US08435960B2

The present invention provides devices and compositions for the management of infection of topical lesions, each of the devices and compositions containing protonated/acidified nucleic acids either on its surface, or integrated into the device. These modified nucleic acids are effective as bactericidal and/or bacteriostatic agents without regard to the class of bacteria, so are especially useful when diagnosis is difficult or when multiple infectious organisms are present. The antibiotic activity of nucleic acids of the invention is not dependent on either the specific sequence of the nucleic acid or the length of the nucleic acid molecule. The nucleic acids used in the invention are protonated/acidified to give a pH when dissolved in water of less than pH 7 to about 1, more preferably less than pH 4.5 to about 1, and even more preferably less than pH 2 to about 1.
US08435954B2

An azapeptide derivative of growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP) of Formula I: A-(Xaa)a-N(RA)—N(RB)—C(O)-(Xaa′)b-B which binds to CD 36.
US08435953B2

An object of the present invention is to provide a sustained release composition containing SDF-1. The present invention provides a sustained release composition containing (1) SDF-1 and (2) a hydrogel containing modified gelatin having a carboxyl group and/or a sulfo group. Since the composition can release SDF-1, a chemokine which is a capable of promoting accumulation of vascular progenitor cells in vivo, in the sustained manner, it can be useful for treatment and/or suppression of symptom progression of ischemic disease or bone disease, as pharmaceutical preparations in various formulations.
US08435952B2

The invention relates to methods and compositions for treating undifferentiated arthritis (UA) and/or preventing the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in subjects with UA by administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of soluble CTLA4 molecule.
US08435948B2

The invention discloses compositions and methods for decreasing osteoclast which are useful for the treatment of a variety of bone loss disorders.
US08435947B2

Compositions and methods for inhibiting the interaction between eNOS and β-actin are provided for use in inhibiting or reducing lung injury from oxygen toxicity. One embodiment provides a synthetic or recombinant polypeptide having the β-actin binding domain of eNOS, wherein the polypeptide inhibits or reduces eNOS activity in lung endothelial cells.
US08435943B2

The present invention is directed to stabilizing Bone Morphogenetic Protein in various lyophilized formulations and compositions. The present invention comprises formulations primarily including trehalose as an excipient for lyophilized compositions and their subsequent storage and reconstitution, and can also optionally include other excipients, including buffers and surfactants.
US08435935B2

A water-soluble pouch suitable for use in machine dishwashing and which comprises a plurality of compartments in generally superposed or superposable relationship, each containing one or more detergent active or auxiliary components, and wherein the pouch has a volume of from about 5 to about 70 ml and a longitudinal/transverse aspect ratio in the range from about 2:1 to about 1:8, preferably from about 1:1 to about 1:4. The water-soluble pouch allows for optimum delivery of dishwashing detergent. A process for the manufacture of multi-compartment pouches and a pack to contain the pouches are also disclosed.
US08435919B2

The mixed oxide of the invention mainly consists of cerium oxide and of at least one oxide of another rare earth. It has a specific surface area of at least 20 m2/g after calcining at 1000° C. for 5 hours. It is obtained by forming a liquid medium comprising a cerium compound; by heating this medium; by adding to the precipitate obtained a compound of the other rare earth, by heating the medium thus obtained and by bringing its pH to a basic value and by calcining the precipitate. The mixed oxide may be used as a catalyst support.
US08435909B2

The dual-zeolite catalyst for production of ethylbenzene is formed by mixing at least two different zeolites selected from mordenite, beta, ZSM-5, ZSM-11, ZSM-12, ZSM-22, ZSM-23, MFI topology zeolite, NES topology zeolite, EU-1, SAPO-5, SAPO-34, SAPO-11 and MAPO-36 zeolites and an inactive alumina binder. The two zeolites have different topology and possess dissimilar and unique physical and chemical characteristics, including particle size, surface area, pore size and acidity. The preferred amount of the two zeolites may range from 10 to 90 wt % of the total catalyst amount in the final dried and calcined form, preferably the zeolites are in equal parts by weight.
US08435900B2

The invention provides a method for manufacturing a transistor which includes: providing a substrate having a plurality of transistors formed thereon, wherein each transistor includes a gate; forming a stressed layer and a first oxide layer on the transistors and on the substrate successively; forming a sacrificial layer on the first oxide layer; patterning the sacrificial layer to remove a part of the sacrificial layer which covers on the gates of the transistors; forming a second oxide layer on the residual sacrificial layer and on a part of the first oxide layer which is exposed after the part of the sacrificial layer is removed; performing a first planarization process to remove a part of the second oxide layer located on the gates of the transistors; performing a second planarization process to remove the residual second oxide layer; and performing a third planarization process to remove the stressed layer.
US08435890B2

A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device is described. The method comprises performing a gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) pre-treatment and/or post-treatment of at least a portion of a silicon-containing substrate during formation of a silicide region.
US08435887B2

Disclosed is a method which includes forming a copper interconnect within a trench or via in a substrate. Forming the copper interconnect includes forming a ruthenium-containing seed layer on a wall of the trench or via; forming a cobalt sacrificial layer on the ruthenium-containing layer before the ruthenium-containing seed layer being exposed to an environment that is oxidizing with respect to the seed layer; and contacting the cobalt sacrificial layer with a copper plating solution, the copper plating solution dissolving the cobalt sacrificial layer and plating out copper on the unoxidized ruthenium-containing seed layer. Alternatively, the ruthenium-containing seed layer may be replaced with platinum, tungsten nitride, titanium nitride or titanium or iridium. Further alternatively, the cobalt sacrificial layer may be replaced by tin, cadmium, copper or manganese.
US08435886B2

A method and apparatus are presented for reducing halide-based contamination within deposited titanium-based thin films. Halide adsorbing materials are utilized within the deposition chamber to remove halides, such as chlorine and chlorides, during the deposition process so that contamination of the titanium-based film is minimized. A method for regenerating the halide adsorbing material is also provided.
US08435876B2

A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a lower film including a cell region and a peripheral circuit region, forming a first sacrificial film on the lower film, the first sacrificial film having trenches in the cell region, forming a second sacrificial pattern on the first sacrificial film, the second sacrificial pattern having line-shaped patterns spaced apart from each other and crossing the trenches in the cell region, and the second sacrificial pattern covering a top surface of the first sacrificial film in the peripheral circuit region, and patterning the first sacrificial film to form upper holes in portions of the trenches exposed by the second sacrificial pattern.
US08435866B2

At least one single crystal substrate, each having a backside surface and made of silicon carbide, and a supporting portion having a main surface and made of silicon carbide, are prepared. In this preparing step, at least one of the backside surface and main surface is formed by machining. By this forming step, a surface layer having distortion in the crystal structure is formed on at least one of the backside surface and main surface. The surface layer is removed at least partially. Following this removing step, the backside surface and main surface are connected to each other.
US08435864B2

A method of fabricating a MIM capacitor is provided. The method includes providing a substrate including a dielectric layer formed on a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer formed over the dielectric layer, and patterning a mask on the second conductive layer. Exposed portions of the second conductive layer are removed to form an upper plate of a MIM capacitor having edges substantially aligned with respective edges of the mask. The upper plate is undercut so that edges of the upper plate are located under the mask. Exposed portions of the dielectric layer and the first conductive layer are removed using the mask to form a capacitor dielectric layer and a lower plate of the MIM capacitor having edges substantially aligned with respective edges of the mask.
US08435863B2

A reverse-conducting semiconductor device (RC-IGBT) including a freewheeling diode and an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT), and a method for making the RC-IGBT are provided. A first layer of a first conductivity type is created on a collector side before a second layer of a second conductivity type is created on the collector side. An electrical contact in direct electrical contact with the first and second layers is created on the collector side. A shadow mask is applied on the collector side, and a third layer of the first conductivity type is created through the shadow mask. At least one electrically conductive island, which is part of a second electrical contact in the finalized RC-IGBT, is created through the shadow mask. The island is used as a mask for creating the second layer, and those parts of the third layer which are covered by the island form the second layer.
US08435859B2

Some embodiments include methods of forming electrical contacts. A row of semiconductor material projections may be formed, with the semiconductor material projections containing repeating components of an array, and with a terminal semiconductor projection of the row comprising a contact location. An electrically conductive line may be along said row, with the line wrapping around an end of said terminal semiconductor projection and bifurcating into two branches that are along opposing sides of the semiconductor material projections. Some of the semiconductor material of the terminal semiconductor projection may be replaced with dielectric material, and then an opening may be extended into the dielectric material. An electrical contact may be formed within the opening and directly against at least one of the branches. Some embodiments include memory arrays.
US08435847B2

A semiconductor device and a method for fabricating the same are disclosed. A fin of the semiconductor device including a fin-shaped channel region is configured in the form of a non-uniform structure, and a leakage current caused by the electric field effect generated in the semiconductor device is prevented from being generated, resulting in an increased operation stability of the semiconductor device.
US08435841B2

A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device begins by fabricating an n-type metal oxide semiconductor (NMOS) transistor structure on a semiconductor wafer. The method continues by forming an optically reflective layer overlying the NMOS transistor structure, forming a layer of tensile stress inducing material overlying the optically reflective layer, and curing the layer of tensile stress inducing material by applying ultraviolet radiation. Some of the ultraviolet radiation directly radiates the layer of tensile stress inducing material and some of the ultraviolet radiation radiates the layer of tensile stress inducing material by reflecting from the optically reflective layer.
US08435834B2

A semiconductor die has a conductive layer including a plurality of trace lines formed over a carrier. The conductive layer includes a plurality of contact pads electrically continuous with the trace lines. A semiconductor die has a plurality of contact pads and bumps formed over the contact pads. A plurality of conductive pillars can be formed over the contact pads of the semiconductor die. The bumps are formed over the conductive pillars. The semiconductor die is mounted to the conductive layer with the bumps directly bonded to an end portion of the trace lines to provide a fine pitch interconnect. An encapsulant is deposited over the semiconductor die and conductive layer. The conductive layer contains wettable material to reduce die shifting during encapsulation. The carrier is removed. An interconnect structure is formed over the encapsulant and semiconductor die. An insulating layer can be formed over the conductive layer.
US08435826B1

A method for forming a thin film photovoltaic device. The method includes providing a transparent substrate comprising a surface region and forming a first electrode layer overlying the surface region. The method forms a bulk copper indium disulfide material from a multi-layered structure comprising a copper species, an indium species, and a sulfur species overlying the first electrode layer. The bulk copper indium disulfide material comprises one or more portions of a copper poor copper indium disulfide material, a copper poor surface regions, and one or more portions of a sulfur deficient copper indium disulfide material characterized by at least a CuInS2-x species, where 0
US08435823B2

According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a back-illuminated solid-state imaging device including forming a mask with apertures corresponding to a pixel pattern on the surface of a semiconductor layer, implanting second-conductivity-type impurity ions into the semiconductor layer from the front side of the layer to form second-conductivity-type photoelectric conversion parts and forming a part where no ion has been implanted into a pixel separation region, forming at the surface of the semiconductor layer a signal scanning circuit for reading light signals obtained at the photoelectric conversion parts after removing the mask, and removing the semiconductor substrate and a buried insulating layer from the semiconductor layer after causing a support substrate to adhere to the front side of the semiconductor layer.
US08435822B2

A method for forming a thin film photovoltaic device having patterned electrode films includes providing a soda lime glass substrate with an overlying lower electrode layer comprising a molybdenum material. The method further includes subjecting the lower electrode layer with one or more pulses of electromagnetic radiation from a laser source to ablate one or more patterns associated with one or more berm structures from the lower electrode layer. Furthermore, the method includes processing the lower electrode layer comprising the one or more patterns using a mechanical brush device to remove the one or more berm structures followed by treating the lower electrode layer comprising the one or more patterns free from the one or more berm structures. The method further includes forming a layer of photovoltaic material overlying the lower electrode layer and forming a first zinc oxide layer overlying the layer of photovoltaic material.
US08435821B2

A sensor and method for fabricating a sensor is disclosed that in one embodiment bonds an etched semiconductor substrate wafer to an etched device wafer comprising a silicon on insulator wafer to create a suspended structure, the flexure of which is determined by an embedded sensing element to measure absolute pressure. Interconnect channels embedded in the sensor facilitate streamlined packaging of the device while accommodating interconnectivity with other devices.
US08435814B2

A method for fabricating a LCD having enhanced aperture ratio and brightness includes: forming a gate line, a gate electrode, a common electrode and a common line in a first mask process; depositing a gate insulating layer covering the gate line, the gate electrode and the common electrode; forming an active layer on the gate insulating layer, and an ohmic contact layer on the active layer in a second mask process; forming a data line, a source electrode, and a drain electrode facing the source electrode in a third mask process; depositing a protective layer over the data line, the source electrode and the drain electrode; forming a pixel contact hole in a fourth mask process; and forming a pixel electrode, wherein the pixel electrode is connected to the drain electrode through the pixel contact hole in a fifth mask process using a reverse tapered photo-resist pattern.
US08435813B2

Provided is a light emitting device and a method of manufacturing the same. The light emitting device comprises a transparent substrate, an n-type compound semiconductor layer formed on the transparent substrate, an active layer, a p-type compound semiconductor layer, and a p-type electrode sequentially formed on a first region of the n-type compound semiconductor layer, and an n-type electrode formed on a second region separated from the first region of the n-type compound semiconductor layer, wherein the p-type electrode comprises first and second electrodes, each electrode having different resistance and reflectance.
US08435804B2

A method for producing a lamina from a donor body includes implanting the donor body with an ion dosage and separably contacting the donor body with a susceptor assembly, where the donor body and the susceptor assembly are in direct contact. A lamina is exfoliated from the donor body, and a deforming force is applied to the lamina or to the donor body to separate the lamina from the donor body.
US08435802B2

A semiconductor device is prepared by an annealing process to interconnect at least two components of the device by a conductor line surrounded by an insulator material. The annealing process results in formation of residual stresses within the conductor line and the insulator material. A notch is designed in the layout on a selective portion of the mask for patterning conductor line. The existence of a shape of notch on the selective portion generates extra stress components within the conductor line than if without the existence of the notch. The position of the notch is selected so that the extra stress components substantially counteract the residual stresses, thereby causing a net reduction in the residual stresses. The reduction in the residual stresses results in a corresponding mechanical stress migration and therefore improvement in the reliability of the device.
US08435801B2

The present invention comprises compositions and methods for making monoclonal antibodies. The present invention further comprises vectors that replicate the immune system components, particularly an antigen-presenting cell (APC) element of the immune synapse. Additionally, the present invention may further comprise synthetic T-cells.
US08435799B2

The disclosure features methods of analyzing preparations of heparin, and materials derived from heparin using strong anion exchange high performance liquid chromatography (SAX-HPLC).
US08435792B2

Aspects of the invention include methods for enhancing blood coagulation in a subject. In practicing methods according to certain embodiments, an amount of a non-anticoagulant sulfated polysaccharide (NASP) is administered to a subject to enhance blood coagulation in the subject. Also provided are methods for preparing a NASP composition having blood coagulation enhancing activity. Compositions and kits for practicing methods of the invention are also described.
US08435787B2

Alginate polyelectrolyte encapsulation is used for the controlled differentiation of embryonic stem cells. An isolated cell population is provided. The cell population includes a single cell suspension of ES cells encapsulated within an alginate polyelectrolyte microenvironment. The encapsulated ES cells are capable of differentiating within said microenvironment into hepatocyte lineage cells in the absence of embryoid body intermediates or growth factor supplementation.
US08435785B2

This invention relates to the culture of dendritic cells from human embryonic stem (ES) cells. Human ES cells are first cultured into hematopoietic cells by co-culture with stromal cells. The cells now differentiated into the hematopoietic lineage are then cultured with GM-CSF to create a culture of myeloid precursor cells. Culture of the myeloid precursor cells with the cytokines GM-CSF and IL-4 causes functional dendritic cells to be generated. The dendritic cells have a unique phenotype, as indicated by their combination of cell surface markers.
US08435770B2

One aspect of the invention relates to a genetically modified thermophilic or mesophilic microorganism, wherein a first native gene is partially, substantially, or completely deleted, silenced, inactivated, or down-regulated, which first native gene encodes a first native enzyme involved in the metabolic production of an organic acid or a salt thereof, thereby increasing the native ability of said thermophilic or mesophilic microorganism to produce ethanol as a fermentation product. In certain embodiments, the aforementioned microorganism further comprises a first non-native gene, which first non-native gene encodes a first non-native enzyme involved in the metabolic production of ethanol. Another aspect of the invention relates to a process for converting lignocellulosic biomass to ethanol, comprising contacting lignocellulosic biomass with a genetically modified thermophilic or mesophilic microorganism.
US08435769B2

The present invention provides methods for producing shikimic acid. In particular the invention provides methods for producing and isolating shikimic acid from a microorganism. Additionally, the invention provides methods for synthesizing compounds such as oseltamivir and 6-fluoroshikimic acid using shikimic acid produced from microorganisms.
US08435759B2

The present invention provides a novel isolated plasmid, wherein the plasmid is a native plasmid found in unique C. botulinum type A strains and encode either BoNT/A3 or BoNT/A4 and BoNT/B. The present invention also provides a method of obtaining a plasmid-encoded botulinum neurotoxin and botulinum neurotoxin complex comprising the step of isolating a plasmid encoding the cntA/A or cntA/B neurotoxin gene and genes encoding protein components of the toxin complex from a C. botulinum type A strain. The inventors performed comparative analyzes of representative BoNT/A subtype strains by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and Southern hybridizations with probes specific for the BoNT/A and B genes, cntA/A and cntA/B. Unexpectedly, the inventors determined that the genes encoding BoNT/A3 in the A3 strain, and BoNT/A4 and BoNT/B in the A4 strain, are on plasmids.
US08435754B2

The present invention provides for a method of using BOC/CDO hedgehog antagonists to inhibit hedgehog signaling, as well as treating and diagnosing disorders relating to hedgehog signaling or overexpression of hedgehog, including cancer, cell proliferative disorders, and angiogenesis, neurological disorders, as well as other conditions affected by hedgehog signaling such as hair growth, neural stem cell differentiation, chondrogenesis and osteogenesis, lung surfactant production, formation of lamellated bodies in lung cells.
US08435749B2

The present invention relates to anti-CDH3 antibodies, which can be labeled with a radioisotope. Moreover, the present invention provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions that comprise an anti-CDH3 antibody as an active ingredient. Since CDH3 is strongly expressed in pancreatic, lung, colon, prostate, breast, gastric or liver cancer cells, the present invention is useful in pancreatic, lung, colon, prostate, breast, gastric or liver cancer therapies.
US08435741B2

An object to be achieved by the present invention is to provide a nucleic acid amplification method by which a nucleic acid can be amplified substantially isothermally using oligonucleotide primers and DNA polymerase capable of strand displacement. The present invention provides a nucleic acid amplification method which comprises performing substantially isothermal incubation of a reaction solution containing at least one type of deoxynucleotide triphosphate, at least one type of DNA polymerase having strand displacement activity, a divalent cation, at least 0.01% or more surfactant, at least two types of oligonucleotide primer, and the nucleic acid fragment as a template so as to perform a polymerase reaction that initiates from the 3′ end of the primer and thus amplifying the nucleic acid fragment.
US08435730B2

A semen extender composition is provided. The semen extender composition includes a sperm cell protecting amount of phospholipid, an effective amount of surfactant to reduce ice crystal formation during freezing of the composition; a carbohydrate, and a biological buffer to provide a semen extender use solution having a pH of between about 6.9 and about 7.5, and wherein the use solution exhibits an osmolality of about 250 mOsM to about 350 mOsM. Methods for manufacturing and using a semen extender composition are provided.
US08435728B2

A method and system for patterning a substrate using a radiation-sensitive material is described. The method and system include forming a layer of radiation-sensitive material on a substrate, exposing the layer of radiation-sensitive material to a pattern of radiation, and then performing a post-exposure bake following the exposing. The imaged layer of radiation-sensitive material is then developed to remove either a region having high radiation exposure or a region having low radiation exposure to form radiation-sensitive material lines. An exposure gradient within the radiation-sensitive material lines is then removed, followed by slimming the radiation-sensitive material lines.
US08435725B2

A method for interlaminating a transparent embossed hologram, the transparent embossed hologram comprising a support having two sides, at least one of the two sides either itself being embossed or having a layer thereon which is embossed and a layer of a HRI-material contiguous with the embossed side or embossed layer, comprising the steps of: a) conditioning the outermost surface of the layer of inorganic HRI-material with at least one organic liquid; b) drying the outermost surface of the layer of the inorganic HRI-material thereby providing a conditioned outermost surface of the layer of inorganic HRI-material; c) applying an adhesive layer to the conditioned outermost surface; and d) laminating the outermost surface of inorganic HRI-material to an optionally transparent film, wherein the at least one organic liquid is selected from the group consisting of ketones, ethers, heterocyclic ethers, lactams, amides, halo-aliphatic compounds, nitriles and esters; wherein at least one of the support and the film is transparent; and wherein the HRI-material is a material with a refractive index of at least 0.3 higher than that of the embossed material. A laminate obtainable with the above-mentioned methods and an identity document comprising the laminate are also disclosed.
US08435724B2

In a fabricating method of a touch screen panel, a conductive layer and an insulating layer are sequentially formed on a same surface of a transparent substrate. The conductive layer and the insulating layer are co-patterned using a halftone mask to form first connection patterns having separated patterns and the insulating layer being patterned on the first connection patterns to expose regions of the first connection patterns. A transparent electrode layer is formed on the transparent substrate having the first connection patterns and the insulating layer. The transparent electrode layer is patterned to form first sensing patterns connected to the first connection patterns through the exposed regions of the first connection patterns and connected along a first direction, and to form second sensing patterns disposed between the first sensing patterns, wherein the second sensing patterns are insulated from the first sensing patterns and connected along a second direction.
US08435723B2

A pattern forming method includes coating, on a wafer, a negative resist and a positive resist which has a higher sensitivity; exposing the positive resist and the negative resist on the wafer with an image of a line-and-space pattern; and developing the positive resist and the negative resist in a direction parallel to a normal line of a surface of the wafer. A fine pattern, which exceeds the resolution limit of an exposure apparatus, can be formed by using the lithography process without performing the overlay exposure.
US08435720B2

A lithographic printing plate precursor includes, in the following order: a support; an image-recording layer which is capable of forming an image by removing an unexposed area of the image-recording layer with at least one of printing ink and dampening water on a printing machine after exposure and contains an infrared absorbing dye, a polymerization initiator, a polymerizable compound and a binder polymer having an alkylene oxide group; and a protective layer containing a hydrophilic polymer which contains at least a repeating unit represented by the formula (1) as defined herein, a repeating unit represented by the formula (2) as defined herein, and a repeating unit represented by the formula (4) as defined herein, and in which a content of the repeating unit represented by the formula (4) is from 0.3 to 5.0% by mole based on total repeating units of the hydrophilic polymer.
US08435718B2

An upper layer-forming composition includes a resin, and a solvent. The resin is dissolvable in a developer for a photoresist film which is to be covered by the upper layer-forming composition to form a pattern by exposure to radiation. The solvent dissolves the resin in the solvent. The solvent includes a compound shown by a formula (1). Each of R1 and R2 independently represents a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms or a halogenated hydrocarbon group. R1—O—R2  (1)
US08435717B2

A sulfonic acid onium salt represented by the following formula (1) can be used as a superior radiosensitive acid generator for resist compositions. It is possible to form a good pattern by using a resist composition containing this sulfonic acid onium salt. In formula (1), R1 represents a monovalent organic group, and Q+ represents a sulfonium cation or iodonium cation.
US08435714B2

A process for making toner particles is provided. In embodiments, a suitable process includes melt mixing a resin in the absence of an organic solvent, optionally adding a surfactant to the resin, adding to the resin at least one colorant and other optional toner additives, adding to the resin a basic agent and water to form a mixture, and subjecting the mixture to acoustic mixing at a suitable frequency to form to form an emulsion. A phase inversion may then be performed to create a phase inversed emulsion including a disperse phase comprising molten resin and the optional ingredients of the toner composition, at which time toner-sized droplets may be solidified from the disperse phase into toner particles, which can be recovered for use.
US08435712B2

The use of electrographic printing to prepare prints which have a desired tactile feel or raised information in a controlled manner by utilizing a developer having toner particle size larger than 50 microns volume average diameter and carrier particles larger than the toner particle size such that the volume average distribution overlap between the toner distribution curve and carrier particle distribution curve is less than 35% and the carrier and toner particles have a volume average diameter size differential equal to or greater than 5 microns or the ratio of carrier-to-toner volume average diameter exceeds 1.25.
US08435711B2

A toner comprising toner particles which comprise binder resin and colorant, wherein the binder resin is made from latexes which comprise a low molecular weight (LMW) latex of resin particles having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) less than 50,000 and a medium molecular weight (MMW) latex of resin particles having a Mw from 50,000 to 500,000, wherein the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the resin particles of the LMW latex is not greater than 52° C.
US08435704B2

In a mask blank for manufacturing a transfer mask adapted to exposure light having a wavelength of 200 nm or less, the mask blank has a light-shielding film on a transparent substrate. The light-shielding film is made of a material containing tantalum as a main metal component and includes a highly oxidized layer which has an oxygen content of 60 at % or more and which is formed as a surface layer of the light-shielding film, that is placed on a side opposite to a transparent substrate side.
US08435703B2

There is provided a pellicle having a rectangular pellicle frame formed of four side bars, having a through hole made through at least one of the frame bars for adjusting a pressure of a space formed within the pellicle frame equal to a pressure outside the pellicle frame; and a filter member disposed to cover up an external opening of the through hole for preventing entrance of particles into the space, wherein the through hole is formed with: (1) an outer stepped portion defining a first recess, opening outside the pellicle frame, for accommodating the filter member, (2) an inner stepped portion defining a second recess, opening in a bottom of the first recess, and (3) a ventilation hole with one end opening in a bottom of the second recess of the inner stepped portion and the other end opening in the space within the pellicle frame.
US08435701B2

A composition for holographic recording is provided, comprising an inert polyphenyl ether binder capable of supporting radical polymerization, wherein the inert binder is substantially transparent in visible light, and is viscous at room temperature; a photopolymerizable part comprising a matrix forming component comprising at least one radically photopolymerizable multifunctional (meth)acrylic oligomer or monomer, and a radically polymerizable recording component; and a photoinitiation system capable of initiating radical polymerization.
US08435700B2

An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel cell system configured to be able to suppress loads imposed on a liner caused by gas filling, as well as a method for supplying fuel gas in the fuel cell system, and a mobile body. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell, a tank which includes a liner and a reinforcement layer formed on an outer peripheral surface of the liner and in which fuel gas is stored, an adjustment device configured to adjust a supply amount of fuel gas to be fed from the tank to the fuel cell, an information acquisition section configured to acquire information on a pressure and a temperature in the tank, a calculation section configured to calculate a gap amount between the liner and the reinforcement layer based on information acquired by the information acquisition section during operation of the fuel cell system, and a decision section configured to decide whether or not to limit the supply amount based on the calculated gap amount.
US08435699B2

A fuel cartridge capable of supplying two fuels to an anode of a fuel cell body without using a pump, a direct methanol fuel cell having the same, and a method of purging a direct methanol fuel cell using the fuel cartridge, fuel cartridge according to one exemplary embodiment comprising a first storage unit having a first port for entrance and exit of a fluid and storing a liquid first fuel; and a second storage unit having a second port for entrance and exit of a fluid and filling a second fuel at a constant pressure, wherein the first fuel is discharged into the first port by the pressure of the second fuel.
US08435687B2

A contactor electrically connects and disconnects a fuel cell from a load. When a failure-detecting mode for detecting a closing failure of a contactor is initiated, an opening command is transmitted to the contactor, and a DC/DC converter connected to a motor changes the load voltage. Then, the load voltage and a fuel cell voltage are compared with each other. If the contactor is in a normal open state, as a result of the opening command, the fuel cell voltage is constant, whereas the load voltage of the DC/DC converter decreases, thereby producing a voltage difference. A closing failure of the contactor is determined when it is detected that the fuel cell voltage is substantially equal to the load voltage.
US08435683B2

The present teachings relate to solid oxide fuel cells with internal reforming capability. The solid oxide fuel cell generally includes a cathode, an electrolyte, an anode, and a catalyst layer in contact with the anode. The catalyst layer can include a support membrane and a reforming catalyst layer associated with the support membrane. In some embodiments, the reforming catalyst can include one or more partial oxidation reforming catalysts. The present teachings also provide methods of making and operating the solid oxide fuel cells described above.
US08435680B2

A rechargeable lithium battery including: a positive electrode including a nickel-based positive active material; a negative electrode including a negative active material; and an electrolyte including a non-aqueous organic solvent, a lithium salt, a first fluoroethylene carbonate additive, a second vinylethylene carbonate additive, and a third alkane sultone additive, wherein when the battery is thicker than about 5mm, a mixing weight ratio of the first fluoroethylene carbonate additive to the second vinylethylene carbonate additive ranges from about 5:1 to about 10:1, or when the battery is thinner than about 5 mm, the mixing weight ratio of the first fluoroethylene carbonate additive to the second vinylethylene carbonate additive ranges from about 1:1 to about 4:1.
US08435675B2

Disclosed is a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery comprising a positive electrode containing a nickel-containing lithium composite oxide, a negative electrode containing graphite, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The cut-off voltage of charge of this non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery is 4.25 to 4.6 V. The negative electrode contains an additive that reacts with lithium at a potential higher than the potential of graphite. The ratio A/B of a positive electrode capacity A based on the weight of the nickel-containing lithium composite oxide and the cut-off voltage of charge relative to a weight B of the graphite contained in a portion of a negative electrode material mixture layer opposing to a positive electrode material mixture layer is 300 to 340 mAh/g, and the irreversible capacity C of the positive electrode and the irreversible capacity D of the negative electrode in the portion opposing to the positive electrode satisfies C≧D.
US08435674B2

A lithium battery includes a cathode; an anode; and an organic electrolyte solution. The cathode includes cathode active materials that discharge oxygen during charging and discharging. The organic electrolyte solution includes: lithium salt; an organic solvent, and at least one selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by Formula 1 and Formula 2 below: P(R1)a(OR2)b  Formula 1 O═P(R1)a(OR2)b.  Formula 2 R1 is each independently a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C20 alkyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted C6-C30 aryl group. R2 is each independently a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C20 alkyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted C6-C30 aryl group. a and b are each independently in a range of about 0 to about 3 and a+b=3.
US08435672B2

The invention provides a lithium ion secondary battery comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode and an electrolysis solution containing an aprotic solvent having an electrolyte dissolved in it, wherein the negative electrodes uses an amorphous carbon material as a negative electrode active material. The amorphous carbon material has (A) an average particle diameter (median size) of 7 μm to 20 μm inclusive as measured by a laser diffraction scattering method and (B) a particle size distribution as measured by a laser diffraction scattering method, in which distribution the ratio of particles of less than 3 μm in diameter is 1% by mass to 10% mass inclusive, and is free of an electrical conducting material.
US08435669B2

An electro-chemical device comprises a package including a metal film, a battery element sealed within the package, resin layers disposed at least on the inside of a seal part of the package, and a lead extending from the battery element to the outside of the package through between the resin layers at the seal part of the package. The lead has a special form into which the resin of the resin layers bites, so that the lead is firmly buried in the resin layers, whereby the lead is fully inhibited from moving. Therefore, an electro-chemical device having a high quality can be obtained.
US08435666B2

