US08445141B2
The present invention relates to a sulfonic acid group-containing polymer excellent in ion conductivity and durability, a method for producing the same, a resin composition containing the sulfonic acid group-containing polymer, a polymer electrolyte membrane, a polymer electrolyte membrane/electrode assembly, and a fuel cell. The sulfonic acid group-containing polymer of the present invention, in a first embodiment, includes a constituent represented by the following chemical formula 1: wherein X represents hydrogen or a monovalent cation species; Y represents a sulfone group or a ketone group; and n represents an arbitrary integer not less than 2.
US08445140B2
Solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) comprising at least one electrolyte salt and at least one linear triblock copolymer A-B-A, in which: the blocks A are polymers that may be prepared from one or more monomers chosen from styrene, o-methylstyrene, p-methylstyrene, m-t-butoxystyrene, 2,4-dimethylstyrene, m-chlorostyrene, p-chlorostyrene, 4-carboxystyrene, vinylanisole, vinylbenzoic acid, vinylaniline, vinylnaphthalene, 9-vinylanthracene, 1 to 10C alkyl methacrylates, 4-chloromethylstyrene, divinylbenzene, trimethylolpropane triacrylate, tetramethylolpropane tetraacrylate, 1 to 10C alkyl acrylates, acrylic acid and methacrylic acid; the block B is a polymer that may be prepared from one or more monomers chosen from ethylene oxide (EO), propylene oxide (PO), poly(ethylene glycol) acrylates (PEGA) and poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylates (PEGMA). Rechargeable battery cell or accumulator comprising an anode and a cathode between which is intercalated the said solid polymer electrolyte.
US08445139B2
The disclosure relates to bipolar cells including electrodes surrounding a collector. Embodiments of the bipolar cells include a collector containing a high-polymer material. The disclosure also relates to bipolar electrode batteries containing bipolar cells including a collector body containing electrically conductive high-polymer or electrically conductive particles distributed in a high-polymer. By adding such high molecular weight polymer material to the collector, the weight of the collector may be reduced and the output power density per weight of the battery may be improved. The disclosure further relates to methods of forming collecting bodies and electrodes for bipolar cells using an inkjet printing method. Bipolar cells according to the present invention may be used to fabricate batteries such as lithium ion batteries, which may be connected to form battery modules used, for example, to provide electrical power for a motor vehicle.
US08445133B2
An electrode for a charge storage device and a method for forming the electrode. The electrode comprises an electrode body having an essentially continuous phase of an active material, an essentially continuous phase of an electroconductive material, and an essentially continuous phase of void space. The active material is oxidized by applying a potential to the electrode body in the charge storage device so as to transform the active material to an oxide species thereof. The resulting oxide species of the active material has a higher active surface area than the active material prior to the oxidizing.
US08445132B2
A manufacturing method for a battery is provided in the present invention. The manufacturing method includes the steps of: S1 rolling up a positive-electrode structure by a carbon rod; S2 rolling up a separation structure; S3 rolling up a negative-electrode structure; and S4 inserting the carbon rod with the positive-electrode structure, the separation structure and the negative-electrode structure into a paper tube. At least one of the positive-electrode structure and the negative-electrode structure contains chlorophyll. Thus not only is the manufacturing method of the battery simple, and economical, but also natural, non-toxic substances are employed, unlike the conventional batteries, the battery of the present invention will not cause environmental pollution even when discarding after being used.
US08445131B2
A holder case for secondary battery having an improved longitudinal compression property and a lithium secondary battery using the same in which a case for secondary battery includes a case body and a first rib. The case body includes first and second long-side walls opposite to each other, first and second short-side walls, a bottom wall connected to one end portions of the two long-side walls and the two short-side walls, and an opening positioned at the other end portions of the two long-side walls and the two short-side walls while being opposite to the bottom wall. The first rib is disposed on the case body and extends from a middle portion of the first long-side wall to a middle portion of the second long-side wall via the second short-side wall.
US08445125B2
A pouch type battery, including a pouch type bare cell having a terrace and having an electrode tab adjacent to the terrace, the terrace being an empty space defined where a sealing area of the electrode tab is not bent, the sealing area positioned in a direction in which the electrode tab extends, a protective circuit board electrically connected to the electrode tab, the protective circuit board positioned in the terrace and including a protection circuit, an upper case supporting the protective circuit board and encasing an upper portion of the bare cell, and a first barrier protruding downwardly from the upper case and electrically separating the protective circuit board from the electrode tab.
US08445117B2
The present invention discloses corrosion and wear-resistant claddings comprising hard particles and an alloying addition dispersed in a nickel-based alloy matrix. The alloying addition comprises at least one of molybdenum or copper. The cladding does not include cobalt-bonded tungsten carbide particles.
US08445115B2
A method of processing a brazed article includes forming a braze joint with an aluminum component comprising a nano-grained aluminum alloy.
US08445114B2
The invention provides a method and system for electrolytically coating an article. The method includes providing an article to be coated and disposing the article in an electrolytic cell. The cell includes an anode, a cathode in operable communication with the article, and an electrolyte bath. During electrolysis, the electrolyte bath comprises cobalt ions, phosphorous acid, and tribological particles selected from the group consisting of refractory materials, solid lubricants and mixtures thereof dispersed therein. The method further includes applying steady direct electric current through the anode, the electrolyte bath and the cathode to coat the article with cobalt, phosphorous and the tribological particles. An improved composition of matter is also provided that may be used as a coating, or the composition may be electroformed on a mandrel to form an article made from the composition of matter.
US08445113B2
When a polymer blend of an NBR and an alkylene oxide-polymerized polymer is used as the electro-conductive elastic layer of an electro-conductive member for electrophotography, a change in shape of the electro-conductive member occurs owing to its expansion due to water absorption, thereby causing image unevenness in some cases. In addition, when the ratio at which the alkylene oxide-polymerized polymer is blended is reduced for suppressing the shape change due to water absorption, image unevenness resulting from the insufficiency of electro-conductivity occurs in some cases. When an electro-conductive member for electrophotography having an electro-conductive elastic layer containing an NBR to which a specific alkylene oxide oligomer is graft-bonded is used, high ionic electro-conductivity is obtained and a change in its shape due to water absorption is reduced.
US08445107B2
Process for production of multicomponent moldings, which comprises producing a molding of which at least one layer is composed of a thermoplastic molding composition composed of A) from 10 to 99.99% by weight of at least one thermoplastic polyester, B) from 0.01 to 50% by weight of B1) at least one highly branched or hyperbranched polycarbonate having an OH number of from 1 to 600 mg KOH/g of polycarbonate (to DIN 53240, Part 2), or B2) at least one highly branched or hyperbranched polyester of AxBy type, where x is at least 1.1 and y is at least 2.1, or a mixture of these, and C) from 0 to 60% by weight of other additives, where the total of the percentages by weight of components A) to C) is 100%.
US08445091B2
An optical disc having at least two metal-containing layers with different compositions and partially overlapping areal extents in the plane of the disc and method of forming the disc are described. The optical disc with dual metallization exhibits visually distinct regions suitable for use for identification purposes.
US08445084B2
An article made of one-way glass is disclosed. The reflective surface of the one-way glass faces inwardly of the article. The article is free of internal or external ornamentation or opaque elements and is illuminated by external light sources reflected within the article by the reflective surface.
US08445082B2
An article in the form of a paper substrate having a first surface and a second surface; an internal paper sizing agent present in an amount sufficient to impart to the paper substrate an HST value of from about 50 to about 250 seconds; one or more optical brightening agents present in an amount below a “green over” effect excess but sufficient to impart an ISO Brightness value of at least about 92; and a metal salt drying agent mixture of multivalent and monovalent metal drying salts in a molar ratio of multivalent to monovalent cations of from about 3:1 to about 1:18 to provide a percent ink transferred (“IT %”) value equal to or less than about 65% and a black print density value of at least about 1.45. Also, a method for treating the optically brightened paper substrate with a mixture of multivalent and monovalent metal drying salts.
