had major bowel resection and reanastomisis.
US07928142B2

The present invention relates to a composition including at least one retinoid and at least one beta-aminoisobutyric acid derivative and the use thereof for the preparation of an article to be used for the topical application to skin, hair or nails.
US07928140B2

The present invention comprises a new class of compounds capable of modulating the activity of PI3 kinase and, accordingly, useful for treatment of PI3 kinase mediated diseases, including melanomas, carcinomas and other cancer-related conditions. The compounds have a general Formula I wherein each of A1, A2, A3, A4, X, R1 and R2 are defined herein. The invention further comprises pharmaceutical compositions, methods for treatment of PI3 kinase mediated diseases, and intermediates and processes useful for the preparation of compounds of the invention.
US07928134B2

The invention is directed to 5-(hetero)aryl-4,5-dihydro-(1H)-pyrazole (pyrazoline) derivatives as cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonists, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, to methods for their syntheses, methods for preparing novel intermediates useful for their syntheses, and methods for preparing compositions. The invention also relates to the uses of such compounds and compositions, administered to patients to achieve a therapeutic effect in disorders in which CB1 receptors are involved, or that can be treated via manipulation of those receptors.Compounds of the present invention include compounds of formula (I): wherein the substituents have the definitions given in the specification.
US07928131B2

Imidazole compounds, compositions, and methods of using them in leukocyte recruitment inhibition, in modulating H4 receptor expression, and in treating conditions such as inflammation, H4 receptor-mediated conditions, and related conditions.
US07928128B2

(R)-(−)-2-[5-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-pyridylmethylaminomethyl]-chromane or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof is useful for treatment of adverse effects in treating Parkinson's disease.
US07928126B2

A therapeutic drug for cancer containing a substance selected from the group consisting of a novel cyanopyridine derivative, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, a hydrate, a water adduct and a solvate as an active ingredient can be provided.
US07928125B2

Disclosed are N-aroyl cyclic amine derivatives having the formula: where the variables are as define herein, and their use as pharmaceuticals, specifically as orexin receptor antagonists.
US07928119B2

Methods of treating IL-6 involved diseases with EP4 receptor ligands, including EP4 receptor antagonists. Assays to determine the effect of test compounds on PGE2-induced whole blood cells activation.
US07928116B2

Pharmaceutical formulations and methods including an immune response modifier (IRM) compound and an oleic acid component are provided where stability is improved by using oleic acid have low polar impurities such as peroxides.
US07928113B2

The present invention relates to compositions containing integrin-binding small molecules. Also disclosed are methods of binding integrins to these small molecules and methods of identifying small molecules binding to integrins.
US07928112B2

The present invention is directed to novel substituted aminotetrahydropyrans of structural formula I which are inhibitors of the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV enzyme and which are useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases in which the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV enzyme is involved, such as diabetes and particularly Type 2 diabetes. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV enzyme is involved.
US07928109B2

The present invention relates to a compound of the formula I wherein R1 to R6, A, B, n and m are as defined herein. Such novel sulfonyl amide derivatives are useful in the treatment of abnormal cell growth, such as cancer, in mammals. This invention also relates to a method of using such compounds in the treatment of abnormal cell growth in mammals, especially humans, and to pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds.
US07928108B2

The invention provides 3-(methyloxy)-1-{4-[4-(2-methyl-5-quinolinyl)-1-piperazinyl]butyl}-2(1H)-pyridinone of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
US07928099B2

The present invention provides a compound of formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof wherein the variables R1, R2, R3a, R3b, R3b, R3d, and R100 are as defined herein. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of formula (I) and methods of treating a 5-HT2c receptor-mediated disorders with a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I).
US07928096B2

The present invention provides compound of the formula (I): in which at least two of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are N2O2M and related compounds, substrates, compositions, and methods of using such compounds and compositions to treat biological disorders in which a polyphasic release of nitric oxide would be beneficial.
US07928092B2

Methods and formulations for treating inflammatory bowel disease are disclosed. The methods and formulations include, but are not limited to, methods and formulations for delivering effective concentrations of 4-aminosalicylic acid and/or 5-aminosalicylic acid to affected areas of the intestine. The methods and formulations comprise modified-release elements, providing for drug delivery to the affected or desired area. Diseases and conditions treatable with the present invention include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
US07928085B2

The present disclosure relates to p-toluene sulfonic acid salt of 5-amino-3-(2′-O-acetyl-3′-deoxy-beta-D-ribofuranosyl)-3H-thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2-one and to its use in treating conditions such as viral infections, tumors, and cancer. Also disclosed is a method of preparing the p-toluene sulfonic acid salt of 5-amino-3-(2′-O-acetyl-3′-deoxy-β-D-ribofuranosyl)-3H-thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2-one and methods for producing furanose compounds which are useful intermediates in the preparation of pharmaceutical compounds such as p-toluene sulfonic acid salt of 5-amino-3-(2′-O-acetyl-3′-deoxy-β-D-ribofuranosyl)-3H-thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2-one and the like.
US07928084B2

Disclosed are methods and compositions for preventing and treating conditions associated with platelet aggregation, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a composition that modifies the interaction of DNAJC10 with αIIbβ3 in a megakaryocyte, thereby altering the expression of αIIbβ3 on the surface of the megakaryocyte.
US07928063B2

Growth hormone-releasing hormone analogs having the amino acid sequence of the formula: Dat-Ala-Asp-Ala-Ile-Phe-Thr-Asn-Ser-Tyr10-R11-R12-VAL-Leu-Ala-Gln-Leu-Ser-Ala-R20-R21-Leu-Leu-Gln-Asp-Ile-Nle-Asp-R29-NH2 (I), wherein R11 is hArg, Gab or Gap; R12 is hArg, Orn, Gab or Gap; R20 is hArg, hArg, Gab or Gap; R21 is hArg, Orn, Gab or Gap; R29 is D-Arg, hArg, Gab or Gap; and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts. Said peptides are potent and selective stimulators of GH release and they are highly resistant to enzymatic degradation. Said peptides are prepared using the solid phase synthesis method, by introducing suitable derivatives of lysine, 2,4-diaminobutyric acid or 2,3-diaminopropionic acid at appropriate positions in the peptide chain attached to a polymeric support, deprotecting side-chain amino groups and reacting free amino groups with a guanidinating agent, removing all remaining t-butyloxycarbonyl protective groups, and cleaving the synthesized peptide from the support, followed by purification and optionally, converting the peptide into a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.
US07928056B2

Administering an effective dose of glutenase to a Celiac or dermatitis herpetiformis patient reduces levels of toxic gluten oligopeptides, thereby attenuating or eliminating the damaging effects of gluten.
US07928053B2

A multiphase cleaning composition comprises a first phase and a second ionic liquid phase, wherein the second phase is substantially immiscible with the first phase. The first phase may comprise, for example, an aqueous phase or a silicone solvent system. Methods of cleaning a soiled surface comprise contacting a soiled surface with a multiphase wash liquor including a first phase and a second ionic liquid phase, wherein the second phase is substantially immiscible with the first phase, and removing soils from the surface.
US07928052B2

A method is disclosed for stabilizing liquid enzyme-containing liquid formulations by adding at least one boron compound and at least one alpha-hydroxy-mono-carboxylic acid or the salt of an alpha-hydroxy-mono-carboxylic acid capable of forming an enzyme-stabilizing compound. An enzyme-stabilized formulation is disclosed comprising an alpha-hydroxy-mono-carboxylic acid or the salt of an alpha-hydroxy-mono-carboxylic acid, a boron containing compound capable complexing with an alpha-hydroxy-mono-carboxylic acid, the complex formed by the boron compound and the an alpha-hydroxy-mono-carboxylic acid, and an enzyme. The invention applies to both enzyme concentrate raw materials, and to useful product formulations.
US07928038B2

Intermediates and methods for forming passivated surfaces on oxide layers and articles produced thereby are described. Hydroxyl or hydroxide groups on the oxide surfaces are reacted with a metal reagent of the formula Y(L-Pol)m, where Y is a transition metal, magnesium or aluminum, L is oxygen, sulfur, selenium or an amine, and “Pol” represents a passivating agent such as a polyethylene glycol, a hydrocarbon, or a fluorocarbon. The resulting modified surface can be further reacted with a passivating agent having a phosphate functional group or a polyvalent reagent comprising a passivating moiety and a plurality of functional groups that are reactive with or that form complexes with Y. The passivating agent can also include a functional group such as biotin to provide surfaces with a desired functionality. The passivated surfaces exhibit minimal binding to bio-molecules and can be used in single-molecule detection schemes.
US07928026B2

Disclosed in the application are a synthetic silica glass having low fluence-dependent transmission, particularly at about 193 nm, and a process for making the same. The glass may desirably exhibit a low level of fluorescence at 290 and 390 nm when activated at about 248 nm. The glass may desirably exhibit low level of LIWFD, [SiH*] and/or [ODC].
US07928013B1

A rework method of a gate insulating layer of a thin film transistor includes the following steps. First, a substrate including a silicon nitride layer, which serves as a gate insulating layer, disposed thereon. Subsequently, a first film removal process is performed to remove the silicon nitride layer. The first film removal process includes an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching process. The ICP etching process is carried out by introducing gases including sulfur hexafluoride and oxygen. The ICP etching process has an etching selectivity ratio of the silicon nitride layer to the substrate, which is substantially between 18 and 30.
US07928011B2

A method and intermediate product for structuring a substrate is disclosed. At least one seed layer including a first metal compound is positioned at least partially on the substrate. The seed layer is subjected to a solution comprising ions of a second metal compound. The ions are reduced in the solution by reduction means so that the second metal compound is deposited as mask layer on the seed layer.
US07928005B2

A method of forming multiple conductive structures in a semiconductor device includes forming spacers adjacent side surfaces of a mask, where the mask and the spacers are formed on a conductive layer. The method also includes etching at least one trench in a portion of the conductive layer not covered by the spacers or the mask. The method may further include depositing a material over the semiconductor device, removing the mask and etching the conductive layer to remove portions of the conductive layer not covered by the spacers or the material, where remaining portions of the conductive layer form the conductive structures.
US07928000B2

A method for processing integrated circuit devices including forming self aligned contact regions. The method includes providing a partially completed semiconductor wafer, the wafer including one or more semiconductor chips, where each of the chips including a plurality of MOS gate structures. Each of the gate structures is formed on a substrate and having a first layer of silicon nitride formed overlying portions including a contact region between the gate structures. Each of the chips has conformal layer of doped silicon glass of a predetermined thickness overlying the silicon nitride layer and the gate structures. The method then applies a plasma etching process to the doped silicon glass to expose a portion of the first silicon nitride layer using an anisotropic etching component to vertically remove portions of the doped silicon glass. A step of cleaning the exposed portion of silicon nitride using an isotropic component is also included. The method forms a second silicon nitride layer on the exposed portion of the second silicon nitride layer and removes the second silicon nitride layer and exposed portion of the first silicon nitride layer to expose the contract region on the substrate. The method processes the exposed contact region using a soft etching technique.
US07927999B2

The semiconductor device 1 includes interconnect layers 10, 20, an IC chip 30, via plugs 42, 44, a seal resin 50, and solder balls 60. The interconnect layer 10 includes a via plug 42. An end face of the via plug 42 on the side of the interconnect layer 20 is smaller in area than the opposite end face, i.e. the end face on the side of the IC chip 30. An end face of the via plug 44 on the side of the interconnect layer 10 is smaller in area than the opposite end face, i.e. the end face on the side of the solder balls 60. The thermal decomposition temperature of the insulating resin 14 constituting the interconnect layer 10 is higher than that of the insulating resin 24 constituting the interconnect layer 20.
US07927991B2

In a manufacturing process of a semiconductor device, a manufacturing technique for reducing the number of lithography processes that use a photoresist and simplifying the process is provided, which improves throughput. An etching mask for forming a pattern of a layer to be processed such as a conductive layer or a semiconductor layer is manufactured without using a lithography technique that uses a photoresist. The etching mask is formed of a light absorption layer including a material which absorbs a laser beam. The mask is formed by irradiating the light absorption layer with a laser beam through a photomask and utilizing laser ablation by energy of the laser beam absorbed by the light absorption layer.
US07927986B2

A method of plasma doping includes providing a dopant gas comprising a dopant heavy halogenide compound gas to a plasma chamber. A plasma is formed in the plasma chamber with the dopant heavy halogenide compound gas and generates desired dopant ions and heavy fragments of precursor dopant molecule. A substrate in the plasma chamber is biased so that the desired dopant ions impact the substrate with a desired ion energy, thereby implanting the desired dopant ions and the heavy fragments of precursor dopant molecule into the substrate, wherein at least one of the ion energy and composition of the dopant heavy halogenide compound is chosen so that the implant profile in the substrate is substantially determined by the desired dopant ions.
US07927977B2

A method of making a semiconductor device includes forming a first layer comprising a seed material over an underlying layer, forming a second layer comprising a sacrificial material over the first layer, the sacrificial material being different from the seed material, patterning the first layer and the second layer into a plurality of separate features, forming an insulating filling material between the plurality of the separate features, removing the sacrificial material from the separate features to form a plurality of openings in the insulating filling material such that the seed material is exposed in the plurality of openings, and growing a semiconductor material on the exposed seed material in the plurality of openings.
US07927967B2

A method for manufacturing a semiconductor memory device, includes: forming a stacked unit above a semiconductor substrate; making a hole in the stacked unit to pass through electrode layers and insulating layers of the stacked unit; forming an insulating film on a side wall of the hole, the insulating film including a charge storage layer; forming a semiconductor layer in an interior of the hole to align in a stacking direction of the electrode layers and the insulating layers to form a memory string; making a trench in a portion of the stacked unit proximal to the memory string to pass through the electrode layers and the insulating layers; forming a metal film on a side wall of the trench; forming a cap film to cover the metal film and fill into the trench; performing heat treatment to form a compound on the side wall of the trench.
US07927965B2

A method for fabricating a partial silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate is disclosed. The method for fabricating a partial silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate includes forming an insulation pattern over a first silicon layer, forming a second silicon layer over the substrate structure including the insulation pattern, etching the second silicon layer to form trenches, and forming device isolation regions filling the trenches.
US07927963B2

Disclosed are embodiments of a semiconductor structure, a design structure for the semiconductor structure and a method of forming the semiconductor structure. The embodiments reduce harmonics and improve isolation between the active semiconductor layer and the substrate of a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) wafer. Specifically, the embodiments incorporate a trench isolation region extending to a fully or partially amorphized region of the wafer substrate. The trench isolation region is positioned outside lateral boundaries of at least one integrated circuit device located at or above the active semiconductor layer of the SOI wafer and, thereby improves isolation. The fully or partially amorphized region of the substrate reduces substrate mobility, which reduces the charge layer at the substrate/BOX interface and, thereby reduces harmonics. Optionally, the embodiments can incorporate an air gap between the wafer substrate and integrated circuit device(s) in order to further improve isolation.
US07927962B2

A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device and a semiconductor device manufactured by the method, the method comprising: (a) forming a buffer layer on a semiconductor substrate; (b) patterning the buffer layer in a first direction to form buffer layer patterns having lateral surfaces and being spaced from each other at predetermined intervals; (c) forming a semiconductor epitaxial layer on and between the buffer layer patterns; (d) forming a first trench in the semiconductor epitaxial layer in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to expose lateral surfaces of the buffer layer patterns; (e) selectively removing the buffer layer patterns exposed by the first trench to form spaces; (f) forming buried insulation films in the spaces formed by removal of the buffer layer patterns, a portion of semiconductor epitaxial layer being disposed between the buried insulation films; (g) removing a portion of the semiconductor epitaxial layer disposed between the buried insulation films to form a second trench in the first direction; and (h) forming device isolation films in the first and second trenches.
US07927960B2

A method for registering a pattern on a semiconductor wafer with an oxide surface includes etching into the surface four sets of two trenches each. Each trench in a set is parallel to the other. The trenches are configured such that each set forms one side of a box shape. The trenches are overfilled with a first metal layer, the excess of which is removed so that the height of the metal is level with the height of the oxide. An overlay setting is then obtained between a photoresist mask and the filled trenches before depositing a second metal layer over the oxide and trenches. The second metal layer is coated with the photoresist according to the overlay setting.
US07927957B2

A bonded silicon wafer is produced by a method including an oxygen ion implantation step on a silicon wafer for active layer having the specified wafer face; a step of bonding the silicon wafer for active layer to a silicon wafer for support; a first heat treatment step; an inner SiO2 layer exposing step; a step of removing the inner SiO2 layer; and a planarizing step of polishing a silicon wafer composite or subjecting the silicon wafer composite to a heat treatment in a reducing atmosphere (a second heat treatment step).
US07927952B2

A method of manufacturing semiconductor devices comprises forming an semiconductor layer of the first conduction type on a substrate of the first conduction type; forming an anti-oxidizing layer on the surface of the semiconductor layer of the first conduction type, the anti-oxidizing layer having an aperture only through a region for use in formation of a guard ring layer of the second conduction type; forming the guard ring layer of the second conduction type in the surface of the semiconductor layer of the first conduction type through implantation of ions into a surface where said anti-oxidizing layer is formed; forming an oxide layer at least in the aperture; forming a base layer of the second conduction type adjacent to the guard ring layer of the second conduction type in the surface of the semiconductor layer of the first conduction type; and forming a diffused layer of the first conduction type through implantation of ions into the base layer of the second conduction type.
US07927950B2

A method of fabricating a floating trap type nonvolatile memory device includes forming a cell gate insulating layer on a semiconductor substrate, the cell gate insulating layer being comprised of a lower insulating layer, a charge storage layer and an upper insulating layer sequentially stacked; thermally annealing the cell gate insulating Layer at a temperature of approximately 810° C. to approximately 1370° C.; and forming a gate electrode on the thermally annealed cell gate insulating layer.
US07927942B2

A method of self-aligned silicidation on structures having high aspect ratios involves depositing a metal oxide film using atomic layer deposition (ALD) and converting the metal oxide film to metal film in order to obtain uniform step coverage. The substrate is then annealed such that the metal in regions directly overlying the patterned and exposed silicon reacts with the silicon to form uniform metal silicide at the desired locations.
US07927940B2

A method of manufacturing a laterally diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) device, and an integrated circuit associated therewith. The method includes forming a lightly-doped source/drain region with a first dopant, the lightly-doped source/drain region located between first and second isolation structures. The method further includes creating a gate over the lightly-doped source/drain region. In one advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes diffusing a second dopant at least partially across the lightly-doped source/drain region and under the gate to form a first portion of a channel.
US07927934B2

A method including providing a substrate and providing an insulating layer overlying the substrate is provided. The method further includes providing a body region comprising a body material overlying the insulating layer. The method further includes forming at least one transistor overlying the insulating layer, the at least one transistor having a source, a drain and a gate with a sidewall spacer, the sidewall spacer comprising a substantially uniform geometric shape around the gate, the gate overlying the body region. The method further includes forming a first silicide region within the source and a second silicide region within the drain, the first silicide region having a differing geometric shape than the second silicide region and being electrically conductive between the body region and the source.
US07927931B2

A liquid crystal display device may comprise a semiconductor layer on a substrate and including a channel portion and ohmic contact portions at both sides of the channel portion, wherein an edge portion of the semiconductor layer has a side surface of a substantially tapered shape; a gate insulating layer covering the semiconductor layer; a gate electrode on the gate insulating layer and substantially corresponding to the channel portion; source and drain electrodes contacting the semiconductor layer; and a pixel electrode contacting the drain electrode.
US07927923B2

Flow diverting structures for preferentially impeding, redirecting or both impeding and redirecting the flow of flowable encapsulant material, such as molding compound, proximate a selected surface or surfaces of a semiconductor die or dice during encapsulation are disclosed. Flow diverting structures may be included in or associated with one or more portions of a lead frame, such as a paddle, tie bars, or lead fingers. Flow diverting structures may also be inserted into a mold in association with semiconductor dice carried on non-lead frame substrates, such as interposers and circuit boards, to preferentially impede, redirect or both impede and redirect the flow of molding compound flowing between and over the semiconductor dice.
US07927919B1

A semiconductor packaging method without an interposer is revealed. A mother chip is a two-layer structure consisting of a semiconductor layer and an organic layer where a redistribution layer is embedded into the organic layer with a plurality of first terminals and a plurality of second terminals disposed on the redistribution layer and exposed from the organic layer. The mother chip is flip-chip mounted on the substrate. The active surface of the daughter chip is in contact with the organic layer with the bonding pads of the daughter chip bonded to the first terminals. Furthermore, a plurality of electrically connecting components electrically connect the second terminals to the substrate. In the multi-chip stacked package, the interposer can be eliminated with a thinner overall package thickness as well as controlled package warpage.
US07927917B2

A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing a base circuit assembly having an integrated circuit device; mounting a pre-formed conductive frame having an outer interconnect and an inner interconnect shorter than the outer interconnect over the base circuit assembly, the inner interconnect over the integrated circuit device and the outer interconnect around the integrated circuit device; applying an encapsulant over the inner interconnect and the outer interconnect; and removing a portion of the pre-formed conductive frame exposing an end of the inner interconnect and an end of the outer interconnect.
US07927909B2

A germanium (Ge) photodiode array on a glass substrate is provided with a corresponding fabrication method. A Ge substrate is provided that is either not doped or lightly doped with a first dopant. The first dopant can be either an n or p type dopant. A first surface of the Ge substrate is moderately doped with the first dopant and bonded to a glass substrate top surface. Then, a first region of a Ge substrate second surface is heavily doped with the first dopant. A second region of the Ge substrate second surface is heavily doped with a second dopant, having the opposite electron affinity than the first dopant, forming a pn junction. An interlevel dielectric (ILD) layer is formed overlying the Ge substrate second surface and contact holes are etched in the ILD layer overlying the first and second regions of the Ge substrate second surface. The contact holes are filled with metal and metal pads are formed overlying the contact holes.
US07927905B2

A stress-engineered microspring is formed generally in the plane of a substrate. A nanowire (or equivalently, a nanotube) is formed at the tip thereof, also in the plane of the substrate. Once formed, the length of the nanowire may be defined, for example photolithographically. A sacrificial layer underlying the microspring may then be removed, allowing the engineered stresses in the microspring to cause the structure to bend out of plane, elevating the nanowire off the substrate and out of plane. Use of the nanowire as a contact is thereby provided. The nanowire may be clamped at the tip of the microspring for added robustness. The nanowire may be coated during the formation process to provide additional functionality of the final device.
US07927896B2

A method of production of semiconductor light emission devices for forming stripes of two multilayers having different emission wavelengths on a substrate, including the steps of: depositing a first multilayer including an active layer on the substrate; selectively etching the first multilayer to form a plurality of adjoining pairs of stripes of the first multilayer; depositing a second multilayer including an active layer on the substrate and the stripes of the first multilayer; selectively etching the second multilayer to form a plurality of adjoining pairs of stripes of the second multilayer on the substrate between the stripes of the first multilayer; and dividing the substrate between adjoining pairs of stripes of the first multilayer and between adjoining pairs of stripes of the second multilayer to divide it into semiconductor light emission devices provided with a stripe of the first multilayer and the second multilayer having different emission wavelengths.
US07927892B2

A thermal treatment apparatus having a first light source emitting a first light having light diffusion property, a reflectance measuring unit irradiating a treatment target with the light from plural directions by the first light source and determining a light reflectance of the treatment target, a light irradiation controller adjusting an intensity of a second light of a second light source on the basis of the light reflectance, the second light has diffusion property, and a thermal treatment unit irradiating the treatment target with the second light having adjusted the intensity of the second light by the light irradiation controller.
US07927879B2

Proposed is a zirconium crucible used for melting an analytical sample in the pretreatment of the analytical sample, wherein the purity of the zirconium crucible is 99.99 wt % or higher. In light of the recent analytical technology demanded of fast and accurate measurement of high purity materials, the present invention provides a zirconium crucible for melting an analytical sample, a method of preparing such analytical sample, and a method of analysis that enables the analysis of high purity materials by inhibiting the inclusion of impurities from the crucible regardless of difference in the analysts and their skill.
US07927866B2

A process challenge device (PCD) for determining the effectiveness of a microbial deactivation process that uses a vaporous deactivating agent (e.g., vaporized hydrogen peroxide) as a deactivating agent. The PCD includes first and second layers that are joined together to form (1) a chamber dimensioned to receive a biological and/or chemical indicator, and (2) first and second conduits fluidly connecting the chamber with a region outside the PCD. Each conduit has one end in communication with the region outside the PCD and another end in communication with the chamber. A removable seal member seals the biological and/or chemical indicator inside the chamber.
US07927865B2

Diagnostic in-vitro devices for use in the assaying of biological fluids are provided which include cover plates or backing strips which exhibit hydrophilic properties to assist in transport of the biological fluid or retention of same within the device. Exemplary diagnostic devices include lateral flow devices, microfluidic devices and microtiter plates. The devices may also be comprised of low fluorescent material in order to facilitate any diagnostic determination by use of fluorescent emissions. Hydrophilic properties may be imparted to the cover plates or backing strips by physical or chemical treatment thereof. The cover plates or backing strips may exhibit heat sealable or pressure sensitive properties.
US07927863B2

Methods are provided for the synthesis and secretion of recombinant proteins preferably large mammalian proteins or hetero-multimeric proteins at high levels and for prolonged time in polyploid, preferably diploid yeast. These methods use various mating competent yeast, including Pichia. In a preferred embodiment, a first expression vector is transformed into a first haploid cell; and a second expression vector is transformed into a second haploid cell. The transformed haploid cells, each individually synthesizing a non-identical polypeptide, are identified and then genetically crossed or fused. The resulting diploid strains are utilized to produce and secrete fully assembled and biologically functional hetero-multimeric protein.
US07927857B2

The invention relates to a variant of a parent fungal glucoamylase, which exhibits altered properties, in particular improved thermal stability and/or increased specific activity.
US07927853B2

It is intended to obtain DNA ligase improved in binding ability and reactivity with DNA, particularly thermostable DNA ligase improved in binding ability and reactivity with DNA. The present invention provides a DNA ligase mutant improved in binding ability and reactivity with DNA, which is obtained by partially or completely deleting a C-terminal helix portion of DNA ligase. Particularly, the mutant is derived from a thermostable bacterium.
US07927849B2

The present invention relates to a novel laccase enzyme obtainable from the strains of genus Thielavia. The invention relates also to the nucleic acid sequence encoding the enzyme, a recombinant host into which the nucleic acid sequence has been introduced and a method for the production of the enzyme in a recombinant host. The enzyme of the invention is suitable for several applications, in particular for increasing the lightness of denim.
US07927845B2

The present invention provides fatty acid synthetases which are responsible for novel fatty acid synthesis, polynucleotides which encode such fatty acid synthetases (e.g., a polynucleotide comprising (a) a polynucleotide consisting of the nucleotide sequence of Positions 1 to 12486 of SEQ ID NO: 1, or (b) a polynucleotide which hybridizes under stringent conditions to a polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence complementary to the nucleotide sequence of Positions 1 to 12486 of SEQ ID NO: 1, and which encodes a protein having a fatty acid synthetase activity), expression vectors and transformants comprising such polynucleotides, methods for producing food and other products using such transformants, food products produced by such methods, and methods for assessing and selecting lipid-producing test fungi.
US07927842B2

The present invention discloses a method of preparing 2-deoxyribose 5-phosphate by reacting glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate and acetaldehyde in the presence of either a microorganism itself which contains 2-deoxyribose-5-phosphate aldolase but substantially no phosphatase or the enzyme derived from the microorganism. The present invention also discloses a method of preparing 2-deoxyribose 5-phosphate by reacting dihydroxyacetone phosphate and acetaldehyde in the presence of either a microorganism itself which contains 2-deoxyribose-5-phosphate aldolase and triose-phosphate isomerase but substantially no phosphatase or the enzymes derived from the microorganism.
US07927839B2

West Nile virus capture oligonucleotides, primers and probes derived from conserved regions of the West Nile virus genome are disclosed. Also disclosed are nucleic acid-based assays using the capture oligonucleotides, primers and probes.
US07927834B2

The invention provides methods for producing mixtures of antibodies from a single host cell clone, wherein, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a light chain and nucleic acid sequences encoding different heavy chains are expressed in a recombinant host cell. The recombinantly produced antibodies in the mixtures according to the invention suitably comprise identical light chains paired to different heavy chains capable of pairing to the light chain, thereby forming functional antigen-binding domains. Mixtures of the recombinantly produced antibodies are also provided by the invention. Such mixtures can be used in a variety of fields.
US07927832B2

In accordance with the present invention, there are provided novel Siah-Mediated-Degradation-Proteins (SMDPs) and/or SCF-Complex Proteins (SCPs). Nucleic acid sequences encoding such proteins and assays employing same are also disclosed. The invention SMDPs and/or SCPs can be employed in a variety of ways, for example, for the production of anti-SMDP and/or SCP antibodies thereto, in therapeutic compositions, and methods employing such proteins and/or antibodies for drug screening, functional genomics and other applications. Also provided are transgenic non-human mammals that express the invention protein.
US07927830B2

Chemically reactive carbocyanine dyes incorporating an indolium ring moiety that is substituted at the 3-position by a reactive group or by a conjugated substance, and their uses, are described. Conjugation through this position results in spectral properties that are uniformly superior to those of conjugates of spectrally similar dyes wherein attachment is at a different position. The invention includes derivative compounds having one or more benzo nitrogens.
US07927826B2

Follicular thyroid adenoma (FTA) is distinguished from follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) by comparing amount of an expression product of at least one gene selected from the group consisting of DDIT3, ARG2, ITM1, C1orf24, TARSH, and ACO1 in a test follicular thyroid specimen to a normal control thyroid specimen. The test follicular thyroid specimen is identified as FTA if the amount of expression product of TARSH is equal to or greater in the test follicular thyroid specimen than in the normal control thyroid specimen. The test follicular thyroid specimen is identified as FTC if the amount of expression product of DDIT3, ARG2, ITM1, C1orf24, or ACO1 is greater in the test follicular thyroid specimen than in the normal control thyroid specimen.
US07927823B2

Newly identified mammalian taste-cell-specific G protein-coupled receptors, and the genes and cDNA encoding said receptors are described. Specifically, T1R G protein-coupled receptors active in taste signaling, and the genes and cDNA encoding the same, are described, along with methods for isolating such genes and for isolating and expressing such receptors. Methods for representing taste perception of a particular tastant in a mammal are also described, as are methods for generating novel molecules or combinations of molecules that elicit a predetermined taste perception in a mammal, and methods for simulating one or more tastes. Further, methods for stimulating or blocking taste perception in a mammal are also disclosed.
US07927812B2

The present invention relates to a method for diagnosing an advanced ischemic coronary heart disease comprising the steps of determining an amount of a cardiac troponin in a sample of a subject and diagnosing the disease by comparing the amount determined with a reference amount of the cardiac troponin.
US07927811B2