Disclosed herein is a battery module including a plurality of battery cells mounted in a module case in a stacked state, wherein cooling members are mounted at interfaces between the battery cells, the module case is configured in a structure in which two opposite sides of the module case are open so that corresponding portions of the battery cell stack are exposed outward through the two open opposite sides of the module case, the cooling members are partially exposed outward through the two open opposite sides of the module case, and a coolant flows along the two open opposite sides of the module case while contacting the outwardly exposed portions of the cooling members.
US08435664B2

A battery system including battery blocks (3) having a plurality of battery cells (1) stacked with cooling gaps (4) established between the battery cells to pass cooling gas; ventilating ducts (5), which are supply ducts (6) and exhaust ducts (7), disposed on both sides of the battery blocks to forcibly ventilate the cooling gaps; and ventilating apparatus (9) to force cooling gas to flow through the ventilating ducts. Cooling gas forcibly introduced by the ventilating apparatus flows from the supply ducts through the cooling gaps and into the exhaust ducts to cool the battery cells. In addition, the battery system has temperature equalizing walls (8) disposed in the supply ducts. The temperature equalizing walls are long and narrow with length in the direction of flow greater than the width, and each temperature equalizing wall gradually narrows towards the upstream end.
US08435660B2

A rechargeable battery includes an electrode group in a case, the electrode group including a first electrode and a second electrode, a cap plate coupled to the case, an electrode terminal electrically connected to the first electrode, the electrode terminal being electrically insulated from the cap plate, and a current interrupt device (CID) electrically connected to the second electrode and the cap plate, the CID including a membrane on a first surface of the cap plate, the membrane being between and electrically connecting the second electrode and the cap plate, and the membrane being configured to interrupt the electrical connection when a voltage greater than a setting voltage is charged, a first insulator contacting the first surface of the cap plate and at least one surface of the membrane to support the membrane, and a fastening member connecting the cap plate and the first insulator.
US08435658B2

A sealed cell has a sealing body with a space-saving safety valve that has excellent safety. The sealing body includes a terminal cap and a safety valve. The terminal cap includes one or more gas releasing holes for releasing a gas from inside to outside of the cell. The gas releasing holes are provided in the external terminal. A safety valve includes a conductive contact portion projecting toward an inside of the sealed cell, a peripheral portion in a periphery of the conductive contact portion, and one or more break grooves formed radially in the peripheral portion. At least one of the gas releasing holes overlap with at least one of break grooves in planar view of the sealed cell.
US08435656B2

A secondary battery including a first bare cell, a second bare cell disposed to face at least a portion of the first bare cell, and a protection circuit module including a circuit board having an electrical circuit device mounted thereon and at least one connection tab between the first and second bare cells, the connection tab electrically connecting the circuit board to the first and second bare cells.
US08435654B2

The invention relates to bit patterned recording media having a stop layer for chemical mechanical polishing. One embodiment of the present invention is a method of manufacturing a magnetic recording medium comprising the step of planarizing by chemical mechanical polishing until the stop layer is reached. The present invention also provides a magnetic recording medium having a stop layer.
US08435643B2

The present invention provides antisapstain compositions comprising a haloalkynyl compound, an azole and an unsaturated carboxylic or sulphonic acid. The compositions of the invention are surprisingly effective at protecting wood and other cellulosic substrates, in particular at providing antisapstain activity. The invention also provides methods for treating wood and other cellulosic substrates with said compositions.
US08435635B2

A method is disclosed. The method includes obtaining a precursor nanoparticle comprising a base material and a first ligand attached to the base material, and reacting the precursor nanoparticle with a reactant comprising a silicon bond, thereby removing the first ligand.
US08435619B2

An information recording medium (9) of the present invention is an information recording medium with respect to which information can be recorded or reproduced by irradiation with an optical beam (1). The information recording medium (9) includes a second interface layer (103), a recording layer (104) and a first interface layer (105) in this order from the optical beam (1) incident side. The first interface layer (105) and the second interface layer (103) are disposed in contact with the recording layer (104). The second interface layer (103) contains M1 (where M1 is at least one element selected from Nb, Y, Dy, Ti, Si and Al), Cr and oxygen (O). The first interface layer (105) contains M2 (where M2 is at least one element selected from Nb, Y, Dy, Ti, Si, Al, Zr and Hf), Cr and oxygen (O). The first interface layer (105) and the second interface layer (103) each contain Cr in a range of 50 mol % or less in terms of the oxide (Cr2O3).
US08435608B1

Provided are plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition methods of depositing smooth and conformal ashable hard mask films on substrates containing raised or recessed features. The methods involve using precursors having relatively high C:H ratios, such as acetylene (C:H ratio of 1), and plasmas having low ion energies and fluxes. According to various embodiments, the methods involve depositing smooth ashable hard mask films using high frequency radio frequency-generated plasmas with no low frequency component and/or relatively high pressures (e.g., 2-5 Torr). Also provided are methods of depositing ashable hard mask films having good selectivity and improved side wall coverage and roughness. The methods involve depositing a first ashable hard mask film on a substrate having a feature using a process optimized for selectivity and/or optical properties and then depositing a smoothing layer on the first ashable hard mask film using an HF-only process.
US08435602B1

Disclosed is a method of applying to stainless steel a protective coating effective in increasing oxidation resistance, the method includes cleaning and pre-oxidizing in hot dry air, cooling and coating the cooled stainless steel with nanocrystalline ceria particles doped with a lanthanide metal. Cleaning may include ultrasound and optionally polishing. Cooling is conducted in air and coating is preferably effected by dipping the stainless steel into a composition containing the nanocrystalline ceria particles. The invention includes a coating effective for retarding oxidation of stainless steel, the coating comprising nanocrystalline ceria particles doped with a lanthanide, a preferred lanthanide being lanthanum and preferred nanocrystalline ceria particles are approximately 3 nm in size and contain from about 2 to 40 atom % of the dopant.
US08435601B2

Disclosed is a method of forming carbon nanotubes on a conductor that covers a portion of a substrate, the method includes depositing a mesh-like conductive member made of Mo or the like on a substrate made of glass or the like, forming a catalyst support, such as Al2O3, and a catalyst such as Fe or Co on the conductive member, placing the substrate in a carbon-source gas atmosphere, and generating heat with the conductive member for a short period of time to grow nanotubes while avoiding damage to the substrate.
US08435599B1

A method of manufacturing a granule coated asphaltic article is disclosed. The method includes applying molten asphalt to a reinforcement to create an asphaltic sheet, the asphaltic sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface. Next, the asphaltic sheet is bent to form an arcuated top surface of the sheet. The method concludes by applying a plurality of granules to the arcuated top surface of the asphaltic sheet.
US08435597B2

A method of manufacturing a diamond UV sensor element improved with a UV/visible light blind ratio using a diamond single crystal as a light receiving portion and detecting a light based on the change of electric resistance caused by a light irradiated to the light receiving portion is provided, the method, including (1) a step of hydrogenating the surface of the diamond single crystal in an atmosphere substantially containing hydrogen, and (2) a step of forming a light receiving portion by exposing the hydrogenated surface of the diamond single crystal into an atmosphere containing ozone or active oxygen.
US08435594B2

An evaporation apparatus that is capable of stably forming a good quality thin film and is highly suitable for mass production is provided. The evaporation apparatus include an evaporation source discharging an evaporation material by heating, a retention member retaining an evaporation object, and a heat shield member that is located between the evaporation source and the evaporation object retained by the retention member, has an opening for passing the evaporation material in a state of vapor phase from the evaporation source to the evaporation object, and shields the evaporation object from part of radiation heat of the evaporation source. The heat shield member is located closer to the evaporation source than to the retention member.
US08435583B2

An improved production process for preparing parfried and frozen French fry potato products with reduced crumb generation particularly upon finish preparation as by finish frying. Potato products such as French fry strips are cut, blanched and parfried, followed by a water treatment step as by applying a light spray or mist of water at ambient temperature and preferably at a rate selected to avoid any substantial overspray. The potato products are frozen for shipment and/or storage awaiting finish preparation. Upon finish preparation as by finish frying in hot oil, the potato products exhibit substantially reduced crumb generation. The improved process is particularly useful when parfrying and/or finish frying the potato products in a liquid or substantially non-hydrogenated oil, such as a zero grams Trans Fat (ZGTF) oil, with dramatically reduced crumb generation upon finish fry preparation while retaining a substantially optimized balance of sensory characteristics.
US08435578B1

Methods and systems to prepare yeasted dough products, such as breads, include inhibiting yeast activity prior to a first rise, conducting the first rise over an extended rise time, inhibiting yeast activity between the first rise and a second rise, and conducting the second rise over an accelerated second rise time. Inhibiting of yeast activity may include maintaining one or more of a liquid ingredient and a dough at a relatively cool temperature. The first rise may include maintaining the dough at a relatively cool temperature to restrict or retard yeast activity. Inhibiting of yeast activity prior to the first rise and/or retarding yeast activity during the extended first rise may improve one or more of flavor, aroma, texture, and appearance of a resultant baked good.
US08435577B2

The present invention relates to alpha-amylases, nucleic acids encoding the alpha-amylases, methods of producing the alpha-amylases, and methods of using the alpha-amylases.
US08435571B2

The invention relates to plant extracts, especially based on species of the genus Agapanthus and combinations thereof with other extracts deriving from other plants. The invention further relates to the isolation, purification and identification of compounds in these extracts. The plant extracts and the isolated substances show significant antimicrobial activity, especially antifungal activity, and bio-stimulatory efficacy, when applied to other plants in vitro and in vivo, including under field conditions. The products according to this invention are suitable to be used as plant protecting agents for many crops and economic plants as an alternative for chemical pesticides.
US08435570B1

Compositions comprising a nitrite salt, a nitrate salt, and ascorbic acid are provided in several embodiments. A method of enhancing cardiovascular performance or treating adverse cardiovascular event in a mammal is also provided.
US08435568B2

The present invention provides a method of treating or inhibiting at least one of allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis, or of reducing, inhibiting or treating allergy like symptoms. The methods use compositions comprising chlorite, chloride, chlorate and/or sulfate ions.
US08435566B2

Bone matrix compositions and, more specifically, demineralized bone matrix (DBM) having increased osteoinductive capacity and methods for its production are provided. Specifically, DBM derived from cortical bone from the periosteal layer of bone are provided. Compositions comprising a disproportionate amount of DBM prepared from bone derived from the periosteal and/or middle layer of bone are provided. Preparations of and methods of use of periosteal DBM compositions are disclosed.
US08435553B2

A method and product are provided for the treatment of connective tissue weakened due to destruction of tissue architecture, and in particular due to elastin degradation. The treatment agents employ certain unique properties of phenolic compounds to develop a protocol for reducing elastin degradation, such as that occurring during aneurysm formation in vasculature. According to the invention, elastin can be stabilized in vivo and destruction of connective tissue, such as that leading to life-threatening aneurysms in vasculature, can be tempered or halted all together. The treatment agents can be delivered or administered acutely or chronically according to various delivery methods, including sustained release methods incorporating perivascular or endovascular patches, use of microsphere carriers, hydrogels, or osmotic pumps.
US08435552B2

A process for producing a collagen/hydroxyapatite (HA) composite scaffold comprises the steps of forming a homogenous suspension of collagen and HA in an acidic solution, lyophilizing the suspension until a desired final freezing temperature is reached to produce the composite scaffold, and optionally cross-linking the composite scaffold, wherein the ratio of HA to collagen is at least 1:10 (w/w). Also provided is a collagen/hydroxyapatite (HA) composite scaffold comprising a homogenous distribution of hydroxyapatite within a porous, crosslinked, collagen matrix, wherein the ratio of HA to collagen is at least 1:10 (w/w). Suitably, the composite scaffold has a porosity of at least 99% (v/v), and a compressive stiffness of at least 0.3 KPa. Composite scaffolds of the invention may be used to provide osteoconductive bone implants and tissue engineering implants.
US08435548B2

Disclosed are peptide derivatives, wherein glutathione-like peptides are connected to benzoic acid derivatives, and a cosmetic composition comprising the same. The peptide derivatives have excellent tyrosinase inhibition and anti-oxidative activities to show excellent skin whitening effect, biocompatibility without skin stimulation, and stability during long-term storage. Therefore, they can be effectively used for a cosmetic composition for skin whitening.
US08435547B2

A skin care composition is useful for augmenting cellular metabolism in skin cells and thereby enhancing the regulation of intracellular signaling. The composition comprises a primer for skin cell mitochondrial function, such as a Krebs cycle intermediate, a precursor of a Krebs cycle intermediate, salts or esters thereof, or combinations thereof. The composition may also include antioxidants for free radical regulation and a pharmaceutically acceptable topical vehicle, such as an emollient base for skin health. A method for stimulating the mitochondrial activity of skin cells comprises administering to the skin of a person in need thereof a composition as described herein.
US08435545B2

The present invention is directed to a capsule comprising a water-soluble compound suitable for the capsule, and a mixture of colorant agents, wherein the color of the capsule may be in the range of 15
US08435541B2

A topical composition according to the present invention for use in a skin care regimen that provides matrix metalloprotease (MMP) inhibiting activity, tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease (TIMP) inducing activity, and immediate and delayed antioxidative activity. Preferably, the topical composition comprises at least one MMP inhibitor, a TIMP inducing agent, Tremella fuciformis (snow fungus) extract, Camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extract, and Eugenia caryophyllus (clove) extract. The compositions are useful in anti-wrinkle and anti-aging products, providing elasticity, firmness, tone and texture to the skin, ameliorating fine lines and preventing skin damage.
US08435534B2

A method for stimulating a immune response against IL-13Rα2 in a subject having or at risk for developing a disease having cells expressing IL-13Rα2 includes the steps of formulating the anti-cancer vaccine outside of the subject and administering the vaccine to the subject in an amount sufficient to stimulate an immune response against IL-13Rα2 in the subject. A composition for stimulating a immune response against IL-13Rα2 in a subject having or at risk for developing a disease having cells expressing IL-13Rα2 includes an isolated agent that can stimulate immune response against IL-13α2.
US08435533B2

The instant invention relates to antigens and nucleic acids encoding such antigens obtainable by screening a Chlamydia genome. In more specific aspects, the invention relates to methods of isolating such antigens and nucleic acids and to methods of using such isolated antigens for producing immune responses. The ability of an antigen to produce an immune response may be employed in vaccination or antibody preparation techniques.
US08435532B2

The present invention relates to the use of fibronectin, tenascin, collagens type I, III, VI and/or VIII modified by aldehyde or by glycosylation in ELISA for detection of antibodies in plasma and serum to diagnose atherosclerosis as well as the use of induction of tolerance and active as well as passive immunization against glycosylated or aldehydemodified fibronectin, tenascin, collagen type I, III, VI and/or VIII for prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.
US08435522B2

Disclosed are humanized antibodies that bind specifically to the receptor CXCR3. The humanized antibodies may be antagonists and may be used to treat or diagnose conditions associated with CXCR3 function.
US08435513B2

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for characterizing, diagnosing, and treating cancer. In particular the invention provides the means and methods for the diagnosis, characterization, prognosis and treatment of cancer and specifically targeting cancer stem cells. The present invention provides an antibody that specifically binds to a non-ligand binding membrane proximal region of the extracellular domain of a human Notch receptor and inhibits tumor growth. The present invention further provides a method of treating cancer, the method comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody that specifically binds to a non-ligand binding membrane proximal region of the extracellular domain of a human Notch receptor protein and inhibits tumor growth.
US08435510B2

The disclosure relates generally to compositions and methods useful for inhibiting the infection and propagation of viral particles, particularly members of the Herpesviridae family, and more particularly to cytomegalovirus (CMV).
US08435505B2

The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient and a conjugate having a degradable linkage. The conjugates include at least one of each the following: an aromatic moiety comprising an ionizable hydrogen atom, a spacer moiety, and a water-soluble polymer. Methods for delivering such compositions are also provided.
US08435501B2

Shampoo compositions comprising at least one surfactant; a silicone oil having an internal phase viscosity of less than about 50,000 cst, wherein said silicone oil is present as a preformed microemulsion of particles having an average particle size of less than about 0.15 microns, a cationic deposition polymer; an aqueous carrier and optionally a stabilizing agent provide a substantially clear shampoo composition, which provides superior conditioning to hair and/or skin while also providing excellent storage stability and high optical transparency or translucency.
US08435500B2

A cosmetic composition for bleaching discolored nails containing at least one hydrogen peroxide generator in an amount sufficient to perform bleaching of discolored nails, at least one film forming polymer and at least one cosmetically acceptable volatile solvent. Also disclosed is a method of bleaching discolored nails involving applying onto said nails the cosmetic composition of the present invention.
US08435495B2

The present invention relates, in general, to methods of screening a sample obtained from a subject for antibodies relating to granulocytic ehrlichia (GE) infection.
US08435491B2

A test indicator for quantifying remaining liver function is provided. A novel liver receptor imaging agent with liver targeting property is utilized to develop a method for quantifying remaining liver function to serve as test indicator for judging the liver failure outcome in clinic, particularly for judging the necessity of liver transplantation for patients with liver failure or liver disease. The radioactivity uptake of the test indicator was negatively correlated with the extent of liver reserve. The cutoff value of liver reserve for liver transplantation is also disclosed.
US08435486B2

An improved redox material able to be used for thermochemical water splitting, and a method for producing hydrogen using this redox material are provided. The redox material for thermochemical water splitting comprises a redox metal oxide selected from the group comprising perovskite-type composite metal oxides, fluorite-type composite metal oxides and combinations thereof, and a metal oxide carrier. The redox metal oxide is carried on the metal oxide carrier in a dispersed state. The method for producing hydrogen uses the oxidation and reduction of the redox material to decompose water into hydrogen and oxygen.
US08435481B2

A material for a solid oxide fuel cell, the material including a lanthanum metal oxide having a perovskite-type crystal structure; and a ceria metal oxide, wherein the ceria metal oxide includes at least one material selected from the group consisting of metal oxides represented by Formula 1 below and metal oxides represented by Formula 2: (1−a−b)Ce1-xAxO2-δ+aB2O5+bBO3  Formula 1 Ce1-x-yAxByO2-γ  Formula 2 wherein 0≦a≦0.01, 0≦b≦0.02, 0<2a+≦0.02, 0
US08435479B2

A process is disclosed for recycling carbon dioxide emissions from a fossil-fuel power plant into useful carbonated species The process primarily comprises the steps of: a) burning the fossil fuel, thereby generating heat and a hot exhaust gas containing CO2; and b) converting the heat into energy. The process is characterized in that it further comprises the steps of: c) cooling the exhaust gas; and d) biologically transforming the CO2 contained in the cooled exhaust gas into carbonated species, thereby obtaining a low CO2 exhaust gas and producing useful carbonated species. The low CO2 exhaust gas obtained in step d) can be released in the atmosphere without increasing the problem of greenhouse effect.
US08435475B2

The present invention is to provide hollow particles with a low degree of agglomeration and having a high roundness, and a process for producing them.Hollow particles comprising a silicon compound, having an average particle size of from 5 to 65 nm and an average roundness of at least 0.90, and having a shell comprising the silicon compound and having a thickness of from 1 to 20 nm. Further, a method for producing hollow particles, which comprises adding sulfuric acid to a liquid containing spherical organic polymer-silicon compound composite particles having a core comprising an organic polymer and a shell comprising a silicon compound in a medium containing at least 95 mass % of water, followed by heating to carbonize the organic polymer thereby to convert it to a carbide, and subjecting the carbide to decomposition using a liquid oxidizing agent other than sulfuric acid.
US08435469B2

A method of controlling air pollution arising from sulphur trioxide and or sulphuric acid in coal combustion gases, combustion gases passing through the demister region of a wet flue gas desulphurization unit are exposed to a sulphide based reducing agent such as hydrogen sulphide, such that metal catalysts promoting the oxidation of ammonia leading to the formation of nitrosylsulfuric acid are poisoned and so prevented from catalysing the formation and discharge of sulphuric acid in aerosol emissions in stack gases.
US08435462B2

Methods and devices for thermal processing of multiple samples at the same time are disclosed. The sample processing devices provide process arrays that include conduits useful in distributing sample materials to a group of process chambers located in fluid communication with the main conduits. The sample processing devices may include one or more of the following features in various combinations: deformable seals, process chambers connected to the main conduit by feeder conduits exiting the main conduit at offset locations, U-shaped loading chambers, and a combination of melt bonded and adhesively bonded areas.
US08435461B2

An analytical device for performing an assay to determine the presence or approximate quantity of at least one analyte in a liquid sample is described. The device is manufactured to include an integrated desiccant within at least a test strip of the device. Addition of an integrated desiccant within the device improves signal to noise ratio, eases the manufacturing process, and saves in cost of production of the device.
US08435459B2

An apparatus (200, 300, 400) for generating superheated steam capable of reducing or eliminating microorganisms associated with an item (230) includes a gas heater (10) for heating a gas, a steam generator coupled to the gas heater (10) and having a reservoir (216, 304) for supplying water, wherein the heater (10) heats the gas such that when water is combined therewith, a mixture of superheated steam and gas capable of reducing or eliminating microorganisms is discharged from the apparatus (200, 300, 400). The generation of the steam-gas mixture may be done at one atmosphere of pressure and the mixing may be done prior to expelling the fluid from the apparatus (200, 300, 400). The apparatus (400) may be configured as a hand-held device, A method of treating an item (230) for microorganisms includes generating a superheated steam at approximately one atmosphere of pressure, directing a flow of the steam onto the item (230), and reducing or eliminating microorganisms using the steam.
US08435452B2

A circulating fluid bed reactor such as that used in fluid coking processes has a circular dense bed reaction section above the reactor base where the fluidizing gas is injected and a plurality of frusto-conical baffles in the dense bed reaction section, each of which depends downwardly and radially inwards from the reactor wall to a lower, inner edge defining a central aperture. The baffles are preferably provided with downcomers which permit downward flow of solids and upward flow of gas through the baffles.
US08435451B2

An incense burner and storage device includes a lower housing with a base and a storage compartment. The device also includes an upper housing and an upwardly extending column for supporting the upper housing. The upper housing includes a support for charcoal and incense and an ashtray for collecting ashes. The ashtray is also rotatable about a vertical axis between a loading position and a burning position. The ashtray also includes a perforated screen-like bottom that allows a flame to pass therethrough. A cigarette lighter is used for heating the charcoal and is pivotally mounted within the column for removal and replacement of the lighter. An adjustment mechanism is fixed to one side of the upper portion of the column and allows the charcoal and incense support to be raised or lowered with respect to the cigarette lighter.
US08435449B2

A chemical substance sensing element 142 for detecting a specific chemical substance included in biological information includes a carbon nanostructure and, because of metal complex or a fluorescent molecule modifying its surface, exhibits substance selectivity and high sensitivity. Of the substances modifying the surface of carbon nanostructures, CoPc reacts with NO and pentane and DAF-2 reacts with NO, as the components contained in the biological information, respectively, and both produce reaction products. The reaction product derived from CoPc changes electric resistance between nodes 154 and 156, and the reaction product derived from DAF-2 generates fluorescence of a specific wavelength when irradiated with excitation light. Therefore, by measuring the change in electric resistance or presence/absence and wavelength of fluorescent of the present element, sensing of NO or pentane is possible.
US08435435B2

Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a multilayered duplex material article. The method comprises providing a first layer from a non-cast material and a second layer from a cast material wherein the second layer is made from a material with a lower melting point than the first layer. In one embodiment the first layer is a wrought alloy and the second layer is cast onto the first layer.
US08435431B2

A component of a laser processing machine includes an aluminum base member in which a duct is constructed in order to convey copper-ionized water. The duct has a corrosion-resistant plastic coating.
US08435429B2

A process for forming a thermoelectric component having optimum properties is provided. The process includes providing a plurality of core-shell nanoparticles, the nanoparticles having a core made from silica, metals, semiconductors, insulators, ceramics, carbon, polymers, combinations thereof, and the like, and a shell containing bismuth telluride. After the core-shell nanoparticles have been provided, the nanoparticles are subjected to a sintering process. The result of the sintering provides a bismuth telluride thermoelectric component having a combined electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient squared of greater than 30,000 μV2S/mK2 at 150° C.
US08435428B2

Methods for forming a film on a substrate in a semiconductor manufacturing process. A reaction chamber a substrate in the chamber are provided. A ruthenium based precursor, which includes ruthenium tetroxide dissolved in a mixture of at least two non-flammable fluorinated solvents, is provided and a ruthenium containing film is produced on the substrate.
US08435425B2

The invention provides a polar dispersion composition containing 0.5 to 30 parts by mass of an electroconductive carbon black and 0.1 to 30 parts by mass of a styrene-methoxy polyethylene glycol methacrylate copolymer, with respect to 100 parts by mass of the polar dispersion composition. The composition of the invention is easy to handle as a liquid preparation, and develops sufficient electroconductivity when processed into a conductive material.
US08435415B2

A nanofabrication process for use with a photoresist that is disposed on a substrate includes the steps of exposing the photoresist to a grayscale radiation pattern, developing the photoresist to remove a irradiated portions and form a patterned topography having a plurality of nanoscale critical dimensions, and selectively etching the photoresist and the substrate to transfer a corresponding topography having a plurality of nanoscale critical dimensions into the substrate.
US08435408B2

The invention relates to an apparatus for the treatment of a medical liquid comprising a liquid treatment machine and a cassette insertable therein substantially made of a rigid base body of the cassette with fitted chambers and passages and a foil covering them.
US08435407B2

A fuel filter of a motor vehicle is designed to be mounted in a traveling direction of the motor vehicle and has a filter housing with a housing base body. The housing base body has a front side facing in the traveling direction. The front side of the housing base body has an external, integrally formed rib structure configured and adapted as impact protection.
US08435405B2

A sealing grommet for a fluid filter is provided. The sealing grommet includes a central portion defining an aperture; a flange portion integrally formed with the central portion, the flange portion extending outwardly from an outer periphery of the central portion, wherein a first portion of the central portion extends away from the flange portion in a first direction and a second portion of the central portion extends away from the flange portion in a second direction, the first direction being opposite to the second direction; and a first protrusion disposed on the first portion, the first protrusion being disposed on an inner surface of the central portion defining the aperture.
US08435403B2

A process is described for removing a nitrogen-rich fraction from a feed fraction containing essentially nitrogen and hydrocarbons, wherein the feed fraction is partially condensed and fractionated by rectification into a nitrogen-rich fraction and a methane-rich fraction.According to the invention during an interruption in the supply of the feed fraction, the separation column(s) (T1/T2) used for the fractionation by rectification and also the heat exchangers used for the partial condensation (E1) of the feed fraction and the cooling and warming of process streams occurring in the fractionation by rectification (E2) are kept by means of one or more differing cooling media (6-11) at temperature levels which correspond essentially to the temperature levels during standard operation of the separation column(s) (T1/T2) and the heat exchangers (E1, E2).
US08435397B2

A fluidic device includes a porous substrate, a wetting region extending through a first portion of the porous substrate from a first side of the substrate, in which the wetting region is permeable to fluid transport, and a non-wetting region extending through a second portion of the porous substrate from a second side of the substrate, in which the non-wetting region is operable to switch between a first state impermeable to fluid transport and a second state permeable to fluid transport.
US08435371B2

In one embodiment, the invention is a method comprising contacting a composition comprising i) alumina particles having a particle size of about 1 to about 40 microns and a Mohs hardness of about 9.0 to about 9.5; ii) one or more alkyl sulphates; iii) one or more thickeners; and iv) water with the surface of glass or a ceramic frit disposed on the surface of glass. The contacting can be performed by applying the composition to the surface of the glass or the ceramic frit using an application apparatus. In one embodiment, the composition further comprises a lubricant. In another embodiment, the composition further comprises one or more ethoxylated alcohols. In another embodiment, the composition further comprises one or more fragrances.
US08435368B2

The invention relates to a device for ultrasonic welding of at least two plastic foil layers for manufacturing for example a package. The device comprises at least one sonotrode and at least one anvil positioned opposite each other and each being provided with a pressure surface. The pressure surfaces can be moved away from each other and towards each other from a position of rest to a welding position and vice versa, the pressure surfaces in the welding position forming a welding section as well as a flow-out section. The pressure surfaces in the flow-out section have at least two pressure surface areas extending substantially parallel to each other for supporting the foil layers.
US08435352B2

An apparatus for coating a substrate using physical vapor deposition, including a vacuum chamber wherein a coil is placed for keeping an amount of conductive material in levitation and for heating and evaporating that material, using a varying electric current in the coil. Isolating member are placed in the coil to isolate the coil from the levitated material. The isolating member is part of a container made of non-conductive material. The container has one or more openings for guiding evaporated conductive material to the substrate to be coated. A method for coating a substrate using physical vapor deposition is also presented.
US08435350B2

A device for supplying a large number of consumer stations with a predetermined amount of a process medium, in particular a coating device for containers, has a supply line for the process medium and a connection at the consumer station. In order to make such a device simpler from the structural point of view and less expensive, a unit is used, which keeps a predetermined flow rate constant and which comprises a capillary path extending before each connection and dimensioned in accordance with the predetermined amount of process medium, and a unit which is associated with a plurality of connections and which is used for maintaining a defined flow velocity along the capillary path.
US08435349B2

A high throughput reactor for the mass production of wafers through chemical vapor deposition, mainly to form silicon epitaxies for the photovoltaic industry, is described. Main innovation is a high susceptor stacking density: several graphite susceptors are placed vertically and parallel to one another, electrically interconnected, and are heated by Joule effect. Electrical current gets to the susceptors from the current source through specially designed feedthroughs, which connect the cold room outside the deposition chamber with the hot susceptors. Gas flows vertically between susceptors. The substrates on which deposition occurs are placed on the susceptors. Below the susceptors a pre-chamber is found, in which entering gas calms down and distributes homogeneously. Susceptors and pre-chamber are placed inside a stainless steel chamber, which is internally covered by a reflecting material, and externally kept cold by water. Both susceptors and pre-chamber are fixed to a connection panel, which also contains electrical feedthroughs, thermocouple feedthroughs, and gas inlet and outlet. Outlet gases are partially recycled, with the corresponding gas savings and increased deposition efficiency.
US08435346B2

A phase modulation element according to the present invention has a first area having a first phase value based on a phase modulation unit having a predetermined size and a second area having a second phase value based on the phase modulation unit having the predetermined size, and each phase distribution is defined by a change in area shares of the first area and the second area depending on each position.
US08435342B2

A concrete composition comprising a mouldable mixture of aggregate, binder and liquid vehicle, wherein the aggregate comprises sulphur concrete-derived aggregate and wherein the binder comprises hydraulic binder. The use of crushed sulphur concrete as aggregate in cement-based concrete reduces the hardening time of the concrete.
US08435334B2

A carbon canister for use with a fuel storage system having a fuel storage tank and a vent line connected thereto. The carbon canister includes an inner container having a first end and a second end, an outer container having a first end and a second end, the outer container being disposed about an outer surface of the inner container such that the outer container and the inner container are concentric. A first end plate is disposed at the first end of the inner container and the first end of the outer container and a second end plate is disposed at the second end of the inner container and the second end of the outer container, such that a first volume is defined by the inner container, the outer container, the first end plate and the second end plate, and hydrocarbon adsorbing activated carbon disposed in the first volume. The vent line of the fuel storage tank is external to the carbon canister and the first volume of the carbon canister is in fluid communication with the fuel storage tank.
US08435327B2