US08445081B2
A polarizing plate protective film comprising a cellulose ester, and a saccharide ester compound in which all or a part of OH groups in Compound (A) or in Compound (B) are esterified, wherein Compound (A) consists of one of a furanose structure and a pyranose structure, and Compound (B) consists of two to twelve of at least one type of a furanose structure and a pyranose structure which are bonded in Compound (B); wherein the polarizing plate protective film exhibits Ro of 0-10 nm and Rt of −30 to +20 nm.
US08445079B2
An object of the present invention is to provide an optical film exhibiting a preferable wavelength dispersion and capable of being formed comparatively thinly.The present invention is an optical film containing the repeating unit represented by the following general formula (II).In the formula (II), A, A′, B, and B′ each denote a substituent, a, a′, b, and b′ denote the number of substituents of the corresponding A, A′, B, and B′. A, A′, B and B′ each independently denote a halogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. R1 and R2 denote a halogen, an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and the like. X denotes —CO—, —SO2—, and the like.
US08445075B2
Methods of processing films on substrates are provided. In one aspect, the methods comprise treating a patterned low dielectric constant film after a photoresist is removed from the film by depositing a thin layer comprising silicon, carbon, and optionally oxygen and/or nitrogen on the film. The thin layer provides a carbon-rich, hydrophobic surface for the patterned low dielectric constant film. The thin layer also protects the low dielectric constant film from subsequent wet cleaning processes and penetration by precursors for layers that are subsequently deposited on the low dielectric constant film.
US08445068B2
A method for coating a dispersion slurry containing a solid SAP dispersed in a dispersion medium on a surface of a substrate sheet are provided. The method is characterized in that a first region and a second region are formed on the surface of the substrate sheet with a convex-and-concave pattern wherein the first region have the coating layer in thicker thickness and the second region have the coating layer in thinner thickness or does not scarcely have the coating layer, by means of positioning the rotating pattern roll over the substrate sheet via the cover film, of supplying the dispersion slurry between the substrate sheet and the cover film while rotating the rotating pattern roll, and of pushing the coating layer with the rotating pattern roll via the cover film, when the coating layer of the dispersion slurry is formed.
US08445064B2
A composition for a light emitting body-polymer composite, the composition including a light emitting body; and a cross-linkable composition including a monomer represented by Chemical Formula 1. A light emitting body-polymer composite prepared by cross-linking the composition and a light emitting device including the light emitting body-polymer composite are also provided.
US08445061B2
A method of making an article having a substrate and a material applied thereto includes providing a metered fluid dispensing system having a supply of fluid to be dispensed, an output device having at least one dispensing nozzle, at least two pumps for pumping fluid from the supply to the at least one dispensing nozzle. The pumps are in close proximity to the dispensing nozzle. Output supply passageways interconnect the pumps and the dispensing nozzle, and flow control elements selectively control the passage of the fluid from the pumps to the nozzle. The substrate is conveyed past the fluid dispensing system in a machine direction and fluid is applied to the substrate in a plurality of segments. Each segment has a volume per unit length and is applied in a length in the machine direction to define a pattern. The pattern includes at least some areas in which the fluid is present at a first volume as applied from one of the pumps and at least some areas in which fluid is present at a second volume that is greater than the first volume, as applied from both of the pumps.
US08445060B2
A process for manufacturing decorative papers and/or panels for flooring or surfacing of furniture, wall, finish foils, filter papers or kraft papers for low and high pressure use etc., in which a substantially dry solid composition is prepared in powder form, having a polymer component containing aminopiasts (amino resins) and/or phenoplasts (phenolic resins) and/or mixtures in powder form, used as such and/or mixed with additives; the composition is then applied dry on a support in powder form and is heated after being deposited onto the support to melt the composition and form a coating polymer layer onto the support; the composition may instead be heated first to be molten before and then applied in a fluid form onto the support.
US08445050B2
One aspect of the present invention is concerned with a composition comprising caramelised carbohydrate, which composition, when dissolved in water at a dry solids content of 0.1 wt. %, exhibits: i. an absorption at 280 nm (A280) that exceeds 0.01, preferably exceeds 0.05, more preferably exceeds 0.1 and most preferably exceeds 0.3; and ii. an absorption ratio A280/560 of at least 200, preferably of at least 250. Other aspects of the invention relate to a method of manufacturing a beverage or foodstuff that is resistant to light induced flavor changes, said method comprising introducing into said beverage or foodstuff a composition as defined above; and to a process for the manufacture of said composition.
US08445048B2
The invention relates to a method for producing vegetable products from blanched vegetables, comprising: par frying the blanched vegetables at a par frying temperature and next applying heat and humidity for drying the vegetables.
US08445044B2
The invention provides a food and water thickener and a method for preparing the food and water thickener. The food thickener comprises pretreated mineral water, xanthan, food preservative, a first antimicrobial and chelating agent, and a sequestering agent, wherein the food thickener has a density of between 750 and 1250 grams per liter. The method for producing the thickener incorporates pretreatment of mineral water and xanthan, and specific heating steps. Also provided is method for producing thickened alcoholic beverages. The invention further provides a method for invoking a swallow response in dysphagic patients, the method comprising increasing the mass of food to between 750 mg per liter and 1500 mg per liter; and orally administering the food to dysphagic patients.
US08445039B2
The present invention relates to an antioxidant cosmetic composition, and more particularly to an antioxidant cosmetic composition containing, as an active ingredient, either an extract of at least one of peony, Polygonati rhizoma and lily, processed using a medicinal herb processing technique, or a mixture of said extract and an extract of at least one of unprocessed peony, Polygonati rhizoma and lily.
US08445032B2
A melt-processed protein composition formed from a protein, plasticizer, and an electrophilic reagent is provided. The electrophilic reagent, for instance, may be selected to undergo a nucleophilic addition reaction with free sulfhydryl and/or thiyl radicals to help minimize the formation of disulfide crosslinking bonds that could otherwise lead to protein aggregation during melt processing. To enhance the degree to which the electrophilic reagent can limit crosslinking, a plasticizer is also employed that helps to mediate the adsorption of the electrophilic reagent into the internal structure of the protein, where it can be more stably retained. Furthermore, the temperature and shear rate employed during melt blending may also be selected to be relatively low to help limit polypeptide dissociation, thereby minimizing the impact of aggregation and embrittlement.
US08445029B2
The present invention describes a balanced aqueous electrolyte solution. In particular, a balanced aqueous electrolyte solution that is particularly suitable as a solution for intravenous and subcutaneous infusion because of its being plasma-adapted is described. In addition to the balanced electrolyte solution itself, an electrolyte mixture as well as a process for preparing the balanced electrolyte solution from this mixture, and a medicament comprising the solution and optionally an active ingredient are provided.
US08445025B2
Disclosed are the nanoparticle and the method for the same, and the preparing method includes steps of mixing polyethylenimine (PEI) with the poly(acrylic acid)-bound iron oxide (PAAIO) to form a PEI-PAAIO polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) and mixing the PEI-PAAIO PEC with genetic material such as plasmid DNA to form the PEI-PAAIO/pDNA magnetic nanoparticle. The PEI-PAAIO/pDNA magnetoplex is highly water dispersible and suitable for long term storage, shows superparamagnetism, low cytotoxicity, high stability and nice transfection efficiency, and thus the PEI-PAAIO PEC can replace PEI as a non-viral gene vector.
US08445024B2
The present invention relates to preparations comprising at least one low molecular weight substance and at least one hyperbranched polymer, wherein the hyperbranched polymer comprises a hydrophilic core having polyester units and hydrophobic end groups, said hyperbranched polymer having a molecular weight greater than or equal to 6000 g/mol and a hydroxyl number in the range from 0 to 200 mg KOH/g, the degree of branching being in the range from 20 to 70%, and said hyperbranched polymer having a melting point of at least 30° C.
US08445022B2
Embolization, as well as related particles, compositions, and methods, are disclosed.