The present invention relates to polypeptides having a brain-localizing activity, molecules comprising these polypeptides, and pharmaceutical agents that confer brain-localizing activity. The present inventors are the first to reveal amino acid motif sequences involved in brain-localizing activity. Polypeptides that comprise such motif sequences and have brain localizing activity were discovered as follows: DNAs encoding polypeptides comprising random amino acid sequences were synthesized, and incorporated into a phage library. The phage library produced was used to screen for polypeptides having brain-localized activity, which yielded such several polypeptides. These polypeptides comprised common sequences, which lead to the successful discovery of amino acid motif sequences involved in brain-localizing activity. The polypeptides of the present invention comprising the motif sequences specifically bind to cerebrovascular endothelial cells, and induce a transcellular pathway that enables brain-specific targeting and transport of substances in the cerebral parenchyma, which was not possible prior to the present invention.
US07927806B2

This invention concerns the discovery of two distinct PCA3 mRNA sequences. One of these sequences corresponds to a short PCA3 mRNA molecule whereas the other PCA3 RNA molecule is longer as it comprises an additional sequence between exon 3 and exon 4a. The short RNA is associated with prostate cancer whereas the long RNA sequence is associated with a non-malignant state of the prostate. Based on the differential expression levels of these two PCA3 RNA sequences, protocols for the diagnosis of prostate disease are provided. The invention also relates to therapeutic approaches to prostate cancer.
US07927798B2

Methods of detecting one or more nucleic acids from whole blood or plasma are provided. The nucleic acids are captured on a solid support and detected. Compositions, kits, and systems related to the methods are also described.
US07927786B2

The invention provides parkin binding polypeptides and encoding nucleic acids. The invention also provides antibodies specific for the parkin binding polypeptides. The invention additionally provides methods of detecting a parkin binding polypeptide and detecting a nucleic acid encoding a parkin binding polypeptide. The invention further provides methods of using a parkin binding polypeptide. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of identifying a candidate drug for treating Parkinson's disease by contacting a parkin binding polypeptide with one or more compounds and identifying a compound that alters the activity of the parkin binding polypeptide.
US07927785B2

The invention relates to methods of obtaining compositions for generating multipotent hematopoietic stem progenitor cells comprising expansion of hematopoietic stem cells in the presence of HDACI and IDM. Methods of obtaining compositions enriched in hematopoietic megakaryocyte progenitor cells are also provided. Compositions enriched for stem cells and populations of cells obtained therefrom are also provided by the invention.
US07927784B2

A debulking catheter comprising a tissue debulking assembly for removing a continuous strand of material from a body lumen. Catheters of the present invention generally include a catheter body having proximal and distal portions and a tissue debulking assembly disposed at least partially within the distal portion. The tissue debulking assembly is radially movable to expose at least a portion of the assembly through a window on the catheter body. The catheter is advanced transluminally through the body lumen to contact material in the body lumen and remove a plane of continuous material that has a length that is typically longer than a length of the window on the catheter. The continuous material may be directed into a collection chamber. Thereafter, the material may be removed from the collection chamber and preserved or tested.
US07927782B2

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for which a two mask lithography process can be used to reduce design density. The two mask process uses a first mask to expose a first photoresist layer located above a hard mask layer. The first photoresist is exposed in such a way that the level forms one or more lines, on opposite sides of a cell boundary. The hard mask is then etched. A second photoresist layer is deposited above the hard mask. The second mask is used to expose the second photoresist layer in such a way that a space is formed along the cell boundary equal to the minimum space of the level as required by the design rules. The hard mask is then etched again. The hard mask is subsequently used to pattern the layer below it. Other methods and structures are also disclosed.
US07927779B2

A photoresist material having a polymer that turns soluble to a base solution in response to reaction with acid. The material includes a photo-acid generator (PAG) that decomposes to form acid in response to radiation energy and a quencher capable of neutralizing acid and having a reduced mobility. The photoresist material can thereby prevent water mark defects from immersion lithography.
US07927775B2

Provided is a magnetic carrier giving a high quality image free of density variation without the occurrence of fogging or carrier adhesion and having excellent dot reproducibility even during long-term use. The magnetic carrier has magnetic carrier particles produced by filling pores of porous magnetic core particles with a resin. The magnetic carrier contains 80% by number or more of the magnetic carrier particles satisfying the specific conditions (a) and (b) when 18 straight lines passing through a reference point of a cross section of the magnetic carrier particle are drawn at intervals of 10° in a reflected electron image of the cross section of the magnetic carrier particle photographed by a scanning electron microscope.
US07927773B2

A memory medium stores a program for generating data on an original pattern used in an exposure apparatus forming an image of a target pattern on a substrate, the program comprising a determination step of determining a final assist pattern based on a light intensity distribution formed by a projection optical system when, of a main pattern and an assist pattern to accompany the main pattern which form the original pattern, only the assist pattern is inserted in an object plane of the projection optical system, and a combining step of combining the final assist pattern and the main pattern to generate data on the original pattern, wherein in the determination step, the final assist pattern is determined by repeating a process of calculating and evaluating the light intensity distribution, and a process of changing the assist pattern to be inserted in the object plane of the projection optical system.
US07927768B2

A lithography mask is disclosed, comprising an alignment mark, including a first bar, a second bar crossing the first bar, and a specific pattern having different signatures with the first and second bars connecting to the second bar.
US07927767B2

A reflective photomask and a method of determining or optimizing thicknesses of layers of the reflective photomask are provided. The reflective photomask may include a substrate, a reflective layer, an absorptive pattern, and a spacer. The substrate may include a reflective region and an absorptive region, the reflective layer may be formed between the reflective and absorptive regions, the absorptive pattern may be formed on the reflective layer corresponding to the reflective region, and the spacer may be formed at an upper portion, lower portion, or inside of the reflective layer so as to correspond to the reflective region.
US07927765B2

The invention concerns a process for forming an optical component comprising: a—formation of a multi-layer stack (32, 34) with an adjustment layer (30) made of a metal-semiconductor mix formed in or on the stack, b—etching a part of the multi-layer stack, including at least a part of the adjustment layer, c—an annealing step to contract the adjustment layer within less than 1 nm.
US07927763B2

There is disclosed a pellicle 1 for photolithography comprising, a pellicle frame 2 for constituting a pellicle for photolithography, wherein the frame is made of an aluminum alloy whose surface is anodized, and each content of sulfate ion, nitrate ion, chlorine ion, and organic acid (total of oxalic acid, formic acid, and acetic acid) is 1.1 ppm or less in elution concentration after immersed in 100 ml of pure water at 25° C. for 168 hours, per 100 cm2 of a surface area of the frame, and a pellicle film 3 that is adhered to one end face of the frame. Thereby, there can be provided a pellicle that can effectively prevent haze from being generated on a mask substrate even in a photolithography process with a wavelength being shorter.
US07927761B2

A fuel cell including a membrane electrode assembly composed of a ionically conductive member sandwiched between a pair of electrodes. At least one of the electrodes including a catalyst loading characterized by catalytic activity that varies in proportion to the catalyst loading. Moreover, the fuel cell includes a flow path for supplying gaseous reactants to the electrodes and the catalyst loading is varied according to the flow path geometry.
US07927759B2

A fuel cell stack is provided with a plurality of stacked separators. This fuel cell stack includes: terminals that extend from the separators; packing in which are formed a plurality of through holes through which the terminals are inserted; a packing casing that has a packing housing concave portion that envelops side surfaces of the packing and supports a bottom surface of the packing, and has through holes through which the terminals are inserted; and a connector housing that has a pressing surface that presses a top surface of the packing. Mountain-shaped protruding portions whose apex portions are formed by circumferential edges of apertures of the respective through holes are provided on the top surface of the packing, and the pressing surfaces of the connector housing are formed in a configuration that conforms to the side surfaces of the protruding portions. Internal surfaces of the through holes in the packing are in contact without a gap in between with external surfaces of the terminals. The sealing performance in extraction portions of terminals that are used for cell voltage detection is improved.
US07927752B2

An electrical shorting device for a fuel cell is provided, wherein the shorting device includes an electrically conductive body and an actuator coupled to the conductive body and adapted to selectively position the body between an electrically conductive and a non-electrically conductive position to selectively provide electrical communication between an anode plate and a cathode plate of the fuel cell. The shorting device facilitates electrical shorting of individual cells during the startup and shutdown of the fuel cell to eliminate the electrical potential across a proton exchange membrane that causes a degradation of a catalyst layer disposed on an a surface of an electrode of the fuel cells.
US07927751B2

The present invention provides a fuel cell power system and a power generating method in which the rise of concentration of water vapor and carbon dioxide in the direction of the anode gas flow is controlled to enhance the electromotive force in the downstream region of the anode gas flow, thereby improving the power generating efficiency. A mixed gas of a hydrocarbon and water vapor and/or carbon dioxide or a reformed version of said mixed gas having an oxygen atom/carbon atom ratio (O/C ratio) of 2 or higher is supplied from a spot upstream in the direction of the anode gas flow while a hydrocarbon or a mixed gas of a hydrocarbon and water vapor and/or carbon dioxide having an O/C ratio of lower than 2 is supplied supplementally from a spot downstream, and the gas supplied supplementally from the downstream side is reformed by making use of water vapor and carbon dioxide generated by the electrochemical reactions upstream of the anode gas flow and is utilized for power generation.
US07927750B2

A heater has microchannels for uniform heating, and includes an upper plate having an inlet of material to be heated, a fuel inlet and an oxidant inlet. A lower plate has a heated material outlet and an exhaust gas outlet. A plurality of combustion thin plates and a plurality of heat transfer thin plates are alternately layered between the upper and lower plates. Each of the combustion thin plates and the heat transfer thin plates has an inlet hole of material to be heated, a heated material outlet hole, an oxidant hole, an exhaust gas hole, a fuel hole, and microchannels formed at respective corresponding positions. The upper plate is aligned with the combustion thin plate contacting the lower surface thereof, and the lower plate is aligned with the heat transfer thin plate contacting the upper surface thereof.
US07927745B2

A negative electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery includes a current collector and a negative active mass disposed on the current collector. The negative active mass includes a negative active material including a lithium vanadium composite oxide and a crystalline structure aid for inhibiting deterioration of a crystalline structure. The negative active material can inhibit an irreversible crystalline structure change during charge and discharge, and does not incur decomposition of an electrolyte resulting in improvement of a cycle-life of a rechargeable lithium battery.
US07927743B2

There is provided a lithium secondary battery having a high capacity and excellent high-rate discharge characteristic and charge/discharge cycle characteristic. The lithium secondary battery comprises a negative electrode, a positive electrode and an ionic conductor, wherein the positive electrode comprises lithium metal composite oxide particles; the lithium metal composite oxide particles comprise a plurality of secondary particles in an elongated shape each comprised of a plurality of primary particles with an average particle size of 0.1 to 1 μm so aggregated as to form a void therebetween; and the secondary particle is columnar or planar and has an average size in a long length direction of 5 to 15 μm.
US07927742B2

A rechargeable lithium-ion battery includes a positive electrode that includes a first current collector and a first active material. The battery also includes an electrolyte and a negative electrode that includes a second current collector and a second active material, where the second active material includes a lithium titanate material. The positive electrode has a first capacity and the negative electrode has a second capacity, the second capacity being less than the first capacity such that the rechargeable lithium-ion battery is negative-limited.
US07927734B2

A lithium secondary battery which includes a battery unit having a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate and a separator interposed therebetween. A can accommodates the battery unit, and a reinforcing means is disposed above the can to increase a thickness of the can. A cap assembly is joined to an upper end of the can and the cap assembly has a cap cover and a safety means. The cap assembly is insulated from the can by a gasket.
US07927729B2

A secondary battery having an electrode assembly in which strip-shaped positive and negative electrode plates are spirally wound with a strip-shaped separator interposed therebetween, the positive and negative electrode plates comprising a current collector and a material mixture layer carried thereon. The positive electrode plate has, in a vicinity of a first end at an initial winding side, an exposed portion of the positive electrode current collector having no positive electrode material mixture formed thereon and a positive electrode lead connected to the exposed portion. A first winding turn outwardly adjacent to a connecting portion of the positive electrode lead with the separator interposed therebetween and a second winding turn outwardly adjacent to the first winding turn with the separator interposed therebetween comprise a portion of the negative electrode plate carrying the negative electrode material mixture layer.
US07927728B2

Disclosed herein are a battery module interface including a printed circuit board provided at the front and rear thereof with power connectors and communication connectors for connection with a battery module and an external circuit and a sheathing plate coupled to the printed circuit board such that the rear connectors are exposed to the outside, a battery module having the battery module interface mounted thereto, and a middle- or large-sized battery pack including a plurality of battery modules.
US07927726B2

The present invention discloses a rechargeable battery that has an improved mounting structure for an electrode terminal and a second protective device used therein. This improved structure improves the function of the rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery comprises an electrode assembly that has first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator for insulating the electrode plates from each other, all of which are wound together. It also includes a can that contains the electrode assembly therein, a cap assembly that has a cap plate for sealing a top opening of the can, an electrode terminal that is insulated and inserted into a terminal through-hole formed on the cap plate, and a terminal groove formed on the top of the terminal through-hole with a shape corresponding to that of the head of the electrode terminal so that the head of the electrode terminal can be housed therein. The rechargeable battery of the present invention also includes a protective device groove spaced at a predetermined distance from the terminal groove and a second protective device housed in the protective device groove with one end connected to the top surface of the electrode terminal.
US07927718B2

A novel compound for an organic EL device is provided which has a structure represented by the general formula (1):
US07927717B2

Electroluminescent devices have an electroluminescent layer incorporating iridium complexes with 2-benzo[b]thiophenyl and benzimidazole ligands such as bis[thiophen-2-yl-pyridine-C2,N′]-2-(2-pyridyl)-benzimidazole iridium.
US07927713B2

The present invention generally comprises a semiconductor film and the reactive sputtering process used to deposit the semiconductor film. The sputtering target may comprise pure zinc (i.e., 99.995 atomic percent or greater), which may be doped with aluminum (about 1 atomic percent to about 20 atomic percent) or other doping metals. The zinc target may be reactively sputtered by introducing nitrogen and oxygen to the chamber. The amount of nitrogen may be significantly greater than the amount of oxygen and argon gas. The amount of oxygen may be based upon a turning point of the film structure, the film transmittance, a DC voltage change, or the film conductivity based upon measurements obtained from deposition without the nitrogen containing gas. The reactive sputtering may occur at temperatures from about room temperature up to several hundred degrees Celsius. After deposition, the semiconductor film may be annealed to further improve the film mobility.
US07927705B2

This invention pertains to a composite of AlON and a germanate glass, and to a process for bonding AlON to the glass. The composite includes AlON and glass bonded together and having transmission in the visible and mid-infrared wavelength region. The process includes the step of heating them together above the softening temperature of the glass, the composite having excellent, i.e., typically in excess of about 60%, transmission in the 0.4-5 wavelength region.
US07927702B2

A flat panel display device comprises a substrate, an organic light emitting diode formed on the substrate, an inner stack encapsulating the light emitting diode and comprising at least one organic layer and one inorganic layer, and an outer stack deposited to cover the inner stack and comprising at least two polymer layers and an adhesive and bonding layer disposed therebetween to combine the at least two polymer layers and a polymer heat-curing film disposed at an interface of each of the polymer layers and the adhesive and bonding layer and cured by heat treatment. According to the present invention, the flat panel display device and a manufacturing method for the same reliably seals the organic light emitting device and prevents degradation by permeation of external harmful materials, while providing high flexibility and low manufacturing cost.
US07927701B2

This invention provides vapor grown carbon fiber (VGCF) reinforced continuous fiber performs for the manufacture of articles with useful mechanical, electrical, and thermal characteristics. Continuous fiber preforms are treated with a catalyst or catalyst precursor and processed to yield VGCF produced in situ resulting in a highly entangled mass of VGCF infused with the continuous fiber preform. The resulting continuous fiber preforms are high in volume fraction of VGCF and exhibit high surface area useful for many applications. Furthermore, this invention provides for a continuous fiber preform infused with VGCF so that the carbon nanofibers are always contained within the fiber preform. This eliminates the processing steps for isolated carbon nanofibers reported in other carbon nanofiber composite approaches and therefore greatly reduces risk of environmental release and exposure to carbon nanofibers.
US07927700B2

The invention relates to a substrate covered at least partially with a layered coating. The layered coating comprises an intermediate coating and a hard carbon coating. The intermediate coating comprises a first metal layer deposited on the substrate, the first metal layer comprising at least one element of group IVB, group VB or group VIB; a nitride layer deposited on the first metal layer, the nitride layer comprising at least one nitride of an element of group IVB, group VB or group VIB; a second metal layer deposited on the nitride layer, the second metal layer comprising at least one element of group IVB, group VB or group VIB; a transition layer deposited on the second metal layer, the transition layer comprising at least one carbide of an element of group IVB, group VB or group VIB.
US07927694B2

It comprises three layers: a first layer of plastic material that provides the whole with mechanical strength, a second intermediate layer of foam forming a union between the first and second layer, and a third layer of impermeable plastic material and is characterized in that the first layer (2) is mase on an elastomeric polyolefin of high strength and elasticity, in that the second layer (3) is of closed-cell, physically or chemically cross-linked polyethylene foam, and in that the third layer (4) is of polyolefin with high tear resistance. A light waterproofing sheet is obtained which withstands extreme meteorological conditions, is resistant to chemical agents, while it also has optimum mechanical properties at a lower thickness thanks to the material of which the first layer is comprised and unlike other sheets existing it has no ageing limit, which means that once the sheets have been fitted they do not have to be replaced.
US07927687B2

To provide an optical element, an optical lowpass filter, and a solid-state imaging device of which quality and capability are hard to deteriorate even if they are continually subject to both of a high-temperature, high-humid environment and a normal environment. An optical lowpass filter includes a first birefringent plate, an IR-cut glass, a ¼ retardation film, a second birefringent plate, and a pressure sensitive adhesive as a bonding layer bonding these members. The pressure sensitive adhesive primarily contains a pressure sensitive adhesive main agent polymer composed of a monomer including many hydrophilic groups so as to enhance permeableness of water within the pressure sensitive adhesive. In addition, by selecting a mixing weight ratio of the pressure sensitive adhesive main agent polymer, the permeableness can be further enhanced. Therefore, such an optical element and an optical component can be obtained that are hard to become white turbid under the high-humidity environment by making the pressure sensitive adhesive thereof have efficient and saturated water; and that discharge water that is inside the pressure sensitive adhesive from the periphery thereof to the air so as to recover their optical properties in a short period of time under the normal environment.
US07927673B2

The invention relates to a star-shaped decorative object (2), in addition to blanks and an associated production method. The decorative object comprises at least two interconnected blanks (4, 6; 58, 60; 66, 72) consisting of paper or foil, at least one (4, 6; 58, 60; 72) of which comprises a central part (12) and a plurality of points (8, 10; 74, 76) projecting outwards beyond the central part (12). The central part (12) of said blank (4, 6; 58, 60; 72) is provided with several fold lines (24) that run from a central point (26) towards the points (8, 10; 74, 76) and is folded alternately along adjoining fold lines (24) in opposite directions in a V, in such a way that between two respective fold lines (24) that are separated by an additional fold line (24), areas (44 and 40) that are folded inwards and outwards are formed with the additional fold line (24) running through their center. To interconnect the two blanks (4, 6; 58, 60; 66, 72) to form a hollow three-dimensional body, the points (8) are pushed through openings (28; 70) of one of the other blanks (6, 4; 60, 58; 66) in areas of the folded blank (4, 6; 58, 60; 72) that are folded inwards (44).
US07927667B2

This invention generally relates to a spray apparatus and a method useful in the repair of coating adhered to can ends used in the food and beverage packaging industries. The spray apparatus has one or more elongated shafts rotatably coupled to a frame. One or more bearing members are rotatably coupled to the shafts. One or more plates are rotatably coupled to the bearing members. One or more spray guns are coupled to the plates. The spray guns of the spray apparatus are structured to apply fluid to the can end with a solid stream emitted from the spray guns in a circular pattern. A method for the repair of coating adhered on a can end is provided as well.
US07927666B2

The invention is directed to carbon nanostructure composite systems which may be useful for various applications, including as dry adhesives, electronics and display technologies, or in a wide variety of other areas where organized nanostructures may be formed and integrated into a flexible substrate. The present invention provides systems and methods wherein organized nanotube structures or other nanostructures are embedded within polymers or other flexible materials to provide a flexible skin-like material, with the properties and characteristics of the nanotubes or other nanostructures exploited for use in various applications. In one aspect, the invention is directed to a carbon nanotube/polymer composite material having a plurality of carbon nanotubes formed into a predetermined architecture, with each of the plurality of nanotubes having a desired width and length. The architecture of the plurality of nanotubes defines at least one orientation for a plurality of nanotubes, and also defines the approximate spacing between nanotubes and/or groups of nanotubes. The carbon nanotube architecture is at least partially embedded with a polymer matrix in a manner that the architecture is stabilized in the predetermined architecture. The polymer matrix may also be formed to have a desired predetermined thickness.
US07927664B2

The present invention relates to a method for using compositions comprising poly-oxycarbosilane in step and flash imprint lithography. The imprinting compositions comprise a poly-oxycarbosilane polymer and a pore generator.
US07927661B2

Methods of depositing a single or mixed metal oxide layer or film are described herein. The methods use a rare earth metal precursor are described herein. The rare earth metal precursors have a general formula M[OCR1(R2)(CH2)X]3, wherein M is a rare earth metal, R1 is H or an alkyl group, R2 is an optionally substituted alkyl group and X is selected from OR and NR, wherein R is an alkyl group or a substituted alkyl group.
US07927653B2

Providing a metal mold repair method and a metal mold repair paste agent which are capable of repairing cracks with simple work.A repair paste agent containing components that become an alloy is directly applied to a surface of a metal mold having a crack so as to cover the crack part, subsequently a surface of the repair paste agent is coated with an oxidation inhibitor and the repair paste agent is made to penetrate the inside of the crack by heating and becomes an alloy, thereby filling up the crack.
US07927646B2

A method of forming a butter product comprises forming a primary oil-in-water emulsion by dispersing liquified stearine butterfat in a butter serum, the liquified stearine butterfat forming stearine globules within the butter serum. The primary oil-in-water emulsion is dispersed into an olein butterfat component forming an oil-in-water-in-oil emulsion, and the oil-in-water-in-oil emulsion being cooled to form the butter product which is spreadable at a temperature of less than about 45° F.
US07927645B2

The present invention describes a method of enhancing clarity and/or stability properties of a protein-containing liquid or gel, comprising subjecting said liquid or gel to a pressure treatment of 100 Mpa or greater. Preferred proteins useful in the invention are whey protein isolates and whey protein concentrates. The methods of the invention may be used to improve the clarity and/or stability properties of fruit juices, vegetable juices, protein concentrates and protein syrups.
US07927632B2

Disclosed are a composition comprising an organic acid extract of Torilidis Fructus, which has a sterilization effect on spores of spore-forming microorganisms including fungi and bacteria, and a method of sterilizing spores and vegetative cells using the composition.
US07927627B2

The present invention is directed to fibrate compositions having improved pharmacokinetic profiles and reduced fed/fasted variability. The fibrate particles of the composition have an effective average particle size of less than about 2000 nm.
US07927626B2

The present invention is directed to processes of making flowable hemostatic compositions and devices that include the flowable hemostatic composition disposed therein, where a volume of a biocompatible liquid, a volume of a biocompatible gas, and an amount of solid particles of a biocompatible polymer are mixed together to form a substantially homogenous composition including a discontinuous gas phase and the solid particles substantially homogenously dispersed throughout a continuous liquid phase to form a flowable hemostatic composition, and the composition then transferred into a device suitable for applying the flowable hemostatic composition to a site of a body requiring hemostasis under conditions effective to maintain the substantially homogeneous dispersion of the gas phase and the solid particles throughout the liquid phase.
US07927623B2

Intraorally rapidly disintegrating tablets which, when ingested, disintegrates in the oral cavity rapidly without presenting unpleasant taste, can be quickly absorbed in the digestive tract and express efficacy are provided. The intraorally rapidly disintegrating tablets contain a drug being hardly water-soluble under neutral or alkaline conditions and being highly water-soluble under acidic conditions yet presenting unpleasant taste, which tablets can be prepared by combining the medicinal substance with a water-soluble acidic substance, coating either or both of the substances with a water-soluble coating agent being insoluble in alcoholic solvent, further adding a water-soluble binding agent being soluble in alcoholic solvent and a water-soluble saccharide, subjecting the resultant mixture to compression, and treating the products with an alcoholic solvent.
US07927619B2

The present invention relates to a hydrated, biocompatible tissue-augmentation compound and methodology for its implantation into mammalian tissue. The tissue-augmentation compound is comprised of: living tissue, optionally body derived fluids, and at least one NCO-terminated hydrophilic urethane prepolymer derived from an organic polyisocyanate, and oxyethylene-containing diols or polyols in which essentially all of hydroxyl groups are capped with polyisocyanate.
US07927615B2

The present invention is a thickener consisting of a microgel obtained by radical polymerization of water soluble ethylene-type unsaturated monomers dissolved in the dispersion phase in a composition having an organic solvent or an oil component as the dispersion medium and water as the dispersion phase, as well as a cosmetic containing said thickener.Also, the present invention is a method of manufacturing a water-swelling polymer in a radical polymerization system consisting of a composition having an organic solvent or oil component as the dispersion medium and an aqueous solution of a water soluble ethylene type unsaturated monomer as the dispersion phase wherein said system contains a surfactant chosen in such a way that the aforementioned composition forms a single phase W/O microemulsion or fine W/O emulsion at a thermal radical polymerization temperature and said thermal radical polymerization is carried out at a temperature equal to or higher than the phase transition temperature of the radical polymerization system, yet not higher than the phase transition temperature by 20° C. or more.
US07927613B2

A pharmaceutical composition comprising a co-crystal of an API and a co-crystal former; wherein the API has at least one functional group selected from ether, thioether, alcohol, thiol, aldehyde, ketone, thioketone, nitrate ester, phosphate ester, thiophosphate ester, ester, thioester, sulfate ester, carboxylic acid, phosphonic acid, phosphinic acid, sulfonic acid, amide, primary amine, secondary amine, ammonia, tertiary amine, sp2 amine, thiocyanate, cyanamide, oxime, nitrile diazo, organohalide, nitro, s-heterocyclic ring, thiophene, n-heterocyclic ring, pyrrole, o-heterocyclic ring, furan, epoxide, peroxide, hydroxamic acid, imidazole, pyridine and the co-crystal former has at least one functional group selected from amine, amide, pyridine, imidazole, indole, pyrrolidine, carbonyl, carboxyl, hydroxyl, phenol, sulfone, sulfonyl, mercapto and methyl thio, such that the API and co-crystal former are capable of co-crystallizing from a solution phase under crystallization conditions.
US07927612B2

Methods for treating neoplasms, tumors and cancers, using one or more haptens and coagulation agents or treatments, alone or in combination with other anti-neoplastic agents or treatments, are provided. Also provided are combinations, and kits containing the combinations for effecting the therapy.
US07927609B2

Compounds and methods for inducing protective immunity against tuberculosis are disclosed. The compounds provided include polypeptides that contain at least one immunogenic portion of one or more M. tuberculosis proteins and DNA molecules encoding such polypeptides. Such compounds may be formulated into vaccines and/or pharmaceutical compositions for immunization against M. tuberculosis infection, or may be used for the diagnosis of tuberculosis.
US07927585B2

Stocks of infectious rAAV are generated using yeast strains, bacterial strains, and bacteriophages engineered to express the required AAV proteins and harboring rAAV vector sequences. Stocks of rAAV virions of all serotypes and pseudotypes can be generated in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells using the methods described herein.
US07927576B2

The present invention relates to a system and process utilizing ammonium thio sulfate solution (ATS) as the primary liquid absorption agent that is re-circulated through an SO2 Contactor/Absorber for high efficiency contacting and absorption of sulfur dioxide, SO2 from a combustion gas stream generated by incineration of a Claus Sulfur Recovery Unit (SRU) off gas stream (often referred to as a Claus tail gas stream) and also additional SO2 generated from incineration of additional sulfur containing streams. ATS is also re-circulated through a separate H2S Contactor/Absorber for absorption of and reaction with a Sour Water Stripper (SWS) off gas stream and additional H2S-Acid Gas (A.G.) streams to produce additional concentrated ATS. The process and equipment also provides the ability to readily switch between using ATS and ABS as the primary absorbent solution for SO2 absorption, depending upon the concentration of SO2 in the off gas feed streams.
US07927574B2

A method for regenerating a solid reactant includes streaming the solid reactant into an inlet port of a contact or vessel and heating the solid reactant inside the contactor vessel, streaming a purge oxidant into an oxidant port of the contactor vessel to reduce a partial pressure of gas released from the solid reactant, venting the gas from a gas port of the contactor vessel, and removing the solid reactant from a discharge port of the contactor vessel.
US07927572B2

Carbon dioxide is purified by processes employing NOx-rich sulfuric acid that can be formed by removal of SO2 from the carbon dioxide.
US07927570B2

An aggregated crystalline silicon powder with a BET surface area of 20 to 150 m2/g is provided. The aggregated crystalline silicon may be doped with a doping component and can be used to produce electronic components.
US07927566B2

The present invention relates to a treatment of high-level waste of radiochemical production containing radionuclides and macro-admixtures including sodium. The method of extraction of radionuclides by processing acidic aqueous waste solutions by extractants containing macrocyclic compounds selected from the group of crown ethers having aromatic fragments containing alkyl and/or hydroxyalkyl substituents of a linear and/or branched structure, and/or cyclohexane fragments containing alkyl and/or hydroxyalkyl substituents of a linear and/or branched structure, and/or fragments of —O—CHR—CH2O—, where R is the normal or branched alkyl or hydroxyalkyl in organic solvents containing polyfluorinated telomeric alcohol 1,1,7-trihydrododecafluoroheptanol-1 having the formula H(CF2CF2)nCH2OH, where n=3, and a mixture of polyoxyethylene glycol ethers of synthetic primary higher aliphatic alcohols of a fraction C12-C14 of a general formula CnH2n+1O(C2H4O)mH, where n=12-14, m=2 is proposed. A possibility of selection of quantitative and qualitative composition of the extractant depending on the waste composition and the object to be achieved of joint or individual extraction of radionuclides results in universal technology. A method of regeneration of extractants containing crown ethers allowing one to carry out the operation of extraction of radionuclides in a commercial scale under countercurrent dynamic conditions, with regeneration of the extractant for reuse is also proposed.
US07927564B2

A histological specimen cassette for use in connection with a larger histological specimen cassette, wherein each histological specimen cassette has an internal chamber that includes a receptacle and a lid, the receptacle having a bottom wall, opposite side walls, opposite front and back walls, and an internal chamber or cavity, where the internal chamber or cavity is positioned between the sidewalls, the front and back walls and partially bound by the bottom wall, having a plurality of apertures that extend through the bottom wall and that create fluid passageways into the cavity, the lid having a plurality of apertures that extend through the lid and that create additional fluid passageways into the cavity, the histological specimen cassette being dimensioned such that the histological specimen cassette can fit entirely within the void of the larger histological specimen cassette when the lid is in the closed position.
US07927559B2

A disposable assay device that assays one or more samples, and transmits assay data or information to a remote receiving system. The device is provided with one or more assay context sensors configured to monitor one or more assay context factors.
US07927557B2