A carbon dioxide permeable membrane is described. In some embodiments, the membrane includes a body having a first side and an opposite second side; a plurality of first regions formed from a molten carbonate having a temperature of about 400 degrees Celsius to about 1200 degrees Celsius, the plurality of first regions forming a portion of the body and the plurality of first regions extending from the first side of the body to the second side of the body; a plurality of second regions formed from an oxygen conductive solid oxide, the plurality of second regions combining with the plurality of first regions to form the body and the plurality of second regions extending from the first side of the body to the second side of the body; and the body is configured to allow carbon dioxide to pass from the first side to the second side.
US08435324B2

The disclosure provides to a PDC element protective system including a mask configured to protect a non-leached portion of a leached polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) element during a leaching process. The mask may be formed from or coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The disclosure also provides a leaching system containing such a mask and a leaching vessel as well as methods of using the protective and leaching systems. The disclosure further provides a Lewis acid-based leaching agent and methods of its use. Finally, the disclosure provides a method of recycling a PDC or carbide element using a Lewis acid-based leaching agent.
US08435311B2

A method of collecting soiled textiles to be cleaned, comprising the steps of providing a container having an open end, a closed end, and sides extending therebetween, providing a sling having an open end, a second end, and sides extending therebetween disposed in and supported by said container, providing a water soluble bag having an open end, a closed end, and sides extending therebetween and made of a plastic film having a thickness of at least 1.3 mils, wherein said bag dissolves in water at a temperature of 165° F. in less than about 250 seconds, does not dissolve in water at a temperature of 85° F. in 7 days, being capable of containing at least 175 lbs. of soiled textiles, and having a capacity of at least 50 gallons, wherein said bag is disposed in and supported by said sling, and wherein soiled textiles deposited in said container are contained in said bag.
US08435309B2

Disclosed herein a prosthetic or orthotic device having a joint portion and a compliant transmission assembly in operational communication with the joint portion. The device restores the normal capabilities and natural dynamics of a healthy joint for common activities. The compliant transmission assembly includes a compliant element. The compliant transmission assembly absorbs energy when a torque is applied between a prosthetic or orthotic device portion and another adjacent device portion or the adjacent limb segment of the user. The compliant element of the invention absorbs energy during flexion of a joint for the dampening thereof and releases this energy during extension of the joint for assistance thereof. Also disclosed herein is an actuator assembly, a torque sensor and an actuator locking device as well as a method for determining the torque of such prosthetic and orthotic devices.
US08435304B2

An adjustable tibial trial insert includes an upper plate having an upper articular surface and a lower plate. A height-adjustment mechanism of the insert is coupled to and positioned generally between the upper plate and the lower plate and is configured to move between a closed position where the upper and lower plates are adjacent each other and an opened position where the upper and lower plates are spaced-apart from each other in order to adjust a height or thickness of the insert.
US08435292B2

Methods and devices are provided for fixing a ligament graft in a bone tunnel. In general, the methods and devices involve affixing a ligament graft within a bone tunnel using an adhesive. A fixation device can be inserted through the ligament graft in a direction transverse to an axis of the tunnel to maintain the ligament graft in contact with the adhesive. The fixation device can be removed when the adhesive is cured such that the ligament graft is fixed in the tunnel.
US08435290B2

Methods and devices for providing a gas pathway between the nasopharynx and the Eustachian tube are provided. One device may include a lumen with a valve. A portion of the valve may be tethered to adjacent muscle. Another portion of the valve may be tethered to adjacent cartilage. When the muscle contracts the valve may open through movement of the tethers, and provide a gas pathway between the nasopharynx and the Eustachian tube.
US08435285B2

An endoprosthesis comprising a stent, a cover fully covering the stent wherein the cover has variable porosity in the radial direction; and an adhesion layer connecting the stent to the cover. Another aspect of the invention is a method of implanting an endoprosthesis which includes a stent, providing a cover with variable porosity in the radial direction, connecting the stent to the cover with an adhesion layer to form a covered stent, and implanting the covered stent within a body lumen of a patient.
US08435280B2

Medical devices, such as endoprostheses, are disclosed. In some embodiments, an endoprosthesis includes a circumferentially-oriented band including two curved portions and a first portion connecting the two curved portions, the first portion having a first width and at least one curved portion having a second width; and a connector extending from the band; wherein the second width is greater than the first width.
US08435278B2

Systems and methods for accurate temperature modification of a patient, or selected regions thereof, including inducing hypothermia. The temperature modification is accomplished using an in-dwelling heat exchange catheter within which a fluid heat exchange medium circulates. A heat exchange cassette attached to the circulatory flow lines of the catheter, the heat exchange cassette being sized to engage a cavity within a control unit. A temperature measurement scheme for obtaining body core temperature is provided, including methods of obtaining and analyzing temperature data to provide feedback to the control unit for use in controlling the heating and cooling of the heat exchange medium so as to heat or cool a patient to a desired target temperature.
US08435274B2

Disclosed are several methods, apparatus, and a system for providing arthritic symptom relief through a laser based medical instrument. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a radiation of a laser-light created by a laser diode of a first medical instrument. In addition, the method includes applying a treatment of the radiation to a portion of a hand. The method also includes reducing a pain caused by one or more diseases associated with a degradation of a joint in the hand. The method further includes providing a relief from the pain when the treatment is complete.
US08435273B2

A high-powered light emitting diode (LED) photobiology (phototherapy) device is disclosed in the accompanying specification. The contemplated photobiology (phototherapy) device may be used in the treatment of various aesthetic and medical or other conditions. The phototherapy device may include a number of select LEDs for emitting a desired range or ranges of wavelengths of high intensity light for use in treatment. Additionally, the phototherapy treatment includes one or more methods for providing a treatment appropriate to the condition desired to be treated. The phototherapy device provides for a variety of high power light settings, intensity levels, and selectable time intervals for providing treatment.
US08435270B2

An implant for use in orthognathic surgery of a mandible may include a longitudinal plate member and a plurality of pre-configured guides coupled to the plate member. The longitudinal plate member is pre-bent to correspond to the post-operative shape of the mandible; and the guides are pre-configured to align the plate member with the mandible when the implant is positioned against the mandible after the mandible has been separated.
US08435269B2

Instruments and methods for creating an operative corridor to the spine and performing a spinal fusion. The instruments including, for example, a retractor assembly with a plurality of retractor blades, at least two pedicle screws, and a connecting rod. The retractor blades are coupled to the pedicle screws such that the operative corridor is registered to known anatomical landmarks aiding the surgeon with intraoperative orientation and anatomy identification. The retractor blades may be coupled to the pedicle screws via a polyaxial connection such that the angle of the operative corridor may be adjusted while maintaining the registration to the landmarks. Rod receivers may be attached to the pedicle screws after the disc space is operated on to minimize encumbrances on the working space within the operative corridor. A connecting rod is subsequently locked to the receivers to fix the spinal segment.
US08435245B2

A surgical implant insertion device including an inner shaft; shaft threading coupled to the inner shaft; a rotating knob including a channel bored therethrough and internal threading lining the channel, where the internal threading configured to mate with the shaft threading; an actuator including an actuator body and a translation cavity cut through the actuator body and an inner shaft cavity cut through the actuator body, where the inner shaft cavity wraps around the inner shaft; an outer sleeve covering the inner shaft and coupled to the rotating knob; and a base connector wrapping around the outer sleeve, the base connector comprising a pair of connecting arms configured to loosely mate with the translation cavity of the actuator and pivoting and translating the actuator in response to a linear force.
US08435234B2

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for using an imaging detector to image an optical pattern created by illumination of a viscous material that is applied to the skin. The viscous material forms a detectable pattern that can be imaged by the imaging detector. In some examples, the viscous material is reflective and allows reflection from an illumination source to create an optical pattern on the imaging detector. In other cases, the variation in thickness of an absorbing or scattering viscous substance can be imaged by the detector. Polarized illumination and detection can be used to enhance the response.
US08435233B2

A method for ablating a presbyopic lens for restoring accommodation in human eye and a system thereof wherein a laser beam is directed obliquely to carry out multiple photoablations in circular way within the lens behind the iris and preferably near the edge or equator of the lens and/or in the vicinity of zonules to re-establish accommodation of the lens lost due to presbyopia.
US08435232B2

A catheter for diagnosis or treatment of a vessel or organ is provided in which a flexible elongated body includes a tri-axial force sensor formed of a housing and a plurality of optical fibers associated with the housing that measure changes in the intensity of light reflected from the lateral surfaces of the housing resulting from deformation caused by forces applied to a distal extremity of the housing. A controller receives an output of the optical fibers and computes a multi-dimensional force vector corresponding to the contact force.
US08435230B2

Systems for removing heat from a subject's subcutaneous lipid-rich regions, such as tissue, organs, cells, and so forth, are described herein. In various embodiments, the system includes a treatment device and a controller for controlling a treatment process. The controller is configured to detect and compensate for an interruption in the treatment process.
US08435228B2

Interventional catheter assemblies that operate over a guide wire and incorporate guide wire management systems are disclosed. Specifically, a guide wire buffer zone is provided between a proximal end of the interventional catheter and the guide wire clamp that accommodates variable lengths of exposed guide wire in an unrestrained condition when the guide wire is clamped, allowing the distal end of the operating catheter to be advanced and retracted over the distal end of the guide wire without repositioning and reclamping the proximal end of the guide wire. The configuration of the guide wire buffer zone may be adjusted prior to or during an intervention based on the anticipated range of axial motion of the catheter and operating head relative to the guide wire.
US08435227B2

Disclosed herein is a catheter for a left coronary artery having a distal end for being introduced into an opening of the left coronary artery from an artery of an arm. The catheter can include a catheter main body including a main body portion of a substantially linear shape in a natural state thereof and a curved portion extending from the main body portion to form a portion that extends to the distal end and has a curved shape in a natural state thereof.
US08435224B2

The invention relates generally to materials for facilitating the administration of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and related compounds. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a kit comprising items used for the safe and effective administration of DMSO. In another embodiment, the invention relates to indicating containers for holding or delivering DMSO.
US08435217B2

A gas sterilizable delivery system for a two-part polymer system is provided. The delivery system includes at least two syringe barrels, each barrel being sealed with a gas permeable plunger seal allowing permeation of a sterilant gas to permeate through the plunger seal allowing the entire assembly to be gas sterilized.
US08435215B2

The present invention relates to an injection device (1) comprising: —a container (5) receiving a product, and provided with an injection needle (6), —a housing (9, 11) receiving said container, said container being movable relative to said housing between an initial position, an insertion position, and a final position, —retaining means (12, 15), for maintaining said container in said insertion position, —deactivating means (20), for releasing said retaining means, said device being characterized in that it comprises: —temporizing means (19, 26, 27), for controlling the release of said retaining means until substantially all of the product contained within said container has passed through said injection needle before said container moves to said final position, and —a needle shield (2) coupled with said housing (9, 11) removal of said needle shield being with limited or no rotation of said needle shield. The invention also concerns a kit comprising such a device.
US08435201B2

A method for treating a user's back, a user's neck, or combinations thereof. The method can include the steps of: inserting a traction device into a pouch of a fabric garment; disposing the fabric garment over a user; engaging the traction device with a surface; and applying a pressure to the traction device using the user's back. The traction device can provide a therapeutic pressure to the user's back, to the user's neck, or to combinations thereof. The method can use a customizable traction device having a shearable fraction head and body. The shearable traction head and body can each be cut to a custom size to fit a user. The method can use a removable fabric chair cover disposed over a chair. A user can sit on the chair and apply a pressure to the traction device using the user's back.
US08435197B2

In a knee-joint orthosis for guiding the patella of a patient during the transition from an extended position to a flexed position of the knee joint and vice versa, with a fastening means (I) for fastening to a thigh and a lower leg, with at least one laterally arranged stabilizing element that takes up a flexion of the knee joint and bears on the thigh and lower leg, and with a dimensionally stable guide element (6) that can be held in position by an arrangement of tensioning straps and is arranged to bear laterally on the patella by way of a lateral base part (7) from which medially directed attachments (8) extend proximally and distally of the patella and are secured to strap sections (10, 12) on the orthosis in the area of the thigh and of the lower leg in such a way that a medial tensile force is exerted on the attachments (8).
US08435195B2

A walking assistance device has a load transmitting assembly, a foot-worn assembly, and a leg link provided between the load transmitting assembly and the foot-worn assembly. The foot-worn assembly has a ground contact member, on which a user's foot rests, and a connecting member which connects the ground contact member to a joint at a lower end of the leg link. The ground contact member is provided with tread force sensors and the foot-worn assembly permits detection of a tread force. The connecting member is formed so as to rise in a cantilever manner from one lateral side of the ground contact member. The tread force sensors are installed in at least one location adjacent to the heel of the user's foot and in at least two locations adjacent to toes of the user's foot, with the latter two locations being laterally spaced apart.
US08435194B2

A skin treatment device combines an RF treatment arrangement with a mechanical massage arrangement, preferably with the massage device in the form of an annular massage head encircling and rotating around the RF applicator. Also disclosed are configurations with a liquid dispenser for delivering a liquid to the skin under the device. According to one option, the skin contact surface of the RF applicator itself is provided in part by a rolling ball liquid applicator.
US08435193B2

A cardio pulmonary CPR device and method provides enhanced circulation by an inventive sequence of states of chest compression and airway valve opening and closure. The embodiments of the invention produce enhanced circulation during cardiac arrest, while maintaining a degree of ventilation to the patient, including oxygen delivery in some embodiments. Some embodiments include mechanical compression units. Other embodiments include a compression sensor to detect manually delivered compressions.
US08435189B2

A compound curette for removing tissue samples and delivering liquid and anti-pathogen to the treated area includes a hollow handle that fits a reservoir with a medicated or cosmeceutical solution. A solution is delivered from the reservoir through a channel to a scraping end of the curette by a button activated mechanism. The scraping end of the curette is made of a metal or hard plastic and is covered in anti-pathogen material. The liquid delivery allows placing a medicine or sterilizing solution directly at the locust of the infection. Pathogen inhibition coating provides for a good safeguard to stop or slow bacteria or fungus proliferation. The method of scraping debris and medication delivery is particularly useful for the treatment of onychomycosis, commonly referred to as a fungus infection of the toenail. Main portions of the curette could be detachable, allowing for the easy reservoir replacement and for the use of multiple scraping utensils. Similarly, the device could be manufactured for a single use when all parts are molded together.
US08435186B2

The disclosure describes techniques for quantifying the autonomic nervous system (ANS) health of a patient with thoracic impedance measurements. Thoracic impedance may be measured utilizing cardiac electrodes and an implantable medical device housing or other electrodes located on or within the patient. Since greater variability in thoracic impedance may indicate better health of the ANS, monitoring impedance changes in a patient may be used to quantify autonomic tone of the ANS, and ultimately, overall patient health. In some examples, thoracic impedance may be measured in response to a change in patient posture for acute monitoring or at predetermined times over several days, weeks, or months for more chronic monitoring of the patient. An implantable medical device may independently analyze the impedance measurements and transmit an alert to the patient or clinician when impedance changes indicate a change in patient health.
US08435174B2

Methods and devices are provided for accessing a surgical site. In one embodiment, an access device is provided having a housing and a cannula extending distally therefrom. The cannula and the housing can define a working channel extending longitudinally therethrough. The cannula can be movable between an insertion configuration and a deployed configuration. The access device can also include an obturator insertable through the working channel. In one embodiment, the obturator can be configured to selectively mate with the cannula such that rotation of the obturator is effective to cause corresponding rotation of the cannula. In another embodiment, the obturator can be configured to move the cannula from the insertion configuration to the deployed configuration when the obturator is fully disposed within the cannula.
US08435161B2

A balance simulator for bicycling comprises a base (4) and a roller device. A guide rail (20) is provided on the top surface of the base (4), and a removable board (3) is mounted on the guide rail (20). A rotatable plate vertical shaft (10) on top of which a rotatable plate (2) pivots is provided vertically on the middle part of the removable board (3), and a groove (6) for holding the bicycle front wheel (1) is provided longitudinally on the top surface of the rotatable plate (2). A semicircular inner gear (5) is installed on the foreside of the bottom surface of the rotatable plate (2), and the central lines of the semicircular inner gear (5) and the rotatable plate vertical shaft (10) are collinear. The semicircular inner gear (5) is engaged with a small gear (7) on the top of a gear shaft (8) which is mounted rotatably on the middle front part of the removable board (3). A big gear (16) is provided on the lower part of the gear shaft (8) and is engaged with a long rack (19) which is mounted on the middle part of the base (4).
US08435153B2

A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of at least two to establish at least nine forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
US08435147B2

A transmission for a hybrid vehicle is provided to implement one or more electric vehicle modes, two or more power split modes, and a plurality of fixed-gear ratio modes that can improve driving performance and fuel efficiency.
US08435143B2

A ball bat including a bat frame and a performance adjusting annular member positioned within the barrel portion. The bat frame has a handle portion and a barrel portion. The annular member has an outer diameter, a weight within the range of 0.4 to 1.85 ounces and a radial cross-sectional area. The radial cross sectional area has a maximum height and a maximum width. The maximum height over the maximum width defines a first aspect ratio. The outer diameter over the maximum width defines a second aspect ratio. The first aspect ratio is at least 0.5 and the second aspect ratio is greater than 1.5. The annular member has at least first and second annular portions. The first annular portion extends over no more than 50 percent of the width of the body and includes over sixty percent of the mass of the body.
US08435142B2

Methods are provided for at least two teams to play a game with a ball on a playing surface having a plurality of zones and at least two goals. Zones have distinct rules for handling passing, receiving, and shooting of a ball during a game. A goal provides two distinctly defined types of scoring zones through which to score the ball from within a peripheral line of the playing surface. One type of scoring zone is at least one open ring shaped opening, and the other is an arced rectangularly shaped opening. The ball may be scored through either of the scoring zones. Points are awarded differently for scoring in either of the two zones and for throwing or kicking the ball through the two zones. Ball comprises at least two panels having arms attached along a contiguous seam.
US08435126B2

A channel member, a modular floor structure, and a method capable of positioning an object on a substantially planar surface is disclosed. Movement of a movable band within an interior channel of the channel member permits movement of an object outside of the interior channel.
US08435124B2

A variable length steering spindle for a steering mechanism of a motor vehicle includes an outer sleeve, an inner member, a slide sleeve having recesses, and rolling bodies. The recesses and the rolling bodies are configured such that the rolling bodies project from the slide sleeve in a no-load state of the slide sleeve, and in an assembled state of the steering spindle the rolling bodies are prestressed against a raceway face and are displaced in a direction away from the raceway face against a reset force. The slide sleeve contacts the other of the outer sleeve and the inner member when a limit value of torque is exceeded. The rolling bodies are non-displaceable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the slide sleeve or are finitely displaceable between stops formed at distal ends of the recesses.
US08435120B2

A wagering game in which a bonus event is triggered and during the bonus event possible bonus awards are displayed on corresponding displays of electronic gaming devices (EGDs) and eliminated one at a time until the predetermined bonus award remains and is revealed to the player. The EGDs are linked together to a main controller, and a predetermined bonus award is randomly determined for each EGD. The main controller stores all of the predetermined bonus awards for all of the EGDs participating in the bonus event, and communicates a subset of possible bonus awards to each of the EGDs, where each subset includes the predetermined bonus award to be awarded at each EGD and at least one decoy bonus award that will not be awarded. The EGDs display a bonus award show in which the decoy bonus awards are eliminated, one at a time, preferably such that the highest valued decoy bonus awards are eliminated last, until one remaining predetermined bonus award is revealed to the player.
US08435119B2

Provided are systems and methods for conducting sweepstakes, which can include a user controlled gaming award, wherein the user controlled gaming award includes entries in another game is provided. Entries into a sweepstakes game are associating with a unique identifier, which can be used to enter a plurality of sweepstakes games. A graphical user interface is configured to permit a player to assign awarded sweepstakes entries to at least one sweepstakes game, and further can be configured to permit the player to accumulate entries. The awarded entries can be configured as a form of currency redeemable for entry into at least one sweepstakes game. The methods and systems can permit the player to exchange any entry into a sweepstakes game. According to another embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises an act of permitting the player to exchange the custom currency. According to another embodiment, the method and systems are further configured to provide an exchange interface for trading of the custom currency.
US08435114B2

The fun of a game is increased, and the player can be induced to play the game repeatedly. Belonging group determining means determines that the prefecture to which a player character belongs is Osaka Prefecture, belonging group variable determining means determines that the enthusiasm rank parameter of Osaka Prefecture is “normal”=0 points, belonging group event result determining means determines the result of a predetermined event with respect to the player character, and belonging group variable varying means varies the enthusiasm rank parameter of Osaka Prefecture according to the result of the predetermined event with respect to the player character.
US08435113B2

In order to enhance visual representation of an advertisement within a video game optical characteristics of the advertisement are specified. Specifically, downloaded data corresponding to an advertisement is used to provide an advertising image within a virtual environment of a video game. The advertising image is displayed having a portion that appears to be at least one of transmissive and reflective. In this way, advertisements are displayed in a fashion consistent with the appearance of a corresponding advertisement in the real world.
US08435112B2

In a gaming machine, when a slot game displayed on a screen of a lower liquid crystal display is executed with a maximum wager betted thereon by a player, the controller has the slot game counted by a counter for counting rescue-setting games. When the count value, by the counter, for rescue-setting games reaches a thousand games and no payout of sixty times or higher ever occurs by that time, the controller provides, as a rescue pay, a payout having been increased by increments each of which is equivalent to a part of a wager betted on each of the slot games that have been executed thus far. The controller provides the payout of the rescue pay by paying out medals to the medal tray.
US08435111B2

The gaming system, gaming device and method disclosed herein determines whether to provide at least one of the plurality of progressive awards to the player based on that player's measured level of skill in: (i) a plurality of plays of a partial skill-based game, (ii) a skill-based progressive award sequence, or (iii) a plurality of plays of a partial skill-based game and a skill-based progressive award sequence. The determination is based on zero, one or more inputs made by the player which tend to measure that player's level of skill in at least one of a partial skill-based game and a skill-based progressive award sequence.
US08435109B2

The gaming machine includes: a game requiring a player's bet; a reel used in the game and mechanically driven to rotate; a plurality of symbols on the reel; a display capable of generating a video image; an input device which receives an input by the player; and a controller which is programmed to carry out the steps of: (a1) receiving an input inputted through the input device; (a2) when the input is a rotation command related to the reel, rotating the reel while the rotation command is being inputted; and (a3) successively displaying, on the display, a video image of at least one of the symbols on the reel in sync with the rotation of the reel.
US08435102B2

A coin dispenser including a coin storing unit (1) and a coin extractor (3), the casing of which (4) demarcates a cylindrical chamber (5) with side outlet (6) for the exit of coins, in which there is housed a rotary driving disc (7) which has a series of cavities (8) closed, on the side opposite to that occupied by the coin storing unit, by a base disc (9) forming stops (14) opposite the rotation direction of the driving disc (7). The disc has retractable parts (13) which, together with the stops (23), control the exit of coins driven in the cavities (8).
US08435092B1

A personal water sport riding board with a modified bottom surface to enhance its water riding characteristics is herein disclosed is provided with a pair of appendages designed to facilitate the catching of water. In such a manner, as water passes on the bottom surface, it is caught by the appendages thus propelling the riding board forward in a faster manner. The appendages are manufactured of rigid foam that is covered with a fabric material in much the same manner as a conventional riding board.
US08435084B2

A communication jack, system using the jack, and method of fabricating the jack are disclosed. The jack includes a cavity configured to accept a communication plug to form a communication connector. The jack includes a plurality of plug interface contacts that extend into the cavity such that a plug inserted into the cavity makes electrical contact with the plug interface contacts at plug/jack interfaces of the plug interface contacts. One or more of the plug interface contacts is formed from multiple conductive layers. The conductive layers are movable relative to each other at at least one end. A dielectric layer or flexible printed circuit board may be disposed between the conductive layers.
US08435082B2

An electrical connector that includes a circuit board having a board substrate that has opposite board surfaces and a thickness measured along an orientation axis that extends between the opposite board surfaces. The circuit board has associated pairs of input and output terminals and signal traces that electrically connect the associated pairs of input and output terminals. The input and output terminals being configured to communicatively coupled to mating and cable conductors, respectively. Each associated pair of input and output terminals is electrically connected through a corresponding signal trace that has a conductive path extending along the board substrate between the corresponding input and output terminals. At least two signal traces form a broadside-coupling region in which the conductive paths of the at least two signal traces are stacked along the orientation axis and spaced apart through the thickness and extend parallel to each other for a crosstalk-reducing distance.
US08435078B2

An electrical connector structure with multi-poles includes an isolation body, a pole set, and a circuit connection unit. The isolation body includes a core portion and a recessed ring portion formed around the core portion. The poles include a center pole disposed in the core portion, a first pole disposed on the inner side of the recessed ring portion, and a second pole disposed on the outer side of the recessed ring portion. The center pole, the first pole, and the second pole each includes a main portion and a conduction portion extending from the main portion toward the rear wall of the isolation body. The circuit connection unit is disposed on the rear wall of the isolation body and includes a preformed circuit layout and a plurality of first through holes disposed corresponding to the conduction portions for electrically connecting the circuit layout with the conduction portion.
US08435070B2

According to an aspect of the invention, an apparatus for disconnecting electrical service includes a housing to be coupled to an electric meter socket, a first stationary connector protruding from a first side of the housing, the first stationary connector configured to connect to a first line of electricity and a second stationary connector protruding from the first side of the housing, the second stationary connector configured to connect to a second line of electricity. The apparatus also includes a first moveable connector coupled to the first side of the housing, a second moveable connector coupled to the first side of the housing, and a third moveable connector coupled to the first side of the housing.
US08435069B2

A method and apparatus for producing a USB cable capable of being fed out of and returned to a cable reel is disclosed along with a cable reel that houses the cable and provides connectivity for the cable.
US08435063B2

An electrical connector assembly for forming AC power connections between a DC-to-AC inverter on a solar panel and AC power cable extending to an AC power grid includes a three-contact socket on the inverter and a three-contact electrical connector on the cable. The connector may be joined to the socket in either of two positions.
US08435061B2

A connector 10 is made of a socket 20, a plug 30, and a removal prevention mechanism 40. The removal prevention mechanism 40 includes a slider tube 41 slidably mounted on a first body 21, a stop ring 42 mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the first body 21, a helical spring 43 resiliently disposed between the slider tube 41 and a socket member 22, a ball 44 movably mounted in a through hole 41C defined in the slider tube 41, a cavity 45 defined in the outer circumferential surface of the first body 21 for the ball 44 to drop therein, and an engaging surface 46 defined in the inner circumferential surface of the plug member 32, for engaging the ball 44.
US08435060B2

Fixtures, apparatuses, and related methods are provided that provide for a non-Edison connection for receiving a lamp housing of a lighting device having a non-Edison connector. The fixture can include a fixture housing and a non-Edison socket securable to the fixture housing. The fixture can also include an engagement device for engaging a lamp housing of a lighting device that has a non-Edison connector upon insertion of the lamp housing into the fixture housing and engaging the non-Edison socket.
US08435048B2

A connector includes a connector assembly is supported by a moveable member that can move relative to a printed wired board in two directions and is urged to its center position by two oppositely disposed springs that each urge a contact member into a respective recess.
US08435043B2

A power connector assembly includes a first connector (100) having a first insulating housing (110) forming a front face (114) and a rear face (115). A number of passageways (101) are defined in the first insulating housing and extending through the front face and the rear face. A number of first contacts (120) are retained in the passageways, respectively. A second connector (200) includes a second insulating housing (210) having a front surface (214) and a rear surface (215). A number of passageways (201) are defined in the second insulating housing and extending through the front surface and the rear surface. A number of second contacts (220) are retained in the passageways, respectively. When the first connector and the second connector are mated with each other along a mating direction, a number of airflow holes (102) are defined between the front face of the first connector and the front surface of the second connector for heat dissipation.
US08435037B1

A learning system for testing aspects of how a child learns includes a toy-like electro-mechanical chassis having upstanding pegs. The child is encouraged to place donut shaped hand pieces onto the pegs. The hand pieces test the ability of the child to discriminate between different colors, and separately between different textures and different shapes and also tests the child's abilities in perception and creativity. The electro-mechanical chassis also is able to test the child's ability to discern and copy tones and rhythms. Information of the child's performance is automatically collected and compared with normalized results of a large tested group of subjects. Remediation focuses on activities related to the learning channels where the child is least astute and periodic retesting measures the ability of the child to improve in those channels to enable improvement of remediation approaches.
US08435034B2

The present invention describes an ultrasonic dental insert capable of enhanced operating efficiency. A first transducer generates ultrasonic vibrations. A connecting body has a proximal end and a distal end having a tip attached thereto. The proximal end is attached to the first transducer so as to receive the ultrasonic vibrations therefrom and to transmit the ultrasonic vibrations toward the tip attached to the distal end. The ultrasonic dental insert may be inserted into a handpiece for providing electromagnetic energy to the first transducer to generate the ultrasonic vibrations. The ultrasonic insert, when seated in the handpiece, is substantially decoupled, on a rotary axis, from the handpiece. A rotary force need only be applied to the insert to rotate it in the handpiece. At least one light source substantially proximate or distal to the tip may also be provided.
US08435032B2

Methods of use are provided, relating to a bracket with a pad for affixing it to a tooth of a patient, with a bracket body that has a slot for receiving an orthodontic wire, and with a channel-like wire guide which has wire guide surfaces for guiding the wire and which is assigned a lateral insertion area for insertion of the wire into the wire guide, wherein the insertion area has, in the longitudinal direction of the wire, a curved section through which the wire can be inserted into the wire guide in an elastically deformed state, such that the wire, on forming back to a rectilinear state, locks in the wire guide, and that the wire guide surfaces enclose the wire in a circle shape, such that the wire is held longitudinally displaceably in the wire guide by the wire guide surfaces and is secured against escaping laterally from the wire guide.
US08435031B2

A new and useful orthodontic clasp that is more resistant to breakage, and when in use is unlikely to separate from its associated orthodontic appliance should breakage occur, comprising two metal wires crossed at an angle and held together with a weld/solder joint, said weld/solder joint having four wire segments extending from said two metal wires crossed at the weld/solder joint, two of said wire segments adjacent and longer in length and two of said wire segments adjacent and shorter in length, said four wire segments each having a clasp wire bend.
US08435025B2

Honeycomb extrusion die apparatus include a die body including a first set of die pins circumscribed by a second set of die pins. At least a portion of the end face of die pins of the second set of die pins are positioned along a peripheral surface extending at an oblique angle with respect to the extrusion direction. A lateral width of the open end of a plurality of discharge slots defined by the second set of die pins is larger than a lateral width of the open end of a plurality of discharge slots defined by the first set of die pins. Methods of making a honeycomb extrusion die apparatus are also provided.
US08435016B2