US08445001B2
The present invention relates to a protective peptide of Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) or a functionally active variant thereof; a composition comprising at least two of such peptides or variants; one or more nucleic acid(s) encoding such peptide or variant; a pharmaceutical composition comprising such peptide or variant, composition, or nucleic acid(s); a method of producing an antibody using such peptide or variant or composition; the use of such peptide or variant and/or composition and/or nucleic acid(s) for the manufacture of a medicament; a method of diagnosing a S. pneumoniae infection using such peptide or variant, composition or a primer and/or probe specific for the nucleic acid(s); a method for identifying a ligand capable of binding to such peptide or variant; and the use of such peptide or variant for the isolation, purification and/or identification of an interaction partner of the peptide.
US08444995B2
Provided is a polypeptide having no more than 100 amino acids, which polypeptide comprises one or more sequences having at least 60% homology with any of SEQ ID 1-6, or comprises two or more epitopes having 7 amino acids or more, each epitope having at least 60% homology with a sub-sequence of any of SEQ ID 1-6 that has the same length as the epitope: SEQ ID 1 DLEALMEWLKTRPILSPLTKGILGFVFTLTVP SEQ ID 2 LLYCLMVMYLNPGNYSMQVKLGTLCALCEKQASHS SEQ ID 3 DLIFLARSALILRGSVAHKSC SEQ ID 4 PGIADIEDLTLLARSMVVVRP SEQ ID 5 LLIDGTASLSPGMMMGMFNMLSTVLGVSILNLGQ SEQ ID 6 IIGILHLILWILDRLFFKCIYRLF wherein, the polypeptide is immunogenic in a vertebrate expressing a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) allele, and wherein the polypeptide is not a complete influenza virus protein.
US08444990B2
Anti-Her2 antibodies which induce apoptosis in Her2 expressing cells are disclosed. The antibodies are used to “tag” Her2 overexpressing tumors for elimination by the host immune system. Also disclosed are hybridoma cell lines producing the antibodies, methods for treating cancer using the antibodies, and pharmaceutical compositions.
US08444983B2
The present invention provides antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof that specifically bind the ENDO180 polypeptide and are internalized thereby, to conjugates comprising the molecules, to compositions comprising the antibodies and conjugates and to methods of using the same for delivery of therapeutic agents to cells that express the ENDO180 polypeptide on the surface of the cell for treating cell proliferative diseases or disorders and fibrosis, and for controlling (modulating) tumor progression.
US08444978B2
The present invention relates to biological and medical applications of an anti-CD160 monoclonal antibody (CL1-R2 CNCM I-3204) and of the conservative equivalents thereof. It more particularly relates to the applications of these anti-CD160 compounds in the fields of EC angiogenesis, and NK and T cytokine production.
US08444974B2
Described is the use of antibodies which are directed against human cellular membrane antigens for the vaccination against cancer diseases.
US08444969B2
Compositions and methods for preparing neutrophil-depleted platelet rich plasma are provided. Generally, these compositions comprise a higher concentration of platelets and depressed concentrations of neutrophils relative to whole blood although white blood cells may be at higher concentrations than whole blood. The concentrations of the platelets and/or the white blood cells may be two to eight times the respective concentrations in whole blood. These compositions may have depressed concentrations of red blood cells and hemoglobin. In some variations, the compositions may be useful to treat damaged connective tissue and/or to slow or stop cardiac apoptosis after a heart attack. The neutrophil-depleted platelet rich plasma composition may be delivered in conjunction with reperfusion therapy.
US08444968B2
The present application discloses methods for repairing hyaline cartilage defects. The methods comprise a combination of introducing autologous bone mesenchymal stem cells to a joint, and applying to the joint a membrane comprising a polyester entangled with a polysaccharide. In some aspects, the bone mesenchymal stem cells are mesenchymal stem cells originating in bone underlying the joint. In these aspects, contact between the joint and the mesenchymal stem cells can be effected by introducing apertures through the bone using standard surgical techniques such as microfracture, abrasion, or drilling. Cartilage which forms in response to application of these methods is hyaline cartilage rather than fibrocartilage.
US08444965B2
The present invention relates to tumor cell-based vaccines and methods of using same, wherein the vaccines are based on naturally immune privileged tumor cells that have been genetically modified to express MHC-II restricted peptides derived from endogenously encoded tumor antigens, activate CD4+ T-lymphocytes, provide an array of antigens to which the host is not tolerized and/or induce immunity against the originating tumor cells as well as against metastatic tumor cells.
US08444959B2
Disclosed is a topical skin composition and corresponding methods for its use that includes a first MMP-1 inhibitor, wherein said first inhibitor is an extract from Burretiodendron hsienmu, a second MMP-1 inhibitor, wherein said second inhibitor is an extract from Bauhinia brachycarpa var. cavaleriei, and a third MMP-1 inhibitor, wherein said third inhibitor is an extract from Tetracentron sinense.
US08444954B2
New and improved compounds for use in diagnostic imaging or therapy having the formula M-N—O—P-G, wherein M is a metal chelator having the structure: wherein R1-R5 and FG are as defined herein (in the form complexed with a metal radionuclide or not), N—O—P is the linker containing at least one non-alpha amino acid with a cyclic group, at least one substituted bile acid or at least one non-alpha amino acid, and G is the GRP receptor targeting peptide. In the preferred embodiment, M is an Aazta metal chelator or a derivative thereof. Methods for imaging a patient and/or providing radiotherapy or phototherapy to a patient using the compounds of the invention are also provided. Methods and kits for preparing a diagnostic imaging agent from the compound is further provided. Methods and kits for preparing a radiotherapeutic agent are further provided.
US08444950B2
A method for forming polymer carbon nanotube composites, the method comprising: contacting carbon nanotubes with ozone to functionalize the sidewalls of the carbon nanotubes with at least one oxygen moiety; and reacting the functionalized carbon nanotubes with at least one monomer or at least one polymer or copolymer to attach polymer chains to the sidewalls of the carbon nanotubes.
US08444947B2
The present disclosure provides a method for making a carbon nanotube wire structure. A plurality of carbon nanotube arrays is provided. One carbon nanotube film is formed by drawing a number of carbon nanotubes from each of the plurality of carbon nanotube arrays, whereby a plurality of carbon nanotube films is formed. The carbon nanotube films converge at one spot. The carbon nanotube wire structure is formed by treating the carbon nanotube films by at least one of a mechanical method and an organic solvent method.
US08444942B2
The present invention provides for process for inhibiting the levels of nitrogen oxides in process gas streams from sulfuric acid regeneration and sulfuric acid production plants. Partial oxidation of the nitrogen oxides is achieved by feeding a sub stoichiometric amount of ozone as to nitrogen oxides to the process gas stream.
US08444931B2
An apparatus for the heat treatment of a product, especially a food product such as a food product contained within a hermetically sealed container or pouch of plastics or like material, for example for sterilization, pasteurization or cooking, having a heating unit to bring product from ambient towards a heat treatment temperature and pressure; a retort unit to apply a heat treatment to a product; and a cooling unit to allow product to be brought down from heat treatment temperature and pressure towards ambient; wherein each unit and retort is selectably sealable from the others and from ambient conditions.
US08444925B2
A lignocellulosic biomass saccharification pre-treatment device for easily recovering ammonia water to be used in a pre-treatment for saccharification of a lignocellulosic biomass and recycle use. The device has a mixing unit 2 mixing lignocellulosic biomass and ammonia, a heating unit 3 heating the mixture, a separation unit 4 separating ammonia gas from the mixture to obtain a biomass-water mixture, and a transfer unit 6 transferring the biomass-water mixture to a later process. An ammonia water supply unit 8 supplies ammonia water to the mixing means 2. An ammonia recovery unit 20 recovers ammonia gas as ammonia water. A heat-of-dissolution recovery unit 24 recovers heat-of-dissolution generated when ammonia gas is dissolved in water. A heat pump unit 30 generates heat to be supplied to the heating unit 3 using at least the heat-of-dissolution as a heat source.
US08444919B2
A method for disinfecting a volume or surfaces bounding a volume comprising nebulizing a solution comprising a sterilizing agent in a solvent having a lower boiling point than the sterilizing agent to form a nebulant. The nebulant is subjected to energy of a kind and for a duration sufficient to vaporize solvent in preference to sterilizing agent to increase the concentration of the agent in the nebulant particles. Vaporized solvent is removed from the gas stream at or above atmospheric pressure and, if necessary, the nebulant is cooled to below 70° C. The volume or surfaces are exposed to the nebulant for a time sufficient to sterilize said volume or surfaces. Also, apparatus for carrying out the method.