A device used for the sterilization of objects (19), in particular medical or surgical instruments, is of the type that can create a gaseous plasma from a gas flow which is subjected to an electric field. The resulting post-discharge flow is brought into contact with the surface of the objects to be treated. The device is characterized in that the gas flow includes exclusively nitrogen. Moreover, the device include a device for heating the aforementioned objects, which can heat the objects to a temperature of at least 60° C. during treatment. A method of using the device is also described.
US07927547B2

The biosensor comprises a modular biorecognition element and a modular flexible arm element. The biorecognition element and the flexible arm element are each labeled with a signaling element. The flexible arm contains an analog of an analyte of interest that binds with the biorecognition element, bringing the two signaling elements in close proximity, which establishes a baseline fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). When an analyte of interest is provided to the biosensor, the analyte will displace the analyte analog, and with it, the signaling module of the modular flexible arm, causing a measurable change in the FRET signal in a analyte concentration dependent manner. The modularity of different portions of the biosensor allows functional flexibility. The biosensor operates without additional development reagents, requiring only the presence of analyte or target for function.
US07927541B2

A layer on a substrate is formed using an imprint lithography system. The layer is formed by providing a plurality of flowable regions on the substrate, spreading material in the flowable regions, and contacting the regions with a plurality of imprint lithography molds that are disposed on a template.
US07927531B2

An extrusion method and head for depositing by extrusion a polymeric material intended, in particular, for the production of cables includes a core and a coating layer arranged at a radially outer position with respect of the core. The method includes the steps of feeding the polymeric material in a feeding duct of the extrusion head and of conveying a part of the polymeric material towards an undercut extending in the extrusion head in proximity of an end of the feeding duct. The method provides a sealing force between a head body and a conveyor element of the extrusion head exerted by means of the pushing action exerted by the polymeric material in the undercut in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the head body.
US07927530B2

A method for producing a skin/core type eccentric biocomponent fiber which is soft to touch and has improved latent crimp. An eccentric skin/core fiber which has a skin portion in relation to the cross-section of the fiber of 35%-70% is produced by melt spinning polyester as a core component and polyethylene as a skin component at a spinning speed of between 600 m/min-2000 m/min. The thus-obtained fiber stretches at a temperature of between 40° C.-70° C. at a ratio Wmax±20% and is then compressed in a crimped manner. The fiber, which is produced in such a manner, is very soft to touch and has an additional latent crimp. The fibrer are particularly suitable for producing hygiene products such as hygienic non-woven fabrics, and all kinds of hygienic textile flat items for producing nappies, bandages, inserts, cotton buds, and the like.
US07927524B2

A method for compression molding a thin cover layer over a large or soft core golf ball, wherein the process includes mold press speed of closure, pressure within the mold cavities, temperature of materials being molded, and the movement of the compression press is controlled by as the mold position rather than any fixed amounts of time. A Ram press is moved in a very controlled fashion during the low pressure stage by a servo controller, and is governed by data fed to a control computer by a linear potentiometer, which allows for a very deliberate movement, especially over the last 0.4 inches of closing. A pressure transducer and thermocouples determine the flow point of the cover layer. Once the cover material starts to flow, the Ram press is triggered into a high pressure close wherein the cover layer is formed and then finally cooled.
US07927522B2

An eyeglass lens is made of layers which include an outer, convex hard coating, a layer of hard epoxy, a PVA film, a layer of soft epoxy, a layer of adhesive, a base material, and an inner, concave hard coating. The major steps in producing the lens are to 1: prepare a clean, soft PVA film; 2: form the PVA film into the desired curved shape using a convex mold; 3: add hard epoxy to the outer, convex side of the PVA film; 4: add soft epoxy to the inner, concave side; 5: add the base material to the inner, concave side; and 6: harden and package the lens.
US07927511B2

The invention relates to a composition for coding having at least one pair of mutually associated luminescent substances having first and second luminescent substances which emit in a joint emission range located outside the visible spectral range. The emission spectra of the first and second luminescent substances overlap in at least a subrange of the stated emission range such that the emission spectrum of the first luminescent substance is complemented by the emission spectrum of the second luminescent substance.
US07927510B2

The present invention is directed to a granular water treatment composition, comprising: 35-95 wt % calcium hypochlorite; 1 to 50 wt % magnesium sulfate or a hydrate thereof; 0.1 to 10 wt % lime; and 0.1 to 55 wt % of a water soluble zinc salt or a hydrate thereof; wherein the weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition. The present invention is also directed to a water treatment tablet, comprising 35-95 wt % calcium hypochlorite; 1 to 50 wt % magnesium sulfate or a hydrate thereof; 0.1 to 10 wt % lime; and 0.1 to 10 wt % of a water soluble zinc salt or a hydrate thereof; wherein the weight percents are based on the total weight of the composition.
US07927496B2

There is provided a method of inhibiting the development of a biofilm adjacent a surface, the method comprising intermittently applying a biofilm inhibiting substance to a collection of microorganisms having biofilm developing potential. Other embodiments are also described.
US07927495B2

A device (10) is described for automatically separating solid and liquid phases of a suspension (78) and for purifying magnetic microparticles (76) loaded with organic, e.g., biological or biochemical substances. The device includes a process area (12) with devices, which move in a cyclic manner for transporting the magnetic microparticles (76) in the x-direction. A first guide (14) is used for supplying sample containers (P) in the x-direction and second guides (18) are used for supplying reagent containers (R) in the y-direction to the process area (12). The second guides (18) in the y-direction extend at an angle (α) of 30 to 150 ° to the x-direction. A carrier element (24), including carrier plates (24a, 24b, 24c) can be moved back and forth in the x-direction and can be lifted and lowered in the z-direction. The reagent containers (R) can be positioned according to the grid of the transfer elements (28), shown configured as rod-shaped permanent magnets or electromagnets, by introduction into the process area (12), taking place at an angle (α) and can be rejected by ejection in the same direction into a waste collector.
US07927492B2

Provided is a filter assembly for a bioremediating catch basin. The filter assembly comprises a container having at least one inlet and at least one outlet; a carrier substance, such as a foam, which carries a microorganism capable of digesting hydrocarbons; and optionally an adsorbent material. The filter assembly also optionally has structures for overflow conditions which allow the exit of water, but not floating contaminants from the catch basin. Also provided is a replaceable cartridge for the filter assembly. Also provided is a method for bioremediation of polluted water.
US07927486B2

A polymer modified porous substrate for solid phase extraction or chromatography, comprising a porous substrate and a polymeric monolith formed thereon, wherein the polymeric monolith comprises C5-10 monocyclic or bicyclic aryl or heteroaryl, optionally substituted with -L-Qp-Rq; where q is 0-3, p is 0-5, Q is —NRC(O)—, —C(O)NR—, —OC(O)NR—, —OC(O)R—, —NRC(O)O—, —NRC(O)NR—, —NCO, —CHOHCHOH—, CH2OCHCH2O—, —(CH2CH2O)s—, —(CH2CH2CH2O)s—, —C(O)—, —C(O)O—, —CH2C(O)CH2—, —S—, —SS—, —CHOH—, —O—, —SO—, —SO2—, —SO3—, —OSO3, —SO2NR—, —NRq—, and —NRq+—, —CN, —NC, —CHOCH—, —NHC(NH)NH—, —NO2, —NO, —OPO3—, —OH; and R is hydrogen, C5-10 monocyclic or bicyclic aryl or heteroaryl, C1-12 branched, unbranched, or cyclic hydrocarbyl; L is a bond or a C1-12 branched, unbranched, or cyclic hydrocarbyl. Methods of preparing and using the polymer modified porous substrates are disclosed.
US07927478B2

A spiral wound module for the electrochemical desalination of aqueous salt-containing solutions, whose feeds for solution to be desalinated and whose discharge for desalinated water are mounted on side walls of the dilution chamber of the module, permits an axial instead of tangential flow in the dilution chamber.
US07927473B2

A substrate holder for supporting an insulating substrate includes a conductive substrate holder main body having an opening, a first support member formed to protrude inside the opening from the inner periphery of the opening, and including a clamping member which supports one end portion of the insulating substrate, and a second support member including a clamping member which supports the other end portion of the insulating substrate, and is movable so as to protrude inside the opening or retract from inside the opening.
US07927470B2

An electrolytic cell is provided that can include: a first electrode plate including a first surface that can include a graphite material; a second electrode plate including a second surface that can include a graphite material opposing the first surface; an electrolytic reaction zone between the first surface and the second surface; and an inlet to and an outlet from the electrolytic reaction zone. The first electrode plate and the second electrode plate can include resin-impregnated monolithic graphite plates. The first electrode plate and the second electrode plate can form opposite internal walls of a chamber for the electrolytic reaction and thus can be provided without a container for containing the electrode plates. Methods are also provided for flow-through-resin-impregnating porous, monolithic graphite plates to form electrode plates.
US07927469B2

A processor for making porous silicon or processing other substrates has first and second chamber assemblies. The first and second chamber assemblies include first and second seals for sealing against a wafer, and first and second electrodes, respectively. The second seal is moveable towards and away from a wafer in the processor, to move between a wafer load/unload position, and a wafer process position. The second electrode may move with the second seal. A light source shines light onto the first side of the wafer. The processor may be pivotable from a substantially horizontal orientation, for loading and unloading a wafer, to a substantially vertical orientation, for processing a wafer.
US07927450B2

A method of manufacturing a mount includes dispensing a predetermined amount of molten thermoplastic adhesive on a release liner, attaching a tab to the adhesive while the adhesive is at a temperature above its softening point, and cooling the adhesive to a temperature below its softening point.
US07927444B2

A method is described for forming a longitudinal fibre web (100), wherein synthetic tapes (2) with an elongated cross-sectional contour are positioned substantially parallel to each other for forming a bundle (12), wherein the tapes (2) are embedded in a matrix material (46). The tapes (2) are positioned partially overlapping each other.
US07927431B2

A dishwashing appliance is provided, comprising a door assembly defining opposed upper and lower ends. A console cover member is operably engaged with the upper end of the door assembly, and includes a first surface, and a second surface perpendicularly engaged therewith and extending therefrom. A switch assembly within the console cover member has at least one control actuator accessible through the first surface of the console cover member. A support member is configured to operably engage the second surface of the console cover member such that the switch assembly is disposed between the support member and the first surface. The support member is configured to bias the switch assembly toward the first surface so as to compress a gasket member between the first surface and the switch assembly to form a seal therebetween. An associated system and method is also provided.
US07927424B2

A substrate clamp ring has an edge exclusion lip with a variable bottom surface. At least a portion of that bottom surface has a height above the substrate contact level selected to minimize accumulation over time of deposited aluminum-copper alloy across lower portions of the bottom surface, and to allow the aluminum-copper alloy to be deposited to a thickness of at least 2 microns on each of a predetermined number of substrates without bridging. The height of the bottom surface at an innermost edge of the lip is preferably about 17 mils, while a height of the bottom surface over the substrate edge is preferably about 8.5 mils.
US07927422B2

The use of microfluidic structures enables high throughput screening of protein crystallization. In one embodiment, an integrated combinatoric mixing chip allows for precise metering of reagents to rapidly create a large number of potential crystallization conditions, with possible crystal formations observed on chip. In an alternative embodiment, the microfluidic structures may be utilized to explore phase space conditions of a particular protein crystallizing agent combination, thereby identifying promising conditions and allowing for subsequent focused attempts to obtain crystal growth.
US07927417B2

A cementitious composition capable of forming high early strength cement when admixed with water may comprise, for each 100% by weight, no more than about 60% by weight C3S, at least about 4% by weight C2S, and between about 7% and about 11% by weight SO3, wherein the cementitious composition has a particle size distribution such that substantially all of its particles are of a size of about 10 microns or smaller. A cementitious composition may have a ratio of weight % SO3 to weight % Al2O3 of at least about 1.5 and a particle size distribution such that substantially all of its particles are of a size of about 10 microns or smaller. An apparatus and method for making such a cementitious composition are also described.
US07927412B2

A pigment ink composition has high transparency and good color characteristics such as a high OD that are not inferior to those of dyes, even though pigment particles are used, and also has good weatherability and remaining ability on the coating and printing medium surface that are inherent to pigment particles. The pigment ink composition contains pigment particles including at least needle pigment particles, a dispersant, and a solvent. The needle pigment particles have a needle shape with an aspect ratio of at least 3, an average aspect ratio of at least 5 and at most 7, an average short dimension of at least 20 nm and at most 30 nm, and a distribution of short dimension with a standard deviation of 2.0 nm or less. The needle pigment particles are covered with the dispersant.
US07927411B2

A process for printing an image on a substrate comprising applying to the substrate an ink comprising a medium and compound of Formula (1) or a salt thereof wherein the compound of Formula (1) or a salt thereof is a triazine coupled azo containing colorant. The process and colorant are especially useful for ink jet printing.
US07927400B2

A filtration media that incorporates a static dissipative media layer for dissipating the static charge that builds up as a fluid, such a fuel, passes through the filtration media. The filtration media includes a filter media suitable for filtering fluid, and a static dissipative media layer. The static dissipative media layer has a surface resistivity level that is sufficient to classify the media layer as static dissipative rather than conductive.
US07927395B2

The invention relates to a centrifugal separator for cleaning of gas from solid or liquid particles suspended therein which are of greater density than the gas. A main object of the present invention is to accomplish a centrifugal separator which does not have said inactive regions and thereby achieves efficient separation of particulate contaminants from a gas. This object is achieved by the centrifugal separator initially defined, which is characterised in that the interspaces between the separation discs at least at their radially outer parts are substantially open for flow of the gas in the circumferential direction and that mutually adjacent separation discs are arranged at mutual spacing such that rotation of the rotor causes a pumping action in the interspaces, which pumping action drives the gas from the gas inlet, through the interspaces between the separation discs and out via the gas outlet.
US07927389B2

In a superabrasive grain setting method, a two-dimensionally developed coordinate preparation step is taken, wherein a non-cylindrical area of a mounting surface where a tangential line to the mounting surface in a plane including the axis of the manufacturing mold crosses with the axis of a manufacturing mold is developed into a circular-arc belt-like surface, and a plurality of mounting points are set on the circular-arc belt-like surface in a grid pattern in dependence on mounting positions for superabrasive grains. Then, a rectification step is taken, wherein the grid pattern of the mounting points is rectified in predetermined angular ranges so that the mounting points do not make consecutive point lines in the circumferential direction of the circular-arc belt-like surface. A mounting step is thereafter taken of mounting the superabrasive grains on the mounting surface of the manufacturing mold based on the grid pattern rectified at the rectification step.
US07927388B2

An apparatus and a method for producing woodfuel briquettes, pellets, compounds, composites, agglomerates, or granulates as source material for subsequent processing in injection molding or extrusion processes, includes a pressing screw with screw spirals, which rotate around a longitudinal axis and which are arranged inside a screw shell. The feed material is conveyed to the pressing screw via a feed chute located at an input side. At the end of the pressing screw, processing tools are arranged, to which the feed material is conveyed by the rotating screw spirals. In the area of the processing tools, the residual moisture in the feed material evaporates due to the heat generated during the processing procedure, and is vented as a steam flow from the apparatus through the screw shell. In order to prevent the steam flow from carrying away part of the feed material, the apparatus includes an expansion chamber, through which the escaping steam flow is channeled, and the flow-through cross section of which is such that it causes the steam flow to decelerate. As a result of the deceleration of the steam flow in the expansion chamber, the particles of the feed material that were carried off by the steam flow can be returned to the feed material.
US07927386B2

A rechargeable battery (2) and a circuit substrate (3) are connected by lead plates (4, 5) and united by a primary mold (11) that is formed by filling resin therebetween, after which a secondary mold (12) is formed on the outer face by filling resin at necessary locations and a winding sheet (13) is wound around the periphery, thereby forming a battery pack.
US07927381B2

Provided is a process for lightening or dyeing keratin fibers, in which the following are applied to the said fibers: (a) an aqueous cosmetic composition (A) comprising at least one fatty substance and at least one surfactant; (b) a cosmetic composition (B) comprising at least one alkaline agent, (c) a cosmetic composition (C) comprising at least one oxidizing agent, wherein the amount of the at least one fatty substance in composition (A) is greater than 20% by weight relative to the total weight of composition (A), and when the process used is a process for dyeing keratin fibers, then cosmetic composition (B) further comprises at least one oxidation dye, at least one direct dye, or both. Also provided is a multi-compartment device.
US07927372B2

A scleral prosthesis includes a prosthesis body having first and second side surfaces and a cavity extending through the prosthesis body from the first side surface to the second side surface. The scleral prosthesis also includes a crossbar configured to be inserted into the cavity, where the crossbar is wider than the prosthesis body. The cavity could define a narrower central opening and wider end openings, and the crossbar could have a narrower central portion and wider end portions. Also, the prosthesis body could include multiple cavities, and the scleral prosthesis could include multiple crossbars configured to be inserted into the multiple cavities. Each of the cavities could be located proximate to an end of the prosthesis body. The crossbar could be substantially straight with a cylindrical cross section.
US07927358B2

An implant for stabilizing adjacent vertebrae, the implant includes a stabilizing body expandable along a longitudinal axis from a first size state to a second size state. A cavity is defined in the stabilizing body for receiving a quantity of curable filler material sufficient to expand the stabilizing body from the first size state to the second size state. The implant further includes an attachment member for attaching the stabilizing body to the adjacent vertebrae. The stabilizing body is expandable along an arcuate axis to exert a restoring moment of movement on the attached vertebrae.
US07927354B2

Apparatuses and methods for performing minimally invasive medical procedures are disclosed herein. In one example, an apparatus includes a first body coupled to a second body. The first body and the second body collectively configured to be releasably coupled to an implant device configured to be disposed between adjacent spinous processes. A first engaging portion is coupled to the first body, and a second engaging portion is coupled to the second body. The first engaging portion and/or the second engaging portion is configured to be received within a first opening defined by the implant device. The first body configured to be moved relative to the second body such that a distance between the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion is moved between a first distance and a second distance and simultaneously a length of the implant device is moved between a first length and a second length.
US07927344B2

Self-contained eye positioner having an annular vacuum ring composed of a channeled support ring and an overmolded flexible sealing ring having an attached rigid hollow tube secured to a syringe by use of an attachment fixture. The syringe, which also functions as a handle, provides a vacuum source, the vacuum of which is communicated to the annular vacuum ring to suctionally adhere the annular vacuum ring to the eyeball for maneuvering thereof. Accompanying closely associated auxiliary devices are provided for use with the eye positioner. No external vacuum source is required.
US07927339B2

An elongated shaft is sized and configured to establish an access path to bone having an interior volume occupied, at least in part, by cancellous bone. The elongated shaft includes a generally closed distal end portion and a side opening spaced from the closed distal end. A first tool is sized and configured to be selectively inserted into the shaft and selectively removed from the shaft. The tool includes a region that, when the first tool is inserted into the shaft, is capable of being aligned with and advanced through the side opening to project outside the side opening and contact cancellous bone. A second tool is sized and configured, upon removal of the first tool from the shaft, to introduce into the shaft a bone filling material for discharge through the side opening into the cancellous bone contacted by the first tool.
US07927325B2

A catheter system for locking a catheter to an implantable pump and for effectively flushing a catheter after implantation within a body. A locking component comprises an extension boot and catheter lock that together fluidly connect the catheter to the pump in a secure, safe and effective manner. A catheter component comprises a design having kink-resistant walls and a unique tip. A flushing component comprises a hub and stylet combination characterized by a hydrophilic coating on the stylet and a flush through hub to allow flushing of the stylet while inside the catheter.
US07927324B2

A method for treating a pneumostoma by applying suction to the pneumostoma in order to remove solid or liquid discharge. A pneumostoma aspirator including a bulb or syringe is used to apply negative pressure to a tube which enters the pneumostoma. The pneumostoma aspirator may be used in conjunction with a pneumostoma management device. Alternatively, the pneumostoma aspirator may be used after the pneumostoma management device has been removed. The pneumostoma aspirator may also be used to introduce irrigation fluid into the pneumostoma and/or remove irrigation fluid and discharge from the pneumostoma.
US07927323B2

The present invention relates to an interlabial pad can be sealed and attached to the female labia, which has a structure in capable of easily achieving a sealing attachment into the female labia.A sheet body (2) is provided on an opposite side to a body side of the interlabial pad (1) to form a pair of the fingertip insert openings (3,4) on both side portions, the wearer inserts two finger into the fingertip insert opening (3,4) and catches the sheet body 2 by the two finger, thereby the interlabial pad (1) can be folded in substantially mountain folded shape along the vertically axial center line and can be attached to the labia (9) in keeping a condition of forming a raised area (5) on the body side surface of the pad.
US07927312B2

A device for retaining and dispensing a free-flowing substance includes a syringe-like retaining body (12) in which a retaining space (46) is formed. A displaceable piston (22) is axially introduced into the retaining space (46) and the retaining body (12) is provided with a dispensing nozzle (18) on its front end facing away from the piston (22). A locking pin (36) through which at least one transverse channel (44) passes, with an axial channel (42) branching off therefrom, is provided on the inside of the dispensing nozzle (18). In a closed position of the locking pin (36), a flow connection between the retaining space (46) and the transverse channel (44) is blocked. In an activation position of the locking pin (36), the transverse channel (44) is connected to the retaining space (46), so that the free-flowing substance can be dispensed from the retaining space (46) via the transverse channel (44) and the axial channel (42).
US07927309B2

The disclosure relates to an a catheter sheath introducer that is capable of being expanded from first diameter to second diameter in order to accommodate differently sized medical devices to be introduced by the sheath introducer. The device is structured such that it does not foreshorten when expanded.
US07927301B2

A safety syringe includes an outer barrel, a needle unit, an outer barrel plug, an inner barrel, an inner barrel plug, a needle clamper, and a vacuum generating device. The needle unit is disposed within the front end of the outer barrel. The outer barrel plug is disposed within the outer barrel; the outer barrel plug is connected with the needle unit so as to fix the needle unit. The inner barrel plug is disposed within the front end of the inner barrel. The needle clamper is connected with the inner barrel plug. The needle clamper is able to clamp a rear opening of the needle unit. The vacuum generating device is disposed within the inner barrel, and the needle unit can be retracted into the inner barrel by the low pressure which is generated by the vacuum generating device.
US07927295B2

A dressing for applying compression to a wound in a patient includes a bladder having a non-deformable end wall and a deformable membrane. The dressing may include a flexible web having an adhesive layer on one side thereof for securing the dressing to the patient so as to hold the bladder against the patient's skin. Upon inflation, the deformable membrane projects towards the patient's skin and exerts pressure on the wound to reduce the flow of blood from the wound.
US07927289B2

Disclosed is a catheter used to pick a sample of a lesion cell tissue existing in the living body, and more particularly a catheter capable of freely coupling or separating a micro biopsy tool and picking a tissue required for an examination just by inserting and extracting the biopsy tool into and from a lesion region when picking the tissue. The catheter can pick a tissue required to diagnose and treat an examinee with a minimal invasion. Accordingly, it is possible to alleviate the examinee's pain and to prevent a perforation from occurring in the picked region when picking the tissue. In addition, according to the catheter of the invention, since the micro biopsy tool can be easily mounted and separated, the catheter can be semi-permanently used by continuously replacing the biopsy tool only.
US07927287B2

A method of determining breeding status in animals by (a) determining a breeding event (cyclicity, mounting, pregnancy, open) time, (b) providing an estrus or other breeding event detection apparatus, (c) affixing the estrus detection apparatus at a predetermined location on a female animal at a predetermined application time prior to the breeding event time, and (d) monitoring the estrus detection apparatus for activation thereof. An indicator apparatus is provided for use in indicating when an animal is in estrus. The apparatus is configured to be affixed to the rump of an animal to detect and indicate when the animal has been mounted and, thus, when the animal is in estrus. The apparatus is affixed to the animal by an adhesive layer. Layered on the top surface of the adhesive layer is an indicator layer that is in turn covered with a floodcoat layer. The floodcoat layer is adapted for removal upon the mounting of the first animal by a second animal. Removal of the floodcoat layer exposes the indicator layer indicating that the first animal has been mounted, thereby indicating that the first animal is in heat. The floodcoat layer is highly visible and may be seen from a distance.
US07927281B2

A drug delivery system utilizes a hand piece adapted to receive a probe. The hand piece may be made of a first segment and a second segment connected to one another by a swivel joint to accommodate a user's position and preference for switches provided thereon. Alternatively, the switches may be mounted on rotatable bases. A base unit connected to the hand piece delivers a substance to the hand piece via a drug line. The base unit may further include a nerve stimulator for transmitting current to the probe. A drug switch on the hand piece selectively activates a drug delivery and suction to facilitate aspiration. A current switch on the hand piece selectively delivers electric current to the probe. In practice, the hand piece of the invention may be used by a single operator operating an ultrasound wand with a first hand and operating the hand piece with a second hand, thereby reducing personnel typically required to perform certain tasks.
US07927268B1

A method for mechanically assisting the pumping action of the heart. A catheter is provided comprising an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal region, an expandable member attached in the distal region, and an inflatable member in the distal region and attached distal the expandable member. The catheter is advanced into the aorta. The expandable member is expanded to at least partially obstruct the aorta. The inflatable member is inflated during diastole. The inflatable member is then deflated during the ejection phase of the left ventricle while expansion of the expandable member is maintained. The pumping action of the heart is thereby mechanically assisted. Cerebral perfusion augmentation may also be achieved by use of combined coarctation-counterpulsation devices and methods. Devices for practicing methods with increased volume-displacement efficiency are also described.
US07927262B2

An exercise apparatus that provides a complete body workout, folds up into a small footprint, and can be hidden inside of a closet or decorative cabinet. The two arms rotate both horizontally and vertically, and move up and down, permitting the cable ends to be positioned anywhere from near the ground to well over head, thus allowing for infinite exercise variation. Cable ends that exit the arms freely and move independently of each other simulate working out with free weights. The counterweighted arms combined with convenient locking levers facilitate rapid and effortless arm repositioning. A counterweighted fold out seat assembly with leg extension completes the versatile and compact workout station.
US07927260B1

A double-end punching and exercise bag assembly and cable where the bag is vertically adjustable by extending the cable through the bag assembly and providing clamp assemblies at both ends of the bag assembly each having collet-like radial spring fingers activated by an axially movable threaded nut.
US07927256B2

An adjustable exercise device that includes one or more inclined riser blocks for readily elevating and inclining a platform to enable stepping and other exercises to be readily performed on an inclined platform. The inclined riser blocks may be matingly engageable with the bottom of the platform to elevate and incline the platform. The inclined riser block may include a top face matingly engageable with the bottom of the platform, a bottom face, and a central portion extending between the bottom and top faces and having a front and rear, the central portion increasing in thickness from the front to the rear. The top face extends at an incline.
US07927251B1

A treadmill test protocol is provided having a linearly increasing work rate profile achieved by linearly increasing walking speed while simultaneously and non-linearly increasing the treadmill inclination. Specifically, according to the protocol it is possible to use a test subject's projected maximum end-test work rate to calculate a treadmill test protocol that starts with a low walking speed and low grade to produce a metabolic rate that is commensurable to that of unloaded cycling in cycle ergometer tests, thereafter having a linear increase in walking speed and simultaneous curvilinear increase in treadmill grade so that when the test subject is tested according to the calculated protocol, the test result yields a work rate and metabolic rate response with a linear slope. Further, the desired maximum treadmill speed can be adjusted so as there is no need for jogging or running for any given test subject.
US07927250B2

A control apparatus for a vehicular power transmitting system including (a) an electrically controlled differential portion operable to distribute an output of a drive power source of a vehicle to a first electric motor and a power transmitting member, (b) a second electric motor connected to a power transmitting path between an output shaft of the drive power source and a drive wheel of the vehicle, (c) a coupling device provided in the electrically controlled differential portion and operable to selectively switch the differential portion between a differential state and a non-differential state, and (d) an electric-energy storage device operable to store and discharge an electric energy supplied from the first or second electric motor, the control apparatus including a torque-receiving-proportion control portion configured to control a proportion of torque values of a reaction torque corresponding to a torque acting on a predetermined member of the electrically controlled differential portion, which torque values are respectively received by the first electric motor and the coupling device, such that a ratio of the torque value received by the coupling device, with respect to the reaction torque, increases with an increase of a difference of an electric energy amount consumed by the second electric motor from an electric energy amount generated by the first electric motor.
US07927249B2

A transmission is disclosed having an input member, an output member, first, second and third planetary gear sets, a first interconnecting member, a second interconnecting member and six torque-transmitting mechanisms. The torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member. The planetary gear sets each have first, second and third members. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable to interconnect one of the first, second, and third members with another of the first, second, and third members.
US07927245B1

A hydraulic motor assembly having a motor and gear reduction set mounted in a housing. The housing may be formed of separate components, including the external surface of the ring gear and the hydraulic motor port block. The motor assembly may also include pressure relief valves or neutral valves in the motor port block and a brake assembly mounted in the port block or on the motor housing to provide braking for the output axle.
US07927243B2

A stock rubber is provided with chopped aramid fibers and chopped polyester fibers blended in the rubber component, which is EPDM. The chopped polyester fibers are longer than the chopped aramid fibers. A transmission V-belt is obtained and molded from the stock rubber. When molding, the chopped aramid fibers and the chopped polyester fibers are oriented in a width direction of a belt body of the V-belt.
US07927241B2

The driven pulley (10) comprises a first sheave (12) and a second sheave (40) coaxially mounted around a main shaft. The first sheave (12) is fixed with reference to the main shaft while the other sheave (40) is allowed to slide and rotate with reference to the main shaft. The driven pulley (10) is designed with a roller mounting unit (74) facilitating the assembling or the replacement of the rollers (70).
US07927240B2

The present invention generally relates to a lighted archery nock. The lighted archery nock generally includes an accelerometer, a replaceable battery, a light, a housing, and a controller that controls illumination of the light. The controller can control emission of the light to conserve battery life, and can respond to user input transmitted by tapping the nock to re-set the light. The housing is configured with a plurality of fingers that secure the replaceable battery.
US07927239B2

A game racket frame is provided including at least one substantially fluid tight portion. The racket includes a handle and a head frame with strings laced through and held in tension to form a stringed hitting surface. Alternatively, the game racket of the present invention could be formed of at least one substantially fluid tight part including a handle portion and a head frame portion. The head frame includes at least one substantially fluid tight portion and has at least one unitary multi-component spring suspension module disposed on its periphery to cooperate with at least one string. The profile of the generally tubular, spring suspension module is formed by at least two components, having at least one common wall. The profile includes a first side portion and a second side portion, is closed on at least two ends, and can have at least one communicating means in common with the racket. Alternatively, when the racket is comprised of more than one substantially fluid tight part, there can also be at least one communicating means located on at least one common surface between the parts to form the substantially fluid tight game racket of the present invention.
US07927230B2

Embodiments of golf clubs with grooves and methods of manufacture thereof are described herein. In some embodiments, a golf club head can include: (a) a body having a strike face with channels; and (b) at least one insert located within at least one of the channels. The at least one of the channels can have a single groove, and the at least one insert can form at least a portion of the single groove. Other embodiments and related methods are also disclosed herein.
US07927224B1

A training device for practicing and learning the technique of juggling or repeatedly tapping a golf ball off the face of a golf club. The device has a lofted club head to which is tethered a resilient ball. A ball receptacle, either a semi-spherical cup or a pair of arcuate arms may be provided on the toe of the head to retrieve or receive a ball. A lip on the sole facilitates retrieval of a ball to begin or resume practice.
US07927220B2