A vertical shaft pumping system includes a hollow shaft with an inner bore, an inlet end and an outlet end, the outlet end with at least one liquid distribution hole. It further includes an impeller positioned at the lower inlet end of the shaft, with a cylindrical base portion with a lower end, a central hole for drawing fluid into the shaft, and a plurality of teeth extending upwards from the cylindrical base portion and extending radially from the central hole to the outer cylindrical circumference for increasing tractive force of liquid in the shaft when the impeller and shaft are rotating; and a motor for rotating the shaft with the impeller to centrifugally pump a liquid vertically in the shaft from the lower inlet end to the upper outlet end.
US08435013B2

A reciprocating compressor includes a motor having a motor shaft, four cylinders provided in perpendicular directions relative to an axial direction of the motor shaft, and four pistons Each piston has a piston head part and a rod part formed integrally with the piston head part. Each piston head part is fitted into one of the four cylinders in a reciprocable fashion. Each rod part is rotatably mounted to an eccentric shaft that is fixed to the motor shaft.
US08435012B2

The disclosure is generally directed to a wheel-mounted, centrifugally activated, air compressor that will automatically inflate an inflatable vehicle tire back to the proper pressure level when small under-inflation situations occur (e.g., the occurrence of small-to-medium air leaks in a tire). Moreover, the device can be easily attach or fitted into the design of a steel or aluminum wheel, or fitted into a hubcap without modifying the standard design of the wheel-hub assembly. The wheel-mounted device includes a mounting base, cylinder assemblies, and spring-biased centrifugal arms, and is designed to convert changes in the centrifugal force felt by the centrifugal arms as wheel rotation accelerates or decelerates/stops into varying force exerted on positive-displacement pistons. This in turn actuates positive-displacement pumping action at the cylinder assemblies, each of which can provide a short burst of pressurized air into the charging line connected into the associated tire with each compressive stroke.
US08435011B2

An integrated compressor and pump unit suitable for installation on a vehicle and draw rotary power from a power source of the vehicle. The unit includes a compressor unit and a separate pump unit. The compressor unit has a rotary input shaft coupled to a rotary compressing device of the compressor unit. The pump unit is mounted to the compressor unit and has a rotary input shaft coupled to a rotary pumping device of the pump unit. The pump unit is secured to the compressor unit and rotary motion is transferred from the rotary input shaft of the compressor unit to the rotary input shaft of the pump unit such that the rotary compressing and rotary pumping devices operate in unison and in series.
US08435007B2

The present invention provides a hybrid turbomachinery component for use in a gas turbine engine. The hybrid turbomachinery component may be operative to direct the working fluid of the gas turbine engine and/or addi energy to the working fluid and/or extract energy from the working fluid. One or more portions of the hybrid turbomachinery component are made from one material, and other portions of the hybrid turbomachinery component are made from another material.
US08435006B2

A fan is disclosed herein. The fan includes a hub portion operable to rotate about an axis. The hub portion extends along the axis between forward and aft ends. The fan also includes at least one platform operably fixed with the hub portion. The at least one platform at least partially encircles the axis. The fan also includes at least one airfoil extending from the at least one platform radially outward relative to the axis between a base and a tip. The at least one platform terminates at forward and aft circumferential edges spaced from one another along the axis. At least one of the forward and aft circumferential edges extends about the axis and along the axis.
US08435005B2

A manufacturing method of an impeller includes forming a plurality of blades integrally on a blade attachment surface of one of a disc and a cover, placing the cover on a floor so as to face up the blade attachment surface of the cover, disposing the disc on the cover so as to face down the blade attachment surface of the disc, and bonding the plurality of blades to the blade attachment surface of the other of the disc and the cover which is not formed integrally with the plurality of blades by using a bonding material.
US08435004B1

A turbine rotor blade with a squealer pocket formed by tip rails on the blade tip. A row of tip cooling holes extend along an inner side of the tip rails on the pressure side and the suction side to provide cooling for the blade tip and limit leakage flow across the blade tip gap. A number of vortex flow blockers are positioned within the squealer pocket and extend from the tip rails and into the squealer pocket beyond the tip cooling holes to block any formation of vortex flow from the cooling air discharged through the tip cooling holes. The tip rail crown can be narrower such that a tip crown knife edge is formed. The tip cooling holes are slanted toward the tip rails to discharge cooling air toward the blade tip gaps.
US08435000B2

A variable vane actuation system is disclosed herein. The variable vane actuation system includes a ring member disposed for pivoting movement about a centerline axis. The ring member is engaged with a plurality of vanes in a turbine engine such that the plurality of vanes pivot in response to the pivoting movement of the ring member. The variable vane actuation system also includes a ring moving device engaged with the ring member at first and second positions spaced from one another about the centerline axis. The ring moving device is operable to apply first and second forces, respectively, at the first and second positions to pivot the ring member.
US08434999B2

A spline seal for a hot gas path component is provided. The spline seal may include a first metal layer and a second metal layer. The first metal layer may have a first volumetric thermal expansion coefficient. The second metal layer may be disposed adjacent the first metal layer and have a second volumetric thermal expansion coefficient. The second volumetric thermal expansion coefficient may be higher than the first volumetric thermal expansion coefficient. When the spline seal is exposed to a heat source, the first and second metal layers may deform to provide a seal between the hot gas path component and an adjacent hot gas path component.
US08434986B2

A washer includes a wedge-shaped main body, a wedge-shaped adjusting portion moveably positioned on the main body and a flexible connecting portion interconnecting the main body and the adjusting portion. The main body defines a through hole through which the screw passes. The main body includes a bottom surface and a positioning surface angled relative to the bottom surface. The adjusting portion includes a flat contact surface and a latching surface contacting the positioning surface of the main body. The latching surface is angled relative to the contact surface. A wedge angle of the adjusting portion equals that of the main body, thus the bottom surface of the main body is substantially parallel with the contact surface of the adjusting portion.
US08434984B2

A novel one piece integrated fastener is provided which includes a deformable sleeve for receiving a pin where the pin has an elongated pin shank, terminating at a first pin end in a pin head and terminating at a second pin end in an externally threaded portion, and a transitional section integrally connected between the first pin end and the second pin end. The deformable sleeve may include a hollow tubular shank terminating at a first sleeve end in a sleeve head having an opening for receiving the pin and terminating at a second sleeve end having an internal sleeve head surface for engagement with the external pin head side surface when in an assembled position. The sleeve includes a first sleeve section, a second sleeve section and a third sleeve section having an internal surface for engaging the externally threaded portion of the pin upon installation.
US08434982B2

A fastener assembly including an internally threaded nut and an externally threaded screw for securing at least two materials together. A combined thickness TM of the materials is less than a length SL of the screw inserted into the materials. The nut includes a head, a shank extending from the head, and an internally threaded bore extending into the shank. The screw includes a head and an externally threaded shank adapted to threadingly engage the internally threaded bore of the nut. An encapsulating plastic layer covers the head of the nut. The plastic layer extends under and covers a bottom surface of the head. The plastic layer has a thickness TE below the bottom surface of the head which is equal to or greater than a difference between the screw length SL and the material thickness TM.
US08434981B2

A screw anchor for concrete attachment to a railroad tie or solid track comprises external threads (16) disposed on the exterior of the screw anchor (10) and internal threads (18) disposed inside the screw anchor (10) for force-fitted connecting to a fastening element (30), wherein the screw anchor (10) comprises two sections (12, 14) adjacent to one another in the longitudinal direction, the first section (12) having a substantially cylindrical external shape and the second section (14) having a substantially conical external shape, and wherein the second section (14) is disposed between the first section (12) and an inlet opening (26) for the fastening element (30).
US08434975B2

A double-sided milling cutting insert has usable upper and lower faces. The upper face has a polygonal shape with curved edges. The lower face has a rotationally symmetrical relation to the upper face. Flank faces connect edges of the upper face to corresponding edges of the lower face. Upper cutting edges are formed on one of the edges of the upper face. The upper chip-forming portions have rake faces inclined downwardly from the upper cutting edges inwardly of the cutting insert and a plurality of protrusions arranged along inner boundaries of the rake faces for deflecting chips. When the cutting insert is mounted on the cutting tool, a width of the rake face of the upper chip-forming portion adjacent to an edge portion forming a main cutting edge gradually increases in a direction going away from a rotational axis of the cutting tool.
US08434974B2

A milling cutter and a cutting insert therefor for rough and smooth machining of a workpiece. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
US08434968B2

A quay structure (1) comprising a quay top (12) is described, wherein one or more storage receptacles (2), which are structured in a manner allowing them to receive an anchor chain (4), are disposed underneath an available area (16) provided on, or in association with, the quay top (12), the storage receptacle (2) being provided with a cover (23) forming, when in a closed state, a portion of said available area (16). A method of using the quay structure (1) for storage of an anchor chain in association with a maintenance operation on the anchor chain is also described.
US08434965B2

An impact absorption facility for road makes it possible to protect a road center, a road side, a road ramp, an entering side of a tunnel or an underground road, pillars, faith silk or others and to absorb the impact of vehicle collided and to decelerate during a collision by decreasing the impacts occurring due to the impact of a vehicle by installing the impact absorption facility even in a highway ramp, and it is possible to prevent a vehicle from entering an opposite road lane or going out of a road for thereby allowing the vehicle to run on a normal road and to return to a road. A traffic accident can be effectively prevented with the help of a lighting lamp or a reflection lamp when a vehicle approaches the impact absorption facility when a driver drives at night with sleepiness.
US08434961B2

A wobble joint fitting for an adjustment device of a motor vehicle seat, in particular for a seat back hinge fitting, comprises (a) a first fitting part comprising an internal ring gear, (b) a toothed eccentric gear that engages the internal ring gear and that has an eccentric hole, (c) an eccentric to which a rotatable drive part is associated and which comprises wedge segments, (d) a second fitting part that is adjustable with respect to the first fitting part, and (e) a wrap spring. The wrap spring is a flat open spring ring and extends over an angle of less than 360°. The eccentric gear comprises a collar for the spring ring to fit against.
US08434959B2

A cosmetic container for retaining and dispensing a cosmetic material is provided. The cosmetic container includes a first portion including an applicator, a second portion releasably coupled to the first portion and configured to move between a first position in which the applicator is exposed and a second position in which the applicator is concealed and a mirrored element coupled to the first portion. The mirrored element is positionable behind the applicator when the second portion is moved to the first position to assist a user in applying the cosmetic material.
US08434958B2

An application system is disclosed, e.g., for the application of a sealing, adhesive or other coating material having a high viscosity, for example, on vehicle bodies. An exemplary application system may include an application robot fitted with an applicator having at least one application nozzle for the coating material, and a dosing device for general dosing of the coating material applied by the application nozzle, as may be desired. An exemplary dosing device may include a screw pump or a spiral pump that is built into or onto the applicator, or into or onto a robot arm of the displacement machine.
US08434957B2

A knock-type writing instrument is provided, which allows an easy refill exchange with a simple operation while inhibiting deformation of slits, breakage of a shaft tube, etc., during the refill exchange.
US08434955B2

In the case of a cosmetic unit, including a container for holding a cosmetic, a closure cap for the container, and an applicator, which is arranged on the closure cap and is intended for applying the cosmetic, wherein two such cosmetic units can be connected to each other via a coupling device, the cosmetic unit has a coupling device which is formed on the closure cap and is intended for connection to a second cosmetic unit having a corresponding coupling device, wherein the coupling device has a coupling recess which extends perpendicularly to the central longitudinal axis of the cosmetic unit and the inner wall of which forms at least one undercut, and a coupling projection which is of complementary design to the coupling recess in such a manner that the coupling projection of a first cosmetic unit can be pushed, by a pushing movement of the cosmetic units which are to be connected, into the coupling recess of the second cosmetic unit and, in the pushed-in state, is held there in an interlocking manner.
US08434946B2

Bolt-on clamp extrusions for fastening a track to support base extrusion for providing customers with a simple-to-assemble, customizable, reconfigurable, and user-friendly solution for reliable linear motion track assembly. A back-to-back track configuration provides a low-profile track assembly. Custom made base extrusions include deformable fingers disposed in the slot to ensure proper fit despite a variance in track size.
US08434940B2

The present invention relates to an apparatus, which works according to galvanic principles, in particular to a lithium-ion accumulator or, respectively, a lithium-ion cell, with at least two electrode devices (10; 20), in particular, a cathode and an anode, in particular, a separator device (30), arranged between two electrode devices, the apparatus (2) comprises, according to the invention, at least one or a plurality of glass fibers (18, 28, 38) which are configured or, respectively, operable as temperature sensor. It can comprise a net (16, 26, 36) formed by glass fibers, or an arrangement of a plurality of glass fibers, which are arranged substantially in parallel to each other, wherein at least one glass fiber (18, 28, 38) is configured or operable as temperature sensor. Such a glass fiber structure can be arranged at the surface of a separator device (30) and/or the cathode, respectively, anode device (10, 20) and can serve as carrier material for this device (30, 10, 20) or can be embedded into this device.
US08434939B2

The present invention relates to a method of measuring a temperature and/or temperature distribution at a resolution <1 &mgr; m in an object and to a device for performing such method, more particularly to a microscope for performing such method. The method comprises applying a molecular thermometer embedded in a matrix layer on an object, photoexciting the said molecular thermometer with a light source of said microscope and measuring emission of radiation from said molecular thermometer with two photodetectors of said microscope. A first intensity at a first wavelength is measured by said first detector, a second intensity at a second wavelength is measured by said second.detector, and a ratio of said intensities is calculated and used to determine a temperature with a calibrated curve. Said microscope is a confocal microscope or a stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscope.
US08434938B2

An apparatus for monitoring a temperature and/or a temperature-dependent parameter of an optical element arranged in a path of a laser beam includes a measuring light source to produce measuring radiation and direct the measuring radiation to the optical element, a detector arranged to detect a portion of the measuring radiation that has passed through a passage region of the optical element, an evaluating device connected to the detector to monitor the temperature and/or the temperature-dependent parameter. The evaluating device is configured to determine the temperature and/or the temperature-dependent parameter based on an intensity of the measuring radiation detected by the detector in the passage region.
US08434935B2

A heating furnace for testing middle and long span structures including a modular partition structure to adjust an inner volume of the heating furnace, effectively performing a load-coupled heating test of full scale members such as a beam, a short column, a slab, a conjunction frame, and a deck plate. The heating furnace for testing middle and long span structures includes a partition unit formed of a refractory material and partitioning a heating space in a main body to block transfer of heat generated from one space to the other space. A test sample is installed in the heating space of the main body partitioned by the partition unit according to a size of the test sample, and then, heat and a compression force are applied to the test sample to perform a fireproof performance test. The fireproof performance test of structure members having various lengths of 4 m, 6 m and 10 m can be performed, and consumption of various utilities consumed during the test can be optimized. In addition, since the heating furnace can perform an actual material test of full scale structures such as continuous span beams and long span beams, deck plates, or bridge trusses of civil structures, deck plates for ships, and so on, target fireproof performance estimation of various shape conditions can be performed to increase applicability of the test.
US08434934B2

Timepiece (1) including a case (11) in which systems (3, 5, 7, 9) are mounted for operating the timepiece, controlled by control members (15, 21, 19) that project from the case, at least one of the control members (15, 19, 21) cooperating with an anti-shock device (33, 35) mounted in the case (11) and including a main component (91, 111), which is moveably mounted relative to the case (11), characterized in that the main component (91, 111) includes a permanent mechanical connection with the part (63, 41) of each system (25, 23) to which the at least one control member is attached, which enables the component to be reversibly uncoupled from the at least one control member (15, 19, 21) when a force greater than a predetermined threshold is exerted on the at least one control member and in that the mechanical connection is of the sliding type, and includes a jumper spring (95, 115) elastically mounted relative to a pin (96, 116).
US08434933B2

A static continuous flow mixer, with or without reaction, is provided with basic cells, which are individually provided with an individualized chamber (1). The basic cells are also provided with at least two connecting channels (2), at least two of them being oblique relatively to the resulting direction (x) of the flow in the mixer, and with at least two additional apertures (0) for connection with the exterior. The cells interconnect successively in the space, forming a network. The mixer promotes convective processes. The dimensions (Dj, li, di, φ), the geometry of the chambers (spherical or cylindrical) and of the channels (cylindrical or prismatic) may vary, as well as their quantity.
US08434928B2

In the case of an extruder with at least two parallel, rotating shafts turning in the same direction, the shafts are equipped with interlocking feed screw segments (24) and working segments (26). The working segments (26), which lead to a greater spread between the two shafts than the feed screw segments (24), are formed as a single piece as a combined element (22) using the feed screw segment (24).
US08434926B2

In a light source apparatus, a method of manufacturing the light source and a backlight assembly having the same, a light guide plate (LGP) includes an upper surface and a lower surface facing each other and a first side surface and a second side surface. The light source is placed in the LGP adjacent to the first side surface and emits light toward the second side surface. The power supply unit is electrically connected to the light source and partially placed in the LGP. The light source may include a lamp or a light-emitting diode (LED). The power supply unit may include a wire or a power supply substrate. The light source apparatus may be formed by an injection molding process using lower and upper mold frames. Therefore, backlight assembly size, the number of parts and manufacturing steps may be decreased, and the illumination quality may be improved.
US08434924B1

A backlight for providing light to a computer-controlled display device, includes a plurality of first light sources, a plurality of second light sources, and a light guide panel (LGP). The LGP has at least one edge and a surface facing a display surface of the display device and is adapted for guiding light emitted by, and received from, the first and second light sources at one or more edges of the LGP to the surface of the LGP. The first light sources include first light emitting diodes (LEDs) having a peak emission wavelength of greater than 500 nm. The second light sources include second LEDs having a peak emission wavelength of less than 480 nm and phosphor material that absorbs a portion of light emitted from the second LEDs and converts the absorbed light into light emitted from the phosphor material having a peak emission wavelength greater than 500 nm.
US08434923B2

An LED backlight module includes at least one LED and a light guide plate. The light guide plate includes a light incident surface, a light emitting surface connected to the light incident surface, and a bottom surface parallel to the light emitting surface. The at least one LED is placed on the light incident surface and spaced at regular intervals. The light from the at least one LED enters the light guide plate from the light incident surface and is reflected to the light emitting surface by the bottom surface. The light guide plate defines a plurality of concave dots on the bottom surface. The bottom surface is divided into a plurality of discontinuous dot zones. In the dot zone closest to the incident surface, proximity of the dot to the LED decreases the depth and the distribution density of the dots.
US08434913B2

The invention provides a substantially round illumination device (1) comprising a light source (10) and a substantially round waveguide (20). The waveguide (20) comprises a first waveguide surface (21), a second waveguide surface (22), a substantially round waveguide entrance window (23), a substantially round waveguide edge window (24), and a central axis (100). The first waveguide surface (21) or the second waveguide surface (22) or both the first waveguide surface (21) and the second waveguide surface (22) further comprise a plurality of elongated structures (200) each having an elongation axis (201) substantially parallel to a radius (101) perpendicular to the central axis (100).
US08434910B2

Disclosed are a light emitting device package and a lighting system. The light emitting device package includes a body including a recess and a plurality of light emitting device receiving parts formed in a bottom surface of the recess, a plurality of light emitting devices separately provided in the light emitting device receiving parts, a plurality of individual lenses spaced apart from each other on the light emitting device receiving parts, and a common lens covering the individual lenses, wherein at least one of the plurality of individual lenses comprises a concave part formed at the upper portion of the individual lens.
US08434904B2

Certain example embodiments relate to an improved IGU with first and second glass substrates, spaced apart and defining a gap therebetween. An edge seal is provided around a periphery of the first and second substrates, the edge seal forming an hermetic seal in certain example instances. An emitter is disposed in the gap defined by the first and second glass substrates. A conductive interface is provided through the edge seal, and is arranged to interface with the emitter and to provide electrical current to the emitter. The conductive interface in certain example embodiments may include one or more bus bars, one or more pattered thin film lines, etc.
US08434896B1

An under-bed mounted accent lighting apparatus comprises a series of lamps which automatically illuminate to cast a soft glow from underneath the bed is herein disclosed. The lamps are electrically interconnected via standard wiring and adhesively affixed along the bed frame. The lamps are powered by a common user configurable timer module which plugs into a standard wall outlet.
US08434888B2

A safety helmet or head piece having an incident light source disposed on the top or the crown of the helmet or head piece, means for controlling the orientation of the light source, wherein light emanates as a beam substantially vertically and upwardly irrespective of the orientation of the helmet or head piece. The light beam is a single or collimated beam comprised by one or more laser light sources of any color or color mix. The light source is mounted on the helmet or head piece so that the beam always emanates in substantially a vertical upwards direction irrespective of the orientation of the helmet or head piece. The invention being directed to the location and rescue of injured workers in poor visibility conditions and to the reduction and prevention of accidents in general.
US08434875B2

A light source unit comprising an optical wheel having a plurality of segment areas and including luminescent light emitting areas where at least two luminescent material layers having different characteristics are provided in a circumferential direction, a wheel motor for driving to rotate the optical wheel, an excitation light source for shining light on to the optical wheel, a light emitting light source and a collective optical system for collecting a light beam from the optical wheel and a light beam from the light emitting light source to the same optical path, wherein the excitation light source is selectively turned on to illuminate the at least two luminescent material layers having different characteristics which are disposed on the luminescent light emitting areas, and wherein the light emitting light source is turned on for a period of time during which the excitation light source does not shine the excitation light.
US08434873B2

An interactive projection device includes a light source configured to emit an input light beam, wherein the light source comprises a visible light emitting device; a first beam splitter configured to split the input light beam into first and second split light beams; a second beam splitter configured to split a scattered light beam received from a surface into third and fourth split light beams; an image forming device configured to produce an image light beam based on the first split light beam and emit the image light beam onto the surface through the first and second splitters, thereby generating a projection image on the surface; and a detector configured to detect the invisible light of the third split light beam, thereby acquiring a scattering image from the surface.
US08434869B2

An apparatus mounted proximate to or on a base of a slit lamp illumination unit operates to automatically lock or secure the illumination unit in a stationary position after each eye examination and further operates to unlock it just before each examination. The apparatus may take the form of a threaded rod that replaces the conventional thumbscrew. The threaded rod is rotated by a motor, which receives instructions from a controller, both located within a housing. A touch sensor on the housing communicates with the controller to activate the locking or unlocking of the threaded rod and may also provide a signal to a transceiver for powering the illumination unit ON or OFF.
US08434867B2

Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for analyzing eye tracking data. The eye tracking data can represent a number of different scanpaths and can be analyzed, for example, to find patterns or commonality between the scanpaths. According to one embodiment, a method of analyzing eye tracking data can comprise receiving the eye tracking data which can include a plurality of scanpaths, each scanpath representing a sequence of regions of interest on a stimulus image. A dotplot can be generated and can include each of the plurality of scanpaths. One or more patterns within the eye tracking data can be identified based on the dotplot.
US08434858B2

Provided is a cartridge unit for a printer. The cartridge unit has upper and lower plate members having an ink bag located between the plate members to define an ink volume. The plate members can be displaced towards and away from each other by an external force. A bag constrictor assembly engages the plate members and is configured to act on the bag when the plate members are displaced towards each other to reduce the ink volume. A valve insert has an inlet valve to facilitate refilling of the bag with ink and an outlet valve to facilitate ink delivery to a printhead. A filter cover is positioned between the valve insert and the ink bag to filter contaminants and air bubbles passing between the ink bag and said valve insert.
US08434853B1

Example embodiments disclosed herein relate to a printhead cap assembly. An example includes a rigid base member and a mount gimbaled with respect to the rigid base member and configured to define a recess including a side. The printhead cap assembly additionally includes a sealing member configured to include a retention feature positioned in the recess and engaging the side to orient and couple the sealing member to the mount so that the sealing member retains an original shape.
US08434849B2

An apparatus includes a printing unit and a drying unit. The printing unit performs printing on a sheet using ink. The drying unit dries the sheet on which the ink is applied at the printing unit as the sheet is conveyed in the drying unit. The drying unit causes hot air heated by a heater to circulate through a housing and blows the hot air to the sheet. The housing includes an opening through which movement of gas between inside and outside the housing can be adjusted. When conveyance of the sheet in the drying unit stops, the apparatus is controlled to reduce an output of the heater and to increase the movement of the gas through the opening.
US08434838B2

The individual locker assembly for refrigerators is intended for use in the workplace to permit employees to secure their perishable foods and beverages for lunches and snacks. The locker assembly is also suitable for installation in refrigerator units in medical offices and the like for the secure storage of controlled medications and the like that must be refrigerated. The locker assembly is assembled from top, bottom, side, and rear panels, and a series of intermediate shelves and dividers installed therein defining a plurality of individual storage compartments. Vertical panels include spring-biased pins that engage mating holes provided in the upper and lower interior panels of the refrigeration unit, to secure the assembly in place. Each compartment has its own lockable door. The locks may be combination units, key locks, external hasps and padlocks, or other lock types as desired. Integral locks may include provision for coin operation, if desired.
US08434834B2

A tool identification and location system for a tool containing cabinet. The system includes a plastic sheet having a surface with cross sectional outlines of the cabinet drawers as well as multiple, parallel tool receiving compartments in each of the drawers. The sheet is connected to a sidewall of the cabinet so that the outlines of each drawer are in horizontal alignment with corresponding drawers of the cabinet, and tool cross sections, called profiles, are mounted to the sheet, such as by magnets or hook and loop fasteners, for indicating to an operator the exact location, drawer and compartment, of each tool in the cabinet.
US08434832B2

A lock for a computer device comprises a lever operable to be positioned in a locked position and comprising at least one flange, a locking base slidably coupled to a device housing and attached to the lever, and a spring coupled to the locking base and to the device housing and operated upon by the lever, where in the locked position the at least one flange slides in a first corresponding at least one notch formed on the device housing, and where the locking base slides into a corresponding second notch formed on the device housing.
US08434830B2

An electronic control unit for a brake control apparatus has a pressure-command-signal memorizing portion, which outputs a pressure command signal to a brake force control unit, when a braking operation is not carried out by a vehicle driver, in order to gradually increase brake fluid pressure. The memorizing portion memorizes the pressure command signal as a gap-zero pressure signal sent to the brake force control unit when vehicle deceleration exceeds a predetermined value. A pre-charge control portion outputs the gap-zero pressure signal to carry out a pre-charge control, when the braking operation is not carried out, so that a gap between a friction element and a non-friction element is reduced to a desired amount before an actual braking operation by the vehicle driver.
US08434827B2

An infant support structure includes a support frame, a seat portion coupled to the support frame and configured for receiving an infant in a seated position, and a restraint assembly. The restraint assembly is coupled to the seat portion and configured to retain the infant in the seat portion. The restraint assembly includes a strap portion having a polymer coating.
US08434825B2

A footrest is provided that includes a footplate element, an upper swing arm, and a lower swing arm, which footrest can be arranged on a wall that faces a seat, and allows several seating positions.
US08434815B2

A plurality of beads (2) extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction are formed parallel to each other lined up in the vehicle width direction on an inner panel (1). Accordingly, an upper flange (5), a vertical wall (4), a lower flange (3), and a vertical wall (4) are formed connected in this order at a cross-section in the vehicle width direction. The vertical wall (4) includes a lower vertical wall (4a) and an upper vertical wall (4b), and there is a bend line (4c) at the boundary between the two which is bent. The inclination angle of the upper vertical wall (4b) is between 30° and 60° inclusive, which is greater than the inclination angle of the lower vertical wall (4a). The bend line (4c) is positioned more than ½ way up between the lower flange (3) and the upper flange (5) so as to be closer to the upper flange (5) than the lower flange (3).
US08434812B2

A vehicle visor is provided that includes a mirror assembly. The visor body has a first side and a second side and pivots between a stowed position and a downward use position. The visor body further includes a mirror assembly located on the visor body. The mirror assembly includes a conversation mirror that is extendable from a first side of the visor body for viewing from the first side of the visor body, and is stowable within the visor body for viewing through an aperture from the second side of the visor body. The mirror may serve as a vanity mirror.
US08434798B2

An attaching structure is used for assembling a first member to a second member. The attaching structure includes a latching element and the connecting assembly. The latching element is assembled to the first member. The connecting assembly includes a seat and a fastener. The seat adjustably latches to the latching element. The fastener is threaded into the first member, the second member, and matches with the seat.
US08434793B2

The seal made between two surfaces is enhanced by forming a coating (22), such as a self-assembled monolayer of a functionalized fluorinated macromolecule, on one or both of the surfaces.
US08434789B2

There is provided a framework structure for a vehicle where two members can be welded to each other even when the two members are disposed adjacent to each other and the extending directions thereof are changed, thereby improving strength.A kick portion 11 of a front side member 1 includes a kick lower member 2 of which an extending direction is changed so that a front portion of the kick lower member rises, and a long kick upper member 3 that is provided along the kick lower member 2. The kick lower member 2 and the kick upper member 3 are joined to each other at a kick lower member flange middle portion 22C and a kick upper member flange middle portion 32C. The kick lower member flange middle portion 22C and the kick upper member flange middle portion 32C are formed in a linear shape.
US08434784B2

An airbag apparatus is mounted on a vehicle as housed in a housing and includes an airbag inflatable with inflation gas for catching an object of protection. The airbag includes a sheet-shaped circumferential wall made from synthetic resin. The circumferential wall is plastically deformable in such a manner as to be elongated due to increase of internal pressure caused by being pressed by the object of protection when arresting the object of protection at full inflation.
US08434782B2

A roof structure for an automobile includes an airbag 7 configured to protect the head of an occupant and an attachment bracket 8. In the roof structure for an automobile, the airbag 7 is attached across a front pillar 4 and a roof side 1 via the attachment bracket 8, and the attachment bracket 8 is arranged on the back side of a periphery of a joint portion 33 of an upper end portion of a front pillar trim 5 and a headliner 3.
US08434781B2

A baby safety car seat convertible into a rollable baby seat, and comprising a front, head area and a rear, feet area, the head area being higher than the feet area; a right and left pair of front and rear legs, and a handle. The legs of each pair have distal ends associated with wheels and proximal ends articulated to the seat at corresponding leg attachment area. Both legs are rotatable relative to each other and to the seat between a storage position to be taken in a safety car seat mode of the seat, and an operational position to be taken in a rolling-carrier mode of the seat. The legs can have an intermediate position between the storage and operational position, and can be rotatable between the intermediate and operational positions, at least partially under the influence of gravity force.
US08434774B2

A vehicle has a frame, at least one front wheel connected to the frame, at least one front suspension assembly connecting the at least one front wheel to the frame, at least one rear wheel connected to the frame, and at least one rear suspension assembly connecting the at least one rear wheel to the frame. At least one of the at least one front and at least one rear suspension assemblies includes an air spring. A seat is connected to the frame. An engine is connected to the frame and is operatively connected to at least one of the wheels. An air compressor is connected to the frame and fluidly communicates with the at least one air spring for supplying air to the at least one air spring. A control unit is electrically connected to the air compressor for controlling an operation of the air compressor.
US08434764B2

A gaming device presents multiple hands of the game played on the gaming device as part of a single round of game play. The player wagers on whether the composite set of the multiple hands has certain attributes. If the attributes are present in the composite set, the player receives a winning outcome and receives a benefit. In a particularly contemplated implementation, the game is blackjack, and the attributes are based on the number and type of cards as well as the manner in which individual hands beat the dealer and by how many points.
US08434763B2