US08444916B2
The stainless steel of the first embodiment includes C: 0.001 to 0.02%, N: 0.001 to 0.02%, Si: 0.01 to 0.5%, Mn: 0.05 to 0.5%, P: 0.04% or less, S: 0.01% or less, Ni: more than 3% to 5%, Cr: 11 to 26%, and either one or both of Ti: 0.01 to 0.5% and Nb: 0.02 to 0.6%, and contains as the remainder, Fe and unavoidable impurities. The stainless steel of the second embodiment has an alloy composition different from those of the first and third embodiments and satisfies the formula (A): Cr+3Mo+6Ni≧23 and formula (B): Al/Nb≧10 and contains as the remainder, Fe and unavoidable impurities. The stainless steel of the third embodiment has an alloy composition different from those of the first and second embodiments and includes either one or both of Sn: 0.005 to 2% and Sb: 0.005 to 1% and contains as the remainder, Fe and unavoidable impurities.
US08444911B2
A system for applying tension to a component for use in molten metal processing. Preferably, the component includes an outer core and at least one tension rod positioned partially within the outer core. The component is preferably elongated, such as a support post or an impeller shaft. The tension rod applies compression to the outer cover, which makes the outer cover more resistant to breakage if it strikes, or is stricken by, an object.
US08444910B2
Apparatus for operating a shaft furnace, whereby an upper section of the shaft furnace is charged with raw materials which due to gravity descend inside the furnace while the atmosphere prevailing within the shaft furnace causes part of the raw materials to melt and/or to be reduced, and in a lower section of the shaft furnace a process gas is injected so as to at least partly modify the atmosphere prevailing in the shaft furnace. The pressure and/or volume flow of the injected process gas is dynamically modulated within a time span of 40 s. Also, a shaft furnace operable by said method, thus achieving improved through-gassing.
US08444908B2
The present invention relates to an injection-stretch blow molding process (ISBM) for the manufacture of an impact-resistant container with good optical properties from a polyolefin composition comprising a polypropylene and a polyethylene produced with a metallocene-based catalyst.
US08444904B2
A resin gear comprises a rim in an outer peripheral part of a plate, teeth provided on an outer periphery of the rim, a boss provided in a central part of the plate, and a circular rib between the boss and the rim. The resin gear is manufacturable by injection molding that a molten material is injected into a cavity through a plurality of gates arranged at almost equally spaced intervals circumferentially on a forming portion for the circular rib in a direction perpendicular to a side of the plate. The resin gear includes a plurality of inner thin-wall portions on the plate between the circular rib and the boss and a plurality of outer thin-wall portions on the plate between the circular rib and the rim, each of the inner thin-wall portions and the outer thin-wall portions being symmetrically shaped with respect to the radial line passing through each gate corresponding point.
US08444903B2
A method of fabricating a three-dimensional printed part includes injecting a powder layer with an aqueous solution and curing the powder layer by depositing an acid gas on the powder layer to form a rigid structure.
US08444898B2
A robust process for the continuous preparation of solutions of high molecular weight UHMW PO that is capable of producing strong materials at high production capacity, is conservative of capital and energy requirements, and the articles made therefrom.
US08444895B2
Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs. The fibers and fibrous articles have further applications in flushable personal care and cleaning products, disposable protective outerwear, and laminating binders.
US08444883B2
A method for preparing a cathode active material for a lithium secondary battery is provided. The preparing method includes: adding a phosphorus compound to a transition metal oxide dispersion liquid to prepare a coating liquid; drying the coating liquid to prepare a powder including phosphorus oxide coated on the surface of the transition metal oxide; and dry-mixing the powder coated with the phosphorus oxide with a lithium intercalation compound, and then firing the mixture to form a solid solution compound of L1-M1-M2-P—O (where M1 is a transition metal derived from transition metal oxide, and M2 is a metal derived from lithium intercalation compound) on the surface of the lithium intercalation compound. The method for preparing a cathode active material for a lithium secondary battery simplifies the conventional preparing process to save process cost, and it provides comparable electrochemical characteristics to a cathode active material obtained from a wet process.
US08444878B2
SubjectThe subject is to provide a liquid crystal composition that satisfies at least one of characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, a small viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a large dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and a high stability to heat, or that is suitably balanced regarding two or more characteristics. The subject is to provide an AM device that has a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth.Means for Solving the SubjectThe invention provides a liquid crystal composition that has a nematic phase and includes a specific four-ring compound having a high maximum temperature as a first component, a compound having a specific bonding group and a large dielectric anisotropy as a second component, and a specific two-ring compound having a small viscosity as a third component, and provides a liquid crystal display device containing the composition.
US08444874B2
Disclosed are methods of transferring heat to or from a fluid or body comprising causing heat to be transferred to or from a composition comprising at least trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluorpropene.
US08444872B2
Disclosed is a magnetic material having high Hc and High Curie point, which is capable of controlling such magnetic characteristics without requiring rare or expensive raw materials. Specifically disclosed is a magnetic material composed of particles of a magnetic iron oxide which is represented by the following general formula: ε-AxByFe2−x−yO3 or ε-AxByCzFe2−x−y−zO3 (wherein A, B and C each represents a metal excluding Fe and different from each other, satisfying 0
US08444858B2
There is provided a method of inhibiting the development of a biofilm adjacent a surface, the method comprising intermittently applying a biofilm inhibiting substance to a collection of microorganisms having biofilm developing potential. Other embodiments are also described.
US08444856B2
A high performance liquid chromatography method to routinely and reproducibly detect and quantitate metal complexes is provided. The metal complexes used in the method of the invention can be different metal complexes, or they can be stereoisomers of the same metal complexes. The high performance liquid chromatography method of the present invention is suitable for the separation of diastereomers of the same metal complexes. Also provided is a chiral high performance liquid chromatography method to separate enantiomers of metal complexes. Superoxide dismutase mimetic compounds are also provided.
US08444855B2
A method for removing contaminants from a fluid-material comprising: providing at least one substrate comprising a three-dimensional knit in an initial configuration made of knitted polymeric fiber which substantially resumes the initial configuration after it is released from stretching or compressing force; and submerging said at least one substrate in a fluidic material for treatment of the fluidic material.
US08444846B2
A method of producing hydrogen from sodium hydroxide and water is disclosed. The method comprises separating sodium from a first aqueous sodium hydroxide stream in a sodium ion separator, feeding the sodium produced in the sodium ion separator to a sodium reactor, reacting the sodium in the sodium reactor with water, and producing a second aqueous sodium hydroxide stream and hydrogen. The method may also comprise reusing the second aqueous sodium hydroxide stream by combining the second aqueous sodium hydroxide stream with the first aqueous sodium hydroxide stream. A system of producing hydrogen is also disclosed.
US08444845B2
A process for producing a fuel, which comprises the step of performing electrolysis on an alcoholic solution or a melt of a fatty acid or salt thereof or fatty acid ester or other derivative or precursor thereof, to decarboxylate said fatty acid or derivative, and produce a mixture of an ether and an alkene.
US08444841B2
A partial plating method capable of applying fine hard gold plating, a laser plating device capable of applying partial plating to a minute region with high positional precision, and a plated member. The partial plating method comprising plating a region to be plated by projecting a laser beam having a wavelength of 330 nm or more and 450 nm or less. A laser plating device comprises a plating tank, a laser oscillator for emitting a laser beam, a conveying device for conveying a member to be plated, a photoelectronic sensor for detecting the position of a positioning hole of the member to be plated, and a galvanometer scanner having a galvanometer mirror capable of scanning the laser beam. The plated member is applied with fine spot plating by the laser plating device.
US08444835B2
An electronic fluidic interface for use with an electronic sensing chip is provided. The electronic fluidic interface provides fluidic reagents to the surface of a sensor chip. The electronic sensing chip typically houses an array of electronic sensors capable of collecting data in a parallel manner. The electronic fluidic interface is used, for example, as part of a system that drives the chip and collects, stores, analyzes, and displays data from the chip and as part of a system for testing chips after manufacture. The electronic fluidic interface is useful, for example, nucleic sequencing applications.