A constant velocity universal ball joint 11 having first and second outer ball tracks 16, 18, and first and second inner ball tracks 17, 19, forming first pairs of tracks 16, 17 which widen in a first axial direction. Ri1 (α), and forming second pairs of tracks 18, 19 which widen in a second axial direction Ri2 (β). Balls 20 are guided in the pairs of tracks and have centers Z positioned on a pitch circle radius PCR around a joint centre M. A ball cage 21 holds the balls 20 in a common central plane E on to the angle-bisecting plane when the joint is articulated. There is provided an axial clearance permitting a relative axial displacement S wherein, when in the aligned condition, the ratio between the axial clearance S and the pitch circle radius PCR ranges between 0.01 and 0.09 (0.01
US07927219B2

A torque fluctuation absorbing apparatus provided between a driving source and a transmission and transmitting torque from the driving source to the transmission, the apparatus absorbing fluctuations in the torque and limiting a maximum value of the torque, the apparatus includes a flywheel, a supporting member, a first plate having a sliding surface, a second plate having a sliding surface, a disc spring supported by the supporting member and biasing one of the first and second plates towards the other one thereof, a friction material sandwiched tightly between the sliding surface of the first plate and the sliding surface of the second plate, a damper mechanism connected to the friction material and transmitting the torque from the driving source to an input shaft of the transmission, and a cover member demarcating the sliding surfaces of the first and second plates from an exterior of the torque fluctuation absorbing apparatus.
US07927218B2

A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a game display and a top box display. The game display is for displaying the wagering game. The top box display includes a standard substructure for attaching subassemblies. The substructure contains fixed connection points allowing subassemblies to be developed in a fashion consistent with the substructure, thus simplifying the ability to swap components and reducing the dependence on unique internal part designs.
US07927209B2

Method and system are disclosed for operating wagering game terminals where each terminal contributes an award to an award pool. A bank controller aggregates the awards, reapportions, and randomly assigns them back to the wagering game terminals. The reapportioned award assigned to a given wagering game terminal may be less than, the same as, or greater than the award contributed by that terminal. At regular or irregular intervals, the bank controller may shuffle the reapportioned awards and reassign them. As a result, the volatility of the wagering game terminals increases significantly while the payout percentage of each wagering game terminal remains the same over time. Alternatively, instead of randomly reassigning the reapportioned awards, the players may be allowed to pick the reapportioned awards. The reapportioning may also occur randomly and the assigning on an as-needed basis.
US07927208B2

Methods for enhanced interactive playing of a casino game on account of an attribute by a player have steps including. The steps of establishing one or more threshold criteria for tracking the attribute and allowing the player to wager and play the casino game are performed. The actual casino game data related to the attribute is tracked. The player is provided with enhanced interaction if the tracked data fulfills at least one threshold criteria during enhanced interactive playing of the casino game.
US07927206B2

A gaming device having a bonus scheme wherein a combination of bonus symbols trigger a bonus game and any one of the bonus symbols in the bonus game provides a player with an award. The award may be an extension of the bonus game by providing the player with additional spins or games. Also, the award may modify the combination and type of bonus symbols needed to enter the bonus game. Furthermore, the award may modify the award values in the bonus game. Therefore, a combination bonus symbols trigger the bonus game and also triggers the gaming device to provide bonus awards in the bonus game. The re-triggering symbol award bonus scheme changes the probability of winning for the player and therefore creates a higher level of excitement and enjoyment of the game.
US07927195B1

A device for removing a breast from a fowl has a base supporting a platform with a slot open to one side of the platform. An upright channel member extended through the slot is secured to the base and platform. The channel member accommodates a bar having a lower end pivoted to the lower end of the channel member to allow the bar to be moved from an upright position to a generally horizontal position to remove a breast from a fowl positioned on the platform and around the channel member.
US07927194B2

An apparatus to cut free flank bones of a beheaded, slaughtered fish having an open abdominal cavity includes a transport saddle to transport the fish in a direction of fish travel. The saddle includes an upper bone guide and a lower bone guide. The apparatus additionally includes a separating unit moveable back and forth from a standby position into a working position having a separating device and a counter support. The separating device includes a rotating circular knife to detach a fish fillet from the flank bones and the counter support includes a fixed element and is associated with the separating device. The counter support and separating device are movable about two axes, the fixed element being movable relative to the circular knife and independently thereof.
US07927192B2

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide working tools that provide suction to a working surface and/or dust removal from a working surface. One embodiment of a tool includes a tool support having an upper surface and a sidewall defining a cavity defined by the sidewall and the upper surface. The tool includes a base attached to the upper surface of the tool support and a vacuum attachment structure attached to the base. The attachment structure includes a connector member having an opening in a first end for releasable attachment to a vacuum source.
US07927184B2

A method and system are presented for monitoring a process sequentially applied to a stream of substantially identical articles by a processing tool, so as to terminate the operation of the processing tool upon detecting an end-point signal corresponding to a predetermined value of a desired parameter of the article being processed. The article is processed with the processing tool. Upon completing the processing in response to the end-point signal generated by an end-point detector continuously operating during the processing of the article, integrated monitoring is applied to the processed article to measure the value of the desired parameter. The measured value of the desired parameter is analyzed to determine a correction value thereof to be used for adjusting the end-point signal corresponding to the predetermined value of the desired parameter for terminating the processing of the next article in the stream.
US07927182B2

A computer-implemented method for process control in chemical mechanical polishing in which an initial pre-polishing thickness of a substrate is measured at a metrology station, a parameter of an endpoint algorithm is determined from the initial thickness of the substrate, a substrates is polished at a polishing station, and polishing stops when an endpoint criterion is detected using the endpoint algorithm.
US07927180B2

A brassiere is provided having a front piece incorporating two breast cups and with two side pieces extending around the upper body of an individual wearing the brassiere, the first ends of which are fastened to the front piece at the sides and the second ends of which can be connected together in the back area of the individual. According to the invention, each of the side pieces includes two layers of a textile material, namely an outer layer and an inner layer. The layers are fastened together at the free edges in such a way that the layer of the textile material forming the outside is folded over toward the inside to form marginal edges and that these edge areas are connected by an adhesive layer with the opposite side of the textile material forming the inside.
US07927178B2

A bee house for housing a plurality of bee hives includes a generally rectangular frame and four upwardly extending opaque fixed walls fixed to the frame and a gable roof having a generally triangular cross-section. The roof has a peak and a pair of eaves or outer edges below its peak and defines a longitudinally extending opening between a pair of roof panels at or along the peak. The bee house also includes a plurality of shelves for holding three bee hives on each shelf and an air-conditioner for maintaining the bee house at a temperature of between about 25° C. and 35 C.
US07927173B1

A toy vehicle and launching system. The male section of a strap connector is attached to the toy vehicle. The male section has elongated arms that extend from the back of the toy vehicle. Separately, the female section of a strap connector is provided. The female section has a connector body with a front opening and side openings. The elongated arms from the male section are insertable into the connector body through the front opening. The elongated arms pass into the connector body until they reach an engaged position. At the engaged position, the elongated arms engage the side openings and retain the elongated arms within the connector body. The elongated arms store spring energy. When released from the engaged position, the energy stored in the elongated arms acts to accelerate the toy vehicle out and away from the connector body.
US07927160B1

A propeller assembly has first and second propeller blades pivotably mounted on a propeller hub. The first and second propeller blades are pivotable with respect to the propeller hub about corresponding first and second pivot axes to vary a pitch of the first and second propeller blades. A support member has a first end at least partially disposed within the first propeller blade and a second end at least partially disposed within the second propeller blade. The first end has a first central longitudinal axis generally coaxial with the first pivot axis. The second end has a second central longitudinal axis generally coaxial with the second pivot axis. A gear case having a propeller and a marine outboard engine having a propeller are also disclosed.
US07927135B1

A stabilizing coupling body assembly for a connector is provided with a monolithic coupling body dimensioned to couple with a cable end of a connector body of the connector. A plurality of grip fingers extends from a cable end of the coupling body, the grip fingers dimensioned for insertion within a bore of a stabilizing body. The stabilizing body is coupled to a cable end of the coupling body. A distal end of the grip fingers is proximate an annular wedge surface of the bore of the stabilizing body. The wedge surface is provided with a taper between a maximum diameter proximate a connector end and a minimum diameter proximate a cable end. The grip fingers are driven radially inward as the stabilizing body is advanced axially towards the coupling body. Methods of manufacture include forming elements of the coupling body assembly via injection molding and/or machining.
US07927128B2

The invention relates to a device (1) for an electrical contact (2) that comprises a frame part (3) and a casing (4) that is arranged to be detachably interconnected with the frame part (3) as well as a connecting part (34) for a cable and having a contact pin (6) or pin reception part, respectively, situated at mutually opposite portions (3A, 3B) of the frame part (3). The casing (4) has an opening (7) for surrounding receipt of a portion (3B) of the frame part (3) extending through the opening (7). Co-operating fastening members (8-10) are arranged to detachably interconnect the frame part (3) with the casing (4).
US07927125B1

A robust multi-port front panel RF (radio frequency) connector system design using a single lead screw is provided. The system allows for individual connector removal from the header while installed. Additionally, the system employs a user applied torque limiting feature for robustness. This individual connector removal can be provided by way of a slider bar which retains cables in place when in the ‘closed’ or ‘locked’ position.
US07927124B1

A connector comprises a first connection portion and a second connection portion. The first connection portion comprises a first receiving hole, a first set of conductive terminals received in the first receiving hole and a first hook portion protruded from an outer surface of the first connection portion. The second connection portion comprises a second receiving hole, a second set of conductive terminals and a second hook portion. Wherein the second receiving hole is formed in the inside of the second connection portion. The second hook portion is protruded from a side plate of the second receiving hole. Wherein, at least one of the first hook portion and the second hook portion is elastic.
US07927110B1

A connector clip adapted for holding a flat cable directly against a printed circuit board (PCB) includes a pair of vertical walls mounted on the PCB with a width same to the flat cable, a pair of horizontal walls extending inwards from the vertical walls to commonly define a receiving room to receive the flat cable with a front opening from which the flat cable is inserted and a pressing cover disposed between the pair of horizontal walls in a horizontal plane. The pressing cover slants upwards to the front opening and has a pair of locking tabs bending to the front opening. The pressing cover is moved into the receiving room to press against the flat cable and the locking tabs interlock with the horizontal walls to block the pressing cover from moving away from the receiving room so that the flat cable is fitly retained in the receiving room.
US07927104B2

Disclosed is an educational game apparatus for playing a game by a plurality of players. The educational game apparatus comprises a playing rack member, a pair of dice, and a winner indication member. The playing rack member comprises a pair of lateral members, and a plurality of transverse members coupled to configure a turn record section, a score record section, and a number section. The turn record section records turns played by a player during the game, and records a lucky number selected by the player. The score record section records scores accumulated by the player during the game. The number section includes a plurality of blocks each with a set of numbers inscribed thereon. The pair of dice is tossed to turn a block from the plurality of blocks to score points. Further, the player with highest points secures the winner indication member on the playing rack member.
US07927099B2

Disclosed is a dental patient anxiety and pain management system including a patient controllable interrupt device operable by a patient for interrupting a flow of pressurized fluid along a fluid path between a pressurized fluid source to a dental hand piece and for venting the pressurized fluid from a portion of the fluid path between the patient interrupt device and the dental hand piece for reducing the motive force driving the operative element of the hand piece, the fluid flow remaining interrupted until a reset device is operated for allowing the flow of pressurized fluid to resume along the fluid path between the pressurized fluid source and the hand piece.
US07927096B2

A heat treatment apparatus includes a support sheet placed on an upper surface of a heat-treating plate. The support sheet has, formed on an upper surface thereof, projections for contacting and supporting a substrate, and a lip for contacting edge regions of the substrate. The support sheet is formed by an etching process, and therefore areas of the sheet around the projections are recessed, rather than being perforated as in the case of laser processing. These heat-treating plate and support sheet constitute a substrate support structure capable of supporting the substrate properly.
US07927090B2

An imprint lithography apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus including a substrate table arranged to support a substrate having a first surface to be imprinted and a second surface, facing the substrate table, comprising a substrate alignment mark, a template holder arranged to hold a template to imprint the first surface of the substrate, and an alignment system arranged to align the template to a substrate alignment mark provided on the substrate, wherein the substrate table further comprises a substrate table optical system to allow the substrate alignment mark to be viewed by the alignment system.
US07927086B2

Disclosed herein is a membrane electrode assembly with a superior power generating efficiency and a method of manufacturing the same. Also disclosed is a manufacturing apparatus thereof wherein a gasket with an optimum thickness can be easily applied to the membrane electrode assembly without preparing various types of gaskets. A method of manufacturing the membrane electrode assembly with catalytic layers and gas diffusion layers on surfaces of the electrolyte membrane comprises controlling a molding thickness according to thicknesses of the catalytic layers and the gas diffusion layers and integrally molding the gasket portions formed with resin materials on at least one surface of the electrolyte membrane.
US07927071B2

Efficient traditionally appearing ceiling fan blades with aerodynamical upper surfaces and wide tip ends for ceiling fans with blades formed from plastic and/or wood and/or separately attached surfaces that run at reduced energy consumption that move larger air volumes than traditional flat shaped ceiling fan blades. And methods of operating the novel ceiling fans blades for different speeds of up to and less than approximately 250 rpm. The novel blades twisted blades can be configured for ceiling fans having any diameters from less than approximately 32 inches to greater than approximately 64 inch fans, and can be used in two, three, four, five and more blade configurations. The novel fans can be run at reduced speeds, drawing less Watts than conventional fans and still perform better with more air flow and less problems than conventional flat type conventional flat and planar upper and lower surface blades.
US07927069B2

A rotor blade assembly includes a slot for mounting a rotor blade that extends partially through a rotor disk and a continuous uninterrupted hoop seal that extends about the circumference of the rotor disk. The rotor disk includes an integrally formed seal that includes at least one knife edge disposed concentrically about the rotor disk. The slot receives a root portion of a rotor blade but does not extend through the seal. As the seal remains an uninterrupted full hoop about the circumference of the rotor disk, additional rigidity and strength are realized. The increased rigidity and strength provided by the full hoop structure provides for the reduction in material and physical dimensions without compromising desired performance of the seal.
US07927051B2

An exemplary rivet includes a main body, and a riveting portion extending from the main body. The riveting portion has a first flange, and a second flange nearer to the main body than the first flange. The first flange and the second flange cooperatively defines a receiving cavity. A distance between a side surface of a portion of the second flange and a center axis of the rivet is greater than the distance between a side surface of the first flange and the center axis of the rivet.
US07927049B2

A multifunction wheel nut cap is used on motor vehicle to indicate loosening and rotation of a lug nut. On large trucks on which the lug nuts have to be frequently torqued to prevent the lug nut from loosening and turning until it drops from the wheel bolt, the indication of rotation and limiting of the rotation prevents the lug nut loss and requires tightening only when there is an indication that the lug has become loose. The Wheel cap nut device gives a visual warning when a nut has become loose. It also prevents water and contaminants from penetrating the lug nut and bolt threads.
US07927047B2

A multi-cartridge cutting tool includes a body with a plurality of cartridge-receiving pockets, and a plurality of insert-receiving cartridges mounted to a respective pocket. A round cutting insert is mounted to each cartridge. The pockets are formed at predetermined distances from a central, longitudinal axis of the body to form a first group and a second group of cutting inserts such that the cutting edges of the first group of cutting inserts and the cutting edges of the second group of cutting inserts are located at different axial and radial distances from the central, longitudinal axis of the body to perform different machining operations.
US07927043B2

A sleeve 10 for introduction of a pressurized fluid, which is attached to a rockbolt main body 1, comprises a cylindrical projecting part 11 of a large diameter and a bearing-plate-holding part 12 of a diameter smaller than an aperture of a bearing plate 6. The projecting part 11 and the bearing-plate-holding part 12 preferably has the same inner diameter. When the rockbolt main body 1 is embedded in a bedrock or ground, the bearing plate 6 locates on an edge of a rockbolt-setting hole of the bedrock or ground, and the bearing-plate-holding part 12 extends through the bearing plate 6 into the rockbolt-setting hole. Since the projecting part 11 and the bearing plate 6 are disposed on a sprayed concrete layer, a projection height of the rockbolt is remarkably decreased. Consequently, lining concrete 8 is applied onto the sprayed concrete layer with ease, and the bedrock or ground is reinforced with high reliability.
US07927040B2

A method and system for storing, delivering and spooling pipelines, such as underwater pipelines used in off-shore well production systems, enables continuous pipeline reeling operations for multi-mile pipelines without the need for welding stops, a spool base of corresponding multi-mile length, a straight line path from storage to ship and/or stern mooring of the reel carrying vessel. Bending radii for the pipeline from welding to reeling are held to a determined minimum within the range of plastic deformation radii of the pipeline and preferably within the range of elastic bending radii of the pipeline.
US07927026B2

A camera module and a portable electronic device using same are provided. The camera module can be rotated to align with a first camera window and a first aperture in the front of the portable electronic device or a second camera window and second aperture in the rear of the portable electronic device.
US07927016B2

A slider for a linear motion rolling guide unit can ensure a smooth rolling movement and a reliable lubricating capability and eliminate the need for accurate dimension control to reduce the manufacturing costs. A turning corner 9 in an end cap 2 is made up of a pair of arced paths 9c connecting with a rolling path in the casing 1, and a straight path 9d providing a connection between the arced paths 9c and extending in a direction approximately perpendicular to the rolling path. The lubricating member A mounted in the end cap 2 has a lubricating face 18a exposed to the linear path 9d, and maintains a relation of the lubricating face 18a intersecting the outer peripheral faces of the arced paths 9c. A recessed area 19 is formed between the outer peripheral face of each arced path and the lubricating face 18a in a surplus length region extending outward from the intersection between the lubricating face 18a and the outer peripheral face of the arced path 9c.
US07927006B2

A device for extracting and fragmenting substances, especially infectious or malodorous substances, in a laboratory test vessel (3) is provided. The device includes a processing tool (11) and a stirrer element (33). An interior of the laboratory test vessel (3) is subdivided by a sieve (59) into a collection chamber and a processing chamber. The sieve (59) prevents parts of the substances having a defined rain size from reaching the collection chamber (73). A sample can be taken from the collection chamber using a pipette (45) which is passed through the stirrer element (33) and the sieve (59).
US07927005B2

A track lighting system comprises an extruded track body, having adjacent first and a second track sections; a defined entrance to the track body that is common to both the first and the second track sections, a respective conductive member connectable to an electrical power source disposed at a bottom of each of the first and the second track sections so as to form two independent circuits within the extruded track body; and a separating wall positioned between the first track and the second track. The system further comprises a light fixture insertable through the entrance so as to make electrical connection with one of the conductive members, the fixture comprising: a socket housing a stem connecting the socket housing to a transformer housing containing an electrical circuit having an output transformer; a lamp in electrical connection with the output transformer by wires within the stem; and the transformer housing including a wall having first and second contact slots formed therein.
US07926991B2

A connecting device is provided which allows easy replacement with a light source device having a light emitting diode serving as a light source at low cost and without changing a vehicle-side connection configuration and the shape of a socket for attaching a bulb-type lamp. There is also provided a light source device connected to the connecting device. A power source adapting connector has an external shape formed so as to conform to a socket for attaching conventional bulb-type lamps. The power source adapting connector includes: a connector housing which contains therein a female connector and has positive and negative electrodes on the exterior thereof; the female connector which is contained in the connector housing and is to be connected to a male connector of a light source unit; and an attaching/detaching plate which is attached to an open end portion (upper end portion) of the connector housing.
US07926985B2

A custom assembly light-emitting module includes a base unit, a light-emitting unit and a lens unit. The base unit has a heat-dissipating base and two first retaining structures extending upwards from two opposite lateral sides of the heat-dissipating base. The light-emitting unit is detachably disposed on the heat-dissipating base. The lens unit has a lens and two second retaining structures formed on two opposite lateral sides of the lens, wherein the lens unit is detachably disposed over the light-emitting unit by matching the two first retaining structures and the two second retaining structures. Hence, the base unit, the light-emitting unit and the lens unit can be replaced according to the user's different requirements.
US07926972B2

A shop light fixture includes reflector. The reflector is of a planar sheet like configuration bent at a left side and a right side. The reflector has a reflector front side and a reflector rear side. A ballast assembly has a ballast front side and a ballast rear side. The ballast front side is mounted to the reflector front side. A first socket and fourth socket are mounted to the ballast front side. A second socket is mounted to the reflector rear side in alignment with the first socket such that the first socket in cooperation with the second socket can receive a first florescent tube. A third socket is mounted to the reflector rear side, and the third socket is electrically connected to the second socket. The third socket and fourth socket receive a second florescent tube.
US07926962B2

A portable electronic device includes a main body, a camera positioned in the main body, a fill-in light emitting unit positioned in the main body adjacent to the camera, and an optical lens positioned between the fill-in light emitting unit and outside of the main body. The optical lens includes an incident surface facing the fill-in light emitting unit, a light emitting surface opposite to the incident surface, and a plurality of elongated V-shaped ridges formed on the incident surface. The elongated V-shaped ridges are substantially parallel to each other and symmetrical about a central portion of the optical lens. Vertex angles between symmetric elongated V-shaped ridges progressively increase along a direction away from the fill-in light emitting unit.
US07926961B2

A telescope design is disclosed that has at least some of its interior facing surfaces configured with corner reflectors, so that a detector operatively coupled to the telescope views itself, instead of those surfaces. The corner reflectors may be on, for example, interior facing surfaces of a conventional baffle appended to the telescope and/or mirror supports or other structures inside the telescope housing that are within the detector's FOV. Likewise, the corner reflectors may be on interior facing surfaces of a baffle that is integrated into the telescope housing. In some such cases, the integrated baffle can be configured as both a baffle and a mirror support. The integrated baffle can be shaped to the F-cone between mirrors of a given telescope design, and/or configured to minimize or otherwise reduce the total obscuration of the baffle to improve the optical throughput.
US07926951B2

A digital image projector includes a plurality of light modulation assemblies and a dichroic combiner. Each light modulation assembly includes at least one laser light source configured to provide an illumination beam, an optional a coated surface, and a spatial light modulator. If the coated surface is present, the respective laser light source is configured to direct the illumination beam to the coated surface, which directs the illumination beam toward the respective spatial light modulator. Otherwise, the respective laser light source is configured to direct the illumination beam directly toward the respective spatial light modulator. The spatial light modulator redirects output modulated light back to the coated surface, if present, and out of the corresponding light modulation assembly. The dichroic combiner directs the output modulated light from each of the plurality of light modulation assemblies toward a projection lens for projection onto a display surface.
US07926944B2

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for diagnosing and treating subjects using neuro-ocular wavefront data. As such, in some embodiments, among others, neuro-ocular wavefront data is obtained, and one or more characteristics of a visual system are ascertained from the neuro-ocular wavefront data.
US07926942B2

Solid state lenses, lens blanks, and lens components comprising compressible materials ground into fine powders having mechanical properties that make them capable of being formed into cohesive monolithic masses that are low in scattering. The fine powders may be admixtures of host matrix materials and others which, when combined, provide preferred optical properties such as index and dispersion. Parts possessing transmission from within the range from the ultraviolet to the infrared are possible. The materials are suited to low temperature formation of aspheric lenses transmissive in the near and far IR.
US07926934B2

A recording sheet/ink sheet integral type cartridge, includes a recording sheet containing portion that contains recording sheets by stacking the sheets; and an ink sheet containing portion that contains ink sheets, the recording sheet containing portion including two separating pawls disposed to catch corners of a leading edge of the recording sheet in a feeding direction and separating the recording sheet and a first aperture portion formed in one of two side surfaces of said recording sheet containing portion in a direction orthogonal to the recording sheet feeding direction, and urging the recording sheet, wherein one of the two separating pawls, which is closer to the first aperture portion, is larger than the other.
US07926932B2

An image forming apparatus includes a conveying path that continues to a paper feeding unit and a paper discharge unit, a conveying mechanism that conveys a sheet along the conveying path, plural liquid ejecting heads that eject liquid onto the sheet conveyed on the conveying path, a sensor that is provided in a position between the plural liquid ejecting heads and the paper discharge unit and measures the glossiness of the sheet on which the liquid is ejected, and a control mechanism that compares the glossiness of the sheet immediately after the liquid is ejected and the glossiness measured by the sensor to calculate drying time of the liquid and controls conveying speed of the conveying mechanism to equalize conveying time for the sheet from the plural liquid ejecting heads to the paper discharge unit with the drying time.
US07926921B2

A liquid transporting apparatus which transports a liquid includes a channel unit having a surface which is electroconductive and a liquid channel which includes a pressure chamber; a piezoelectric actuator applying a pressure to the liquid in the pressure chamber and having a piezoelectric layer arranged to face the surface of the channel unit and to cover the pressure chamber, electrodes which are arranged in the piezoelectric layer to face the pressure chamber, and a first isolating film arranged between the piezoelectric layer and the surface of the channel unit to cover the pressure chamber; and a deterioration detecting mechanism detecting a deterioration of the first isolating film and having a second isolating film which is electroconductive and stacked on a surface, of the first isolating film, on a side of the piezoelectric layer, and which is insulated from both the electrodes and the channel unit.
US07926918B2

A piezoelectric layer is provided on a vibration plate which covers a plurality of pressure chambers extending in a predetermined direction. The piezoelectric layer has a first area corresponding to a central portion in a width direction of each of the pressure chambers and a second area corresponding to both sides in a longitudinal direction of an inner peripheral portion of each of the pressure chambers. A head for a liquid-droplet jetting apparatus which has the piezoelectric layer is prepared, and when the head is driven, a first driving step for applying a drive voltage to the second area, and the first area corresponding to a pressure chamber which does not jet a liquid droplet is carried out. Thereafter, a second driving step for applying a drive voltage to the first area corresponding to a pressure chamber which discharges the liquid droplet is carried out.
US07926916B2

An adhesive joint with an ink trap is provided. The joint may be employed in a cartridge for an inkjet printer. The cartridge includes a headland region attached to a printhead assembly by an adhesive layer. The adhesive joint between the headland region and the printhead assembly include notches for retaining additional adhesive in order to reduce degradation of adhesive due to ink penetration. A method of assembling the printer cartridge to include an ink trap in the adhesive joint is also provided.
US07926913B2

An inkjet nozzle assembly includes a nozzle chamber having a floor and a roof, wherein moving portion of the roof is moveable towards the floor for ejection of ink. A thermal bend actuator defines part of the moving portion of the roof, and an active beam of the actuator defines an upper layer of the moving portion.
US07926905B2

Even in the case where preliminary ejection is performed by a recording head having an array of pigment ink ejection outlets and an array of dye ink ejection outlets in which a length of the pigment ink ejection outlet array is longer than a length of the dye ink ejection outlet array, deposition of preliminarily ejected pigment ink at a preliminary ejection receiving portion is effectively prevented by providing an inclined surface at the preliminary ejection receiving portion so that ink from the dye ink ejection outlets is received at an upstream position of the inclined surface and ink from the pigment ink ejection outlets is received at a downstream position of the inclined surface in a direction of gravity.
US07926904B2

An inkjet recording apparatus that includes an intermediate transfer body that has an image forming surface including an image forming region on which an image is formed by means of the ink droplets ejected from an ink ejection head and a cleaning device which makes contact with the image forming surface of the intermediate transfer body to wipe off and remove adhering material attached to the intermediate transfer body. A second cleaning device makes contact with the first cleaning device to remove adhering material attached to the first cleaning device. An ejection control device controls ink ejection from the head and a recovery device is provided which recovers the adhering material removed by the second cleaning device.
US07926900B2

A method of printing spots with high spot placement accuracy using print heads with random/unevenly spaced ejector locations and coarse alignment of the multiple print heads. This is performed by accurately determining the spot positions from all the print heads using a vision system and printing at high addressability. The spot placement accuracy will be determined by the addressability as long as the ejected drop position is reproducible and other system errors are negligible.
US07926899B2

An inkjet printer includes an inkjet printhead and an ink pressure regulator in fluid communication with the printhead via an ink line. The regulator includes an ink chamber having an ink outlet connected to the ink line; an air inlet; a regulator channel having a first end communicating with the air inlet and a second end defining a bubble outlet; and a wetting system for maintaining liquid in the regulator channel. The regulator channel is dimensioned to control a Laplace pressure of air bubbles drawn from the bubble outlet as result of supplying ink to the printhead, thereby regulating a hydrostatic pressure of the ink.
US07926894B2

A printing apparatus can improve the image quality by improving uneven print density or graininess. A printing apparatus is provided with (A) a carry mechanism that carries a medium along a predetermined direction, (B) a nozzle that performs a moving and ejecting operation for ejecting ink toward the medium while moving relatively with respect to the medium during an interval of a carry operation by the carry mechanism, and (C) a signal output section that outputs a first timing defining signal defining a periodical timing for ejecting ink from the nozzle toward a position corresponding to a pixel configuring an image to be printed, and a second timing defining signal defining a periodical timing for ejecting ink from the nozzle toward a position displaced from the position corresponding to a pixel configuring an image to be printed, wherein the signal output section outputs either the first timing defining signal or the second timing defining signal for each moving and ejecting operation.
US07926893B2

A recording apparatus scans a recording head in a main scanning direction to perform time-division driving for a plurality of blocks of recording elements to perform recording. The recording apparatus includes an obtaining unit configured to obtain information regarding inclination of the recording element array with respect to a main scanning direction, a first changing unit configured to change, in units of recording elements, based on the obtained information, storage positions of recording data items that are stored in a storage unit and that are assigned to recording elements in each of groups, each of the groups including recording elements belonging to the blocks in the recording element array which are consecutive, and a second changing unit configured to change, in units of groups, based on the obtained information, the storage positions of the recording data items in the main scanning direction.
US07926887B2

A brake control system includes at least one wheel cylinder that receives the work fluid to apply a braking force to a corresponding vehicle wheel, a wheel cylinder pressure control system that controls the control pressure applied to the at least one wheel cylinder by controlling the supply of the work fluid thereto, a first abnormality determination unit that determines whether an abnormality in the wheel cylinder pressure control system based on an initial response characteristic of the control pressure after a braking request within a predetermined abnormality determination time, and a second abnormality determination unit that determines whether the abnormality in the wheel cylinder pressure system is present based on a comparison between the control pressure and a reference pressure based on which the determination is made with respect to the abnormality within a predetermined second abnormality determination time that is set to expire before expiration of the first abnormality determination time.
US07926886B1

Apparatus for mounting a cycle wheel on a cycle wheel frame including two axle segments connected to cycle frame mounting lugs, a freewheel body being mounted on one of the axle segments and a hub being mounted on the other of the axle segments. A lock bolt extends through the hub and the axle segment supporting the hub and threadedly engages the axle segment supporting the freewheel body.
US07926884B2

A spoke, in particular for bicycles, having at least a spoke body and spoke ends provided at the spoke body which are provided to be attached to a rim or a hub body, wherein the spoke body consists of a fibrous composite material, the spoke body includes a plurality of fibers which can be spread out fan-like at least at one spoke end as exposed fibers.
US07926882B2