A lawn game uses a pair of markers toward which each player rolls a disk while standing proximate the other maker and/or tosses rings. Once all disks have been rolled or all of the rings have been tossed, or both, the disk or ring closest to the marker determines which player scores points for that round. Disk scoring is based on the number on the disk facing upwardly or both numbers if the disk remains on its side for each disk within a certain distance from the marker using a multiplier if the disk contacts the marker. Ring scoring is based on the proximity to the approached marker with a ring encircling the top of the marker being the best. A rope is removably attachable to the markers and helps with measurements.
US08434762B1

An air table game assembly has a platform. Outer sections of the platform have a perimeter edge and an interior side with the interior side being adjacent to a central section. A border wall extends around the perimeter edge of each outer section. Openings in the border wall define goals positioned in each of the outer sections. A first barrier is pivotable between a retracted position and a deployed position. The first barrier extends across a first one of the outer sections defining a first excluded section when in the deployed position. A bottom panel is coupled to the border wall in spaced relationship to the platform to define an air chamber. A plurality of vents extends through the platform and a blower is coupled to the bottom panel. The blower urges air through the vents in the platform.
US08434752B2

A method for transporting newspapers includes the steps of feeding an asymmetrically folded multiple section newspaper into a pocket of a pocket conveyor of an inserting machine, wherein the asymmetrically folded multiple section newspaper has an extended lap having a height of at least 15% of a height of the asymmetrically folded newspaper when unfolded. A face of a first section of the headline side of the newspaper, when fed into the pocket is adjacent a movable wall of the pocket, and a back of a last section of the headline side of the newspaper adjacent a fixed wall of the pocket. The method further comprises feeding one or more inserts from a hopper to the pocket, where the inserts are fed into an opening between newspaper sections, removing the newspapers with the inserts therein from the pocket with a gripper conveyor, and releasing the newspapers with the inserts from the gripper conveyor headline up on a lapped stream conveyor.
US08434748B1

Various gel springs can be constructed for cushioning purposes.
US08434742B2

The invention is directed to a gas powered self-contained winch comprising an external casing including a first side wall, a second side wall, a top wall, a bottom wall and a stabilizing bar. The invention includes a combustion engine; a transmission assembly, a gear assembly and a clutch assembly that connect to a spool capable of winding and unwinding a cable wire. A hand controller can communicate with the clutch assembly through a cable wire sufficient to control the winding and unwinding of the cable.
US08434733B2

A valve for use in the control of pressurized air from a pressure tank, the pressure tank including a wall in which an outlet port is formed, the wall having an inner surface and an outer surface. The valve comprises a valve body of generally cylindrical configuration having an inner end which in use is located inside the pressure tank and an outer end which in use is located outside of the tank. A flow passage extends through the valve body, the flow passage having an inlet at or adjacent the inner end of the body and an outlet at or adjacent the outer end of the body. A valve seat surrounds the flow passage and a valve closure member is moveable towards and away from the valve seat to close and open the valve respectively. An operating means is provided for moving the valve closure member in order to operate the valve. The valve is characterized in that the valve body has at least one laterally extending mounting formation at or adjacent the inner end thereof, the mounting formation being shaped and dimensioned to enable the inner end and the mounting formation to be introduced into the pressured tank through the outlet port, and when in position, the mounting formation engages with the inner surface of the wall of the tank adjacent the outlet port. The valve includes a mounting collar movable towards the mounting formation so as to engage the outer surface of the wall adjacent the opening and thereby clamp the tank wall between the mounting formation and the mounting collar.
US08434726B2

A mounting apparatus for mounting a data storage device on a bracket includes a locating member fixed on the bracket. The bracket includes a sidewall defining a first through hole and a second through hole at a sidewall back. The sidewall defines a first fixing slot and a second fixing slot at a sidewall front. The data storage device defines a fixing hole. A fixing portion is located on a first end of the locating member corresponds to the first through hole, the second through hole and the fixing hole. A locking portion is located on a second end of the locating member corresponds to the first fixing slot and the second fixing slot. The data storage device is fixed on a first position and a second position of the bracket.
US08434723B2

An asymmetric tetrahedral vortex generator that provides for control of three-dimensional flow separation over an underlying surface by bringing high momentum outer region flow to the wall of the structure using the generated vortex. The energized near-wall flow remains attached to the structure surface significantly further downstream. The device produces a swirling flow with one stream-wise rotation direction which migrates span-wise. When optimized, the device produces very low base drag on structures by keeping flow attached on the leeside surface thereof. This device can: on hydraulic structures, prevent local scour, deflect debris, and reduce drag; improve heat transfer between a flow and an adjacent surface, i.e., heat exchanger or an air conditioner; reduce drag, flow separation, and associated acoustic noise on airfoils, hydrofoils, cars, boats, submarines, rotors, etc. during subsonic or supersonic conditions; and, reduce radar signatures by using faceted edges with angles amenable to stealth technologies.
US08434715B2

A thrust reverser nozzle for a gas turbine engine nacelle includes opposite and asymmetrically pivoting first and second doors defining a nacelle aft section, first and second trailing edges of the first and second doors adjacent to a propulsive jet nozzle outlet of the nacelle, the doors being pivotable simultaneously between a stowed position and a deployed position such that the first trailing edge is positioned behind the second trailing edge when the doors are in the deployed position, and the first and second fairings attached to the first and second doors in relative fixed positions to the first and second doors respectively. Male contour middle portions of the first fairings may complementarily match female contour middle portions of the second fairings and are received within the female contour middle portion when the doors are in the stowed position. The fairings may be removably attached to the doors.
US08434714B2

An aircraft landing gear for an aircraft having an engine, an outer surface, a cavity formed in the outer surface, a cover arranged to close the cavity, the landing gear being arranged to be movable between a stowed configuration, in which it is stowed in the cavity, and a deployed configuration, the landing gear comprising an engine debris guard panel arranged to inhibit tire propelled debris striking the engine whilst the landing gear is in the deployed configuration, wherein the guard panel is arranged to form at least a part of the cover when the landing gear is in the stowed configuration.
US08434711B2

In this invention, there is provided a method and device for shielding and deflecting unguided missiles, mortars and other projectiles and ordnance. A plurality of lighter-than-air balloons are tethered from a plurality of ground anchors so that the balloons are positioned spaced apart, adjacent to, along and buoyed above the border to be defended between the launch area and the target area. A defense shield is suspended from the plurality of tethered lighter-than-air balloons, extending generally vertically covering a range of heights for engaging and deflecting missiles launched along the expected trajectories.
US08434705B2

This invention relates to a shredding device having a driving unit driving a rotor including shredding tools on its periphery which for comminuting a material such as waste material and/or industrial residues, interact with a least one counter knife assembly that is arranged in a stationary fashion with respect to the machine housing during the shredding operation. The shredding device is characterized in that the counter knife assembly includes at least two counter knife bars which run approximately parallel to each other and are arranged one above the other in the rotating direction of the rotor, the counter knife bars, for the compensation of wear at the shredding tools and/or at the counter knife assembly, being arranged for an adjustment radially to the rotor axis by a mutually different degree by means of an adjustment device. A process for operating a shredding device is also described.
US08434697B1

Injection apparatus for automatically applying pest control concentrates and fertilizers into an existing underground irrigation system. Apparatus uses an electronic control system programmed to activate one or more injection pumps and to also operate the zonal flow control solenoids contained in an existing underground or other type of irrigation system. Apparatus includes a single or plurality of storage reservoirs for storing one or more additives with piping to deliver these additives to the existing irrigation system.
US08434689B2

According to embodiments, a semiconductor memory device capable of transmission and reception of information by wireless communication is provided. The semiconductor memory device includes a radio antenna for performing the wireless communication, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory element that stores information to be transmitted and received via the radio antenna, a substrate on which the nonvolatile semiconductor memory element is mounted and a wiring pattern to be connected to the nonvolatile semiconductor memory element is formed, and a switching unit that switches between a state where the wireless communication is permitted and a state where the wireless communication is rejected.
US08434681B2

Systems, apparatus, articles of manufacture and methods are provided for establishing (e.g., online) a buyer price for a first plurality of products. In one embodiment, the buyer price is lower than a retail price of the first plurality of products. A second plurality of products that the buyer has actually received during the subsequent transaction is determined. A penalty may be assessed if the first plurality of products does not correspond to the second plurality of products.
US08434680B1

A transaction product includes a housing and a transaction card. The housing defines a storage chamber and a substantially planar surface. The substantially planar surface defines a perimeter portion and a recessed portion surrounded by, spaced from, and extending substantially parallel to the recessed portion to define a recess. The housing includes opposing tabs extending from the perimeter portion, toward each other, and partially across the recessed portion. The transaction card includes a machine-readable account identifier linking the transaction card to an account or record remote from the transaction product and having a value available for use as payment toward a purchase. The transaction card defines two opposing edges each selectively secured between the recessed portion of the substantially planar surface and a different one of the opposing tabs.
US08434677B2

Systems and methods for facilitating risk assessment for point of sale transactions utilizing at least one risk triggering value (RTV) is disclosed. An RTV is a condensed version of a set of complex risk data and strategies usually found in central processing sites. After receiving a request for payment authorization, a risk value is calculated for the request. The distributed processing site compares the risk value to the RTV to determine whether to authorize payment. If the risk value is less than or equal to the RTV, the payment is authorized while a risk value greater than the RTV will not be authorized. The central site calculates a new RTV for the account and distributes the new RTV to the distributed processing site.
US08434676B2

There is provided a banknote handling system including: a reception unit configured to receive a banknote that has been put therein; a recognition unit configured to recognize the banknote that has been received by the reception unit; a storing unit having at least one first cassette configured to store or escrow the banknote that has been recognized by the recognition unit, and at least one second cassette configured to store the banknote that has been recognized by the recognition unit; an operation unit configured to receive a deposit-confirmation instruction for the banknote that has been escrowed in the first cassette; and a control unit configured to cause the banknote that has been recognized by the recognition unit to be escrowed in the first cassette and to cause, when the deposit-confirmation instruction is received by the operation unit, the banknote that has been escrowed in the first cassette to be stored in the second cassette.
US08434674B2

Fiducial markers for augmented reality are provided. A fiducial marker can be located on an object in the environment and includes retroreflectors that reflect light back towards the source of the light. A portion of the fiducial marker is masked or obscured to form a pattern in the fiducial marker including a reflective portion and a less or non-reflective portion. The pattern of the reflective portion and the less or non-reflective portion stores data that can be read by a reading device and used to generate computer-generated content that is included in an augmented image.
US08434660B2

A spindle head for performing friction stir welding includes concentric spindle shafts driven by stacked, coaxial motors contained within a spindle housing. The coaxial arrangement of the motors results in a more compact package. Each of the motors is concentrically arranged around one of the spindles by directly connecting a rotor of the motor to a spindle shaft. The stators of the motors are mounted on the housing and are concentrically arranged around the concentric spindle shafts.
US08434653B2

A portable bedding system including bedding attached to a bag having a carrying arrangement. The bedding includes a ground sheet attached to a weather proof top sheet that is folded over the ground sheet to form an enclosure for a user, and the bedding can be packed into the attached bag.
US08434650B2

A package for flaked and/or granular, consumable material includes a container having a bottom surface and sidewalls that transition through a funnel shape to a dispenser chute terminating in a container opening. A rotating dispenser wheel disposed in the dispenser chute includes a plurality of fillable compartments, and the wheel has a fill position, wherein one of the compartments is filled with contents contained in the enclosure, and a dispense position wherein the contents are released through the package opening following a predetermined rotation of the dispenser wheel. In the preferred embodiment the dispenser wheel has four quadrants defined by panels extending outwardly from a central hub. Two opposing quadrants may define fillable compartments, whereas the other two quadrants may define non-fillable compartments. The dispenser wheel is contained within a holder disposed in the dispenser chute.
US08434639B2

A push button, flip top closure for a container, includes a base portion, a push button actuator situated on the base portion and twistingly mounted thereon to pivotally rotate with respect to the base portion, a central cap having an orifice formed through the thickness thereof, the push button actuator at least partially surrounding the central cap, and a lid hingedly mounted to the base portion and positionable between at least a closed position to cover the orifice formed in the central cap and an open position to uncover the orifice formed in the central cap. The push button actuator selectively forces the lid to pivot to the open position to allow the contents of the container on which the closure is mounted to pass through the orifice in the central cap.
US08434637B2

A packaging bag for microwave oven heating, is manufactured by using a complex film at least one side of which comprises a sealant layer, folding the complex film or placing the complex films one upon another so as to encounter the sealant layers to each other, sealing the peripheral of the overlapped complex films by a main seal part to form a sealed bag, and providing in the bag a region which is isolated from a space for storing contents by a steam port seal part. The steam port seal part surrounds a steam easy permeable element. The lamination strength between the layers of the complex film in hot condition is not less than 1.5 N/15 mm in width, and the seal strength at least at the steam port seal part in hot condition is not more than 28 N/15 mm in width.
US08434634B2

A cap may include a threaded inner body and an outer cover. A ratchet mechanism may be operatively positioned between the inner body and the outer cover to directly transmit rotation from the outer cover to the inner body in the cap-unthreading direction and to transmit no more than a predetermined amount of torque from the outer cover to the inner body in the cap-threading direction. A gauge assembly may include a float, an indicator dial, and a pointer. The float is supportable at a level of fluid within the container, and the pointer is movable in response to movement of the float with the level of fluid in the container. The pointer cooperates with the indicator dial to indicate the level of fluid in the container. A translucent crystal may be positioned over the indicator dial and the pointer. The crystal may be fixed relative to the inner body.
US08434633B2

A one-way valve and a flexible package including the valve are disclosed. The valve basically comprises a base member, a flexible septum and a stake. The base member is mounted on a wall of the package and includes a valve seat and at least one inlet port. The septum is formed of a resilient material and is connected to the base member by the stake, with a first portion of the septum contiguous with the stake fixed in position with respect to the base member and a second portion of the septum engaging the valve seat and covering and sealing the at least one inlet port. The septum is arranged to flex off of the valve seat to unseal the at least one inlet port when the pressure of gas at the at least one inlet port reaches a threshold.
US08434632B2

Embodiments of the present invention provide stackable meal trays for use in transporting and heating meal casseroles in an induction oven.
US08434628B2

A cover device includes a cover plate having at least one recessed section defining an internal volume. A separating element is inserted in the recessed section and delimits the internal volume. The separating element is configured to permit the internal volume to fluidly communicate through the separating element. At least an edge portion of the cover plate is provided with a sealing element for abutment on an opposing surface of a structure to be sealed by the cover device. The sealing element is disposed at least along an edge of the recessed section and fixedly connects the cover plate with the separating element in a sealed manner.
US08434618B2

A reusable shipping container adapted to resist damage to the feet of the container and to allow the fork straps to be replaced if the fork straps or the feet are damage. The container can also easily be adapted to accommodate the use of pallet jacks without reducing the capacity of the container or increasing the weight of the container. The container is also adapted to easily receive dunnage required to protect the material being shipped in the container.
US08434616B2

The disclosure relates to volumetrically efficient systems for distributing, storing, and dispensing a number of medical or laboratory sharps with subsequent safe disposal of the used sharps. The systems comprise first and second sharps containers configured such that the combined containers, as well as contained sharps, may be shipped in a volume approximately equivalent to the volume of one of the containers.
US08434615B2

A hair-appliance holder for retaining a hot hair-styling appliance, such as a hot hair iron, on an upper edge portion of a pedestal sink basin or a towel rod and which, while retaining the hot hair iron, reduces the likelihood of burning contact by the iron with adjacent objects and a user thereof, the hair-appliance holder comprising a counterweight member, or other attachment means, a heat-resistant retaining member having at least one open end for inserting a hot hair-styling appliance, and a connecting strap member, each named member preferably being made of semi-rigid silicone.
US08434586B2

A muffler device for a refrigerant circuit with refrigerant containing refrigerant oil comprises a housing in which an upper muffler chamber and a lower muffler chamber are arranged, whereby the upper muffler chamber has an upper feed opening that can be connected to the refrigerant circuit, and the lower muffler chamber has a lower discharge opening that can be connected to the refrigerant circuit, and whereby a muffler partition is arranged between the upper and lower muffler chambers, said partition having at least one muffling pipe that connects the upper muffler chamber to the lower muffler chamber, and an upper section of said pipe with an upper opening projects into the upper muffler chamber, whereby, at a filling level that exceeds the height of the upper opening, refrigerant oil that has accumulated on the top of the muffler partition can be fed with refrigerant vapor to the lower muffler chamber.
US08434574B1

A supplemental wind propulsion power system for a vehicle having at least one battery. The system includes an air intake duct disposed on the vehicle for intercepting turbulent airflow created by the forward motion of the vehicle, an air conduit, an air turbine disposed at the outlet of the air conduit and a generator for supplying electricity to the batteries. The system further includes an air filtration system, an air heating system and grid output terminal to provide a port for supplying supplemental electricity to the electrical grid.
US08434571B2

Apparatus and methods for securement of lines to downhole well tools. A method of securing one or more lines to a well tool includes the steps of: installing the one or more lines in a groove formed longitudinally along an outer surface of the well tool, the groove having a width at the outer surface of the well tool which is narrower than a width of the groove at a position radially inward relative to the outer surface; and securing the one or more lines in the groove. A well tool includes a groove formed longitudinally along an outer surface of an outer housing of the well tool. The groove has a width at the outer surface of the well tool which is narrower than a width of the groove at a position radially inward relative to the outer surface. One or more lines are secured in the groove.
US08434569B2

The short mud saver, which can be used with top drive or rotary table drilling system is housed in a short sub, has a large axial bore for the passage of drilling mud therethrough, a fixed and a movable seal assembly. The movable seal assembly is urged into normally closed position by a stack of Belleville, wave or similar disc stack of springs. The force of the spring stack can be over-ridden by application of sufficient mud pressure from top drive or Kelly to move the moveable seal assembly. Upon application of sufficient mud pressure the movable seal assembly moves downward allowing for flow through the large axial bore. Upon closer of the mud saver a flexible washer associated with fixed seal assembly allows pressure below the mud saver to be relieved to the top of the mud saver, from where return is precluded unless the mud saver is re-opened by application of mud pressure from top drive or Kelly. The short mud saver may be integrated with internal, ball-type blow-out preventer and have a shortened retrievable plug.
US08434568B2

A method for circulating drilling fluid in a well system includes drilling a substantially vertical well bore from a surface to a subterranean zone and drilling an articulated well bore from the surface to the subterranean zone. The articulated well bore is horizontally offset from the substantially vertical well bore at the surface and intersects the substantially vertical well bore at a junction proximate the subterranean zone. The method includes drilling a drainage bore from the junction into the subterranean zone and pumping a drilling fluid through the drill string when drilling the drainage bore. The method also includes providing fluid down the substantially vertical well bore through a tubing. A fluid mixture returns up the substantially vertical well bore outside of the tubing. The fluid mixture comprises the drilling fluid after the drilling fluid exits the drill string.
US08434559B2

A well tool can include a flow path, and a flow blocking device which selectively prevents flow through the flow path. The device can include an anhydrous boron compound. A method of constructing a downhole well tool can include forming a structure of a solid mass comprising an anhydrous boron compound, and incorporating the structure into the well tool.
US08434555B2

A method of heating a subsurface hydrocarbon containing formation includes providing heat flux per volume to a first portion of a subsurface hydrocarbon containing formation. The heat flux per volume is provided by two or more first heat sources positioned in the first portion. Heat flux per volume is provided to a second portion of the subsurface hydrocarbon containing formation with the heat flux per volume being provided by two or more second heat sources positioned in the second portion. The heat flux per volume provided by the two or more second heat sources is greater than the heat flux per volume provided by the two or more first heat sources. The second portion is positioned below the first portion.
US08434554B2

Disclosed is an installation for using geothermal energy, comprising a main pipe (20) in a borehole (10) of a well. The main pipe (20) has several through-holes (23) to the surroundings and is subdivided into a top and a bottom section by means of a transverse closure (21) that has an opening in which a device or a part of a device (22) generating and/or promoting a flow is disposed. At least one heat-utilizing device (30) is arranged within the main pipe (20) which is surrounded at least in the region of the through-holes (23), preferably everywhere, by a porous bed (11) filing at least some of the remaining hollow space of the borehole (10) around the main pipe (20). The porous bed (11) is hydraulically interrupted within the main pipe (20) by a sealing material (12) at the level of the transverse closure (21). Said installation is used for delivering or dissipating heat, decontaminating especially groundwater, and/or generating power.
US08434543B2

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a turbine stator component includes a first endwall; a second endwall; a first stator airfoil coupled between the first and second endwalls; and a second stator airfoil adjacent to the first airfoil and coupled between the first and second endwalls. The first stator airfoil has first crystallographic primary and secondary orientations. The second stator airfoil has second crystallographic primary and secondary orientations, the first crystallographic primary and secondary orientations being different from the second crystallographic primary and secondary orientations.
US08434542B2

Methods, apparatus and computer programs for correcting a buff of tread from a crown of a tire, the steps of the method including measuring the distance between the tire crown surface and the belt at each of the plurality of locations; calculating a projected distance between the crown surface and the belt at each of the plurality of transverse locations across the crown using proposed buff radii, choosing a new position of the buffing radius origin from the one or more proposed origin positions on the centerline of the tire; and buffing the tread from the tire crown along the arc described by the buff radius having the buffing radius origin at the new position.
US08434541B2

A pressing module for the press-forming and curing of impregnated conductor bars for large electrical machines, such as for example hydro generators, can be distinguished by an improved closing system for applying the pressing pressure, and a pressing apparatus equipped therewith, the handling of which involves significantly reduced work. A pressing module (1) has a pressing vat (2) for applying a horizontal pressing force and a pressing yoke (3) for applying a vertical pressing force. The closing units (6) and (7) for applying the horizontal and vertical pressing forces have a housing (20), which receives, slidingly mounted therein, a pressing piston (21), which is in operative connection with an axially fixed, rotatable threaded bolt (27) in such a way that a turning movement of the threaded bolt (27) brings about an axial movement of the pressing piston (21). An axial bearing (3), supported on a spring assembly (35), provides a flexible mounting of the pressing piston (21). The threaded bolt (27) protrudes on the rear side of the housing (20) and is provided there with a contour (36) for receiving a tool, for example a pneumatic screwdriver.
US08434540B2

There is disclosed a configurable modular labeling machine and a method of making same. The machine can be selectively assembled in a number of different configurations. The machine has a frame or housing that can mount selectively positionable applicator and rewind modules. The applicator module includes a plate that can carry direction-changing and feed rolls and can mount a dispensing mechanism. The rewind module can include a plate that can mount direction-changing rolls and a rewind.
US08434533B2

A load-bearing structure for a bearing support intended to be mounted on a rim inside a tire fitted on a vehicle to support the tread of the tire in the event of a loss of inflation pressure is provided. The load-bearing structure includes a base, a crown, and an annular body connecting the base and the crown. The body includes a plurality of partitions distributed regularly circumferentially, extending axially substantially from one side to the other of the body and radially from the base to the crown with a mean orientation relative to the radial direction of between 10 and 50 degrees, in that two circumferentially adjacent partitions exhibit contrary orientations relative to the radial direction and in that two adjacent partitions define with the base and/or the crown cavities in the form of triangles or trapezoids.
US08434530B2

A filler valve unit (1) for feeding a preset amount of filling liquid (3) into a container (6) having an outlet (4) for feeding out filling liquid and an outlet (11) for injecting gaseous fluid. The filler valve unit (1) comprises at least one stop element (14) forming a stroke limiter acting on the container (6). According to the invention, the stop element (14) is mobile and moves between at least two operating positions consisting of a first operating position wherein the stop element holds the mouth (5) of a container (6) at a preset distance from the outlet (4) and a second operating position wherein the stop element (14) holds the mouth (5) of the container (6) at a distance from the outlet (4) which is less than the preset distance.
US08434523B2

An upgradeable A/C maintenance system and methodology is provided including one or more modular manifolds for mounting and fluidly connecting several components. Embodiments include first and second manifolds, each for removably mounting a plurality of components, and each comprising an internal passage for fluidly connecting at least two of the plurality of components to each other, and a port for fluidly connecting the internal passage to an external surface of the first manifold. The first and second manifolds are removably attachable to each other such that their respective ports fluidly communicate with each other. The first manifold provides a first functionality for the system when the second manifold is not attached to the first manifold, and the second manifold provides a second functionality different from the first functionality when the second manifold is attached to the first manifold.
US08434522B2

There is provided a fluid control apparatus which can reduce the number of members and can improve the assembling operation efficiency.A pressure indication device 4 to be replaced with a relatively-higher frequency is coupled to a base block 5 existing thereunder through male screw members 17 from above. An on-off valve 6 to be replaced with a relatively-lower frequency has, at its lower portion, a block-shaped main body 6a formed integrally therewith. The main body 6a of the on-off valve 6 is coupled to the base block 5 through male screw members 18 in the forward and rearward directions.
US08434516B2

A cartridge valve comprises an elongate housing defining an interior chamber. A port end of the chamber comprises an end port and a plurality of axially spaced side openings define first, second and third side ports. An axial opposite end comprises a sleeve end receivable in a solenoid, in use, and a spring chamber intermediate the port end and the sleeve end. A valve member is movable in the chamber at the port end between a neutral position and opposite first and second actuated positions for selectively controlling fluid flow between the end port and the side ports. A solenoid plunger is movable in the sleeve end of the interior chamber. First and second springs in the spring chamber effectively provide a bias force to the valve member for creating a non-symmetrical force pattern for push and pull movement of the valve member.
US08434515B2

The present invention relates to a sleeve valve (1), which sleeve valve (1) can be used offshore or onshore to control the fluid flow between a hydrocarbon reservoir and a tubing in a well in the hydrocarbon reservoir. The sleeve valve (1) comprises an outer and an inner sleeve (2, 3) which are coaxially and rotatably arranged relative to one another, wherein in each of the sleeves (2, 3) there is provided at least one through opening (4, 18). The sleeves (2, 3) are rotated relative to one another with the aid of a suitable device, so that they can selectively be brought into an open, closed or other positions therebetween so as thereby to be able to control the fluid flow through the sleeve valve (1).
US08434509B2

The present invention relates to a tank for the containment of a liquid, preferably a molten salt, said tank being associable to an aspiration pump of said liquid, wherein said tank comprises a bottom from which a lateral wall raises and wherein said aspiration pump requires a minimum level of liquid in said tank for operating, characterized in that it comprises at least an element occupying a volume and placeable inside said tank with at least a portion of said volume arranged at a height, with respect to said bottom, which is lower than said minimum level. The improved tanks of the present invention are suitable as storage tanks for liquids at elevated temperature such as molten salts to be used in heat storage systems in connection with solar power plants.
US08434504B2

A cleaning apparatus and method for cleaning generally upright surfaces, walls and windows of a building has a frame rotatably supporting one or more brushes adapted to engage the upright surface of a building. A davit supported on top of the building is connected to a cable pendently supporting the frame and brushes. A winch driven with a motor mounted on the frame operably connected to the cable operates to move the frame and brushes relative to the upright surface. A counterforce generator mounted on the frame establishes a force on the frame and brushes that maintains the brushes in effective continuous engagement with the upright surface during cleaning thereof.
US08434500B2

A hair band (1) comprises a strip-shaped carrier structure (2) and several hairs (4) which extend from the carrier structure (2) in a main direction (5) running perpendicular to the direction (3) of main extension of the carrier structure (2). The ends (8) of single hairs are stitched through the elastic foil (6) forming the outer layer of the carrier structure (2) and fixed to the carrier structure (2) by gluing them to the foil (6) only. The fixed ends of the hairs (4), at the back side of the foil (6), also run in the main direction (5) of the hairs (4).
US08434495B2

A smoking article composition and a method of making a smoking article composition and an additive, wherein the additive comprises particles anchored to the cut filler by a metal oxide support. The additive can be formed by combining particles and a metal oxide precursor solution with the smoking article composition. The smoking article composition can comprise tobacco cut filler, cigarette paper and/or cigarette filter material.
US08434458B2

A timing transmission mechanism (T2) in an engine is formed of a chain transmission system (C) that is formed from a drive sprocket (20) mounted on a crankshaft (4), a driven sprocket (25) mounted on a pump input shaft (24) of a high pressure fuel pump (P), and a chain (22) wound around the drive sprocket (20) and the driven sprocket (25); and a gear transmission system (G) that is formed from a drive gear (26) mounted on the pump input shaft (24) coaxially with the driven sprocket (25) and a driven gear (27) mounted on a camshaft (13b) and meshing with the drive gear (26). This enables a timing transmission mechanism to be provided that can increase the degree of freedom in layout of the high pressure fuel pump without causing any increase in the number of components, the weight, or the backlash.
US08434451B2

An engine brake unit, may include a rocker shaft having an oil passage to open or close an exhaust valve when an engine braking is in operation, an exhaust rocker arm rotatable about the rocker shaft inserted into the exhaust rocker arm, wherein the exhaust rocker arm includes a supply oil passage communicating with the oil passage and the outside, and a recess connected to the supply oil passage and having an open lower portion, an actuator disposed in the recess of the exhaust rocker arm, wherein the actuator includes a piston that selectively moves downwards through the open lower portion of the recess by oil supplied from the supply oil passage to press the exhaust rocker arm while oil pressure in the oil passage has a predetermined pressure or more, and an oil control valve connected to the oil passage of the rocker shaft and controlling the oil pressure.
US08434445B2

An engine including an automatic choke that includes a choke valve movable between a fully closed position and a fully open position, a temperature sensor coupled to the engine and operable to provide a temperature signal indicative of a temperature of the engine, and a motor connected to the choke valve and operable to move the choke valve in response to a motor control signal. A controller is electrically connected to the motor and to the temperature sensor. The controller includes an electronic circuit having a memory. A table includes engine specific choke position data stored in memory, wherein the controller determines a choke initial position based on the temperature of the engine and the choke position data, and wherein the motor moves the choke valve toward that position in response to an attempt to start the engine.
US08434430B2

A circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler comprising a reaction chamber. A bubbling fluidized bed (BFB) is contained within an enclosure within the lower portion of the reaction chamber and contains an in-bed heat exchanger (IBHX) that occupies part of the reaction chamber floor. At least one non-mechanical valve, which includes an opening between the CFB and BFB and independently controlled fluidizing means located both upstream and downstream of the opening, is used to control the heat transfer to the IBHX by controlling the solids discharge from the BFB to the CFB. The elevation of the bottom of the opening is at or above the elevation of the fluidizing means. A flow control barrier may be located downstream of the opening.
US08434429B2

Pet leash assemblies, pet collar assemblies, and methods of using the same. Pet leash assemblies include a tether and a gated clasp coupled to the tether. The gated clasp includes a body, a gate hinged to the body, and a biasing member that pivotally biases the gated clasp to a closed configuration. The gate may include a projection that extends away from the body. When the projection is urged toward a terminal region of the body, the gate is pivoted against a bias of the biasing member and the gated clasp is configured to an open configuration, in which a coupling ring of a collar may be inserted into and removed from a passage defined between the gate and the body. The clasp may include a sliding actuator with a gate-engagement surface positioned to engage and pivot the gate against its bias when the actuator is translated toward the gate.
US08434424B2

