US07989065B2

Magnetically responsive particles can include two or more magnetically responsive layers (“MRL”). As such, the particles can have the following: a polymeric core; a first magnetically responsive layer (“MRL”) on the core; a first polymeric layer bound to the first MRL; a second MRL layer bound to the first polymeric layer; and a second polymeric layer bound to the second MRL. The particles can have a faster magnetic response time compared to a similar particle having only a single MRL, which can be at least 25% faster. Also, the particle can have a magnetic squareness of less than about 0.1. Preferably, the particle can have negligible residual magnetism after being exposed to a magnetic field sufficient for the particle to respond thereto. Further, the particle can be colloidally stable in water at concentrations from about 0.1 to 10 grams of particle per 100 milliliters of water.
US07989060B2

A cutting tool insert, particularly useful for machining of steel and stainless steel, comprising a body of a hard alloy of cemented carbide, cermet, ceramics, cubic boron nitride based material or high speed steel a hard and wear resistant coating; and at least (Al,Cr)2O3 layer applied to said body is disclosed. Methods of making a cutting tool insert are also disclosed. In addition, methods for machining of cast iron using the cutting tool inserts are disclosed.
US07989047B2

A hexagonal-cell honeycomb structure having a plurality of cell walls having a hexagonal shape in cross-section and forming a plurality of hexagonal cell passages, and a tubular skin layer surrounding the cell walls, The thickness of the basic cell walls is 140 μm or less and an inscribed circle diameter Da inscribed at an intersectional portion of the basic cell walls 2 and an cell pitch P having the relationship Da/P≧0.13.
US07989046B2

A protective covering is readily installed on and removeable from standard privacy curtains. The covering is made of a disposable sheet material having two sections interconnected by a crease. The two sections are positioned over the side surfaces of the curtain, the edge of the curtain being located within the crease. Attachment of the curtain is accomplished by snap connectors which extend through the upper mesh section of the privacy curtain and adhesive components which adhere to the side surfaces of the curtain.
US07989042B2

Hypotubes such as micromachined hypotubes can include one or more tie layers appropriate for subsequent application of a hydrophilic coating. In particular, a medical device may include a micromachined hypotube having a level of flexibility and a tie layer disposed over the hypotube such that the medical device has a level of flexibility at least substantially equivalent to the level of flexibility of the hypotube.
US07989041B2

A storage container for recorded media includes a substantially rigid disc-holding page connected to a cover member along the spine of the cover member so that the container may be open and closed like a book. The connection between the cover member and the page includes an adhesive connection along the spine of the cover member. The adhesive connection is only disposed along one edge of the rigid page.
US07989038B2

A liquid crystal composition having a nematic phase comprising two components, wherein the first component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (1), and the second component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (2), and the third component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (3): wherein R1 and R2 are each independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine; ring A and ring B are each independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene; 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene or 2,6-difluoro-1,4-phenylene; and X1, X2, X3 and X4 are each independently hydrogen or fluorine.
US07989036B2

Optical compensation films (positive C-plate) with disk anisotropic subunits (OASUs) that have high positive birefringence throughout the wavelength range 400 nm<λ<800 nm are provided. The optical compensation films may be processed by solution casting to yield a polymer film with high birefringence without the need for stretching, photopolymerization, or other processes. Such optical compensation films are suitable for use as a positive C-plate in LCDs, particularly IPS-LCDs.
US07989031B2

This invention relates to a component surface (side section 1a), in particular a vehicle surface, with a three-dimensional surface texture. This invention further relates to a method for the creation of a component surface (side section 1a), in particular a vehicle surface, with a three-dimensional surface texture. To keep the effort and expense required for the achievement of a three-dimensional surface texture low, the invention teaches that a film is glued to the component surface (side section 1a), which film has been provided prior to the gluing with a plurality of coats of paint, each using the screen printing process, which in their totality form a three-dimensional surface texture.
US07989028B2

Metallic tube, pipe and conduit are made in a continuous process that includes a zinc galvanization stage, a first passivation stage, a second passivation stage and a third passivation stage. A colorant is added to the tube, pipe or conduit during the continuous manufacturing process, and the colorant imparts the appearance of a color, such as red. The continuous movement of the tube, pipe or conduit is not halted during normal operation of the tube, pipe or conduit manufacturing and coloring process.
US07989027B2

The present invention is intended to provide a metal gasket material plate with which exfoliation of the coating or blister can be prevented even if it is used in the presence of an electrolyte aqueous solution and which can be manufactured through a process without use of hexavalent chromium in consideration of the environment, etc.The present, invention relates to a metal gasket material plate comprising a metal plate 1 having a rubber layer 4 on one side or both sides thereof through an adhesive layer 3, wherein a rust-resistant pigment is added to both of said adhesive layer 3 and said rubber layer 4.
US07989015B2

Methods are provided to prepare heat stable soy milk concentrates above 3.2× based on the level of protein that are thermally stable upon achieving an Fo of at least 5. One method removes soluble carbohydrates prior to concentration. Another method removes both soluble and insoluble carbohydrates prior to concentration. Yet other methods prepare soy milk concentrates using partially hydrolyzed soy protein isolate.
US07989014B2

One aspect of the present invention is concerned with a composition that can suitably be used as an additive in beverages and foodstuffs, which composition: i. contains at least 0.5%, preferably at least 1.0%, by weight of dry matter, of pyrazine derivatives according to formula (I): wherein R1-R4 independently represent hydrogen; a hydroxyhydrocarbyl residue; an ester of a hydroxyhydrocarbyl residue; or an ether of a hydroxyhydrocarbyl residue; and at least one R1-R4 is a hydroxyhydrocarbyl residue or an ester or an ether thereof, and ii. exhibits an absorption ratio A280/560 of at least 80, preferably of at least 250. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a beverage or a foodstuff that is resistant to light induced flavour changes, said method comprising introducing into said beverage or foodstuff the aforementioned light stabilising composition and to a process for the manufacture of such a light stabilising composition.
US07989013B2

The invention relates to new derivatives of 2-methyl-3-furanthiol which are useful as flavoring ingredients to confer meaty, juicy taste to a large variety of edible consumer products, chewing gums and oral care products, without imparting thereto undesirable off-notes typical of prior known furanthiol derivatives.
US07989009B2

A composition for promoting weight loss comprising black tea extract, white tea extract, oolong tea extract, guarana extract, green maté extract, thiamine, choline and N-acetylcysteine. The composition may be administered in methods for promoting weight loss by increasing fat oxidation and/or controlling appetite.
US07989004B2

The present invention relates to enhancement of anti-tubercular activity of active fraction isolated from Salicornia brachiata. The invention also discloses the non-toxic nature of the fraction and positively identifies Sucrose as its main constituent. Pure Sucrose is shown to have no anti-tubercular activity indicating thereby that activity of the fraction resides in one or more of the minor constituents. The minor constituents are shown to be relatively low molecular weight entities and a chromatographic technique is disclosed for separating them from the bulk sucrose to probe their activities and structures in detail, as also the possibility of their synthesis if the leads thrown up are novel.
US07989001B2

A method for separating tumor cells with lymphotropic metastatic potential from those without lymphotropic metastatic potential in a human carcinoma. Cells of the carcinoma are transplanted in each of a plurality of fresh athymic mice. At least one of the athymic mice which does not develop a palpable tumor at the transplant site is treated to suppress the T-cell independent innate anti-tumor activity of natural killer cells therein. Tumor-forming cells at the transplant site of the treated athymic animal are harvested to obtain a cell line of cells with lymphotropic metastatic potential, which is also tested for the expression of T-lymphocyte associated molecules. Such cells are intimately associated with low or diminished angiogenicity and immunogenicity. The traditional scientific criteria for human cancer cells is re-defined, and therapeutic targets for human cancer cells is re-focused.
US07988998B2

A sustained-release tramadol formulation oral administration is provided which, upon initial administration of one dose, provides an analgesic effect within 2 hours, which analgesic effect continues for at least 24 hours after administration.
US07988993B2

A dosage form that provides a controlled release solid dosage form for the oral administration of a central nervous system stimulant, preferably methylphenidate hydrochloride.
US07988984B2

A membrane enclosed fluid diffusion system for insect attractants and repellents, auto thermostatic heaters, and chemical delivery using an additive and/or selectively permeable membrane that interacts with the enclosed fluid to maintain steady delivery rates over a range of temperature and humidity. Systems can be formed with permeable membranes, impermeable membranes, chemical hydrates, wicks, scent fluids, fuel fluids, catalytic heaters, energy conversion devices, visible images, infrared images, trapping systems, sound systems, electronics, and apparel. The device results in efficient and effective devices for mosquito control drug delivery, and portable heaters.
US07988981B2

The present invention relates to a multi-phase cosmetic composition for application to the body, which has a liquid and transparent appearance, becomes a homogeneous mixture after being stirred, the phases raps idly separating when at rest. The composition according to the present invention comprises at least one oily phase and at least one aqueous phase, further comprising a polyol, the oily phase comprising a mixture of at least one mineral oil and at least one vegetable oil, and the aqueous phase comprising a water-soluble salt.
US07988978B2

An antigen composition for stimulating an immune response in an inoculated avian species to at least one intestinal pathogenic organism includes seven field strains of E. coli, Pseudomona aeruginosa, Aerobacter aerogenes, Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella agona, and Salmonella Kentucky. The antigen composition can be used alone or in combination with a Marek's Disease vaccine to reduce shedding of E. coli and/or Salmonella bacteria.
US07988973B2

In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for increasing red blood cell and/or hemoglobin levels in vertebrates, including rodents and primates, and particularly in humans.
US07988970B2

Humanized and chimeric antibodies are provided that specifically bind human sclerostin and are characterized as having high affinity and strong neutralizing properties. The antibodies of the invention are useful for increasing bone mass, bone mineral density and bone strength and for the treatment of various disorders, e.g., osteoporosis, in human subject.
US07988969B2

Compositions that include an Aβ polypeptide linked to a non-Aβ polypeptide are described, as well as methods of using such compositions.
US07988968B2

An IL-1β binding antibody or IL-1β binding fragment thereof comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, and related nucleic acids, vectors, cells, and compositions, as well as method of using same to treat or prevent a disease, and a method of preparing an affinity matured IL-1β binding polypeptide. IL-1β binding antibodies or IL-1β binding fragments thereof are provided which have desirable affinity and potency.
US07988961B2

The invention provides gut commensal bacteria that have been modified to express one or more biologically active polypeptides or protiens, the bacteria includes a promoter, such as a xylanase promoter, which is induced in response to the presence of xylan in the diet and which regulates the expression of the biologically active polypeptide or protien.
US07988960B2

The present invention is in the field of prophylaxis of allergies, and relates specifically to primary prevention of atopic diseases by administering probiotic bacteria, beneficial microbes of the healthy gut flora, pre- and postnatally to children at high risk of atopic diseases.
US07988933B2

A clinical analyzer with a vision system proximate a sample tube rack, the rack having a number of different insert adapters, the adapters having markings to identify the insert, thereby identifying the type of tube. The adapters are of heights selected to position tubes of various heights at a common aspiration level. A 2-D imaging device is employed to read the markings and for analyzing various distinguishing characteristics of the sample tubes.
US07988926B2

In a hydrogen consuming system and a method for the operation thereof wherein the system comprises a hydrogen-consuming unit and a hydrogen storage arrangement comprising a compressed gas storage part and a solid material storage part and a cooling circuit with a radiator extending through the solid material storage part and the consuming unit, hydrogen bypass lines are provided for the solid material storage part and for the hydrogen consuming unit together with control valves for selectively by-passing the solid material storage part and the hydrogen consuming unit.
US07988914B2

A sample analyzer includes a liquid aspirator to be stuck into the closed container for aspirating a sample from a closed container; a preparing section for preparing an analysis sample using the aspirated sample; and an analyzing section for analyzing the prepared analysis sample; the liquid aspirator including an elongated pipe, the pipe having a liquid flow path extending therein and a plurality of communicating sections provided in an outer surface thereof, at least one of the communicating sections communicating between an inside and an outside of the container when the pipe is stuck into the container.
US07988892B2

The invention relates to a method for forming a molded article during sterilization and under high pressure utilizing a supercritical fluid as a sterilization fluid, whereby the pressurization and depressurization rates are controlled to form molded articles.
US07988883B2

Disclosed herein are heat transfer and antifreeze compositions comprising 1,3-propanediol, wherein the 1,3-propanediol in said heat transfer or antifreeze composition has a bio-based carbon content of about 1% to 100%. In addition, it is preferred that the 1,3-propanediol be biologically-derived, and wherein upon biodegradation, the biologically-derived 1,3-propanediol contributes no anthropogenic CO2 emissions to the atmosphere.
US07988871B2

A method of lifting off includes forming a first material layer on a substrate; forming a photoresist pattern including first and second holes and on the first material layer; patterning the first material layer using the photoresist pattern as a patterning mask to form a material pattern having first and second grooves within the material pattern, the first and second grooves corresponding to the first and second holes, respectively; forming a second material layer on an entire surface of the substrate including the photoresist pattern and the first and second grooves; and removing the photoresist pattern and the second material layer on the photoresist pattern at the same time, wherein a portion of the material pattern between the first and second grooves and portions of the material pattern at sides of the first and second grooves constitute a line as a whole.
US07988870B2

A watershed runoff treatment device is adapted to be used to convert a single-stage drain inlet vault (catch basin) into a two-stage clarifier in which treatment can be accomplished before discharging the water to further on-site treatment or detention or to storm drain. It includes a flow control box member to be mounted on the interior of the vault covering the discharge pipe(s) so that substantially all water runoff entering the vault must flow therethrough prior to exiting the vault. Floating, disposable hydrocarbon collection pads are deployed inside an open mesh container removably attached and covering the upstream face of the flow control box, as well as below the horizontal filter array described next. A horizontal filter array with removable, cleanable filter media is deployed below the flow control box for collection of suspended solids gravity-settling within the vault space, and enabling standing water in the vault interior to gravity flow through the permeable filter and suspended solids and automatically discharge from the vault, thus providing mosquito control and de-watering of solids for easy removal.
US07988865B2

A feedwell dilution system for diluting an influent feed stream, which include at least one eductor assembly, and a feedwell assembly. The at least one eductor assembly includes a feed pipe which converges to a narrow throat portion or nozzle; a mix tube positioned downstream from the narrow throat portion that is sized and configured to provide mixing of the influent feed stream and a clarified liquid drawn from a settling tank; and an enclosure, which is installed around the narrow throat portion and an inlet portion of the mix tube and includes an open-ended portion on a bottom thereof, which is sized and configured to allow a clarified liquid to be pulled into the mix tube from below the inlet portion of the mix tube. The feedwell assembly is sized and configured to receive the mixture of the influent feed stream and the clarified liquid from the mix tube.
US07988860B2

The web of the invention can comprise a super absorbent layer that can act as an moisture sensitive fuel shut-off valve, absorbent, adsorbent or reactant. The web of the invention can comprise a super absorbent fabric or layer made of a superabsorbent particle or fiber. The web can comprise a nanofiber layer having dispersed within the nanofiber layer a super absorbent particulate and optionally a second particulate material that can act as an absorbent, adsorbent or reactant. Fluid, gas or liquid, that flows through or by the assemblies of the invention can have any gas, liquid or solid material dispersed or dissolved in the fluid interact with the super absorbent particulate. If needed these materials can also react with, be absorbed by, or adsorbed onto, the active particulate within the nanofiber layer. The structures of the invention can act simply as flow-by reactive, absorptive, or adsorptive layers with no filtration properties, or the structures of the invention can be assembled into filters that can filter particulate from a mobile fluid in a flow-through mode while simultaneously reacting, absorbing, or adsorbing materials from the mobile fluid.
US07988851B2

A stormwater control system including conveyance, filtration and discharge systems. The conveyance system includes a set of conduits and connections providing a flow path through a compacted soil embankment from an upper inlet to a lower discharge area of an underlying soil infiltration zone. The control system has configurations for transferring stormwater from pervious and impervious surfaces to the soil infiltration zone. The control system optionally includes a media filter device that may be installed within the conveyance system to intercept sediment and other contaminants prior to discharge within the underlying soil infiltration zone.
US07988849B2

A peritoneal dialysis machine includes an enclosure; dialysate pump located within the enclosure; a graphical user interface connected to the enclosure and configured to display a parameter associated with the dialysate pump; and a projector configured to project the parameter onto a surface external from the enclosure so as to allow a patient to readily view the parameter.
US07988843B2

A method of electroplating conductive material on semiconductor wafers controls undesirable surface defects by reducing the electroplating current as the wafer is being initially immersed in a plating bath. Further defect reduction and improved bottom up plating of vias is achieved by applying a static charge on the wafer before it is immersed in the bath, in order to enhance bath accelerators used to control the plating rate. The static charge is applied to the wafer using a supplemental electrode disposed outside the plating bath.
US07988839B2

An embodiment of the invention is directed to a capillary electrophoresis apparatus comprising a plurality of separation micro-channels. A sample loading channel communicates with each of the plurality of separation channels. A driver circuit comprising a plurality of electrodes is configured to induce an electric field across each of the plurality of separation channels sufficient to cause analytes in the samples to migrate along each of the channels. The system further comprises a plurality of detectors configured to detect the analytes.
US07988838B2

An electrochemical sensor is provided that exhibits improved adhesion of the membrane to the nitride layer used as an insulating layer in silicon- or silicon-oxide-based electrochemical sensing devices. The sensing devices include a substrate, an oxide disposed on the substrate, a nitride disposed on the oxide, an electrically conductive structure disposed on the oxide layer, and an electrode disposed on the oxide layer and electrically coupled to the electrically conductive structure. At least one opening is formed in the nitride layer to form at least one adhesion trench that exposes a surface region of an oxide layer underlying the nitride layer. The membrane covers the electrode, and contacts the oxide surface regions exposed by the adhesion trenches. The contact between the membrane and the oxide surface region provides for improved adhesion of the membrane to the electrochemical sensing device.
US07988831B2

A method for purifying an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution having rich silicon impurities has been disclosed in the invention, which is particularly related to a method that utilizes a low-carbon alcohol (such as ethanol) for extracting said aqueous potassium hydroxide solution, and includes the steps of mixing a low-carbon alcohol with an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution having rich silicon impurities; allowing the resulting mixture therefrom to divide into an aqueous phase layer and a low-carbon alcohol phase layer that contains the aqueous potassium hydroxide solution with reduced silicon impurities, and subjecting the low-carbon alcohol phase layer to a separation process for removing the low-carbon alcohol, thereby resulting in an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution having reduced silicon impurities.
US07988826B2

The invention improves a sizing effect even on paper containing no internal sizing agent and improves productivity by making solution polymerization in a small amount of an organic solvent. The invention provides a cationic surface sizing agent composed of a copolymer obtained by solution polymerization of (a) 15 to 35% by weight of a tertiary amino group-containing monomer, (b) 30 to 85% by weight of C1 to C4 alkyl(meth)acrylate, and (c) 1 to 50% by weight of styrenes in an organic solvent in the presence of a chain transfer agent. The copolymer may be subjected to cationization treatment with a quaternization agent. As a constituent monomer of the copolymer, 0 to 20% by weight of another copolymerizable vinyl monomer (d) may be contained. The cationic surface sizing agent is applied to paper.
US07988814B2

When a substrate to be processed placed on a mounting table disposed in a process chamber is processed by plasma generated in the process chamber by application of high-frequency voltage, an electric field causing ions generated by the plasma to accelerate toward a lower surface of a peripheral edge portion of the substrate to be processed placed on the mounting table is formed under the peripheral edge portion of the substrate to be processed, and the ions consequently collide with the lower surface of the peripheral edge portion, which reduces the occurrence of deposition.
US07988813B2

A method and system for dynamically controlling a process chemistry above a substrate is described. The system for adjusting the process chemistry comprises a ring configured to surround a peripheral edge of a substrate in a vacuum processing system. The ring comprises one or more gas distribution passages formed within the ring and configured to supply an additive process gas through an upper surface of the ring to the peripheral region of the substrate, wherein the one or more gas distribution passages are configured to be coupled to one or more corresponding gas supply passages formed within the substrate holder upon which the ring rests.
US07988807B2

Provided is a laminated body comprising a substrate to be ground and a support, where the substrate is ground to a very small thickness and can then be separated from the support without damaging the substrate. One embodiment of the present invention is a laminated body comprising a substrate to be ground, a joining layer in contact with the substrate to be ground, a photothermal conversion layer comprising a light absorbing agent and a heat decomposable resin, and a light transmitting support. After grinding the substrate surface which is opposite that in contact with the joining layer, the laminated body is irradiated through the light transmitting layer and the photothermal conversion layer decomposes to separate the substrate and the light transmitting support.
US07988804B2

A process for making large zircon blocks by bonding multiple zircon components, and bonding materials for use in such process. The invention enables the manufacture of large zircon blocks without the need of larger-size isopressing equipment. The invention is particularly useful in making large-size isopipes for use in a fusion down-draw process in making glass sheets for use in, e.g., LCD production.
US07988791B2

An automatic dishwasher, comprises a wash chamber, a rotating spray arm having an outer periphery or rotation and having at least one outlet for introducing a stream of liquid into the wash chamber, a disperser located within the wash chamber and exteriorly of the outer periphery of the rotating spray arm where during at least a portion of one revolution of the rotating spray arm the disperser is fluidly connected such that the stream of liquid is transferred to the disperser, and a liquid volume controller to control the volume of liquid transferred from the rotating spray arm to the disperser. Wherein the disperser provides an additional source of water spray to utensils in the wash chamber and the liquid volume controller controls the amount of such additional spray.
US07988783B2

The invention relates to an additive for hydraulically setting systems based on modified polycarboxylates and water-soluble ethers of high polymeric polysaccharides, optionally containing further standard additives, characterized by a content of a) a water-soluble ether of cellulose or a cellulose-like compound with a viscosity of at least approximately 1,000 mPas, particularly at least approximately 2,000 mPas, measured as a 2% aqueous solution with a Brookfield viscosimeter at 20° C. and 20 rpm and b) a polycarboxylate, whose main chain is linked by means of ester, ether, imide and/or amide groups with polyethylene oxide-containing side chains. The invention also relates to hydraulic mixtures having a content of the above additive and the use thereof. Using the additive according to the invention in hydraulically setting systems comparable and in part much better characteristics are obtained compared with casein-containing formulations, such as a rheological flow behaviour comparable to casein, but with improved water retention.
US07988780B2

A method of predicting photostability of coatings with various dopants on titanium dioxide pigment particles is disclosed. Calculations of the density of states show that a doped coating which reduces the density of states near the band edge or increases the density of states within the band gap of the pigment particles increases the photostability of the doped pigment.
US07988776B2

A coloring composition containing an azo dye of the following formula (1): wherein R1, R2, R3 and R6 represent a monovalent substituent; R5 represents a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent; n is 0 to 4.
US07988769B2

In order to provide a device for separating wet paint overspray from an exhaust air flow containing overspray particles, passing into the exhaust air flow in an application region of a painting assembly, the device includes at least one separation device for separating the overspray from at least a part of the exhaust air flow. Clogging of a wall surface of the device with wet paint overspray is prevented. It is proposed that the device is divided into a plurality of sections below the application region. At least one separation device is provided in one of the sections. The device includes at least one air curtain producing device for generating an air curtain on a wall surface, which delimits the flow path of the exhaust air flow and is arranged on the at least one flow guide element.
US07988767B2

Contemplated configurations and methods for elemental sulfur removal from various gases, and especially well acid gases employ a hydrocarbon solvent that dissolves the sulfur to form a rich solvent and that is then regenerated by hydrotreating. Thus, sulfur is removed from the rich solvent as H2S that may then be processed (e.g., in Claus unit or absorption unit) while the regenerated solvent is routed back to the well and associated production pipes.
US07988766B2

Provided herein are adsorbents and methods of using the adsorbents to at least partially remove one or more adsorbates. In an aspect, an adsorbate within a phase is at least partially removed by providing an adsorbent material and contacting the adsorbent material with the phase having an adsorbate, to at least partially remove the adsorbate. Various adsorbents are disclosed having the chemical formula RE1-x-y-zBxB′yB″zOw, where RE is RE is a rare earth metal, B is a trivalent metal ion, B′ is a transition metal ion or an alkaline earth element, B″ is a transition metal ion, 0≦x≦0.25, 0≦y≦0.95, 0≦z≦0.75, w is a number which results in charge balance, and x+y+z<1.
US07988762B2

There is provided a protective gas composition for preventing combustion of a molten magnesium/magnesium alloy, containing a compound selected from the group consisting of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluoropropane (HFC-245fa), 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (OHFC-1234ze), methyl 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl ether (HFE-254pc), which are fluorine-containing organic compounds, and mixtures thereof; and a carrier gas.
US07988760B2

There is described a method of making a nanocrystalline tungsten powder that comprises: (a) heating a tungsten-containing material in a reducing atmosphere at an intermediate temperature of from about 600° C. to about 700° C. for an intermediate time period; the tungsten-containing material being selected from ammonium paratungstate, ammonium metatungstate or a tungsten oxide; and (b) increasing the temperature to a final temperature of about 800° C. to about 1000° C. for a final time period.
US07988757B2

The disclosure concern air cleaners. Preferred air cleaners are shown which include a housing and a removable and replacement primary filter cartridge. Optional and advantageous features are shown. An optional mechanical interlock, operated with a non-threaded, movement of the cartridge, is provided between the primary filter cartridge and the housing. The preferred primary filter cartridge is conical in shape. A preferred optional safety or secondary filter cartridge is shown. Preferred methods of assembly and use are provided.
US07988753B1

An apparatus and method for recovering and recycling hydrogen from a reforming process raises the pressure of at least one hydrogen-rich gas stream from at least one catalyst lock hopper and delivers at least a portion of the pressurized hydrogen-rich gas stream to at least one predetermined downstream location. At least another portion of the pressurized hydrogen-rich gas is used to maintain the desired pressure within the hydrogen recovery and recycling process and apparatus.
US07988748B2

Mineral oil compositions with trace portions of additives contain as additive a comb polymer containing ester linkages, either based on a) ethylene-vinylester copolymers modified by hydroxy groups or glycidyl groups with molecular mass weight averages from 3000 to 50000 and an ethylene portion of 50 to 90 mass %, and b) partially imidated and/or partially esterified maleic anhydride copolymers, wherein in the comb polymer based on a) and b) the modified ethylene-vinylester copolymer component is connected by means of ester linkages to the partially imidated and/or partially esterified maleic anhydride copolymer component, or a comb polymer containing ester linkages based on c) ethylene-vinylester copolymers modified by acid and/or acid anhydride groups with molecular mass weight averages from 3000 to 50000 and an ethylene portion of 50 to 90 mass %, and d) polyalcohols partially esterified with C12-C40-monocarboxylic acids wherein in the comb polymer based on c) and d) the ethylene-vinylester copolymer component modified by acid and/or acid anhydride groups is connected by means of ester linkages with the polyalcohol component partially esterified with C12-C40-monocarboxylic acids. The mineral oil compositions are suitable as flowable media to be transported at low temperatures and as mineral oil fuels with high lubricity and flowability.
US07988743B2

Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a solid electrolytic capacitor in which a capacitor element has conductive polymer solid electrolyte on a dielectric oxide film layer. The method includes the following processes: forming a manganese oxide layer on the dielectric oxide film layer; and chemically polymerizing a reaction solution containing a monomer, aromatic sulfonic acid, and a solvent using the manganese oxide layer as an oxidizing agent. Here, polyhydric alcohol capable of being coordinated to manganese ions released from the manganese oxide layer is made to coexist with the chemical polymerization reaction.
US07988740B2

The invention relates to colorant compositions for the oxidative dyeing of keratin fibers comprising radical scavengers in the dyeing composition. The invention also relates to methods for reducing color formation outside of the keratin fiber during oxidative dyeing comprising using such compositions.
US07988739B2

A multi-component hair dye composition excellent in bleaching property and dyeing property including components (a), (b) and (c) which are mixed upon use:(a) one or more kinds of glycylglycine derivative represented by general formula (1) and having two or three amino acid residues, or salts thereof; [wherein X represents a bivalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms which may be substituted with a hydroxyl group, or an amino acid residue; Y represents an amino acid residue, or a bivalent group represented by general formula (2): (wherein symbol -* represents a bond that binds to an adjacent carbonyl group or oxygen atom); R represents a hydrogen atom, or a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in which the hydroxy group may be substituted; and m and n each represent 0 or 1, provided that when both m and n represent 1, X is not an amino acid residue]; (b) an alkali agent; and c) an oxidizing agent; wherein formula (I) is:
US07988734B2

Embodiments of the invention include devices and methods for implanting a vertebral body spacer. A lateral surgical approach is contemplated with some disclosed procedures. Instruments of some embodiments are insertable into a disc space to achieve distraction, to determine a desired disc space height, and to select a corresponding implant.
US07988711B2

Skeletal stabilization systems include a base, a longitudinal member, and a retaining member. The base includes an engagement surface with a surface area that is positionable in contact with a bone to atraumatically or traumatically engage the base to the bone. The retaining member engages the base to retain the longitudinal member relative to the base so that the longitudinal member can provide a desired stabilization effect to one or more adjacent bony portions.
US07988706B2

Methods and apparatus for sealing a puncture or incision formed percutaneously in tissue separating two internal portions of the body of a living being with an anchor, a sealing plug and a filament connecting the anchor and sealing plug are disclosed. The methods and apparatus provide for automatic tamping of the sealing plug. In addition, torque required to tamp the sealing plug is automatically sensed and gear ratios of an automatic tamping device are automatically changed in response to sensed changes in torque. A planetary transmission may be used to automatically change gear ratios in response to the changes in torque.
US07988702B2

The present invention generally relates to surgical clips. A surgical clip comprises a first piece comprising a first base and a first projection extending from the first base, a second piece comprising a second base, a second projection extending from the second base wherein the second projection further comprises a top surface, at least one side surface and a bottom surface, the surfaces defining a reservoir therein, and the first and the second piece are detachably connectable. In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir is self-releasing to deliver therapeutic materials when the first piece and second piece are connected.
US07988694B2

Provided is a novel spinal fixation system that includes a novel multi-planar taper lock screw for connecting a connecting rod to bone as well as a novel locking device and a novel unlocking device, each being configured to selectively partially lock or fully the novel screw of the system. The screw is capable of multi-directional articulation while the connecting rod position can remain stable and aligned as needed. After the screw had been articulated and properly positioned, it can be locked such that the screw and the connecting rod will remain in relative position to the bone. The screw is configured for easy insertion and connection as well as easy removal and disconnection from the connecting rod. A method of fixing bones or bone fragments using the novel system is also provided.
US07988693B2

A chisel with U.V-shaped, saw tooth or other shaped opposing blades is used to form channels in adjacent vertebrae. The chisel has a projection extending from at least one of the top and bottom surfaces to limit depth of penetration into the vertebrae. A guide member may be attached to the forward tip of the chisel to guide the chisel into the disc space to uniformly chisel both adjacent vertebrae simultaneously to form a channel in the vertebrae. The so formed channels serve as sa guide for a second chisel having no guide member. The second chisel, which may be a box chisel, is used to complete the channels to the desired depth to receive an associated implant, typically of cortical bone. Other embodiments are disclosed in which a two step box chisel has a retractable guide member for initially guiding the chisel as it forms partial channels in the vertebrae disc space. The guide member is then retracted and the channels formed to the desired depth. The chisels include guide member pins which serve to both limit the extension and retraction of the guide member and also to serve to limit the depth of penetration of the chisel, physically and visually. The guide member may be retracted with a rotatable knob and a threaded engaged rod or with an axially displaceable pin and rod assembly attached to the guide member. A procedure for using the chisels is also disclosed.
US07988686B2

A device for the treatment of a medical fluid including a permanently installed fluid treatment machine and a cassette with fluid-carrying channels as well as an elastic matt placed between these two items. The matt channels are recessed in the elastic matt and are provided with slits. Via the matt channels, an optimized vacuum distribution takes place and the slits serve the purpose of removing air between the cassette and the fluid treatment machine.
US07988684B2