A groove is formed in a body of ice using a milling cutter to form lines of weakness for breaking up the body of ice. The shaft of the milling cutter is arranged to be supported in an upright orientation such that the shaft extends through a surface of the body of ice into the body of ice. Rotating the shaft as the milling cutter is displaced along the surface forms a groove which can follow a variable path to follow natural obstacles when cutting across a body of ice on a natural body of water for example. The ice milling cutter is compact and therefore safer to use on sheets of ice as compared to heavy equipment conventionally used for breaking up ice.
US07926877B2

In a casing for a hinge attachment of a car seat and to a method for its manufacture, the height of a toothed element is significantly larger than the thickness of walls of the hinge parts and the hinge parts and the toothed element form a statically compact casing unit, which has a distinctly reduced weight and simultaneously has distinctive flexible assembling characteristics, high stability under load and high accuracy. The casing and toothed element are separately produced by fine blanking and both parts are connected through a material connection or an form-fit connection.
US07926872B2

A seat back has a seat back frame, a plane spring structure, and a headrest provided at the upper end of a seat back frame. The plane spring structure has left and right side wires, and horizontal wires extending in the horizontal direction. Connection wires are provided between the seat back frame and plane spring structure. First end portions and second end portions of the connection wires function as detachable portions. At least one of these detachable portions is detached from the seat back frame or plane spring structure by the load applied to the seat back, when a vehicle is bumped from behind.
US07926871B2

The invention relates to a headrest (10) for a vehicle seat, in particular for a backrest for a motor vehicle seat, said headrest essentially comprising a headrest frame or headrest casing (14) and a foam base body (356) that surrounds the headrest frame or casing (14). In the event of a rear impact on the motor vehicle, the headrest remains fixed in relation to the backrest (conventional headrest) or at least part of the headrest is immediately displaced towards the vehicle occupant (active headrest). According to the invention, the head of a vehicle occupant can be brought into contact with the headrest (10) at least at two different heights (k1z, k2z), (two-point contact), to reduce or neutralize a torque (My) about a y-axis (y-y) in the vicinity of the vertebral column and to prevent accident-related injuries to the seat occupant, in particular to prevent cervical spine syndrome or a whiplash injury in the event of a front and/or rear impact. A head centre of gravity (HCG) is also configured between the two heights (k1z, k2z) of the headrest (10).
US07926868B2

An energy absorbing element for a motor vehicle body comprises a tube section that is roll-formed from a steel strip. The cross-section of the tube section has at least one concavity.
US07926865B2

A vehicle structure for an automobile includes: a bumper beam extending in a car width direction; a crash box extending in a longitudinal direction of the automobile and connected at a distal end thereof to a side part in the car width direction of the bumper beam; and a mounting plate having a face to which a base end of the crash box is connected and another face mounted to a distal end of a vehicle frame extending in the longitudinal direction of the automobile by means of fasteners. The crash box is in a substantially cross shape in closed section.
US07926862B2

A vehicle includes a front seat, provided to the rear, in the forward/back direction of the vehicle, of a front panel, and having a seat cushion portion, a backrest portion that is provided integrally with the seat cushion portion, and a headrest portion that is provided integrally with the backrest portion, wherein at least the backrest portion and the headrest portion are fabricated independently for the left and the right, and wherein the left and right headrest portions are fabricated so that the widths thereof, in the direction of width of the vehicle, are narrower than the widths of, in the direction of width of the vehicle, of the left and right backrest portions.
US07926861B2

A module for an object-holding drawer of a dashboard of a motor vehicle can be chosen from a plurality of different modules for accommodating different objects and is provided with a container connected in a fixed position and in an interchangeable manner to a shell by means of an attachment device; the container has an opening closed by a door, which is hinged to the container by means of hinge elements that form part of the attachment device.
US07926858B2

A lock device that includes a lock mechanism provided on one of two members to be engaged with each other, and a striker provided on the other of the two members. The lock mechanism may include a first contact point in which a pawl contacts a hook in the unlocked condition by an elastic force of a lock spring and a second contact point in which a cam contacts the hook in the unlocked condition by an elastic force of a push spring. The hook, the pawl and the cam are arranged and constructed such that these contact points are separately set at different positions. Further, the second contact point is in a certain position.
US07926856B2

A fluid conduit connector assembly includes a connector having a body with an inner surface defining a fluid channel. The connector also includes an inlet region for flow of fluid into the fluid channel, and an outlet region for flow of fluid from the fluid channel. The connector further includes an axial alignment member outward of the body, and a pair of flexible tabs arranged generally circumferentially of the alignment member and outward of the body. The connector can be configured as a day-side connector, transfer member with check valve, and/or patient-side connector. An implementation includes a day-side connector, a patient-side connector, and a transfer member, each of which has a pair of flexible tabs. The pairs of tabs are configured such that the transfer member releasably couples the day-side and patient-side connectors. A method for aseptically connecting a fluid conduit is also disclosed.
US07926840B1

An airbag device for vehicles, which can be expanded with gas in the event of a vehicle collision and efficiently protects the head a passenger sitting in the rear seat of the vehicle. The airbag device for a vehicle, may include an inflator, and an airbag cushion received in a space defined between a roof panel and a head liner such that the airbag cushion expands downwards with gas supplied from the inflator, thereby protecting a passenger sitting in a rear seat, wherein the airbag cushion includes a concave head seat formed in a rear portion thereof to receive and hold a head of the passenger when the airbag cushion expands.
US07926833B2

An all-wheel steer trailer is disclosed which includes front and rear axle beams which are pivotally mounted, above vertical axes, to the forward and rearward ends of a frame. In normal operation, the front and rear axle beams are interconnected so that the rear axle beam will pivot in an opposite direction to pivotal movement of the front axle beams so that the rear wheels of the trailer will track the front wheels of the trailer as the trailer is being turned. The trailer includes a convenient locking assembly which may be quickly utilized to prevent pivotal movement of the rear axle beam with respect to the frame when it is desired to pull the trailer on a highway or roadway.
US07926830B2

A hitch adapter for use with a forwardly extending tongue of an implement which enables the hitch on the forward end of the tongue to be converted from a clevis-type hitch to a hitch ball-type hitch. The hitch adapter of this invention may also be used with hitch balls having different diameters.
US07926819B2

A seal for use between the housing of an automatic transmission and the housing (can) of a transmission drive motor is disposed at each end of the drive motor housing. The seal includes a preferably metal annulus having inner and outer elastomeric ribbed seals secured thereto. The annulus, which defines a non-hardened “S” shape in cross section, maintains the shape and strength of the seal and the ribbed inner seal provides a fluid tight seal with the motor housing while the ribbed outer seal provides a fluid tight seal with the transmission housing.
US07926814B2

A seal assembly including first and second rigid shields and a sealing member carried by the first shield and having a first and second annular sealing lip in sealing engagement with respective sliding surfaces of the second shield. The first sealing lip carries in a radial seat thereof a toroidal spring exerting a radially eccentric thrust on the first sealing lip with respect to an elastic hinge defined by a common root portion of the lips, having a center of rotation located along a line extending through a V-shaped sealing edge of the first lip and forming a 20° to 60° angle with a radial plane. The root portion is defined between two opposite annular recesses having a U-shaped cross-section and bottom walls facing each other, substantially aligned along the aforementioned line.
US07926804B2

A transport apparatus for transporting a sheet-like article includes an apparatus main body, and a support tray that rotates between open and closed states defined with respect to the apparatus main body. The support tray supports the article during the open state. The support tray includes a flat tray main body, a rotation axis extending from the tray main body in an axial direction of the rotation. The rotation axis is axially supported by the apparatus main body, and an elastic tray protrusion protrudes from the tray main body in a radial direction of the rotation, the apparatus main body having a main-body contact portion facing the tray protrusion. When the support tray rotates relative to the apparatus main body, the tray protrusion elastically crosses over the main-body contact portion to contact the main-body contact portion. The rotation of the support tray stops relative to the apparatus main body.
US07926801B2

A sheet-feeding apparatus having simple structure and capable of single-face/double-face scanning/printing sheets at high sheet-feeding efficiency. The sheet-feeding apparatus includes a sheet-feeding path in which sheets can pass through a scanning module and/or a printing module. The sheet-feeding path includes a first passage, a second passage communicating with the first passage and a subsidiary passage formed between the first and second passages. The sheets are selectively fed into and delivered through the first passage, the second passage or the subsidiary passage to be single-face/double-face scanned/printed.
US07926791B1

An oxygen therapy humidification device is disclosed. The humidification device includes a hollow water reservoir that includes an upper end that has an upper cross-sectional area and a lower end that has a lower cross-sectional area. The lower cross-sectional area is smaller than the upper cross-sectional area. The device also includes an oxygen inlet and an oxygen outlet, both of which are positioned at the upper end of the hollow water reservoir and provide fluid communication to and from the hollow water reservoir. The oxygen inlet includes a bypass valve that is connected to a duct that extends from the oxygen inlet to a diffuser that is positioned at the lower end of the hollow water reservoir. The bypass valve allows the user to control the proportion of water vapor or humidity delivered to oxygen that is passed through the device, with the oxygen entering through the inlet and leaving through the outlet at the desired humidity level.
US07926788B2

An attachment system for a cable puller provides for securing the cable puller to various sized conduits. The attachment system includes a clamping assembly having pivotable arms angled to generally be formed in V-shapes at the ends which engage and trap the conduit at four separate points. The clamping arms have gripping members that radially nest against the conduit threads and an overhang portion which acts as a location stop for the conduit. Each clamping arm has a face which extends past the pivot point. A screw and a nut between the extended portion of the clamping arms act on a push block which in turn acts against the arm faces such that when the nut is screwed inward, it causes the gripping members to be forced against the conduit in order to secure the conduit in place.
US07926781B2

An electronic device includes a main body, a cover, and two support legs. The main body defines two receiving portions. The cover is rotatably connected to the main body. Two resisting portions are formed on the cover. The support legs are rotatably received in the receiving portions of the main body respectively. When the cover rotates relative to the main body, the resisting portions resist the support legs to rotate, thus driving the support legs protruding out from the main body.
US07926773B1

An apparatus designed to provide quick connect capability between a frame straightener and a vehicle chassis comprising a plurality of varying clamp members designed to secure to the various apertures within the chassis frame and tubular inter frame-rail cross members according to the restrictions of varying attachment points thereof and thereby enabling rapid installation and removal of multiple anchors and torsion tethers thereto.
US07926769B2

A passive/reactive device protests a Payload from injury or damage due to the shock caused by impact or explosion. When the vehicle or structure mounting the Payload receives a shock pulse, the invention limits the acceleration transmitted from the vehicle or structure to the Payload to an acceptably low, user-adjustable level which is substantially constant or is some other user-adjustable force-displacement function. The invention is capable of doing so even when the peak magnitude of the imposed shock is on the order of thousands of G's, with a rise time to peak on the order of microseconds. The invention can be embodied to operate passively, without any external source of power, sensor system, or CPU, although they can be added to improve certain usability features. The invention also absorbs or dissipates the shock energy in substantially the minimum distance possible without exceeding the user-defined acceleration limit on the Payload. The invention can also react when a shock-producing impact is imminent by repositioning the Payload away from the impact site.
US07926767B2

A fastener including a body that has, extending along a center axis, an opening with an insertion end for inserting a stud. The fastener further includes a detent pawl that is attached to a first inner wall of the opening and extends toward the center axis. A yoke is attached to a second inner wall of the opening and spaced axially apart from the detent pawl. The yoke projects into the opening and, together with the second inner wall, forms a yoke opening into which the stud can be inserted during installation.
US07926765B1

An plumbing pipe locator and support is provided for fixing plumbing pipes in position relative to studs in a building. The pipe locator and support comprises an elongated supporting strap having upper and lower sides extending along opposing sides of a longitudinal axis. A first plurality of longitudinally aligned, larger pipe openings are interspersed with a second plurality of smaller, aligned fastener openings that extend into ends of the strap. The upper and lower sides undulate to provide a substantially uniform width between first holes and the adjacent sides and the second holes and the adjacent sides. This undulating surface can provide a strap using less material, with reduced manufacturing time, and a strap that can bend without forming creases or stress fractures.
US07926760B2

An aircraft with reduced environmental impact includes a turboprop, having two contra-rotating propellers, disposed on the rear portion on the back of the aircraft's fuselage so that the interaction noise of the propellers is masked, in the forward direction, by the wings and, in the rearward direction, by the aircraft's horizontal stabilizer.
US07926759B2

A tail rotor hub system and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes a helicopter fuselage connected to a tail rotor assembly that holds tail blades. The assembly includes an elongated tail rotor housing and an elongated blade root fitting that rotates within the housing. A tension torsion strap is connected at one end to the housing and is connected at its other end to the blade root fitting to hold the blade root fitting in the housing when the housing rotates. Coupled between outside walls of the blade root fitting and inside walls of the housing are self lubricating bearings to enable the blade root fitting to rotate within the housing to change the pitch of the tail blades.
US07926753B2

A shredding machine having loading section including a radially mounted pusher rod for driving materials placed with the loading section toward the cutting device. The radially mounted pusher rod may be spring loaded so as to exert resilient force on the materials during a shredding operation. At the end of a cycle, powered control arm returns the pusher rod to its original position.
US07926734B2

The present disclosure provides a device sized for insertion into an inner tube of a roll of paper towels or toilet paper comprising a insert card absorb a fragrance and which is bendable, the insert allowing fragrance to emit by evaporation from the insert into the air and an outer packaging for containing the insert card, the packaging being a substantially impervious moisture and odor barrier.
US07926730B2

A document printed marking including a first information marking including first luminescent taggants having a first luminescence wavelength band; and a second information marking printed at least partially on the first information marking at an overlap location. The second information marking includes second different luminescent taggant having a second different luminescence wavelength band. The second luminescence wavelength band is spaced from the first luminescence wavelength band such that the first information marking and the second information marking are substantially luminescently non-intrusive with each other at the overlap location.
US07926720B2

A memory card that adapts its operation according to the application to which it applied or the conditions under which it is operated. This allows the card to dynamical self optimize. In a first set of embodiments, the card uses host profiling where it will learn about the host during host-card interactions and the card's controller will optimize its algorithms accordingly. In another set of embodiments, the host and card will report to one another their capabilities for a quality of service negotiation. A further set of embodiments allows the storage device to memorize access sequences issued by the host under various predefined conditions, such as host reset or a power on boot sequence. The storage device can use this information to optimize operation for the expected commands. On deviation from an expected sequence, the device would memorize the new command sequence and save it, thus operating in a self-adaptive manner.
US07926717B2

A transaction is preprocessed wirelessly in response to a wireless transaction preprocessing user device being in a queue for a point-of-transaction. The transaction that was preprocessed is then completed in response to the wireless transaction preprocessing user device reaching the point-of-transaction. Financial transactions and/or purchase of goods and/or services may thereby be preprocessed wirelessly and then completed at a point-of-transaction. Related devices and computer program products are also disclosed.
US07926715B2

A system for managing the production of retail tickets in accordance with a ticket order includes a ticketing services bureau adapted to receive the ticket order and a print center to print tickets in accordance with the ticket order. The system additionally includes a client connected to the ticketing services bureau via an electronic network. As part of an interactive ticket proofing process, the client is capable of electronically retrieving an on-screen ticket proof from the ticketing services bureau and, if necessary, dynamically modifying the on-screen ticket proof in real time. The ticketing services bureau then generates an output data file based on the original ticket order, the edited on-screen ticket proof and print characteristics of the printer that will execute the ticket order. In this manner, the print center uses the output data file to generate tickets that closely resemble the on-screen ticket proof approved by the client.
US07926706B2

Systems and methods provide access to services. A base ticket value is determined based on a price range for a subject service. A ticket manager engine translates the price range into a ticket level. End users/ticket holders present the leveled ticket for redemption of the particular service from a participant's service provider. Tickets are redeemable for a particular service or experience such as concerts, sports events, theatrical shows, broadway shows, family events, golf courses, movie theaters, spas, etc., each at different levels. Tickets are thus redeemed at variable rates for equivalent services. An online distributor or portal in the primary and/or secondary market may employ the ticket manager engine and ticket leveling. As a result, the distributor offers/sells leveled tickets.
US07926704B2

The system includes a wholesale server which issues electronic data such as an electronic ticket, an agent server which performs selling processing of the electronic data, and a client terminal which acquires the electronic ticket and the like by communicating with the wholesale server and the agent server. The agent server attaches to an electronic data delivery request for electronic data such as a ticket from the client terminal, a token for an access to the wholesale server or another agent server positioned directly above the agent server, and transmits the request back to the client terminal. The client terminal transmits the electronic data delivery request with the token received from the agent server to the wholesale server. Thereafter, the wholesale server issues electronic data such as an electronic ticket in response to the electronic data delivery request with the token.
US07926700B2

According to the invention, a resin-free solder paste made from a metal powder, particularly soft solder and a gel, is prepared, wherein the gel according to the invention leaves no residue on the metal surface during the remelting of the metal powder. The gel according to the invention is based on a mixture that is stable during storage and that comprises carboxylic acid(s), amine(s), and solvent(s). Important uses are the application of soft solder pastes on power-modules, die-attach, chip-on-board, SiP (System-in-Package), for wafer-bumping, particularly on UBM's (Under-Bump-Metallization), and SMT (Surface Mounted Technology), particularly coated circuits. With the use of resin-free soft solder pastes according to the invention, cleaning is eliminated before a protective coating process after the soldering of an electrical connection, and the formation of pores in solder bumps deposited on UBM's is reduced to less than 20 vol. %.
US07926691B2

A surgical fastener applying apparatus having a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw includes a cartridge body having plurality of surgical fasteners disposed therein. The plurality of surgical fasteners include a plurality of first surgical fasteners having a first backspan with a first configuration, and a plurality of second surgical fasteners having a second backspan with a second, different configuration such that the plurality of first surgical fasteners apply a first compressive force to tissue upon formation and the plurality of second surgical fasteners apply a second, different compressive force to tissue upon formation.
US07926690B1

A device for driving various objects using combustible fuel. Embodiments are contemplated in which the driver could be a post-driver, a power shovel, a jack-hammer or other devices. Typically, the device includes a body with a combustion chamber. A fuel injection valve selectively supplies fuel to the combustion chamber where it can be ignited using an ignition module. A piston is movable within the body to impact the ram responsive to combustion in the combustion chamber.
US07926686B2

A roof rack having movable cross bars that have a low profile when aligned with the side bars, but are raised when generally perpendicular to the side bars. The height variation is achieved using ribs that are provided on a bottom side of the cross bars. When the cross bars are aligned with the side bars, the ribs fit into slots that are provided in the side bars. As a result, each cross bar has a very low profile with respect to the roof of the vehicle. When each cross bar is rotated to a position generally perpendicular to the side bars, the ribs within the cross bar are no longer aligned with the slots in the side bar. Instead, the ribs rest on an upper surface of the side bar, and thus, provide a significant gap between the cross bar and vehicle roof.
US07926684B2

A pressurized container (1) for a viscous product, comprising a container body (2) with an opening (9), a piston (3), a dispensing closure (4) attached to the container body opening (9) which comprises closure walls, at least one dispensing aperture (13), at least one closing element (14) that is movable relative to the closure walls between a closed position and an open position, the container (1) further comprising a spring element (15) disposed between said closing element (14) and said closure walls, so as to naturally force the closing element (14) in a position where it closes said aperture (13), wherein the closure walls define a channel (16) with at least one lateral dispensing aperture (13) remote from the container body opening (9), said closing element (14) having the shape of a ring that seals around and is movable relative to the channel (16), by translation along, or by rotation around, an axis which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the channel (16).
US07926680B2

A dispenser for dispensing a clip of stack sheets of a web material includes a carton body defined by a bottom, sidewalls, and a lid. The carton body defines an internal volume for receipt of a clip of stacked sheets of a web material. The lid includes a dispensing opening through which individual sheets from the clip of stacked sheets are pulled by a user. A clip retainer extends from an underside of the lid towards the bottom within the internal volume of the carton body and is configured for receipt of the clip of stacked sheets therethrough such that a center portion of the clip is at least partially folded and held at an elevation above the bottom of the carton and towards the dispensing opening in the lid.
US07926672B2

Yokes utilized in railway coupling apparatus are designed according to the invention to have improved stress profiles and increased service life. Investment casting techniques used to make the yokes and other components of the coupling apparatus yield improved surface finishes and tighter dimensional tolerances of the parts without requiring hammering, coating or other post-casting treatment.
US07926669B2

A rack for hanging four packs of different sized plastic bags of the type having an upper disposable portion and a lower bag portion.
US07926662B2

A single electronic charging system that can be used for different electronic components by changing a tip portion of a charging cord of the charging system. A plurality of tip portions are included with a single charging source that interfaces either with an AC power source, a 12 to 24 volt DC power source or a battery power source by merely threading a connector portion of the charging cord onto an electric cable.
US07926660B2

A packaging blank includes a first panel and a second panel. The first panel defines at least one blister aperture and at least one tool portion. The second panel defines at least one tab strip and at least one tool access portion. The at least one tab strip is at least partially severable from the packaging blank. The at least one tool access portion is substantially completely severable from the packaging blank. The first panel and the second panel are configured to be positioned relative to one another in a face contacting arrangement such that a first portion of a given tool portion is to be operably aligned with a corresponding tool access portion. As such, the first portion of the given tool portion thereby is capable of being accessed by a tool via the corresponding tool access portion.
US07926659B2

Disclosed is a packaging case for a wiper blade that can maintain the wiper blade in a secured state by securing elements formed in the packaging case to prevent damage of the wiper blade while minimizing the volume of the packaging case and providing a suitable shape for large capacity packaging. The packaging case is used for a wiper blade curvedly deformed into an arc shape when mounted and used on a vehicle. The packaging case includes a lower case having an accommodation part receiving the wiper blade, an upper case covering the lower case to close the accommodation part, and a plurality of securing protrusions formed inside the accommodation part to allow the wiper blade to be received in the accommodation part while maintaining a linear shape.
US07926655B1

A packaging system for seedling trays is provided which maintains the trays in a stacked, spaced apart vertical arrangement. The packaging system comprises an outer box, a tray holder folded into a U-shape and placed inside the box for holding the trays, and a locking device comprising locking panels wedged between the trays.
US07926650B2

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a flexible fluid enclosure interface system comprising a flexible fluid enclosure, one or more components and one or more strain absorbing interfaces in contact with the flexible fluid enclosure and the one or more components.
US07926641B2

The invention relates to a pallet actuation system moving the pallets of a moving walkway through drive chains directly engaging the lower part of the chains of traction links. The drive chain has separate drive rollers which are made of deformable and elastic materials. The links of the traction chains are connected together by connecting shafts and have teeth and claws in the lower part to mesh with the drive chain and the rollers.
US07926638B2

Disclosed is a coin acceptor mechanism with a coin pick-up wheel for advancing coins in a radial path. The pick-up wheel comprises a plurality of scalloped portions disposed at a peripheral edge thereof that each includes a first rounded portion of a first radius extending into the peripheral edge of the pick-up wheel having a first radius, a second rounded portion of a second radius disposed in a trailing edge of the first rounded portion and having a second radius, a chamfered portion extending along a top edge of the first rounded portion and the second rounded portion, an internal edge extending perpendicular from a bottom surface of the pick-up wheel along a bottom edge of the first rounded portion and the second rounded portion and intersecting the chamfered portion, and a straight portion disposed between the peripheral edge of the pick-up wheel and the second rounded portion for guiding the coins into the second rounded portion, wherein the straight portion includes a beveled portion for reducing the surface area thereof and preventing excess coins from getting caught thereon as the pick-up wheel advances coins.
US07926636B2

A twin clutch apparatus includes a first clutch, a second clutch, and a clutch outer member shared by the first and second clutches. The clutch outer member has groove portions formed therein having a width that gradually increases towards an open-end side of the clutch outer member. A width of each protruding portion formed in friction plates of the second clutch disposed towards the open-end side of the clutch outer member is greater than a width of each protruding portion formed in friction plates of the first clutch disposed towards a closed-end side of the clutch outer member. The twin clutch apparatus, during operation thereof, is operable to control a clearance between groove portions of the clutch outer member and protruding portions of friction plates within a desirable range, to reduce force and sound produced by an impact between the clutch outer member and the friction plates.
US07926628B2

A spring-applied parking brake with manual release and reapply. A gear box fixed relative to the rear wall of a cylinder has a manual crank. A pushrod extending through the cylinder and gear box is connected to provide braking force. A threaded collet surrounding helical threads on the pushrod has flexible radially expandable tines. When the gear box is manually cranked, the pushrod is rotated and due to interaction of the threads on the inside of the collet and on the pushrod, the pushrod is moved axially releasing or reapplying the brake.
US07926611B2

An easily connected universal joint for attaching to an output shaft of an engine. A drive shaft is connected to an output shaft of an engine which is mounted on a vehicle body by way of a universal joint with a wheel being connected to a distal end side of the drive shaft. Projection portions project outwardly from a yoke of the universal joint connected to the output shaft by splines. A swing arm rockably supported on the vehicle body using one shaft with the universal joint being arranged above the shaft. A boot mounted between a distal end of the swing arm and a peripheral portion of the output shaft.
US07926605B1

A system, method and computer readable media are disclosed for providing a hydraulic system for a vehicle. The system includes at least one accumulator for storing hydraulic fluid and may also include a flywheel or other storage mechanism for storing energy. Energy may be stored either in one of the accumulators or the flywheel. A control system controls fluid flow to and from the at least one accumulator and, if included, the flow of energy to and from the flywheel such that: in a steady state mode, a first hydraulic pump/motor is energized by an engine to cause hydraulic fluid to flow and actuate a drive line attached to a second hydraulic pump/motor; in a deceleration mode, the second pump/motor is operates as a pump to transfer energy to the at least one flywheel and/or accumulator; and in an acceleration mode, energy is transferred from the at least one flywheel and/or accumulator to the second hydraulic pump/motor to actuate the driveline and accelerate the vehicle.
US07926598B2

A mobile robot includes a robot chassis having a forward end, a rearward end and a center of gravity. The robot includes a driven support surface to propel the robot and first articulated arm rotatable about an axis located rearward of the center of gravity of the robot chassis. The arm is pivotable to trail the robot, rotate in a first direction to raise the rearward end of the robot chassis while the driven support surface propels the chassis forward in surmounting an obstacle, and to rotate in a second opposite direction to extend forward beyond the center of gravity of the robot chassis to raise the forward end of the robot chassis and invert the robot endwise.
US07926593B2

A system and method is provided for converting a drilling rig between conventional hydrostatic pressure drilling and managed pressure drilling or underbalanced drilling using a docking station housing mounted on a marine riser or bell nipple. This docking station housing may be positioned above the surface of the water. When a removable rotating control device is remotely hydraulically latched with the docking station housing, the system and method allows for interactive lubrication and cooling of the rotating control device, as needed, along with a supply of fluid for use with active seals.
US07926586B2

A hand-held power tool includes a pneumatic percussion mechanism having a percussion piston reciprocating along a percussion axis and having a bore extending at an angle to the percussion axis, and an air spring for displacing the percussion piston.
US07926584B2

A hand-held power tool (1) includes a linear motor (2) having a rotor (3) which is movable along a percussion axis (A) in an axially limited manner between two reversal points (W) and which can be driven by the striking piston (5) of the power tool with the intermediary of an air spring (4), sensors designed for determining the actual state of the rotor (3) and connected to a computer (9) connected via power electronics (33) to at least one field coil (10) of the linear motor (2), with the rotor (3) being displaced against a contact element (11a, 11b) at least at one reversal point (W) and being pressed against the contact element electromagnetically; and a control process for the hand-held power tool.
US07926571B2

A cemented open hole selective fracing system and method are shown. In the producing zone, an open hole is drilled therein and a production tubing is cemented in place. At preselected locations along the production tubing, the production tubing will have sliding valves located there along. The sliding valves may be selectively opened, and the cement around the sliding valve dissolved. Thereafter, the formation may be fraced immediately adjacent the opened sliding valve. By selectively opening different combinations of sliding valves, fracing can occur in stages with more fracing pressure and more fracing fluid being delivered deeper into the formation. Just as the sliding valves can be selectively opened, the sliding valves can also be selectively closed to protect the production of the well.
US07926570B1

A well bore fluid recovery system and method is disclosed for recovering a column of well bore fluid within a stand of casing before cutting the casing. The recovery system relates to a system for preventing fluids from being spilled when casing is being finished for a well bore. After being run the casing must be cut and finished at an appropriate level to install rig equipment such as blow out preventers along with other equipment. However, because of earlier operations, the entire length of casing is typically filled with drilling fluid. Depending on conditions, the length of casing which is to be cut and removed may therefore over a 100-foot (27.4 meter) column of drilling fluid therein. The drilling fluid in this section must be properly drained before the casing is cut and removed.
US07926568B2

Methods of acidizing subterranean formations or well bores, and more specifically, to acidizing systems involving acid-generating fluids that comprise acid-generating compounds and associated methods are provided. An example of a method of the present invention comprises: providing an acid-generating fluid that comprises an acid-generating compound; placing the acid-generating fluid into a well bore penetrating a subterranean formation; and allowing the acid-generating compound to produce an acid that then acidizes at least a portion of the subterranean formation or damage contained in the formation or well bore.
US07926552B2

An apparatus comprising a heat dispersion device having a first end. The first end has a shape different than that of the remainder of the heat dispersion device. The apparatus also comprises a jacket coupled to the heat dispersion device at the first end. The jacket has another shape associated with that of the remainder of the heat dispersion device.
US07926540B2

The present invention relates to a controlling shaft, and more particularly to a controlling shaft for controlling blind, comprising a transverse shaft and a plurality of shaft controlling unit provided on the transverse shaft in turn. Due to the connecting relationship between the plurality of shaft controlling units and the transverse shaft, when the transverse shaft rotates, the plurality of shaft controlling units can synchronously rotate with the transverse shaft. Each shaft controlling unit of the plurality of shaft controlling units comprises a plurality of rotating members. When the shaft controlling unit rotates with the transverse shaft, the rotating members of each shaft controlling unit move in different pace. With the synchronous movement of the shaft controlling units with the transverse shaft, the particular points on the outer side of respective plurality of rotating members of any shaft controlling unit at the same level move to different extents.
US07926534B2

Disclosed are a device and method for the simultaneous fusion of multiple plastic pipe sections. A plurality of pipe sections may be rigidly held, faced off, heated, and joined at the same time using a single piece of equipment. The inventive process allows increased throughput of the fusion process without significant additional costs.
US07926533B2

A pneumatic tire may use a combination of high modulus and low modulus plies to provide increased fatigue compression durability without significantly increasing the weight of the tire.
US07926532B2

A tire for a two-wheeled motorcycle includes a continuous carcass-type reinforcement structure, having reinforcement elements and anchored on each side to a bead. Each bead extends radially by a sidewall, which meets up radially with a tread. Under the tread is a crown reinforcement structure including at least one working layer, and which does not comprise any circumferentially oriented reinforcement elements. Over the profile of the tire in a radial plane, in its part outside of the two points of tangency of the curvilinear abscissa of the carcass-type reinforcement structure with perpendiculars to the axis of rotation at least one layer of working reinforcement elements is at least partially radially to the inside of the part of the carcass-type reinforcement structure radially to the outside of the two points of tangency.
US07926529B2