US08444828B2
A pyrolyzer and method is provided for devolatizing coal and other volatile materials. The pyrolyzer has a pyrolyzer furnace housing having at least two screws laterally positioned adjacent and overlapping rotatably mounted within the furnace for moving volatile material through the pyrolyzer furnace housing. The screws have hollow drive shafts with a diverter inside for converging heated fluid to heat the volatile material moving through the pyrolyzer furnace housing. A combustion chamber combusts fuel to create heated exhaust gas for directing through the hollow drive shafts to heat the volatile material. The pyrolyzer furnace housing may have a double wall with a cavity between, capable of receiving heated fluid for further heating of volatile material moving through the pyrolyzer furnace housing.
US08444826B2
A flat woven industrial filtration fabric comprises three layers of weft yarns. A first set of warp yarns interweaves only with paper side layer weft yarns and intermediate weft yarns, and a second set of warp yarns interweaves only with machine side layer weft yarns and the intermediate yarns, the first warp yarns and the second warp yarns interweaving with the same intermediate weft yarns at common turning points. The first warp yarns comprise groups of intrinsic binder yarns forming a single combined path on the paper side surface, and the second warp yarns are woven as individual yarns or in groups, such as pairs or triplets. The distinct nature of the paper side and machine side layers increases the available combinations of weave patterns to optimize the characteristics for each layer, and the distinct centre planes between the three layers provide improved drainage control.
US08444819B2
There are disclosed cationic crosslinked waxy starch products having a Brookfield viscosity of about 700 cps to about 2500 cps and a method for preparing the starch products. Also disclosed is the use of the cationic crosslinked waxy starch products having a Brookfield viscosity of about 700 cps to about 2500 cps in the production of paper products.
US08444818B2
Stable and aqueous compositions of polyvinylamines with cationic starch, and utility for papermaking
A stable aqueous composition comprising polyvinylamine and liquid cationic starch in a ratio of from 90 to 55 parts of polyvinylamine on active basis to 10 to 45 parts of liquid cationic starch on active basis is disclosed. The composition can be used in papermaking as a strength or as a drainage aid.
US08444816B2
The present invention relates to thermoplastic and polyareneazole pulp for use as reinforcement material in products including for example fluid sealing materials, as a processing aid including its use as a thixotrope, and as a filter material. The pulp comprises (a) irregularly shaped, thermoplastic fiber fibrous structures, (b) irregularly shaped, polyareneazole fibrous structures and (c) water, whereby thermoplastic fiber fibrils and/or stalks are substantially entangled with polyareneazole fibrils and/or stalks. The invention further relates to processes for making such thermoplastic and polyareneazole pulp.
US08444809B2
A method for heating a chip slurry in a pulping system including an impregnation vessel and a chemical digesting vessel, the method including: impregnating chips in the impregnation vessel with a liquor; transporting the chips from the impregnation vessel to an upper elevation of the digester vessel; extracting liquor from a lower elevation of the digester vessel, wherein the extracted liquor has a temperature substantially higher than a temperature of the chips being transported to the upper elevation of the digester vessel, and adding extracted liquor from the lower elevation of the digester vessel to the chips being transported from the impregnation vessel to the digester vessel.
US08444795B2
Provided is a pneumatic tire manufacturing method capable of improving the productivity of pneumatic tires each having surface fasteners in its tire inner surface, and of avoiding manufacturing a pneumatic tire having a deteriorated uniformity, as well as of preventing engagement elements of each surface fastener from being crushed. Also, provided is a pneumatic tire manufactured by the pneumatic tire manufacturing method. The pneumatic tire manufacturing method according to the present invention includes the steps of, in making a green tire having two-side fasteners in its tire inner surface in its tire circumferential direction, each two-side fastener including an engagement element group on both sides: covering the engagement element groups on first sides of the two-side fasteners with a protective rubber layer made of an uncured rubber; making a cylindrical first formed body on a making drum, with the two-side fasteners covered with the protective rubber layer being intermittently attached to an inner circumferential surface of the first forming body in a circumferential direction thereof with the engagement element groups on second sides of the two-side fasteners being interposed in between; bonding the first formed body to an inner circumference of an annular second formed body by compression through expanding the first formed body into a toroidal shape, and thereby making the green tire; and curing the green tire inside a mold of a curing machine while pressing the green tire from its inside by a bladder.
US08444794B2
An automatic core joiner and cutter apparatus for use in the recycling of used cores and the manufacture of new conjoined cores is disclosed. The apparatus combines an infeed unit, a milling unit, and an outfeed unit, all controlled by a PC. The infeed unit includes at least two infeed rollers for supporting a used core member. An infeed pusher bar moves these core member into and out of contact with the milling unit. The outfeed unit includes at least two rollers for supporting a core remnant. An outfeed pusher bar moves the core remnant into and out of contact with the milling unit. The milling unit, positioned between the infeed and outfeed unit includes an infeed cutter and an infeed milling bit, an outfeed cutter and an outfeed milling bit. The infeed cutter removes the damaged end of the used core and the outfeed cutter removes the damaged end of a core remnant. The used core is milled by the infeed milling bit and the core remnant is milled by the outfeed milling bit. A glue applicator applies glue to at least one of the milled surfaces and the milled surfaces are mated together to produce a new conjoined core. The infeed cutting and milling operations and the outfeed cutting and milling operations are controlled by the controller and performed at the same time.
US08444790B2
An intumescent fire protection barrier in the form of an adhesive sheet or continuous roll of tape. The barrier comprises laminated layers of an intumescent material, a reinforcing matrix, a pressure sensitive adhesive and a release liner. The intumescent material is adhesively applied to a structural steel substrate and expands by at least 10 times its original thickness during a fire to provide fire protection to the substrate. Multiple layers of the fire protection barrier may be installed on top of one another. This application method dramatically reduces installation time as compared with sprayed on fire protection coatings.
US08444789B2
A decorative wall tile mold for the in-situ production on a building, wherein the mold, which can be demolded twice, is a sheet with pierced work, comprises the following detachable lateral structures: an insider layer: a bottom film is set at the bottom surface thereof, the bottom film and the building have a first combinative force; an outer layer: a surface film is set on the exterior surface thereof, a self-adhesive glue section is set up between the inside layer and the outer layer, which makes the outer layer and the inside layer have a second combinative force, and the second combinative force is less than the first combinative force. A method for the in-situ production of decorative patterns on a building is also provided.
US08444786B2
Solid composite propellants are provided that include a matrix comprising an energetic oxidizer and a binder. A multi-layered reactive thin film is provided in the matrix. The reactive thin film includes metal and inorganic oxidizer. Methods of making the solid composite propellants are also provided.
US08444785B2
Solid composite propellants are provided that include a matrix comprising an energetic oxidizer and a binder. A multi-layered reactive thin film is provided in the matrix. The reactive thin film includes metal and inorganic oxidizer. Methods of making the solid composite propellants are also provided.
US08444782B2
Provided is a method of manufacturing a high strength ferritic/martensitic steel. The method includes melting a ferritic/martensitic steel, hot-working the melted ferritic/martensitic steel, normalizing the hot-worked ferritic/martensitic steel at a temperature of about 1050° C. to about 1200° C., tempering the ferritic/martensitic steel at a temperature of about 600° C. or less, and leaving MX precipitates while preventing a M23C6 precipitate from being precipitated, and cold-working and thermal-treating the ferritic/martensitic steel in a multistage fashion, and precipitating M23C6 precipitates. Through the above described configuration, the high strength ferritic/martensitic steel that prevents a ductility from being deteriorated even in a high-temperature environment may be manufactured.