A syringe adapter assembly 10 for permitting a front loadable power injector 100 having a pressure jacket 106 with an open front end to attach syringes 70 that do not require pressure jackets for their intended purpose. The syringe adapter assembly comprises a main adapter body 12 having a central bore 28 therethrough, a lifting ring 60 secured within the main adapter body 12, a connector plate 50 for attaching the main adapter body to the door injector, and a drive ram extender 30 that attaches to the drive ram. Additionally, the ram extender 30 may have a ram tip cone 40 attached at its forward end. The connector plate 50 is inserted into a recess 112 in the rear side of the door, and attaches to the main adapter body 12 located on the front side of the door. The invention additionally or alternatively comprises both a syringe lock 120 that locks an installed syringe relative to the injector to prevent unwanted movement of the syringe, and a method of locking syringe relative to an injector.
US07988682B2

An absorbent prefastened product in the form of a disposable pants diaper is provided with a side closure arrangement on each side. The side closure includes front and rear side flaps having elastic portions where an inner surface of a rear side flap is overlapped and welded to an outer surface of a front side flap. Each side flap is also provided with one part of a releasable fastening system located such that the weld is located on at least one of the elastic portions and such that it lies inward of the releasable fastening system in the prefastened state. A method of forming the absorbent product is also provided, in which an overlapped attachment is formed by joining front and rear side flap members together and attaching the side flap members to an absorbent chassis member.
US07988681B2

The present invention relates to a portable waste containment device that is rapidly deployable. The waste containment device allows containment of liquid or semi-liquid waste until permanently disposed. The present invention also provides a portable waste containment system wherein the waste containment device is enclosed within a package for storage and when pulled from the package the waste containment device is ready for use. Still further, the present invention provides a method of using the portable waste containment device of the present invention.
US07988675B2

An automatic injection and retraction device having a longitudinal axis is provided that includes an injection assembly, a retraction assembly, and a pre-filled syringe cartridge. The injection assembly has an activation-prevention feature moveable between an on position and an off position. The retraction assembly has a needle guard that is removable in a direction along the longitudinal axis upon application of a removal force. The pre-filled syringe cartridge has a hypodermic needle with a needle sheath thereon. The retraction and injection assemblies are secured to one another so that the pre-filled syringe cartridge is in the retraction assembly with the needle sheath secured to the needle guard. The retraction and injection assemblies are configured so that, upon application of a twisting torque to the injection and retraction assemblies, the activation-prevention feature moves from the on position to the off position simultaneous with applying the removal force to the needle guard.
US07988674B2

Embodiments of the present invention include anchor assemblies and methods for using the same to immobilize a device within a body portal. In one embodiment, the anchor assembly is utilized to immobilize a catheter relative to a covered (e.g., skin-covered) burr hole formed in a skull. Anchor assemblies in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may include anchors located subdermally that may be unlocked from outside the body to release the device without a surgical procedure.
US07988672B2

A surgical access assembly for receiving instruments of various diameters is disclosed. The access assembly includes a housing defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal opening for passage of a surgical instrument. The access assembly may also include a mechanism disposed within the housing and having a passageway for reception and passage of the surgical instrument in substantial sealed relation therewith. The mechanism may be adapted for reciprocal longitudinal movement within the housing between a first position corresponding to a first dimension of the passageway and a second position corresponding to a second dimension of the passageway. The mechanism may include a single seal element or first and second seal elements. The seal elements may be adapted for lateral movement during longitudinal movement of the seal. The first and second seal elements may be in at least partial overlapping relation when in the first position of the seal. The access assembly may include a lock or latch for preventing movement of the seal elements.
US07988669B2

The present disclosure relates to surgical access apparatus for positioning within a percutaneous tissue tract to facilitate access to an underlying surgical worksite. In one embodiment, the disclosed surgical access includes a housing with proximal and distal ends that is configured to removably receive at least one surgical instrument, a tubular member that extends distally from the housing along a longitudinal axis, a connective member that is secured to the tubular member, either internally or externally, at least one filament that is secured to the connective member so as to extend proximally therefrom, and at least one manual member that is secured to the at least one filament.
US07988668B2

A microsyringe includes a body, a barrier movable within the body, and a flow regulator. The body includes a pressurizable chamber, an inlet fluidly connected to the pressurizable chamber, an outlet fluidly connected to the pressurizable chamber, and a cannula fluidly connected to the outlet. The flow regulator is fluidly connected to the cannula to limit the flow of a pharmaceutical through the cannula to a maximum rate. The movable barrier fluidly separates the inlet from the outlet. A pharmaceutical is disposed in a space between the movable barrier and the outlet. The inlet is designed to mechanically and fluidly couple to a hydraulic fluid delivery system. Hydraulic fluid from the inlet pressurizes the chamber, causing the barrier to move and displace the pharmaceutical out of the chamber and into the cannula. The movable barrier may be a piston or a collapsible membrane.
US07988653B2

An adjustable support assembly for an orthopedic brace has a support bar, a housing and a locking mechanism. The housing includes a travel track which receives the support bar. The locking mechanism includes a lock stop and a lock peg array having at least one column and a plurality of rows. The lock stop is perpendicularly positioned between two lock pegs in adjacent rows to prevent displacement of the support bar in the travel track when the length locking mechanism is in the closed position and the lock stop is parallely positioned to enable displacement of the support bar in the travel track when the length locking mechanism is in the open position.
US07988652B2

The present invention discloses a pivotal disc is pivotally coupled to a first brace and a second brace. The pivotal disc has a motion-limit member and a positioning member limiting the angle by which the second brace rotates with respect to the first brace with the pivotal disc being the axis and fixing the angle between the first and second braces. The present invention is characterized in that the motion-limit member uses a range-adjust member to push a slide block and determine the range that a block portion of the second brace is blocked by the slide block, and that the positioning member uses a switch knob actuates on end of a positioning rod to engage with or depart from a positioning notch on the pivotal disc, and that the pivotal disc has two limit elements to define the maximum movement range of the first brace and the second brace.
US07988645B2

A lancing device, an embodiment of which controls the advancement and retraction of a lancet by monitoring the position of the lancet in conjunction with a lancet controller which incorporates a feedback loop for modulating the lancet driver to follow a predetermined tissue lancing profile.
US07988643B2

The invention relates to a biopsy needle for obtaining material for histological examination of body tissue, in particular, of bone marrow, or for the isolation, culture and modification of body cells, comprising a cannula with a cutting edge and a manual turning handle and a stylet running in the cannula. At the end of the cannula is an internal thread and preferably an outer thread. An easily visible marking is preferably provided on the manual turning handle. On withdrawing the biopsy needle the biopsy sample is thus held in position in the cannula and the advancing is precisely controllable.
US07988642B2

A biopsy device is disclosed that comprises a cutting element mounted to a handpiece and a vacuum chamber. The cutting element comprises a stylet assembly and an outer cannula assembly. The stylet assembly includes a stylet that includes an open proximal end and a tissue opening at a distal end thereof. The tissue receiving opening is in communication with a lumen extending through the stylet. The outer cannula assembly includes an outer cannula that is slidably mounted over the stylet and has an open distal end with a cutting edge formed thereon. The vacuum chamber is in communication with the lumen of the stylet. The stylet is selectively advanced distally outwardly with respect to outer cannula to expose the tissue opening to targeted tissue. The outer cannula is selectively advanced over the tissue opening to sever tissue, while vacuum is generated in the vacuum chamber and delivered to the tissue opening through the lumen. The vacuum causes tissue to be drawn into and maintained in the tissue opening while the outer cannula severs tissue to obtain a biopsy core.
US07988635B2

A method of identifying sleep disordered breathing (SDB) in a patient includes monitoring a hemodynamic pressure, deriving high, middle, and low values representative of the distribution of the hemodynamic pressure over a storage interval, measuring a ratio of a lower range to a full range of the hemodynamic pressure based on the derived high, middle, and low values, and using the ratio to determine whether the patient has experienced an SDB episode. Certain embodiments of the invention compare the ratio to a threshold value to identify the occurrence of an SDB episode, while other embodiments of the invention identify the occurrence of an SDB episode by monitoring for a simultaneous increase in both the ratio and the full range of the hemodynamic pressure. In certain other embodiments of the invention, activity level and/or duration criteria may be employed to confirm the occurrence of an SDB episode detected using the ratio.
US07988630B1

A method and system for monitoring and/or controlling a glycemic state of a subject, comprising a housing device having one or more chambers, extendable and retractable sensors, extendable and retractable catheters, insulin reservoir, neuroprotective agent reservoir, release mechanism for releasing insulin and neuroprotective agent into the subject, and a control mechanism with a processor for receiving and analyzing outputs from the sensors and for controlling the release mechanism, a clock mechanism for providing logging and/or circadian information to the processor.
US07988625B2

A retractor having interchangeable or replaceable blades facilitates the expansion of a surgical site below an incision in the skin, and establishes a work-through surgical space. The retractor includes a frame connected to two collar arms, a pair of blades connected to the collar arms, a sheath for encompassing the blades and providing a circumscribed working space, and a device for rotating the collar arms, thereby displacing the blades and any tissue surrounding them.
US07988623B2

An apparatus for shielding a body structure during surgical procedures which is configured for insertion into the internal passage of a support structure, and includes an elongated body portion with a distal tip portion configured to cover the body structure without substantially displacing the body structure. The apparatus also includes a mounting portion at a proximal end portion thereof for mounting the apparatus within the internal passage of the support structure, and a member connected to the mounting portion to release the mounting portion with respect to the internal passage of the wall portion.
US07988622B2

The invention relates to a luminous optical laryngoscope having a heating device built into the end that is inserted into the patient or the distal end thereof in order to prevent the formation of condensation and to facilitate viewing inside the patient through the laryngoscope.
US07988614B2

An organ assist system having a closed fluid system having a ring-shaped prosthetic contactively surrounding at least a portion of a body part, including bladders adapted for selectable dilation and contraction in response to varying fluid pressure therewithin, a fluid pump, and apparatus for pressurizing the bladders; and a control unit for controlling operation of at least the fluid pump; pressure sensors within the fluid system; a power source, and shut off valves. The pressurization apparatus includes pressure cells arranged in an array, each pressure cell having a shut-off valve at its inlet, and a shut-off valve at its outlet, the shut-off valves being controlled by the control unit such that the pressurization apparatus is operable to provide a range of pressurizations to the bladders of the prosthetic for applying a controlled variable pressurizing effect to the body part thereby.
US07988613B2

A method and apparatus for generating electromagnetic fields for healing. A device preferably includes a microcontroller and associated memory, a wire coil in electrical communication with a driving circuit that is controlled by the microcontroller in accordance with a program stored in the associated memory, wherein the driving circuit is effective to produce a pulsed DC output having a frequency in the range of about 0-45 Hz, more preferably in the range of 0.5-14.1 Hz and most preferably around 9.6 Hz. A user interface is provided for selecting one of a plurality of modes of operation and a port (e.g., a USB port) is provided to allow the program stored in the associated memory to be modified by way of a computer, memory card or the Internet. In another embodiment, the apparatus takes the form of a medallion that can be worn around a user's neck or strategically placed on a user's body or embedded in other user hardware such as a combat or racing helmet.
US07988610B2

A particle separation apparatus includes a base, a disc-shaped container rotatable on the base at a constant speed and a suspension supply tank for separating in the container particles contained in a suspension supplied from the tank according to specific gravities or particle diameters of the particles. The container includes a plurality of centrifugation vessels disposed around a rotation axis and in a circumferential direction of the container, particle supply cylinders disposed at a center of the container for discharging the particles in the suspension toward the vessels and a lid, and has a structure controllable in rotational speed to adjust a distance of relative movement in a rotation direction between large-gravity particles and small-gravity particles. The vessels are individually in a form of dents independent of one another and are each formed of an inner circumferential wall and a bottom wall. Each of the cylinders has means for discharging the particles in the suspension toward a centrifugation vessel filled beforehand with water.
US07988609B2

A folding table, in particular for a folding device which is provided with a chopper folding device, includes a folding face which is suitable for receiving a flat product to be folded, and a folding aperture which extends in a conveying direction, the table extending along a table plane. The folding face includes guides which are capable of guiding at least one conveyor for conveying a flat product to be folded in the conveying direction.
US07988608B2

An apparatus for producing longitudinally folded products has a machine frame (17) which is arranged below a former arrangement which can be charged with web material. Transporting and processing units are arranged in tandem in the machine frame (17), and a superstructure wall (18) which carries web guiding members (19) associated with the former arrangement is mounted on the machine frame (17). At least one web ribbon (2a) is guided through the superstructure wall (18). The machine frame (17) has at least two modules (22, 23) arranged one above the other which are rotatable by 180° relative to one another and can be connected to one another. Each module (22, 23) has its own at least one drive motor, and every unit provided in the region of the dividing line (24) between modules (22, 23) which are rotatable relative to one another is constructed symmetrically with respect to a center working plane containing the axis of rotation.
US07988605B1

A resistance exercise machine, equipped with two different types of resistance disks. Both disk types apply a frictional resistive force in one direction only, created by tension by means of a pressure plate and brake disk arrangement varied by a tension knob. One disk type, provides circular motion type exercises, by using a mounted accessory to rotate the disk repeatedly. Disk can be adjusted to any angle relative to the user, by means of the universal frame assembly. The other disk type provides motion simulation type exercises by using a remote accessory, a cable, and a rewind arm assembly. Pulling against the cable, urges a pawl to engage a gear situated on the disk's periphery, forcing the disk to rotate. Upon discontinuing the pull on the cable, the disk stops rotating, the pawl disengages the gear, and the rewind arm assembly rewinds the cable back onto the disk's periphery.
US07988602B1

A device and method for treating and preventing plantar fasciitis includes a wedge adapted to be placed under the big toe. The wedge has a top surface for supporting the big toe, a first support surface separated from the top surface by a first angle, and a second support separated from the top surface by a second angle. The first and second support surfaces are perpendicular with each other so that one rests on the floor and the other serves as a backstop. The wedge has a first position for inclining the top surface upwardly at the first angle to provide moderate stretching of the plantar fascia, and a second position for inclining the top surface upwardly at the second angle to provide maximum stretching. The first angle is within a range of 20 to 25 degrees, and the second angle is within a range of 65 to 70 degrees.
US07988601B2

A seated row exercise system including an exercise cycle assembly that detachably connects to a chair frame of a chair; and, an elongated support assembly. The exercise cycle assembly includes a main frame having a first end portion detachably connectable to a frame element of a chair frame, the main frame including a plurality of support legs for supporting the exercise cycle assembly relative to the floor; and, a pedal assembly securely connected to the main frame. The elongated support assembly includes a substantially vertical support member secured to the main frame; and, a pulley housing assembly attached to the vertical support member for supporting a cable assembly.
US07988598B2

The user puts on a wearable electronic device at a gym and the wearable electronic device updates itself wirelessly through a server with a fitness session for the user that is stored within a plurality of user workout routines in a database as part of the server. The fitness session is a sequence of exercises the user should perform at the gym where the wearable electronic device provides an indication to the user of the various exercises. The user determines which exercises to complete and thereafter at the end of the fitness session the user's progress is stored back to the database. On a subsequent visit to the gym a second fitness session is derived based upon the first fitness session where preferably this second fitness session is derived with the assistance of a trained professional. Optionally if an article of fitness equipment is busy, the user is advised of another article of fitness equipment to utilize. Optionally the machines are equipped with a wireless interface that allows the wearable electronic device to know which machine is being used.
US07988591B2

There is provided a control system for a powertrain system including an electro-mechanical transmission operative in a plurality of fixed gear modes and continuously variable modes. The control system is adapted to identify preferred operating conditions for operating the powertrain in a fixed gear operating range state. The method comprises determining a range of permissible input torques. States for input torque are iteratively selected, and a motor torque output from the first electrical machine is optimized based upon the selected state for the input torque. A motor torque output from the second electrical machine is determined based upon the optimized motor torque output from the first electrical machine. A cost for each of the iteratively selected states for the input torque and the motor torques from the first and second electrical machines is calculated. A preferred operating range is identified based upon the plurality of costs.
US07988585B2

Disclosed is a kit which enables the rapid conversion of an open differential gear assembly in a golf cart to a limited slip differential gear assembly by replacing the side gears with side gears containing an integrated clutch surface that engage a double wound spring loaded case containing an integrated clutch surface that transmits power away from the slipping wheel and to the wheel having traction.
US07988583B2

A final reduction gear device including an orthogonal axis gear and a speed reduction mechanism portion employing a planetary gear is provided. A radial bearing, more specifically a cylindrical roller bearing, having a large radial load capacity is disposed between a bevel ring gear of the orthogonal axis gear and a differential case. A thrust bearing, more specifically a thrust ball bearing or a thrust roller bearing, having a large axial load capacity is disposed between an axial end portion of a sun gear, and an inner race side of the radial bearing and the side of a fitting portion of the differential case, to which the inner race is fitted. A thrust bearing, more specifically a thrust ball bearing or a thrust roller bearing, having a large axial load capacity is disposed between the bevel ring gear and a planetary carrier of the speed reduction mechanism portion.
US07988575B2

A driving mechanism for a labeling machine aims to drive a transmission assembly thereof from a power source through a linking member such as a belt. The transmission assembly concurrently drives rotation of an axle assembly so that a feeding wheel coupled on an axle can draw and convey a roll of film. A belt with teeth formed on two sides serves as a transmission member of the transmission assembly to transmit rotation to two axle wheels. The transmission assembly can transmit rotation accurately, rapidly and concurrently. The structure of the transmission assembly is simplified. Wearing can be reduced. Repair and maintenance also are easier.
US07988573B2

A control device includes an arrangement for deriving an input torque input to a belt-type continuously variable transmission based on a control amount of a first actuator. The continuously variable transmission includes a first actuator that is provided on a one movable sheave side, that presses the one movable sheave toward one fixed sheave, and that can generate a belt pinching pressure on the one movable sheave side, and a second actuator and a torque cam that are provided on the other movable sheave side, that press the other movable sheave toward the other fixed sheave, and that can generate a belt pinching pressure on the other movable sheave side.
US07988569B2

Golf balls having a multi-layer core and a cover are disclosed. The multi-layer core contains a center and an outer core layer that are both soft relative to a hard intermediate core layer. The outer core layer is thin relative to the center and outer core layer. In one embodiment, the relatively hard intermediate core layer has a surface hardness of 80 to 90 Shore C which is greater than the center hardness and surface hardness of the outer core layer. In another embodiment, the cover includes an inner cover layer having a surface hardness of 60 Shore D or greater and an outer cover layer having a surface hardness of 20 to 70 Shore D.
US07988568B2

Golf clubs, club heads, and club weighting systems may include: (a) a club head body member; and (b) one or more weight members movably engaged with the club head body member so as to move between a first position and a second position to change an overall exterior shape of the club head. This shape change may result in changes to the overall center of gravity, weighting, and/or moment of inertia characteristics of the club head. Alternatively or additionally, the weight member(s) may be removed from the club head body member, reoriented, and/or replaced with a different weight member, e.g., to change the overall exterior shape, center of gravity, weighting, and/or moment of inertia characteristics of the club head. Methods of making and using these clubs, club heads, and weighting systems also are described.
US07988566B2

Provided is a soft golf club head that forms a striking surface with a plurality of strings fixed to a body of the head and a tension adjusting screw to enable adjusting of string tension, so that shock transferred to a golfer is reduced, flight distance of the golf ball can be adjusted, and a broader demography can enjoy golfing with less restrictions.
US07988562B2

The observation apparatus provided with the observation wheel comprises a water tank housing fish and being arranged around the substantially lower half of a rotation locus of the observation wheel in which at least an inside face facing the observation wheel of the water tank is formed of a transparent material.
US07988550B2

A system, method, and apparatus for processing gaming voucher images are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes recording voucher information on a gaming voucher, creating an image of the gaming voucher, causing the image to be stored, and dispensing the gaming voucher.
US07988543B2

A system and method for controlling air flow through a passenger cabin and battery pack of a vehicle having a battery module is disclosed. A HVAC controller communicates with a battery pack controller to assure that air flow from the passenger cabin through the battery pack, and either out to atmosphere or returned to the passenger cabin, is coordinated to obtain desirable passenger cabin heating/cooling and battery cooling.
US07988542B1

To obtain a quality-meat-attached backbone part suitable as a material for minced fish the invention proposes cutting off a fin part and a kidney from a meat-attached backbone part obtained when filleting a fish into three pieces. The meat-attached backbone part is conveyed by a pair of upper and lower conveyor belts while being sandwiched and held between the belts. When the backbone part reaches a fin cutter arranged in a midstream of the conveyance, a belly part is pushed by a first pushing lever while a back part of the meat-attached backbone part is received and stopped by a receiving and stopping lever, and the back skin from a back fin to a tail fin is cut off by the fin cutter. Then, when the meat-attached backbone part reaches a kidney cutter, the belly part of the meat-attached backbone part is pushed by a second pushing lever to position the kidney-attached backbone section of the meat-attached backbone part at a cutting position by a kidney cutter. The kidney-attached backbone section is cut off by the kidney cutter to obtain the quality-meat-attached backbone part.
US07988535B2

The present invention generally relates to a substrate transferring system. Particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus and method to effectively remove the chemical fume, vapor and other byproducts generated during a polishing process. One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for polishing a substrate comprising a platen having a polishing surface configured to polish the substrate by contacting the substrate while moving relatively to the substrate, a polishing head configured to support the substrate and position the substrate to be in contact with the polishing surface during polishing, a solution nozzle configured to dispense a polishing solution on the polishing surface, and an exhaust assembly configured to remove fume, vapor and other byproducts generated during polishing.
US07988533B2

A polishing wheel including a lower polishing surface and defining a different color from a secondary portion of the polishing wheel, so as to indicate wear of the polishing surface. The polishing surface includes a plurality of main radial flutes extending from a central passage to an outer edge. A reduced profile for the main radial flutes is provided adjacent to the outer edge. A plurality of secondary radial flutes is provided extending from the outer edge, but not in communication with either the central passage or the main radial flutes.
US07988520B2

A sculpture device may comprise a base, at least one figure, a cover and a control element. The base may have upper and lower surfaces. The figure may be movable along the upper surface. The cover may be coupled to the base and may have a lens mounted therein to which an operator may view the figure. The control element may include a magnetic mechanism for magnetically attracting the figure such that movement of the control element along the lower surface causes corresponding movement of the figure along the upper surface.
US07988518B2

A magnetic block toy is provided that includes a plurality of magnetic blocks coupled to one another by magnets therein. Each of the magnetic blocks includes a body part having two or more end portions and a magnet-mounting part at each end portion of the body part adapted to mount magnets having different polarities on upper and lower surfaces thereof so as to be rotatably supported by a shaft formed on both sides of an outer periphery thereof. When one magnetic block approaches another magnetic block, the magnets are rotated to cause the magnetic blocks to be coupled to each other irrespective of a coupling direction. When the magnetic blocks are coupled to each other, they do not slide against or separate from each other.
US07988515B2

A method for manufacturing a field emission electron source includes: providing a CNT array; drawing a bundle of CNTs from the CNT array to form a CNT yarn; soaking the CNT yarn into an organic solvent, and shrinking the CNT yarn into a CNT string after the organic solvent volatilizing; applying a voltage between two opposite ends of the CNT string, until the CNT string snapping at a certain point; and attaching the snapped CNT string to a conductive base, and achieving a field emission electron source. The field emission efficiency of the field emission electron source is high.
US07988507B2

A method (10) of forming an electrically conducting feedthrough. The method (10) comprises a first step (11) of forming an electrically conductive structure (21) comprising a sacrificial component and a non-sacrificial component. At least a portion of the non-sacrificial component can then be coated with a relatively electrically insulating material (35) prior to removal of at least a portion of the sacrificial component from the electrically conductive structure. The structure of the feedthrough provides electrical connection through the wall of a housing of an implantable component while preventing unwanted transfer of materials between the interior of the component and the surrounding environment.
US07988503B2

An open-face electrical wire connector for forming an electrical connection to a wire connector lug wherein the wire connector lug, which is free of any sealant can be brought into engagement with another portion of a housing, which carries a sealant, to cause the sealant to flow around the wire connector lug and the electrical connection therein for on-the-go formation of a sealant covered electrical connection.
US07988502B2

According to the invention, the lance for primarily retaining the terminal is formed integrally on the retainer for secondarily retaining the terminal. Therefore, there is no need to form the lance on the connector housing, and therefore the structure of the connector housing can be simplified, and the moldability of the resin-made connector housing can be enhanced.
US07988499B2

A receptacle connector including at least three mating interfaces is provided and includes an insulative housing with a first and second groups of contacts mounted thereon. The first group of contacts serve as first Interface (USB 2.0), and a second group of contacts alternatively serve as mating interface of second and third interfaces (ESATA and USB 3.0). A switching board is provided and includes mounting interface of the second and the third interfaces. A shuttle member is moveably disposed within the housing and selectively interconnects the second group of contacts with either the mounting interface of the second interface or mounting interface of the third interface.
US07988495B2

The present invention relates to a connector, wherein a connector is defined with an opening for connecting a USB connector. The connector is mainly assembled from a hollow casing, a first base and a second base, and two rear side walls of the hollow casing are respectively formed with a position fixing portion extending away from the opening. Moreover, after fixedly combining together the first base and the second base, two sides thereof are respectively formed with a guiding portion, which enable fixing portions extending from two sides of a printed circuit tongue to effect sliding inserted disposition. After assembly of the bases with the printed circuit tongue, then the fixing portions enable fastening to the position fixing portions. Accordingly, the bases not only enable achieving the objective of product customization, but also retaining positioning of the connector is enabled to prevent errors from occurring due to displacement.
US07988487B2

A number of the terminal rows RT1 to RT3 are minimized, as compared to a number of the connect rows RC1 to RC4. In the terminal row RT1, the terminal portions 304 of the signal contact pair C22, C23 are arranged between the terminal portions 304 of the signal contact pair C11, C12 and the terminal portions 304 of the signal contact pair C14, C15. In the terminal row RT3, the terminal portions 304 of the signal contact pair C42, C43 are arranged between the terminal portions 304 of the signal contact pair C31, C32 and the terminal portions 304 of the signal contact pair C34, C35. Thus, a size of the footprint of the connector 100 can be reduced, and cross talks between the signal contact pair C11, C12 and the signal contact pair C14, C15 and between the signal contact pair C31, C32 and the signal contact pair C34, C35 can be reduced.
US07988474B2

An electronic apparatus includes: first and second electronic units opposed to each other and connected to relatively rotate in a given plane; and a flat cable electrically connecting the first and second electronic units. The flat cable includes: first and second extending portions respectively connected to the first and second electronic units sides, and each having a surface extending along the given plane; and a bent portion having a bent surface located between the first and second extending portions, and the bent surface bent to surround a normal line perpendicular to the given plane.
US07988468B2

A protective cover mechanism for an interface opening of a portable electronic device includes a protective cover and a sliding member. The protective cover includes a cover body for covering the interface opening, and a shaft projecting from the cover body. The sliding member is engaged with the shaft of the protective cover so the cover body is rotatable relative to the sliding member to selectively cover or expose the interface opening.
US07988465B2

Provided is a circuit board based connector with raised projection section, which is formed by applying substrate bonding and formation techniques to make a connector that features a raised projection section. The circuit substrate has an end that is provided with conductive terminals and an opposite end that is provided with flat cable connection terminals for connection with a flat cable. The circuit substrate has a first surface on which the projection section is formed. A shielding layer covers the projection section and a portion of the first surface. The circuit substrate has a second surface on which a second shielding layer is selectively formed. When the circuit substrate is inserted into an insertion space defined in a connection socket with the conductive terminals thereof, the shielding layer and the projection section of the circuit substrate are put into engagement with and thus retained by the insertion space of the connection socket to thereby fix within the connection socket.
US07988460B1

A connection device includes an electrical engagement structure. The connection device includes a connector and a printed circuit board (PCB) based tongue. The PCB based tongue is received and retained in the connector and has a distal end extending toward an open-cavity plug receiving side of the connector in such a way that side edges of the tongue are spaced from corresponding inner walls of the connector. As such, the connector is made compatible to various buses through the PCB based tongue that include contacts that are selectively arranged to correspond to the buses.
US07988454B1

A portable electronic device includes a main body and a card connector assembly mounted inside of the main body. The card connector assembly includes a base including a protrusion and a protrusion plate, a cover, and a movable plate. The protrusion includes a plurality of contacts. The protrusion plate includes an electromagnet. The cover is rotatably connected to the base, and includes a retaining member for retaining an electronic card. The movable plate is slidably connected to the protrusion plate, and is made of magnetic material. When in use, the cover is rotated until the electronic card contacts the contacts, the electronic device controls to power for the electromagnet, the electromagnet generates a magnetic field which drives the movable plate to slide toward the protrusion along the protrusion plate until the movable plate moves below the cover to prevent the cover from rotating in one direction.
US07988438B2

An extrusion die configured to have an interior chamber sealed from the atmosphere is disclosed. The extrusion die includes an extrusion die head disposed at a downstream end of the interior chamber; and a vacuum seal disposed at an upstream end of the interior chamber; wherein the vacuum seal is configured to selectively form a seal between the extrusion die and a product disposed in the interior chamber. The vacuum seal includes an annular sealing surface disposed at an inner diameter of the vacuum seal; a hollow, interior chamber; and a plurality of bellows disposed between the annular sealing surface and the extrusion die; wherein the vacuum seal is configured to selectively form a seal between the extrusion die and a product disposed in the interior chamber. A method of selectively sealing an end of an extrusion die is also disclosed.
US07988437B1

A method and apparatus for installing a flexible lining tube in an underground pipe by eversion. A pressure vessel is equipped with a gasket that has an arcuate slot for receiving the lining tube in a manner that provides an effective seal without creating undue friction. A guide has a cylindrical wall curved in conformity with the slot and a conical surface leading to the cylindrical wall.
US07988436B2

A vane machine includes a housing with a inlet port and an outlet port, a rotor mounted in a cavity of the housing. The rotor has a faceplate and a guide cylinder mounted eccentrically on an end surface of the housing opposite to the faceplate. The guide cylinder is rotatable and provided with a diametrical face groove open from a side of the faceplate, and one or more working vanes mounted on the faceplate such that the faceplate is rotatable and movable in the grooves of the guide cylinder as the faceplate rotates. The diameter of the guide cylinder 7 is D>4a−L, where e is the eccentricity of the axis of the guide cylinder and the length of the working vane is L≦4e×sin 90°/N, where N is the number of working vanes.
US07988431B2

A variable capacity rotary compressor is provided, in which a vane may be restricted by a pressure difference generated between both side surfaces of the vane when the compressor performs in a saving driving mode. The vane may be restricted quickly and stably by rapidly decreasing a pressure of a vane chamber by leaking a discharge pressure of the vane chamber to an inlet via a low pressure passage and thereby increasing a pressurizing force applied to a side surface of the vane relatively greater than a supporting force applied to a rear surface thereof. In this way, the vane may be prevented from being vibrated due to a weak restriction force of the vane when a power driving mode of the compressor is switched into the saving driving mode, which prevents noise from increasing due to design conditions, thereby enhancing a comfort feeling of a user.
US07988427B2

A compressor has first (26) and second (28; 30) enmeshed rotors rotating about first (500) and second (502; 504) axes to pump refrigerant to a discharge plenum (42). The compressor includes a muffler system (200) comprising a sound absorbing first element (232) and a sound absorbing second element (236). The second element at least partially surrounds the first element and defines a generally annular flow path portion (230) between the first element and the second element. A wall (250) at least partially surrounds the second element. A space (259) optionally containing a sound absorbing third element (261) surrounds the wall.
US07988423B2

The invention relates to a wind turbine blade having at least one component formed of a fibrous composite material including two or more different types of carbon fibres having a different elastic modulus to each other. The proportions of the different types of fibres vary in the longitudinal direction of the blade such that the elastic modulus of the fibrous composite material increases towards the tip end of the blade. The two or more different types of carbon fibres may be incorporated in an inner beam and/or in the outer shell portions of the blade.
US07988407B2