A tire for heavy equipment of the heavy-vehicle, agricultural or construction machinery type, includes a carcass reinforcement surmounted radially by a crown reinforcement, itself covered radially by a tread, the tread being connected to two beads by two sidewalls. The tread is formed, at least in its radially outward part, of an expanded elastomer mix whose specific gravity is less than 02.
US07926526B2

The invention relates to a transponder that is mounted on a tire. The transponder includes at least one transponder chip and a transponder antenna and is embedded in a substrate which is connected to an inner side of the tire with the aid of an element. The aim of the invention is to provide a transponder with the highest possible durability. To achieve this, the connecting element is a material strip which is only fixed to the inner side of the tire in one sub-section.
US07926522B2

A capless fuel filler device includes an anti-contamination seal mounted upon an external portion of a fuel filler passage extending through the device. An anti-contamination plug may selectively be inserted into the combination passage so as to sealingly engage the anti-contamination seal. A contaminant drain leading from the valve body's fuel and nozzle passage serves to not only remove liquid contaminants from the fuel and nozzle passage, but also to mitigate any incidental buildup of vacuum within the fuel tank.
US07926521B2

To be able to simply carry out an operation of repairing a punctured pneumatic tire, to be able to inject a necessary amount of a sealing agent firmly into the pneumatic tire even when the apparatus is used in an inclined state and to prevent clogging of the sealing agent and leakage of a liquid by being pressurized.A pump up apparatus 30 is an apparatus for injecting a sealing agent in a liquid state into a punctured pneumatic tire 38, thereafter, supplying compressed air into the pneumatic tire 38 to elevate an inner pressure thereof. The pump up apparatus 30 includes a sealing agent vessel 34 accommodating the sealing agent, a sealing agent injecting pump 42 for sucking the sealing agent from the sealing agent vessel 34 to feed it to the pneumatic tire 38, and a compressor 44 for pressurizing and sending air to the pneumatic tire 38. When the pneumatic tire 38 is punctured, the sealing agent injecting pump 42 sucks the sealing agent in the liquid state from the sealing agent vessel 34 to inject it to the pneumatic tire 38, therefore, inside of the sealing agent vessel 34 is not pressurized.
US07926510B1

A riser system for use at the access opening of a wastewater treatment tank includes an adaptor ring affixed to the top of the tank, and a mating riser. The adaptor ring and riser have ends with mating circumferential L-shape sections. There are horizontally projecting tabs spaced apart around the upper end of the adaptor. The tabs engage a corresponding number of L-shape slots which are spaced apart around the circumference of the bottom end of the riser. When ring and riser are mated, rotation of the riser relative to the adaptor causes each tab to move circumferentially to a recess in the slot, which locks the tab in position. Micro-ridges on horizontal mating surfaces of the L-shape sections help form a seal between the two parts.
US07926509B2

Disclosed is a method of controlling the flow rate of clustering fluid using a pressure type flow rate control device in which the flow rate Q of gas passing through an orifice is computed as K=KP1 (where K is a constant) with the gas being in a state where the ratio P2/P1 between the gas pressure P1 on the upstream side of the orifice and the gas pressure P2 on the downstream side of the orifice is held at a value not higher than the critical pressure ratio of the gas wherein the association of molecules is dissociated either by heating the pressure type flow rate control device to the temperature higher than 40° C., or by applying the diluting gas to the clustering fluid to make it lower than a partial pressure so the clustering fluid is permitted to pass through the orifice in a monomolecular state.
US07926505B2

In present-day aircraft a drain mast is used on the underside of the fuselage in order to discharge grey water to the external environment. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention there is no need to provide such a drain mast in that a transfer unit is used as a connection unit, and buffer storage spaces are used between the wash basins and the vacuum waste-water system. The transfer unit comprises a self-opening valve with a floating body for automatic discharge. This purely mechanical function and the simple design result in low susceptibility to malfunction and in a long service life.
US07926501B2

Systems and methods for recovering power fluid from a device under water and for pumping recovered power fluid to a surface of the water, the systems and methods, in certain aspects, including: flowing fluid from a subsurface apparatus to a subsurface recovery system, the fluid initially provided to the subsurface apparatus to power the subsurface apparatus; and the subsurface recovery system including pump apparatus for selectively pumping recovered fluid to a fluid container above a surface of the water. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).
US07926499B2

A crutch having a first side direction, a second side direction opposite the first side direction, a third side direction perpendicular to the first side direction and a fourth side direction opposite the third side direction, the crutch including an elongate leg having a top end, a top portion, a middle portion, a bottom portion, and a bottom end, wherein the elongate leg extends from a saddle to a foot and has a handle disposed on the middle portion, wherein the saddle extends in an elongate shape between the first side direction and the second side direction, wherein the handle extends in an elongate shape between the first side direction and the second side direction, wherein the elongate leg middle portion is to the third side direction of an axis extending between the leg and the foot, wherein the elongate leg middle portion is to the first side direction of an axis extending between the top end of the elongate leg and the bottom end of the elongate leg; and wherein the handle is cantilevered and has a fixed end and a free end.
US07926492B2

A horse and/or livestock brush assembly releases a fluid and/or liquid solution directly onto the coat of an animal during brushing. The brush assembly includes a brush base attached to a hose and flow regulator. The brush base comprises a flexible deformable membrane with a plurality of apertures that are, optionally, aligned with apertures in brush bristles for delivery of the fluid and/or liquid solution, and is fitted within a first opening of an internal cavity in a brush base. Delivery of the fluid or liquid solution is controlled by way of the flow regulator. An optional mixing chamber housing a water soluble compound containing active ingredients may be attached to the flow regulator to form a liquid solution. The liquid solution includes perfumes, fragrances and other active compositions including insect repellant, hair conditioners, dyes, moisturizers, or antibacterial compounds. The fluid and/liquid is delivered directly to the animal's fur or hair while brushing the coat.
US07926490B2

Optical correction methods, devices, and systems reduce optical aberrations or inhibit refractive surgery induced aberrations. Error source control and adjustment or optimization of ablation profiles or other optical data address high order aberrations. A simulation approach identifies and characterizes system factors that can contribute to, or that can be adjusted to inhibit, optical aberrations. Modeling effects of system components facilitates adjustment of the system parameters.
US07926483B2

A system and a method for treating pain in a patient suffering pain are provided. The method may include providing a system inhabitable by the patient in which pressure may be controlled. The patient may suffer from a pain inducing condition associated with a pressure change. The method may also include controlling the pressure of the environment that may be inhabited by the patient to prevent, reduce, or eliminate pressure change. The pain inducing condition may be prevented, reduced or eliminated.
US07926482B2

A pressurised metered dose inhaler (1) comprising: a reservoir (2) for containing pressurised product, a valve (9) having an inlet (11) communicating with the reservoir and an outlet (14) through which product is dispensed in use, a piece of magnetisable material (5), an armature (8) extending into proximity with the valve, and an electromagnet (7) surrounding at least a portion of the armature. Wherein the armature is coupled to, or forms part of, the valve such that controlled energisation of the electromagnet causes the armature to be either attracted to or repelled from the piece of magnetisable material one or more times to operate the valve for a controlled time period to effect dispensation of a metered dose of pressurised product from the reservoir through the valve outlet.
US07926480B2

A carrier and drive arrangement is disclosed for use in a solar energy reflector system. The arrangement comprises a) a carrier structure (10) having a platform (12) for supporting a reflector element (11), a frame portion (13) that includes hoop-like end members (14) between which the platform extends and support members (18) which support the frame portion by which of the end members and which accommodate turning of the carrier structure about an axis of rotation that is substantially coincident with a longitudinal axis of the reflector element, and b) a drive system incorporating an electric motor for imparting unidirectional turning drive to the carrier structure by way of the hoop-like end members (14).
US07926478B2

A superabrasive wire saw-wound structure includes a superabrasive wire saw (10) formed with an average diameter D and a reel (1). The superabrasive wire saw (10) includes a core wire (11), a bonding material (12) surrounding a surface of the core wire (11), and a plurality of superabrasive grains (13) bonded to the surface of the core wire (11) with the bonding material (12). The reel (1) includes a peripheral surface (2) having one end (3) and the other end (4). The superabrasive wire saw (10) which is to be unreeled successively toward a workpiece is wound around the peripheral surface (2) reciprocatingly between the one end (3) and the other end (4) to be multi-layered. A pitch P for winding the superabrasive wire saw (10) around the peripheral surface (2) between the one end (3) and the other end (4) satisfies a relation of D
US07926475B2

An archery release including a release head, a moveable hook, and an adjustable jaw. The adjustable jaw can be moved relative to the hook to adjust a gap defined between the hook and the adjustable jaw when the hook is in a closed position to capture a bowstring. Optionally, the jaw can be completely removed from the release head to render the release a hook-only release. The jaw can include a free end separated from the release head by a distance. An adjustment element can be joined with the jaw, and operable in at least one of an adjustment mode to change the distance of the free end from the release head, and a removal mode to render the jaw completely removable from the release head. A method also is provided for modifying the archery release to suit an archer's preferences.
US07926465B2

An impulse charger for motor vehicle engines include impulse valves driven using driving force continuously generated by a driving apparatus so as to be instantaneously opened and closed at a high speed by a link unit in which link members are interconnected, and in which the impulse valves for all cylinders are simultaneously driven. Thus, the impulse charger provides simple drive control, reduction in necessary components, and an efficient mounting space, guarantees easy manufacturing and mounting at a low cost, and prevents noise from being generated when the impulse valves are operated.
US07926463B2

An engine provided with a fuel injector for directly injecting fuel into a cylinder, a spark plug positioning a spark gap in a flight path of fuel injected from the fuel injector, and a cavity formed in a piston top face, wherein at the time of stratified combustion, the fuel injector injects substantially all of the fuel in a direction merging with a tumble flow, swirling in a longitudinal direction along the cavity at the compression stroke, along the swirl direction of the tumble flow and uses the spark plug to ignite the fuel while the fuel at the end period of injection is passing through the spark gap.
US07926456B2

A continuously variable valve lift system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an input cam, a drive shaft, a lifter including a contact portion and pivoting around the drive shaft in response to a rotation of the input cam, a valve unit, an output cam that contacts the contact portion, pivots around the drive shaft, and opens the valve unit, a return spring supplying restoring force to the output cam, and an adjusting unit adjusting a distance between the drive shaft and the contact portion.
US07926450B1

An aroma therapy kit for a feline comprises the combination of a housing, at least one retention element disposed inside the housing, and at least one additive delivered to the at least one retention element. It is further envisioned that multiple retention elements and/or multiple additives may be provided in the kit to provide greater versatility and choice to the scents or fragrances used as aroma therapy with the apparatus.
US07926438B2

An underwater operations support system facilitates underwater exploration, monitoring, maintenance and construction operations associated with development of natural resources. The operations support system may include energy generation subsystems, energy accumulation subsystems, communication subsystems, docking stations, repair and maintenance robots, housings for divers, and video subsystems. Supported equipment includes ROVs, HROVs, AUVs, and other autonomous and semi-autonomous mobile robots which move materials, perform manual tasks, and survey the environment. Operational efficiency is enhanced by recharging, repairing and reconfiguring vehicles, and transferring data and commands between vehicles and a control station, without moving the vehicle to and from the surface, and without need for a surface ship to remain on site for the duration of operations.
US07926431B2

A plastic pallet system is provided for the support, storage, and transportation of articles. The plastic pallet system includes a plurality of top boards and a plurality of runner assemblies. Both the plurality of top boards and the plurality of runner assemblies may be formed of plastic. A method for manufacturing the plastic pallet system is also provided.
US07926427B1

A model train car having a union with a force sensor is disclosed. The force sensor is configured to measure the amount of force acting on the coupler. The information gathered from the force sensor may work in conjunction with a communication link or a local control unit so that realistic train effects can be produced reflecting the change in force being felt by the model train.
US07926422B2

An apparatus for preventing printing plate deformation (29) in a plate processor device comprising a plate transport means (19) comprising a motor (15) and plurality of rollers (11, 12, 13, 14). A one way coupler (21) connects the motor (15) and the plurality of rollers (11, 12, 13, 14). Identifying means identifies the slower rollers and decouples the slower rollers from the motor.
US07926419B1

An integrated system for: complete waste compactor/container operational control; remote fullness monitoring; and, remote performance and maintenance diagnostics. Such diagnostic information is transferred wirelessly or otherwise to one or more recipients, so as to directly provide a critical warning in real time. The waste compactor/container controller/monitor system allows for periodic substantially real-time oil viscosity measurements of the hydraulic fluid to account for changes in such viscosity. The system adjusts the timing of the compactor stroke to permit more efficient operation and inhibit damage to the hydraulic ram and/or container during use. The system provides for the monitoring and communication of substantially all aspects of compactor operation both on-site and remotely.
US07926414B1

A method for fabricating a manual drip coffee cone from sheet material is comprised of three general steps: In the first step, a conical body 1 is formed from sheet material in the shape of a truncated cone to hold a coffee filter. The base of the conical body 1 forms a drip ring 2, which directs dripping coffee into a receiving vessel and prevents the cone from slipping off the vessel. In the second step, a drip plate 3, having at least one drip hole 4, is fixed to the inside of the conical body 1, near the drip ring 2, to form a drip plate 3 at a short height above the drip ring 2 to provide maximum headspace for effective drip filtration. In the third step, a flat ring collar frame 5 having minimal support components is attached to the outside of the conical body 1 near the same height as the drip plate 3 in order to support the cone to sit on top of a receiving vessel to allow a user to see through to the receiving vessel beneath the cone so that the user can view the rising level of coffee inside the vessel below.
US07926411B2

A valve control unit that prevents a decline in interlocking operation performance when pilot pressure control of a plurality of pilot-operated control valves is carried out by proportional solenoid valves. First and second proportional solenoid valves include a Common Operation Table of lever operation amount/boom-up pilot pressure characteristics and are inputted with a common boom-up lever operation amount. A third proportional solenoid valve also includes the Operation Table and is inputted with a stick-in lever operation amount common to the fourth proportional solenoid valve. The fourth proportional solenoid valve includes an Operation Table of lever operation amount/stick-in pilot pressure characteristics different from that of the first, second, and third proportional solenoid valves and is inputted with the stick-in lever operation amount common to the third proportional solenoid valve.
US07926405B2

A simulated firearm for discharging a blank cartridge and generating a realistic flash and report from the muzzle. The simulated firearm of the present invention prevents the discharge of lethal cartridges or projectiles. The simulated firearm has a chamber 65. The chamber 65 is reversed so that the entrance to the chamber 65 faces the forward section of the simulated firearm. A blank cartridge is loaded into the chamber 65. The blank cartridge is safely discharged from the reversed chamber.
US07926404B2

A gas regulator which incorporates a flash hider for use with gas operated firearms. By incorporating a flash hider around the gas vent for the host firearms operating system, unburnt particles which produce flash from this exit point may be effectively disrupted. By disrupting and redirecting these unburnt powder particles flash is thereby eliminated from the firearms operating system. In the preferred embodiment, an open-pronged flash hider is used, but the device is not limited to this specific design. Military end users are particularly interested in an article of manufacture which eliminates flash from the gas system since it will disrupt the use of night vision and give away a soldier's position during low light or no light operations.
US07926400B2

The invention relates to a rotary cutter for the pelletization of plastic extrudates, said rotary cutter being provided with knives projecting axially away from its end surface, said knives being individually affixed to supporting surfaces of the rotary cutter by means of fastening elements. The supporting surfaces are formed by the side walls of radial grooves in the peripheral surface of the rotary cutter and by radial transverse walls in the radial grooves, said radial grooves being limited by the radial transverse walls, the knives each being inserted in hook-like manner with a projecting portion into said radial transverse walls, wherein one side of the projecting portion forms an abutment for the fastening element, said fastening element penetrating a radial transverse wall and pressing on the abutment.
US07926392B2

A pawl disengagement tool intended for use with a slack adjuster has an elongated handle with a first end and an opposite second end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end. A slotted aperture formed at the first end includes a hole with a diameter that is greater than the first diameter of the pawl cap. A first slot extends from the hole and has a width that is greater than the second diameter of the pawl shaft of the pawl assembly of the slack adjuster. A portion of the tool defining the hole includes a chamfered periphery. The chamfered periphery defines an inclined plane leading to the first slot. The inclined plane has a thickness that increases up to a thickness equal to a disengagement thickness. The disengagement thickness is effective to cause disengagement of the pawl assembly. The second end of the tool includes a forked end that includes a pair of parallel spaced apart wedge-shaped prongs. In use, the forked end or slotted aperture is manipulated (e.g., slid) to a position between the pawl cap and the body of the slack adjuster. Then the slot of the pawl disengagement means is advanced between the pawl cap and the body of the slack adjuster, until the shaft reaches the end of the slot and the tool can be advanced no further. Upon completing this step, the pawl has been disengaged and the adjustment head may be freely rotated.
US07926384B2

An accelerator pedal assembly that provides a hysteresis in pedal force-response upon actuation is provided. The accelerator pedal assembly includes a housing, an elongated pedal arm terminating at one end in a rotatable drum defining a curved braking surface, a brake pad having a curved contact surface substantially complementary to the braking surface and a bias spring device operably situated between the pedal arm and the brake pad. The pedal arm is rotatably mounted to the housing such that the curved braking surface rotates as the pedal moves. The brake pad defines a primary pivot axis and is pivotably mounted for frictional engagement with the braking surface. The bias spring serves to urge the contact surface of the brake pad into frictional engagement with the braking surface of the drum.
US07926383B2

An apparatus for preventing the brake pedal of a vehicle from being pushed rearward when an impact is externally applied to the brake pedal is provided. The apparatus includes a first bracket fastened to a cowl, a second bracket coupled to the first bracket and a master vac positioned beyond a dash panel, a brake pedal arm connected to a pushrod which is connected to the master vac, and rotatably installed on the second bracket, and push-prevention means hingedly coupled to the second bracket for rotating the brake pedal arm in a predetermined direction.
US07926378B2

A rack shaft is supported in an inner peripheral portion of a tubular housing of a gear housing via a rack bush. An inner peripheral portion of the rack bush is formed as a peripheral surface approximately similar to a circle in which a peripheral surface constituted by a large circular arc and a peripheral surface constituted by a small circular arc are continuously provided. The rack shaft is not in contact with the peripheral surface constituted by the large circular arc, and the peripheral surface constituted by the small circular arc is formed as a support portion of the rack shaft. The support of the rack shaft by the peripheral surface constituted by the small circular arc is not accomplished when a load applied to the rack shaft is nothing or low, but is accomplished when the load is high. Further, an engaging convex portion acting as a positioning and rotation prevention for the bush is provided in an outer peripheral portion of the rack bush.
US07926373B2

A vehicular transmission for an internal combustion engine includes lead grooves disposed on an outer periphery of a shift drum having communication portions connecting a pair of gear train establishment portions extending circumferentially along the shift drum. The communication portions include half neutral portions formed at a center thereof, extending circumferentially along the shift drum. The resulting configuration suppresses an engagement noise to a minimum during changing of a gear position through a sliding motion of a shifter.
US07926368B2

A system includes a device for collecting gas-borne matter therein and a humectant provided external to the device for maintaining a desired humidity level for collected matter in the device.
US07926367B2

An automated cascade impactor comprises an extension mechanism operable to couple to a plurality of impactor stages. The extension mechanism is operable to compress and separate impactor stages of the plurality of impactor stages via automation. The system provides a plurality of isolation stages operable to be automatically inserted between respective impactor stages when the impactor stages are separated by the extension mechanism. The system provides the plurality of isolation stages to be automatically compressed between impactor stages to isolate each impactor stage from at least one adjacent impactor stage. The plurality of isolation stages is operable to be automatically uncompressed and removed from between the impactor stages. The isolation stages allow automated extraction of particulate matter, cleaning and drying of interior surfaces of each impactor stage.
US07926365B2

An array type pressure sensing apparatus suitable for multi-touch sensing and pressure quantification for gray scale identification is provided. The array type pressure sensing apparatus includes a plurality of first axes, a plurality of second axes, a plurality of piezoresistive units, a third axis, a plurality of standard resistors and a control unit. The second axes are disposed crisscross with the first axes, and there is one piezoresistive unit disposed on the cross between one first axis and one second axis. The third axis is disposed crisscross with the first axes, and there is one standard resistor on the cross between one first axis and the third axis. A pressure measurement method implemented using the array type pressure apparatus is also provided. The pressure measurement method is a gray scale identification method by pressure quantification of a linear piezoresistive system.
US07926364B2

A tactile sensor includes: a circuit board; a plurality of unit electrode pads; and a pressure sensing film, in which the circuit board can include: a first circuit pattern, implemented by electrically connecting unit electrode pads disposed in a same column among the plurality of unit electrode pads arranged in a 2-dimensional configuration; a second circuit pattern, implemented by electrically connecting unit electrode pads disposed in a same row among the plurality of unit electrode pads arranged in a 2-dimensional configuration; a third circuit pattern, implemented by electrically connecting unit electrode pads disposed in a same section among the plurality of unit electrode pads arranged in a 2-dimensional configuration, if assuming that the entire area in which the plurality of unit electrode pads are arranged is divided by sections.
US07926349B2

A method of detecting defects in a welded metal structure, comprising mounting an ultrasonic transducer at or adjacent to a weld seam, and emitting ultrasonic signals so that the signals are propagated in the weld seam acting as a wave guide, and detecting reflections of the signals that may be indicative of defects in or adjacent to the weld seam. Waveguiding occurs within the weld principally because it is thicker than the plate, and thus the phase velocity in the plate is greater than that in the weld. This results in total internal reflection within the weld. In addition, an evanescent wave propagates in a region adjacent to the weld. The common problem with non destructive testing of excitation and reception of unwanted modes is greatly reduced, since it has been found that for certain frequency regions, transmitted waves will propagate only in a single mode at a predetermined frequency. As preferred the fundamental symmetric Lamb wave mode S0 is employed.
US07926347B2

A method and system for monitoring a sensor arrangement comprising a vibrating gyroscope, wherein the vibrating gyroscope is used as a resonator and forms part of at least one control circuit that excites the vibration gyroscope by feeding an excitation signal with its natural frequency. An output signal is tapable from the vibrating gyroscope from which the excitation signal is derivable by filtering and amplification.
US07926346B2

The invention relates to a measuring device comprising a transmitter (1) for measuring a position and/or a rotational speed of a rotary element (2), a housing (3), and a plate (4) comprising a recess for receiving a transmitter (1), the transmitter (1) being rotatably arranged in relation to the plate (4). The transmitter (1), the plate (4) and the housing (3) are arranged in such a way that when the housing (3) is connected to the base body (5), the housing (3) presses the plate (4) against the base body (5). In this way, the transmitter (1) is pressed against the base body and the housing is pressed against the plate. The invention also relates to a method for fixing a housing of the above-mentioned measuring device. The angular position of the housing can be modified independently of the angular position of the transmitter in relation to a base body.
US07926339B2

The invention is directed to a wind tunnel designed to operate along a vertical section such that air currents, generated by appropriate fans, meet in a vertical area wherein the air currents are capable of lifting objects in this vertical area. the lifting effect may be seen on the outside of the wind tunnel as the tunnel is built from translucent materials. The viewing and lifting of bodies in the vertical section of the tunnel allows both their display and for measurements to be taken of the bodies.
US07926327B2

An apparatus for determining the filterability of fluids, in particular of transmission oils, has a test filter device (21) through which a sample amount of the fluid can flow, and a line system which forms a circulation circuit (1) for the fluid. The line system includes a foam tester (3) receiving the sample amount of the fluid. A circulating pump (23) removes fluid from the sample amount situated in the foam tester (3) and conveys it through the filter device (21) and back to the foam tester (3).
US07926323B2

A heat radiation coefficient C [=Ph/(Th−To)] from a microheater is calculated in accordance with a power Ph applied to the microheater which is supported in air and provided in an ambient gas, a heater temperature Th, and an ambient temperature To at this moment. Further, a thermal conductivity λ(T) of the ambient gas is obtained from the calculated heat radiation coefficient C based on a proportional relation [C=K·λ(T)] between a thermal conductivity λ(T) of the ambient gas and the heat radiation coefficient C at a measurement temperature T [=(Th−To)/2].
US07926316B2

A temperature control device for a hot rolling mill, preventing a sudden change in temperature of a rolled material near the delivery side of the rolling mill and realizing precise gauge control. The hot rolling mill has rolling stands arranged in a row and cooling devices for cooling the rolled material. The hot rolling mill is operated so that the cooling devices are preferentially used, in order, from one closest to the entry side until the upper limit pressure is reached. The cooling water pressure of each of the cooling devices is computed based on the target temperature of the rolled material and the actual temperature on the entry side. The cooling water pressure of the cooling device closest to the delivery side of the rolling mill is computed based on the target temperature of the rolled material and the actual temperature on the delivery side so the difference between the target temperature and the actual temperature on the delivery side is minimized.
US07926311B2

The present technique provides systems and methods for integrally washing and drying laundry articles in a home application. Certain embodiments provide a home laundry machine having a drying mechanism pneumatically coupled to a laundry enclosure via an air inlet and an air outlet. The drying mechanism comprises a heating device disposed upstream of the air inlet and a cooling device disposed downstream of the air outlet.
US07926299B2

A control device 15 includes: a target area deciding unit 21 for setting either of binary values of 0 and 1 to plural area sections and deciding a targeted area section for air-conditioning; and an area air direction control unit 22 for carrying out control operation, so that when controlling at least one of air direction control stepping motors directed to the targeted area section for air-conditioning, a left/right air direction control stepping motor carries out control operation based on depth direction one-dimensional data obtained by calculating a logical sun of each column in depth direction of each area section in a group of area sections, and an up/down air direction control stepping motor carries out control operation based on left/right direction one-dimensional data obtained by calculating a logical sum of each column in left/right direction of each area section in the group of area sections.
US07926294B2

A heating and cooling system to maintain an area at a desired temperature including a thermoelectric device (102), a vapor compression system (106), and a control system (104) operably connected to the thermoelectric device (102) and the vapor compression system (106).
US07926290B2

A gas turbine engine includes a turbomachinery core operable to generating a flow of pressurized combustion gases; a rotating fan adapted to extract energy from the core and generate a first flow of pressurized air; a fan stator assembly connected in flow communication with the fan and operable to vary the first flow of pressurized air while the fan operates at a substantially constant speed; a fan outer duct surrounding the core; and a flade stage comprising a supplementary fan disposed in the fan outer duct and driven by the fan for generating a pressurized bleed air flow.
US07926289B2

A gas turbine engine includes a compressor, combustor, and high pressure turbine operatively joined together. A first interstage bleed circuit is joined in flow communication between a first preultimate stage of the compressor and hollow blades in the turbine to provide thereto pressurized primary air. A second interstage bleed circuit is joined in flow communication between a second preultimate stage of the compressor and the turbine blades to provide thereto pressurized secondary air at a lower pressure than the primary air.
US07926283B2

Cooling is provided for a gas turbine combustion system that includes a first member, such as a liner, having exterior and interior surfaces that define a wall therebetween and a central area. A second member, such as a cap, is located adjacent that interior surface. A source of cooling gas is in fluid communication with the exterior surface of the first member. An open space, in which is located a hula seal, is located between the interior surface of the first member and the second member. At least one opening in the wall of the first member provides a passageway for the cooling gas from the exterior surface of the first member to the open space. The passageway has a directional axis along which the cooling gas flows and is discharged into the open space. The directional axis is substantially oriented in a direction other than a direction towards the central area of the first member.
US07926278B2

A gas-turbine combustion chamber wall for a lean-burning gas-turbine combustion chamber with a combustion chamber casing 2, 3 and several combustion chamber segments arranged in the combustion chamber casing 2, 3 and forming a combustion chamber wall 10. Each of the combustion chamber segments is supplied with cooling air with film cooling via axial and/or radial cooling holes 16, 17, with the cooling holes 16, 17 being axially spaced from each other and with dampening openings 19a being provided in this area for the introduction of cooling air.
US07926275B1

A closed cycle Brayton direct contact reactor/storage tank uses a chemical scrubber to assist in removing metal vapors from the working fluid. The direct contact reactor/storage tank operates by bubbling an inert gas through liquid metal fuel. The inert gas picks up metal vapors from the fuel. The chemical scrubber is comprised of a reducible material contained within a filter at the top of the reactor/storage tank. The reducible material on reacting with the metal vapor forms components that are solids at the operating temperature and pressure, thereby preventing metal vapor from circulating throughout the system as part of the working fluid and causing damage to system components.
US07926265B2

The invention relates to a hydrostatic drive. The hydrostatic drive (1) includes a hydraulic pump (3) and a hydraulic motor (7). The hydraulic pump (3) may be connected by way of a first working line (5) to a first working line connection (8) of the hydraulic motor (7) and by way of a second working line (6) to a second working line connection (9) of the hydraulic motor (7). Furthermore, the hydrostatic drive (1) includes a first storage means (40) for storing pressure energy and a second storage means (41). For recovery of the pressure energy stored in the first storage means, the latter may be connected, at least for one direction of conveying, to a first or second working line (5, 6) which is on the suction side in relation to the hydraulic pump (3) in this direction of conveying.
US07926262B2

A regeneration device is disclosed. The regeneration device may include a housing and a perforated plate. The housing may have a passage configured to receive a flow of combustion air, and a separate bore configured to receive an electrical device. The perforated plate may be mounted to the housing to at least partially define an air chamber. Furthermore, the regeneration device may include at least one purge passageway located to communicate combustion air from the air chamber with the bore.
US07926244B2

The invention relates to a method, in a filling machine, of producing a package with a top of plastic which is injection molded in the machine and is capped before the top has become configurationally stable. In the method, the capping, at least during a first introductory phase, takes place in that a cap with internal threads is rotated and the package is displaced linearly in a direction towards the cap in such a manner that it may be ensured that the relationship between the speed of rotation of the cap and the speed of displacement of the package substantially correspond to the thread pitch of the threads in the cap and in corresponding threads on the neck when the threads enter into mesh with one another.
US07926233B2

A tough, water-proof building system, and methods of making the system elements and constructing buildings, which provides wall, ceiling, and floor structural panels and corresponding walls, ceilings, and floors. The walls can be designed to have vertical and horizontal strengths sufficient to be used in place of concrete, as an engineered solution, both above grade and below-grade, including in severe weather conditions, such that no concrete need be used except for floor slabs. Panels have inner and outer layers, and structurally reinforcing members. Structurally-reinforcing members extend, typically as a layer and/or stud, the full height of a wall, at spaced locations along the length of the wall. Spaces between the structurally reinforcing members are optionally filled with rigid foam. An optional reinforcing stud is attached to, or overlaid by, the inner layer, and extends inwardly into the building from what is otherwise the inner surface of the building panel.
US07926232B2

An installation bracket system for use in combination with a length of crown molding for securing the crown molding adjacent to the junction of a wall surface and a ceiling surface, the installation bracket system including one or more installation brackets, each of the one or more installation brackets having first support member and a second support member, each of the support members having a mounting portion and an integrally formed supporting portion, the mounting portion having a base formed with apertures to receive fasteners therethrough for securement of the first support member and the second support member to the wall surface and ceiling surface, respectively, and a backing member extending between the first support member and the second support member, the backing member having a front surface, the crown molding being secured against the front surface of the backing member.
US07926231B2