A method for milking animals in a milking station (9) including a milking machine (14) for milking said animals, and a first feeding device (21) for feeding said animals intermittently or continuously with feed, is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of allowing a milking animal to enter the milking station (9); feeding the milking animal in the milking station intermittently or continuously with feed by means of the first feeding device (21); and milking the milking animal in the milking station (9) by means of the milking machine (14). According to the present invention, the feeding of the milking animal is terminated at a non-final stage of the milking in order to secure that the milking animal has terminated to consume the feed when the milking is finished.
US08434422B2

The present invention generally relates to a coating apparatus and method for substantially simultaneously forming a plurality of coatings on a substrate and to a method of analyzing at least one characteristic or property of the coatings.
US08434417B2

In an embodiment, an agricultural implement includes a frame configured to couple to a tool bar, a parallel linkage coupled to the frame and a ground engaging tool extending from a shank, where the shank is coupled to the parallel linkage. The agricultural implement also includes a packer wheel configured to control a depth of a valley opened in a soil region by the ground engaging tool and is configured to pack the soil region as the implement is towed through a field and a soil shaping assembly disposed between the ground engaging tool and the packer wheel, wherein the soil shaping assembly is configured to close the valley prior to packing by the packer wheel.
US08434414B2

Disclosed is a mobile robotic arm workcell. A robotic arm is mounted on a superstructure that carries all the equipment associated with the workcell's task. Thus, the workcell is self-contained needing only power. The workcell may be moved by activating air bearings that are pressurized by an air compressor that is also mounted on the superstructure. Power is received via power contacts that engage a power rail. Guidance is provided a guide system. The guide system may include guide rails engaged by guide carriages. Propulsion is provided by a drive system that may engage the guide system or the factory floor.
US08434402B2

An infusion container (30) for use with a brewer (20). The infusion container (30) includes a body portion defining at least a portion of a cavity therein. At least a portion of the body being liquid permeable. The infusion container liquid permeable portion facilitates brewing a beverage by allowing water to pass through the infusion container. The infusion container may be an individual structure which can be placed in and removed from the holder (30). Additional components or group of components for use with the beverage holder (30). The infusion container provides structures and methods facilitating convenient use of a brewer which allows the user to use the type of substance and quantity of substance of their choice and efficiently clean the substance holder (30).
US08434388B2

The present invention describes a novelty, mountable bottle opening device configured to display an interchangeable, theme-based display panel upon a vertical surface. The mountable bottle opening device includes a support base structure, an intermediate connecting element, an interchangeable decorative overlay panel, a bottle cap removal device, a bottle cap disposal receptacle, and at least one decorative cover. Many of the elements are interchangeable and provide for displaying unlimited and diverse themes. As the device is used to remove a bottle cap, the user perceives an audio message, visual message and/or mechanical event.
US08434387B2

The present invention relates to an industrial robot and aims to provide an industrial robot capable of ensuring a long distance from a rotation axis of an arm to a tool mounting portion and accurately positioning the tool mounting portion by a compact structure. In a swing arm 150, the rotation of a tool mounting rotation arm driving motor 311 is transmitted to a pivot shaft 313 via a tool mounting rotation arm driving transmission mechanism 300, the rotation of a tool mounting portion driving motor 411 is transmitted to an intermediate power transmission shaft 422 via a tool mounting portion driving first transmission mechanism 412a, and the rotation of the intermediate power transmission shaft 422 is transmitted to an output power transmission shaft 426 via a tool mounting portion driving second transmission mechanism 412b, thereby rotating a tool mounting portion 170 while being decelerated by a tool mounting portion driving reduction unit 413.
US08434385B2

A pedal device which can alleviate fatigue of a driver's ankle due to frequent acceleration by varying the amount of reaction force applied when the driver presses and releases a pedal by adjusting a pre-compression force against a return spring disposed at a hinged portion of a pedal arm and adjusting a friction force on a pivot end of the pedal arm. The pedal device includes a housing fixed to a car body, an arm hinged to the housing, an elastic member disposed at the hinged portion between the housing and the pedal arm, a pedal effort adjusting unit disposed at the pedal arm and pressing an end of the elastic member, and a hysteresis adjusting unit movably disposed at the housing to press a pivot end of the pedal arm and adjusting the amount of change in stroke-to-pedal effort when the pedal arm operates.
US08434378B2

In one embodiment, a contiguous, elastic cover, for a dissolution-testing vessel, has a slit from a central opening to its outer edge. The cover may be placed around a stirring shaft by deforming the elastic cover to temporarily enlarge the slit. After returning to its original shape, the cover is placed over the vessel with the shaft free to rotate unimpeded within the central opening. The cover has a first raised annular disk on one side and a second raised annular disk on the other side, where the disks have different outer diameters to enable the cover to be used with differently sized vessels. The cover has a first opening having a first diameter and a second opening having a different, second diameter such that a conventional probe fits either at one depth within the first opening or at a different, second depth within the second opening.
US08434377B2

The present invention is directed to a method for measuring sandability of a coating or an article. This invention is particularly directed to a method for measuring sandability of a coating or an article quantitatively by measuring weight loss of said coating or article after being sanded. This invention is also directed to a system for measuring sandability of a coating or an article using said method.
US08434365B2

An aerodynamically shaped profile member for aircraft and wind power stations includes, for example, phased-array ultrasonic generator arrangement arranged therein. During operation of the profile member, the ultrasonic generator emits ultrasonic waves in a targeted manner in multiple directions to determine a profile of the thickness of an ice layer on the surface of the aerodynamic profile. The structure may be, for example, a composite fiber material arranged around a foam core, with the ultrasonic generator arrangement being laminated into the composite fiber material. For measurement of the ice thickness, ultrasonic waves are transmitted in a targeted manner to different positions of the surface of the aerodynamic profile, and the ultrasonic waves reflected on the interfaces of the ice layer are detected. At least one region of the surface is scanned by means of the targeted ultrasonic waves, to determine an ice thickness profile.
US08434353B2

A system for monitoring brake pad wear of a brake, including an apparatus for monitoring brake pad wear of a first type (total wear monitoring) and an apparatus for monitoring brake pad wear of a second type (final-position wear monitoring). The apparatus of the first type and the apparatus of the second type are connected by way of a connection element. The connection element is created for expanding the functionality of a device for brake pad wear monitoring of a brake, and is designed to establish a connection expanding the functionality of the device between an apparatus extending the functionality and a device whose functionality is to be expanded.
US08434352B2

A test stand arrangement includes at least one electric motor (4) connected to a test specimen for driving and/or loading the test specimen, and a control arrangement for the or each electric motor. In order to be able to create the connection of the drive train and vehicle simulation with the real, vehicle-specific combustion and dynamic behavior of the engine, at least one model for a multi-mass flywheel is implemented in the control arrangement, from which model at least a part of the control requirement for the or each electric motor is calculated and which model contains at least the two masses of the primary and secondary side of the multi-mass flywheel and a substitute model for the or each bow spring, and an algorithm is implemented in the control arrangement that analyzes the model for a multi-mass flywheel by means of an integrated time step method.
US08434351B2

A sensing instrument using a piezoelectric resonator changes natural frequency when coming into contact with a liquid to adsorb a substance to be sensed in the liquid. The sensing instrument includes an oscillator circuit supplying a piezoelectric resonator with oscillation driving power for oscillating the piezoelectric resonator so as to set a driving current to 0.3 mA or less. A measuring unit measures a concentration of the substance to be sensed based on an oscillation output of the oscillator circuit. Self-heating of the piezoelectric resonator is suppressed. Consequently, a change of the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric oscillator is suppressed, which as a result enables accurate detection of a variation of the frequency due to the adsorption of the substance to be sensed.
US08434348B2

A target cylinder and a method for testing a superhard component thereon. The target cylinder includes a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending from the first end to the second end. At least one of the second end and the sidewall is an exposed portion that makes contact with the superhard component to determine at least one property of the superhard component. The exposed portion comprises at least one synthetic material having at least one of a compressive strength raging from about 12 kpsi to about 30 kpsi, an abrasiveness ranging from about 1 Cerchars to about 6 Cerchars, and an iron content ranging from about 5 percent to about 10 percent. Optionally, the exposed portion further comprises a second material interveningly positioned between or within the synthetic material in a predetermined and repeatable pattern.
US08434340B2

An improved stamped metal part and method for making the same.
US08434339B2

The present invention provides a pressing device for bending, in which a pipe is held between a bending die having a shape corresponding to a shape of bending and a clamping die revolvable around the bending die, and, when the pipe is bent by revolving the clamping die around the bending die, an axial compression force is applied to the pipe. The pressing device for bending includes a movable table arranged movable in an axial direction of the pipe, a first cylinder provided to the movable table and able to press a rear end of the pipe, and a second cylinder provided to the movable table and able to press a fixed side in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first cylinder presses the pipe.
US08434336B2

A method for wireless communications is disclosed that includes receiving a plurality of requests to transmit data from a plurality of apparatuses; determining resource allocation for a set of apparatuses in the plurality of apparatuses, wherein the determination is based on the plurality of requests; and transmitting a message comprising the resource allocation to the set of apparatuses to permit data transmission. Another method for wireless communications is disclosed that includes contending for access to a medium based on a request, by an apparatus, with a plurality of other apparatuses; receiving a message, the message comprising a resource allocation based on requests from the apparatus and the other apparatuses, wherein the resource allocation permits data transmission from the apparatus and some of the other apparatuses; and transmitting data by the apparatus based on the message. Apparatuses for performing the methods are also disclosed.
US08434333B2

A knit fabric, protective sleeve and glove constructed therefrom has three knit layers knit constructed and knit to one another in a single knitting operation to provide the fabric as a single piece of knit material. The fabric includes an outer layer, an inner layer and an intermediate layer sandwiched between the outer and inner layers. The outer layer is knit with a first yarn, the inner layer is knit with a second yarn and the intermediate layer is knit with a third yarn in looped fashion about at least some of the first and second yarns to provide an integrally knit structure having three layers knit stitched together in a single knitting process.
US08434328B2

An antimony-free glass suitable for use in a frit for producing a hermetically sealed glass package is described. The hermetically sealed glass package, such as an OLED display device, is manufactured by providing a first glass substrate plate and a second glass substrate plate and depositing the antimony-free frit onto the first substrate plate. OLEDs may be deposited on the second glass substrate plate. An irradiation source (e.g., laser, infrared light) is then used to heat the frit which melts and forms a hermetic seal that connects the first glass substrate plate to the second glass substrate plate and also protects the OLEDs. The antimony-free glass has excellent aqueous durability, good flow, low glass transition temperature and low coefficient of thermal expansion.
US08434326B2

The present invention relates to a method of liquefying a hydrocarbon stream such as a natural gas stream, the method at least comprising the steps of: supplying a partly condensed feed stream (10) having a pressure above 60 bar to a first separator (2) wherein it is separated into a gaseous stream (20) and a liquid stream (30); expanding the liquid stream (30) and the gaseous stream (20) and subsequently feeding them into the distillation column (3); removing from the distillation column (3) a gaseous overhead stream (80), partially condensing it, feeding it (90) into a second separator (8) thereby obtaining a liquid stream (100) and a gaseous stream (110), feeding the liquid stream (100) into the distillation column (3) and liquefying the gaseous stream (110) thereby obtaining a liquefied stream (200); wherein the gaseous overhead stream (80) is partially condensed by heat exchanging against the expanded gaseous stream (60) before it (70) is fed into the distillation column (3); and wherein the gaseous stream (110) is removed from the second separator but before it (160) is liquefied, is heat exchanged against the feed stream (10a), thereby partially condensing the feed stream (10a).
US08434310B2

A trim valve includes a valve housing having an inlet section and an outlet section. A valve shaft is mounted to the valve housing to be stationary with respect thereto. The valve shaft includes an internal flow passage in fluid communication with the outlet section of the valve housing. A valve rotor is disposed inboard of the valve housing and outboard of the valve shaft for modulating flow through the valve housing. The valve rotor is mounted for rotational movement within the valve housing between a fully open position in which a flow path is defined between the inlet and outlet sections of the valve housing, and a reduced flow position in which the valve rotor at least partially blocks the flow path. An actuator is operatively connected to the valve housing to actuate the valve rotor between the fully open and reduced flow positions.
US08434309B2

An example core nacelle for a gas turbine engine includes a core cowl positioned adjacent an inner duct boundary of a fan bypass passage having an associated discharge airflow cross-sectional area. The core cowl includes at least one translating section and at least one flap section. The translating section of the core cowl is selectively moveable to vary the discharge airflow cross-sectional area.
US08434306B2

An engine comprises an intake manifold, first and second cylinder banks, a turbocharger, a flow passage, and first and second cylinder banks. The first and second cylinder banks are each in fluid communication with a respective output of the intake manifold. The turbocharger is associated with the second cylinder bank and includes a compressor input port and a compressor output port. The flow passage is in fluid communication with each of the compressor output port and an input of the intake manifold.
US08434298B2

A method (10) for injecting ammonia (NH3) into exhaust gas upstream of a catalyst of an aftertreatment system includes the steps of determining whether a regeneration event is imminent (14) on the basis of predetermined parameters, and determining whether dosing parameters are met (22). The method (10) further includes the steps of calculating an amount of NH3 to fill the catalyst (18) and adjusting a quantity of NH3 dosed (22) before the regeneration event occurs.
US08434296B2

Provided is an exhaust emission control device for an internal combustion engine capable of preventing NOx purification performance from degrading according to the operating condition. The exhaust emission control device comprises a NOx purification catalyst, a catalytic converter for continuously reducing the NOx in the exhaust emissions, a fuel reformer for reforming fuel to manufacture a reformed gas and supplying the reformed gas as the reducing gas from the upstream side of the NOx purification catalyst and the catalytic converter of the exhaust pipe, an operating condition detecting means for detecting the operating condition of an engine, and an enriching means for enriching the exhaust air-fuel ratio. The enriching means enriches the exhaust air-fuel ratio by supplying the reducing gas into the exhaust pipe by using the fuel reformer when the operating condition detected by the operating condition detecting means is a high-load operating condition.
US08434293B2

A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuated aerostructure operable to dynamically change shape according to flight conditions is disclosed. Deformable structures are actuated by SMA actuators that are coupled to face sheets of the deformable structures. Actuating the SMA actuators produces complex shape changes of the deformable structures by activating shape changes of the SMA actuators. The SMA actuators are actuated via an active or passive temperature change based on operating conditions. The SMA actuated aerostructure can be used for morphable nozzles such as a variable area fan nozzle and/or a variable geometry chevron of a jet engine to reduce engine noise during takeoff without degrading fuel burn during cruise.
US08434292B2

A ceramic-encased hot surface igniter system for jet engines is presented. The advanced ceramic-encased hot surface igniter system comprises at least one electrical resistance heated element encased in a durable, thermal and mechanical shock resistant, high temperature advanced ceramic compound such as silicon nitride. The one or more advanced ceramic-encased hot surface igniter elements are mounted proximally upstream or within a combustion chamber of a jet engine enclosure or within the afterburner section of a jet propulsion engine's exhaust. The surface temperature of each ignition element's encasement being of sufficient temperature to cause the ignition of a gaseous, atomized, or liquid fuel.
US08434288B2

A package includes a box and a tray. The box includes a rear panel, sidewalls extending around the rear panel, and a front panel and defines a storage compartment between the rear panel and the sidewalls. An opening to the storage compartment is defined opposite the rear panel, the front panel extends over a portion of the opening to the storage compartment, and the front panel includes an aperture. The tray defines an auxiliary chamber and a substantially planar, frame portion extending around the auxiliary chamber. The tray is positioned adjacent the front panel such that the frame portion is maintained between the front panel and the storage compartment and the auxiliary chamber forwardly extends though the aperture of the front panel beyond a surface of the front panel defined opposite the frame portion. Other products, assemblies, and associated methods are also disclosed.
US08434286B2

The medicament dispensing machine enables to use vials having various sizes and shapes without changing a part in the machine or without performing a special operation. The medicament dispensing machine contains a discharging unit that receives a vial filled with a medicament from a medicament filling means and discharges out of a vial discharging window. The discharging unit contains a vial gripping means having a pair of gripping arms that grip a vial, a body of gripping means having the vial gripping means, a moving means that moves the vial gripping means from the medicament filling means to the vial discharging window, and an orientation changing mechanism that changes the orientation of the body of gripping means. With a coordination of the movement of the body of gripping means toward the vial discharging window, the orientation changing mechanism makes the gripping arms orient to the vial discharging window.
US08434276B2

The invention describes extruded member systems to which a photovoltaic device is secured to an architectural surface.
US08434275B2

A double floor structure capable of being adapted to the conditions of construction and the needs of users at low cost. A double floor structure (K) provided with support legs (1) which are provided on a lower floor and rows of beams which form an upper floor. The support legs (1) are each provided with an upper member (14) which supports a beam from the lower side, an intermediate member (13) which supports the upper member (14) from the lower side, and a lower member (12) which supports the intermediate member (13) from the lower side. The upper member (14), the intermediate member (13), and the lower member (12) consist of metallic, extruded shape material and are disposed in such a manner that the direction of the extrusion is aligned with the top-bottom direction.
US08434274B2

A nest exclusion device is releasably attachable to a tower such as a cell tower, such that when installed it deters Osprey and other raptors from nesting on the tower structure, but is easily disengaged to permit worker access to the tower antenna mount structure, and can be easily reassembled. The device includes a center pole that extends upwardly away from the tower. A cap is attached to a top of the center pole, and a plurality of brackets are spaced about a periphery of the antenna mount structure with a maximum spacing between adjacent brackets of 18 inches. A plurality of cable assemblies extend from the cap to the brackets to define a tapering structure, converting the snag-shaped tower to a more conical shape.
US08434271B2

A roof flashing that can be installed around a pipe, instead of over the pipe, is provided. The roof flashing can include a collar, a base, a foot, and a longitudinal opening. The collar can have a conical shape. The base can have a top edge and a bottom edge, the top edge of the base coupled to a bottom edge of the collar, the bottom edge of the base having a diameter larger than a diameter of the top edge of the base. The foot can be coupled to the bottom edge of the base and extend outwardly from the bottom edge of the base. The longitudinal opening can extend from an apex of the collar to an edge of the foot, and a width of the longitudinal opening can increase when first and second edges of the opening are pulled away from each other.
US08434263B2

A plant packaging and covering system including a floral sleeve having a decorative pattern thereon. The sleeve may have a lower portion sized to cover a pot and an upper portion which can surround a plant disposed in the pot and which can be detached after the protective function of the upper portion is complete or which can be used to support the sleeve from a support device prior to use. The decorative pattern preferably has an arcuate upper boundary in the flattened condition which when opened gives the sleeve the appearance of having an upper edge which is parallel to the upper rim of the pot disposed within the sleeve.
US08434259B2

A seed sampler system generally includes an automated sampling station configured to orient a seed and remove a tissue sample from the oriented seed. The seed sampler system may include a support configured to orient a seed received by the support, and an automated sampling mechanism configured to remove a tissue sample from the oriented seed.
US08434254B1

A safety magazine allows training rounds to be fired while preventing the firing of live rounds. The magazine has front and rear walls, whereby the distance between the front wall and the rear wall is less than the length of a standard 5.56×45 mm NATO cartridge. The magazine has an alignment rib projecting from the rear wall that is adapted for insertion into an alignment groove formed in a rear end wall of a standard M16 style magazine well. The magazine has a spacer projecting laterally from the sides of said alignment rib and that is located between the rear wall of the magazine and the rear face of the alignment rib. The spacer is adapted to engage the rear end wall of the standard M16 style magazine well for spacing the rear wall of the safety magazine away from the rear end wall of the magazine well.
US08434246B2

Various embodiments of an evolutionary interchangeable sandal are disclosed. Certain example embodiments described herein relate to various sandal configurations that utilize at least two main elements, including a platform sole base and a strap assembly. These elements may be joined by special fasteners that provide quick-connect or disconnect while securely maintaining sandal integrity and wearability. The platform sole base may be customized in various thicknesses and sandal sizes. The strap assembly may be customized in various shapes, colors, styles, and/or manufacturing materials. In the case of the sole tread/height enhancement addition, the soles tread and height may be interchanged as needed.
US08434239B2

An apparatus is disclosed for drying grain in a storage bin as well as the method of drying the grain. The apparatus includes an air blower positioned outwardly of the storage bin which has an air inlet end and an air discharge end. The air discharge end of the air blower is in communication with the interior of the storage bin. A heat exchanger is positioned in a spaced relationship with respect to the air blower and has an air passageway with an inlet end and an outlet end. The outlet end of the heat exchanger is spaced from the inlet end of the air blower. An infrared heater is spaced from the inlet end of the heat exchanger so that infrared rays from the infrared heater will be directed into the air passageway of the heat exchanger so that the heat exchanger will heat the air being drawn through the heat exchanger by the air blower with the air blower sucking heated air from the air passageway and blowing the same into the storage bin to dry the grain therein. The heat exchanger includes an outer shroud which is trapezoidal in plan view. The heat exchanger includes heat exchanger assemblies which are generally trapezoidal in shape.
US08434234B2

Electric shears include a housing, a motor within the housing, a transmission including a reduction gearbox and a bevel gear pair, a fixed blade, a movable blade rotatably connected to the fixed blade and coupled with the motor via the transmission. The movable blade swings back and forth about its connection with the fixed blade. The fixed blade is supported on the reduction gearbox and fixed to the housing together with the reduction gearbox. Electric shears are thus provided with a small shape, a simple and compact interior structure, and better portability.
US08434233B2

An inner cutter, which is used for a rotary shaver, including a plurality of blade supports formed so as to be raised from an inner cutter main body and provided with cutter blades formed, respectively, at the tip ends of the raised blade supports, with positions where the blade supports are raised being located more forward in the direction of rotation of the inner cutter than the leading edge positions of the cutter blades.
US08434228B2

A heat exchanger including a metal base formed of a plurality of interfitted elements and fins formed in part from recompressed expanded graphite, wherein the fins are securely connected to the base by placing a deformable edge portion of each fin between each pair of interfitting elements and thereafter compressing the interfitting elements toward one another to deformably retain the edge portions of each fin there between.
US08434224B2

A method to manufacture an integrally bladed rotor, including: cutting a block of material by an abrasive waterjet, undertaken so as to reveal blade preforms extending radially from a disk, while retaining the material forming a linking mechanism between at least two preforms of directly consecutive blades, wherein the linking mechanism is spaced radially from the disk; followed by removal of the linking mechanism.
US08434219B2

A crimping tool for crimping an electrical contact toward engagement with an electrical conductor, including a housing, a pair of crimping dies, a die support arrangement supporting a first one of the crimping dies in a stationary position on said housing, and a displacing mechanism for displacing the other crimping die between open and closed positions relative to the stationary crimping die. The displacing mechanism includes a rotary drive shaft, a crimping arm having a first end portion connected with the movable crimping die member, and a rotary-to-reciprocatory motion converting mechanism adjacent the other end of the crimping arm for transforming the rotary motion of the drive shaft to a reciprocatory motion of the crimping arm, thereby to displace the movable crimping die between the open and closed positions.
US08434211B2

A method for manufacturing a measuring apparatus for capacitive determining and/or monitoring of at least the fill level of a medium. The measuring apparatus has a probe unit and an electronics unit. During a measurement, the electronics unit supplies the probe unit with an exciter signal and receives from the probe unit a received signal, from which the electronics unit ascertains a capacitance value. The probe unit is coated with an insulation layer, the coated probe unit is connected with the electronics unit and inserted into a container containing a calibration medium, the coated probe unit is covered completely by the calibration medium and an associated received signal is gained, and, with the associated received signal, at least one adjustable component of the electronics unit is set.
US08434204B2

A trimming apparatus and method that can create plural trim shapes using one press die. The trimming apparatus includes a conveying device for conveying a pallet having a workpiece disposed thereon, a trimming device having a press die for trimming the workpiece in a trimming process area, a positioning device for determining the relative position of the press die with respect to the pallet and a position switching device provided in the positioning device to change operable to change the position of the press die with respect to the pallet in the trimming process area.
US08434199B1

A knob safety assembly is operative to selectively restrict depression of a cooking element control knob. The safety assembly includes a blocking plate disposed inside of a bezel assembly. The bezel assembly includes an outer bezel defining one or more angled camming surfaces, and an inner bezel. Rotation of the inner bezel with respect to the outer bezel about a rotational axis slides an ear of the blocking plate along the camming surface to effect movement of the blocking plate along the rotational axis between a raised position, in which the blocking plate restricts depression of a cooking element control knob, to a recessed position, in which the blocking plate facilitates depression of the control knob. The inner bezel is releasably locked from rotating with respect to the outer bezel, and engages the blocking plate to constrain the blocking plate against movement along the rotational axis when locked.
US08434190B2

A toothbrush having a handle portion and a neck portion connecting the handle portion with a head. The head has a brushing side and a rear side. The brushing side includes a plurality of bristle tufts for cleaning the teeth. The tufts are attachable in the head through tufting apertures, with each tufting aperture being assigned a blind-end hole having sidewalls and a bottom. The cross-sectional area of the head between a first bottom and the rear side differing from a cross-sectional area of the head between a second bottom and the rear side. The first bottom and the second bottom are arranged in the head in such a way that the minimum distance between the first bottom and the rear side as well as the minimum distance between the second bottom and the rear side are each in the range of between about 0.5 and about 2.5 mm.
US08434180B2

A washing machine and a control method thereof are disclosed. The washing machine has a plurality of washing tubs to clean laundry in different ways classified according to capacity and types of clothing. Different washing tubs simultaneously stop operations or are stopped at different times spaced apart from each other by a predetermined time, although washing tubs have different washing conditions (e.g., different input times of laundry, different amounts of laundry, different washing courses, etc.) when laundry is cleaned using the washing tubs.
US08434177B2

A configurable, adjustable inflatable device including one or more inflatable bladders and a shape-defining member that combines with the inflatable bladders such that an overall shape of the configurable inflatable device is at least partially controlled by the shape-defining member.
US08434175B1

Protective covers for pillows and mattress are wholly or partly made of layered polyolefin fabrics. The layered polyolefin fabrics used for the protective covers are sheets of material bonded together with an adhesive or other bonding methods. One of the layers of the laminated fabric is a nonwoven polyolefin fabric and another layer is a polyolefin film. The protective covers stop migration of dust mites and are also reusable. The covers are cleaned and sanitized using a washer and a dryer.
US08434173B1

A device for assisting in the cleaning of reusable cloth diapers comprises a molded plastic frame which rests on an interior perimeter of a toilet bowl. The frame comprises a universal design such that it fits on both round and oval bowls. A plurality of adjustable spring clips holds and supports the soiled diaper in a taut and stretched configuration. With the device and diaper in place, the diaper may be rinsed off. When finished, the toilet is flushed and the device is removed, folded, and stored in a supplied storage case.
US08434164B2

A message-conveying athletic glove with enhanced gripping is provided. The glove comprises a palm-side portion and a back portion connected to form four finger sheaths, a thumb sheath, and an opening capable of receiving a human hand. A first image portion of a complete image is located on one or more of the palm-side portion or the back portion of the glove. When the glove is worn by the user and interlocks with a second glove having a second image portion of the complete image displayed, the complete image is displayed by the interlocked gloves, conveying a message. The palm-side portion of the glove is made of a material to enhance gripping.
US08438657B2

A method for controlling access to a data network uses an end point identifier associated with an end point for control of the access to the data network. When a user X is logged in at the end point and a data query is directed from the end point to a data server, the data server uses the end point identifier of the end point in order to grant the user authorizations for data access.
US08438648B2

Methods, computer readable media, and apparatuses for preventing unauthorized font linking are presented. A request for a font file may be received. It may be determined whether the request is valid, and this determination may be based on a security token and/or a referrer string. If the request is determined to be valid, a first watermark may be embedded in the font file, and the first watermark may be based on the security token. The first watermark may include at least one point in at least one glyph contained in the font file. A second watermark may be embedded in the font file, and the second watermark may include at least one table that identifies a customer. The font file then may be served to the requestor.
US08438646B2

There are provided methods and systems for providing a plurality of protected segments from a contiguous media content segment, and selectively providing a user access to at least a portion of one of the protected segments in response to accessing a gating media segment associated with the protected segment.
US08438639B2

Disclosed is a DDoS attack detection and response apparatus. The DDoS attack detection and response apparatus comprises: a receiver unit receiving HTTP requests from a client terminal which is characterized as an IP address; a data measuring unit computing the number of HTTP requests by IP and the number of URIs per HTTP over a certain time period; a DDoS discrimination unit comparing the number of HTTPs per URI with a threshold value and defining an access of the client terminal having the IP address as a DDoS attack when the number of HTTPs per URI is larger than the threshold value; and a blocking unit blocking packets from the IP address when the DDoS discrimination unit detects a DDoS attack.
US08438637B1

A system, method, and computer program product are provided for performing an analysis on a plurality of portions of potentially unwanted data each requested from a different device. In use, a detection of potentially unwanted data (e.g., potentially malicious data) is identified based on a first analysis. Additionally, receipt of a plurality of portions of the potentially unwanted data is requested, where each of the plurality of portions is requested from a different device. Further, a second analysis is performed on the plurality of portions of the potentially unwanted data for determining whether the potentially unwanted data is unwanted (e.g., malicious).
US08438634B2

Various embodiments include at least one of systems, methods, software, and data structures for communicating security credentials between Customer Information Control System (CICS) regions in a container of a CICS channel data structure. Some embodiments include receiving a dataset from a first CICS application executing within a first CICS region, the dataset received from the first CICS application for transmission to a second CICS application in a second CICS region. When the dataset includes a channel data, populating a container of the channel data with credential data to authenticate the dataset within the second CICS region and forwarding the dataset to a CICS transformer process of the first CICS region to transform and communicate the dataset to the second application in the second CICS region.
US08438632B2

A low-cost Multi Function Peripheral (MFP) prevents a user from forgetting to cancel an authenticated state. The MFP includes a scanner unit, a printer unit, a touch screen, and a reset key for initializing various settings. When the user is authenticated, the MFP accepts various operations. Under a state in which the user is authenticated, when the reset key is operated, a control unit executes a logout process.
US08438630B1

A system and method is disclosed for implementing a data loss prevention (DLP) system capable of detecting transmission attempts involving encrypted data. In response to detecting that the data is encrypted, such a DLP system may perform any number of configurable DLP actions, such as blocking the data transmission attempt and/or sequestering the data. The DLP system may determine that the data is encrypted, based at least in part, on a value of a compressibility measure of the data, such as a compression ratio. The DLP system may leverage other operating system and/or file system capabilities, such as file extensions, magic numbers, or other utilities. The DLP system may determine if the data is compressed rather than encrypted by attempting to decompress the file.
US08438629B2

A packet security method and apparatus adjusts a security level of the packet according to a feature of the packet. The packet security method includes detecting a feature of a packet to be transmitted, determining a security level of the packet according to the detected feature, and generating a security packet according to the determined security level. The feature of the packet is at least one of a destination address of the packet, a transfer protocol of the packet, a packet size, an application for the packet, and a designated security level for the packet. According to the method, the security function is adoptively applied according to the feature of the packet being transmitted, and thus flexibility can be provided in the application of the security function to achieve an efficient use of resources.
US08438627B1

A system, a method and computer-readable media for establishing connectivity over a plurality of access technologies. A system is provided that includes a client device. The client device is configured to communicate over a network by utilizing at least two access technologies. The system also includes a gateway in communication with the client device. The gateway includes multiple access technology termination nodes configured to support communications utilizing multiple access technologies. The gateway also includes a registration manager configured to assign the client device an address for identifying the client device. The registration manager is further configured to maintain the address assigned to the client device when the client device switches from utilizing a first access technology to utilizing a second access technology.
US08438626B2