An axial fan is provided. The axial fan includes a base, a rotor, a guide and a plurality of blades. The guide connects to a guide tube to provide airflow. Each blade has a passive part and an active part, wherein the passive part is driven by the airflow from the guide to rotate the active part synchronously. The axial fan increases air quantity and decreases air pressure to provide efficient heat dissipation.
US07988405B2

A pallet jack is disclosed that comprises a left tine, center tine, and a right tine. The center tine is about 2 times the width of each of the left and right tines, though other widths of the center tine can also be implemented. Because the center tine is about twice the width of the left and right tines, two pallets, side-by-side, can be carried simultaneously with only three tines. According to another embodiment of the pallet jack, a portion of the center tine (a right-most portion) and the right tine can have raised areas that enable an operator of the pallet jack to lift a right pallet that sits on the raised areas higher than the left pallet. The left pallet sits on the left tine and center tine without the raised areas (at a lower height). Thus, the operator of the pallet jack can place the left pallet in a first location without disengaging the tines from the right pallet, or without lowering the right pallet all the way to the ground (or a first location surface). Alternatively, the raised areas can be located on the left tine and the left-most portion of the center tine, in which case, the operator of the pallet jack can place the right pallet in a first location without disengaging the tines from the left pallet, or without lowering the left pallet all the way to the ground (or a first location surface).
US07988386B2

A mounting assembly uses one hinge and one cam bolt mutually offset upon a two piece collar. A hopper tee has a member usually a vertical pipe and occasionally a horizontal pipe that connects to a hopper flange to receive bulk material. This assembly has two collars that mutually engage and surround a hopper flange. Pins pass through the collar pieces and the hopper flange then secure to tapped holes in the collar pieces to prevent rotation. A collar piece mounts a hook bolt and the other collar piece mounts a hinge in a spaced apart and offset manner. The other collar piece has a pivotal connection to a hinge arm and opposite the hinge arm, the hook bolt engages a cam. Opening the cam unfolds the tee downwardly while the hook bolt remains engaged. This partially open position allows for removal and installation of a valve. In opening and closing the assembly, the hinge arm spaces the flange below a hopper to admit a valve. The present invention fits standard hopper tee flanges, has a ground clearance below the horizontal member of at least 7 inches, and aids in the unloading of bulk materials.
US07988384B2

The instant disclosure relates to a system and method of constructing drilling and production platforms that are particularly useful in remote, inaccessible and/or environmentally sensitive operating environments. According to one aspect of the invention, an arctic drilling platform is provided wherein various methods and means of interlocking neighboring platform modules are provided. Methods and means for sealing the intersections formed between a plurality of interlocked platform modules are also disclosed. According to further aspects of the invention, improved platform floor plans are provided, and various wellhead cellar layouts and sealing means are also described. Methods and means of enhancing the usefulness of modular storage platforms are disclosed, and a number of support post installation and removal techniques are also provided. Also taught are a variety of methods of adjusting the height and level of an assembled drilling platform, and methods and means of adding extension members useful for extending the length of a support post are also described.
US07988380B2

A seal device for preventing entry of debris into a rotary cutter drive housing when a shock protection device having frangible drive features is removed after having fractured the drive features following a driveline overload condition. The housing includes an upwardly facing opening through which a drive shaft for the cutter extends. The drive shaft rotationally engages the shock protection device for driving the rotary cutter. The seal device is disposed in the upwardly facing opening beneath the protection device and includes drive means for rotation in unison with the drive shaft. The seal device further includes a seal interface for sealing interface with a contact seal disposed on the inner circumference of the opening thereby preventing the entry of debris into the housing.
US07988376B2

A fluid application device comprising a holder; a tube connected to the holder; and a porous fluid applicator contained within the holder wherein the holder contacts at least a portion of a bottom surface of the porous fluid applicator. The device allows the dispensing of fluid onto a target area without contacting a non-target area.
US07988362B2

A bearing bush system includes a bearing bush of polyamide that is held on an outer steering shaft with a stopping collar and on the free face of which the one-piece sealing element of thermoplastic elastomer that seals statically with a ring seal as well as dynamically with sealing lips is held in a form-fitting fashion by means of watchtower-like denticulated ribs provided on both sides. The bearing bush system of two plastics forms a single component, requires low manufacturing expenditures, can be easily assembled and also ensures a reliable seal.
US07988358B2

The X-ray fluoroscopic apparatus of this invention includes a slide arm for supporting an X-ray tube, a middle slider for holding the support arm to be movable in directions along an irradiation axis of the X-ray source, and a strut for holding the middle slider to be movable the directions along the irradiation axis. Thus, compared with an amount of stroke of the X-ray tube, an amount of movement of each of the middle slider and the support arm can be small, and each of the strut, middle slider and support arm can be shortened to reduce apparatus height. Therefore, the amount of stroke of the X-ray source can be secured appropriately, while inhibiting an increase in installation space.
US07988356B2

A cooling unit is provided in a storage section to locally cool a heat generating portion of an imaging device and to thereby reduce nonuniformity of the distribution of the temperature in the imaging device. Detectors detect a mount orientation of the imaging device, that is, whether the imaging device is mounted in landscape orientation or portrait orientation. Cooling portions of the cooling unit are selectively driven on the basis of the detection result.
US07988354B2

Temperature detection for a semiconductor component is disclosed. One embodiment includes a circuit arrangement for measuring a junction temperature of a semiconductor component that has a gate electrode and a control terminal being connected to the gate electrode and receiving a control signal for charging and discharging the gate electrode, where the gate electrode is internally connected to the control terminal via an internal gate resistor. The circuit arrangement includes: a measuring bridge circuit including the internal gate resistor and providing a measuring voltage which is dependent on the temperature dependent resistance of the internal gate resistor; an evaluation circuit receiving the measuring voltage and providing an output signal dependent on the junction temperature; a pulse generator providing a pulse signal including pulses for partially charging or discharging the gate electrode via the internal gate resistor.
US07988352B2

The present invention discloses an improved probe structure, which is installed in the body of an infrared clinical thermometer and comprises a plastic hollow casing having an opening; a curved block annularly arranged inside the opening; a hollow sleeve arranged inside the casing and along the perimeter of the opening; a temperature sensor arranged inside sleeve and below the curved block; a support element arranged inside the sleeve and supporting the temperature sensor; and a thermal insulation ring encircling the temperature sensor and pressing against the inner wall of the sleeve. The thermal insulation ring has an outer diameter larger than a width of the temperature sensor, and an air gap is thus formed between the temperature sensor and the inner wall of the sleeve; the top of the thermal insulation ring has an altitude higher than the top of the temperature sensor, and another air gap is thus formed between the temperature sensor and the curved block. Thereby is effectively retarded heat conduction from the external to the temperature sensor.
US07988350B2

The middle part includes an inner metallic middle part (10) and an outer middle part (20) made of a natural or synthetic mineral material, such as ceramics. The inner middle part (10) is itself made up of a top ring (12) and a bottom ring (14), each ring including a radial, peripheral extension (13, 15), whose opposite shoulders can mechanically lock the outer middle part (20), for example by screwing the two rings (12, 14) one inside the other.
US07988348B2

An improved fluid mixing apparatus is disclosed for the mechanical mixing of fluids or solids-laden slurries contained within a vessel. The invention utilizes a fluid driven turbine to drive a submerged mixing impeller through a speed reducing gearbox. A fluid conducting stator houses one or more turbine blade row(s) that are rotated as a working fluid is pumped through the turbine section by an external pump that circulates fluid at the required flow rate and head. The turbine shaft is rigidly connected to the high speed input shaft of a speed reducing gear box. The low speed output of the gearbox is rigidly attached to submerged mixing impeller(s).
US07988342B2

Systems and methods for installing row-mounted suspended light fixtures. Each of a row of suspended light fixtures includes brackets disposed on opposite ends of the fixture. Each bracket includes a slot configured to slidably receive an adjustment clip coupled to a support member, such as a ceiling cable or pendant. Each adjustment clip includes first and second segments disposed at a non-zero, acute angle relative to one another such that a space separates the first and second segments. The space is configured to receive a portion of one or more brackets associated with the adjustment clip, proximate the bracket slot(s). An operator can install the light fixtures by positioning a fastener through each adjustment clip, outside the bracket slot(s). He also can adjust an alignment and balance of one or more of the light fixtures by sliding one or more of the adjustment clips along the slot(s) associated therewith.
US07988335B2

An LED illuminating device includes a mounting module and a lamp unit mounted in the mounting module. The lamp unit includes a light-emitting module and a heat sink. The light-emitting module includes a light source having a plurality of LEDs, and a light penetrable cover located below the light source and defining a plurality of air venting holes therein. The heat sink includes an elongated base defining a plurality of air exchanging holes therein and a plurality of fins. The base has an outer convex surface and an opposite inner concave surface defining an elongated recess. The light source is received in the recess and thermally attached to the concave surface. Air flows into and out of a chamber defined between the base and the cover via the venting holes of the cover and the air exchanging holes of the base.
US07988319B2

A light-emitting device driven by an inertial power includes an inertial module, a magnetic element, a magnetic-conductive element, at least one wire, and a light-emitting module. Under an inertial effect, the inertial module drives the magnetic element to rotate, such that a magnetic field generated by the magnetic-conductive element changes due to the rotation of the magnetic element. Moreover, the wire wound around the magnetic-conductive element generates a drive current in response to the changing of the magnetic field, so as to drive the light-emitting module to emit a light. As such, the magnetic field is changed under an inertial power, so as to generate a drive current for driving the light-emitting module, thereby achieving, a renewable energy source, environmental protection, and power-saving purposes.
US07988315B1

A device for simultaneously illuminating objects with light from more than one light source for improved color matching and comparison that includes more than one light source, baffles for separating the light sources and for forming viewing slots, and a platform area in which samples can be simultaneously illuminated on separate portions by each light source.
US07988299B2

A handy image projection apparatus includes a main body containing a projection optical unit configured to project an image from its front part, with the main body having a gravity center, and an operation member provided on an outer face of the main body. The operation member is operated by a user's hand holding the main body when the image is being projected. When the apparatus is viewed from a first direction facing the outer face, at least part of the operation member is disposed in a front-rear direction of the apparatus, at one of a first position corresponding to the gravity center of the main body and a second position located at a distance within ⅓ of a length from the gravity center to the front part of the main body in the front-rear direction.
US07988295B2

An ophthalmic imaging system includes a light source, focusing optics, compensating optics, and a computer that coordinates both of the optics to optimize the Diffraction Limited Point Spread Function (DL-PSF) of the imaging light beam. In detail, the compensating optics includes a customized phase plate that provides substantially complete compensation for static aberrations introduced by an eye into the imaging light beam. Further, the computer measures an operational error signal that results from dynamic aberrations. The computer then uses the error signal to control the compensating optics and thereby optimize the DL-PSF by compensating for both static and dynamic aberrations. For an alternate embodiment, an active mirror can be included in the compensating optics to provide additional compensation for the dynamic aberrations.
US07988293B2

A method of determining a wavefront of a received light beam includes: (a) receiving a light beam; (b) producing a group of light spots from the light beam; (c) qualifying a set of the light spots for use in determining a wavefront of the received light beam; and (d) determining the wavefront of the received light beam using the qualified set of light spots. Qualifying the set of light spots includes, for each light spot: calculating a first calculated location of the light spot using a first calculation algorithm; calculating a second calculated location of the light spot using a second calculation algorithm; and when a difference between the first and second calculated locations for the light spot is greater than an agreement threshold, excluding the light spot from the set of light spots and/or from being employed in determining the wavefront of the received light beam.
US07988290B2

A system for determining the shape of an object and/or a distance of the object from the system includes a first plurality of light source, a second plurality of light sources, and a detector or detector array. The first plurality of light sources are disposed about a central axis and are separated from the central axis by radial distances defining an aperture in the first plurality of light sources. The system also includes an optical system adapted to provide light from the second plurality of light sources through the aperture to the object. The system may further include a computer configured to determine the shape of the object and/or the distance of the object from the system using light from the first and second plurality of light sources that is reflected from the object and received by the detector.
US07988284B2

An eyeglass lens and manufacturing method using epoxy aberrator includes two lenses with a variable index material, such as epoxy, sandwiched in between. The epoxy is then cured to different indexes of refraction that provide precise corrections for the patient's wavefront aberrations. The present invention further provides a method to produce an eyeglass that corrects higher order aberrations, such as those that occur when retinal tissue is damaged due to glaucoma or macular degeneration. The manufacturing method allows for many different applications including, but not limited to, supervision and transition lenses.
US07988281B2

Disclosed are: a structural member for use in an eyeglass which has a super elastic property and shape memory property while retaining an excellent biocompatibility in addition to the fact that it is N-free, and which also has an excellent cold workability; an eyeglass frame containing the structural member; and a process for producing the structural member or eyeglass frame. A structural member for an eyeglass containing a Ti—Nb—Zr alloy which comprises (A) 40 to 75% by weight of Ti, (B) 18 to 30% by weight of Nb, (C) 10 to 30% by weight of Zr and (D) 0.2 to 3.7% by weight of at least one additive metal element selected from the group consisting of Al, In and Ga.
US07988279B2

An ink-discharging apparatus includes a discharge head discharging an ink, of which viscosity is increased by being irradiated with a predetermined energy ray, from a nozzle onto a recording medium; a first light source radiating the predetermined energy ray; and an irradiation mechanism which irradiates an energy ray for increasing the viscosity of the ink to the nozzle. When the energy ray is irradiated to the ink remaining in the nozzle, the viscosity on the surface of the ink is increased to thereby form a film which covers or closes the nozzle. As a result, it is possible, with the film, to prevent the ink located inside the film from leaking out from the nozzle even when any shock is imparted to the body of the apparatus. Further, it is possible, with the film, to prevent the viscosity of the ink, located inside the film, from further increasing.
US07988277B2

An ink set is provided which can suppress bleeding irrespective of the type of recording medium. The ink set includes a plurality of aqueous inks each containing a dye, and has at least a first aqueous ink containing a dye, wherein the difference between the dynamic surface tension of the first aqueous ink at a lifetime of 50 milliseconds and the dynamic surface tension of the first aqueous ink at a lifetime of 500 milliseconds is 7 mN/m or more; and, between the first aqueous ink and at least one type of aqueous ink except the first aqueous ink included in the ink set, dynamic surface tension γa (mN/m) of an ink A having relatively higher lightness at a lifetime of 500 milliseconds and dynamic surface tension γb (mN/m) of an ink B having relatively lower lightness at a lifetime of 500 milliseconds satisfy −5≦(γa−γb)≦3.
US07988270B2

An inkjet printer including a printhead unit. The printhead unit includes a printhead for ejecting ink onto a sheet and a plurality of sub-tanks for supplying the ink to the printhead. The printhead unit is configured to reciprocate in a main scanning direction that is perpendicular to a sheet conveying direction. The plurality of sub-tanks is arranged such that two of the plurality of sub-tanks are adjacent to each other. The adjacent two sub-tanks overlap with each other, at least partially, both as seen in a direction parallel to the main scanning direction and as seen in a direction parallel to the sheet conveying direction.
US07988268B2

An image forming apparatus comprises a printing head that ejects one or more ink drops onto a medium. The print head is mounted on a carriage and is supplied with ink via a supply tube. A sheet like member keeps the supply tube apart from the medium when the printing head ejects ink drop onto the medium.
US07988262B2

A fluid ejecting integrated circuit (IC) includes a nozzle chamber defined by chamber side walls extending from a wafer substrate, and a roof wall provided on the chamber side walls; a fluid ejecting member provided within the nozzle chamber between the roof wall of the nozzle chamber and the wafer substrate; a support formation provided within the nozzle chamber and spaced inwardly away from the chamber side walls, the support formation extending from the wafer substrate to support the fluid ejecting member thereon; a first planar electrode layered to the fluid ejecting member; a second planar electrode layered on the wafer substrate; and a projection provided on the first planar electrode on a side facing the second planar electrode, the projection for contacting the second planar electrode to prevent contact between the first planar electrode and the second planar electrode. The first and second planar electrode establish a potential therebetween to deform the first planar electrode towards the second planar electrode.
US07988259B2

An inkjet printer including a UVLED unit which emits ultraviolet light to a print medium supported on a supporting table to cure UV ink droplets deposited on the print medium. The inkjet printer further includes a controller which adjust the light quantity of ultraviolet light, emitted from the UVLED unit to the UV ink droplets deposited on the print medium, from a light quantity for temporary curing to a light quantity for final curing, and a control unit capable of selecting between a two-stage curing mode in which UV ink droplets deposited on the print medium are temporarily cured ant are then finally cured and a single-stage curing mode in which UV ink droplets are finally cured by an irradiation with ultraviolet light at one time by means of the UVLED unit and the controller.
US07988257B2

An ink cartridge to prevent image degradation due to a misalignment of nozzles in a transfer direction of a printing medium and a transverse direction includes a print head substrate, a first head unit including at least one first print head chip which is disposed on the print head substrate and includes a plurality of first nozzles arranged in plural lines in a second direction perpendicular to a first direction which is a transfer direction of a printing medium, thereby forming a first line in the second direction, and a second head unit including at least one second print head chip which is disposed on the print head substrate and which has an ink jetting area overlapping a predetermined area of the first line, thereby forming an overlapping area, and which includes a plurality of second nozzles arranged in plural lines in the second direction, thereby forming a second line spaced from the first line, and dots formed by the first and the second nozzles, which neighbor each other in the overlapping area when jetting ink, have a gap with respect to the first and the second directions within a range satisfying the following equation: T≦(n±⅛)*P(n is integer) wherein “T” denotes a gap between dots formed by the first and the second nozzles neighboring each other, and “P” denotes a pixel value.
US07988255B2

An apparatus and method of operating a maintenance station in a printer are provided. The method includes providing a feed roller shaft including an end, the feed roller shaft being connected to a motor; providing a maintenance station disposed near the end of the feed roller shaft, the maintenance station comprising a first pinion; a second pinion; and a maintenance sled including a rack with the rack including teeth positioned along a length dimension of the rack to provide a travel path for the maintenance sled; and using the motor that is connected to the feed roller shaft to cause the maintenance sled to travel back and forth along the travel path by separately engaging the first and second pinions, respectively, with the rack teeth.
US07988246B2

A mounting apparatus is provided for mounting a slide rail to a fixed structure includes a mounting bracket fixed to the slide rail, an actuating member slidably attached to the mounting bracket, at least one blocking member extending from the actuating member, a locking member deformably attached to the mounting bracket, and a resilient member connecting between the mounting bracket and the actuating member. The actuating member is slidable between a first position to maintain securing of the mounting bracket to the support, and a second position to allow release the mounting bracket from the support. The locking member comprises at least one first abutting end releasably abutting the blocking member to maintain the actuating member in the first position, and at least one second abutting end releasably abutting the blocking member to maintain the actuating member in the second position. The resilient member biases the actuating member to the first portion.
US07988245B2

A storage system for supporting clothing, textiles, or other delicate articles includes a pair of rails and a tray. The tray includes a frame and an inert liner located in the frame. Further, the frame includes guides for sliding engagement with the rails. Optionally, the rails permit unrestricted sliding movement of the tray so that the tray can be moved in opposed directions and removed or inserted from either side of the storage system.
US07988231B2

A vehicle has an area capable of seating ambulatory passengers and alternatively receiving a mobility aid, such as a wheelchair. The area provides tracks for mounting at least two movable seats that can be moved to provide space in the area for the mobility aid. The tracks are provided with track covers that reduce maintenance requirements by preventing entry of debris. One of the seats is configured to move further than the other whereby the spacing between the seats after moving to accommodate a mobility aid is less than the spacing of the seats when used by ambulatory passengers. The seat configured to move further has a longer track cover, but the tracks are laterally spaced to avoid engagement between the track covers of the two seats whereby they can be moved to be spaced from each other by a distance less than the length of either of the track covers.
US07988228B2

A foldable frame comprises a front leg frame and a rear leg frame, each having one or more leg units foldable or detachable with one another. The front leg frame and the rear leg frame are rotatable with each other such that the foldable frame can be folded to a small size. The foldable frame also utilizes a receiving frame pivotally or steadily configured on the frame body for receiving the detachable infant carrier. A recliner apparatus is further configured between the receiving frame and the frame body for adjusting the receiving frame together with the infant carrier to different reclining angle for convenient use.
US07988227B2

In a fender panel fixing structure of a passenger vehicle according to the present invention, a notch portion of a fender panel is provided with a first flat plate-shaped projection strip that is capable of being inserted into a space between an upper end periphery of a fixed window and a side body and has an engagement portion, and a second flat plate-shaped projection strip that is capable of being inserted into a space between a lower end periphery of the fixed window and the side body and has an engagement portion. The side body has a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion that are disposed in portions covered by the upper end periphery and the lower end periphery of the fixed window. The first and second engaging portions are respectively capable of engaging the first flat plate-shaped projection strip and the second flat plate-shaped projection strip.
US07988223B2

A vehicle cowl structure is provided with a cowl box disposed so as to be positioned between a rear end portion of a hood and a front end portion of a front glass, a cowl cover covering an upper portion of the cowl box; and a vertical wall provided at a position under the rear end portion of the hood in the cowl cover. The vertical wall is slantingly disposed rearward and obliquely upward in the cowl cover.
US07988215B2

A surgical robotic system includes a robotic arm, an end effector movably connected thereto and provided with a movable end effector element driven by an actuator, and a force sensor arranged between the robotic arm and the end effector. The actuator is formed by a hydraulic cylinder. The robotic arm is provided with a hydraulic line connected to said hydraulic cylinder of the end effector.
US07988211B2

An improved integrated interbox connector to permit vertical stacking of cargo containers using no manual labor and includes an automatic pivoting engagement lock, a latch, a lip/end stop. The connecting corner can be retrofitted to existing containers by welding or the like.
US07988209B2

An improved seal for a tamper evident security device employs out-of-plane curved barbs and an elongated slot to provide visual and tactile indications of proper seal installation. The out-of-plane curved barbs require elevating the seal body for installation. Only if the barbs are properly inserted into a seal receptacle does the body then assume a flat contiguous position. The elongated slot cooperates with a raised bar on the security device to provide a second distinct indication of proper seal installation.
US07988206B2

In a flareless-type pipe joint, a pressing surface, which presses a rear end portion of a ferrule in the axial direction and toward the inner periphery of the ferrule, is formed in a joint body or a coupling member in which a cam surface is not formed. The ferrule has a groove that extends radially outward from the inner periphery. By pressing the rear end portion in the axial direction and toward the inner periphery by the pressing surface, the distal portion of the ferrule is pressed against the cam surface and an edge portion of the distal portion is deformed to bite into a pipe. An edge portion of a rear end portion of the inner peripheral surface of the ferrule is deformed to bite into the pipe.
US07988205B2

A threaded pipe connection includes a pin member having an external thread increasing in width in one direction, a box member having an internal thread increasing in width in an opposite direction so that complementary internal and external threads move into engagement upon make-up of the connection, and at least one contact zone in which the pin member and box member are in sealed contact.
US07988204B2

A pipe fitting includes a polymeric body molded into and fixedly connected to a metallic body, so that the metallic body extends around the polymeric body. The polymeric body extends around and is contiguous with a passageway of the pipe fitting, and at least partially defines a first opening of the passageway that is for being mated to a polymeric pipe. The metallic body extends around and is contiguous with the passageway, and at least partially defines a second opening of the passageway that is for being mated to a metallic pipe.
US07988199B2

A safety skin appliqué kit for parents and custodians of children, disabled persons, and the elderly, including a marking pen and a pre-packaged collection of preprinted skin appliqués each removably sandwiched between two carrier sheets. Each of the appliqués further comprise a die cut section of breathable polyurethane tape, printed with a forward image on one side defined by a lightly-colored high-contrast window, and pre-printed plea to call if lost. The appliqués are coated with hypoallergenic acrylate adhesive for application to skin or other surfaces. Parents and custodians can apply one of said appliques' to their child, disabled person, or elderly charge, and write a contact telephone number in the window of the appliqué. This way, if their charge becomes lost, passersby will notice the appliqué, read the contact telephone number, and call the custodian.
US07988188B2

A side airbag (10) for a motor vehicle comprises an airbag shell that surrounds a gas compartment and has at least one opening. A hose (20) has an outlet opening (22) and is located on the outside of the airbag shell. When the hose is in a state in which it is not under pressure, the hose connects the opening (16) to the outlet opening (22), and thereby to the surrounding area. The hose (20) comprises a first section (20a), which is situated at the height of the opening (16), and a second section (20b), which connects the first section (20a) to the outlet opening (22). The ventilation arrangement composed of the opening (16) and the hose (20) is used to make the side airbag hard for a large occupant and soft for a small occupant. In order to improve the behavior of the side airbag for a small occupant, without impairing the behavior thereof for a large occupant, the maximum cross-section of the first section (20a) is larger than the minimum cross-section of the second section (20b).
US07988185B2

The knee-protecting airbag apparatus includes an airbag folded and housed in a lower area inside the column cover. The airbag pushes and opens a door section on the column cover upon deployment. When the door section is thus opened, a door of the door section blocks off an allowance gap formed between an outer circumference of the column cover subjected to position adjustment and a lower area of a peripheral region of an installation opening on a dashboard for installing the column cover by locating a rear edge region of the door to abut on a rear side of the dashboard or the lower area of the peripheral region of the installation opening on the rear side of the dashboard.
US07988181B2

A storage and work place apparatus used in conjunction with a wheelbarrow or similar item. The apparatus includes a housing having a bottom portion and a side portion extending outwardly to form an open chamber the bottom portion is intended to a lie atop a wheelbarrow a cover is used in conjunction with the open chamber and is hingedly or slidingly attached to the housing in order to extend laterally from the housing. At least a first leg attainably connects to the housing and extends outwardly to contact a ground surface adjacent the wheel barrow. At least a second leg is rotatable attached to the cover and also extends outwardly therefrom to support the cover above the ground surface when the leg contacts the ground surface.
US07988179B1

A tow bar having orthogonally-articulated towed-vehicle connectors includes a body element; a first connector element secured to and extending forwardly from the body element, the first connector element being structured to releasably connect the body element to a towing hitch arrangement of a towing vehicle; at least one tow bar leg having a fore end connected to the body element, and an aft end extending rearwardly from the body element; and a second connector element secured to and extending rearwardly from the aft end of the at least one tow bar leg, the second connector element being orthogonally-articulated and structured to releasably connect the aft end of the at least one tow bar leg to a towing hitch arrangement of the towed vehicle.
US07988177B2

An adaptive displaceable fifth-wheel hitch system operable with a vehicle hitch coupling system comprising a fifth-wheel hitch, a displacement mechanism operable to couple and displace the fifth-wheel hitch in a bi-directional, an adapter configured to operably relate the displacement mechanism to a vehicle hitch coupling system, the displacement mechanism and vehicle hitch coupling system otherwise being incompatible and inoperable with one another, and the adapter comprising a first interface operable to relate the adapter to the displacement mechanism; and a second interface operable to relate and removably couple the adapter to the vehicle hitch coupling system.
US07988173B2

A bicycle suspension system of the present invention generally includes a bicycle suspension and a hydraulic control assembly. The hydraulic control assembly includes a fluid pump, a fluid responder and a fluid path. The fluid pump is mountable to a bicycle handlebar. The fluid responder is mountable to the bicycle suspension. The fluid path links the fluid pump and the fluid responder. The fluid responder is operatively connected to the bicycle suspension to operate the bicycle suspension between first and second suspension settings in response to fluid displacement between the fluid pump and the fluid responder.
US07988172B2

A wheelchair having a lower frame with drive wheels and forwardly extending arms with casters and an upper frame with a seat and backrest. Linkage assemblies on opposing sides pivotably attach at a first end to the lower frame and at a second end to the upper frame. Power cylinders attached on opposing sides are extendable between the upper frame and the lower frame and are lockable from moving from a selected position. When unlocked, the power cylinders apply a supplemental force in association with a force applied by a user on the drive wheels for moving the upper frame relative to the lower frame guided by the linkage assembly. A method of adjusting the seat height of a wheelchair is disclosed.
US07988170B1

An improved scooter includes a frame, a front wheel, a rear wheel, a stem, a handle, left and right pedal devices, and left and right first driving devices and second driving device. The left and right first driving devices are driven by the left and right pedal devices respectively for solely or jointly driving the second driving devices, and the driven second driving devices can drive the rear wheel to rotate and roll forward, such that the front and rear wheels can jointly drive the scooter to move forward. Users can pedal the pedal device(s) by one leg or both legs alternately to operate the scooter. The scooter not only complies with the simple, smooth, power-saving, stable and safe ergonomic design, but also comes with a unique operation and driving mode and achieves the effects of providing a recreational sport with fun as well as a transportation tool.
US07988164B2

An arrangement of a roll stabilization system equipped with a split lateral stabilizer and an arrangement of a steering system on a double track motor vehicle is provided. A gear of the roll stabilization system is arranged essentially coaxially between two halves of the lateral stabilizer rotatable with respect to one another, and a motor for introducing a stabilization torque is arranged at the side of this gear and the lateral stabilizer. The steering system has, in addition to a steering gear, with which steering arms can be moved essentially in the transverse direction of the vehicle, a motor, which is arranged at the side of the steering gear and a movement axis defined by the movable steering arms. The motor of the roll stabilization system and the motor of the steering system lie in essence one behind the other, as viewed in the transverse direction of the vehicle, and may preferably be electric motors with essentially coinciding axes of rotation that run in the transverse direction of the vehicle and are arranged inside an axle carrier so as to lie essentially in the plane thereof.
US07988155B2

A submachine gun target system has a target support having a target attachment facility and a target having an attachment element. The target attachment facility may have a first position and a second position, such that the target may be suspended from the target attachment facility with the attachment element residing at the first position or the second position. The target attachment facility may have a retention surface operable to retain the target attachment facility in the first position in response to a bullet strike on the target. The retention surface may be in a forward direction from the second attachment position, such that the retention element does not prevent the target attachment element from being dislodged from the attachment facility when residing at the second position in response to a bullet strike on the target from the forward direction.
US07988148B2

A transporting path configuration includes: a separating mechanism that separates from one of transporting members the other transporting member; an opening/closing transporting path member that is rotatably attached above the transporting members and has one surface that configures a first transporting path of the recording medium discharged from the transporting members; a transporting path member that forms a second transporting path between the transporting path member and the other surface of the opening/closing transporting path member in a state of covering the opening/closing transporting path member; a handle that is attached to the opening/closing transporting path member so as to be extended above the second transporting path and is further extended above a cover that covers a discharge member; and a moving mechanism that moves the handle in the direction away from the cover when the other transporting member is separated from the one transporting member by the separating mechanism.
US07988144B2

A mailpiece selector device for separating mailpieces one-by-one from a stack of mailpieces and for transporting them downstream, the mailpiece selector device having a first guide followed by a second guide, both of which guides co-operate with a plurality of opposite selector rollers to select the mailpieces one-by-one and to transport them downstream, the first guide being able to pivot about a first pivot axis in opposition to first resilient returner, the second pivot axis being offset upstream relative to the first pivot axis, and the first and second guides having a driver for making it possible, above a predetermined mailpiece thickness range, for the second guide to pivot automatically when the first guide pivots.
US07988142B2

An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes: a first sheet feeding unit; a second sheet feeding unit provided adjacent to the first sheet feeding unit; one or plural first shutter(s) provided in the first sheet feeding unit; a driving unit that drives the first shutter(s); and one or plural second shutter(s) provided in the second sheet feeding unit, the second shutter(s) opening and closing in association with the opening and closing of the first shutter(s) driven by the driving unit. According to the present invention, when plural shutters for designating a stacking range of sheets are provided, an operation of any one of the shutters can be suitably associated with operations of the other shutters.
US07988133B2