A modular furniture component such as an electrified relatively thin panel has electrical wiring in a raceway near a downwardly depending adjustable leveler leg and a pluggable multiconductor cable for connecting the raceway electrical wiring with another modular furniture component. The components may each comprise a relatively thin upstanding generally rectangular modular office wall panel having an electrical wiring containing raceway near a bottom edge. Adjacent panels have the raceways generally horizontally aligned with one another. In one form, apparatus and method is disclosed for routing the power and data cables/conductors out of the bottom of the panels next to threaded leveler legs and back up into the adjacent panel. The cable is located closely adjacent a thinnest portion of the adjustable leveler leg and has a portion thereof displaced vertically below each raceway. The cables are enclosed in a removable device that clamshells around the legs with the clamshell located beneath a lowermost portion of the raceway for enclosing portions of the leveler leg and cable. The clamshell cable housings can be in a variety of shapes to accommodate any combination of panel intersections with straight, parallel, 90°, “T”, cross or four-way, and 120° described. In another form, the panel support posts are modified to present a thin portion of leveler legs about which the cables may be routed in horizontal alignment with the raceways.
US07926230B2

A bracket structure for external wall 2 which is excellent in constructability and stability with fixing an external wall, and an external wall construction structure 1 using the bracket for external wall 2. A bracket structure for external wall 2 used for fixing a fiber reinforced cement siding 7, 7′ and an outside corner material to a front surface of the wall surface 8 of building via a securing fastening member A, A, A′, A′, furring 6, 6′ and a thermal insulating material placed on a front surface of the wall surface 8 of building.
US07926229B2

A cover for closing an access opening that leads to an infrequently used space within a building, such as an attic, provides thermal and acoustic insulation at the access opening. The cover may be in one or two portions, including a closure alone or a closure and a frame having an aperture that can be closed by engagement between the closure and the frame. When the cover is used alone it engages a frame or a wall circumscribing the access opening. The cover is sized and shaped to close a stairwell, or the opening at one end of a stairway, or an opening in a generally vertical wall that is not necessarily associated with a stairway. The closure and frame are each made of one or more components.
US07926226B2

A prefabricated structure comprises a shell including a shell frame and an extension including an extension frame deployable from the shell. The shell frame comprises a floor support, a roof support, and a plurality of columns extending between the floor support and the roof support, forming corners of the shell frame. A flange extends from at least one of the columns. The extension frame comprises a floor support, a roof support, and a plurality of columns extending between the floor support and the roof support, forming at least one corner of the extension frame. An outer lip is associated with at least one column of the extension farthest from the shell when the extension is deployed. An inner lip is associated with at least one column of the extension closest to the shell when the extension is deployed. The flange provides a first pocket for receiving the outer lip when the extension is seated within the shell and a second pocket receives the inner lip when the extension is deployed from the shell. The first pocket includes a first gasket to seal the prefabricated structure when the outer lip is received within the first pocket and the second pocket including a second gasket to seal the prefabricated structure when the inner lip is received within the second pocket.
US07926223B2

A chemical application line is provided having a core chemical application carrier to dispense a desired chemical into a target environment over a period of time. The chemical application line includes a degradable film or paper covering the carrier to provide protection from the chemical when handling. The chemical application line also includes a degradable rope surrounding the carrier to provide strength and durability to the line.
US07926216B2

A recoil suppression system for the stock of a firearm that includes an absorption assembly having an elongated body portion and a generally flat mounting plate having an outer periphery. The recoil suppression system includes a recoil housing with a piston ram, which is received into a cavity of the elongated body when the recoil housing is assembled with the absorption assembly. The mounting plate is generally shaped to fit the rear end of a firearm stock. A rearward projecting flange of the absorption assembly is adapted to fit within the recoil housing. The outer periphery of the mounting plate is equal to or larger than the outer periphery of the recoil housing. The absorption assembly may include a cam and torsion spring to reduce the recoil of the firearm. The recoil suppression system may include an adjustment mechanism to vary the preload force of the torsion spring.
US07926211B2

The invention is directed toward a decorative apparatus for presenting visual images having the appearance of motion constructed of a front panel picture member mounted to a rear panel housing. The front panel picture member is a rectangular glass pane painted on the front face to define a transparent window and a translucent photographic picture mounted on a rear face of the planar member and framed by a border painted on the front face. The rear panel housing has a drive motor mounted to the housing which is connected to a rotatable driving roller which is also mounted to the housing. A driven roller is mounted to the housing oriented parallel to driving roller with an endless loop of transparent film having random designs applied thereon engaging the rollers. A stationary blocking screen is mounted to the housing in front of the endless loop, the blocking screen defining transparent sections with undulating designs and opaque sections; and a light source mounted in the panel housing behind the endless loop of film to illuminate the loop of endless film and the photographic picture.
US07926204B2

An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly includes a mat formed of at least one randomly dispersed extruded tubular member, each tubular member being hollow in an in-use condition in which the mat provides support for a user's foot.
US07926198B2

A handheld dryer having low power consumption is provided. A fan operates to cause air to be drawn into the housing of the dryer, creating an airstream of substantial velocity that is forced through a heater assembly. The heater assembly includes two Peltier thermoelectric modules in thermal communication with a plurality of heat sinks. The airstream generated by the fan passes through the heat sinks to remove the heat therefrom, and is, in turn, heated. The passage of the airstream through the dryer housing results in each thermoelectric module operating at essentially a zero temperature differential between its hot and cold face. Resultantly, hot air is discharged from the handheld dryer, which can be used to dry hair or other objects.
US07926189B1

An all-in-one hand tool for the alignment of a vehicle wheel with predetermined lug bolt/nut patterns for specific manufacturers. The tool has pre-formed adapters that protrude from one side of the hand-held plate that attach to specific lug nut/bolt patterns on vehicle wheels. The other side of the hand-held plate allows for an alignment instrument to slide thereon. The instrument is highly accurate as it is pre-welded and does not need to be adjusted to the wheel. The plate is not clamped on to the wheel allowing for preservation of wheel covers and greater accuracy.
US07926187B2

A power tool, such as a band saw, is provided and may include a housing having a first handle and a second handle, a motor, a first wheel, a second wheel and a battery supported by the housing and electrically connectable to the motor for powering the motor, the battery is at least partially positioned at least one of between the first handle and the second handle and between a first wheel axis of the first wheel and a second wheel axis of the second wheel. In some aspects, a power tool may include a battery support for supporting a battery, the battery support being formed separately from a housing of the band saw and being supportable by the housing. In other aspects, a band saw may be operable with at least a 26 Volt battery.
US07926176B2

A fluidic assembly method includes dispersing a number of functional blocks in a fluid to form a slurry. Each of the functional blocks includes at least one element and a patterned magnetic film comprising at least one region. The fluidic assembly method further includes immersing at least a portion of an article in the fluid. The article includes a substrate, a number of receptor sites disposed on the substrate and a number of magnetic receptors, each of the magnetic receptors being disposed within a respective one of the receptor sites. A method of manufacturing an assembly includes disposing a number of functional blocks over at least a portion of an article, agitating the functional blocks relative to the article and assembling at least a subset of the functional blocks to the magnetic receptors on the article.
US07926169B1

An automated system and method for manufacturing a thermal battery is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a press system, a stacking system, and an enclosing system to automate the manufacturing process of thermal batteries. A method of manufacturing a thermal battery using the system is also disclosed. An automated tracking, storage, and retrieval system for pellets used in the manufacturing process and a pellet pairing system are also disclosed.
US07926166B2

An electromagnetic interference (EMI) shield according to one embodiment generally includes a frame and a cover. The frame includes peripheral walls each having at least one folded portion forming an outer sidewall and an inner sidewall. The cover includes a lid portion and a plurality of edge portions extending downwardly from the lid portion. The shield includes at least one dimple configured to be engagingly received in at least one opening for releasably retaining the cover to the frame.
US07926162B2

A method and apparatus for clamping and subsequently machining a disk- or ring-shaped workpiece, wherein the workpiece is set down on a contact surface of a contact member made from elastomeric material. The workpiece is axially pressed against the contact surface with an elastomeric-material clamping member of a clamping device and simultaneously fixed in place perpendicular to the workpiece axis. Subsequently, the workpiece is machined with a tool.
US07926161B2

A fastening system head for attachment to a movable frame, in particular to a robot, has a carrier to which a fastening tool is attached which is rotatable about an axis of rotation. The fastening tool has a holding device for an element fasteneable to a component, and has a fastening drive device to move the holding device along a fastening direction for fastening. The axis of rotation is oriented crosswise to the fastening direction. A feed mechanism is included to feed elements to the fastening tool. At least one additional feed mechanism is provided on the fastening system head, for feeding elements to the fastening tool.
US07926157B2

A breakstem rivet placing tool conventionally includes a flow restrictions for hydraulic fluid used to drive the tool in a stem pulling direction. This serves to prevent recoil of the tool due to rapid acceleration of an internal piston when the stem of the breakstem rivet breaks. Prior art flow restrictions create a jet of high velocity hydraulic fluid into the tool which may damage components by erosion. A revised fluid damper valve deflects and/or diffuses the fluid flow to avoid damage by erosion.
US07926155B2

A machine tool having a machine frame. A first workpiece carrier unit is disposed on the machine frame and has a workpiece receiving mechanism. At least one tool carrier unit is disposed on the machine frame, on which at least one tool for machining a workpiece held in the workpiece receiving mechanism is disposed. In an embodiment, there is a working space, in which a workpiece, held in the workpiece receiving means, can be machined with the tool. In an embodiment, the tool carrier unit has a tool carrier base and a tool carrier head, which is movable in relation to the tool carrier base along an axis of advance via a guiding arm. The tool carrier head is rotatable about an axis of rotation coincident or parallel to the axis of advance, by the tool carrier head being fixedly connected to the guiding arm and by the tool carrier head being formed as a multiple tool carrier which has at least two tool planes, in which at least one respective tool extends in at least one of its tool directions.
US07926153B2

The invention provides a method of producing a liquid ejecting head unit that has a plurality of liquid ejecting heads combined with one another. Each of the plurality of liquid ejecting heads has a fluid channel formation substrate, which has pressure generation chambers that are in communication with nozzle orifices through which liquid is ejected, and piezoelectric elements, each of which is made up of a lower electrode, a piezoelectric layer that has hysteresis characteristic in a polarization electric field, and an upper electrode, formed on the fluid channel formation substrate with a vibrating plate being interposed therebetween. The liquid ejecting head unit production method according to an aspect of the invention includes: acquiring coercive electric fields of the piezoelectric layers of the liquid ejecting heads; classifying the liquid ejecting heads into ranks on the basis of the acquired coercive electric fields; and combining the liquid ejecting heads that belong to the same rank together.
US07926152B2

A retainer apparatus and method for removably engaging a first article to a second article includes a beam having a first end portion sized and configured as an open ended hook and a second end portion that attaches to the first article. Also included in the retainer apparatus is a finger that has magnetic attraction to the second article, the finger is disposed adjacent to the second end portion of the beam, with the finger having an open state position allowing free passage of the hook through an aperture of the second article, the finger also having a closed state position wherein the finger is adjacent to the hook such that the hook and finger form a converging interface thereby engaging the first and second articles. Further included is structure for urging the finger from the open state position to the closed state position.
US07926148B2

In an apparatus for the fiber-sorting or fiber-selection a fiber bundle which is supplied by means of a supply device to a fiber-sorting device in which clamping devices are provided which clamp the fiber bundle at a distance from its free end, and in which a mechanical device is present which generates a combing action, for removal of the combed fiber material a revolving element is present. To enable the amount produced per hour (productivity) to be substantially increased in a simple manner and to permit a reliable removal and piecing at high production speed, downstream of the supply device there are arranged at least two rotatably mounted rollers with clamping devices for the fiber, which clamping devices are distributed around the periphery of at least one of the rollers and the device for generating a combing action is associated with a said roller, wherein after take-up of the free regions of the combed fiber bundles by the revolving element, the clamping of the ends of the combed fiber bundles is terminated.
US07926144B1

The claimed carpet cleaning apparatus incorporates recesses in a rigid surface of a roller, a hand-operated cleaning device, or a rigid disk. The rigid surface compresses the fibers of the soft surface as the device and the recesses decompress the fibers. The repeated compression and decompression, preferably in combination with a cleaning compound, provide the mechanical action necessary for removal of foreign material.
US07926140B2

A dock leveler frame includes a pit supported portion; a deck supporting portion configured to provide support to a deck portion of the dock leveler; and a fastener configured to contact corresponding structure on the pit supported portion and deck supporting portion, the corresponding structure configured to allow the pit supported portion and deck supporting portion to be fastened to each other via the fastener at multiple positions with respect to each other. A method of configuring a dock leveler frame to install a dock leveler in a pit and have a level deck without the use of shims includes: providing a pit supported portion of a dock lever frame; placing a deck supporting portion of the frame is a desired position with respect to the pit supported portion; and fastening the pit supported portion to the deck supporting portion with a fastener inserted into a hole and a slot.
US07926135B1

A pillow for supporting a baby during bath time. The pillow comprises a compressible, shape-sustaining, C-shaped bolster with a center well sized to surround and “hug” the torso of a baby or toddler. A collapsible seat is attached to the bolster. The seat bottom is supported by a sidewall that is continuous with the inner sidewall of the bolster. In a first, extended position, the seat bottom is positioned a distance below the bottom of the bolster. This configuration is ideal for a baby or toddler in a seated position, allowing the child to sit upright inside the pillow's well. The seat may be configured in a second, collapsed position with the seat bottom forming a sling that extends across the well of the bolster. By flipping the pillow over, this configuration is ideal for supporting a small or newborn infant in a reclining position for bathing.
US07926134B2

A pillow includes a flexible outer shell including a plurality of internal dividers that define a plurality of compartments. Stuffing material is within each of the plurality of compartments. The pillow has a tapered center region defining a center region longitudinal axis and a top region defining a top region longitudinal axis that is approximately orthogonal to the center region longitudinal axis. The top region has a left portion, a center portion, and a right portion. The tapered center region has a thicker end that is adjacent the center portion of the top region, and a thinner distal end. At least one of internal dividers is located within the tapered center region and is oriented approximately orthogonal to the center region longitudinal axis. At least one of the plurality of internal dividers is located within the top region and is oriented approximately orthogonal to the top region longitudinal axis.
US07926129B2

In one embodiment, a frame has an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The frame includes a support member that has a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The first end portion of the first elongate member is pivotally coupled to the second end portion of the support member. A second elongate member has a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The first end portion of the second elongate member is pivotally coupled to the support member. A third elongate member has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the third elongate member is pivotally coupled to the second end portion of the second elongate member. The third elongate member is pivotally coupled to the second end portion of the first elongate member.
US07926128B2

The present invention relates to a system for bathroom accessibility, which is based on a device having at least one horizontal guide fixable to a wall, at least one hooking element, which slides with respect to the guide, and at least one supporting element for equipment that engages the hooking element. The hooking element includes a regulation device for selectively varying the height of at least one supporting element for bathroom equipment.
US07926123B2

This invention provides pants with vertical pocket openings at the pant front center. The pants can have a central vertical closure, such as a zipper, with the pocket opening optionally internally adjacent or externally adjacent to the closure.
US07926118B2

Provided for is a control system for a welding helmet comprising: an electronically controllable lens configured to be mounted in a welding helmet shell, a microphone configured to receive an audible input and to generate a signal in response to the audible input received and an electronic control module coupled to the lens and to the microphone and configured to control the electronically controllable lens based upon the signal. Also provided for is a welding helmet implementing a control system and a method of manufacturing a welding helmet including a control system.
US07926117B2

A ballistic resistant garment quick release system may include an outer shell configured to form a pocket into which ballistic resistant material is positioned. A cable channel is positioned along at least a portion of the ballistic resistant garment and a release cable is positioned within the cable channel. The release cable may move from a first position to a second position wherein the release cable is configured in the first position to engage a removable attachment strap and retain the removable attachment strap to the ballistic resistant garment and the release cable is configured in the second position to disengage from the removable attachment strap and thereby enable the removable attachment strap to disengage from the ballistic resistant garment. A fixed attachment strap is attached to the ballistic resistant garment and configured to mate with the removable attachment strap to retain the ballistic resistant garment on the user.
US07930765B2

A method and mechanism controls consumption of media objects in a communication terminal, especially in a mobile terminal. A media object, such as a game, and an associated rights object are stored in a communication terminal. The rights object defines usage rules for the media object. Sales parameters are accepted from a user of the terminal. The sales parameters indicate that the user is willing to sell the rights of consumption of the media object to a certain extent. Upon receiving this indication, the media object is prevented from being consumed in the communication terminal more than what is defined by the usage rules and the certain extent. A sell offer may then be transferred to a trading entity.
US07930763B2

A method of authorizing a computing entity comprises obtaining at the authorizing entity a delegation chain of intermediate elements through which an authorisable entity asserts authorization eligibility in the form of a sequence of locally assigned labels for the elements. The method further comparing the label sequence against a label sequence template.
US07930761B2

A secure detection network system includes plurality of remote nodes, each remote node comprising a set of detector interfaces configured to couple to a set of detectors disposed to detect the presence of an illegal asset within a shipping container; at least one server node configured to initialize, install, and authenticate each remote node in the plurality of remote nodes, including delivering to each remote node an agent module, said agent module for each remote node comprising a node specific configuration file defining a set of nodes with which the remote node can communicate and a different encryption means corresponding to each node in the set of nodes; and a communication path coupling the plurality of remote nodes and the at least one server node.
US07930759B2

According to one embodiment, a backup system for an image forming apparatus includes: the image forming apparatus including an original data storage unit configured to store data, the image forming apparatus sending a backup copy of the data; and a backup apparatus electrically communicating with the image forming apparatus, the backup apparatus including a backup copy storage unit configured to save the backup copy received from the image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus further includes: a key generation unit configured to uniquely generate a key from an input key seed; an encryption and decryption unit configured to execute an encryption process and a decryption process in a symmetric-key cryptosystem using the key generated from the key seed by the key generation unit; and a nonvolatile memory unit configured to pre-store a first key seed, and the backup apparatus further includes: a nonvolatile memory unit configured to pre-store a second key seed.
US07930753B2

Methods and systems are provided for assessing a security risk for a merchant entity having connectivity to a shared network. Information describing characteristics of the merchant entity are received from the merchant entity. A determination is made which test requirements of a security test scheme are to be used in assessing the security risk for the merchant entity. The security test scheme includes a set of test requirements whose satisfaction by the merchant entity is sufficient to ensure compliance with a multiple sets of security requirements defined by multiple payment-processing organizations. The security test scheme is executed with a security compliance authority server in accordance with the determined test requirements.
US07930744B2

The present invention discloses methods and media for hooking applications to monitor and prevent execution of security-sensitive operations, the method including the steps of: reading at least one configuration parameter list from a configuration module; hooking, by a hooking engine, a hooking point in an application, wherein the hooking point is defined in the configuration module; calling, by the application, the hooking point during operation of the application; matching at least one hooking parameter in the hooking point to at least one configuration parameter in at least one configuration parameter list; and upon detecting a match between the hooking parameter and at least one configuration parameter, performing at least one configuration-defined action. Preferably, the method further includes the step of: updating a state of the hooking engine. Preferably, the hooking engine is operative to prevent malicious operations by obfuscated code.
US07930735B2

Articles and associated methods, systems, and computer program products relate to a service framework to register multiple plug-ins on a client and to provide access to functionality that would otherwise be unavailable to a user until they logged-in. One plug-in module enables an unauthenticated user to interact with a server to initiate a password reset feature from a secure desktop environment on the client. Another plug-in module enables a user to reset cached credentials on a remote client when requesting a password reset from outside of the server's local network. In some implementations, a server may authenticate the user by issuing challenge questions and monitoring the user's responses. A variety of other services may be provided as plug-ins to the client framework. A library of plug-ins may be stored on the server. The server may select plug-ins to send to each client based upon criteria according to business rules.
US07930731B2

Multiple views and optimized communications pathways of personal descriptors are provided over a communications network for a globally accessible contact list of contacts in a database. User descriptors are automatically populated in a dynamic repository, and subsequently form personal descriptors. User queries and contact information are received anonymously and stored in a dynamic repository, based on adding the contact to an instant messaging roster state database, where the contact information is categorized, based on identifiable relationships between user descriptors and a group of user defined rules. Such user contact information is transmitted and/or received to and/or from contacts in the globally accessible contact list so as to share presence and access information, and where the user is an authorized user providing varying levels of access information. Sharing access to the personal descriptor includes the use of a communications broker, rendering an animated personal descriptor and completing social and business interactions.
US07930730B2

Methods and computer-readable media are provided for navigating a community network environment and viewing various network attributes at various network zoom levels. A user interface is displayed that includes a representation of each community network participant, with each representation including a community network attribute. A request is received to zoom the user interface to view the community network at various zoom levels. In response to the request, the user interface is fluidly zoomed and additional community network attributes are displayed corresponding to each community network participant at each of the zoom levels.
US07930729B2

The present invention relates to perform presence service in a wireless communication system that is available to a mobile device.
US07930721B1

A method and system for providing interactive controls using interactive video animation software for use in conjunction with content provided by a lodging entertainment system are disclosed. The lodging entertainment system includes a head end with a digital content server and a plurality of guest terminals connected by a distribution system. A display of interactive controls is transmitted with the content from the head end to a guest terminal. This preferably occurs in response to pressing a key on a remote control at the guest terminal. Then, interactive control selection data representing the interactive control selected by a guest is transmitted from the guest terminal to the head end. After processing the interactive control selection data at the head end, transmission of the content from the head end to the guest terminal is adjusted in accordance with the interactive control selected by the guest.
US07930719B2

An interactive television program guide is provided. The interactive television program guide provides a user with the opportunity to select a language for playing television programming and displaying program guide text. Television program audio in the desired language may be obtained from a SAP or digital audio track and played in the selected language. Television related information in the desired language may be obtained from a digital track. If television program audio or related information is not provided in the selected language, the program guide may use a default language. The program guide may coordinate program guide display screen text with languages available for television programs when the programs are broadcast to users.
US07930710B2

A program start-up unit is provided which is capable of starting up a program at high speed and reducing the consumption of a memory. This program start-up unit analyzes the link relation between an application program and a shared library in the whole system, specifies a combination in which the management structure of a load state can be used in common to the utmost among application programs, and uses this management structure as a reference in the whole system.
US07930709B2

An embodiment generally relates to a method of increasing efficiency in a dynamic linker. The method includes determining a length of a source string and a check segment of the source string and selecting a candidate string from a plurality of strings. The method also includes determining a candidate check segment of the candidate string based on the length of the source string and verifying the source string and the candidate string are identical in response to the check segment of the source string being identical to candidate check segment.
US07930702B2

A web services system provides web services interfaces to applications having native interfaces with different types of synchrony. The web services interfaces can have the same or different type of synchrony than the underlying application. The web services layer translates a web services request from a client to corresponding function calls to applications. Upon receiving a response from an application, the web services layer translates the response back to a web services format and forwards it to the client. A naming convention is used to define the names of the data types and operations in the web services interface corresponding with data types and functions of the application. A function prefix can be used to specify a namespace in the web services interface unique to the application. A web services namespace is assigned to tokens so that requests for asynchronous web services are diverted to a general web services routine.
US07930700B1

An embodiment of a method of ordering operations begins with a first step of a computing entity storing a training data set, which includes previously executed operation pairs, attribute data, and relative cost data. In a second step, the computing entity forms a predictor. In a third step, the computing entity applies the predictor to an operation pair of first and second to-be-executed operations to determine a predicted relative cost between the first and second to-be-executed operations. Another embodiment of the method comprises the first step, the second step, an alternative third step, and a fourth step. In the alternative third step, the computing entity applies the predictor to to-be-executed operations in operation pairs to determine a predicted relative cost between first and second operations for each operation pair. In the fourth step, the computing entity employs the operation pairs and the predicted relative costs to sort the to-be-executed operations.
US07930696B2

Content from multiple remote/legacy consoles is aggregated within a central console to provide a single point-of-access for managing remote resources. Preferred embodiments deploy the central console as a network-accessible application, and this console application communicates with remotely-located console applications (and/or other locally-executing functions) that carry out tasks selected from the central console by an administrator and then return content generated by those tasks for rendering in the central console. The run-time environment used at the central console is not required to match the run-time environment of the remote/legacy consoles.
US07930693B2

A method for launching an interface with a remotely located electronic device. Specifically, a loader that is locally installed is launched. The loader is associated with an embedded application stored on a remote device. Communication is established with the remote device to access a first checksum value that is stored on the remote device. Thereafter, the first checksum value is compared against a second checksum value of a locally stored version of the embedded application. The locally stored version of the embedded application is launched when the first check value matches the second checksum value.
US07930692B2

A method for obtaining information includes retrieving in a network device a listing of available information update packages and automatically updating the network device based on the listing. Transferring information update packages can include determining whether a network device is using a computer network connection and transferring portions of the package to the network device only while the network device is not using the network connection.
US07930690B1

The present invention provides a method and system for describing variable precision computations without needing explicit conversion functions in case operands have different formats or sizes of fields, having the capability to modify at run time the sizes of the fields of any variable precision data object, as well as having access to special condition signals associated to each object in which results are stored.
US07930678B2

The present invention provides methods of visualizing and modeling the interaction relationship among entities. An example method of visualizing the interaction relationship among entities includes the steps of: presenting the internal logic of entity in an entity container; and presenting the interaction relationship among the entities in an interaction space. A method of modeling the interaction relationship among entities, includes the steps of: defining each entity related to said interaction relationship; defining an interface of said each entity in an interaction space; and defining interaction logics among said interfaces in the interaction space.
US07930674B2

A first integrated circuit design with a first maximum operating frequency is modified to achieve a second integrated circuit design with a second maximum operating frequency. The integrated circuit design comprises an arrangement of cells. Each of these cells drives a signal that propagates through a net of other circuit elements to one or more nodes that are limited by respective signal timing constraints. An analytical cost function is assigned to each of the cells. Each analytical cost function comprises a value for its respective cell that is based on one or more speed-related factors indicative of the impact of the respective cell on the first maximum operating frequency of the first integrated circuit design. One or more of the cells are replaced with different cells based on the determined analytical cost functions.
US07930670B2

Logic array devices having complex macro-cell architecture and methods facilitating use of same. A semiconductor device comprising an array of logic cells and programmable metal includes gate structures that are pre-wired, where, inputs and/or outputs are available for routing in programmable metal, possibly as part of a hybrid process. The device can also include selectable, in-line inverters, which can share the input/output tracks with logic inputs. A bubble-pushing algorithm can take advantage of the selectable in-line inverters to reduce the number of inverters in a design. In some embodiments, an embedded clock line is common to a plurality of logic cells. The clock line is terminated in a clock cell, which can include test logic, so that a clock group is formed. Flexibility to power down cells, or groups of cells can be provided by power traces with programmable connections.
US07930653B2

The present disclosure relates to fracturing of polygon data, with one application being microlithography. In particular, it relates to preserving data regarding edges and/or vertices of the original polygons as the polygons are triangulated and even if the results of triangulation are further fractured.
US07930651B2

A method of controlling an electronic device includes retrieving from at least one database of the electronic device, calendared events that meet a set of constraints, displaying the calendared events in a time-ordered list including a start date/time of each of the calendared events, and providing a user-selectable option to either show end times or to hide the end times in the time-ordered list. The time-ordered list includes an end date/time of each of the calendared events when the user-selectable option is set to show end times.
US07930643B2

A system and method for previewing a sequence of motion control operations. A user may utilize a motion control prototyping environment application to easily and efficiently develop/prototype a motion control sequence. For example, the environment may provide a graphical user interface (GUI) enabling the user to develop/prototype the motion control sequence at a high level, by selecting from and configuring a sequence of motion control operations using the GUI. The graphical user interface of the motion control prototyping environment may enable the user to preview various aspects of the motion performed by a motion control sequence in one or more preview windows, e.g., a velocity profile, an acceleration profile, position plots, etc., in advance before commanding the motor to perform the sequence of moves.
US07930632B2

A page in which field areas are laid out is displayed on the basis of a template. A field area to be adjusted is selected from the field areas in the page. The field area is adjusted on the basis of adjustment operation to the selected field area. Adjustment page information on the page in which the field area has been adjusted is stored in addition to page information on the displayed page.
US07930628B2

A markup language enabled device (17) comprises storage means (21) storing data, the data for enabling augmentation of an experience by providing extra functionality to a movie or a game for example. The device (17) further comprises transmitting means (23) for transmitting the data, receiving means (25) for receiving a real-world description in the form of an instruction set of a markup language and adjusting means (27) for adjusting one or more parameters of the device according to the description.
US07930624B2

Creation of a program with interactive content and time-based media would be improved by having several people working simultaneously on both the interactive content and the time-based media. The range of types of data that can be associated with the time-based media also can include a variety of types of content that enhance the time-based media, including data that is opaque to the editing system. To support editing of such programs, enhanced content may be edited into a program as either a clip or a locator, according to a user's selection. The components that represent enhanced content also may be edited in the same way as components that represent time-based media. Enhanced content may be represented by enhancement files that include data defining enhancements. An enhancement includes an identifier of the enhancement within the enhancement file, and a reference to a file defining enhanced content associated with the enhancement. Such enhancement files may be imported into a bin of an editing system to create components that describe the enhanced content referenced by the enhancements. The enhanced content may be modified using native applications for the enhanced content during editing of the program. The components describing the enhanced content in the editing system can be updated using identifiers of the enhanced content that are stored by the components. Enhanced content also may be automatically synchronized with time-based media.
US07930622B2

A variable code rate adaptive encoding/decoding method using LDDC code is disclosed, in which an input source data is encoded using the LDPC (low density parity check) code defined by a first parity check matrix configured with a plurality of submatrices. The present invention includes the steps of generating a second parity check matrix corresponding to a code rate by reducing a portion of a plurality of submatrices configuring a first parity check matrix according to the code rate to be applied to encoding an input source data and encoding the input source data using the second parity check matrix.
US07930617B1

A block-code-based structure that allows cross-packet coding of data using a sliding window. In this structure, each transmitted packet contains both information symbols and parity symbols generated by the information in previous packets. This code structure allows a receiver to recover lost packets without additional transmissions. If enough packets have been lost so that the receiver cannot recover one or more of them, new parity symbols can be generated and transmitted as additional packets. The parity symbols in these additional packets may be used by multiple receivers. Thus, the sliding window block code reduces retransmission overhead, particularly for multicast applications. Furthermore, the sliding window structure does not produce an encoding delay between the arrival of data and its transmission and reduces the decoding delay between the loss of a packet and its recovery.
US07930612B2

Data is read from a memory array. Before being stored in a data buffer, a Hamming code detection operation and a Reed-Solomon code detection operation are operated in parallel to determine if the data word has any errors. The results of the parallel detection operations are communicated to a controller circuit. If an error is present that can be corrected by the Hamming code correction operation, this is performed and the Reed-Solomon code detection operation is performed on the corrected word. If the error is uncorrectable by the Hamming code, the Reed-Solomon code correction operation is performed on the word.
US07930606B2