The present invention is directed towards systems and methods for sharing session data among cores in a multi-core system. A first application firewall module executes on a core of a multi-core intermediary device which establishes a user session. The first application firewall module stores application firewall session data to memory accessible by the first core. A second application firewall module executes on a second core of the multi-core intermediary device. The second application firewall module receives a request from the user via the established user session. The request includes a session identifier identifying that the user session was established by the first core. The second application firewall module determines to perform one or more security checks on the request and communicates a portion of the request the first core. The second application firewall module receives and processes the security check results and instructions from the first core.
US08438623B2

This invention provides a system, method and computer program product to allow a user to access administrative security features associated with the use of a security token. The administrative security features provide the user the ability to unlock a locked security token, diagnose a security token, activate and deactivate a security token, request a replacement security token or temporary password or report the loss of a security token. The invention comprises a client application which integrates into the standard user login dialog associated with an operating system. A portion of the user dialog is linked to a remote server to access the administrative services.
US08438616B2

A method for terminal configuration and management includes: acquiring a configuration file, where the configuration file includes server account information; configuring the server account information in the acquired configuration file onto a Device Management Tree (DMT) of a terminal; based on the server account information, establishing a management session between the terminal and the server, and performing management and subsequent configuration on the terminal during the session. A corresponding terminal device and a corresponding system are also provided. Through the method, the terminal can determine, according to protocol version information supported by or corresponding to the corresponding server and carried in a configuration packet, a protocol that should be used for communication with a server, and perform configuration according to the correct protocol version, thus improving the operation efficiency.
US08438609B2

A system, method, computer program product, and carrier are described for obtaining a resource authorization dependent upon apparent compliance with a policy of causing an emulation environment to isolate a first software object type from a second software object type; and signaling a decision whether to comply with the policy of causing the emulation environment to isolate the first software object type from the second software object type.
US08438606B2

An IPTV may be controlled in part by a second user consumer electronic (CE) device using a web page served from a third party server even though the third party server cannot function as a proxy to the IPTV.
US08438605B2

A video distribution system according to the present invention includes a user terminal, an SIP session controller, and a video distribution server. When the SIP session controller receives a request to establish a session, the SIP session controller establishes a session between the user terminal and the video distribution server, and controls a bandwidth controller to reserve a bandwidth for the distribution of video content in a communication path between the user terminal and the video distribution server. The video distribution server sends a bandwidth changing request for requesting the SIP session controller to change the bandwidth to reserve a bandwidth depending on a fraction of the bandwidth that is needed for distributing video content. In response to the bandwidth changing request, the SIP session controller further secures a bandwidth for the distribution of video content in the communication path between the user terminal and the video distribution server.
US08438603B2

Methods and apparatus for supporting content delivery service are described. In accordance with the invention content can be supplied to temporary storage of a regional or local server used to supply the content to a customer's premises when the requested content is not already available in the regional or local server. A content server hierarchy may be implemented with servers higher up in the hierarchy including more content, e.g., titles, than the number of titles stored in the lower level servers. By storing less frequently accessed content in servers higher in the hierarchy and frequently requested titles lower in the hierarchy, a vast number of titles can be supported without overburdening the storage available at local and regional servers. In addition, a national or other server high in the hierarchy can be used to store, move, and distribute local or other content as part of an on demand service.
US08438600B2

A method of processing EPG (Electronic Program Guide) metadata in a network device includes performing a service discovery procedure utilizing multiple service discovery metadata components supplied by a service provider, receiving EPG metadata corresponding to a super group information element comprising both of a member element giving a group ID of another super group information element that has a higher level than a level of the super group information element and a level attribute giving a level of super group represented by the super group information element, wherein the member element is used to reference the other super group information element at a higher level, and processing the EPG metadata.
US08438589B2

One embodiment provides a method and apparatus for obtaining metadata program information during channel changes. The method includes the capture of an on-screen display that is rendered by a rendering device such as, for example, a digital television system. The on-screen display may be generated by an access device such as a set-top box in response to a program selection event. Once captured, the on-screen display may be decoded to determine metadata for a program selected by the program selection event. In one embodiment, decoding may be provided using pattern matching, optical code recognition (OCR) or other like decoding technique for decoding a video frame to determine metadata for a program selected by the program selection event. In one embodiment, a copy of the program in conjunction with the captured metadata are stored within the persistent memory of a digital television device. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08438585B2

A drive device for an optical disc apparatus, wherein the tooth comprises a tooth body fixed to an optical pickup; support pieces projecting from the tooth body toward a lead screw; resin spring pieces extending from the support pieces in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the lead screw; a plate part formed in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the lead screw from the resin spring pieces; meshing cogs formed on the plate part on the side near the lead screw; a cover projecting above the lead screw from the plate part disposed above the meshing cogs, straddling the lead screw, and bending sharply downward at the distal end; and a handle projecting from the tooth body.
US08438583B2

An exemplary electronic device includes a cover, a circuit board and a driving module both mounted on the bottom cover, an electronic component fixed on the circuit board, a heat dissipating plate mounted on the circuit board and thermally contacting the electronic component, and a top cover covering the bottom cover. The driving module has a rotating shaft adapted for supportively driving an optical disk to rotate. The electronic component generates heat during operation. Through holes are defined in the top cover and located at a periphery of the rotating shaft. Two opposing elongated extending portions extend downwardly from the heat dissipating plate towards the circuit board. An airflow channel is formed between the two extending portions under the heat dissipating plate and aligned with the electronic component.
US08438582B2

A soft-denial system for client-server networks is disclosed for translating server authorization denials into responses that are known to be innocuous to the client application. The soft-denial system includes a client-application which originates a service request across a network to a server-application which rejects the request due to lack of authorization and subsequently provides a denial response. A soft-denial application intercepts the denial response, translates the response into a response known to be innocuous to the client-application, and forwards the innocuous response to the client-application. The soft-denial system is particularly useful for overcoming client-application failures due to authorization expectation mismatches.
US08438579B2

A method for tracking time, including obtaining a plurality of tasks; identify a first open event and a first close event associated with a first file; identifying a start idle event and an end idle event associated with the first file after identifying the first open event; generating a first open event time stamp for the first open event, a first close event time stamp for the first close event, a start idle event time stamp for the start idle event, and an end idle event time stamp for the end idle event; mapping the first file to a first task of the plurality of tasks; and presenting a report including the first task, the first open event time stamp, the first close event time stamp, the start idle event time stamp, and the end idle event time stamp.
US08438575B2

Computing resources shared by local and network filesystems may be used to maximum capacity by a single application, or equitably shared by multiple applications under heavy load. A portion of the resources are set aside for local filesystem use and a small number is reserved for each network filesystem. The remaining resources may be used by either local or network filesystems. An enforcement limit puts a ceiling on the number of resources that can be used by a single network filesystem. When the enforcement limit is applied to a filesystem, the number of executing resource acquisition requests from that filesystem is reduced, by completion of the requests, to the reserved number of resources for that filesystem before any more resources acquisition requests from that filesystem are executed.
US08438566B2

Automated management of partition service assignment to a virtual input/output (VIO) adapter is provided. Responsive to creation of a new partition service in a data processing system, a partition priority number is determined for the new partition service, and, for each VIO adapter, the partition priority numbers of the partition services currently assigned to that VIO adapter are summed. For a VIO adapter with a lowest sum of partition priority numbers, logic determines whether assigning the new partition service to that VIO adapter results in its summed partition priority number being above a predefined threshold, and the new partition service is assigned to a VIO adapter based, at least in part, on whether assigning the new partition service to the VIO adapter with the lowest sum of partition priority numbers results in that VIO adapter's summed partition priority number exceeding the predefined threshold.
US08438564B2

Systems, methods, apparatuses and computer program products provide alternative desktop computing solutions and generally provide client devices configured to utilize one of a local common base image and a common base image stored remotely, with a user-specific overlay image remotely storing user specific data. The clients can be configured to store the common base image locally.
US08438563B2

A virtual machine managing method includes: a dependence relation list generation step of detecting a dependence relation among virtual machines implemented on a physical machine and generating a dependence relation list, based on a detection result; a target management table generation step of reading, when a selection instruction for selecting a target virtual machine to be halted among the plurality of implemented virtual machines is detected; and a halted target presentation step of reading the virtual machine identification information on all of the virtual machines in dependence relation with the target virtual machine to be halted, and visually presenting the read virtual machine identification information on all of the target virtual machines to be halted.
US08438559B2

A method for platform-agnostic software installation involves obtaining a knowledge package, where the knowledge package includes guidelines for obtaining and installing software deliverables. The method further involves obtaining a profile, where the profile includes platform-agnostic data indicating a desired system state. The method further involves distributing the knowledge package and the profile to a first managed host and a second managed host, where the first managed host has a first operating system platform, and where the second managed host has a second operating system platform. The method further involves filtering the profile based on the knowledge package to obtain a first platform-specific profile for the first managed host and a second platform-specific profile for the second managed host, updating the first managed host to the desired system state using the first platform-specific profile, and updating the second managed host to the desired system state using the second platform-specific profile.
US08438558B1

A system and method are provided to (a) convert an older or base version of software into an alternate representation of the base version; (b) convert a newer or updated version of software into an alternate representation of the updated version; (c) compare the alternate updated version with the alternate base version (d) modify portions of the alternate updated version based on the comparison and (e) create a patch, where the patch represents the differences between the alternate updated version and the alternate base version.
US08438551B2

The invention concerns the transformation of executable code from one language to another. In particular, the invention concerns the automated transformation of code. The invention concerns methods, software and computer systems for the creation of a tree comprised of nodes to be used in the transformation of code. The invention also concerns the methods, software and computer systems for the building of a parser to be used in the transformation of code. Finally, the invention also concerns an automated and iterative method of transforming, assessing and re-transforming code. The invention is advantageous in its ability to avoid usage of an intermediate transformation language, and its high level of automation that reduces manual transformation and accordingly is more efficient and less costly.
US08438549B1

Programming for a data processor to execute a data processing application is provided using microcode source code. The microcode source code is assembled to produce microcode that includes digital microcode instructions with which to signal the data processor to execute the data processing application.
US08438543B2

A solution for discovering shared software components (C1-C9) of software products (PRODa-PRODe) installed on a data processing system is proposed. In order to achieve this result, for each software product the corresponding software components are aggregated into groups (Ga1-Ge1); each group includes software components that must be linked by a corresponding relationship (such as a co-location on the same operating system image). In this way, it is possible to assign a software component available on the system to its software product even when it may be used by more of them. Particularly, the operation is performed deterministically when the available software component is included in a single valid group (i.e., a group including all the required software components); in this case, the available software component (C2) is assigned to the software product (PROD) associated with the single valid group (Gb1). Alternatively, when an (ambiguous) available software component (C4, C8, C9) is included in more valid groups, a score is calculated for each associated (eligible) software product according to the corresponding available software components; the eligible software product with the highest score (PROD) is then selected for assigning the ambiguous software component.
US08438539B2

A computer program product that includes a project object. The project object can be configured for linearly organizing a series of custom self-contained content. The project object can be a compliable object that includes at least one menu framework object and a set of project data objects. The menu framework object can define a menu. The menu framework object conforms to a standardized menu slideshow framework. The standardized menu slideshow framework can be a reusable templated framework. Each of the project data objects can include a self-contained content object. Each self-contained content object can be programmatically linked to the menu framework object without modifying source code of the self-contained content object. The menu framework object can define a linear ordering of the set of project data objects.
US08438536B2

Various embodiments herein include one or more of systems, methods, software, and/or data structures to implement a multi-way branch statement in a computer programming language. The multi-way branch statement may include a plurality of case labels each having a non-primitive data type (e.g., strings) and being associated with a block of code to be executed dependent upon a control variable that also has a non-primitive data type. The implementation may include encoding the case labels for the multi-way branch statement as a binary decision diagram (BDD), such as a zero-suppressed binary decision diagram (ZDD), wherein the control variable for the multi-way branch statement may be compared with the case labels by stepping through the BDD. The BDD may include identifiers that provide information regarding which of the case labels is matched by the control variable, such that an appropriate code block may be executed.
US08438532B2

A software artifact is scored for a user. Metadata associated with an artifact about project activity of how active an artifact project is to which the artifact belongs, a security risk indicated in the metadata of the artifact, or a license indicated in the metadata of the artifact, is collected from a software repository. A weighting of the artifact alone is determined from the metadata associated with the artifact that indicates desirability of the project activity, the security risk, or the license. The metadata associated with the artifact is compared to appropriateness with a metadata of a user project to which the user belongs as indicated by a profile of the user, so as to provide a score considering the determined weighting of the artifact and a appropriateness of the artifact for the user with respect to an intended use of the artifact by the user.
US08438527B2

According to one embodiment, an original plate evaluation method is disclosed. The original plate includes a substrate and N patterns differing from one another in shape. The method includes selecting N1 patterns from the N patterns based on first criterion, obtaining measured values for the N1 patterns, performing a decision whether the obtained measured values satisfy first specification value, selecting N2 patterns from the N patterns based on second criterion, predicting shapes of transfer patterns corresponding to N2 patterns, performing a decision whether the predicted shapes satisfy second specification value, and evaluating the plate based on the decision.
US08438525B2

The present invention introduces methods, systems, and architectures for routing clock signals in an integrated circuit layout. The introduced clock signal clock signal structures are rendered with non Manhattan routing. In a first embodiment, the traditional recursive H clock signal structure is rendered after transforming the coordinates system such that a rotated recursive H clock signal structure is rendered. In another embodiment, a recursive Y structure is used to create a clock signal structure. The recursive Y structure may also be implemented in a rotated alignment. For clock signal redundancy, non Manhattan wiring may be used to create a clock signal mesh network.
US08438513B1

A new method is presented for eliminating existential quantifiers from a Boolean CNF (Conjunctive Normal Form) formula. This new method designs circuits by solving a quantifier elimination problem (QEP) by using derivation of dependency sequents (DDS). This new method begins with a first quantified conjunctive normal form formula, determines dependency sequents for the left branch and the right branch of a branching variable, resolves dependency sequents derived in both branches, and designs a circuit using a current formula having less variables than the first quantified conjunctive normal formula. Utility of this method includes verification, in particular, determining reachability of a state of a design.
US08438502B2

A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, computer-readable storage medium having computer instructions to receive from a media processor one or more scaling characteristics of a three-dimensional (3D) image, present a user interface (UI) for controlling a presentation of the 3D image at a presentation device communicatively coupled to the media processor, wherein the UI is adapted to the scaling characteristics of the 3D image, detect a manipulation of the UI, and transmit to the media processor instructions for adapting the presentation of the 3D image at the presentation device according to the detected manipulation of the UI. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08438501B2

A consumer electronics device has a video display, a processor controlling the display, and a computer readable storage medium accessible to the processor. The storage medium bears instructions executable by the processor to cause a user interface (UI) to appear on the display, where the UI includes plural alpha-numeric elements. Further, each element includes plural alpha-numeric characters arranged in a row. Even further, each element is characterized by a color, a row orientation, and a size, where at least the size is established at least in part by a frequency of selection of an element. Thus, at least a first element has a first color, first size, and first row orientation and at least a second element has a second color, second size, and second row orientation respectively different from the first color, first size, and first row orientation.
US08438497B2

A system and method for controlling a media generation system where a media event may be selected via a stateless software module, the system receiving a media event protocol file corresponding to the selected media event. The media generation system generates the media event based on the received media event protocol file.
US08438495B1

A design application can provide a mechanism for quickly and intuitively designing wireframes by automatically generating containers and margins. For example, a graphical user interface can be provided in which a parent container is defined and surrounded by a boundary (“wirebox”), which may (or may not) include margins defined between the wirebox and container perimeter. Responsive to input data representing a user gesture, such as clicking and dragging at a wirebox boundary, the parent container can be divided into two or more containers. In some embodiments a tree structure with memory locations (e.g., folders) corresponding to the containers can be defined alongside and in response to definition of containers in the wireframe.
US08438485B2

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for generating, customizing, distributing, and presenting an interactive audio publication to a user are provided. A plurality of text-based and/or speech-based content items is converted into voice-navigable interactive audio content items that include segmented audio data, embedded visual content, and accompanying metadata. An audio publication is generated by associating one or more audio content items with one or more audio publication sections, and generating metadata that defines the audio publication structure. Assembled audio publications may be used to generate one or more new custom audio publications for a user by utilizing one or more user-defined custom audio publication templates. Audio publications are delivered to a user for presentation on an enabled presentation system. The user is enabled to navigate and interact with the audio publication, using voice commands and/or a button interface, in a manner similar to browsing visually-oriented content.
US08438483B2

In an example embodiment, computer-implemented methods, apparatus, and systems to navigate extensible video functions are provided. These may operate to receive a first request for a banner interface region. In response, the banner interface region is rendered with video content. The banner interface region includes a graphical user interface that maps to a variety of extensible video functions. A second request to access one of the video functions may be received, and the selected extensible video function is then executed. Additional methods, apparatus, and systems are disclosed.
US08438477B2

A method for displaying an image of a map using a processing system, the method including: dividing a first map image obtained from a map widget into sections wherein the first map image is displayed by the processing system; recording the location of each marker to be represented in a second map image; calculating a weight factor for each section; moving and deforming each section according to the weight factor of each section to form the second map image; placing a new marker on the second map image wherein the new marker represents at least one marker with a recorded location; and displaying the second map image in place of the first map image.
US08438474B1

A method may include storing, in a memory associated with a computer device, cached content associated with a document and receiving a request to access the document. The method may further include sending a request to revalidate the cached content to a server device associated with the document, performing speculative rendering of the document, using the cached content, the speculative rendering being performed as a plurality of work items, receiving revalidated content associated with the document, determining invalid ones of the plurality of work items based on the revalidated content, and discarding the invalid ones of the plurality of work items.
US08438470B2

Provides ability to analyze the readability of an image to be displayed on a screen as a web page, etc., and appropriately modify the image. It includes a rendering section for generating an image by rendering an HTML document; an image processing section for performing image processing on the image generated by the rendering section to simulate and evaluate how the image is viewed under a certain visual characteristic; and a result presentation section for locating an HTML element that needs to be modified in the HTML document to be processed based on the evaluation result of the image processing section 30 and for presenting the HTML element to a web page creator. The result presentation section also retrieves a modification method for the HTML element that needs to be modified from a symptom model storage section. A document modification processing section actually modifies the HTML document.
US08438458B2

A decoder includes a first decoder configured to iteratively decode input data, accumulate iteratively decoded data in bit units, compare an accumulated value obtained for each bit of the iteratively decoded data with a plurality of reference values, and output decision data and indicator data according to a comparison result. The decoder includes a second decoder configured to perform error correction on a symbol including the decision data according to the indicator data.
US08438453B2

In a memory system, a host controller is coupled to a non-volatile memory (NVM) package (e.g., NAND device). The host controller sends a read command to the NVM package requesting a low latency read operation. Responsive to the read command, a controller in the NVM package retrieves the data and sends the data to an ECC engine for correcting. Following the read command, the host controller sends a read status request command to the controller in the NVM package. Responsive to the read status request, the controller sends a status report to the host controller indicating that some or all of the data is available for transfer to the host controller. Responsive to the report, the host controller transfers the data. An underrun status can be determined to indicate that uncorrected data had been transferred to the host controller.
US08438450B2

A method, system, and computer-readable medium for facilitating integrity verification of a transport stream is provided. Integrity verification is performed without increasing the bit rate of the transport stream by generating a checksum corresponding to a portion of the transport stream and inserting the checksum into a null packet within the transport stream. Utilizing a null packet to carry the checksum allows the checksum to be transmitted without increasing the bit rate of the transport stream. In addition, by creating a checksum corresponding to a portion of the transport stream, integrity verification may be performed on a streaming data file.
US08438429B2

Memory module groups are provided which include a memory module, which includes memory chips. In the case in which an error chip that is a memory chip that is provided with an error is in a first memory module, a first memory module group that is provided with the error chip is not managed as a memory module group that cannot be used even if an error of the first data element is mis-corrected based on the error detecting code of the first kind. In the case in which an error chip is in a second memory module, a second memory module group that is provided with the error chip is not managed as a memory module group that cannot be used in such a manner that an error of the second data element is not mis-corrected based on the error detecting code of the second kind.
US08438427B2

A method for diagnosing problems in a computer system by providing a user interface for visualizing flows through subsystems of the computer system, and allowing a user to explore relationships between a triage map which graphically depicts subsystems, and a transaction trace graph, which depicts a time sequence of invoked components of the subsystems. In one aspect, in response to a user selecting a portion of the transaction trace graph which depicts an invoked component, the user interface visually distinguishes one of the subsystems which invokes the invoked component. In another aspect, the transaction trace can be played back so that subsystems in the triage map are highlighted in turn, in a time sequence, as components of different subsystems are invoked. A time marker can skip to selected time points which result in updating of the triage map.
US08438425B1

In one aspect, a method of testing a device for use in a storage area network (SAN) system includes receiving recorded messages including messages from a host and from a storage array and messages to a host and to a storage array, sending the recorded messages from the host and the storage array to a device under test, receiving messages from the device under test in response to the recorded messages sent and determining whether the device under test functions identically to a validated device based on the messages from the device under test being substantially identical to the recorded messages.
US08438416B2

A system and method for dynamic function based power control is disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a bridge unit having a memory controller and a communication hub coupled to the memory controller. The system further includes a power management unit, wherein the power management unit is configured to clock-gate the communication hub responsive to determining that each of a plurality of processor cores are in an idle state and that an I/O interface unit has been idle for an amount of time exceeding a first threshold. The power management unit is further configured to clock-gate the memory controller responsive to clock-gating the communication hub and determining that a memory coupled to the memory controller is in a first low power state. The power management unit may also perform power-gating of functional units subsequent to clock-gating the same.
US08438409B2

A mobile phone that uses OS virtualization for minimizing power consumption in mobile phones is provided. Apparatus and methods may involve conserving processor power in a mobile phone according to the invention may include the following steps. A first step may be awakening a first processing core from a low power state in response to a first operating system (OS) thread. A following step may include processing the first OS thread using the first processing core. A next step may include determining whether utilization of the first processing core over a first time period has exceeded a predetermined threshold. The method may also include awakening a second processing core from a low power consumption state if utilization of the first processing core over a first time period has exceeded a predetermined threshold.
US08438407B2

An information processing system has a power supply section which detects a predetermined potential applied to a USB terminal and supplying the potential as a source potential, an information detection section which detects the predetermined information supplied to the USB terminal, and a processing section which executes, subsequent to the detection of the predetermined potential, the encoding process or the decoding process in accordance with at least the operating information supplied from the operation key arranged on the body and in accordance with the predetermined information supplied to the USB terminal after detection of the predetermined information. The recording and reproducing operation can be performed with the operating key on the body with power supplied only from the USB terminal.
US08438402B2

An electronic terminal performs early detection of unauthorized analysis thereon and prevents unauthorized acquisition and falsification of confidential information that is not to be released to a third party. The electronic terminal stores confidential information that is protected by consecutive application of a plurality of protection measures for defense against an attack from a third party. The electronic terminal monitors for attacks to the protection measures from an external source, and upon detecting an attack on one protection measure, updates a protection state of the confidential information to a new protection state in which either a new protection measure has been added to a protection path from the one attacked protection means to the confidential information, or the one protection measure on the path has been updated to a higher defense level.
US08438401B2

Devices and methods for securely storing data are provided. A device for constructing an encryption key comprising a tamper-protection barrier that encloses one or more memory devices is provided. The memory stores data for constructing the encryption key. The memory may include a single memory device or a plurality of memory devices. The tamper-protection barrier also encloses a security processor configured to combine the data stored in the memory based in part on a function, such as a logical exclusive-or (XOR) function, to construct the encryption key. The stored data in the memory may include partial keys. These partial keys may be created based in part on applying the XOR function to an encryption key.
US08438392B2

Embodiments of systems and methods which provide highly specific control over the execution of general-purpose code block are disclosed. These embodiments may allow the exact circumstances under which a given code block is allowed to execute to be determined with specificity. Such a control mechanism may be coupled with embodiments of a data hiding system and method, based for example, on an ordered execution of a set of code segments implemented via recursive execution. When embodiments of these systems and methods are utilized together an unencumbered generality as well as a level of protection against attack that surpasses many other security systems may be obtained.
US08438379B2

A value of a configuration setting contained within a selected content unit of an application may be used as input for a configuration check algorithm to calculate a control parameter output. The algorithm may include logical operators, conditional statements, mathematical logic, and mathematical functions. The algorithm may be used to verify the correctness of the value. Different control parameter output values may be associated with different options in the automated configuration verification program. The options may include, but are not limited to, modifying an unsupported configuration setting value to a supported value, updating configuration setting values in non-selected content units, exiting the automated program and switching to a manual configuration setting change mode, and automatically updating a configuration setting value to a supported value without further intervention.
US08438367B2

An apparatus has a queue, each entry stores a different line of a stream of instruction bytes and accumulated prefix information associated with each instruction byte. Control logic: (a) detects a condition where an initial portion of an instruction partially within a first line stored in the bottom entry (BE) of the queue remains unextracted from the queue, wherein the initial portion instruction bytes are all prefix bytes; (b) saves away the initial portion length, shifts the first line in the BE out of the queue, and shifts a second line into the BE, in response to detecting the condition; (c) extracts instruction bytes of the unextracted instruction from the second line in the BE and extracts accumulated prefix information from the second line of the BE in place of the already shifted out initial portion prefix bytes; (d) calculates the unextracted instruction length using the saved length; and (e) extracts an instruction other than the unextracted instruction from the second line in the BE using the calculated length.
US08438365B2

A method of loading data into register files that correspond to respective execution units within a data-parallel processor. After receiving a first set of parameters that specify a subset of data within a first memory, the first set of parameters are compared to a plurality of sets of conditions that correspond to respective patterns of data. The first set of parameters is then converted to a second set of parameters in accordance with one of the sets of conditions satisfied by the first set of parameters. A sequence of memory addresses are generated based on the second set of parameters. Data is retrieved from locations within the first memory specified by the sequence of memory addresses and loaded into register files that correspond to respective execution units within a processor.
US08438359B2

Provided is a method for managing a memory storage region used by a processor. The processor is connected to the memory that stores data accessed while a task is being executed. The memory management method including the steps of: dividing the memory area of the memory into blocks having a plurality of different sizes; selecting a block having a size matching a size of the data accessed while the task is being executed; and storing the data accessed while the task is being executed in the selected block.
US08438358B1

A system and method are provided for using a system-on-chip (SoC) memory speed control logic core to control memory maintenance and access parameters. A SoC is provided with an internal hardware-enabled memory speed control logic (MSCL) core. An array of SoC memory control parameter registers is accessed and a set of parameters is selected from one of the registers. The selected set of parameters is delivered to a SoC memory controller, to replace an initial set of parameters, and the memory controller manages an off-SoC memory using the delivered set of parameters.
US08438356B2

Methods, systems and computer program products for implementing a polling process among one or more flash memory devices are described. In some implementations, the polling process may include sending a read status command to a flash memory device to detect the ready or busy state of the flash memory device. A status register may be included in the flash memory device for storing a status signal indicating an execution state of a write (or erase) operation. A solid state drive system may perform the polling process by reading the status register of the flash memory device.
US08438355B2

Various embodiments for defragmentation of a storage volume in a computing storage environment by a processor device are provided. A volume table of contents (VTOC) is serialized for a volume scan operation. At least one dummy data set in the storage volume is allocated, to be subsequently filled with actual data pursuant to a defragmentation operation. The serialization of the VTOC is released, allowing access to the storage volume. Input/output (I/O) operations are allowed to occur.
US08438352B2

Embodiments of the system described herein can be implemented in a software application that runs on a host device or is embedded in a logic or memory device such as a gate array, EEPROM, a control, or dynamical system. The system embodiment allows a set of similar or dissimilar intelligent devices or sensors, which may be interconnected with any type of network or bus, to replicate data between themselves for the purpose of remote backup, redundancy, content distribution, or measurements. The attributes of the data, which may be changed or created on one device or passed through the device, are tracked and journaled in volatile or non-volatile storage in a first phase. This occurs in real-time as the data changes or passes through the device. In a second phase, the attributes that match patterns pre-specified in a configuration are used to decide what changes or the content to replicate to one or more devices. In a third phase, the data is replicated. In practice, the techniques described herein are independent of hardware, operating systems, and applications. The example embodiment is designed to be transparent for system redundancy and error recovery processes such as error correction, retransmission on links, and raid reconfiguration.
US08438332B2

A method to maintain write operation atomicity where a write operation crosses a data storage medium track boundary. The method supplies a storage controller comprising a host adapter, a processor, and a NVS. The host adapter receives from a host computer a write request and data. The method determines if the write request will cross a data storage medium track boundary. If the write request will cross a data storage medium track boundary, the method indicates to the host adapter that the write request comprises a two-track transfer, and writes the data to the NVS as the data is received. If the host computer fails prior to providing all the data to the storage controller, the method discards the data written to the NVS to ensure write operation atomicity.
US08438325B2

An invention is provided for improving performance in block based non-volatile memory when performing random small write operations. When requests for small page updates are received for a memory page currently storing data, the updated page data is written to a reserve memory page. The reserve memory page can be in the same memory block as the target memory page, or in an associated reserve memory block. In addition, the associated logical page address is temporarily remapped to the reserve page. Later, when time permits, the page data for the block can be reorganized into continuous pages in a new block.
US08438323B2

A communication processing apparatus (101) includes: a MAC unit (106) receiving a packet; a classification unit (107) classifying the received packet; a transfer control unit (104) transferring data of the classified packet to a main memory (102); a first memory (112m) storing an interrupt management table (112); an interrupt control unit (111) specifying, with reference to the interrupt management table (112), an interrupt control method associated with the classification of the packet classified by the classification unit (107) and outputting an interrupt signal to a CPU (103) using the specified interrupt control method; and a setting unit (110) registering the classification and the interrupt control method into the interrupt management table (112) according to instructions from an application program activated in the CPU (103) so as to update the interrupt management table (112).
US08438317B2

According to this invention, when initialization of a storage medium such as a flash memory is erase of the data area, the processing can be stopped. When the processing is stopped, at least initialization of the management area has been completed, and processing using the storage medium can be executed. If erase processing is not stopped but proceeds to the end, no erase processing need be performed in writing new data, and high-speed write is promised. For this purpose, when complete formatting is designated, the management area of the file system is first initialized. Then, erase processing for the data area of the file system is executed by a predetermined block size. If it is determined that stop is designated during the data area erase processing, the processing ends, but the management area has already been initialized.
US08438316B2

A computer system including a management computer for managing the entire system, an integral apparatus, and a high-level connecting device for connecting the management computer and the integral apparatus is designed so that the management computer retains integral apparatus internal configuration information, configuration information about an integral apparatus to be introduced, that indicates the configuration of the integral apparatus that may possibly be introduced to the system, and lifetime information indicating lifetime of the integral apparatus; obtains connectivity guarantee information indicating whether connectivity between the computer and the storage apparatus is guaranteed or not; selects an integral apparatus to be removed from the system by referring to the lifetime information; selects an integral apparatus to be introduced to the system by referring to the integral apparatus internal configuration information, the configuration information about the integral apparatus to be introduced, and the connectivity guarantee information.
US08438310B2