A combined guardrail and cable safety system is disclosed. In one aspect, a safety barrier incorporating the teachings of the present disclosure may include a plurality of cable posts spaced from each other and disposed adjacent to a roadway. At least two cables may be releasably engaged with and supported by the cable posts. The cable posts and the at least two cables may cooperate with each other to prevent a vehicle from leaving the roadway. A plurality of guardrail posts may also spaced from each other and disposed adjacent to the roadway longitudinally spaced from the plurality of cable post. A box beam guardrail beam may be attached to the plurality of guardrail posts. The at least two cables may operably extend from the cable posts to engage respective cable anchor brackets attached to the box beam guardrail beam.
US07988129B2

The present invention generally comprises a floating slit valve for interfacing with a chamber. A floating slit valve moves or “floats” relative to another object such as a chamber. The slit valve may be coupled between two chambers. When a chamber coupled with the slit valve is heated, the slit valve may also be heated by conduction. As the slit valve is heated, it may thermally expand. When a vacuum is drawn in a chamber, the slit valve may deform due to vacuum deflection. By disposing a low friction material spacer between the chamber and the slit valve, the slit valve may not rub against the chamber during thermal expansion/contraction and/or vacuum deflection and thus, may not generate undesirable particle contaminants. Additionally, slots drilled through the chamber for coupling the slit valve to the chamber may be sized to accommodate thermal expansion/contraction and vacuum deflection of the slit valve.
US07988119B2

A mount for attaching a projection device to an overhead structure includes a device interface operably attachable to the projection device and a device orientation adjustment structure operably coupled with the device interface. The device orientation adjustment structure has structure defining up to three independent axes for adjustment of projector pitch, roll, and yaw. A single selectively adjustable friction element may be provided to enable projector position to be fixed about for any one or all of the independent axes. A gear adjustment mechanism may be provided to enable fine adjustment of projector position. Moreover, any one or all of the independent axes may pass through the projector device, preferably proximate its center of gravity so that it is self balanced on the mount to ease adjustment.
US07988112B2

A multi-screen display device includes a display device and a folding bracket. The display device includes a first display frame and a second display frame. The folding bracket includes an inner rotating portion pivotally connected to the first display frame, and an outer rotating portion pivotally connected to the inner rotating portion and pivotally connected to the second display frame.
US07988109B2

A fixing mechanism assembled on brackets of a computer casing. The fixing mechanism includes a main portion; a connecting portion disposed on the main portion, the connecting portion movably connecting to the bracket; at least one restriction portion connecting with the connecting portion; and a switching portion connecting between the connecting portion and the restriction portion; whereby the restriction portion switches from a first position to a second position by the switching portion for supporting hard disk drives with different heights. The fixing mechanism also includes a plurality of tighten means at the other said bracket for fixing the hard disk drive. Therefore, it is convenient for users to accommodate the hard disk drivers with different heights within the computer casing.
US07988101B2

A flow control system and method especially well adapted for use on a Coanda surface. In one embodiment a plurality of plasma actuators are disposed over a Coanda surface of a wing of an aircraft. The actuators are selectively energized to either delay the onset of boundary layer flow separation from the Coanda surface, or to promote flow separation. One embodiment discloses using dual mode plasma actuators on a Coanda surface. The system and method is applicable to a wide variety of aerodynamic surfaces where control over the separation of a boundary layer flow over a trailing edge surface is desired.
US07988094B2

An erosion shield for an aircraft window includes an annular band having a radially outer brim and a radially inner clip. The shield is sized to cover a composite window frame having an outer rim and an inner sash around a central aperture in which is mounted a window pane. The clip is asymmetrical around the central aperture to protect the sash and permit assembly of the shield thereto.
US07988092B2

A vortex-generating device is presented to reduce a thermal exposure of an aircraft to hot exhaust gases discharged from an aircraft engine. The engine also discharges cold air from a fan of the engine. The aircraft engine may be coupled to the aircraft via a support mast located on a main wing. A portion of the support mast of an aircraft engine is located near a hot gas flow being discharged from the engine. The vortex-generating device is positioned on a surface of the support mast. The device generates a vortex which crosses the hot gases and prevents the hot gas flow from reaching a heat sensitive portion of the support mast. This device is adaptable to the operating conditions of an already-built aircraft without any notable increased weight.
US07988091B2

This device is provided for a luggage compartment designed to be placed overhead. The compartment comprises a mobile part (4) between an open position and a closed position and a mechanism for acting on said mobile part (4) to promote its closing. Said mobile part (4) presents an opening (14) designed for introducing and retrieving luggage as well as a lower exterior surface (12). The control device comprises detection means reacting when pressure is exerted on a predetermined zone of the lower exterior surface (12) of the mobile part (4) as well as for sending a control signal to the mechanism acting on the mobile part (4) to close the part when pressure is exerted on said detection means. The detection means are disposed at the lower exterior surface (12) of the mobile part (4).
US07988084B2

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a device for pretensioning a seatbelt is provided. The device comprises a spindle for receiving a portion of the seatbelt. A retractor frame that has a weakened portion is supported by the spindle for rotational movement within the retractor frame. A pretensioner is operatively connected to the spindle for rotating the spindle to tighten the seatbelt. The pretensioner includes pretensioner balls. The pretensioner is configured to drive the pretensioner balls toward a ball collection area adjacent to the weakened portion. The weakened portion is deformed by the pretensioner balls to increase the size of the ball collection area.
US07988082B2

A gyratory crusher has a crushing head fixedly attached to an upper portion of a substantially vertical shaft, on which crushing head a first crushing shell is mounted, and a frame on which a second crushing shell is mounted. The second crushing shell defines, together with the first crushing shell, a crushing gap. The gyratory crusher has a space adapted to contain liquid. The space is defined by a piston, which is formed at least partly of the lower end of the shaft, a cylinder, which is formed at least partly in an eccentric assembly, and a bottom element. The space is adapted to form a cushion with the aid of the liquid, so that the cushion can serve as a thrust bearing transmitting vertical forces from the crushing head to the bottom element.
US07988077B2

A connecting apparatus adapted in a conjunctive structure is provided. The conjunctive structure comprises a baseboard, a peripheral element and a connecting apparatus. The connecting apparatus comprises at least one first connecting element and at least one second connecting element. The first connecting element is a magnetic element and is placed on one corner of the peripheral element. The second connecting element is placed around a hole of the baseboard, and the second connecting element comprises two adjacent magnetic elements with opposite polarity arrangement.
US07988075B2

A coating dispensing device includes a trigger assembly for actuating the coating dispensing device to dispense coating material and a nozzle through which the coating material is dispensed. The coating dispensing device also includes a first port adapted to supply compressed gas to the coating dispensing device and a second port adapted to supply coating material to the coating dispensing device. The coating dispensing device further includes a generator having a shaft and a turbine wheel mounted on the shaft. Compressed gas coupled to the first port impinges upon the turbine wheel to spin the shaft, producing voltage. The dispensing device further includes an electrode adjacent the nozzle and coupled by circuitry to the generator to receive electricity therefrom to electrostatically charge the coating material. A circuit board assembly containing components of the circuitry is configured to partially surround and partially enclose the generator.
US07988072B2

A sprinkler apparatus comprises a water wheel that is configured to be alternatively driven in a first wheel direction by a first fluid flow and a second wheel direction by a second fluid flow. The water wheel drives a water tube having at least one fluid outlet. The water tube is moveable in a first tube direction in response to the water wheel being driven in the first wheel direction, and is further moveable in a second tube direction in response to the water wheel being driven in the second wheel direction. The sprinkler apparatus further comprises a switch wheel positioned to receive an initial fluid flow and generate the first and second fluid flows therefrom. In particular, when the switch wheel is in a first position, the first fluid flow is generated. When the switch wheel is in a second position, the second fluid flow is generated.
US07988067B2

A sprinkler apparatus comprises a spray tube configured to move between a first side position and a second side position. The sprinkler apparatus also comprises a first side adjustment mechanism and a second side adjustment mechanism. Each adjustment mechanism comprises markings indicating lesser to greater degrees of sprinkling coverage area. The sprinkler apparatus further comprises a coverage indicator component attached to the spray tube. The coverage indicator component includes at least one window defined therein. The first side adjustment mechanism and the second side adjustment mechanism are independently moveable in relation to the coverage indicator such that the markings on the first side adjustment mechanism and the second side adjustment mechanism are selectively viewable to the user through the window. The positioning of one of the markings within the window results in a related degree of sprinkling coverage area by the sprinkler apparatus.
US07988065B2

A valve for preventing the flow of fluid when the temperature of the fluid is above a predetermined threshold, the valve including: a body having at least one opening for allowing the fluid to pass when the temperature of the fluid is below the predetermined threshold; and a shape memory or bi-metal actuator for substantially closing the at least one opening when the temperature of the fluid is above the predetermined threshold to prevent the fluid from passing.
US07988064B2

A valve for preventing the flow of fluid when the temperature of the fluid is above a predetermined threshold, the valve including: a body having at least one opening for allowing the fluid to pass when the temperature of the fluid is below the predetermined threshold; and a shape memory or bi-metal actuator for substantially closing the at least one opening when the temperature of the fluid is above the predetermined threshold to prevent the fluid from passing.
US07988056B2

The invention relates to a code carrier that has a code carrier coil, whereby the code carrier coil is configured as a ring shaped like a triangle or the projection of the code carrier coil in the direction of the coil axis is shaped like a triangle. The code carrier coil or the code carrier, including the code carrier coil, is part of a cap that can be placed onto a corner of a cuboidal object and that functions as a physical corner protector, whereby the coil axis intersects the planes encompassed by the side surfaces of the object, all at an angle between 5° and 85°, and a body diagonal of the object pierces the triangle. The invention also relates to a code carrier set consisting of an object having a base area with a first edge and a second edge running obliquely, crosswise or perpendicular to the first edge, and consisting of a code carrier that is arranged on or in the object and that has a code carrier coil, whereby the perpendicular projection of the coil axis onto the base area runs obliquely to the first and second edges of the base area.
US07988051B2

An XML system is configured to print bar code labels, tags, tickets, cards, or other media, and/or encode RFID devices embedded in media, based upon an extensible markup language (XML) input data stream. The XML system includes a computer system operatively coupled to a network. The computer system further includes an XML processor configured to receive, parse, and process an XML input data stream and obtain schema identified in the XML data stream from a schema repository. The XML processor validates the XML data stream based upon the schema obtained. Also included is an XSLT processor configured to obtain a stylesheet identified in the XML data stream from a stylesheet repository. The XSLT processor transforms data in the XML input data stream into transformed XML data based upon the stylesheet obtained. Also, an XSLFO processor formats the transformed XML data into formatted XML data based upon XSLFO instructions contained in the stylesheet. A barcode rendering subsystem then receives the formatted XML data and generates a bit map representative of the bar code label. Alternatively, the system includes an XML processor configured to receive and process the XML input data stream, a ZPL processor configured to receive and process a format template, a variable data integrator configured to develop an association between the XML data contained in the XML input data stream and the format template, a formatting engine configured to format the associated XML data according to a format governed by the format template, and a barcode rendering engine configured to generate a printable representation of the bar code label, tag, ticket, card, other media, and/or generate encoding information for an RFID device.
US07988044B2

One embodiment of the present invention provides for detecting a physical change at a transaction card, and, in response to detecting the physical change outputting content to attract the attention of a user.
US07988042B2

The present invention relates to a method for playing a request on a player device. The method includes the step of transmitting a pen stroke corresponding to a first one of a number of possible applications to a server. A form is then submitted to the first application. The method further includes the step of sending, from the server and to the player device, a play request corresponding to play information borne by the submitted form so that the player device plays a request corresponding to said play request.
US07988036B2

A portable card adapted to interact with a data processing station when the portable card and the data processing station are moved relative to each other is disclosed. The portable card includes a substrate having a predetermined shape, e.g. rectangular. An accessible embedded storage member is enclosed within said substrate. The storage member includes at least one layer of storage material for storing information in a predetermined format for processing by the data processing station. The storage member and the substrate are adapted to be transported relative to each other to expose at least a portion of the storage member to the data processing station to facilitate processing of stored information and for embedment of the storage member within the substrate. The storage member may be in the form of an elongated strip member, or a circular member.
US07988033B2

A method of profiling a wire bond between a contact pad on a die, and a conductor on a supporting structure, by electrically connecting the contact pad on the die to the conductor on the supporting structure with a wire bond, the wire bond extending in an arc from the contact pad to the conductor, pushing on the wire bond to collapse the arc and plastically deform the wire bond, and then releasing the wire bonds such that the plastic deformation maintains the wire bond in a flatter profile shape. The strength of the wire bond is known to be relatively small; of the order of 3 to 5 grams force. However, the Applicant's work has found that the wire bond structure is robust enough to withstand a certain degree of work hardening from plastic deformation. The arc of the wire bond can be deformed into a flatter profile without compromising the electrical connection with the PCB.
US07988030B2

In a conventional wave soldering bath, the bottom surface of a bath body in a position which is below the inlet of a duct underwent erosion by molten solder and had a hole formed therein, causing molten solder to be spilled out from the hole. The cause of erosion of the bottom surface of the bath body is a vortex (T) of molten solder formed below the duct inlet accompanying rotation of an impeller pump (10), and the vortex rubs the bottom surface of the bath body.In the present invention, a shielding member (14) is installed between the duct inlet (12) and the bottom surface (13) of the bath body such that the vortex is prevented from affecting the bottom surface.
US07988027B2

A mechanism is provided for crimping and releasing a suture securing a strip of buttress material to an end effector. The mechanism includes a retention member movably mounted within the end effector. The retention member is movable from a first position crimping the suture to the end effector to a second position releasing the suture from the end effector. The mechanism additionally includes a follower member, engageable with the retention member, and movable in response to actuation of a surgical instrument to move the retention member between the first and second positions. A lock mechanism is also provided to secure the retention member in the first position. The follower member operates to disengage the lock mechanism.
US07988025B2

A nose casting assembly for a pneumatic fastener includes a body having a driver channel formed therein for receiving a driver blade. The body includes a first end having an aperture for allowing passage of a driver blade into the channel. The body further includes a second end configured for allowing a fastener to be expelled from the nose casting assembly. The body further includes an exterior surface and an interior surface, the interior surface having a loading aperture formed therein for allowing passage of a fastener into the driver channel. Additionally, the interior surface includes a nose casting groove formed therein, the nose casting groove extending linearly along the interior surface of the body towards the second end of the body, wherein the nose casting groove is configured for receiving the shank of a fastener being utilized with the pneumatic fastener for preventing the fastener from becoming wedged between the driver blade and the interior surface of the nose casting assembly when a shank of a fastener is oriented toward the driver blade.
US07988022B1

A sock applying device for helping a user put a sock on his feet comprising a first extension pole; a second extension pole; a first connector pole and a second connector pole for connecting the first extension pole to the second extension pole; a first threaded rod spanning the first extension pole; a second threaded rod spanning the second extension pole; a first spring-loaded clamp for grasping the sock disposed on the second end of the first threaded rod, wherein the first spring-loaded clamp is moveable between a closed position and an open position; and a second spring-loaded clamp for grasping the sock disposed on the second end of the second threaded rod, wherein the second spring loaded clamp is moveable between a closed position and an open position.
US07988013B2

A flow control device includes a hood, a ball valve, a sealing ring, and a handle. The ball valve is movably received in an interior receiving space of the hood and the ball valve is set in sealing engagement with the sealing ring. The ball valve and the handle located outside the hood are coupled together and are thus movable in unison with each other. The ball valve defines a flow passage. The hood forms a discharge opening. When installed on an opening of any kind of container, such as a PET bottle or a glass bottle, or an outlet tube of a water tank, by rotating the handle to move the ball valve, the flow passage can be selectively set in fluid communication with the discharge opening.
US07988000B2

A merchandising system includes a display fixture placed on a floor in a retail environment. The display fixture includes a first end piece resting supported on the floor, a second end piece supported on the floor, a first member, and a second member, each of the first member and the second member being substantially horizontal with the second member extending substantially parallel to, and vertically offset from the first member. A display fixture accessory is releasably secured to the display fixture by receiving the first member in a first bracket of the display fixture accessory and receiving the second member in a second bracket of the display fixture accessory. A display piece is inserted into the display fixture accessory. Additionally, the display piece is maintained with the display fixture accessory in a substantially vertical position with the display fixture accessory extending above the display fixture.
US07987973B2

A conveyer belt, of the type used in endless conveyors, has a plurality of belt links. Each belt link is substantially identical, and has a front edge, a rear edge, two side edges, an upper surface, and an under surface between the edges. The front and rear edges relate to the direction of travel in use. The front edge of each belt link is provided with an indentation and the rear edge is provided with a mirror image of the indentation in the form of a recess. The front edge of one belt link snugly fits in the rear edge of an adjacent belt link.
US07987963B2

A loading and unloading station for a container that transports piece goods, particularly pieces of luggage on a conveyor belt is provided. The upper part of the container receiving the piece goods is formed by a storage surface for the piece goods, the surface including an continuous carrying belt spanning the lower part of the container and capable of bearing a load, the carrying belt is arranged transversely to the transport direction of the container and drivably guided around a plurality of deflection rollers provided on both sides of the container. A method for transporting piece goods on a conveyor track including supporting and guide elements for the container is also provided.
US07987961B2

A coin dispensing apparatus, which ejects coins by squeezing them substantially chordally between an element on a rotor and an ejector, has a variable height rotor (3), an improved two-part coin ejector (10a, 10b). A optical sensor for detecting coins being ejected positive detects both the presence and absence of coins in a coin path. Also, a payout device comprising a first coin dispensing device (61) including a dispensed coin type detector and a second coin dispensing device (62). The first coin dispensing device (61) is used to store coins of plurality of large denominations and is used initially for paying out an amount. The second coin dispensing device (62) is used for a single low denomination coin type and coins are dispensed from the second coin dispensing device (62) after the first coin dispensing device has been used as much as possible.
US07987955B2

The retracting luggage work station is a rolling suitcase with a retractable shelf that extends out from the top of the suitcase and provides support for a portable laptop computer or food or beverage items while waiting at an airport or other transportation terminal. The shelf also can function as a seat. Vertical telescoping support members are attached to the front of the shelf, and the back of the shelf engages a slot on the interior of the extendable handles of the suitcase permitting the shelf to be height adjustable. An integral carrying strap is attached to the top of the suitcase for aid in stowing the luggage work station in an overhead compartment or under an airplane seat.
US07987953B2

A brake cylinder for pneumatically actuated vehicle brakes includes a parking brake spring-loaded brake section and a service brake section combined to form a structural unit in a housing. The housing is divided into two chambers by a piston. A cylinder spring of the spring-loaded brake section acts on another spring-loaded piston in the chamber, which can be blocked in relation to the first piston by a pneumatically actuated locking mechanism, and can be released from the first piston by the releasing action of the blocking mechanism. Following the release, the cylinder spring acts between the two pistons and moves the two pistons in relation to each other during a parking brake process. The pneumatically actuatable blocking mechanism acts only in an expansion direction of the spring.
US07987951B2

There is provided an electromechanical actuator for a parking brake system of a vehicle, including an electric motor, reduction gear train associated with the motor for transmitting motion from the motor to a single power transmission chain sprocket, one power transmission chain section drivable by the sprocket partly encircling one sheave, rotatably mounted on a free longitudinally movable pulley block, an end of the power transmission chain being attached to a first stationary anchor point, and a connector connecting the pulley block to the vehicle's parking brake system.
US07987947B2

Destination calls entered by means of buttons (21-29) are each given a designation unique to the car and pick-up floor for that call and other calls to be serviced therewith, such as a letter (A-E), which is different from any other outstanding calls. Calls can be reassigned among elevators (UL, LL, UR, LR) whether they are in the same or different hoistways (LF, RT). Signs (31-39, 41-49) adjacent each hoistway are illuminated to display the designation of any call which is being answered by an elevator car approaching the floor. Thus, passengers are informed when their call is being answered by the signs identifying the call, rather than identifying any particular car. Another embodiment identifies (60, 31a, 41a) the hoistway landing doorway (1, 2) as well as a letter to allow passengers to wait adjacent to the hoistway landing doorway of the car which will serve them.
US07987940B2

A hydraulic pressure accumulator has an interior chamber containing a fire-suppressing gas such as nitrogen. The fire-suppressing gas in the accumulator is fluidly connected to a thermal device, such as a valve with a thermal fuse or a controlled valve triggered by a thermal sensor. The thermal device is designed to open a fluid connection between the accumulator's interior chamber to ambient when the exterior temperature exceeds a determined safety threshold, thereby releasing the fire suppressing gas from the accumulator.
US07987939B2

A hood system with a plurality of hood hinges is disclosed. The hood hinges associated with the hood system include a hole configured to receive a removable fastener. By inserting a fastener in the hole when the hood is in a fully open position, a protrusion on the hood hinge can rest against the removable fastener to maintain the hood in the fully open position.
US07987938B2

To enable the close arrangement of right and left cooling fans that are common to each other and rotate in the same direction. A radiator is disposed forward of an engine, is horizontally lengthwise and is formed such that the center thereof bends to protrude rearward. A pair of right and left cooling fans is provided on the rear surface of the radiator. The left and right cooling fans have the same specifications, rotating in the same direction. A support plate is provided to surround the cooling fans, that is, to close left and right sides of, the upper side of and the rear of the cooling fans and open the lower side thereof. A partition portion is formed to project from the center of a rear wall to partition between the left and right cooling fans. Thus, the adjacent cooling fans can be prevented from interfering with each other and can be arranged close to each other.
US07987933B1

The motorized stroller apparatus features double wheels at all four corners for lesser rolling resistance over various surfaces. The front wheel sets are fully pivotal. The on/off switch provides more than one function. In the on position, the motor is connected with the axle. The motor thereby serves as an automatic brake until the spring biased throttle lever is actuated. Spring bias causes throttle shut off when released. In the off position, the switch disengages the axle from the motor, thereby allowing for stroller function in a non-powered mode. The optional dual rear wheel sets drive encourages the stroller to track straight, as opposed to single wheel set drive which would continually encourage angular propulsion.
US07987931B2

A rotary drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation may comprise a bit body, a cutting element coupled to the bit body, and a torque-generating assembly configured to apply torque, either continuously or periodically, to the cutting element. The torque-generating assembly may be powered by the rotary motion of the rotary drill bit or may be hydraulically or electrically powered. The cutting element may comprise a substrate, a table of superabrasive material disposed on an end of the substrate, and at least one impelling feature formed along the exterior surface of the substrate. In addition, a method of rotating a cutting element coupled to a drill bit for drilling a subterranean formation may comprise providing a cutting element comprising a table bonded to a substrate, coupling the substrate of the cutting element to a drill bit body, and applying torque to the substrate of the cutting element.
US07987929B2

The invention relates to a method for processing dust when breaking rock, to a dust separator, and further to a rock-drilling rig. Rock material and air sucked from a borehole or some other operating location is separated from each other in the dust separator. The separated rock material falls into a discharge part of the dust separator, from which it can be dosed in batches into a discharging device. The discharging device comprises a closed compression space in which the rock material batch is compressed into a more compact state. This forms a solid matter cake that is removed from the dust separator.
US07987915B1

A circulator sub tool and fluid saver with a system and method for dispensing and circulating fluid in a well bore having a threaded packer sub with a quick coupler body, and wherein diameters for each annulus of the quick coupler body and the sub body are substantially identical enhancing laminar flow through the threaded packer sub.
US07987911B2

An oil and gas well shaped charge perforator is provided comprising a housing, a high explosive, and a liner with a further insert liner where the high explosive is positioned between the liner and the housing. In use the high explosive will collapse the liner and insert causing two cutting jets to form. The insert may substantially cover the surface area of the liner or it may over only partially cover the liner, such as the apical portion of the liner or the base portion of liner. Alternatively the insert may be varied in thickness across the surface area of the liner. Typically the thickness of the liner may be between 1 and 10% of the liner diameter and the thickness of the insert may be between 1 and 200% of the thickness of the liner. The insert may be produced during the manufacture of the liner, but preferably the liner will be a retro fitted item.
US07987898B2

A heat dissipation device includes a cooling fan (15) defining an air inlet and an air outlet (157) oriented perpendicular to the air inlet; a metal foam (11) is arranged in the air outlet of the cooling fan, and a heat pipe (13) has a condensing end (131) being thermally attached to the metal foam. The metal foam forms numerous open cells (118). A plurality of guiding holes (116) are defined in the metal foam facing to a rotor (153) of the cooling fan for an airflow generated by the cooling fan to flow therethrough. The guiding hole (116) has a size larger that that of the open cell (118). The guiding hole has an outer end opened to an outside of the cooling fan (15).
US07987895B2

Method and apparatus for improving the quality and mechanical properties of an aluminum alloy engine cylinder block or other large or complex castings by providing sand molds bound with a soluble binder only at locations on said casting from which rapid cooling for directional solidification and/or improved localized mechanical properties are desired with said molds being otherwise bound at the remaining locations only with a more typical insoluble binder.
US07987888B2

In a method for releasing a work having an adhesive tape from a holding member which sucks and holds the work having the adhesive tape, the work having the adhesive tape is released from the holding member while supplying a gas which reduces a holding force of the holding member between the holding member and the work having the adhesive tape.
US07987884B2

The invention relates to an installation for applying glue to fibers for the production of fiberboard, especially MDF board or similar wood material board. Said installation comprises a fiber feed unit having at least one fiber feed conduit which opens into a fiber exit tube via an arched fiber deflection element and receives the air that is used to transport the fibers, a chute which is located downstream of the fiber exit tube, a glue application device which is located e.g. between the fiber exit tube and the chute and which has spray nozzles for spraying the fibers that emerge from the fiber exit tube and enter the chute with drops of glue, and a collection device, located downstream of the chute and having a transport device for collecting and optionally carrying off the fibers. The installation is characterized in that at least a part of the fiber deflection conduit is configured as a subdivided conduit having a plurality of partial conduits, said conduit being subdivided by one or more dividing walls that extend in the axial direction.
US07987880B2

The rubber composition for a tire base tread includes a rubber component containing not less than 15% by weight of a terminal-modified diene rubber having a number average molecular weight prior to modification of 150000 to 400000, a filler, and a compound (vulcanizing agent) represented by the following general formula (1) in an amount of 0.5 to 5 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the rubber component: (wherein R represents a benzyl group, and n represents an integer of 3 to 12.)
US07987871B2

A selector valve, comprising a valve chamber having a first valve seat and a second valve seat facing the first valve seat, a first fluid passage communicating with a first valve port on the periphery of the first valve seat of the valve chamber to flow a first working fluid therein, a second fluid passage communicating with the valve chamber to flow the working fluid therefrom or therein, a third fluid passage communicating with a second valve port on the periphery of the second valve seat of the valve chamber to flow the working fluid therefrom, a valve element disposed in the valve chamber and alternately separating from and coming into contact with the first valve seat and the second valve seat, a stem part connected to the valve element, a guide hole movably guiding the valve stem, a storage chamber for a seal means installed around the guide hole, an auxiliary passage allowing the storage chamber to communicate with the first fluid passage, and a solenoid part connected to the stem part for operating a solenoid rod. A first pressure receiving area formed by the first valve seat and the valve element joined to each other to receive the pressure of the first working fluid is set approximately the same as the third pressure receiving area of the stem part receiving the first working fluid in the storage chamber.
US07987868B2

An exhaust gas valve assembly includes a housing defining a cavity therein and having an intake port and an exhaust port. A valve seat has a first axial end secured to the housing and a second axial end that is disposed within but decoupled a distance from the housing. The second axial end defines one or more apertures that provide fluid communication between the intake and exhaust ports. A seal is disposed between the second axial end of the valve seat and the housing so as to close the decoupled distance therebetween. A piston is received within and is axially movable relative to the valve seat so as to open and close the one or more apertures and thereby regulate exhaust gas flow between the intake and exhaust ports.
US07987864B1

Deployable structures and methods for assembling the same including a structural mechanism defining a columnar space comprising a plurality of structural members, a plurality of couplings and a plurality of tension lines, wherein each of the couplings interconnects three of the structural members and each of the tension lines interconnects one of the couplings and one of the structural members. Each of the tension lines interconnects one of the couplings and an end of one of the structural members not interconnected with one of the couplings. A columnar space, devoid of any structural members, is centrally located within the structural mechanism. Each of the couplings interconnects two of three structural members such that they are substantially aligned along their respective longitudinal axes and the third of the three structural members is interconnected such that its longitudinal axis is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the other two structural members.
US07987859B2

An apparatus and method for an adjustable multi-barrel hair waving appliance is disclosed herein. The appliance has a plurality of barrels, at least one of which is an adjustable barrel, wherein the barrels are heated during use. In one embodiment two outer barrels and one adjustable center barrel are provided. The center barrel is manually adjusted to be closer or farther from a winged shield that clamps hair against the barrels and is formed to cradle the outer barrels. A locking mechanism locks the center barrel in place after adjustments are made via projections at an end of the center barrel. Adjusting the center barrel closer to the shield results in shallow or tight waves, and deep or loose waves result when the center barrel is adjusted farther from the shield.
US07987841B2

A pneumatic launching apparatus is described. The pneumatic toy launching apparatus includes a collapsible bellows with an outlet configured to allow air to exit the collapsible bellows. A gripping device is attached with the collapsible bellows, and a platform is attached with the gripping device. A launching tube is attached with the platform and is formed to releasably engage a launchable object. An air transfer tube connects the collapsible bellows and the launching tube. Upon compression of the collapsible bellows against a surface, air travels from the collapsible bellows, through the air transfer tube, and out of the launching tube to launch an object attached with the launching tube. A rotating mechanism attached with the platform allows rotation of multiple launching tubes. The gripping device further comprises a rotation actuator to induce rotation of the platform.
US07987839B2

The invention concerns a method to determine the composition of a fuel from the components ethanol and gasoline of an internal combustion engine, wherein the fuel is supplied to the internal combustion engine by a fuel supply unit and via two fuel distributor rails; and the exhaust gas is discharged from the internal combustion engine by two exhaust gas manifolds of a first and a second exhaust gas system, which are separated from each other, wherein the first and second exhaust gas system have in each case at least one exhaust gas probe and wherein current changes in the ethanol content of the fuel are evaluated from the signal differences of lambda signals from the exhaust gas probes. With this method, a change in the ethanol content of the fuel can be detected, and an explicit condition for a change in fuel can be derived. Moreover, with the method, errors in the fuel-mixture can be distinguished from an altered fuel composition, which takes place after the tank has been filled fueling.
US07987833B2

A combustion system for a vehicle may include a piston in which a first combustion recess is formed in an upper end surface thereof, and at least one second combustion recess is further formed at the bottom of the first combustion recess, a first intake port and a second intake port for supplying a cylinder with air, and a controller that differently controls amounts of recirculation exhaust gas being supplied to the first intake port and the second intake port.
US07987829B2

The camshaft adjusting device has an inner spring retainer which mates with a rotor and an outer spring retainer which is fixed on a spring cover plate.
US07987827B2

A valve timing control apparatus for controlling valve timing includes a first rotor, a second rotor, and a controller. The second rotor and the first rotor defines therebetween an advance chamber and a retard chamber. The controller includes a supply passage, at least one drain passage, a spool valve, at least one connection passage, and at least one check valve. The at least one connection passage connects the supply passage to the at least one drain passage when a spool of the spool valve is moved to one of the advance and retard positions. The at least one check valve is respectively provided in the at least one connection passage. The check valve allows working fluid to flow in a direction from the at least one drain passage toward the supply passage and limits working fluid from flowing in an opposite direction.
US07987826B2

A variable valve lift apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a low lift cam, a high lift cam in parallel with the low lift cam, a low lift tappet body that selectively contacts the low lift cam, a high lift tappet body disposed within the low lift tappet body and constantly contacting the high lift cam, a guide portion that is connected with a valve and selectively connects the low lift tappet body and the high lift tappet body, and a lost motion spring that is disposed between the guide portion and the low lift tappet body and supplies restoring force to the low lift tappet body.
US07987817B2