US08444781B1
The subject invention discloses a process for strengthening and obtaining the desired dimensions for a metal part comprising: (1) heating at least a portion of a preformed metal part to a temperature above about 1300° F. to transform the metal in at least said portion of the part to an austenitic state to produce an austenitized preformed metal part, (2) quenching the austenitized preformed metal part to a temperature of 300° F. to 650° F. to put the metal in the preformed part in a metastable austenitic state, (3) coining, drawing or extruding the preformed metal part while said metal of said preformed metal part is maintained in the metastable austenitic state at a temperature of 300° F. to 650° F., and (4) quenching the coined, drawn, or extruded metal part at a temperature which allows for the rapid transformation from austenite to martensite.
US08444780B2
A hot rolled steel strip made by the steps including assembling a twin roll caster, forming a casting pool of molten steel of such composition that the cast strip produced comprises by weight, greater than 0.25% and up to 1.1% carbon, between 0.40 and 2.0% manganese, between 0.05 and 0.50% silicon, less than 0.01% aluminum, counter rotating the casting rolls to solidify metal shells and forming a steel strip, hot rolling the steel strip such that mechanical properties at 10% and 35% reduction are within 10% for yield strength, tensile strength and total elongation, and coiling the hot rolled steel strip at a temperature between 550 and 750° C. to provide a majority of the microstructure comprising pearlite, along with bainite and acicular ferrite. The steel may have a free oxygen content between 5 and 50 ppm or between 25 and 45 ppm.
US08444771B2
Method for cleaning and/or deodorizing a toilet bowl or urinal. In one embodiment, the method involves directly applying an agent to the toilet bowl or urinal. The agent adheres to the toilet bowl or urinal and can be flushed away only after a relatively large number of flushing operations. The agent includes fillers from the group of surfactants and also an adhesion promoter. The viscosity of the agent is at least 30 Pas, measured using a Haake viscometer, plate/plate system, plate diameter 10 mm, at a shear gradient of 2.62 s−1 and 20° C. and the agent is so sticky that it can serve to attach bar-shaped agents to the toilet bowl or urinal, wherein the concentration of the surfactants in the case of an adhesion promoter from the group of polvalkyleneimines is between 7 and 60% by weight. The agent may have associated with it one or more bar-shaped compositions.
US08444768B2
Compositions and methods useful for the removal of organic substances from substrates, for example, electronic device substrates such as microelectronic wafers or flat panel displays, are provided. A method is presented which applies a minimum volume of the composition as a coating to the inorganic substrate whereby sufficient heat is added and immediately rinsed with water to achieve complete removal. These compositions and methods are particularly suitable for removing and completely dissolving photoresists of the positive and negative varieties as well as thermoset polymers from electronic devices.
US08444759B2
A bio-based adhesive and method of making the adhesive replaces or serves as additives for asphalt, sealant, and polymers such as styrene-butadiene-styrene and atactic polypropylene in the manufacture of building or paving materials. The method includes steps of forming a mixture of oil comprising fatty acids group and optionally a powdered material; maintaining the oil-to-powdered-material weight ratio in the mixture between 1 to 0.00001 and 1 to 20; heating the mixture to a reaction temperature greater than 55 degrees Centigrade; maintaining the reaction temperature until the oil is polymerized; and, injecting air into the mixture while polymerizing the oil. The adhesive of this method comprises a renewable polymer and the powdered material.
US08444755B2
An ink-jet recording ink including water, a water-soluble organic solvent, a pigment as a colorant (B), and at least one fluorochemical surfactant selected from compounds represented by Structural Formula (1) below, Structural Formula (1) where R1 denotes any one of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group and a perfluoroalkyl group, R2 denotes any one of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group and a fluorine-containing group, Rf denotes a fluorine-containing group, and m and n each denote an integer of 1 or greater.
US08444753B2
An exhaust gas purifying system includes an exhaust gas purifying apparatus provided with a gas inlet side connected to an inlet pipe and a gas outlet side connected to an exhaust pipe. A holding sealing material of the exhaust gas purifying apparatus has a first side face and a second side face. The first side face is positioned on the gas outlet side and has a first slanting face formed on the first side face. The first slanting face has a first inside end point and a first outside end point. The first inside end point is positioned between the gas inlet side and the first outside end point. The first slanting face extends from the first inside end point to the first outside end point and is tilted relative to an end face of an exhaust gas treating body of the exhaust gas purifying apparatus.
US08444748B2
A V-pack filter includes a frame construction having a first frame structure and a second frame structure. The V-pack filter also includes first and second panel sections mounted in extension between the first and second frame structures. The first panel section has first and second ends. The second panel section has third and fourth ends. The first and third ends have a first distance therebetween while the second and fourth ends have a second distance therebetween. The second distance is generally greater than the first distance. The first and second panel sections and the second frame structure define an air flow aperture. A seal arrangement circumscribes the air flow aperture and projects outwardly from the second frame structure. The first frame structure defines a first receiver indent. Assemblies and methods are also included.
US08444745B2
Amorphous metal foams and methods of making the same are provided. The amorphous metal foams have properties matching those of natural bone, enabling their use as bone replacement scaffolds. In one embodiment, for example, an amorphous metal foam has a density-dependent stiffness (or Young's modulus, denoted E) ranging from about 640ρ3.75 τo αβouτ 2900ρ0.78, and a density dependent strength (σy) greater than about 8.1ρ2.57, wherein ρ (the density) is less than about 1.7 g/cc.
US08444740B2
A nonwoven fabric for exhaust-gas treatment includes a multiplicity of metallic filaments having at least two types of different contours of the metallic filaments. An exhaust-gas purification device includes a channel structure through which exhaust gas can at least partially flow. The channel structure is made at least partially with such a nonwoven fabric. A method for producing a nonwoven fabric for exhaust-gas treatment is also provided.
US08444739B2
A honeycomb filter including partition walls having a porous partition wall base material and a surface layer provided on only inflow side or both inflow and outflow sides of the partition wall base material, and satisfying the following conditions capable of using as a DPF. The surface layer has a peak pore diameter of from 0.3 μm to 20 μm (exclusive) being equal to or smaller than the average pore diameter of the base material; the porosity of from 60% to 95% (exclusive) when measured by mercury porosimetry being larger than that of the base material; and the thickness L1 of from 0.5% to 30% (exclusive) of the partition wall thickness L2; and mass per filtration area of from 0.01 mg/cm2 to 6 mg/cm2 (exclusive). The base material has an average pore diameter of from 10 μm to 60 μm (exclusive) and a porosity of from 40% to 65% (exclusive).
US08444737B2
A method of firing a green structure to produce a ceramic structure may comprise heating a firing environment during a first stage of firing of a green structure over a first timed temperature cycle having an average ramp rate sufficient to substantially complete burnout of organic material prior to initiation of clay dehydration proximate a core of the ceramic structure. The method may further comprise heating the firing environment during a second stage of the firing over a second timed temperature cycle having an average ramp rate that is faster than the average ramp rate of the first timed temperature cycle.
US08444729B2
An exhaust particulate filter for an engine system includes an array of filter cartridges positioned within a shell, each of the cartridges having an electrically powered heating element coupled therewith. Exhaust gases may be distributed among the cartridges according to a single distribution pattern, and the filter can be regenerated without diverting, dividing or bypassing exhaust gases from the filter. The filter cartridges may be cylindrical or wedge-shaped, or of a variety of other configurations. Regeneration may take place according to a non-axial regeneration propagation profile. Other aspects include feedback control and feedforward control of regeneration based on sensing an electrical resistance property of each of the electrically powered heating elements.
US08444716B1
A soluble solid hair coloring article having zwitterionic direct dye and one or more soluble porous solids containing nonionic surfactant, cationic surfactant, or a mixture thereof, such that the one or more soluble porous solids have a density of from about 0.03 g/cm3 to about 0.15 g/cm3; and methods of applying the soluble solid hair coloring article to hair.
US08444715B2
Dyes, compositions comprising dyes and methods for using the same are provided.
US08444711B2
A composition for the oxidative dyeing of keratin fibers, in particular human keratin fibers comprising (A) a 1-hexyl/heptyl-4,5-diaminopyrazole compound of the general formula (I), a physiologically compatible water-soluble salt thereof, or mixtures thereof, and; (B) a benzene-1,3-diamine compound of the general formula (II), a physiologically compatible water-soluble salt thereof or mixtures thereof, and (C) an oxidizing agent. wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 and R9 are as defined herein and a=1 or 2.