A plurality of affiliated websites are configured to log user interactions. The logs comprise user identification information that allows a profile aggregation service to correlate user interactions across the affiliated websites and to generate respective user profiles. The user profiles may be used to configure the websites. A context aware platform (CAP) website may be configured to provide web services for entities in a business hierarchy. The CAP website may capable of presenting content in one of a plurality of operational modes associated with a geographical granularity of the business hierarchy. In addition, the CAP website may be configurable according to a user profile generated by a profile aggregation service.
US08438309B2

A method that allows for rapid inter base station handoffs in IP based wireless networks is disclosed. More specifically a technique to address the problem of accurate location management during rapid handoff across multiple base stations is described in this invention disclosure. The idea proposed uses a combination of Timestamp and Sequence number along with a message exchange protocol over the network to maintain the registration with only a single base station at any point of time.
US08438301B2

A computer system receives a request from a client computer system for data that is to be presented to a user, accesses a portion of the requested data and determines the encoded bit rate from the accessed portion of requested data. Based on the encoded bit rate for the requested data, the computer system determines an initial amount of data that is to be transferred to the client computer system to enable prompt access to that portion of data and determines the transfer rate for transferring the remaining data to the client computer system. The transfer rate for the remaining data is lower than the transfer rate for the initial amount. The computer system transfers the initial amount of data to the client computer system and transfers the remainder of the requested data to the client computer system at the determined lower transfer rate, subsequent to transferring the initial amount.
US08438300B2

A distributed method that combines both flow control and smart volume reduction means in a communication network is provided herein. The stages of the method are applied by each node in the network in a distributed way, which adapts to the evolving state of the system. The operations performed by each node in the network are adapted dynamically in a way that adjusts itself to the changes that occur in various parameters of the network. Such parameters include both local node state and also the state of different nodes in the distributed infrastructure. The state of the nodes is characterized by parameters such as transmission rates, available buffer space and the state of data in buffer. The stages are carried out in parallel by the nodes and ordered such that the equality of the data flowing in the network, in terms of delay and specified attributes, is maximized.
US08438296B2

According to particular embodiments, a system for outputting prerecorded communications includes a central server that receives playback instructions, retrieves event data from a database according to the playback instructions, and outputs events from the event data to an agent server according to the timing characteristics associated with the events, and the agent server that deploys playback agents into the target group communication service to submit events to the target group communication service.
US08438295B2

Data sets of various types may be accessible through a host according to a protocol, such as a RESTful HTTP interface. Various domains may involve domain-specific processes to be executed as pre-triggers or post-triggers of various protocol requests (e.g., an HTTP GET request specifying a Read operation on an access-restricted data set may involve an authorization operations set that verifies the access privileges of the requester.) A host of the data set may be configured to receive a resource script expressing the operations set in a script language, to store the resource script, and to associated it with at least one data set and at least one verb of the protocol. Upon later receiving a protocol request specifying the verb and the resource, the host may then execute the resource script (as a pre-trigger and/or as a post-trigger) in accordance with the business logic of the domain.
US08438291B2

Business applications running on a content delivery network (CDN) having a distributed application framework can create, access and modify state for each client. Over time, a single client may desire to access a given application on different CDN edge servers within the same region and even across different regions. Each time, the application may need to access the latest “state” of the client even if the state was last modified by an application on a different server. A difficulty arises when a process or a machine that last modified the state dies or is temporarily or permanently unavailable. The present invention provides techniques for migrating session state data across CDN servers in a manner transparent to the user. A distributed application thus can access a latest “state” of a client even if the state was last modified by an application instance executing on a different CDN server, including a nearby (in-region) or a remote (out-of-region) server.
US08438288B2

A system is described for allowing a user, operating a trusted device, to remotely log into a server via a potentially untrustworthy client. The system operates by establishing a first secure connection between the client and the server. The system then establishes a second secure connection between the device and the server through the client. The user then remotely logs into the server over the second secure connection using the device. The second secure connection is tunneled within the first secure connection, preventing the untrustworthy client from discovering personal information associated with the user. According to one feature, prior to forming the second secure connection, the user can establish a pairing relationship with the client by reading an address of the client using any kind of reading mechanism. According to another feature, the device can receive marketing information in the course of a transaction.
US08438279B2

A server system provides responsive content to a user when a request for an invalid URL is received. The server system may implement multiple rescue strategies for attempting to rescue the invalid URL. One such rescue strategy involves repairing the URL by correcting for encoding errors. Another rescue strategy involves determining that the URL contains an obsolete or outdated item identifier (e.g., product identifier) that renders the URL invalid, and returning information regarding one or more related items to the user. Another rescue strategy involves mining the invalid URL for one or more text strings reflective of the type of content desired, and then using the one or more text strings to execute a keyword search to identify content to provide to the user. The various rescue strategies may be attempted in sequence according to a hierarchy.
US08438271B2

A method, computer, and computer program product for performing a service. A processor unit identifies information about a network data processing system for performing the service. The processor unit identifies a plurality of steps used to perform the service. The processor unit identifies a set of software tools needed in each step in the plurality of steps to perform the service on the network data processing system. The set of software tools is identified based on the information identified. The information comprises at least one of a type of optimization performance system, a type of cluster, and a configuration of the cluster.
US08438269B1

The present invention includes a method of measuring performance and capacity of a network includes monitoring network activity using an application programming interfaces monitoring system with a web services definition language file and at least one probe. The web services definition language file provides instructions to a probe control system in the application programming interfaces monitoring system and the probe control system providing regular expressions to the at least one probe. Then, performance data is collected using the at least one probe. The performance data includes a date stamp and a collection of performance information. Next, using the at least one probe, performance data measurements are transmitted between the network and the application programming interfaces monitoring system. The application programming interfaces monitoring system stores the performance data measurements in a database of performance data monitored and analyzes the performance data measurements to determine performance and capacity of the network. After that, the application programming interfaces monitoring system reports information on performance and capacity of the network to a network operations center dashboard.
US08438265B2

A method of offloading, from a host data processing unit (205), the generation of data corruption-detection digests for iSCSI PDUs to be transmitted as TCP segments over respective TCP connections. An iSCSI layer processing software (310) executed by the host data processing unit provides a command descriptor list (320) containing command descriptors adapted to identify portions of at least one iSCSI PDU to be transmitted, and data corruption-detection digest descriptors (CRC DESC(PDUa); CRC DESC(PDUb)), each one associated with a respective PDU data corruption-detection digest. An iSCSI processing offload engine (223) transmits the iSCSI PDU over the respective TCP connection, based on the descriptors in the command descriptor list; during the transmission, the iSCSI PDU data corruption-detection digest are calculated, and the calculated data corruption-detection digest is saved in the corresponding data corruption-detection digest descriptor in the command descriptor list.
US08438264B2

Methods and apparatus for monitoring a communication network are disclosed. A disclosed method of monitoring a communication network periodically collects data from a plurality of network elements within the communication network. The disclosed method analyzes the collected data in accordance with a rule that corresponds to a characteristic of performance or capacity of the plurality of network elements to form performance or capacity data representative of a user experience of the communication network. The disclosed method then presents the performance or capacity data via a web browser using a plurality of view levels and types.
US08438254B2

A network appliance is described that can provide a variety of software services, including both platform services, such as access method services, and a load balancing service. A network may include a network appliance that both provides one or more platform services and acts as a load balancer. When two or more such appliances are used together, they can replace a substantial portion of a conventional network. For example, when a network appliance receives a client communication, its load balancer service can determine whether one of its own platform services will process the communication or forward the communication to another network appliance for processing. Moreover, if the load balancing service of a network appliance fails, another network appliance can provide load balancing. Similarly, if another service of a network appliance fails, then the network appliance may continue to provide load balancing but forward communications requiring the failed service to another network appliance for processing.
US08438253B2

A method, system, machine-readable storage medium, and apparatus are directed towards upgrading a cluster by bifurcating the cluster into two virtual clusters, an “old” virtual cluster (old active cluster) and a “new” virtual cluster (new standby cluster), and iteratively upgrading members of the old cluster while moving them into the new cluster. While members are added to the new cluster, existing connections and new connections are seamlessly processed by the old cluster. Optionally, state mirroring occurs between the old cluster and the new cluster once the number of members of the old and new clusters are approximately equal. Once a threshold number of members have been transferred to the new cluster, control and processing may be taken over by the new cluster. Transfer of control from the old cluster to the new cluster may be performed by failing over connectivity from the old cluster to the new cluster.
US08438250B2

The present disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for updating script images in wireless sensor networks. In one exemplary embodiment, a system has logic that is configured to display a list of nodes of a wireless sensor network. The logic is further configured to display a script source of a first script image stored at one of the nodes in response to a selection of the one node from the displayed list of nodes. The logic is also configured to modify the script source based on user input and to convert the modified script source to a second script image. The logic is configured to transmit at least one remote procedure call through the wireless sensor network to the one node. The one node is configured to write the second script image in memory of the one node in response to the at least one remote procedure call.
US08438248B2

In one embodiment, a method for optimization of network protocol options with reinforcement learning and propagation is disclosed. The method comprises: interacting, by a learning component of a server of a network, with one or more clients and an environment of the network; conducting, by the learning component, different trials of one or more options in different states for network communication via a protocol of the network; receiving, by the learning component, performance feedback for the different trials as rewards; and utilizing, by the learning component, the different trials and associated resulting rewards to improve a decision-making policy associated with the server for negotiation of the one or more options. Other embodiments are also described.
US08438243B2

Personal content server apparatus and associated methods that allow a user (e.g., cable or satellite network subscriber) to access content, such as a video program, from a location outside the subscriber's network. In one embodiment, a personal content server streams the content to the subscriber over a network connection from the local e.g., (subscription) network to a remote network upon authorization by a content manager process. Various access, business or operational rules are applied depending on the content and delivery mode; e.g., to live video broadcast, video-on-demand (VOD), or archived content from the subscriber's digital video recorder (DVR) or networked PVR. Secondary content (e.g., promotions, advertisements, etc.) can also be selectively replaced if desired in order to make the remotely delivered content more appropriate to the remote user's context.
US08438241B2

A method for processing communication traffic includes monitoring the communication traffic that is directed to a group of addresses on a network, and determining respective baseline characteristics of the communication traffic that is directed to each of the addresses in the group. Deviations from the respective baseline characteristics of the communication traffic directed to at least one of the addresses in the group are detected, as an indication that at least some of the communication traffic may be of malicious origin. Responsively to detecting the deviation, the communication traffic that is directed to all of the addresses in the group is filtered so as to remove at least some of the communication traffic that is of the malicious origin.
US08438218B2

Provided is an apparatus and method for providing accessible home network information regarding one or more home networks that can be accessed from a remote access (RA) environment. The apparatus includes a channel-creation module which creates a communication channel via which an RA client and an in-home RA server can communicate with each other; an information-management module which issues a request for capability information, a credential list and a profile list to each of the RA client and the in-home RA server; and an information-generation module which generates channel-creation information for creating a communication channel between the RA client and the in-home RA server based on the capability information.
US08438216B2

Management of virtual machines within a private network may be provided from a server application, such as a web application, on a machine remote from a private network. The server application receives management commands and communications the management commands in a vendor independent format to a client application within the private network. The client application receives the management commands, instantiates the management commands into a vendor specific definition and redirects the management commands to the virtual machine host for appropriate execution.
US08438212B2

A system and method for providing broadcast messages to message specific broadcast target areas having a broadcast admission control module receiving records each having a broadcast message, a message specific broadcast target area, and a broadcast message originator identifier for each one broadcast message, validating each received broadcast message record as a function of the broadcast message originator identifier and the broadcast target area, and generating a validated broadcast message record for each successfully validated broadcast message record. The system includes a broadcast message distributor module receiving the validated broadcast message records, determining for each message record which message broadcast transmission network provides broadcast messaging service to at least a portion of the broadcast target area and transmitting each broadcast message and all or a portion of the broadcast target area, over an output interface coupled to the determined broadcast transmission network.
US08438206B2

A linear feedback shift calculation apparatus, into which input data is input, and which outputs output data, including: an L generation unit which generates q values of q0 to qN−2 represented by: q k = { p 0 ( k = 0 ) p k + ∑ i = 0 k - 1 ⁢ q k - 1 - i × p i ( 1 ≤ k ≤ N - 2 ) Equation ⁢ ⁢ 1 (where, p0, p1, . . . , pN−1, q0, q1, . . . , qN−2 belong to Galois field GF(2)) from coefficients p0 to pN−2 among inputted coefficients p−1 to pN−1 (wherein, N is a natural number of 2 or more); and a matrix calculation unit which outputs the output data calculated from the output data b0 to bN−1 represented by: ( b N - 1 b N - 2 ⋮ b o ) = L × ( U × ( a N - 1 a N - 2 ⋮ a 0 ) + p - 1 × ( a - 1 a - 2 ⋮ a - N ) ) Equation ⁢ ⁢ 2 and L = ( 1 0 … 0 0 0 q 0 1 0 … 0 0 q 1 q 0 1 0 … 0 ⋮ ⋱ ⋱ ⋱ ⋮ q N - 3 q N - 4 … q 0 1 0 q N - 2 q N - 3 … q 1 q 0 1 ) Equation ⁢ ⁢ 3 U = ( p N - 1 p N - 2 … p 2 p 1 p 0 0 p N - 1 p N - 2 … p 2 p 1 0 0 p N - 1 p N - 2 … p 2 ⋮ ⋱ ⋱ ⋱ ⋮ 0 0 … 0 p N - 1 p N - 2 0 0 … 0 0 p N - 1 ) ⁢ from the q values q0 to qN−2, the coefficients p−1 to pN−1 and the input data a−N to a−1, a0 to aN−1.
US08438203B2

Methods and systems of processing and displaying data that include obtaining and processing time-time data to obtain an in-phase sum of the time-time data, and of providing and utilizing the in-phase sum of the time-time data to generate a graphical display of the Radon sum of the time-time data. The in-phase sum of the time-time data may be provided for display, for example, by outputting a data signal suitable for generating a graphical representation of the in-phase sum of the time-time data, and the output data signal may be utilized to generate a graphical representation of the in-phase sum of the time-time data.
US08438200B2

A method for calculating coordinate points corresponding to a segment of a circle for arch construction includes entering a desired width dimension of a desired arch, entering a desired height dimension of a desired arch, and calculating coordinate pairs corresponding to a previously defined coordinate system, wherein the resultant coordinate pairs correspond to points defining an arc, wherein the arc is the arc corresponding to the width and height dimensions of the desired arch.
US08438197B2

Incidental content as metadata contains one of primary content and usage editing material content information. The primary content has been used directly as an editing material in a secondary usage mode fashion in order to produce the incident content data and the usage editing material content information indicates the incidental content. A generation structure is recognized by back-tracking content serving as a parent by referencing usage editing material content starting with given incidental content, based on the usage editing material content information of each incidental content.
US08438192B2

The invention provides a system and method for retrieving and storing industrial data, the system comprising a data retriever that includes a data retrieval manager and one or more watchers for monitoring data associated with one or more industrial devices, wherein if the data associated with the one or more industrial devices is new or modified, the one or more watchers notifies the data retrieval manager thereof and the data retrieval manager uploads the new or modified data. The system further includes a database manager for receiving the new or modified data in a first form from the data retrieval manager and for storing the new or modified data in a structural data form in one or more databases.
US08438181B2

Methods, apparatuses and systems facilitating responses to writs, such as subpoenas, in an efficient and timely manner. Implementations of the invention may include a writ response module and a queue manager to offer web service providers to automatically generate reports in response to various writs and to prioritize processing and human review prior to delivery of results.
US08438176B2

An apparatus includes: an obtaining unit to obtain a plurality of addresses in order, and a storage unit to store a first group of addresses included in the plurality of addresses and obtained before a certain address is obtained by the obtaining unit, and to store a second group of addresses included in the plurality of addresses and obtained after the certain address is obtained by the obtaining unit. An extracting unit extracts one or more addresses from the first group of addresses when the obtaining unit further obtains an address that matches any address of the first group of addresses, or extracts one or more addresses of the second group of addresses when the obtaining unit further obtains an address that matches any address of the second group of addresses, wherein the one or more extracted addresses are other than the matched address.
US08438161B2

A database access facility for accessing databases includes a monitoring function which monitors accesses by requestors of database data. The monitoring function tracks which database fields are requested to dynamically determine the fields which the application needs. Once sufficient tracking data is obtained, subsequent accesses to the database on behalf of an application are automatically modified by the application server to request only the fields which are likely to be needed. Preferably, the database access facility is an application server for one or middle tier applications which access the database on behalf of multiple clients in a three-tier client-server environment.
US08438156B2

In one embodiment, a user of a social networking system requests to check in a place near the user's current location. The social networking system generates a list of places near the user's current location, ranks the places in the list of places near the user's current location by a distance between each place and the user's current location, as well as activity of the user and the user's social contacts for each place, and returns the ranked list to the user.
US08438151B1

Methods, systems and computer readable instructions to provide unbiased real property information to an end-user based on the location of the end-user when the end-user initiates a request for the real property information. The real property information is unbiased because the provider of the real property information searches for information that may adversely affect a potential transaction and provides the information found in the search regardless of the potential effect on a transaction.
US08438150B2

A system and method are disclosed for presenting attainable events in the form of an event widget on the client computer browser. This system and method provides for embedding an event widget onto a third party, or affiliate, website so that when the website is viewed by a computer end user, the widget displays a tailored list of events. The tailored list of events include events that may be filtered and ranked based on webmaster settings and refined by system users. The events may be data mined from the Internet, as well as entered by System Users. System Users that directly enter events have the option to sell tickets to those events, and the system will broker the sales commissions, as appropriate, to the entities that helped effect the sale, such as website owners and other System Users who provided event information in the form of audio or video presentations that were associated particular events.
US08438149B1

Disclosed are various embodiments generating network pages for search engines from data protected from search engines. A portion of data from a corpus of data that is protected from indexing by a search engine is extracted. A first network page is generated based at least in part on the portion of data. The first network page is configured for the search engine to index the portion of data. The first network page omits a context for the portion of data from the corpus of data. The first network page includes one or more links to a second network page that is protected from indexing by the search engine. The second network page provides access to the corpus of data.
US08438146B2

Embodiments of the invention may provide an approach for managing electronic records in a content management system. The content management system may use a container structure to create, edit, and manage electronic records in a coordinated way. The container structure may include a master container and a plurality of sub-containers. An associated method generally may include receiving a request comprising a record and one or more properties associated with the record; determining, from the one or more properties associated with the record, a date; based on the date of the record, associating the record with a sub-container of the container structure; and managing disposition of the sub-container based on an associated policy.
US08438144B2

A method, apparatus, and computer-readable medium is provided for replaying captured workload data in a database environment with connection pools. A replay system includes a dispatcher that manages a connection pool. In one aspect, the dispatcher selects available connections for sending database commands that are ready to be executed against a database, but prevents from being sent, or holds, commands that are not ready to be executed against the database. Commands may be stored at the dispatcher until the database advances to a state that allows the commands to be executed. In another aspect, the dispatcher may use an available connection to send a command to a database instance even though the command is not ready to be executed, as long as at least a threshold number or percentage of connections remains available.
US08438142B2

Systems and methods to generate modified/refined user inputs based on the original user input, such as a search query, are disclosed. The method may be implemented for Roman-based and/or non-Roman based language such as Chinese. The method may generally include receiving an original user input and identifying core terms therein, determining potential alternative inputs by replacing core term(s) in the original input with another term according to a similarity matrix and/or substituting a word sequence in the original input with another word sequence according to an expansion/contraction table where one word sequence is a substring of the other, computing likelihood of each potential alternative input, and selecting most likely alternative inputs according to a predetermined criteria, e.g., likelihood of the alternative input being at least that of the original input. A cache containing pre-computed original user inputs and corresponding alternative inputs may be provided.
US08438140B2

A computer-readable medium includes a report generator configured to process a current version of a data set to generate a report including a data item. The computer-readable medium also includes a report data change tracker configured to identify a change in the data item with respect to a previous version of the data set. The computer-readable medium further includes a report data change presenter configured to superimpose an indication of the change onto the report.
US08438137B2

Techniques for selecting between source and target deduplication include analyzing resource information related to resources available for deduplication, analyzing backup metadata of a backup job containing formation related to backup of data from the source to the target, and selecting between deduplication on the source or the target based on the analyzed resource information and the backup metadata.
US08438136B2

A method, system, and computer-readable storage medium are disclosed for recovering a backup catalog from replicated data. A set of catalog metadata may be stored in a metadata object on a first storage device. The set of catalog metadata may describe a plurality of files stored in an archive. The metadata object and the archive may be copied to a second storage device, thereby generating a replicated metadata object and a replicated archive on the second storage device. The set of catalog metadata may be imported from the replicated metadata object into a destination backup catalog. The destination backup catalog describes the plurality of files stored in the replicated archive.
US08438134B2

A computer-readable recording medium containing a database copying program for making a copy of a database on a remote computer being connected over a network, without causing a delay in replying to an application program. A mirroring unit copies data written on a plurality of local disks onto corresponding remote disks in the same sequence as the data was written. Upon reception of a data writing request, a data writing unit stores the data in a local disk selected as a current disk. When the data stored in the current disk reaches a maximum data capacity, the current disk manager switches the current disk to another local disk. In addition, when the data stored in the current disk reaches the maximum data capacity, an operation information manager stores operation information requesting backup of the data stored in the current disk, in a local disk selected as an operation information storage disk.
US08438130B2

Methods, computer systems, and computer program products for replicating data are provided. Meta-data and data associated with the meta-data are received at a first data server. A new portion of the data that is not already stored on the first data server is identified. The new portion of the data is stored on a second data server before the meta-data is stored on the second data server.
US08438129B1

Described is a system for health prognosis of a component based on the use of a graphical probabilistic model. The model comprises a layer of at least one component node representing the health of a component, a layer of at least one health observation node representing a health observation, and a layer of at least one usage node representing a usage observation. Additionally, the system is configured to collect component failure data, which is used in generating normalized failure histograms. The histograms provide failure densities for component and health observation failures. The system also computes at least one parameter for the model using component and health observation failure densities. A component prognosis is computed based on present observation of system usage and health with a history of past observation using a standard reasoning engine.
US08438127B2

Provided is a mobile terminal including a movement sensor that detects a movement of a user and outputs movement information, acquires information on a building existing at a current location or information on buildings existing in a vicinity of the current location, analyses the movement information output from the movement sensor, and detects a first behavior pattern corresponding to the movement information from multiple first behavior patterns obtained by classifying behaviors performed by the user over a relatively short period of time, and analyses the information on a building or buildings and the first behavior pattern, and detects a second behavior pattern corresponding to the information on a building or buildings and the first behavior pattern from multiple second behavior patterns obtained by classifying behaviors performed by the user over a relatively long period of time.
US08438116B2

Digital cash token protocols employ two pairs of private and public keys. Each public key is certified separately and the protocols do not use any blind signature schemes. As a result, the digital cash token protocols provide strong protection of user privacy by using two certified public keys instead of a blind signature. One pair of certified keys consists of one master user private key and one master user public key. A second pair of certified keys consists of one pseudonym user private key and one pseudonym user public key. The use of a master key pair and a pseudonym key pair circumvents the need for blind signatures. As a result, the proposed protocols do not require blind signatures and do not add additional overhead and security requirements necessitated by conventional blind signature schemes. The protocols use public key protocols and digital signatures and symmetric key protocols, which may be readily implemented in standard information security based systems based on cryptographic constructs. In addition, the protocols may be deployed in mobile, off-line, and on-line settings.
US08438097B2

Systems and methods of trading items on an electronic trading system according to the invention are provided. The embodiments of the invention are based at least in part on a new order type. The new order type is a modification of a conventional good-until-bettered order type. A good-until-bettered bid/offer is received along with instructions that specify a good-until-bettered increment value and/or duration. The good-until-bettered order is maintained in the electronic trading system until a bid/offer that is better by the specified plurality of standard trading increments is received by the electronic trading system and/or remains in the system for the good-until-bettered duration.
US08438095B1

The APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR AN INFLATION-SENSITIVE INDEX AND ASSOCIATED FINANCIAL PRODUCT GENERATOR (“ISIG”) provides facilities for generating and managing inflation-sensitive financial indices and/or the associated portfolios of investment vehicles underlying them, as well as for constructing tradable financial products based on and/or otherwise influenced by the values of those indices. In one embodiment, the ISIG may generate, maintain and/or manage at least three indices and/or financial products based thereon (e.g., such as index-linked exchange traded funds, and/or the like): a long-term inflation index that depends on the long term inflation expectations embedded in the U.S. Government bond market; a long-term TIPS index, that tracks an investment in the longest TIPS in the marketplace, the 30 year TIPS bond, that may roll to on-the-run series according to a predefined roll schedule; and a long-term treasury index that tracks an investment in the longest maturity sector for government bonds with the price transparency and liquidity of a futures contract.
US08438092B2

A computer program product is provided for selecting a recommended investment portfolio based in part on socially responsible considerations. A portfolio of securities is identified for potential inclusion in the recommended investment portfolio. Socially responsible investing (SRI) scores are provided for the identified securities, and the identified securities are ranked relative to each other based on their SRI scores in a computerized ranking engine. A processor receives an entry of initial weightings for each of the identified securities, or data by which initial weightings for each of the identified securities can be objectively calculated; the ranking of the identified securities based on their SRI scores; and an SRI multiplier algorithm that is correlated with the relative ranking. The initial weightings or the data are unadjusted by socially responsible considerations. The processor uses a weighting calculation engine to calculate adjusted weightings for the portfolio of securities using at least the entered items. Securities having higher ranked SRI scores relative to other securities receive greater weightings, and the weightings include non-binary weightings. The processor outputs the adjusted weightings for the portfolio of securities. The adjusted weightings are used to select the recommended investment portfolio based in part on socially responsible considerations.
US08438090B2

Index-linked notes with periodic coupons subject to a triggering event, and accompanying methods, are described herein. In some instances, exemplary notes allow a purchaser to purchase a note and receive periodic coupons returned on the note as long as a triggering event does not occur. Assuming that the triggering event does not occur, the purchaser may receive these coupons until the note reaches maturity. Payment of the periodic coupons may cease, however, when a triggering event (e.g., the purchaser's death) does occur. In addition, the amount of the periodic coupons are tied in some manner to a financial index, such as the Bloomberg index, the S&P 500, or the like.
US08438089B1

A transaction verification system and method may include receiving an interaction record describing communications between parties regarding a transaction event. The interaction record may include interactions having multiple communication formats. Transaction data describing transaction parameters input into a trading system during the transaction even may be compared to the interaction record. A matching score may be calculated that indicates a level of similarity between the interaction record and the transaction data. The matching score may be calculated for multiple of transaction events in an interaction log, and an interaction log score may be calculated.
US08438087B2

A system and method are provided for presenting trading information. One example method includes displaying a plurality of effective trade indicators corresponding to price levels at which effective trades have been initiated, and displaying trading information corresponding to each effective trade. The effective trades can be determined based on user-configured trade definitions. The trading information can include a traded quantity and profit/loss corresponding to each effective trade. In addition to the trading information, current market information could be displayed as well in relation to the plurality of effective trades.
US08438082B2

A consumable supply management system, connected to an image forming apparatus storing an apparatus identification data and using a consumable supply, includes a system controller and a management information storage. The management information storage stores management information including the apparatus identification data and a delivery-completed flag. The system controller includes a remaining amount information recording unit, a search unit, a delivery instruction unit, and an information clearing unit. The remaining amount information recording unit stores the management information to the management information storage when notification of remaining amount of the consumable supply is received. The search unit searches management information. The delivery instruction unit determines to deliver or suspend a delivery of a spare consumable supply in view of information clearing status of the management information and status of the delivery-completed flag. When consumable supply replacement information is received, the information clearing unit clears the management information.
US08438079B1

In general, the subject matter described in this disclosure can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products. A server system receives a request for details regarding a product that a user of a remote computing device selected for purchase from a user interface provided by a third-party application program executable at the remote computing device. The received request specifies the product. The server system uses an indication of the product to identify details that are specific to the product. The server system sends, for receipt by the particular application program, the details. The server system receives, from the particular application program and after sending the details, confirmation to purchase the product, and, in response, sends a charge request to charge the user for the product to a transaction processing system.
US08438076B2

A data processing system is provided for obtaining client's real time pricing information from password protected secure data bases, and sending the client a price comparison report. If the web sites are secure, the system provides real time impersonation of the client in order to gain access to the web site.
US08438075B2

A system and method for conducting electronic business between buyers and sellers is provided. The system and method disclose a means for at least one buyer to request and receive online bids from one or more sellers of a particular product according to a price curve or price schedule. A price schedule or curve for a product defining a product's unit price as a function of the volume of product ordered. Upon receipt of a plurality of bids from sellers, a buyer can then select a seller-supplier based at least in part on the price schedule.
US08438074B2

A computer system that includes a central server that is programmed to store an initialize business rule associated with a vendor and a DNS associated with the vendor. The central server is programmed to receive a first user query for a product or service of the vendor. The central server is programmed to dynamically form a universal code sequence forming a DNA field, having at least fields for a user identity, a transaction scope and a product definition. The central server is programmed to receive, from the vendor a first vendor response based upon execution by the vendor of the initialize business rule and to receive a second user query. The central server is programmed to dynamically add the universal code sequence to form a request DNA. The central server is programmed to dynamically form an offer DNA and determine if the offer DNA matches the request DNA.
US08438071B2

The present invention relates to a system, apparatus and method for facilitating the selection, purchasing and ordering glass products. The apparatus includes a processor which is controlled by software to facilitate a selection process which integrates the comparison of glass products and their properties, as well as, including particular properties of particular components of a glass product. The apparatus can work with a user input device and is programmed to display graphics associated with selections and potential selections for glass products. The system and method providing selection menus for display on a display device and an animation graphic associated with a selection presented to the user. The system, apparatus, and method integrates the glass product selection information, and makes selections for the user, based on the user's previous choices and specified target performances to present to the user potential glass products.
US08438068B2

Seller's reputation quantification technique embodiments are presented that quantify in monetary terms a risk of dissatisfaction to a potential buyer of a product or service from a seller in an on-line consumer market. Generally, this involves computing the monetary sales limit for the seller. This monetary sales limit represents an amount, which if a sum of the current prices of all the products and services currently offered by the seller is equal to or less than the amount, there would not be a significant risk to the buyer of being dissatisfied with the product or service. Given this, a risk of a potential buyer's dissatisfaction with a product or service purchased from the seller in view of a price the buyer wants to pay is assessed. The assessed risk is then provided to the potential buyer in the form of one or more risk indicators.
US08438059B2

A system may present dynamic content to an e-mail recipient in the form of an image implementing frame-sequence animation. Each frame may present an offer to the recipient. Upon selection of an offer, the system may determine which offer the recipient selected by determining which frame was displayed when the recipient responded. The e-mail may include an image URI specifying a frame-sequence animation image. The image URI may include an identifier, which may allow the system to determine when the recipient opened the e-mail message, and a link URI, which may also include the identifier. When the recipient indicates a response to an offer, the system may associate the link URI with the image URI and may determine to which offer the recipient was responding.
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