A device capable of diverting, redirecting, and collecting fresh water from a faucet to a pet for drinking. The device includes a plurality of elbows and a reservoir with a faceplate or a reservoir connected to the faucet by use of a connection piece. The device includes extensions which allow the user to position the reservoir at a desired height and distance from the faucet. The device further includes a plurality of designs for the reservoir and faceplate that allow for different water flows from which the pet can drink. The chosen reservoir and faceplate can be changed by the user. A method for having multiple reservoirs and faceplates connected to a single faucet allowing multiple pets to drink at a time is also disclosed.
US07987813B2

Apparatuses and processes for maskless deposition of electronic and biological materials. The process is capable of direct deposition of features with linewidths varying from the micron range up to a fraction of a millimeter, and may be used to deposit features on substrates with damage thresholds near 100° C. Deposition and subsequent processing may be carried out under ambient conditions, eliminating the need for a vacuum atmosphere. The process may also be performed in an inert gas environment. Deposition of and subsequent laser post processing produces linewidths as low as 1 micron, with sub-micron edge definition. The apparatus nozzle has a large working distance—the orifice to substrate distance may be several millimeters—and direct write onto non-planar surfaces is possible.
US07987812B2

A mask assembly configured to prevent the mask from being thermally transformed and to maintain gaps between a plurality of divided pattern masks is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the mask assembly comprises: an open mask that has a plurality of first openings arranged in rows and columns; and a pattern mask that comprises a plurality of unit pattern masks. In some embodiments, the ends of the unit pattern masks may be fixed with respect to the open mask, and the unit pattern mask includes a plurality of mask pattern units configured to align with the plurality of first openings of the open mask. In some embodiments, a tensile force is applied to the unit pattern mask(s).
US07987810B1

An articulating paper dispenser is provided including an upper housing and a lower housing that, when engaged together, form a both a lubricant container and a chamber for containing an articulating paper roll. The articulating paper that is unwound from the articulating paper roll is passed through the lubricant container. The articulating paper dispenser will preferably include pressure rollers to guide the articulating paper through a dispensing slot in the dispenser. The lubricant container is configured to contain a lubricant that increases the marking ability of the articulating paper. As the articulating paper is dispensed from the articulating paper system, it is coated on both sides with a thin layer of the lubricant. The lubricant-coated articulating paper is then used to check a patient's occlusion more accurately and precisely.
US07987796B2

A loading pallet includes first bars (2) and second bars (3) arranged essentially parallel with each other, The first bars (2) are arranged essentially in a single plane (8) and the second bars (3) include upper parts (9) arranged essentially in the plane (8) and downwardly directed parts (10) directed downwards relative to the plane (8). Third bars (4) are arranged transverse to the first bars (2) and second bars (3), lie under the plane (8), and are connected to the first bars (2) and the upper parts (9) of the second bars (3). The loading pallet (1) can be stacked onto a corresponding loading pallet (1), whereby the third bars (4) can make contact with such bars (2) from the loading pallet (1) located below. The height (h5) of the third bars (4) is such that the height of the spaces between stacked loading pallets (1) is such that lifting structure (17) can be introduced into the spaces for lifting loading pallets (1).
US07987793B2

Amusement ride device, comprising a track and at least one carriage, which carriage is moveable along the track in a transport direction. The carriage comprises a transport part which engages on the track, at least one platform that allows to support the feet of at least one passenger, and at least one passenger torso restraint engaging on the torso of the passenger for safely supporting the passenger. The transport part comprises one of the passenger torso restraint or the platform to support the passenger, while the other is connected by connecting means to the transport part. The connecting means are designed to allow the passenger to perform movements during the ride while being restrained by the torso restraint, wherein the torso restraint performs a movement with respect to the platform during said movements of the passenger.
US07987791B2

A method of disrupting electrical power transmission including the steps of launching a projectile from a hand-held launcher, ejecting a plurality of electrically conductive members from the projectile, and bridging electrical contacts of power transmission equipment.
US07987789B2

A method for reducing the amount of ammunition types to be used against a wide set of targets. At least two explosive charges are made use of in cooperation. Each of the explosive charges has changeable characteristics and is arranged to mutually cooperate in different ways depending on the particular changeable characteristics given to the explosive charges in a specific case and the type of target to be combated. An ammunition device admitting a reduction of the amount of ammunition types to be used. At least two cooperating explosive charges are arranged in a row along the direction of movement of the ammunition device when activated. Each of the explosive charges is switchable between at least two operating conditions having different operating characteristics.
US07987787B1

An electronic ignition safety device configured to reject signals below a predetermined ‘all-fire’ voltage comprising an exploding foil initiator having an electrical input and an output end, a pickup comprising a secondary explosive donor charge adjacent to the exploding foil initiator's output end and separated from a secondary explosive acceptor charge by an integral barrier, and an output charge adjacent to the acceptor charge.
US07987780B2

Apparatus designed to cancel at least one postage or franking mark on a surface of a mailpiece moving on edge in a belt conveyor, said apparatus comprising: a conveyor portion with a plurality of small superposed belts and a plurality of superposed print heads; and control means for controlling the print heads in such a manner as to cause a print head to print one or more cancellation marks over the franking mark(s) detected on the mailpiece. Each print head is suitable for operating selectively with a plurality of superposed inkjets so as to print only a portion (¾, ½, ¼) of said cancellation mark or a scaled-down version thereof over the franking mark when said franking mark is positioned in such a manner as to be off-center between two belts.
US07987779B2

An apparatus for printing on the plant surface and the artificial plant surface, comprises a housing. A gripping device for holding the plant or artificial plant and a printing unit for printing on its surfaces are disposed in said housing. Said printing unit is connected to a computer which is external or integrated in the housing. The printing unit of the present invention is an ink jetting unit, which can print on the plant surface and the artificial plant surface, especially flower, artificial flower, leaves and the fruit. People can communicate information using these articles, which satisfied the demand.
US07987770B2

A pitcher includes a container body defining a liquid storage cavity therein and having an open end and a cover removably coupled to the container body. The cover extends along the open end, and the cover defining a fill opening configured to receive a liquid therein. The fill opening is in communication with the liquid storage cavity. The pitcher also includes a lid assembly having a lid closing access to the fill opening. A slide mechanism is coupled to the lid, and the slide mechanism is slidably coupled to the cover.
US07987766B1

The hydraulic cylinder apparatus has a crescent shaped length housing a piston of like shape. The crescent shape provides for fit into constrained spaces where a fully cylindrical cylinder cannot fit. Multiple crescent shaped case ring lands with case rings seal the length of the piston proximal to the top of the case. The plurality of piston ring lands and piston rings seal the sliding piston to the walls of the case's internal hydraulic fluid well. The numerous ports of the apparatus, both upper and lower, provide for more convenient application than would otherwise be provided. Hose routing can thereby be best suited to a particular application. An added advantage of the apparatus is the negation of piston and mount rotation, a feature not typically possible with cylindrical hydraulic cylinders.
US07987762B2

A armor system for protecting a vehicle from a projectile, the projectile having an expected trajectory and the vehicle having a hull, is disclosed. The armor system has a modular armor subsystem configured to be mounted exterior to the vehicle hull. The modular armor subsystem has a leading layer having metal, leading relative to the expected projectile trajectory, and an intermediate sheet-like layer having low density material, of a density less than metal, abutting a rear surface of the leading layer. The armor system also has an intermediate sheet-like layer having glass fiber material and abutting a rear surface of the intermediate low density material layer, and an intermediate sheet-like layer having metal and abutting a rear surface of the intermediate glass fiber layer.
US07987760B1

Systems and methods are presented herein that provide for ignition of explosive devices through electric and/or electromagnetic discharge. In one embodiment, an electrostatic discharge is directionally propagated through air to conduct electric current to the explosive device. The electric current may ignite the explosive device via heat, via triggering of ignition circuitry, via induced electric current conduction to the explosive material therein and/or via direct electric conduction to the explosive material therein. Alternatively, or in addition to, electromagnetic energy may be directionally propagated to the device through a waveguide. Such electromagnetic energy may be in the microwave region and may heat and/or induce electric current in the explosive device. In either instance, the directionally propagated energy may be time varying. In one embodiment, a system is configured with a vehicle to distally position the directionally propagated energy to the explosive device such that damage caused by the device is inhibited.
US07987757B2

A bread slicer is provided, which includes a receiving area for receiving a loaf of bread; a return area for delivering sliced bread; and a path along which the bread moves from the receiving area to the return area. The path includes a substantially downwardly inclined surface extending from the rear of the receiving area to the return area. The slicer has a slicing element for slicing the bread as it passes from the receiving area to the return area; and a guard for preventing access to the slicing element from the receiving area. The guard is fixed relative to a guide mechanism, the guide mechanism being movable along a path divergent from the inclined path to advance the loaf along the path.
US07987755B2

A device for forming envelopes from a continuous flat strip of a sleeve-like foil material, comprising a supply member, a cutting member for making a cut over the full width of the material so as to provide individual envelopes, and a discharge member for discharging the envelopes. The cutting member comprises at least two cutting elements movable relative to the strip of material, each cutting element comprising at least one cutting blade extending parallel to the width of the strip, such that the individual cutting blades form several partial cuts contiguous to each other in the foil material over the width thereof in successive cutting operations.
US07987744B2

A pliers-type gripping tool includes a pair of gripping jaws, a pair of pivotally connected hand grip levers for operating the gripping jaws between an open separated condition and a closed gripping condition, and an adjusting device for varying one of the physical operating properties of the tool. In one embodiment, the hand grip levers are sectional, and the adjusting device includes an angle setting arrangement for determining the angular relationship of the sections, thereby to permit use of the tool to engage an object at a relatively inaccessible location. In a second embodiment, at least one of the levers includes a metal lever body member partially enclosed by a synthetic plastic shell member. An adjusting device controls the lateral relative positions of the lever body and shell members to adjust the effective thickness of the hand grips to correspond with the size of the hand of the user.
US07987742B2

A transportation apparatus operable to linearly transport an object includes a first transmission unit provided in a first intermediate table and which is operable to transmit torque from one of a pair of first links to one of a pair of second links. The transmission unit includes a pair of pulleys supported by a pair of first intermediate shafts and fixed to the one of the first links and the one of the second links; and an upper belt and lower belt are partially wound around the pulley in opposite directions with each other and fixed to the pulleys so as to transmit the torque. One of the pulley is divided into an upper part fixed with the upper belt and a lower fixed with the lower belt in an axial direction of the first intermediate shafts.
US07987740B2

A transmission includes an input member, an output member, a first and second interconnecting member, a plurality of countershafts, a reverse member, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.
US07987738B2

A rotary selector forms a control element for inputting a setting value to an electronic control system, in particular for a control device of an electronic domestic appliance, such as a washing machine, a dishwasher, or the like. The rotary selector has a rotatably mounted control portion and an adapter non-rotatably connected to the control portion. The adapter has a latching section with side faces arranged uniformly about its periphery. Coaxially with the latching section of the adapter is a stationary spring element formed with elastic legs arranged uniformly about a periphery of the latching section and which extend tangentially relative to the side faces of the latching section. The number of the side faces of the latching section is an integral multiple of the number of the elastic legs of the spring element.
US07987727B2

A semiconductor pressure sensor is provided that includes a diaphragm, a resistive element arranged at an upper portion of the diaphragm, an insulating film arranged on an upper face of the resistive element and an upper face of the diaphragm, a via that penetrates through a portion of the insulating film and comes into contact with the resistive element, and wiring that is electrically connected to the resistive element through the via. The insulating film includes a concave portion having a bottom face that is substantially flat. The wiring is arranged on the bottom face of the concave portion, and the depth of the concave portion is substantially equal to the thickness of the wiring.
US07987724B2

The apparatus and method prevent inspection omission when ultrasonic flaw detection using a transducer array is applied to inspection of a test object being conveyed at a high speed. The method for inspecting a cross section of a test object using a transducer array comprised of many ultrasonic transducers arranged in one dimension includes the steps of transmitting ultrasonic waves from some or all of the ultrasonic transducers in the transducer array, receiving reflected waves generated by the transmitted ultrasonic waves using some or all of the ultrasonic transducers in the transducer array, converting the received signals into digital waveform signals, transforming the timing between the digitalized signal data received by each transducer element in at least one transducer group, which includes plural transducer elements selected from the transducer array, on the basis of the distances between the transducer element and spatially continuous focuses of receiving beam set to be formed in the test object; and summing all the timing-transformed signals received by transducer elements in the transducer group.
US07987723B2

There is provided a copying apparatus that copies a workpiece, includes a shoe that is brought into contact with the workpiece, an air cylinder that enables moving the shoe in a vertical direction, a clamping mechanism that grasps the workpiece from side surfaces placed in a direction orthogonal to a traveling direction and, and a lateral translatory slide guide that slides the clamping mechanism in the direction.
US07987721B2

The invention relates to a method and a measuring and evaluation device for determining defects in a turbine blade and to a fixing device for fixing a probe to a turbine blade surface.
US07987708B1

An apparatus for the testing of downhole a injection assembly prior to installation of the injection assembly in the completion string. The apparatus is comprised an injection tubing, an injection sub, an injection valve, an injection sub test block, a pressure foot, a pressure foot test block, and means for introducing pressure at a desired level. The injection sub test block, pressure foot, pressure foot test block are interchangeably engageable with the injection sub for testing in a sequence to allow the pre-testing of the connections of components of the injection assembly at the surface of the well.
US07987695B2

A particulate monitor includes a housing, an air-moving device coupled to the housing, and an air passageway disposed at least partially within the housing. The air-moving device is operable to create an airflow through the air passageway. The particulate monitor may include a real-time measuring device positioned at least partially within the housing and in fluid communication with the air passageway and a particulate collection device positioned at least partially within the housing and in fluid communication with the air passageway. A collection device may be positioned downstream of the real-time measuring device. At least one impactor may be movably coupled to the housing to be movable between a first position adjacent the air passageway and a second position displaced from the air passageway.
US07987692B2

An apparatus for aligning and leveling an associated vehicle door having an elongated member, a head member attached to said elongated member adapted to engage a vehicle door lock recess, a support member extending downwardly from said elongated member towards a vehicle door and a support plate attached to said support member adapted to rest on said vehicle door. The apparatus is designed to aid in the leveling and aligning processes of a vehicle door after assembly of the vehicle. The elongated member may include a series of bends to improve the ergonomic efficiency of the vehicle door leveler.
US07987686B2

There is provided a manufacturing apparatus of a porous glass base material which can prevent soot from being formed on an upper surface (ceiling) of the process chamber, and reduce the amount of soot that comes off the upper surface and falls. A manufacturing apparatus of a porous glass base material 4 deposits glass particles produced by subjecting a material gas to flame hydrolysis, onto a starting member 1 placed vertically. Here, a plurality of gas inlets 5 are provided in one or more lateral walls of a process chamber including a burner 2 for the deposition therein, in upper portions of the lateral walls and along a ceiling of the process chamber.
US07987677B2

Turbine exhaust steam, axially fed between counter-rotating radial flow disk turbines, separates into: (1) a radially inward flow of low enthalpy dry steam, and (2) a radially outward flow of high enthalpy steam, noncondensibles, and condensate. The radially inward flow goes to a conventional condenser. The radially outward flow loses enthalpy turning the disk turbines as it passes in the boundary layers against the disks, thus becoming low enthalpy dry steam, and the counter-rotation of the disks by impinging mass flow of condensate, high enthalpy steam, and noncondensibles sustains a cascade of dynamic vortex tubes in the shear layer between the boundary layers. The low enthalpy dry steam resulting from work being done flows into the condenser through the vortex cores of fractal turbulence. Condensate exits the periphery of the workspace, ready to be pumped back into the Rankine cycle.
US07987672B2

A turbocharger protection system for an engine system that includes a particulate filter and a turbocharger comprises a delta pressure estimator that estimates a pressure difference in a particulate filter. A pressure factor estimator module estimates a pressure factor based on the difference and barometric pressure. A fuel limit estimator module protects the turbocharger by selectively limiting fuel injection to the engine based on the pressure factor.
US07987662B2

A method of operating an internal combustion engine having a reductant delivery and storage system in an emission control system is disclosed. The method includes an approach for reducing thermal damage to aftertreatment devices in an exhaust system by reducing excessive exhaust gas temperatures created during particulate filter regeneration.
US07987661B2

A method for determining malfunction of a nitrogen oxide sensor compares a nitrogen oxide amount detected by the sensor with a predetermined value of nitrogen oxide. If the difference between the predetermined value and the amount detected by the sensor is within a predetermined range, the method determines whether an engine is in a steady state. If the engine is in a steady state, the method changes one or more engine control parameters, thereby varying an actual nitrogen oxide amount. After changing the parameters, the method determines whether the amount detected by the sensor changes. The method determines that the sensor is malfunctioning if the amount detected by the sensor does not change. A selective catalytic reduction system includes a first nitrogen oxide sensor, a selective catalytic reduction apparatus, and a second nitrogen oxide sensor, all disposed in an exhaust pipe. A control portion performs the above-described method.
US07987656B2

A system and apparatus for controlling height of a header of a work machine such as an agricultural windrowing machine or a harvesting machine, which includes height control cylinders jointly or individually operable for raising or lowering the opposite ends of a header to achieve a desired overall height or angle of tilt in relation to the surface of a field or pasture to be cut, and which allow the header to be raised, and lowered to the previously selected cut height, without changing the lengths of the cylinders, so as to be usable in combination with an optional header lift and/or float system.
US07987653B2

An embossed carrier tape manufacturing apparatus includes features for integrating with other processing equipment so that other processes such as forming, filling, and sealing the tape can be performed sequentially in one integrated process. The apparatus includes retractable contact spot heaters for heating the tape prior to embossing, along with a unique heat shield arrangement that is interposable between the heaters and the tape so that the process may be paused. Also, a synchronizing apparatus is integrated so that the carrier tape embossing process may be automatically paused for adjusting to the input rate of other carrier tape processing apparatus.
US07987643B2

A system for fastening an element, particularly made of fragile material such as glass, to a bearing structure or a framework at least at one point. At least at one fastening point, the system includes a mechanical connection device for fixing the element to a framework or bearing structure or connecting to an adjacent similar element. At least one arm at a first end is connected to a fastener mechanically connected to the element, and at a second end is connected to a joining piece. The joining piece includes a tubular envelope that contains a mechanism for adjusting degrees of freedom of the fixing or of the connection. A wall including at least one fixed or opening element can be fixed to a structure or a framework by such a mechanical connection device.
US07987635B2

A partition system includes a first pilaster and a door coupled to the first pilaster and rotatable from a closed position to an open position. The door is configurable in a first configuration wherein the door is rotatable from the closed position to the open position in a first direction and prevented from rotating in a second direction from the closed position, the second direction opposite the first direction. The door is further configurable in a second configuration wherein the door is rotatable from the closed position to the open position in the second direction and prevented from rotating in the first direction from the closed position. The door is coupled to the first pilaster to define a seam and prevents a line of sight from being established through the seam.
US07987625B1

Devices, and methods of extending legs from vertical fore grip handles on firearms, such as rifles, to different height positions. The vertical fore grip can include expandable bipod legs. The legs can be individually extended to different lengths by moving telescoping rod members in leg housings from retracted positions to extended positions. A lever switch can allow for the legs to be locked into the different extended positions, and depressing the switch can allow for the legs to go back to the retracted positions. Anti-rotation pins and slots can prevent the telescoping members from rotating relative to the legs.
US07987623B1

Adapter devices, apparatus, systems and methods of allowing a firearm to be supported by a foldable fore grip/gun handle. The fore grip gun handle can have bipod type legs that can be extendable from the handle. The fore grip handle can be just a vertical extension. The adapter can allow for the fore grip/gun handle to move from a fold back position along the bottom of the firearm so that the firearm can be easily carried, and the adapter to can allow for the handle to move down to a vertical support position beneath the firearm when the firearm is to be used. The adapter can also support a light in both a folded position and in a downwardly extended position, where light can be aimed forward, rearward to the side and/or pointed down from the firearm. The adapter can allow for a dual functioning component that can be either or both a fore grip and/or a light source. Other versions of the adapter can include a slidable thumb switch for locking a swinging plate with picatinny side rails to a main plate, and spring loaded detents for locking the swinging plate in substantially vertical orientations. Additionally, a folding rail system can be substituted for the existing picatinny rail system on firearms. The folding rail can have mounting holes for allowing the entire folding rail to be directly attached to the firearm, and have a hinge for allowing portions of the picatinny rails to pivot relative to the rest of the picatinny rails.
US07987610B2

The present invention relates to a method of examining an aperture diameter of a disk substrate having a circular aperture in the central portion thereof, the method including: attempting to pass a standard sphere for the aperture diameter through the aperture; and inspecting the aperture diameter of the disk substrate, based on whether the sphere passes through the aperture or not. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an examination apparatus thereof.
US07987598B2

A dynamic bearing manufacturing includes steps of: providing a bearing and a processing tool, the bearing having an axial hole, and the processing tool having at least one protruding pattern formed on an exterior wall of the processing tool; positioning the processing tool into the axial hole of the bearing; pressing the processing tool to contact with an inner wall of the bearing so as to transfer and print the protruding pattern of the processing tool onto the inner wall of the bearing; rotating the processing tool at a first rotation speed and driving the bearing to rotate at a second rotation speed; and forming at least one concave pattern on the inner wall of the bearing, and the at least one concave pattern being corresponding to the protruding pattern of the processing tool.
US07987597B2

An automated fabrication system is provided that utilizes electromagnetism to manipulate and/or sense the location of raw materials on a platform. Tools located around said platform may be utilized to fabricate a predetermined structure out of the raw materials. Tags that can be electromagnetically manipulated and sensed may be placed on passive raw materials. Structures fabricated from such a system may be, for example, a roof truss. Additionally, the fabrication system may be mobilized by way of a truck such that structures may be built on-site.
US07987596B2

A method for installing an interior structure for a mobile platform is provided. The method includes carrying a lightweight collapsible frame through a man-door of a mobile platform while the collapsible frame is in a collapsed state. The collapsed frame is then expanded to provide at least a portion of a load bearing frame for a mobile platform interior structure. A plurality of interchangeable panels are removable attached to the collapsible frame to form interior surfaces of the mobile platform interior structure.
US07987595B2

A method for making a probe card includes: mounting a plurality of probe needles on a probe-mounting seat; forming a conductive protective coating on tips of the probe needles; and bonding the probe needles to a printed circuit board through welding techniques after formation of the conductive protective coating on the tips of the probe needles.
US07987590B2

An insulating sheet including resin is attached to a conductor portion composed of a wiring pattern and a columnar conductor from above. Then pressure and heat are applied to the insulating sheet using the columnar conductor as a stopper to form a layer of resin having a uniform thickness with the height of the columnar conductor being a reference to cover the conductor portion. In such method for manufacturing an electronic part, a projecting portion is formed outside a part formation area. In this substrate sheet, the amount of the resin required for forming the layer is computed based on the proportion of the volume taken up by the conductor portion in a domain including the projecting portion, and the thickness of the insulating sheet is set in accordance with the computed resin amount.
US07987587B2

A method is described by which an electrical path is created between layers on a printed circuit board (PCB) without the use of plated through holes (PTH). Through the use of a liquid solder or conductive epoxy injection fixture, a conductive path is created in pre-drilled holes forming an electrical connection between internal PCB metal layers and surface mounted components without the creation of parasitic stubs on the signal nets.
US07987580B2

A method of fabricating conducting crossover structures for power inductors comprises providing a first lead frame array including first lead frames, providing a second lead frame array including said second lead frames, stamping one side of a second lead frame array to define first and second terminals of said second lead frames, at least one of coating, spraying, applying and/or attaching an insulating material to said first lead frame array to form a first laminate, stamping said first laminate in a direction from said insulating material towards said first lead frame array to define first and second terminals of said first lead frames; and arranging said insulating material of said first laminate adjacent to and in contact with said one side of said second lead frame array to form a second laminate.
US07987577B2

A method for providing a molded body and for inserting said molded body into a hollow bar section with a cross-section of a predetermined width and height that remains constant over its length, from which a frame-type spacer for insulating glass panes is subsequently configured, the molded body bridging a gap in said spacer. According to said method, a strand-type semi-finished product with a cross-section that remains constant over its length is provided; the semi-finished product is positioned in relation to a separation tool in such a way that a predefined section of the semi-finished product lies on one side and the remaining section of the semi-finished product lies on the other side of a separation plane of the separation tool and the length of the predefined section that is measured in the longitudinal direction of the semi-finished product is adapted to the inner width of the hollow bar section.
US07987575B2

The invention relates to a method and a device for applying films (10) to interior wall sections of the bodywork (7) of a vehicle with the aid of an instrument or robot (6) comprising a multi-membered articulated arm (18, 19) and gripping elements (21) for the films. To reduce the mounting time, the robot (6) is driven through an opening (14) in the interior of the bodywork (7), the films (10) to be applied are transported by transport elements (11) to the vicinity of the interior or into the interior of the bodywork (7) and the delivered films (10) are taken from the transport elements by the robot (6) and its gripping elements (21) and are applied to the respective interior wall sections.
US07987567B2

A machine tool has a pair of guide rails and a pair of upper and lower ball screws. No forces are transferred between a beam of a double column frame and a movable unit. The guide rails are spaced from each other and disposed on a bed, and the movable unit is horizontally movably supported on the guide rails. The upper and lower ball screws are mounted respectively on upper and lower portions of the double column frame for moving the movable unit horizontally. Even when the beam is deformed by flexing downwardly by gravity, the movable unit moves stably and smoothly at a high speed to machine a workpiece highly accurately without being adversely affected by the deformation of the beam.
US07987565B1

A grooved-stile shutter has a shutter frame with elongated stiles, inserts, louver end caps and louvers. The stiles define grooves disposed along opposite facing stile edges. The elongated inserts are installed into the stile grooves. The louver end caps rotatably mount along the inserts. The louvers removably mount to the louver end caps within the shutter frame. In this manner, the louvers can be individually removed and replaced without disassembly of the assembled shutter frame.
US07987564B2

The invention relates to an urn column, consisting of a segment (0) with a hollow body (1) which serves to receive and store a plurality of urn capsules (2). The urn capsules (2) are wrapped in urn carrier bags (3) with vertically adjustable carrying straps (4), and inserted into the upper cavity opening (5), suspended one above the other, extending from the bottom up. In so doing, each urn carrier bag (3), filled with the urn capsule (2), is fastened with vertically adjustable carrying straps (4) to the upper suspension annulus (6) and fixed in its particular position in the hollow body (1) of the urn column. The suspension annulus (6) is firmly connected to the upper cavity opening (5) of the urn column and both are covered with a cover (7) in any desired form. On the urn column surface the marking (8) of the urn column contents is provided by means of a suspension apparatus (9) which permits the attachment of flower vase holders (10) and grave candle holders (11). The bottom anchoring is effected via a concrete foundation (12) to permit a space-saving, vertical erection of the urn column on any desired ground.
US07987555B2

A hinged slide rail with buffering function, which includes a rail to which a hinge is mounted. The hinge has a movable blade and a fixed blade between which a buffering device is coupled. The buffering device is housed in a retention frame. The retention frame has an end forming a limiting structure. The buffering device has an active rod coupled to the limiting structure. The movable blade includes a pull bar that is connected to the limiting structure. The hinged slide rail is installed between a door panel and a body of a cabinet to remarkably enhance the convenience of operation and eliminates the potential problems of generating noise and clamping and hurting users.
US07987551B2

A vacuum cleaner is provided. The vacuum cleaner may include a dust collection container that stores dust, a compression member that is provided in the dust collection container and which is capable of rotating in first and second directions, and a driver that rotates the compression member. The compression member rotates in a first space corresponding to a first angle range and at least a portion of the dust is stored in a second space corresponding to a second angle range.
US07987548B1

A leaf and lawn vacuum bagger has a housing that is attached to the exhaust outlet of a conventional leaf and lawn blower/vacuum or mulching device, and a conventional disposable trash bag is releasably attached to the housing for capturing the vacuumed yard debris. When the disposable bag is full or otherwise, it may be easily detached and another disposable bag easily affixed to collect more vacuumed leaf and yard debris. Alternatively, the vacuumed leaf and lawn debris can be collected and retained in the housing for later removal.
US07987544B2

The attachment system includes a brushhead assembly having a spring/carrier combination which comprises a spring assembly and a separate carrier assembly, adapted to mate as a combination with a receiving portion, in the form of a cup member, at the top of the handle of the toothbrush. The spring/carrier combination includes a slot which mates snugly with a vertical rib on the inside surface of the cup member, and further includes a portion which opposes the slot on the spring/carrier combination which mates snugly with a cut-out portion in the cup member, to prevent rotational movement of the brushhead relative to the handle. The spring/carrier assembly further includes two opposing spring finger elements, wherein the lower ends of the spring fingers fit into corresponding openings in opposing sides of the cup member when the spring/carrier assembly is operatively positioned in the cup member, tending to prevent translational movement of the brushhead relative to the handle.
US07987539B2

Disclosed is the use of the compound of formula wherein R1 is hydrogen; or C1-C5alkyl for the fungicidal treatment of hard surfaces and textile fiber materials. The compounds of formula (1) impart antifungal properties to washed textile material. Bacteria that get on the textile material while it is being worn are destroyed.
US07987533B2

A shower water construction system for a child/user, which also functions as a showering system and utilizes a pre-existing bath/shower unit as a supporting structure. The construction system comprises a main control valve to divert water from a pre-existing shower water pipe stem, a pressure regulator to limit water pressure to downstream components, child/user control and diverter valves to allow for turning the system off and on and allocating water flow between components, semi-rigid and flexible pipe, “Y” connectors and suction cups and brackets. Other components, such as a hand-held sprayer, spraying bathtub mat and spraying shower curtain may also be integrated/connected into the system.
US07987529B1

An apparatus for discharging bodily wastes has a receptacle for holding a person's bodily waste products, including an upwardly facing opening for receiving the waste products. A forward load-bearing member extends from the receptacle to provide a support for at least one foot of a person discharging waste products into the receptacle. A rear load-bearing member arranged to engage the lower torso of the person above the buttocks when the person has at least one foot in the forward load-bearing member. The rear load-bearing member and the forward load bearing member are spaced apart a distance that is sufficient to hold a person therebetween with the person's buttocks suspended over the opening of the receptacle and the person's center of gravity behind the one foot supported in the forward load bearing member.
US07987524B2

A long-sleeved, pullover-type upper body garment has a continuous slit, which runs up the side of the garment from the bottom of garment body to an arm pit, and downward along the underside of a sleeve, and terminates at a point intermediately along the length of the sleeve. The segment of the slit that is in the body of the garment is temporarily closeable using mating hook-and-loop fastener members that are attached to the body of the garment on opposite sides of the slit. The segment of the slit in the upper portion of the sleeve remains at all times “open”, thereby allowing access to the middle and/or upper end of the wearer's arm for attachment of IV tubing or other medical lines. The circumference of the lower end (e.g., forearm portion) of the sleeve is neither separable nor openable, thereby requiring that a wearer insert his/her hand through the lower portion of the sleeve. The garment can be donned or removed by a patient to whom mid-arm medical lines are attached, without necessitating detachment of the medical lines. Conversely, mid-arm medical lines can be attached to a wearer's arm without necessitating rolling up of the sleeve or removal of the garment.
US07987520B2

A concealable shoulder-supported harness system for a belt fastened around the torso of a wearer, includes a support portion adapted for operative engagement with the upper torso of the wearer above the belt, wherein the support portion is further adapted for concealment within an outer garment having a portion of the garment extending substantially through the interior side of the belt, and a fastening portion extending from a lower end of the support portion through an aperture in the outer garment located proximate to the belt, wherein the fastening portion further includes an attachment mechanism for securing attachment to the belt. The present invention is further directed to a clothing attire utilizing the same.
US07992215B2

The invention described herein is generally directed to a method and apparatus for creating and retrieving audio data. In one implementation the invention comprises an annotation system configured to record, store, and retrieve media. The annotation system contains a set of client-processing devices configured to capture media for subsequent playback. Each client-processing device typically contains a record button to initiate the capture and is configured upon performing the capture operation to trigger an association of a unique ID with the media. The client-processing devices are further configured to upload the media and a unique ID to a server for purposes of storage. The server obtains the media and unique ID for subsequent retrieval and provides the media and the unique ID to at least one client-processing device from the set of client processing devices.
US07992202B2