A semiconductor integrated circuit (chip) includes a primary TAP controller and a secondary TAP controller. The primary TAP controller interprets a bit string of n bits included in the group 1 having an m-bit length (m≧2) and less than the total number of m bits as an instruction that carries out a processing for a control object and interprets each bit string having an m-bit length as an instruction that carries out no processing for the control object. The m-bit length is obtained by adding a predetermined single bit string to each bit string included in the group 1 consisting of at least two or more bit strings having an n-bit length, respectively. The secondary TAP controller extracts a single bit string denoting an instruction that has an n-bit length and carries out no processing for the control object from each bit string interpreted by the primary TAP controller as an instruction that carries out a processing for the control object, then interprets the single bit string.
US07930603B2

A resource constraint management unit for a target test system is described. The resource constraint management unit has an interface adapted for receiving, together with a test program, feature specifications for at least one test of the test program, said feature specifications indicating test system capabilities required for performing a certain test. The resource constraint management unit further has a feature specification evaluator adapted for comparing, on a per-test basis, feature specifications for a respective test with the capabilities of the target test system, for determining, for each of the tests, whether the target test system is capable of performing the respective test or not; and for initiating test execution in case the capabilities of the target test system allow for performing said test.
US07930596B2

Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for managing execution stability of an application carried out using a plurality of pluggable processing components. Managing execution stability of an application includes: receiving, by an application manager, component stability metrics for a particular pluggable processing component; determining, by the application manager, that the particular pluggable processing component is unstable in dependence upon the component stability metrics for the particular pluggable processing component; and notifying, by the application manager, a system administrator that the particular pluggable processing component is unstable.
US07930586B1

A RAID 6 system, which has two strips to hold redundant data, employs a memory array controller that at each “read” operation considers not just the data but also the redundant information, even in the absence of any indication from the collection of memory controllers associated with the hard drives that any error condition exists. Thus, with each “read” operation the array controller checks the data for an unreported error, and takes corrective action when an error condition is discovered.
US07930580B2

The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that facilitate controlling timing dependencies in a mixed signal circuit. Timing performance associated with a horizontal scanner and an analog to digital converter (ADC) can be monitored. Moreover, data related to the monitored timing performance can be leveraged to modify timing parameter(s) of clocks that coordinate operations of the horizontal scanner and the ADC (e.g., and/or digital component(s) included in the mixed signal circuit). For example, the clocks associated with the horizontal scanner and the ADC can be independently tuned to optimize mixed signal circuit performance.
US07930577B2

The present invention relates to a method and circuit arrangement for controlling performance of an integrated circuit in response to a monitored performance indicator, wherein power supply of the integrated circuit is controlled based on said performance indicator. At least one of a noise level of the controlled power supply and a clock frequency generated in said integrated circuit is monitored and a respective control signal is fed back to the controlling function if the checking result is not within a predetermined range. Thereby, an simple and easily extendable automatic adaptation to process variations can be achieved.
US07930573B2

An improved method is provided for managing workload on a multi-server computer system. In one embodiment, a subset of servers is selected according to an anticipated net workload. The remaining servers in the system may be powered off to conserve energy and prolong equipment life. Workload is dynamically apportioned among the subset of servers at selected intervals to more uniformly distribute the mean and variance of the workload among the subset of servers. More particularly, the mean and the variance for each of a plurality of workload units are equally weighed in determining a ranking of the workload units. The workload units may be ordered according to a mathematical combination of the mean and variance, such as the sum or product of mean and variance for each workload unit. The workload units are allocated among the subset of servers in according to rank, such as by assigning the workload units to the servers in a reverse round-robin fashion according to rank. Predictive power management schemes such as DVS and DVFS may then be used to control power to the servers.
US07930568B2

An inline power controller includes at least one analog interface circuit module (AICM) having a first analog input node for receiving an inline power port voltage, a second analog input node for receiving an inline power port current, a first analog output for effecting an inline power port voltage, a second analog output for effecting an inline power port current, and a digital interface converting the received inline power port voltage to a digital value, the inline power port current to a digital value, a first digital value to the first analog output and a second digital value to the second analog output. A digital serial bus (DSB) couples the AICM to a digital controller via digital serial bus interfaces (DSBIs).
US07930561B1

A system and method regulate the transmission of media data. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a header portion of a media file is encoded to include an access code. The access code corresponds to one or more permitted methods by which the media file may be transmitted over a network. In one embodiment, a user operates a web browser to access a web page including a hyperlink which references the media file and specifies a desired type of transmission. Desired types of transmission include, for example, streaming transmission and faster than real time reliable download. When the hyperlink is activated, a web server sends a URL referencing the media file to the web browser. The web browser passes the URL to the media player. The media player requests the media file from a media server. The media server transmits the header of the media file, and the media player extracts the access code to determine whether the media file may be transmitted according to the desired type of transmission. If so, the media server transmits the media file using the desired type of transmission, and the media player renders the media data into video, sound or image signals. If the media player receives the media data using a type of transmission that permits storing the media data locally, the media player may transfer the media data to a portable media player.
US07930555B2

A system and method for obtaining information relating to a person, such as contact details, without face-to-face, verbal or other contact. The apparatus uses an image recognition system for obtaining personal information related to a target person, and includes: an image acquisition device for capturing an image of a target person; a database of stored image data items each relating to one of a plurality of candidate persons, each image data item being associated with stored personal data relating to the respective candidate person; a search engine for matching the captured image of the target person to a candidate person image data item and retrieving the personal data relating thereto; a display device for displaying the personal data relating to the target person; and control device, operable by each candidate person, to control third party access to the stored personal data relating to the candidate person.
US07930553B2

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of communications systems, and more particularly, to a system and method for extending secure authentication using unique session keys derived from entropy generated by authentication method. In one example, a method for utilizing a public wireless local area network for a client with a smart card includes: creating an one-time password for a client upon a successful authentication; storing the password and identification information of the client; and utilizing the password and the client identity information to authenticate the client in the public wireless local area network.
US07930551B2

A transmitting and receiving device share a secret which is split into first and second portions. A public function is used to generate a keystream. The length of the keystream is adjusted to equal the length of a message plus the length of the output of an MMH function. The MMH function is calculated as a function of the message and the adjusted keystream. Each L octets, L is the octet length of a MAC, of the output of the MMH function is accumulated into a summation value, which is concatenated with the second secret portion into a concatenation value. The output of the public function, now calculated as a function of the concatenation value, is used in place of a traditional one-time pad to generate the MAC which is sent along with the message to the receiving device.
US07930543B2

A communications protocol is used to provide data privacy, message integrity, message freshness, and user authentication to telemetric traffic, such as to and from implantable medical devices in a body area network. In certain embodiments, encryption, message integrity, and message freshness are provided through use of token-like nonces and ephemeral session-keys derived from device identification numbers and pseudorandom numbers.
US07930525B2

A novel trace cache design and organization to efficiently store and retrieve multi-path traces. A goal is to design a trace cache, which is capable of storing multi-path traces without significant duplication in the traces. Furthermore, the effective access latency of these traces is reduced.
US07930522B2

A method for speculative execution of instructions, the method includes: decoding a compare instruction; speculatively executing, in a continuous manner, conditional instructions that are conditioned by a condition that is related to a resolution of the compare instruction and are decoded during a speculation window that starts at the decoding of the compare instruction and ends when the compare instruction is resolved; and stalling an execution of a non-conditional instruction that is dependent upon an outcome of at least one of the conditional instructions, until the speculation window ends.
US07930507B2

A method of performing a storage operation includes: receiving a storage command, estimating the completion time of the associated storage operation, and providing the estimated completion time to a processor.
US07930504B2

A method within a data processing system in which a processor handles conflicts, which occur during performance by an asynchronous memory mover of an asynchronous memory move (AMM) operation. The asynchronous memory mover performs an asynchronous memory move (AMM) operation by which the actual data is moved from a source to a destination memory location, independent of the processor. The memory mover sets a flag bit to indicate that the asynchronous memory mover is currently performing an AMM operation at the memory. When the processor receives a memory access operation, the processor checks the value of the flag bit before issuing the new memory access operation, and checks the associated address of the AMM operation to determine possible address conflicts. The processor then evaluates and responds to address conflicts to prevent corruption of data during an AMM operation.
US07930491B1

Systems, methods, apparatus and software can be implemented to detect possible instances of memory corruption. By analyzing memory blocks stored in a memory, provided in a snapshot file, or provided in a core dump, implicit and/or explicit contingency chains can be obtained. Analysis of these contingency chains identifies potential memory corruption sites, and subsequent verification provides greater confidence in the identification.
US07930487B1

An access control agent is advantageously deployed at a host device to prevent malicious use of a storage system by unauthorized hosts and users. In one embodiment the access control agent is disposed in a processing path between the application and the storage device. An application is mounted as an image file by a loop device to provide a virtual file system. The virtual file system is populated with access control information for each block of the file. Application I/O requests are mapped to physical blocks of the storage by the loop device, and the access control information is used to filter the access requests to preclude unauthorized requests from being forwarded to the storage client (and consequently the storage devices). With such an arrangement, access rights can be determined at I/O accesses, file and block granularity for each user.
US07930484B2

Instructions involving a relatively significant data transfer or a particular type of data transfer via a cache result in the application of a restricted access policy to control access to one or more partitions of the cache so as to reduce or prevent the overwriting of data that is expected to be subsequently used by the cache or by a processor. A processor or other system component may assert a signal which is utilized to select between one or more access policies and the selected access policy then may be applied to control access to one or more ways of the cache during the data transfer operation associated with the instruction. The access policy typically represents an access restriction to particular cache partitions, such as a restriction to one or more particular cache ways or one or more particular cache lines.
US07930480B2

Embodiments of the invention improve the performance of a HDD (Hard Disk Drive). In one embodiment, MBR (Master Boot Record) is read from a magnetic disk. The read MBR is stored in a sector buffer by an event handler. A segment control section acquires the MBR stored in the sector buffer and refers to the partition type field to identify the file system. The segment control section refers to a cache mode table and selects a cache mode which is associated with the file system specified in the MBR. In the subsequent read and write operations, buffer handling and command execution control are performed according to the determined cache mode. Since an appropriate cache mode is selected depending on the file system, it is possible to raise the performance.
US07930472B2

A method of for accessing a first-in-first-out (FIFO) buffer is provided. The method comprises the following two steps. Firstly, issue a request to access a memory when the amount of the data buffered in the FIFO buffer is more than a threshold. Second, pop the data buffered in the FIFO buffer out to access the memory when the request is granted. If the FIFO buffer is a single-port FIFO buffer, the threshold is set based on the burst length of one burst of data. If the FIFO buffer is a dual-port FIFO buffer, the threshold is set based on the speed at which the data is pushed into the FIFO buffer and the speed at which the data is popped out of the FIFO buffer.
US07930469B2

A memory system is provided that provides memory system power reduction without reducing overall memory system performance. The memory system comprises a memory hub device integrated in a memory module. The memory hub device comprises a command queue that receives a memory access command from an memory controller via a memory channel at a first operating frequency. The memory system also comprises a memory hub controller integrated in the memory hub device. The memory hub controller reads the memory access command from the command queue at a second operating frequency. By receiving the memory access command at the first operating frequency and reading the memory access command at the second operating frequency an asynchronous boundary is implemented. Using the asynchronous boundary, the memory channel operates at a maximum designed operating bandwidth while the second operating frequency is independently decreased to reduce power being consumed by the set of memory devices.
US07930468B2

A system for writing and reading data includes a controller accessible to at least one or more computing systems, a plurality of microprocessor units accessible to the controller, and a plurality of memory device configurations each having one dedicated bus connection to individual ones or multiples of the microprocessor units. The controller receives write and read requests from the one or more computing systems and selects which of the plurality of microprocessor units will write or read data associated with the requests.
US07930464B2

A multiprocessor system comprises at least one processing module, at least one I/O module, and an interconnect network to connect the at least one processing module with the at least one input/output module. In an example embodiment, the interconnect network comprises at least two bridges to send and receive transactions between the input/output modules and the processing module. The interconnect network further comprises at least two crossbar switches to route the transactions over a high bandwidth switch connection. Using embodiments of the interconnect network allows high bandwidth communication between processing modules and I/O modules. Standard processing module hardware can be used with the interconnect network without modifying the BIOS or the operating system. Furthermore, using the interconnect network of embodiments of the present invention is non-invasive to the processor motherboard. The processor memory bus, clock, and reset logic all remain intact.
US07930458B2

A memory card reader is disclosed that includes a memory card slot adapted to allow insertion and extraction of a memory card, a universal serial bus port, and a communication controller adapted for electrical communication with a memory card in the memory card slot and the universal serial bus port. The communication controller is responsive to a command message received in a command descriptor packet at the universal serial bus port to query the memory card in the memory card slot for information uniquely identifying the memory card. The communication controller is further adapted to generate an information descriptor packet including information uniquely identifying the memory card for provision at the universal serial bus port.
US07930457B2

Mechanisms for communicating with a processor event facility are provided. The mechanisms make use of a channel interface as the primary mechanism for communicating with the processor event facility. The channel interface provides channels for communicating with processor facilities, memory flow control facilities, machine state registers, and external processor interrupt facilities, for example. These channels may be designated as blocking or non-blocking. With blocking channels, when no data is available to be read from the corresponding registers, or there is no space available to write to the corresponding registers, the processor is placed in a low power “stall” state. The processor is automatically awakened, via communication across the blocking channel, when data becomes available or space is freed. Thus, the channels of the present invention permit the processor to stay in a low power state.
US07930449B2

A method for transmitting data. Data received from a data source is retained in a buffer. Initial data may be provided from the buffer. Additional data may be provided from the buffer.
US07930447B2

Methods and arrangements of monitoring applications active on a plurality of computers are discussed. Embodiments include transformations, code, state machines or other logic to connect a plurality of computing devices via a keyboard video mouse (KVM) switch and to detect applications active on the computing devices. In some embodiments, each computing device may be connected to a display separate from the KVM switch. The embodiment may include detecting applications signaling a user for attention and displaying a list of active applications of the plurality of computing devices in response to a command from the user. The displaying may include giving priority to the applications signaling a user for attention.
US07930443B1

A network device is described that concurrently executing more than one instance of an operating system on a single processor. Each of the instances of the operating system executes completely independent of the other instances. In this way, disparate instances may exist for the same operating system or for different operating systems. The techniques allow the processor to concurrently execute, for example, an instance of the operating system may emulate a routing engine and an instance of the operating system may emulate an interface controller. A hyper scheduler performs context switches between the operating systems to enable the processor to concurrently execute the instances of the operating system. The techniques may provide a low cost alternative to employing multiple processors within a network device, such as a router, to execute multiple independent operating systems.
US07930430B2

Systems and methods to provide assistance for completion during address input. In one aspect, a method includes automatically generating profiles for persons identified in messages, such as incoming and outgoing emails. Based on how the addresses of the persons are used in incoming and outgoing messages, the relevancy scores of the addresses are determined. When a user is typing an address, the profiles and the relevancy scores are used to identify and sort suggestions for the completion of the address input.
US07930427B2

An exemplary method for load balancing includes accessing a range of values for IP addresses associated with a virtual IP address associated with a domain name; selecting, using a local statistical algorithm, a value in the range; and, based at least in part on the selected value, connecting to a remote resource at one of the IP addresses. In such a method, a client can perform local load balancing when connecting to one of many fungible resources “behind” a virtual IP address. With many such clients, the task of load balancing is distributed as opposed to being centralized at a server farm or cluster. Other methods, devices and systems are also disclosed.
US07930425B2

Aspects of the present invention include a method, apparatus and device for establishing and maintaining communication with a network interface device and its link partner, such as a switch means or switch, where the network interface device identifies the type of link partner it is in communication with, determines the integrity of the link partner via a management module, and maintains a communication link in relation to the identified integrity status.
US07930423B2

A method and system for distributing data packets within a network node is disclosed. The method and system for distributing data packets within a network node involves the utilization of a moving weighted average function to dynamically distribute the data packets in a balanced fashion. By utilizing a moving weighted average function to dynamically distribute the data packets in a balanced fashion, data packets are distributed more efficiently thereby increasing the overall efficiency of network operations. The method and system include computing a ratio matrix based on a moving weight average function of a load over a plurality of data ports and distributing data packets to the plurality of data ports based on the ratio matrix.
US07930418B2

A system providing a user interface to annotate different items in a media production system such as in a digital non-linear post production system. Parts of the production, such as clips, frames and layers, that have an associated annotation are provided with a visual annotation marker. The annotation marker can use shape, color or animation to convey source, urgency, status or other information. Annotations can be text, freehand drawing, audio, or other. Annotations can be automatically generated. Annotations can be compiled into records, searched and transferred. A state of an application program can be stored and transferred to a remote system. The remote system attempts to recreate the original state of the application program. If the remote system is unable to do so, an image of the state of the application program is obtained, instead. Assignment of control to various functions of an application program is achieved by associating a function (i.e., modifying a parameter) with a user control at a remote location.
US07930412B2

The present invention provides a method and system for secure access to computer equipment. An embodiment includes a secure access controller connected to a link between a transceiver (such as a modem) and the computer equipment. Public and private keys are used by the secure access controller and a remote user. The keys are provided to the secure access controller by an authentication server. Once the transceiver establishes a communication link with the user, the access controller uses these keys to authenticate packets issued by the user to the computer equipment. If the packet is authenticated, the access controller passes the packet to the computer equipment. Otherwise, the packet is discarded.
US07930407B2

Methods for controlling a document service request involve defining a document service request workflow and redirecting document service requests from the mobile device. In one embodiment, through a short-range connection with a document processing device on a foreign network, a mobile device establishes a secure connection to the mobile device's native network to identify a document stored on a file server operating thereon. Once a document is identified, the mobile device over the secure connection initiates a document service request by requesting an output server operating on the native network to retrieve and convert the identified document into an output-ready format suitable for the document processing device. Upon receipt of the output-ready document, the mobile device resends the output-ready document over a local connection to the document processing device to carry out the document service request.
US07930404B2

Embodiments consistent with the invention provide a computer-implemented method for providing a cross-system log in a distributed computer system environment having multiple computer systems. The method comprises electronically receiving data in a first system, the data including cross-system characteristics of a cross-system activity originating from a second computing system, electronically storing the data, electronically receiving a request to access the data, and electronically providing the requested data.
US07930398B2

In a distributed computing system, an end terminal transmits a job execution request to a job scheduler, which in response determines a resource and a job execution period necessary for executing a job on the resource based on contents of the job indicated in the message. A reservation request message containing the job execution period and the resource identity is sent from the job scheduler to a target resource proxy. The resource proxy determines a scheduled period of the resource based on the job execution period by checking its schedule memory, and transmits a reservation response to the job scheduler. The job scheduler acquires a certificate signed by the user from the end terminal and transmits the acquired certificate to the resource proxy. In response to the certificate of the user, the resource proxy makes a reservation of the identified resource according to the scheduled period.
US07930394B2

Routing network traffic on a computer network is described. In one embodiment, a method is presented which includes transmitting instructions to a client, the instructions executable by the client to request content from two or more content servers, measure two or more network performance characteristics associated with the two or more different content servers, and issue a report to an administrative server. The report may include a first network performance characteristic and a second network performance characteristic. The method may further include selecting a target content server from one of two or more content servers based on comparison of the two or more network performance characteristics; and transmitting routing instructions to an intermediate routing system, the routing instructions executable by the intermediate routing system to direct subsequent content requests transmitted by the client to the target content server.
US07930392B2

The invention provides a method and a system for collection of meter readings from the field and for providing a self-populating database for storing and retrieving the meter data. A network data collection computer operating according to a stored computer program reads in data from the receivers and detects the meter reading devices that are sending data through a respective receiver. If not previously detected, the network data collection computer allocates space in the database for the data and stores the meter data and indexes it by the receiver and meter reading device from which it was received, and by the date and time of reception at the network data collection system. This data can then be retrieved and displayed or printed out by these parameters in database reports.
US07930382B1

A system for distributed file storage includes a plurality of servers providing, to a plurality of clients, file access services for accessing files stored on the plurality of servers. A list of neighbor servers is maintained by each server. The neighbor servers are a subset of the plurality of servers. At least one server of the plurality of servers is switched into a neighbor group of servers based on network distance. Each file is stored in the form of a plurality of N pieces on N servers, the pieces being generated from the file. The list is used to obtain information for reconstructing files stored on the neighbor servers, such that any K out of the N pieces can be used to reconstruct any file.
US07930381B2

A heterogeneous environment having applications and application enablers operating on application servers organized as a cluster is managed. The application servers are managed by a cluster management application. A system management application permits access to computing performance data provided by an operating system and reported to the system management application. Performance data of the applications and application enablers is collected from an application agent through the application servers. Topology information regarding the application servers is collected via the cluster management application. The performance data and the topology information are retrieved and sent to the system management application. Access to the performance data via the system management application is permitted. The system management application links to the computing performance data using the topology information.
US07930376B2

Described herein is a policy-based Internet Protocol (IP) network wherein the Quality of Service (QoS) provisioning across various network devices is managed by policy processing via a user interface including a graphic user interface. The user interface incorporates information made available by a server, such as lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP) server, having a repository, and thereby allows for a consistent set up voice-over IP devices, video devices and network data devices with minimal entries by the user. Further, the user interfaces allows for efficient policy creation and editing.
US07930374B2

A portable computer-readable media device and method of use enable automatic configuration of a computing device, such as a conventional network device or a thin client device, for operation in a network. Configuration information, including network settings and security information, is incorporated in an XML file written to the portable media device while it is installed in a first device. This configuration is then automatically transferred to a second device by installing the portable media device in the second device. The second device then writes device information, incorporated in an XML file, to the portable media device, to be uploaded to the first device.
US07930370B2

A method and system may send a first data packet on a network from a client node to a management server. The first data packet may be formatted to include a client Internet Protocol (IP) address field, a Universally Unique Identifier (UUID) request flag, a client UUID field, a client hardware address, and a first port number. The client node may listen for a second port number on the network and may receive a second data packet. The second data packet may have the same format as the first data packet and may include the second port number.
US07930363B2

In one embodiment, a display engine and one or more data files are determined. They are then sent to a website provider's network. The display engine and data are used to provide ASP functionality without contacting the ASP network for every user request. So even if the ASP network is not available, the ASP functionality provided by the display engine and data is always accessible to the website provider. For example, the website provider's network may provide the ASP functionality by displaying data in one or more data files at a user's display device. This is performed without relying on the availability of the ASP network.
US07930360B2

A hardware Secure Processing Unit (SPU) is described that can perform both security functions and other information appliance functions using the same set of hardware resources. Because the additional hardware required to support security functions is a relatively small fraction of the overall device hardware, this type of SPU can be competitive with ordinary non-secure CPUs or microcontrollers that perform the same functions. A set of minimal initialization and management hardware and software is added to, e.g., a standard CPU/microcontroller. The additional hardware and/or software creates an SPU environment and performs the functions needed to virtualize the SPU's hardware resources so that they can be shared between security functions and other functions performed by the same CPU.
US07930347B2

A content distribution system, including: a registration module for receiving registration data for a digital item accessible, on a communications network such as a peer to peer (P2P) network, using a digital item client, such as a P2P client, on a first device; an activity module for receiving a request for content of the digital item from the client on a second device; and a transaction module for registering download of the content to the second device, for processing payment transactions with the second device, and for processing remuneration transactions with at least the first device. The system also has a search module for receiving queries for digital items and ranking results based on a user selected ranking criteria including at least one of: review of said digital items; use of said digital items; and purchase of said digital items. The digital item and a declaration for the item may comply with MPEG-21.
US07930346B2

The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates synchronizing data within a data storage system. An interface component can leverage a synchronization technique within the data storage system. A sync component can provide a secure peer to peer data synchronization based at least in part upon the synchronization technique to allow a tiered access to the synchronized data.
US07930336B2

A plurality of specialized processing blocks in a programmable logic device, including multipliers and circuitry for adding results of those multipliers, can be configured as a larger multiplier by adding to the specialized processing blocks selectable circuitry for shifting multiplier results before adding. In one embodiment, this allows all but the final addition to take place in specialized processing blocks, with the final addition occurring in programmable logic. In another embodiment, additional compression and adding circuitry allows even the final addition to occur in the specialized processing blocks.
US07930334B1

Proportional, integral and derivative error gains within a proportional-integral-derivative filter are selected based on a magnitude of the error value and with successively higher gain values corresponding to larger ranges of error values. Coding of the error gains is selected based on one or more of: large code-dynamic-range to achieve good transient and quiescent responses; small code-step ratio to achieve smooth transitions between consecutive steps; large gain control range to satisfy the differing gain coverage requirements of the three proportional, integral and derivative error; positive and negative code symmetry with small step increment about zero; reservation of code space for dead band elimination; allocation of code space to prevent overflow/underflow during multiplying and bit-shifting; and minimum cost and power.
US07930332B2

A weighted entropy pool service system and methods. Weights are associated with entropy sources and are used to estimate a quantity of entropy contained in data from the entropy sources. An interface is optionally provided to facilitate connecting user entropy sources to the entropy pool service. The quantity of entropy contained in the system is tracked as entropy is distributed to entropy consumers. A persistent entropy pool state file stores entropy across system restarts.
US07930329B2

A system, method and medium for browsing media content using meta data, in which media content stored in the system is efficiently browsed using meta data of media content currently in use and media content related meta data. The system includes a media reproducing unit to reproduce media content having corresponding meta data, a root category generating unit to generate at least one root category from meta data corresponding to the media content currently in use, and a sub-category generating unit to generate at least one sub-category of a root category selected by a user from among the at least one root category, based on the meta data.
US07930328B2

An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for file system sharing. A Read-Only File System (ROFS) organization module organizes a single ROFS for a plurality of operating systems. Each operating system executes on a distinct virtual machine. Each virtual machine executes on a computer. A Read/Write File System (RWFS) organization module organizes an RWFS for each operating system. An access module accesses the RWFS and ROFS for each operating system. The RWFS and ROFS appear to each operating system as a single, private file system. Each RWFS comprises at least one pointer to the ROFS.
US07930319B2

The present invention relates to a system and method for information process using artificially constructed apparatus. More specially, the present invention provides a system and method that can search for information in a document structure and provide precise results by analyzing the inputs and search results using the executing system and the knowledge structure of the think system. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the search terms are divided into subject terms and corresponding feature terms, and document entry files comprising respective subject terms and corresponding feature terms will provide access to documents including subject terms and corresponding feature terms.
US07930301B2

A search of an index database or another search method is conducted to identify preliminary results listing one or more selected computer objects having selected identifying information stored in an index database. In addition, one or more selected computer objects of the preliminary search results are correlated with one or more other computer objects that have associations with the selected computer objects of the preliminary search results. Integrated search results are then returned and include the preliminary search results and one or more other computer objects that have associations with the selected computer objects of the preliminary search results. The associations may be determined by a association system and represent relationships between computer files based upon user or other interactions between the objects. The associations between the objects may include similarities between them and their importance.
US07930299B2

A system for appending security information to search engine results, including a search engine for locating, in a computer network, web pages that include at least one designated search term, for issuing a security analysis request to a content security scanner to assess at least one designated web page for potential security risks, and for preparing a search results summary that includes links to the located web pages and security assessments for the located web pages, a client computer communicatively coupled with the search engine for issuing a search request with at least one user designated search term, to the search engine, and for receiving the search results summary from the search engine, and a content security scanner communicatively coupled with the search engine for assessing security of content in at least one designated web page. A method and computer-readable storage media are also described and claimed.
US07930290B2

A system, method, and computer-readable media are disclosed for providing virtual Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds to requesting users. In one aspect, an embodiment of the method may include receiving a search query for one or more virtual Really Simple Syndication feeds. The method further includes comparing a keyword to a database of keywords associated with the virtual Really Simple Syndication feeds. Additionally, the method includes determining which of the associated keywords match with the keywords. Moreover, the method includes providing the associated virtual Really Simple Syndication feeds that correspond to the matched keywords.
US07930288B2

Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with extracting knowledge from application data and maintaining an ontology based on the extracted knowledge are described. One example system includes a mapping logic to store mappings between application objects and ontology classes and an information extraction (IE) logic that accesses the mapping logic to identify application data to process based on the mappings. The application data may be stored in application data repositories belonging to an enterprise and may be characterized by the application object. Having identified application data to process, the IE logic may locate data in the application data repositories and selectively manipulate an ontology based on selected application data elements.
US07930284B2

A method and system to protect users against potentially fraudulent activities associated with spoof web sites are described. According to one aspect of the present invention, the URL of a document downloaded via a web browser client is compared to the URLs in a list of URLs for known spoof sites. If the URL for the downloaded document is found in the list of URLs for known spoof sites, a security indicator is displayed to the user to indicate to the user that the downloaded document is associated with a known spoof site. According to another aspect of the invention, a security server maintains a master black list and periodically communicates updates of the master black list to the local list of a client security application.
US07930272B2

Systems and methods for synchronizing data between endpoints, including the modification of data on an endpoint without necessarily modifying data that is communicated between endpoints are disclosed. In such systems and methods the representation of data on an endpoint may be modified so that constraints on that particular endpoint are enforced, without requiring a similar or the same modification to the data when it is synchronized to other endpoints.
US07930270B2

The present technique provides a combined file space for files from multiple partner computing devices. An individual cache policy associated with each partner computing device determines the manner in which the files in the combined file space are filtered for the respective partner computing device. Files data that do not have content stored locally have metadata associated with the files stored locally in the combined file space.
US07930266B2

A computer implemented method for ordering a plurality of entities by computing a dissimilarity matrix based on a plurality of probabilities. The pluralities of probabilities are determined based on a plurality of classes. A weighted distance matrix is computed based the dissimilarity matrix. A plurality of rank ordered sequence candidates based at least in part on the sum of weighted distances between neighboring entities in the rank ordered sequence is calculated. Other embodiments are described in the claims.
US07930264B2

Embodiments of the disclosure generally relate to systems and methods for authenticating users of an entity system. In embodiments, an authentication platform receives a request for authentication. The authentication platform interacts with one of several authentication modules to authenticate the user. Each authentication module may use different information or procedures to authenticate the user. If authenticated, the user is allowed access to the system. Having access to two or more authentication modules allows the authentication platform to provide automatically a more robust authentication and alleviates the entity system from needing to integrate the several authentication modules.
US07930259B2

A nondestructive inspection apparatus includes a sensor unit for detecting vibrations transmitted through a test object from a vibration generator and a signal input unit for extracting a target signal from an electric signal outputted from the sensor unit. An amount of characteristics extracting unit is also included for extracting multiple frequency components from the test signal as an amount of characteristics. Further, a decision unit has a competitive learning neural network for determining whether the amount of the characteristics belongs to a category, wherein the competitive learning neural network has been trained by using training samples belong to the category representing an internal state of the test object, wherein distributions of membership degrees of the training samples are set in the decision unit.
US07930258B2

Provided is a system which supports a user's behavior by generating a behavioral decision function indicating behavior to be adopted to a certain target. The system includes: a data acquiring section which acquires a cost caused as a result of adopting each of a plurality of behaviors to a target as training data for generating the behavioral decision function, the plurality of behaviors having already been adopted to the target; and a function generator which generates, based on the training data, the behavioral decision function to minimize the expected shortfall of a cost to be obtained as a result of adopting the behavior to the target.
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