US08444699B2
A bone augment for repairing a bone defect. The bone augment includes a porous body and a metallic liner. The porous body defines a bore and is configured to be intraoperatively shaped to correspond to the bone defect. The metallic liner is injection molded within the bore such that portions of the liner interlock with pores of the porous body. The metallic liner is operable to mount an implant to the bone augment.
US08444694B2
A method for treating a diseased or damaged spinal disc comprises the steps of: (a) providing access to the nucleus pulposus through the annulus; (b) removing at least a portion of the nucleus pulposus to create an intradiscal space; (c) determining the size of the intradiscal space; and (d) sealably introducing under pressure a curable biomaterial through the annulus directly into the intradiscal space. The step of determining the size of the intradiscal space may be accomplished by expanding a compliant balloon within the intradiscal space using a contrast medium capable of visualization under fluoroscopy. The curable material is sealably introduced through a vented needle inserted through the opening. The curable biomaterial is introduced until a quantity of the material flows into the vent.
US08444693B2
Assemblies of one or more implant structures make possible the achievement of diverse interventions involving the fusion and/or stabilization of lumbar and sacral vertebra in a non-invasive manner, with minimal incision, and without the necessitating the removing the intervertebral disc. The representative lumbar spine interventions, which can be performed on adults or children, include, but are not limited to, lumbar interbody fusion; translaminar lumbar fusion; lumbar facet fusion; trans-iliac lumbar fusion; and the stabilization of a spondylolisthesis.
US08444689B2
A valve prosthesis, implantation device, and methods for use are provided. The implantation device utilizes movable claspers for both positioning and anchoring the valve prosthesis. Alternative designs of the devices allow different methods for minimally invasive implantation of a sutureless valve prosthesis, including transapical and transcatheter approaches. Also provided is a delivery device for delivery of a medical prosthesis though minimally invasive means.
US08444680B2
A bone plate with a new design that prevents the bushing from rotating and/or dislodging from the screw hole during screw insertion. The plate is provided with through-holes having internal walls with at least one flat that is configured to align with a corresponding flat provided on the outer wall of the bushing. The bushing is inserted by orienting the bushing in a direction perpendicular to the through-hole of the plate so that the center of the bushing is aligned with the center of the through-hole and the flat on the bushing is aligned with the flat on the through-hole of the bone plate. The bushing is introduced into the through hole until the centers are aligned, and then the bushing is rotated about 90 degrees so that the bushing is captured within the through-hole of the plate. Once captured, the bushing cannot rotate, dislodge from, or come out of the plate unless the bushing is turned 90 degrees. The flat on the bushing mates with the flat on the internal wall of the hole (screw hole) to prevent it from rotating within the screw hole, and avoiding the need for a bushing guide during screw insertion.
US08444673B2
Methods of installing a vascular closure device, the vascular closure device adapted for sealing an opening in biological tissue and comprising an anchor, a compressible plug, a cinch and a suture, the method comprising the steps of providing an insertion sheath, inserting the insertion sheath into the opening in the biological tissue, providing a device sheath having the vascular closure device preloaded therein with a proximal portion of the suture attached to the device sheath, subsequent to the step of inserting the insertion sheath, inserting the device sheath into the insertion sheath, and retracting the insertion sheath and device sheath simultaneously, wherein during the retraction, the insertion sheath and the device sheath are fixed to one another and devices adapted to the methods.
US08444667B2
A device for the non-invasive treatment of a vascular defect. The device includes at least one occlusive member having a first unexpanded configuration and a second expanded configuration and at least one securement member for securing the vaso-occlusive device to a support structure at the location of the vascular defect.
US08444663B2
An ultrasonic-surgical-shears tissue pad has a tissue-pad body including a base material and at least one filler material. An alternate ultrasonic-surgical-shears tissue pad has a tissue-pad body having adjoining first and second regions, wherein the first region includes a first material and wherein the second region includes a second material. An ultrasonic surgical shears includes an ultrasonic surgical blade and a clamping arm which is operable to open and close toward the blade and which has a transversely and resiliently flexible distal tip. An alternate ultrasonic surgical shears includes an ultrasonic surgical blade, a clamping arm operable to open and close toward the blade, and a tissue pad attached to the clamping arm and having a clamping surface, wherein at least a portion of the tissue pad is resiliently flexible in a direction substantially perpendicular to the clamping surface.
US08444661B2
Devices, systems and methods for removing foreign bodies within a body lumen are disclosed. An unfolding balloon catheter may include an elongated shaft having an intussuscepting balloon that can be actuated within a body lumen to capture and retrieve an intravascular device. The balloon may be configured to radially and/or axially expand when inflated, enveloping the intravascular device. In certain embodiments, the balloon may be formed by folding the ends of a distensible member inwardly, and then bonding the ends of the distensible member to the elongated shaft to form an expandable sleeve. An adhesive layer located along a portion of the elongated shaft may be used to temporarily secure the balloon to the elongated shaft.
US08444659B2
An apparatus and method for passing a suture through tissue includes a first jaw member having a retaining structure to support a portion of the suture proximate a first surface of the tissue. A second jaw member is associated with the first jaw member. The second jaw member is selectively configurable in a first configuration to perform a first stitch or in a second configuration to perform a second stitch.
US08444655B2
A specimen retrieval instrument comprises a handle assembly, an actuating rod, an introducer tube, and a retrieval bag. In some versions the specimen retrieval instrument further comprises a modular cartridge containing the retrieval bag. Upon translation of the actuating rod within the tube, the cartridge opens, releasing and opening the retrieval bag for receiving a specimen. A center spindle may be included where the spindle includes a slot for inserting a portion of the retrieval bag and wrapping the retrieval bag about the spindle. Some versions of the specimen retrieval instrument further comprise a rotating cam actuator that opens and closes a pair of support arms attached to the retrieval bag. Some versions of the specimen retrieval instrument further comprise rotating curved support arms operable to open and close the retrieval bag. Pins registered to helical grooves may provide rotation of the support arms as the support arms translate.
US08444628B2
A valve for selectively permitting a fluid flow between first and second medical implements is disclosed. The valve has a housing with an interface suitable for receiving a connector portion of a first medical device such as a catheter, and a seal made of a flexible material. The seal has a first end in fluid communication with the interface, a second end suitable for receiving the second medical device, and at least one slit in fluid communication with the first end and the second end. The slit defines a restricted fluid flow path and a relatively small interior volume when in an undisturbed state, defines an expanded fluid flow path and a larger interior volume upon the introduction of the second medical instrument into the slit, and retracts to define a restricted flow path and a small interior volume upon the withdrawal of the second medical device from the seal.
US08444621B2
A sampler cap includes a sampler connector, an analyzer connector and a liquid impermeable closure member, which may be a membrane or a filter. The sampler cap may be used to transfer a test sample to an analyzer without removing the sampler cap from the sampler.
US08444620B2
A method and apparatus for separation, concentration, and/or applying a biological or bio-engineered fluid. Generally, the fluid application device includes a sprayer body to enable the application of the fluid and a container adaptable to enable the separation of the fluid into at least a first component and a second component. The container is releasably coupled to the nozzle. The nozzle is adapted to withdraw at least one of the first component or the second component from the container after the fluid has been separated to apply the fluid to a selected site.
US08444614B2
Disclosed herein are devices, systems and methods for using such devices and systems for treating incisions and wounds. In an aspect, disclosed is a device having a generally planar tension relief module and a flexible sealant structure sized to cover the tension relief module, the flexible sealant structure comprising a lower adhesive surface. The tension relief module includes a conduit structure having a plurality of support structures on an upper surface of the conduit structure and at least one opening extending through the conduit structure from a lower surface to the upper surface. At least a portion of the conduit structure is adapted to be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the incision. The tension relief module also includes opposing adhesive structures coupled to the conduit structure. The lower adhesive surface of the flexible sealant structure and the upper surface of the conduit structure form a flow pathway.