Provided are an apparatus and method for inputting a graphical password that use representative pictures and elemental pictures of a graphic to form a graphical password and that receive the graphic via a wheel interface and a select button for user authentication. The apparatus includes: an input unit having a wheel interface and a select button; a display for displaying a graphic consisting of representative pictures and elemental pictures, and displaying a changed graphic in response to an input from the wheel interface; a memory for storing a graphical password of a user; and a controller for recognizing, when the select button is pressed, the graphic displayed on the display as a user-input graphical password, and determining whether the input graphical password matches the stored graphical password for user authentication. Thus, it is possible to increase the number of cases for a password using a wheel interface for a higher security level of an embedded system that has a low security level due to a limited type and length of letters input as a password.
US07992197B2

Disclosed are apparatus and methods for associating a mobile device with a web service or a user account. A unique code is displayed on the mobile device. The unique code is associated with a user account or web service to be utilized with the mobile device. Instructions for a user to enter the unique code in an authentication process via an authentication portal of a management device are also displayed. After it is determined that a user has performed the authentication process, any user identification, which has been associated with the unique code, is then obtained from the management device. The obtained user identification is then stored for use by the mobile device. After user identification has been obtained and stored, the stored user identification is used for the mobile device to participate in an authentication process for authorizing the mobile device to utilize a web service or user account associated with the user identification. The authentication process is participated in by the mobile device without requiring input from the user during such authentication process.
US07992186B2

A broadcasting receiver implements volume control by first software (OCAP application) for volume control obtained from outside or second software (receiver application) for volume control pre-installed. The broadcasting receiver determines whether the first software is obtained or not. When it is determined that the first software is obtained, the broadcasting receiver sends a volume control command which is received by a command receiver to the first software, and otherwise, sends the volume control command to the second software.
US07992179B1

The present invention may be regarded as personal video recorder and a method of selecting a pay per view program to be transmitted to a personal video recorder having a program receiver. A schedule of pay per view programs is obtained. Each of the pay per view programs has a title and at least one transmission time and an associated transmission channel for each transmission time. A title list comprising the titles of at least one pay per view program is generated based on the schedule. The title list is provided to a display device for display to a user. A selection by title of the pay per view program to be received by the program receiver is received from the user. A potential transmission time of the pay per view program to be received by the program receiver is determined based on the at least one transmission time. Alternatively, selection of the pay per view program to be received by the program receiver may be based on user's preferences or a pre-selected list of titles.
US07992177B2

A high definition video transmitter and receiver are disclosed. The transmitter provides high definition video to a one-point receiver or to multipoint receivers. The transmission network is asynchronous and the receiver re-synchronizes the video. The transmission can be wired or wireless.
US07992175B2

Methods and apparatus to provide content on demand in content broadcast systems are disclosed. An example method comprises receiving a first portion of a program via broadcast signal and receiving a second portion of the program via an Internet protocol (IP) based signal. The example method may further comprise combining the first and the second portions and at least one of store the combined first and second portions in a file or playback the combined first and second portions.
US07992173B2

A receiver that provides continuous scrolling when a program guide is displayed and scrolled in a channel direction, even if displayed content extends across transponders. Front-end circuits, and a memory circuit that accumulates received data are provided. An OSD circuit that forms an image signal in accordance with the data accumulated in the memory circuit and a system control circuit are provided. The control circuit performs control such that, in a period in which an image is displayed using the data received by the front-end circuit and accumulated in the memory circuit, the front-end circuit receives another transponder and accumulates data to be required next in the memory circuit, and in a period in which an image is displayed using the data received by the front-end circuit and accumulated in the memory circuit, the front-end circuit receives another transponder and accumulates data to be required next in the memory circuit.
US07992171B2

A controlled content distribution system (CCDS) employs a peer-level application into which a content producer can import digital content (e.g., video, audio, graphic, image, text, code files, etc.) The content producer identifies distribution parameters including an initial distribution list and a level limit representing the maximum number of levels, or degrees of separation for allowed distribution in a FOAF social network. Distribution parameters also include an alteration definition for one or more allowable levels in the network. Alteration definitions may identify a file degradation characteristic, file augmentation, or deletion parameter for altering the digital content from its original form. Alteration definitions often vary at each level. A distribution package is created by the CCDS and includes the digital content, a configuration data file, a key ID and a license key seed. The distribution package is processed at a FOAF license server before being sent to additional content recipients.
US07992152B2

In a server/client system in which a plurality of servers and a client are connected through a network, and process-executing servers execute a process based on a process request from the client and transmit a process result to the client, a load distribution device includes a process information receiving unit that receives information on the process from the client; a determining unit that determines a server to execute the process from among the process-executing servers based on the information on the process; and a server information transmitting unit that transmits information on determined servers to the client, and the client includes a server information receiving unit that receives transmitted information on the servers; and a process request transmitting unit that transmits the process request to the determined servers.
US07992151B2

Apparatuses, systems, and methods to monitor core performance and integrated circuit chip temperatures in order to alternatively partition cores and core resources are disclosed. Embodiments generally comprise integrated circuit processors in chips that contain multiple cores or processing elements. In many system and apparatus embodiments, a module monitors either the throughput or performance of one or more of the cores. In such embodiments, another module, a core allocation module, partitions or allocates cores in different arrangements of partitions to improve performance. Additionally, in some embodiments, a temperature monitoring module monitors one or more temperatures of the chip containing the cores, wherein the temperature measurements may affect the core allocations. In some embodiments, once an allocation for the cores is selected, the specifics of the cores to be placed in different partitions may be stored and later retrieved when triggered by events allowing for the reallocation of the cores.
US07992150B2

A computer implemented method, a data processing system, and computer usable program code for improving thread posting efficiency in a multiprocessor data processing system are provided. Aspects of the present invention first receive a set of threads from an application. The aspects of the present invention then group the set of threads with a plurality of processors based on a last execution of the set of threads on the plurality of processors to form a plurality of groups. The threads in each group in the plurality of groups are all last executed on a same processor. The aspects of the present invention then wake up the threads in the plurality of groups in any order.
US07992149B2

A method for communicating from a first virtual machine, defined by a virtual machine operating system, to an external device via a local area network (LAN). The virtual machine operating system also defines other virtual machines and a base portion common to all of the virtual machines. The first virtual machine writes an IP datagram to an output buffer allocated to the first virtual machine. The IP datagram comprises data and a destination IP address associated with the external device. The program functions in the base portion read the IP datagram from the output buffer to determine the destination IP address and then copy the IP datagram from the output buffer into storage allocated to the common base portion whereby the IP datagram passes from the first virtual machine into the common base portion storage without passing through any other virtual machines. Then, the program functions request a tangible adapter card for the network to send the IP datagram to the IP destination address.
US07992148B2

The present invention discloses a solution that automatically decomposes a batch process into multiple units of work without changing code of a pre-existing batch application. In the solution, the batch application is first analyzed to identify a set of processing segments or units of work, where each unit of work is of a size that minimizes interference with other data accesses. Once each unit of work is defined, these units can execute one at a time. A syncpoint can be established for each unit before it is executed, which locks the records included in the unit. After the unit of work executes, the record lock can be released and a new syncpoint can be established for the next unit. If an execution problem occurs, execution for the unit of work can be terminated and chances can be restored to the syncpoint.
US07992147B2

A processor includes a processor control register with a control flag that determines an operating mode of the processor. A pointer to a guest virtual machine context in a portion of a random access memory (RAM) is coupled to the processor. An execution control unit tests a first flag in the guest virtual machine context, the first flag to indicate whether the control flag is owned by a guest virtual machine associated with the guest virtual machine context. The execution control unit maintains the control flag in the processor control register if the control flag is owned by the guest virtual machine and maintains the control flag in a shadow location in the guest virtual machine context if the control flag is not owned by the guest virtual machine.
US07992145B2

A job completion architecture, includes content that is specified as a hierarchical tree of related content units and a set of multilevel tickets associated with instances of the hierarchically arranged content units. The job manager applies the multilevel tickets, specifying property settings at potentially multiple levels within the hierarchical tree, according to a qualified inheritance rule wherein settings applicable to a set of lower level properties that are specified within a first (higher level) ticket are incorporated into the merged settings to the extent a second (lower level) ticket does not specify settings for the set of lower level properties. If a same property is specified in both a higher and lower level ticket, during merging a setting specified in the lower level ticket overrides the higher level ticket setting.
US07992144B1

A network system that provides for separating and isolating control of processing entities in a network interface. A network interface unit is operably connected to a plurality of processing entities and a plurality of memory units that define a shared memory space. The network interface unit further comprises a memory access module that includes a plurality of memory access channels, a packet classifier, and a plurality of scheduling control modules that are operable to control processing of data transported by the network. One of the processing entities operates as a hypervisor to configure control resources to isolate operation of the plurality of data processing partitions to process data transported by the network system. The packet classifier is operable to provide an association between packets and the plurality of asymmetrical data processing. In various embodiments of the invention, the asymmetrical data processing partitions can comprise a plurality of processor cores, a single processor core, a combination of strands of an individual processor core or a single strand of an individual processor core. The asymmetrical data processing partitions are scalable by adding additional processing entities.
US07992139B2

A method, system and program product for transforming a source code in one language into one or more target modules in one or more languages is provided. The method includes selecting one or more target programming languages suitable for transforming each source module of a source code into one or more target modules written in one or more target programming languages. The method further includes parsing the source code and looking up for a source function in the source code an equivalent target function in a target programming language, such that execution of the equivalent target function in the target programming language is optimized. The method further includes writing out in the target programming language the equivalent target function corresponding to the source function, such that each source module is transformed into one or more target modules whose execution in the one or more target programming languages is optimized.
US07992130B2

Dynamic dispatch for classes and interfaces is encapsulated in a class-less scripting language. A plurality of mechanisms is employed to facilitate dynamic polymorphism. One or more target-language constructs, such as dictionary objects, prototype objects and/or derived types, are utilized to capture class and interface-method implementations. These constructs are subsequently referenced at runtime to invoke appropriate code.
US07992127B2

A system and method for automatically generating web services from an existing web site having web page based business processes or transactions. A script is generated representative of the user navigation sequence involved to perform the transaction. The script elements include the web application calls, input/output parameters, and the interrelation between the elements of the transaction. A WSDL file, web service interface code, and web service implementation code are automatically, i.e. computer-aided, generated from the navigation script without a user required to have advance programming skills. The web service may be published locally to the web site or on a remote site.
US07992123B2

A method of engineering change to a semiconductor circuit includes: performing a first synthesis with optimization of a first HDL code to generate a first circuit; performing a first physical design of the first circuit to generate a post layout circuit; modifying the first HDL code to generate a second HDL code, and performing a second synthesis with optimization of the first and second HDL codes while forcibly preserving elements to generate a second circuit and a third circuit, respectively; performing an ECO cone-pair extraction operation of the second and third circuit to generate at least one ECO cone-pair; and obtaining an ECO logic and an element to be replaced according to the ECO cone-pair and the post layout circuit, and then replacing the element to be replaced in the post layout circuit with the ECO logic gate circuit, thereby modifying the post layout circuit into a post layout ECO circuit.
US07992120B1

Various techniques are provided for estimating signal congestion in a programmable logic device (PLD). In one example, a computer-implemented method of estimating signal congestion in routing resources of a PLD is provided. The routing resources comprise a plurality of nodes and a plurality of wires which may be selectively interconnected to provide a plurality of signal paths through the routing resources of the PLD. The method includes determining a plurality of wire congestion values. Each of the wire congestion values identifies a relative likelihood of a corresponding one of the wires being used to provide the signal paths in comparison with the other wires. The method also includes selecting a region of the routing resources. The method further includes determining a congestion density estimate for the region using the wire congestion values associated with the wires of the region.
US07992113B1

An apparatus and methods for the production of satisfiability reports are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a method of producing a report is provided. The method includes generating a complete assignment for a CNF formula, deriving first second sets of clauses that are unsatisfied by the reference point, making decision assignments, performing BCP then recomputing the second set of clauses. One feature of this embodiment is that it provides for efficient solutions for SAT problems. Other embodiments provide apparatus and software products that implement the disclosed methods. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.
US07992107B2

An apparatus and method is disclosed for displaying a secondary layer of information in a graphical user interface where the second layer of information is revealed when a point on the circumference defined by radius “r” originating at the x,y coordinates of the cursor covers a point in a secondary content of the second layer. The circumference may be set to trigger appearance of secondary content gradually, all at once or to trigger the appearance of all secondary content in a predefined zone.
US07992104B2

A processing device and method may be provided for displaying a graph, including a number of icons. The icons may be thumbnail images of data elements of a data set. A position of the icons may indicate one or more attribute values of an associated set of attributes. A zooming-in operation may cause at least a portion of the displayed graph to be enlarged, such that at least some of the icons may be presented as enlarged, higher-resolution images. A zooming-out operation may cause the presented enlarged images to be reduced in size and presented in a context of the displayed graph. The enlarged images may include at least one selectable link. In some embodiments, when a displayed image, corresponding to an icon, is enlarged beyond a predetermined amount, the displayed image may be replaced by a corresponding data element of the data set.
US07992101B1

Method and apparatus for controlling a display of a data processing system. According to one embodiment of the invention, a method of controlling a display of a data processing system includes: displaying a first list as a scrollable view of items in a first mode; receiving an input to switch from the first mode to a second mode; and displaying, in the second mode, a representation of a command which when activated causes a display of a second list of the items. The first list is displayed within a window and the representation is displayed within the window. According to another embodiment of the invention, a method of controlling a display of a data processing system includes: displaying, in a first mode, a slider control having a slider which can be positioned in one of a plurality of positions to select a corresponding one of a plurality of parameters; receiving an input to switch from the first mode to a second mode; and displaying, in the second mode, a representation of a command which when activated causes a display of a list of items corresponding to at least a subset of the plurality of parameters.
US07992096B1

Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and devices for graphically managing and manipulating calendar data in a database, in a weekly view and in a monthly view. In either mode, a highlighted element is selected thereby causing a preview window to pop-up to display appointment details. The preview window and the image of the week or the month are displayed simultaneously.
US07992094B2

A method is presented for representing emergent data in intelligent icons. The intelligent icons are visually coded to represent the emergent data. When logically linked, the visual coding of linked intelligent icons changes in accordance with how the intelligent icons are linked.
US07992091B2

A computing device comprises a memory to store a first version of an eXtensible Markup Language (XML) message, a receiver to receive a second version of the XML message, a processor and a display interface. The display interface provides a user interface having a first control, a second control and a third control. The first control is to cause the processor to merge the second version with the first version to produce a third version of the XML message. The second control is to cause the processor to replace in the memory the first version with the second version of the XML message. The third control is to cause the processor to reject the second version of the XML message.
US07992088B2

A method (and structure) for editing elements of a first document based on elements of a second document, wherein the elements of the first have a template structure with each template including at least one match condition, the match condition being an expression in the template that describes a subset of nodes that are matched in a tree structure, and wherein the elements of the second document have a tree structure to which this matching is applicable, including comparing a first user-selected fragment of an element from the second document with a second user-selected fragment of an element from the second document to determine if a match condition exists that describes the relation between templates in the first document for which the match condition matches the two user-selected fragments of the second document and permitting at least one of a plurality of predefined editing operations on the first document if such a match condition exists.
US07992086B2

A system and method enabling comparative and interactive preview of the effects of different operational settings to facilitate adjustment of a media-playing set includes providing a memory to store a test sample for each control item and a demonstrational tool to generate a plurality of preview items for simultaneous presentation on the display while the settings of the control item are being adjusted, such preview items being based on the test sample such that each preview item reflects the effect on the sample caused by selection of a respective setting for the control item. A system and method enabling expanded interactive preview of the effects of operational settings similar to the above except the test sample is provided for grouped pairs of the control items and each preview item reflects the effect caused by selection of different combinations of settings for the control items in this grouped pair.
US07992085B2

A lightweight information user interface is provided for displaying information about a focused-on (e.g., mouse-over) text item, data item or other object in an electronic document that minimizes interruption of workflow with the electronic document. Upon focus on a word or other object in an electronic document a quick look-up function may be invoked for retrieving information from a local or remote information source about the focused-on item. Retrieved information, for example, translations, dictionary definitions and research information, is displayed in close proximity to the focused-on item in a lightweight information user interface. Information may be displayed according to a variety of media types including text, audio, video, pictures, bitmap images, etc.
US07992084B2

A document management apparatus that communicates with a server and manages confidentiality of electronic data generated by a confidentiality preservation program enables security management on data that is obtained with print screen function.
US07992076B2

In a method of rewriting a primary sector of a sector erasable semiconductor memory device, a bootloader code is copied from the primary sector to a second sector, all content of the first sector is subsequently erased, and the bootloader code is recopied from the second to the primary sector. Subsequently, an application code is written to a remaining unused part of the primary sector.
US07992073B2

A decoding apparatus includes a first decoder and a second decoder performing iterative decoding on each of a plurality of code blocks, each as a decoding unit, contained in a transport block, and a stop/end determination section determining whether or not to stop iterative decoding based on an output result from the second decoder. The stop/end determination section determines whether or not to stop the iterative decoding on each code block based on a determination result on whether error correction of iterative decoding in each code block is converted or not, and further determines whether or not to stop the iterative decoding of the transfer block based on the determination result in each code block. If it is determined that error correction of iterative decoding is not converted in one code block, the decoding process of the transport block containing the relevant code block is stopped.
US07992069B2

An error correction coding apparatus divides transmission information sequences in n subframes (n is an arbitrary natural number) into n1 subframes (n1 is a natural number
US07992065B2

A method for specifying a signaling protocol to be used by a controller in a group of controllers connected with shared signaling is provided in which the controller is selected based on selection criteria received by the controller and the signaling protocol is specified based on the received selection criteria.
US07992058B2

A system and method for loopback self testing. A system includes a host device and an endpoint device. The host device transmits unencoded test symbols. The endpoint device loops back the unencoded test symbols to the host device. The host device drives at least some bits of each unencoded test symbol onto host device data signals and drives at least some bits of each unencoded test symbol onto host device control signals.
US07992055B1

A system and method for providing autosupport functionality to a security system is provided. An event generator generates an event and passes the newly generated event to a system log (syslog) module and marks the event as being associated with an autosupport facility. The syslog module then forwards the new event to an event router, which determines that the new event is associated with the autosupport facility and should be forwarded to an autosupport daemon. The autosupport daemon examines the current state of its queue and determines whether a free slot exists for the newly received event notification. Should no free slot exist, the autosupport daemon logs the event with no further action being performed. However, should a free slot exist, the autosupport daemon initiates a child process to notify a pre-configured set of recipients of the event.
US07992053B2

A system has a plurality of information processing apparatuses, each comprising: a storage device that stores, for each occurrence pattern of events to be detected, a plurality of tasks for respectively determining whether a plurality of conditions are fulfilled; a process determination section that, in response to occurrence of an event, reads the plurality of tasks corresponding to the occurrence pattern including the event from the storage device, and determines which information processing apparatus is assigned to process each read task; a process execution section that processes a task assigned to be processed by the information processing apparatus, and instructs another information processing apparatus to process another task assigned to be processed by the other information processing apparatus; and a detection section that determines that the event has occurred if process results of the processed task and the instructed task fulfill the plurality of conditions.
US07992051B2

An apparatus, and computer program product are disclosed in a processor for dynamically, during runtime, allocating memory for in-memory hardware tracing. The processor is included within a data processing system. The processor includes multiple processing units that are coupled together utilizing a system bus. The processing units include a memory controller that controls a system memory. A particular size of the system memory is determined that is needed for storing trace data. A hardware trace facility requests, dynamically after the data processing system has completed booting, the particular size of the system memory to be allocated to the hardware trace facility for storing trace data that is captured by the hardware trace facility. The firmware selects particular locations within the system memory. All of the particular locations together are the particular size. The firmware allocates the particular locations for use exclusively by the hardware trace facility.
US07992049B2

A system comprises a circuit configured to execute instructions and output event data corresponding to the execution of the instructions. The system also comprises a monitoring device coupled to the circuit. The monitoring device receives information about said event data. The event data comprises event data selected from a group consisting of memory events and external events.
US07992044B2

A method for fault management. The method includes generating, in firmware of a computer system, a physical resource inventory (PRI) of a plurality of hardware components of the computer system, wherein the PRI defines a hierarchy of the hardware components. The method further includes traversing, by an enumerator executing in a fault manager, the PRI to generate a topology of the plurality of hardware components. The topology is used for fault management of the computer system.
US07992031B2

A system and associated method for automated disaster recovery (DR) planning. A DR planning process receives disaster recovery requirements and a target environment configuration from a user to design DR plans for the target environment configuration that meets disaster recovery requirements. The DR planning process accesses a knowledgebase containing information on replication technologies, best practice recipes, and past deployment instances. The DR planning process creates the DR plans by analyzing the disaster recovery requirements into element risks, associating replication technologies to protect each element risks, combining associated replication technologies based on the best practice recipes, and selecting highly evaluated combination based on the past deployment instances. The DR planning process presents the DR plans as classified by replication strategy-architecture combination for each DR plans and marks how strongly each DR plans are recommended.
US07992021B2

A power-managed server and method for managing power consumption is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a power-managed server data processing system is provided among a plurality of server data processing systems which comprises a power management communication port to communicatively couple the power-managed server data processing system to a power management server data processing system of the plurality of server data processing systems. The power-managed server data processing system of the described embodiment further comprises a system management processor coupled to the power management communication port which comprises power-managed logic configured to transmit power management data to the power management server data processing system and to receive a power management command utilizing the power management communication port. Moreover, the power management command is generated utilizing the power management data, and the power management data comprises power management capability data.
US07992009B2

A method of verifying programming of an integrated circuit card includes transferring program data to a page buffer of a non-volatile memory, copying the program data to a buffer memory, calculating a first checksum value with respect to program data in the buffer memory, updating the program data in the buffer memory by copying the program data of the page buffer to the buffer memory, calculating a second checksum value with respect to updated program data in the buffer memory, comparing the first checksum value and the second checksum value, and determining, based on the comparison result, whether the program data of the page buffer is tampered.
US07992004B2

Imagery, video, maps or signs are embedded with plural-bit data in the form of digital watermarking. In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining a media signal representing an image or video; introducing digital watermarking into the media signal, the digital watermarking slightly altering samples of the media signal; and the digital watermarking changing across the media signal so as to convey first information related to at least a first area depicted in the image or within data representing a first portion of the video in the media signal and second, different information related to at least a second area depicted in the image or within data representing a second portion of the video in the media signal. Other embodiments are provided as well.
US07991997B2

A packetized transport stream for protecting viewing content from unauthorized access and methods for manufacturing and using same. The transport stream includes a plurality of content frames, each having a frame header and a frame payload. Each frame header includes information for handling the content frame; whereas, the frame payload includes selected viewing content for which protection from unauthorized access is desirable. By encrypting only the frame payload, the header remains unencrypted and can be applied to prepare the encrypted frame payload for presentation. The viewing content thereby can be stored in an encrypted format and can be decrypted on-the-fly as the viewing content is needed for presentation. The combination of the unencrypted frame header and the encrypted frame payload advantageously enables the viewing content to be protected against unauthorized use, copying, and dissemination without impairing the presentation of the viewing content.
US07991995B2

A system for protecting software against piracy while protecting a user's privacy enables enhancements to the protection software in a user device and extended protections against piracy. The protection system allows the user device to postpone validation of purchased tags stored in a tag table for installed software and to re-establish ownership of a tag table to recover from invalidation of a tag table identifier value resulting from revelation of a tag table identifier value. Continued use of the tag table is provided by the use of credits associated with a tag table. A protection center is protected against denial of service attacks by making calls to the protection center cost time or money to the attackers.
US07991986B2

A microprocessor which is adapted to start a second task at a predetermined time when a first task is running if a current time becomes to be equal to the predetermined time is disclosed. The microprocessor executing an instruction read out from a program address updated every time when each execution of instruction is completed, includes update ceasing means for ceasing the program address from being updated when an stopping time comes in order to abort a first task defined by a first computer program and overwriting means for overwriting the program address with an initial address of a second computer program when a predetermined time comes in order to start to execute a second task defined by the second computer program at the predetermined time.
US07991982B2

A microcomputer that can process plural tasks time-divisionally and in parallel, wherein one of a plural programs described by one of the tasks is described as a looped specific task in which the increment of program addresses is fixed, a program counter is usable as a timer counter, a peripheral function instruction is described in the specific task, the peripheral function instruction is set so as to indicate one or more general-purpose registers as an operand. The CPU executes the peripheral function instruction as one instruction and achieves information needed to execute the instruction by a general-purpose register and stores the execution result into the general-purpose registers. An instruction code encoding system includes an operation code and plural operands for indicating operation targets of an instruction in an instruction code and executing an instruction indicated by the operation code on the operation targets. When the operation targets indicated by the plural operands are set to a combination in which an execution result does not vary, the processing corresponding to an instruction different is executed.
US07991979B2

A system and method for issuing load-dependent instructions in an issue queue in a processing unit. A load miss queue is provided. The load miss queue comprises a physical address field, an issue queue position field, a valid identifier field, a source identifier field, and a data type field. A load instruction that misses a first level cache is dispatched, and both the physical address field and the data type field are set. A load-dependent instruction is identified. In response to identifying the load-dependent instruction, each of the issue queue position field, valid identifier field, and source identifier field are set. If the issue queue position field refers to a flushed instruction, the valid identifier field is cleared. The load instruction is recycled, and a value of the valid identifier field is determined. The load-dependent instruction is then selected for issue on a next processing cycle independent of an age of the load-dependent instruction.
US07991972B2

Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture for determining whether to use a full volume or repository for a logical copy backup space. A determination is made of a source volume to backup using a logical copy operation. The logical copy operation is completed upon indicating the source volume data to backup. During a logical copy duration, point-in-time data in the source volume as of a point-in-time when the logical copy was established is copied to a backup space in response to receiving an update to the point-in-time data. A history of writes to the source volume is processed to determine whether to allocate a full target volume as the backup space providing a corresponding data unit for each data unit in the source volume or allocate a repository as the backup space, wherein the repository uses less storage space than the full target volume. The logical copy operation using the determined full target volume or repository as the backup space is initiated.
US07991970B2

In the case in which data in a storage system A is remotely copied to a storage system B, it is not taken into account whether the data of the remote copy is WORM data. In the case in which a setting is made such that data stored in a volume in the storage system A is copied to a volume in the storage system B, storage system A judges whether an attribute to the effect that data can be referred to and can be updated or to the effect that data can be referred to but cannot be updated is added to the volume in the storage system A. Then, if the volume is a volume to which the attribute to the effect that data can be referred to but cannot be updated is added, such attribute is added to the volume in the storage system B.
US07991969B1

A method, system, apparatus, and computer-readable medium are provided for improved maintenance of metadata relating to a mass storage array. The metadata may comprise the data structures utilized by a thin provisioning system. When the metadata changes, such as in response to the modification of the underlying data, changed metadata is created in the memory. A parity block is then read from the row of the array where the changed metadata is to be stored. A new parity is calculated for the row using only the old metadata, the changed metadata, and the parity read from the stripe. The old metadata need not be read from disk expressly, as is usually done. Instead, the value that is present in memory before the metadata change is utilized directly to calculate the new parity. The changed metadata and the new parity are then written to the array.
US07991968B1

Systems and techniques relating to managing a queue memory include, in some implementations, a method comprising: retrieving stored data from an oldest read entry in a FIFO queue memory having entries formed in hardware upon a first read operation; retrieving stored data from a selected entry in the FIFO queue memory upon a second read operation; and shifting data stored in entries of the FIFO queue memory with respect to the oldest read entry upon the first read operation and with respect to the specified entry upon the second read operation. In addition, some implementations include a queue memory comprising a hardware device having memory entries to receive and store data from a communications interface, wherein the queue memory supports first-in-first-out read operations and out-of-order read operations with data shifting among the entries of the memory relative to a read operation.
US07991958B2

A method for providing DRM files using caching includes identifying DRM files to be displayed in a file list in response to a request, decoding a number of first DRM files from among the identified DRM files and caching the first DRM files in a first memory space, and reading the first DRM files in the first memory space in response to the request. Then, a system displays the first DRM files as a file list in a display area. The second DRM files from among the identified DRM files other than the first DRM files are not initially decoded, and file data related to the second DRM files are cached in a second memory space. DRM files from among the second DRM files are subsequently decoded in response to a subsequent command.
US07991942B2

A solution for managing a storage device based on a flash memory is proposed. A corresponding method starts with the step for mapping a logical memory space of the storage device (including a plurality of logical blocks) on a physical memory space of the flash memory (including a plurality of physical blocks, which are adapted to be erased individually). The physical blocks include a set of first physical blocks (corresponding to the logical blocks) and a set of second—or spare—physical blocks (for replacing each bad physical block that is unusable). The method continues by detecting each bad physical block. Each bad physical block is then discarded, so to prevent using the bad physical block for mapping the logical memory space.
US07991940B2

A signal processing board including a resource board substrate, an external interface on the board substrate, adapted to receive signals for processing, at least one slot adapted to receive a plug-in module with at least one processor thereon and an interface unit adapted to at least participate in converting signals exchanged between the external interface and a processor on a module received by the slot, between a format of signals received by the external interface and a signal format of the processor. The interface unit is suitable to at least participate in the conversion for a plurality of types of processors that differ in the format in which they transmit or receive signals.
US07991933B2

A system to synchronize processors includes one or more subsystems to receive an interrupt command, instruct a plurality of processors to enter an entry synchronization loop of an interrupt handler, determine by each of the plurality of processors whether all of the plurality of processors have entered their respective interrupt handler before exiting the entry synchronization loop, determine whether a timeout value has been reached, determine type of the interrupt command received and in response to the type of interrupt command received, and determine whether to exit the entry synchronization loop after the timeout value has been reached.
US07991932B1

Firmware and/or a chipset of a computer system in an example makes a determination of a state of the computer system and sets the chipset in one of a plurality of modes based on the determination of the state of the computer system.
US07991929B2

The disclosure provides a system and a method of processing keystrokes entered on an electronic device. The method comprises: monitoring for activation of two or more keys on the keyboard; evaluating whether the activation of those keys occurs within a set window of time; evaluating locations of those keys. After these evaluations, if the keystroke conflict is determined to not have been produced, then characters for those keys are generated in order of their activations. If the keystroke conflict is determined to have been produced, then the method arbitrates between those keys to select a key utilizing a dictionary to automatically determine the key to be selected. In the dictionary, its entries are related to each of those keys combined with any previously entered keystrokes. The method then processes the selected key to generate on a display one character, which is associated with the selected key.
US07991918B2

A method and apparatus for transmitting commands between a TCP stack and an offload unit and for communicating receive and transmit data buffer locations is described. A command ring buffer stored in system memory is used to transmit commands from the TCP stack to the offload unit and to transmit command status from the offload unit to the TCP stack. A notification ring buffer is used to transmit connection information from the offload unit to the TCP stack. Other ring buffers are used to transmit locations of transmit buffers or receive buffers stored in system memory from the TCP stack to the offload unit.
US07991914B2

A single firewall or cluster of firewalls with a public IP address is interfaced to an internet public subnet to receive service requests for a cluster of network servers. A first private subnet with a plurality of private IP addresses is interfaced to the single firewall or cluster of firewalls to receive the service requests after passing through a firewall. A plurality of redundant load balancers with a respective plurality of private IP addresses are interfaced to the first private subnet to receive the service requests after passing through the first private subnet. The load balancers are interfaced to a second private subnet. The network servers with respective private IP addresses are interfaced to the second private subnet to receive the service requests from the load balancers. At an initialization time, a private IP address is defined for the network load balancer system within the internet access subnet. When one of the load balancers becomes primary at the initialization time or switches from a standby state to an active state, the network load balancer system private IP address is defined as an alias in an interface table to be recognized by the one load balancer. When the one network load balancer switches from the active state to a standby state, the network load balancer system private IP address previously defined as the alias is released from the interface table.
US07991910B2

A system, method, and computer-readable medium for updating request routing information associated with client location information are provided. A content delivery network service provider receives a DNS query from a client computing device. The DNS query corresponds to a resource identifier for requested content from the client computing device. The content delivery network service provider obtains a query IP address corresponding to the client computing device. Based on routing information associated with the query IP address, the content delivery network service provider routes the DNS query. The process further includes monitoring performance data associated with the transmission of the requested resource and updating routing information associated with the query IP address based on the performance data for use in processing subsequent requests form the client computing device.
US07991907B2

A method and apparatus for communicating a COPS protocol policy to a non-COPS-enabled network device is provided. A COPS proxy is connected between a policy server and a non-COPS-enabled network device. The policy server is configured to communicate COPS protocol policies to the COPS proxy, which is, in turn, configured to translate the COPS protocol policy into a policy that is in accordance with a policy protocol that the non-COPS-enabled network device can receive and correctly interpret (“non-COPS protocol”). The translation of the policy utilizes a mapping database that delineates predetermined relationships between COPS protocol policies and the non-COPS protocol policies. More specifically, the mapping database can include relationships between COPS protocol policy information base variables, network device roles and characteristics, and non-COPS protocol parameters and associated values. Further, the COPS proxy can be configured to detect and reconcile policy conflicts for one or more network devices.
US07991905B1

The present invention provides a streaming media cache configured to select a timing interval, chosen from a set of one or more predetermined timing intervals, for each client that requests a data stream from the streaming media cache. Illustratively, clients requesting data streams below a predetermined bit rate (“bandwidth”) are assigned longer timing intervals than clients requesting data streams above the predetermined bit rate. More specifically, because the server can accommodate a larger number of relatively low-bandwidth clients than relatively high-bandwidth clients, the server selects timing intervals of longer duration for the relatively low-bandwidth clients so it may have more time to schedule send times for their requested packets.
US07991904B2

A method including providing pseudo-streaming media data to a terminal; receiving a transport control protocol (TCP) acknowledgement from the terminal; estimating one or more network conditions of a network based at least in part on the TCP acknowledgement; determining an optimal session bitrate based on the estimated one or more network conditions; and providing pseudo-streaming media data to the terminal based on the optimal session bitrate.
US07991903B2

An architecture for providing operations and maintenance functionality in an open access wireless signal distribution system. The open access system makes use of a common, shared, distributed radio frequency distribution network and associated network entities that enable a system operator to offer access to wireless infrastructure that maybe shared among multiple wireless service providers (WSPs). The WSPs, or tenants of the operators, may obtain access in a tenant lease-space model. The open access system provides the ability for multiple tenants in a given community to share wireless equipment such as remotely located antenna sites, regardless of their specific requirements for radio frequency (RF) air interface signal protocols and/or management messaging formats. The present invention is directed to an open access Network Management System (NMS) that provides multiple tenants with an appropriate level of access and control over the system elements that carry their signaling. For example, in addition to forwarding messages from tenant-controlled NMSs to the open access system elements, the open access NMS preferably acts as a caching firewall to ensure that the tenant NMS are permitted privileges to access only those system elements to which they are a properly assigned. A database function included with the open access NMS may be used to build and maintain a database of operations and maintenance information from autonomously initiated poll and status functions. This then permits queries from tenant NMSs to be answered without the need to duplicate open system network traffic.
US07991888B1

A system allocates upstream resources to multiple cable modems subsequent to a cable modem termination system (CMTS) re-boot. The system groups the multiple cable modems into multiple groups. The system orders, subsequent to the CMTS re-boot, allocation of upstream resources to each of the multiple cable modems based on the group to which each of the cable modems belongs. The system allocates upstream resources to each of the cable modems based on the ordering.
US07991883B1

A computer-implemented method including receiving, at a server, a first request for content; determining whether the content is available locally at the server; when the content is available locally at the server, retrieving the content locally at the server; and transmitting the content to at least one downstream server; and when the content is not available locally at the server, transmitting, to the at least one downstream server, a notification that the content is not available locally and that a second request for the content is being transmitted; and transmitting the second request for the content to at least one upstream server.
US07991881B2

A method of measuring, for communication paths between a networked computer and at least one other networked computer connected via a network performance, network information to detect network performance degradation and diagnose source(s) of the performance degradation. The diagnosis may be performed by a progressive elimination of possible sources. Network performance degradation may be attributed to problems at a local network or the Internet. The problem sources on the Internet may comprise, for example, an internet server provider (ISP) or a single remote server in communication with the networked computer. A network performance baseline established and maintained for each path may be employed in diagnosing the network performance degradation.
US07991878B2

A method for maintaining a Device Capability Management Object (DCMO) which relates to technical field of Open Mobile Alliance Device Management (OMA DM), including detecting changed capability information in a terminal device by the terminal device, and maintaining a corresponding Device Capability Management Object in a Device Management tree in the terminal device based on the detected changed capability information, is used to overcome that wireless transmission resources are wasted and processing payloads of a Device Management Server (DMS) system are increased when updating and maintaining the corresponding Device Capability Management Object once capability information in the terminal device changes.
US07991872B2

Systems and methods are described that vertically integrate telecommunications network management across multiple transport domains and network layers to support E2E network management. Embodiments vertically integrate telecommunications network management across multiple transport layers such as physical layers (optical), data link layers (Ethernet), and upper layers (VLAN), and establish an inventory database for the plurality of transport layers in a network management OSS to integrate and correlate network alarms and other business applications. Embodiments provide a single platform for an E2E network management solution across and for multiple transport domains.
US07991863B2

The present invention relates to mobile communications, and discloses a method and device for requesting and allocating connection point addresses. Therefore, transmission errors of subsequent messages of a terminal are avoided when the MIP registration of the terminal fails. The method includes: receiving a request for an IP address from a terminal and a MIP registration result of the terminal; and returning a response indicative of IP address allocation failure if the registration result is registration failure.
US07991857B2

Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for broadcasting a message in a parallel computer. The parallel computer includes a plurality of compute nodes connected together using a data communications network. The data communications network optimized for point to point data communications and is characterized by at least two dimensions. The compute nodes are organized into at least one operational group of compute nodes for collective parallel operations of the parallel computer. One compute node of the operational group assigned to be a logical root. Broadcasting a message in a parallel computer includes: establishing a Hamiltonian path along all of the compute nodes in at least one plane of the data communications network and in the operational group; and broadcasting, by the logical root to the remaining compute nodes, the logical root's message along the established Hamiltonian path.
US07991856B2

A network system automatically distributes management information to allow immediate monitoring. In the network system, the DHCP server of a network-information management server assigns information to a network-information management table when receiving an assignment request of IP information and network management information from a client. The DHCP client of the client obtains the IP information and the network management information from the DHCP server. The SNMP agent of the client reports to a monitoring server that the network management information has been set. The SNMP manager of the monitoring server determines that the network management information has been set, the monitoring control section of the monitoring server records information of the client in a monitoring control table, and starts monitoring the client.
US07991851B2

A system and method for interfacing a portable electronic device, having a plurality of commands including a plurality of resource commands and a plurality of local commands, with a remote resource over a costed communications channel includes processing the plurality of commands on the device without communicating any of the resource commands over the channel to the remote resource while aggregating the resource commands to produce a set of resource commands; communicating the set of resource commands to the remote resource over the channel to produce a resource output responsive to the set of resource commands; communicating the resource output to the device from the remote resource; and processing the resource output on the device using the set of local commands.
US07991840B2

A tag management system for a user of a client-side portal application providing access to a set of services that include provisions for collaborative tagging of content comprises one or more data repositories configured to maintain one or more separate sets of tags, a messaging intermediary configured to provide access to the one or more data repositories and to provide for communication with the set of services, and a client-side agent configured to communicate with the set of services and access the one or more data repositories through the message intermediary to act on instructions provided by the user in one or more user roles. A set of tags corresponds to each service in each user role and specifies an available vocabulary for tagging content at that service. The agent is configured to access the one or more data repositories to load a first set of tags corresponding a user-specified service and a user-specified role, display the first set of tags to the user, and to communicate with the user-specified service to post tags selected by the user from the first set of tags to content at the user-specified service.
US07991837B1

Systems and methods are provided for viewing portions of an image in high resolution and in context with a full image, which is displayed at a base resolution that is lower resolution than the resolution of the high-resolution image. A user can select an area of interest from the base-resolution image for viewing at a higher resolution on the client device. The server, or in some implementations the client device, can generate a high-resolution image representing the area of interest and the client device can display a portion of the high-resolution image in a virtual lens overlaid on the base-resolution image.
US07991828B2

A hyper-text-transfer-protocol communication unit sends and receives data based on a hyper text transfer protocol via a network. A facsimile communication unit sends and receives facsimile data based on a facsimile transmission procedure via a public line. A history storing unit stores communication history data. A history sending unit sends, when a request for acquiring the communication history data is received from a terminal based on the hyper text transfer protocol via the network, the communication history data to the terminal via the network as a semantic extensible-markup-language document, based on the request received.
US07991827B1

A system, method and computer program product are provided for analyzing network traffic associated with network services. Initially, network traffic and metadata are collected from a network. Thereafter, the network traffic is analyzed utilizing the metadata.
US07991825B2

A personal service support method for assisting an inquiry about a user operation in a virtual world, a computer program product, and a system for the same. The method includes: storing a dialog between a user and an agent; connecting the dialog in a list structure with another dialog in the list structure to produce a created dialog in a branch tree structure; and recording the created dialog in the branch tree structure. The computer program product tangibly embodies instructions which when implemented causes a computer to execute the steps of the method. The system includes: a dialog storage unit which stores a dialog between a user and an agent; and a dialog creating unit which connects the dialog in the list structure with another dialog in the list structure to create a dialog in a branch tree structure.
US07991821B2

The present invention makes use of a database of existing site surveys of a variety of locations and sites producing a plurality of test-bed templates and also a variety of simulation models of actual layouts and sites producing a plurality of simulation templates. The simulation templates and test-bed templates are used to find a best match to a new layout for planning a new wire-less computer network. Data comprising of performance parameters from the templates are used to generate network performance contour overlays that may be superimposed on the new layout.
US07991816B2

A method of operating an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) by inverting a result of an operation to be executed during a current cycle in response to control signals from instruction decode logic which indicate that a later operation will require a complement of the result, wherein the result is inverted during the current cycle. The later operation may be a subtraction operation that immediately follows the first operation. The later instruction is decoded prior to the current cycle to control the inversion in the ALU. The ALU includes an adder, a rotator, and a data manipulation unit which invert the result during the current cycle in response to an invert control signal. The second operation subtracts the result during a subsequent cycle in which a carry control signal to the adder is enabled, and the rotator and the data manipulation unit are disabled. The ALU may be used in an execution unit of a microprocessor, such as a fixed-point unit.
US07991813B2

A method in a signal processor for filtering samples in a digital signal is provided. An approximate filtered sample is generated as a function of four samples of the digital signal. A correction is generated as a function of the four samples, and a filtered sample is generated by modifying the approximate filtered sample with the correction.
US07991812B2

A programmable logic integrated circuit device has at least one function-specific circuit block (e.g., a parallel multiplier, a parallel barrel shifter, a parallel arithmetic logic unit, etc.) in addition to the usual multiple regions of programmable logic and the usual programmable interconnection circuit resources. To reduce the impact of use of the function-specific block (“FSB”) on the general purpose interconnection resources of the device, inputs and/or outputs of the FSB may be coupled relatively directly to a subset of the logic regions. In addition to conserving general purpose interconnect, resources of the logic regions to which the FSB are connected can be used by the FSB to reduce the amount of circuitry that must be dedicated to the FSB. If the FSB is a multiplier, additional features include facilitating accumulation of successive multiplier outputs (using either addition or subtraction and with sign extension if desired) and/or arithmetically combining the outputs of multiple multipliers.
US07991811B2

A method of performing floating-point conversions in a digital computing system includes determining a source coefficient, c1, and a source exponent, n, of an input value represented by a floating-point number in a source base, b1; converting the source coefficient to a common base, b2, and storing the converted coefficient in a first digit collection; iteratively multiplying the contents of the first digit collection by b1 and storing the intermediate results therein, wherein one or more overflow bits of the first digit collection are carried and added to one or more additional digit collections once a nonzero value is reached; and an output value in the common base is stored in the digit collections after n multiplication iterations, represented by c2×b2m, wherein c2 is the converted coefficient of the output value in the common base b2 and m is the exponent of the output value.
US07991810B2

The present invention provides a media file management system and method for a home media center, which enable media files such as images or photos, music and movies included in a variety of information appliances to be conveniently edited on a screen of a display apparatus connected to a home media center. A search window in which media files to be searched are displayed or an edit window in which a media file to be edited is displayed are created. Then, if a user selects a file edit command for a media file displayed in the search window, the selected file edit command is executed and results of the execution of the file edit command are displayed in the edit window.
US07991805B2

A system for viewing and indexing mark up language messages, forms, and documents that have been stored in a document repository. The viewer and indexer can search the document repository based on any of a variety of search parameters, including any field of each message, form or document in the document repository. The viewer and indexer can automatically configure itself based on an input schema to create a user interface having search term options that can be selected to cause a search to be performed in the document repository (and/or mirrored and local repositories) containing messages, documents and forms created based on the same input schema.
US07991794B2

Techniques are described herein for supporting pipelining operations involving DML (Data manipulation Language) and query. In an embodiment, a DML operation is performed for the purpose of changing data in a database system from a first state to a second state. Before the data in the database system is changed by the DML operation, the DML operation has an in-memory representation of such data. In an embodiment, a subsequent query operation that logically depends on the data in the database system in the second state is granted access to the in-memory representation of such data in the second state before the data in the database system is changed by the DML operation to the second state. As a result, operations may be executed in a pipelined fashion with minimum blocking.
US07991792B2

A method and system for designing and affixing symbology, e.g., an identifier, into digital and printed images and using that symbology to link these images to a global computer network to allow the organization and processing of these images both while in digital form, and later when in printed form are provided. The method includes the steps of capturing an image with a digital image capture device and creating a digital image file; associating at least one identifier to the digital image file; and encoding the at least one identifier of the digital image file. The identifier includes a site location number (SLN), a customer identification number (CIN), a date the image was taken (DIT) and a picture sequence number (PSN). The identifier will be printed with the image and be used to retrieve the image at a later date and process user requests.
US07991788B2

The present invention generally is directed to methods, articles of manufacture and systems for presenting, to a user, a limited subset of fields of an underlying base data model. The limited subset of fields may be generated by applying one or more filters to select, exclude and/or modify the fields of the base data model. The base data model may contain abstract representations of fields in a data repository and may, therefore, serve as a data definition framework allowing data from the fields to be accessed independent of the particular manner (e.g., SQL, XML, etc.) in which the data is physically represented in the data repository.
US07991786B2

A system and method for parsing documents in query processing comprises producing at least one index of a document written in a mark-up language, corresponding the index to the document, scanning the document, and selectively skipping portions of the document based on instructions from the index. Furthermore, the mark-up language comprises any of HTML and XML; the skipped portions of the document comprise portions irrelevant to the query; the index comprises a plurality of elements representing textual categories of the query; and the instructions match the elements to the query. If the elements do not match the query, then the parser uses the index to skip the portions of the document corresponding to the unmatched elements. Moreover, each of the elements corresponds to a position in the document, wherein the position comprises an end position, which determines where to resume scanning the document upon skipping the portions of the document.
US07991783B2

An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for supporting storage functions using an embedded database management system. The apparatus includes a disk controller configured to receive input/output (I/O) requests from a host, an embedded database management system module, and a conversion module configured to translate the input/output requests into database requests and communicate the database requests with the embedded database management system module. The system may include the apparatus, a network, and a plurality of storage devices coupled to the network and configured to store data. The method includes receiving input/output (I/O) requests from a host, translating the input/output requests into database requests, communicating the database requests with an embedded database management system module, and executing the database requests.
US07991774B2

To provide an apparatus that transmits information, which includes a storage unit that stores notification rule information in which transmission destination information is associated with notification type information, a reception processor that receives predetermined information from a detector that detects a mobile information storage medium attached to an object, a notification information generating unit that obtains information specified by the notification type information in the notification rule information based on the predetermined information, to generate notification information from obtained information, and a notification unit that transmits the notification information to a transmission destination specified by the transmission destination information associated with the notification type information that is used when the notification information is generated.
US07991772B2

A computer-implemented system and method for providing a legitimacy rating of a content source are provided. A request for a document is received. An electronic document associated with a content source is passed by a document provider in response to the request. A legitimacy rating of the content source is passed. Examples of legitimacy rating information include, for example, a history rating of the content source based on the length of time the document provider has published documents associated with the content source and a transaction volume rating of the content source based on the number of electronic documents associated with the content source that are passed by the document provider.
US07991770B2

Systems, methods, devices, and computer program products provide social and interactive applications for detecting repeating content in broadcast media. In some implementations, a method includes: generating a database of audio statistics from content; generating a query from the database of audio statistics; running the query against the database of audio statistics to determine a non-identity match; if a non-identity match exists, identifying the content corresponding to the matched query as repeating content.
US07991769B2

An improved system and method is provided for searching a collection of objects that may be located in hierarchies of auxiliary information for retrieval of response objects. A framework to perform a generalization search in hierarchies may be used to generalize a search by moving up to a higher level in a hierarchy of taxonomies or to specialize a search by moving down to a lower level in the hierarchy of taxonomies. Once the system may decide to enumerate response objects at a particular level of generalization, a budgeted generalization search may be used for enumerating a set of response objects within a budgeted cost.
US07991768B2

Techniques for processing a query that includes a path expression are provided. A query processor determines whether an XML index may be used to execute the query instead of having to scan multiple XML documents. The query is parsed and normalized, which results in multiple normalized path expressions that are based on the original path expression. If the XML index is a path-subsetted index, then the query processor generates annotated path expressions based on the normalized path expressions. The query processor determines whether each of the annotated path expressions is satisfiable by the path-subsetted XML index. If so, then the XML index is used to process the query.
US07991765B2

A system and method of rewriting a database query where the query contains an aggregate includes the following. If one or more aggregate materialized views are considered, rewriting the query using an aggregate materialized view. If one or more non-aggregate multi-table materialized views are considered, the query is rewritten using a multi-table materialized view. A join cost is determined for each such non-aggregate multi-table materialized view. If one or more non-aggregate single table materialized views are considered, the query is rewritten using the single table materialized view. A join cost is determined for each such non-aggregate single table materialized view. Finally, a current total cost is determined for use of various materialized views as a function of join cost, aggregation cost and spool cost to select a rewritten query.
US07991763B2

A method, apparatus and program product to optimize a database query. In a first system having a first dataspace, a query plan is generated for the database query. Remote statistics collection associated with the database query is initiated on a second system having a second dataspace. The remote statistics collection uses the second dataspace, which includes a current copy of at least a portion of the first dataspace on the first system. Database statistics are collected for the first system by analyzing the second dataspace and then communicating the collected database statistics to the first system for use in optimizing database queries executed by the first system.
US07991760B2

A method, apparatus, and program product is provided for constructing a domain-specific ontology for interpreting a policy. A phrase assumed to be associated with a policy is received. An indefinite term in the phrase is identified. Internet searches are performed on a plurality of terms from the phrase. A plurality of potential replacement terms is extracted from the Internet search results for the indefinite term. A context-specific ontology is built for the indefinite term based upon tracked occurrences of the plurality of potential replacement terms. The policy is interpreted by accessing the domain-specific ontology to interpret the indefinite term, where the indefinite term is interpreted by mapping the indefinite term to a plurality of potential replacement terms in the ontology for a plurality of contexts, and creating a policy based upon the interpretation of the indefinite term from the ontology.
US07991757B2

A personalization network service enables developers to develop recommenders that can be made available to content site operators for providing recommendations to end users. The personalization network service may also be capable of optimizing the use and selection of the recommenders for different end users, groups or segments of end users, content sites, and the like.
US07991755B2

The World Wide Web (WWW) can be modelled as a labelled directed graph G(V,E,L), in which V is the set of nodes, E is the set of edges, and L is a label function that maps edges to labels. This model, when applied to the WWW, indicates that V is a set of hypertext documents or objects, E is a set of hyperlinks connecting the documents in V, and the edge-label function represents the anchor-text corresponding to the hyperlinks. One can find a probabilistic ranking of the nodes for any given label, a ranking of the labels for any given node, and rankings of labels and pages using flow based models. Further, the flows can be computing using sparse matrix operations.
US07991741B2

A system and associated method for synchronizing a record with a web document. A synchronizer selects a web document that is stored in a published web document repository of a content management system. The oldest web document since the latest update is selected and checked for availability. The synchronizer locates a record that corresponds to the selected web document. The synchronizer then checks respective version of the web document and the record to determine whether the record correctly represents the web document. The synchronizer then verifies whether the selected web document is available to users to avoid synchronizing latent web document that is not available to users. The synchronizer updates the located record.
US07991737B2

A method and system for controlling an application server in order to provide application services to clients while maintaining synchronization between records of tables of a database server. An application server retrieves records of tables and stores them locally on the application server. When a client requests some fields of a record of a table, the application server generates a bookmark that uniquely identifies the record. The bookmark may contain a table identifier and a record identifier or a query identification and an identifier of a record within the query result. The bookmark is opaque to the client and only the application server need know how to interpret its contents. When the application server provides the requested fields of the record to the client, it also provides the record bookmark to the client. When the client wants to identify the record, it uses the bookmark provided by the application server.
US07991735B2

A method enables efficient and coherent sample data storage in a system containing data transmitting and receiving devices. The algorithm is implemented by storing reverse-delta encoded data at a receiver side in a chronologically correct order by a data list and a recovery table, independently of the transmission device. The sender device compares a previously attached timestamp corresponding to each sent data sample to a timestamp attached to an acknowledge signal which it gets back from the receiver device, in order to find out which sample had been correctly received at the receiver side. If the sender does not receive a corresponding pair of timestamp and acknowledge signal until a predefined time interval has elapsed, it automatically resends at least one not acknowledged data sample.
US07991720B2

A method and apparatus for organizing information in a computer filing system. The method and apparatus include the creation of a pile comprising a collection of documents and displaying a graphical representation of the collection of documents. The method and apparatus further include browsing the collection of documents by pointing a cursor at a particular item in the collection of documents to reveal an indicia for the particular item in the collection of documents. The filing system can automatically divide a pile (e.g. a collection of documents from an electronic mail network) into subpiles on the basis of the content of each document in the pile, and the filing system, at the user's request can automatically file away documents into existing piles in the computer system on the basis of a similarity match between the content (or other internal representation) of the document and the content (or other internal representation) of existing piles in the computer system. The filing system can also create a pile from a sample document by using the internal representation of the document as the internal representation of the new pile. The computer filing system provides various interfaces in connection with piles to the user of the system to provide feedback and other information to the user, including information concerning the documents and piles in the computer's filing system.
US07991717B1

A system, method, and process for configuring iterative, self-correcting algorithms, such as neural networks, so that the weights or characteristics to which the algorithm converge to do not require the use of test or validation sets, and the maximum error in failing to achieve optimal cessation of training can be calculated. In addition, a method for internally validating the correctness, i.e. determining the degree of accuracy of the predictions derived from the system, method, and process of the present invention is disclosed.
US07991715B2

Systems and methods for image classification are disclosed. In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure include a method, which may be implemented on a system, of selecting a predetermined number of training images that are representative of images associable with a particular topic category. One embodiment can include, extracting training image features from the training images, generating a set of descriptors characteristic of images associable with the particular topic category, and generating the particular set of predetermined models that correspond to the particular topic category based on the set of descriptors.
US07991701B2

A payment authentication service authenticates the identity of a payer during online transactions. The authentication service of the present invention allows a card issuer to verify a cardholder's identity using a variety of authentication methods, such as the use of passwords. Also, the only system participant requiring a certificate is the issuing financial institution. One embodiment of the invention for authenticating the identity of a cardholder during an online transaction involves querying an access control server to determine if a cardholder is enrolled in the payment authentication service, requests a password from the cardholder, verifies the password, and notifies a merchant whether the cardholder's authenticity has been verified. In another aspect of the invention, a chip card and the authentication service independently generate cryptograms that must match in order for the service to verify that the correct chip card is being used by the cardholder.
US07991698B2

A method and apparatus for executing electronic transactions using cryptographically-enabled accounts stores cryptographically-enabled account information and instructions, receives a cryptographically-encoded permission certificate, and processes the received permission certificate to execute the transactions.
US07991696B2

Validation of the identity of the user is performed with the use of a card associated with intelligence that identifies the user. Validation of the document involves one or more of: validating the presence of a signature; validating the amount of the monetary transaction document including a manual entry of the amount by the user; validating CAR against the LAR; and validating the banking system parameters and rules for the customer and/or the transaction. To assist in the automatic analysis of data on monetary transactional documents or on remittance documents, the user is prompted to provide a bounding box about the data. An image touch screen may be touched by the user to locate the bounding box and the user may magnify the data to fill the boundary box to exclude other data from analysis. After document and person validation, the system will dispense money or transfer monies to a savings account, a checking account, a smart card, or the like. The system will also write money orders or wire transfer money.
US07991695B2

A system and method for conducting secured online financial transactions on the Internet provides an electronically readable e-commerce card issued by a financial institution, as well as an electronic card reading device that communicates with the card owner's computer. To enable an online financial transaction on the Internet, the e-commerce card must first be read by the electronic card reading device. Next, the card owner is required to input a security code, and possibly other personal security information, that is known only by the user to the exclusion of others, including the card issuer. This system and method effectively decentralizes the personal security codes and other security information of all e-commerce card owners using the system, thereby substantially reducing the likelihood and extent of fraud and theft stemming from the traditional financial card (e.g., credit card and debit card) system without altering the framework of the existing global Internet marketplace and it's supporting e-commerce networks and systems.
US07991687B2

A system and method for generating and displaying annotations in relation to one or more prices corresponding to trader-related or market related events are described. In one embodiment, a trader may enter an annotation to be displayed in relation to one or more price levels. Alternatively, a trader may configure a dynamic annotation to be dynamically displayed in relation to some price level(s) upon detecting a predetermined event related to one or more tradeable objects. Also, a trader may configure one or more alarms to be displayed or played in combination with the annotations.
US07991682B1

Embodiments of a system and method for cross trading a publicly traded security are disclosed. In an embodiment, a cross trade is executed at the volume weighted average price of the publicly traded security calculated for a portion of the trading day. An embodiment of the method includes accepting offers to buy and sell the security during a first window of time, calculating the volume weighted average price of the security during a second window of time, and cross trading the offers. An embodiment of the system includes a user interface for accepting offers, a volume weighted average price calculator for calculating the volume weighted average price at which to execute the cross trade and a cross trade application for executing the cross trade.
US07991680B2

The present invention provides a process and system for matching buyers and sellers of either goods or services, or goods and services for a project. The invention enables a buyer to specify a project in terms of physical, functional, temporal, financial, and transactional parameters that can be automatically converted, by the present invention, into at least one request for either goods or services, or goods and services to perform work related to the project. The requests are suitably provided to at least one seller. Upon receiving a request, the seller may submit a response to the request, as desired. The invention provides a forum for the negotiation of any agreements and the formation of contracts to provide the requested, or alternative goods or services, or goods and services, as well as reconciliation of purchase orders, actual field costs, and invoices.
US07991673B2

A system for updating parameters of financial transactions associated with financial services initiated and completed on behalf of or directly by a user through access to a data-packet-network into more than one electronic interface accessible to the user is provided. The system comprises, a main electronic interface supported by back-end software, the main interface for registering all user accounts into at least one portfolio group, the accounts accessible in detail through the main interface, at least one cobranded electronic interface supported by back-end software, the cobranded interface mirroring the accounts registered in the main electronic interface and a plurality of institution-specific electronic interfaces for providing direct account registration, reporting, and maintenance specific to accounts provided by the associated institutions. Through direct linking between the main, cobranded, and institution-specific interfaces, any parameters associated with any action initiated to a specific account through any of the interfaces is immediately propagated to the other interfaces.
US07991653B2

A method for assembling and shipping an item using a security cleared space connected to a port authority, comprising the steps of: leasing the security cleared space to a user; obtaining at least one component for assembly of the at least one item; assembling the at least one component in the security cleared space; screening at least one person for entry to the security cleared space; readying the assembled item for shipment to a destination by entering data related to the assembled item into a processor with computer instructions that direct the processor to move the assembled item to a designated storage area or to an aircraft for shipment. A method for receiving an assembled item and disassembling the item into components for storage or shipment is also contemplated.
US07991652B2

Herein is described systems and methods for tracking a product. To track a product, product identification information that identifies the product and product ownership information is received. The product ownership information is updated when the product is transferred to another. The product identification information and product ownership information is stored in a database.
US07991648B2

An importance rating for a survey question is received from a respondent, wherein the survey question is associated with a product feature. A satisfaction rating for the survey question is received from the respondent. An opportunity index is computed for the survey question based on the importance rating and the satisfaction rating, wherein the opportunity index indicates respondent needs which are important to the respondent and not currently satisfied by the product feature. The opportunity index is then output.
US07991634B2

A system and method for optimizing a vehicle transport load includes receiving data regarding an inventory of vehicles and data regarding available transports, comparing and analyzing the data, and producing a best profile load. The method may include configuring parameters to further refine the best profile load, deleting and adding vehicles to the best profile load, and outputting the best profile load to a dispatch.
US07991633B2

Increased efficiency and lower cost job scheduling is provided by a system and method that optimizes for cost instead of makespan, and minimizes fluctuations in resource utilization. A schedule is constructed using a workflow scheduling system that includes a load leveler, a cost minimizer, and a manpower planner. The load leveler minimizes makespan, subject to resource limits, and then lowers the resource limits, repeating the process in order to create a flatter schedule. The cost minimizer generates an initial solution, and then incrementally improves it, using the manpower planner to evaluate the different possible solutions. The manpower planner calculates, for a given schedule, the optimal hire/fire decisions to minimize total cost.
US07991627B2

The present invention is a system and method of pre-delivery drug identification. The system and method is implemented where drugs are being administered, such as in a hospital or clinic, and identifies the drug being administered to the patient before the drug reaches the patient. The system and method may utilize a sensor used for other physiologic monitoring to identify the drug. After identification, the system and method is configured to cross-reference the identified drug with the patient's prescription and allergy information, and to prevent delivery to the patient, if necessary. The system and method also utilizes data collected from the patient with a physiological monitor or a ventilator sensor to further determine whether the drug is appropriate for the patient. The method and system may also include an override system for medical personnel. The method described may be carried out by a software application.
US07991626B2

A patient list is provided to a medical provider. The medical provider may be prompted to review particular patients on the list or they may review these patients on their own. In any case, a patient is selected from the list and the provider determines if a medical metric associated with the patient is accurate or complete. The provider may then selectively enter self-report data concerning the accuracy or completeness of the medical metric. A provider assessment (e.g., score) is recalculated based at least in part on the self-reported data as well as the data that has already been collected. The re-calculated score may be provided to the medical plan.
US07991625B2

A system for providing expert care to a basic care medical facility (BCMF) from a remote location. The system facilitates real-time, continuous assessment of patients receiving care in a BCMF that is not generally equipped to provide expert medical care on a twenty-four basis. Patient monitoring equipment acquires monitored data elements from a patient monitoring station and transmits the monitoring data over a network to a remote command center. The remote command center also receives other patient data to the extent available from the BCMF. Alternatively, the patient monitored data is sent to a remote command center along with patient data at a pre-established time or when requested by remote command center. The delivery of stored monitoring data and patient data may be expedited if an urgent consultation is warranted. A rules engine continuously applies a patient-specific rule or rule set to the data elements selected from the assessment data from each BCMF monitored patient to determine whether intervention is warranted. Patient specific rules may be created that are consistent with the capabilities of the BCMF.
US07991624B2

A method of obtaining information in a specific area from at least two persons having a defined level of knowledge in that specific area. A host, upon receiving a question for information, operates a web site platform for the exchange of information using the web site to send the question to each of the at least two persons for a response together with a suggested fee for a response to the question. Where the fee is not precisely fixed and at least one response to the question is received via the web site, a value is determined by subscribers to the website.
US07991617B2

An optimum design management apparatus that analyzes response variable values from groups of predictor variable values, and performs optimization using the analysis result, which includes a predictor variable transmission unit that transmits groups of predictor variable values to be used for the analysis to the calculation node, and a response variable reception unit that receives response variable values of the analysis result from the calculation node. The optimum design management apparatus includes a response surface calculation unit that calculates at least one response surface from groups of predictor variable values and response variable values, an optimization calculation unit that updates groups of predictor variable values coming close to a predetermined optimization condition in the response surface to new groups of predictor variable values, and a control unit that repeats the processing continuing from the predictor variable transmission unit until a predetermined end condition is fulfilled.
US07991613B2

Systems and methods for analyzing audio components of communications are provided. In this regard, a representative system incorporates an audio analyzer operative to: receive information corresponding to an audio component of a communication session; generate text from the information; and integrate the text with additional information corresponding to the communication session, the additional information being integrated in a textual format.
US07991598B1

A system and methods are disclosed herein for modeling a mechanical system having body elements movable in at least two dimensions in a graphical modeling environment. The system and methods described herein allow constraints on body elements movable in at least two dimensions in the mechanical system to be generalized and represented by a single block in the graphical modeling environment. The system and methods described herein simplify the modeling of a mechanical system by allowing a user to construct a definition of generalized constraints through a connectivity table. Thus, it is possible to model a mechanical system in a graphical modeling environment with less than all the body elements represented by blocks in a graphical model.
US07991590B2

An adaptive real-time analysis method for dynamic signals generated by rotary machines improves Vold-Kalman filtering order tracing technology to renew the algorithm logic so that on-line computation ability is achieved. Through signal simulation and practical engineering application to verify the availability, it shows that the output results are extremely accurate. As such, this method is advantaged to estimate the time-domain waveform of specific order signals for the operation of the rotary machines and to interpret the related physical phenomena. Moreover, this method can be applied for a digital signal processor (DSP) to obtain real-time and on-line computation of the order signals needed to be traced and to display the tracing time-domain waveform instantly.
US07991588B1

The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method that includes transitioning an electrical load from a primary power supply to an alternative power supply, measuring power drawn from the alternative power supply, transitioning the electrical load from the alternative power supply to the primary power supply, and estimating the power drawn from the primary power supply by the electrical load using the measured power drawn from the alternative power supply.
US07991577B2

A system and method is provided for determining the variability induced on a process output. The method includes the analysis of input variable values to determine the total variability. A series of processes may be analyzed and ranked so that a process owner may gain an understanding of how a target process performs relative to the processes of other process owners. The method includes the generation of graphical process comparisons and advice regarding asset performance. The method also includes the estimation of cost impacts due to changes in induced variability.
US07991575B2

A system for measuring angles includes a housing and an imaging device disposed in the housing. The system also includes a first optical element disposed in the housing and configured to receive light propagating from a first target along a first optical path and direct the light toward the imaging device and receive light propagating from a second target along a second optical path and direct the light toward the imaging device. The system further includes a processor in electrical communication with the imaging device and configured to receive data from the imaging device, compute a 360° angular map based on the received data, and determine an angular separation between the first target and the second target.
US07991569B2

The object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a method, a program, and a self-organizing map which are capable of normalizing mobility without using a marker, as well as a substance detection method, a program, a detection rule creating method, and a data structure which use normalized mobility. The mobility normalizing method comprises the steps of determining a plurality of warping functions converting data to be corrected, which is unit time sequence data obtained by measuring mobility, to the respective plurality of reference waveform data sets, and a DTW distance associated with each warping function; evaluating a minimum value of the plurality of DTW distances, and determining the warping function associated with the determined minimum DTW distance; determining a slope and an intercept of a straight line approximating the determined warping function; and correcting the data to be corrected using a linear function specified by the slope and the intercept.
US07991568B2

A digital multimeter comprising a measured object input terminal, conversion circuit for a fast analog/digital converter, microprocessor, auxiliary program-controlled voltage or current source, potential divider network, electronic switches, and display. Compared with conventional multimeters, the adoption of fast analog/digital conversion technology as well as a method that applies an auxiliary power supply at the time of a passive analog measurement allows for measuring different responses between input terminals after an auxiliary power supply is applied, thus being able to automatically determine the characteristics and size of the measured object.
US07991562B2

Systems and methods for determining characteristic transition values such as elbow values in sigmoid or growth-type curves, such as the cycle threshold (Ct) value in PCR amplification curves. A double sigmoid function with parameters determined by a Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) regression process is used to find an approximation to a curve that fits a PCR dataset. Once the parameters have been determined, the curve can be normalized using one or more of the determined parameters. After normalization, the normalized curve is processed to determine the curvature of the curve at some or all points along the curve, e.g., to produce a dataset or plot representing the curvature v. the cycle number. The cycle number at which the maximum curvature occurs corresponds to the Ct value. The Ct value is then returned and may be displayed or otherwise used for further processing.
US07991555B2

An orientation vector, referred to hereinafter as the “geosteering vector,” is directed to the more conductive formation area within the DOI of the tool and away from the more resistive formation areas. Accordingly, drilling in a direction opposite the geosteering vector leads to more resistive formation. Also, the disclosed geosteering vectors obtained from the real and imaginary components will not align with each other for non-planar formations and therefore the misalignment of the geosteering obtained from real and imaginary components is indicative of a non-planar formation. A superposition method is disclosed which can be used to calculate electromagnetic (EM) couplings in a non-planar geometry formation (as well as in a planar geometry formation) in real time, without requiring two or three dimensional modeling calculations.
US07991550B2

A method for simultaneously tracking a plurality of objects and registering a plurality of object-locating sensors mounted on a vehicle relative to the vehicle is based upon collected sensor data, historical sensor registration data, historical object trajectories, and a weighted algorithm based upon geometric proximity to the vehicle and sensor data variance.
US07991548B2

A method for presenting a route includes receiving a starting point and a destination point and computing a route that includes a route segment between the two points. The method further includes determining, based on a user's travel history, whether the route segment is an unfamiliar segment, and identifying, based on the user's travel history, a road that is familiar to the user and that is within a scaled range of the unfamiliar segment. The computed route and the familiar road are then provided for presentation in a format that distinguishes the familiar road from the computed route, and the familiar road is represented relative to the unfamiliar segment.
US07991542B2

The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for monitoring signalized traffic flow. A processor in a sensor system or traffic controller interface estimates the time-of-arrival and other traffic flow estimates of one or more vehicles to an intersection stop bar, while the vehicles are within a continuous range of one or more transducers view of the sensor system. A level of efficiency and safety within the signalized traffic flow is estimated by the sensor system based upon one or more of the estimated time-of-arrival and other flow variables estimates and then communicated to the control unit of the traffic signal system. Other flow estimates for each vehicle include but are not limited to: position relative to the stop bar, lane position, velocity, acceleration, time headway and classification.
US07991537B2

A method for adjusting a lookup table that includes preset on-time values for an injector of an engine linked to fuel injection quantity values (δ). The following steps are executed in a situation when the output shaft of the engine is disconnected from the output shaft of the gearbox. A torque loss value (Tloss) and a combustion efficiency value (εF) are determined or received. An actual fuel injection quantity value (δactual) is calculated, based on the torque loss value and the combustion efficiency value. An on-time value (tg) linked to the actual fuel injection quantity value is determined from the lookup table and the on-time value is compared with a presently applied on-time value (tb) that is established by an engine control with the aid of a regulator and the lookup table. The lookup table is adjusted based on the result of the comparison.
US07991534B2

A method and a device for operating a drive unit which enable better torque coordination for a speed controller. A load-reversal damping component is provided, which filters a first setpoint value for an output variable of the drive unit to damp a load reversal. A speed controller is provided, which specifies a second setpoint value for the output variable of the drive unit in order to adjust an actual value for an engine speed of the drive unit to a setpoint value for the engine speed. A first component of the second setpoint value for the output variable specified by the speed controller is taken into account in the formation of the first setpoint value. A remaining second component of the second setpoint value for the output variable specified by the speed controller, together with the filtered first setpoint value, is taken into account only when forming a resulting third setpoint value for the output variable, the first component of the second setpoint value for the output variable specified by the speed controller being formed as a function of at least one characteristic of the load-reversal damping component, in such a way that it is not or only negligibly affected by the filtering.
US07991533B2

The present disclosure relates to a method or apparatus for controlling reductant dosing level introduced to a selective catalytic reduction device. The method or apparatus may determine available reductant and determine a distance to a source of reductant. This may be followed by adjusting a reductant dosing level based upon the available reductant and the distance to the reductant source. The apparatus may be installed in a vehicle and may also regulate in-cylinder emission control variables to reduce NOx emissions.
US07991528B2

An interior rear-view mirror for cars is so designed that a portable GPS device may be readily mounted on. Depending on implementation, a portable GPS device may be slid in or clipped onto a rear-view mirror.
US07991523B2

Disclosed is a method of indirect tire pressure monitoring. The method includes: learning test variables (DIAG, SIDE, AXLE), which describe the rotational movements of the wheels; determining rolling circumference differences (ΔDIAG, ΔSIDE, ΔAXLE) from actually determined test variables and the learnt test variables; learning at least one torsion natural frequency fp for at least one tire from the oscillation behavior of the individual tires; determining at least one shift of the torsion natural frequency Δfp from at least one actually determined torsion natural frequency and from the at least one learnt torsion natural frequency; and combining the rolling circumference differences (ΔDIAG, ΔSIDE, ΔAXLE) with the at least one shift of the torsion natural frequency fp in a joint warning strategy for detecting and warning of tire inflation pressure loss.
US07991512B2

A method of power system dispatch control solves power system dispatch problems by integrating a larger variety of generation, load and storage assets, including without limitation, combined heat and power (CHP) units, renewable generation with forecasting, controllable loads, electric, thermal and water energy storage. The method employs a predictive algorithm to dynamically schedule different assets in order to achieve global optimization and maintain the system normal operation.
US07991511B2

A method for selecting between centralized and distributed maximum power point tracking in an energy generating system is provided. The energy generating system includes a plurality of energy generating devices, each of which is coupled to a corresponding local converter that includes a local controller. The method includes determining whether there is at least a threshold amount of mismatch between operating characteristics of the energy generating devices. The energy generating system is placed in a centralized maximum power point tracking (CMPPT) mode when there is not at least the threshold amount of mismatch and is placed in a distributed maximum power point tracking (DMPPT) mode when there is at least the threshold amount of mismatch.
US07991503B2

Improved methods to detect when a human body contacts a predetermined portion of a machine are disclosed. The methods distinguish contact with a person from contact with other materials. The methods are particularly applicable in woodworking equipment such as table saws to distinguish contact between a person and the blade of the saw from contact between the blade and wet or green wood.
US07991499B2

A factory, an apparatus, and methods of using an in situ finishing information for finishing workpieces and semiconductor wafers are described. Changes or improvements to cost of manufacture of a workpiece using current in-process cost of manufacture information, tracked current in-process cost of manufacture information, or current cost of manufacture parameters are discussed. Appreciable changes to quality or cost of manufacture of a workpiece using tracking, using in-process tracked information, networks including a multiplicity of apparatus, and using in situ finishing information are discussed. A factory, apparatus, and methods to change or improve process control are discussed. A factory, apparatus, and methods to change or improve real-time process control are discussed. A factory, apparatus, and methods to change or improve feedforward and feedback control are discussed. The workpieces can be tracked individually or by process group such as a process batch.
US07991494B2

A method for processing an audio signal, comprising the steps of extracting an ancillary signal for generating the audio signal and an extension signal included in the ancillary signal from a received bit stream, checking a level of the bit stream, selectively decoding the extension signal according to the level of the bit stream, and generating the audio signal using the ancillary signal. Accordingly, in case of processing the audio signal by the present invention, it is able to reduce a corresponding load of operation to enable efficient processing and enhance a sound quality.
US07991493B2

A print medium is provided which has a surface provided with coded data. The coded data is indicative of a print media identifier linked to audio data which is able to be determined using a sensor module of a mobile telecommunications device. The audio data is retrievable from a database using the print media identifier. The coded data includes first coded data in a first format and second coded data in a second format. The first coded data encodes first information and the second coded data encodes second information. At least some of the first information is indicative of the print media identifier and the first format is a linear pattern. At least some of the second information is indicative of the print media identifier and of a two-dimensional coordinate grid, and the second format is a two-dimensional pattern.
US07991487B2

For a plurality of combinations of a plurality of operating states included in an operating range of an engine and for a plurality of combinations of a plurality of objective variables, a system, which calculates design variables, includes a calculating device for obtaining global optimal solutions of the design variables that minimize or maximize a sum of the plurality of objective variables, which respectively correspond to the plurality of combinations of the plurality of operating states; a receiving device for receiving designation of an upper limit or a lower limit of the plurality of objective variables; and a searching device for searching for global optimal solutions that result in the smoothest change in the design variables when changing the operating states in a range of the received upper limit to the received lower limit of the objective variables, with one of the global optimal solutions as an initial value set.
US07991485B2

A computer-based system and method is disclosed which constructs medical histories by direct interactions between the patient and system that acquires pertinent and relevant medical information covering the complete life of a given patient. The system and method insure that a complete life long medical history is acquired from every patient interacting with the health care system. Once acquired, the facts of the patient's life long and family medical history are analyzed automatically by databases to generate a set of the most reasonable diagnostic possibilities (the differential diagnosis) for each medical problem identified and for each risk factor for disease that is uncovered in the historical database. Further, the automatically analyzed database of historical medical information is used as the search tool for bringing to bear, on the diagnosis and treatment of each medical problem identified in each patient, the entirety of medical knowledge that relates to and can be useful for the correct and efficient diagnosis and treatment of each of every patient's medical problems. This collection of information is analyzed to generate a final diagnosis and treatment regimen.
US07991478B2

The present invention provides a flexible circuit electrode array adapted for neural stimulation, comprising: a polymer base layer; metal traces deposited on said polymer base layer, including electrodes suitable to stimulate neural tissue; a polymer top layer deposited on said polymer base layer and said metal traces at least one tack opening; wherein said polymer base layer, said metal traces and said polymer top layer are thermoformed in a three dimensional shape.The present invention provides further a method of making a flexible circuit electrode array comprising depositing a polymer base layer; depositing metal on said polymer base layer; patterning said metal to form metal traces; depositing a polymer top layer on said polymer base layer and said metal traces; preparing at least one tack opening; and heating said flexible circuit electrode array in a mold to form a three dimensional shape in said flexible circuit electrode array.
US07991475B1

Devices, systems and methods that comprise or utilize implantable electrode arrays for neural stimulation and/or sensing. In some embodiments, the electrode array is implanted or inserted into the auditory nerve and is used to deliver electrical impulses to/receive data from the auditory nerve in the treatment of hearing disorders.
US07991471B2

A method and apparatus for detecting a cardiac event in a medical device that includes sensing cardiac signals from a plurality of electrodes forming a first sensing vector and a second sensing vector, advancing from a first state to a second state in response to processing of an interval associated with a cardiac cycle of the sensed cardiac signals, and advancing from the second state in response to processing of a cardiac signal sensed during a predetermined sensing window.
US07991464B2

The present invention relates to a transdermal therapeutic system for the controllable release of an active ingredient, particularly a substance promoting wound healing, to a chronic wound or for chemotherapy, with at least one waveguide, wherein the active ingredient is deposited on the waveguide via a bond that is cleavable by electromagnetic pulses in the waveguide.
US07991460B2

A system for the detection of cardiac events occurring in a human patient is provided. At least two electrodes are included in the system for obtaining an electrical signal from a patient's heart. An electrical signal processor is electrically coupled to the electrodes for processing the electrical signal and applying tests to determine whether a cardiac event has occurred. When the processor detects some types of changes in heart rate, event detection is altered or suspended for a period of time.
US07991453B2

A medical viewing system for displaying a sequence of medical images that represents moving and/or positioning a guide-wire in a blood vessel, which guide-wire has a guide-wire tip that is contrasted with respect to the guide wire, this system comprising acquisition means that acquires an original sequence of noisy images called live sequence and processing means for processing said live sequence of images in real time, the processing means comprising: first means (10) for automatically detecting the guide-wire tip, yielding skeleton information of the guide-wire tip and a field of motion vectors based on said skeleton information; second means (20) for automatically registering the guide-wire tip with respect to a reference based on the field of motion vectors and for enhancing the guide-wire and the vessel walls while blurring the background in the registered images; and comprising: Display means for displaying a live sequence of processed images.
US07991448B2

A method for removing motion artifacts from devices for sensing bodily parameters and apparatus and system for effecting same that includes analyzing segments of measured data representing bodily parameters and possibly noise from motion artifacts. Each data segment is frequency analyzed to determine up to three candidate peaks for further analysis. Up to three candidate frequencies may be filtered and various parameters associated with each candidate frequency are calculated. A pulse-estimate input may also be accepted from an external source. The best frequency, if one exists, is determined by arbitrating the candidate frequencies and the pulse-estimate input using the calculated parameters according to predefined criteria. If a best frequency is found, a pulse rate and SpO2 may be output. If a best frequency is not found, other, conventional techniques for calculating pulse rate and SpO2 may be used.
US07991445B2

A battery cover latching mechanism for a portable electronic device is described. The latching mechanism includes a latching member having a latching portion. The latching portion is resilient and can engage into a latching hole as the latching member is deformed from its original state to it deformed state and securely latched in the latching hole as the latching member is restored to its original state.
US07991442B2

Disclosed herein is a multiple opening and closing type mobile communication terminal that is capable of operating in multiple opening and closing modes, i.e., in a folder-type opening and closing mode and in a slide-type opening and closing mode, thereby solving restrictions of installation spaces where an image display unit and a data input unit of the mobile communication terminal are installed, and including a larger-sized image display unit and a qwerty type keyboard, which is provided for personal computers, thereby improving the convenience of image display and information input. The mobile communication terminal includes a body part having a plurality of chips, a folder part hingedly coupled to the body part, and a slide part coupled to the folder part such that the slide part is moved relative to the folder part in a sliding manner, and therefore, the multiple opening and closing type mobile communication terminal is opened or closed.
US07991438B2

A mobile telecommunications terminal is provided, which makes possible, so as to use the least possible amount of power, a query of messages present for the mobile telecommunications terminal in a telecommunications network. The mobile telecommunications terminal includes a receiving device for receiving messages from the telecommunications network in a receive mode. At the mobile telecommunications terminal, a query mode can be established, in which a control unit, in the event that the receive mode is switched off, activates the receive mode at at least one first predetermined time. The control unit checks whether, within a second predetermined time period after the activation of the receive mode, information was received in the receiving device regarding at least one message present in the telecommunications network (10) for the mobile telecommunications terminal.
US07991430B2

Classifier for communication device. A communication device includes a classifier and a number of PHY (physical layer) receivers communicatively coupled thereto that enable the communication device to process various received signal types. Each of the PHY receivers is operable to perform pre-processing of a received frame (or packet) of data and to calculate a confidence level indicating whether the received frame is intended for that particular PHY receiver; this pre-processing does not involve processing (e.g., demodulation and/or decoding) of the received frame. Those PHY receivers having sufficiently high confidence levels assert claims to the classifier for the received frame. The classifier is operable to arbitrate between competing claims by 2 or more PHY receivers and to ensure that the received frame is provided to the PHY receiver for which it is intended.
US07991428B2

A method for enabling communication by sensing of a dual-mode dual-standby (DMDS) portable communication apparatus. The DMDS portable communication apparatus includes a processing module, a first light-sensing module, a second light-sensing module, a first communication module and a second communication module. The first light-sensing module, the second light-sensing module, the first communication module and the second communication module are electrically connected with the processing module. The method includes the steps of: sensing by the first light-sensing module so as to transmit a first sensing signal to the processing module; sensing by the second light-sensing module so as to transmit a second sensing signal to the processing module; and correspondingly enabling the first communication module or the second communication module to enter a communication mode by the processing module according to the first sensing signal and/or the second sensing signal.
US07991426B2

In a video processing system, a method and system for joint broadcast receiving and cellular communication via a mobile terminal or device with UMTS as an integration channel are provided. Broadcast information may be received at a mobile terminal via a VHF/UHF broadcast communication path. Cellular information, comprising voice and data, may be received at the mobile terminal from a bidirectional cellular communication path. Broadcast information may be received at the mobile terminal via the bidirectional cellular communication path. The information may be received from a service provider. Uplink cellular related information may be transmitted via an uplink path of the bidirectional cellular communication path. The mobile terminal may comprise a common interface that facilitates communication between at least one cellular processor that processes the cellular information and a broadcast processor that processes the broadcast information.
US07991404B2

A congestion control method in a mobile communication network includes the steps of recognizing by a base station control unit of the mobile communication network that the base station control unit or a base station or a cell under the same becomes in a congestion state (Yes in #11), determining a destination for a mobile terminal under a cell in the congestion state to get rid of the congestion state (#12), and sending a notice of information of the destination together with congestion information that is information of the congestion state, based on control performed by the base station control unit, to the base station control unit or the base station under the same in the congestion state or a mobile terminal that is located in the cell under the base station control unit, so that a user of the mobile terminal can recognize the congestion state (#13 and #14).
US07991402B2

A method for communicating between a network and a dual receiver UE includes receiving first signaling from a first network node at a first frequency, and receiving second signaling via a PtM control channel from a second network node at a second frequency. The method further includes receiving a request from the second network node at the second frequency, such that the request is carried on the PtM control channel, and transmitting to the first network node a response to the request from the second network node. An alternative method includes receiving communications from a first network node, and identifying that the first network node lacks uplink capabilities. This method may further include identifying that the first network node provides a MBMS service, and receiving the MBMS service from the first network node despite the identification of the lack of uplink capabilities.
US07991399B2

A mobile communication device includes, in part, a cellular communication module, a first antenna adapted to receive and transmit data between the mobile communication module and a cellular network, a Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) communication module, a second antenna adapted to receive and transmit data between the Wi-Fi communication module and a VoIP network, a signal monitoring circuit, and a switching circuit adapted to switch an existing communication from the cellular communication module to the Wi-Fi communication module or vice versa.
US07991396B2

Systems and methods are provided in which an origination station broadcasts a broadcast program to at least one of a plurality of destination stations. A first destination station (or a first group of destination stations) receives a first registration period parameter from the origination station. The first registration period parameter specifies a first period during which the first destination station must register with the origination station. The first destination station may block any attempted registration request that occurs outside the first period. Alternatively, the origination station can deny any attempted registration request by the first destination station that occurs outside the first period. If the registration request from the first destination station is sent before the first period begins, then the destination station can periodically request registration until a request is sent within the first period.
US07991388B1

A method and system for authenticating an account holder is disclosed herein. The method and system allows for real-time authentication with multiple procedures to prevent fraud and spoofing of the authentication process. The method and system involves the user photographing himself or herself for facial recognition verification, determination of location by cell phone tower verification, and a PIN preferably sent by SMS text message directly the account holder's mobile phone. The method and system may be used for verifying that a gambler is within a gambling jurisdiction.
US07991387B2

A method of operating a mobile communication device in a mobile telecommunication network, the method comprising the steps of the mobile communication device: receiving a non integrity-protected message with a parameter value included therein to be implemented on the mobile communication device; using a predetermined value stored on the mobile communication device instead of the parameter value received.
US07991386B2

A system and method for authorizing the activation of a communication device is provided. A request to activate a communication device is received by a communication service provider. The communication service provider or a central processor determines whether the communication device was validly sold in a purchase transaction. Alternately, the communication service provider can outsource the determining step to a central processor. The communication service provider or central processor determines whether to activate the communication device based on the determining action.
US07991382B1

A method for communicating location to an emergency service system. A wireless communication device (WCD) such as a cell phone attains a GPS location fix when outdoors and then uses a compass and pedometer to determine its direction(s) and distance(s) of travel reaching a position inside a building. When a user of the WCD places an emergency call, the WCD conveys an indication of its indoor location in a signaling message to an emergency service center, and an intermediation system such as an IMS system translates the indoor location indication to a textual description of a portion of the building (e.g., room, cubicle, zone, etc.) that encompasses the indicated location. An emergency service operator can thus receive the building portion description, to facilitate emergency service response. Further, a similar process can then be repeated during the call, to provide an updated building portion description to the operator.
US07991380B2

An emergency monitoring and reporting system includes a user unit and a monitoring system. The user unit includes an input device, a user satellite communication system, and a user processor communicatively coupled to the input device and the user satellite communication system. The monitoring system includes a monitoring satellite communication system, an output device, and a monitoring processor communicatively coupled to the monitoring satellite communication system and the output device. The user satellite communication system and the monitoring satellite communication system are adapted for mutual communication via a satellite network such that the output device can present information corresponding to information entered at the input device to an observer.
US07991369B2

In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for determining process corner information of an integrated circuit (IC) and controlling at least one analog current for at least one analog circuit of the IC based on the process corner information. More specifically, if the process corner information is indicative of a fast corner IC, the analog current may be scaled down. At the same time that the analog current is scaled down, a current consumption level of digital circuitry of the IC may increase. In this way, overall power consumption of the IC may be reduced to the extent that the analog current(s) are scaled.
US07991363B2

A tunable matching circuit is adjusted primarily based on transmitter oriented metrics and is then applied to attain a desired tuning for transmitter and receiver operation. In a TDM system, this is accomplished by identifying an optimal tuning for the transmitter and then applying an empirically derived adjustment to the tuning circuit in receiver mode. In an FDM system, this is accomplished by identifying a target operation that is a compromise between transmitter performance and receiver performance, and then adjusting the tuning circuit as a function of transmitter metrics and the current tuning values to achieve the desired compromised performance.
US07991341B2

An electrophotographic fixing member is provided, which is excellent in toner releasability and hard to change in rubber elasticity of a silicone rubber elastic layer. The fixing member is laminated with a substrate, a cured silicone rubber layer, a cured silicone rubber adhesive layer and a fluorine resin layer, wherein when infrared light absorption strength ratios (1020 cm−1/1260 cm−1) at 1020 cm−1 and 1260 cm−1 determined by sampling the portions of 5 μm and 20 μm from the outer surface of the cured silicone rubber layer are taken as α(5) and α(20), respectively, a relationship of α(5) and α(20) satisfies 1.03≦α(5)/α(20)≦1.30 and α(20) is 0.8 or more and 1.2 or less.
US07991340B2

The present teachings provide a fuser member, including a substrate and a release layer disposed on the substrate. The release layer includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes surrounded by a fluoroelastomeric shell layer and dispersed in a fluoroplastic.
US07991339B2

A fuser device used with an imaging system for setting toner on a recording media is disclosed. The fuser device includes a heating element; a rolling piece for exerting pressure on the toner adhered on the recording media; a film for clamping the recording media with the rolling piece, the film being in the heat of the heating element to set the toner on the recording media; and a control structure. The control structure has a base piece on which a first engaging portion and a second engaging portion are disposed. The heating element, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion form a loop and the film surrounds the loop.
US07991333B2

An image forming apparatus is described. The image forming apparatus may include an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed; a developing agent carrier that transforms the electrostatic latent image into a visible image by supplying a developing agent to the image carrier; and a developing agent cartridge that accommodates a developing agent to be supplied to the developing agent carrier, arranged so as to be opposed to the developing agent carrier in a longitudinal direction of the developing agent carrier, and formed with an opening for horizontally passing the developing agent in a position horizontally opposed to the developing agent carrier.
US07991321B2

An image forming apparatus including a plurality of image forming cartridges removably mounted to an apparatus body one above the other is disclosed. Structural members each partition off a space between nearby image forming cartridges mounted to the apparatus body. The apparatus is capable of obviating banding ascribable to the vibration of the cartridges.
US07991312B2

An image forming apparatus includes a charging device, an image bearing member, an electrostatic image forming device, a development device including a developer bearing member, a transfer device, and a controller. The controller controls a potential of the image bearing member such that, during image formation to form an image on a recording material having a predetermined size, an absolute potential value (V1) of a region on a surface of the image bearing member outside a region corresponding to a passage region for a recording material in a width direction orthogonal to a movement direction of the surface of the image bearing member, an absolute potential value (V2) of a non-image portion in the region corresponding to the passage region for the recording material, and an absolute potential value (Vdc) of the developer bearing member satisfy the following condition: Vdc
US07991307B2

A media handling device includes sensing means disposed in a media elevator that is movable in a generally-vertical travel path proximate to a generally-fixed surface. The sensing means detects a recorded information that is disposed in the surface. The resulting detected information is used to identify the media elevator's current position. Also, another media handling device includes a recorded information disposed in a movable media elevator. Sensing means are fixed proximate to a generally-vertical media elevator travel path. The recorded information is sensed and the resulting detected information is used to identify the media elevator's current position.
US07991298B2

It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical modulation system capable of suppressing a carrier component (f0) and a high order component (such as a second order component (f0±2fm)). The optical modulation system includes Mach-Zehnder waveguide (8), a first intensity modulator (9) provided on a first arm (4), a second intensity modulator (10) provided on a second arm (5), a first main Mach-Zehnder electrode (MZCA electrode) (13a), and a second main Mach-Zehnder electrode (MZCB electrode) (13b). Non-desired components propagating the respective arms are made to have reverse phase before optical signals are combined, whereby the optical modulation system is capable of suppressing the non-desired components when the optical signals are combined.
US07991297B2

A method for generating D-N-PSK optical signals is disclosed wherein a laser is modulated to generate optical signal pairs including phase modulated and fixed phase portions, the phase modulated portions having a frequency encoding one or more data symbols and the fixed phase portion having a carrier frequency and a phase corresponding to the immediately preceding phase modulated portion. The output of the laser is passed through an optical spectrum reshaper having a transmission function chosen to attenuate a plurality of the phase modulated portions relative to the fixed phase portions. The phase modulated portions may have N frequency levels located on either side of the carrier frequency. One of the N frequency levels may be equal to the carrier frequency.
US07991294B2

Bi-directional laser communications system comprising a first transceiver and a second transceiver for establishing two optical channels there between. The first transceiver comprises a first transmitter with a pulsed high-power laser source for transmitting a pulsed beacon laser signal into a first of said optical channels. The second transceiver comprises a receiver with an optical antenna for receiving said pulsed beacon laser signal, said second transceiver and/or a receiving optic of said second transceiver being adjustable so that it can be adjusted with respect to said pulsed beacon laser signal. The second transceiver further comprises a second transmitter with a laser for transmitting a high energy laser signal into a second of said optical channels, and means for a separation of said first optical channel and said second optical channel. These means prevent the high energy laser signals from being transmitted into said second optical channel whenever said pulsed beacon laser signal is expected to arrive through said first optical channel.
US07991286B2

An optical transmission apparatus includes redundant line cards each having a plurality of ports, a hardware unit and a CPU. The hardware unit obtains failure information on redundant lines for each port. The CPU determines switching control of the redundant lines based on the failure information. Then, the hardware unit switches the redundant lines based on the switching control determined by the CPU, so as to transmit an SDH/SONET optical signal in a ring network. The CPU of one of the line cards is set as a master CPU on the corresponding line card to control switching of the redundant lines. Further, the CPU of the other line card is set as a slave CPU.
US07991275B2

Digital camera is provided with face detection section that detects faces of a plurality of photographing objects, microcomputer performs continuous shooting in optimum photographing conditions in accordance with the number of faces of the photographing objects for each face of the plurality of photographing objects by a single shutter operation and performs control by assigning serial photographing object numbers to the images of the plurality of photographing objects taken by continuous shooting and recording the images in a single continuous-shooting image folder. Furthermore, microcomputer performs continuous shooting in predetermined order in accordance with the number of faces of the photographing objects and detects, when the photographing object speed is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the photographing object speed again after photographing other photographing objects.
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