US08444606B2
The invention concerns an injection device for apportioning set doses of a drug from a reservoir to a subject. The injection device comprises a housing having an interior thread formed as an outwardly pointing thread carried on an upstanding tower centrally located in the pen shaped device. This outwardly pointing thread forms a first thread connection with the interior thread of the rotatable scale drum. The injection device further comprises a driver for moving the piston rod forward when moved axially. The driver operates the piston rod through a second thread connection having a pitch different than the first thread connection.
US08444603B2
Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor device that receives a medical instrument (such as a catheter or the like) and secures the instrument in place relative to a skin penetration point. In some circumstances, the anchor device may allow the anchor device to be used after medical instrument is already in place without the need for a second penetration point for the anchor device.
US08444594B2
The invention relates to a system for the extraction and infusion of a body fluid, in particular a system for the extraction and infusion of blood, having a fluid distribution device with an outer structural element at which several connection ports are formed and an inner structural element which is arranged, at least partially, in a seat in the outer structural element, is displaceable between positions and has a hollow space configured for the intake and discharge of a fluid. The invention also relates to a method for operating a system for the extraction and infusion of a body fluid.
US08444592B2
Surgical fluid management systems and methods of operating surgical fluid management systems which may provide one or more functions associated with suction, irrigation, distention, deficit monitoring, infusion, fluid warming, and the like. Some example embodiments may include infra-red lamps arranged to heat fluid flowing through a disposable cartridge. Some example embodiments may provide a three-dimensional fluid path through the cartridge and/or multi-stage heating capabilities. Some example fluid management systems may be selectable between pressure control and flow control modes.
US08444587B2
An air purging method includes: (a) detecting a low fluid level in a blood circuit indicating a high amount of air in the blood circuit; (b) stopping a blood pump; (c) closing a venous patient line; (d) opening a blood circuit air vent valve and a drain valve; and (e) running the blood pump to meter air through the air vent valve and the drain valve to a drain.
US08444573B2
A biopsy device includes a coring cannula, a retract stylet, and a localization needle. The coring cannula has a longitudinal axis and a shaft centered on the axis. The stylet has a tip containing at least one blade and a central passage. The localization needle has a channel and is slidably disposed within the central passage. A drive mechanism rotates the cannula and moves the cannula in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cannula. A guide element has a first end and a second end and is slidably disposed within the channel of the localization needle. The guide element is movable from a first position to a second position within the localization needle.
US08444572B2
A capsule medical device includes a capsule-shaped casing that can be introduced into an in-vivo region of a subject; and a rotation driving unit that generates torque along a circumferential direction of the capsule-shaped casing. The capsule medical device also includes a cutting-obtaining unit that rotates along the circumferential direction of the capsule-shaped casing due to the torque to cut out and obtain a mass of body tissue from the in-vivo region of the subject.
US08444564B2
A method for diagnosing a joint condition includes in one embodiment: creating a 3d model of the patient specific bone; registering the patient's bone with the bone model; tracking the motion of the patient specific bone through a range of motion; selecting a database including empirical mathematical descriptions of the motion of a plurality actual bones through ranges of motion; and comparing the motion of the patient specific bone to the database.
US08444540B2
A device for folding sheets of a medium into a booklet is provided. The device includes a frame; a cam mechanism attached to the frame; a lever attached to the frame, the lever being actuated by the cam mechanism; a first scissor arm attached to the frame, the first scissor arm being actuated by the lever; a pair of first rolls, one of the first rolls being movable by the first scissor arm; a second scissor arm attached to the frame, the second scissor arm being actuated by the lever; a pair of second rolls, one of the second rolls being movable by the second scissor arm; a crease blade for contacting the sheets to create a crease in the sheets; and a controller that controls a position of the crease blade, a gap between the pair of first rolls, and a gap between the pair of second rolls.
US08444537B1
A cable and pulley weightlifting apparatus for preventing injury to a weightlifter that includes a pair of bases, a pair of vertical tubular posts, a pair of upper support brackets, a pair of cables, a pair of counterweights, and safety detent pins. Each vertical tubular post has an upper support bracket attached at the upper end and the lower end is attached to the respective pair of bases. Each cable with a counterweight attached to one end is inserted into the channels of the respective vertical tubular posts. The other cable ends with snap hook connectors attached are inserted into the upper support brackets and connected to a dumbbell cable harness or a barbell. The vertical tubular posts include apertures to receive safety detent pins for the weightbearing bar to be suspended at any desired elevation and providing safety to the user not available with other free weight systems.
US08444536B2
Weightlifting system for doing arm curls having a frame, a seat mounted on the frame for supporting a person using the system, a pair of posts extending upwardly and rearwardly from the front portion of the frame, an arm rest panel mounted on the posts in front of the seat for engagement by the upper arms of a person on the seat, a pair of weight stands positioned next to the legs in front of the arm rest panel, a bar extending between the weight stands in position to be grasped in the hands of a person sitting on the seat with the backs of the upper arms of the person resting against the arm rest panel, and a plurality of weight plates disposed on each of the stands for selective attachment to the bar.
US08444528B2
A method of operating a drivetrain of a motor vehicle. The drivetrain comprises a transmission arranged between a drive assembly and an axle drive, such that an input shaft of the transmission is connected, via a controllable separator clutch, to the drive assembly and an output shaft of the transmission is connected to the axle drive, and such that the transmission comprises at least one shifting element formed as a claw clutch. To reduce the probability that a tooth-on-tooth position may occur in a shifting element formed as a claw clutch, a torque is applied thereto by at least one transmission-internal assembly and/or at least one transmission-external assembly so that a speed difference at the claw clutch approaches a predetermined nominal value, and engagement of the claw clutch is only started when the speed difference of the claw clutch reaches the nominal value.
US08444524B2
A multi step transmission comprises planetary gearsets (P1, P2, P3, P4), shafts and shift elements. The sun gear of gearset (P1) couples housing (G). The carrier of gearset (P1) couples shaft (3), which couples housing (G) via brake (03), drive shaft (01) via clutch (13), and shaft (5) via clutch (35). Shaft (5) operatively couples the sun gear of gearset (P3) and couples the ring gear of gearset (P2) and the sun gear of set (P4). Shaft (1) couples, via clutch (17), shaft (7), which couples the sun gear of gearset (P2), and operatively couples the carrier of gearset (P3). Shaft (6) couples the ring gear of gearset (P1) and the carrier of gearset (P2) The ring gear of gearset (P4) couples shaft (4), which couples housing (G) via brake (04), and output shaft (2) couples the ring gear of gearset (P3) and the carrier of set (P4).
US08444516B2
A compound-input is provided for an electrically variable transmission for a motor vehicle. The compound-input electrically variable transmission has improved input gear ratios that allow the vehicle engine to be operated in its desired efficiency and/or performance range during both city and highway vehicle operation. Further, the multi-speed input electrically variable transmission provides an input brake without the need for a dedicated input brake clutch or braking mechanism and incorporates a reverse gear for reverse operation.
US08444512B2
An animal attractant, such as a liquid scent can be dispersed from a frangible housing by attaching the housing to an arrow and firing an arrow in a designated area frequented by animals. The housing has large fins secured about outer periphery of the housing, enlarging the impact surface of the housing and preventing the housing from being embedded in the soil. As a result, the animal attractant is dispersed above the ground and is not lost in the soil.
US08444509B2
The present invention is directed to custom fitting an individual with golf clubs. To accomplish such, a three-dimensional swing display may depict a golf swing prior to impact of a golf ball by a club head of a golf club. The club head may approach the golf ball at a particular attack angle. The attack angle may be defined relative to a horizontal plane that may be substantially parallel to a ground plane and intersect an optimal impact area on a golf ball. The attack angle may be a negative attack angle or a positive attack angle as defined by an angle of approach by a club head to impact the golf ball during a downswing portion of a golf swing.
US08444500B2
A weight training apparatus which develops strength, suppleness and memory in the muscles used for swinging of a sports implement which may be a baseball bat, tennis racquet, golf club or other sporting implement or equipment. More specifically, the trainer provides for normal use of the sport implement by a user to swing and hit an object such as a golf ball while providing shock absorption to reduce vibration and twisting of the implement upon impact with the object.
US08444499B2
A system and method for shot tracking disclosed herein. The system preferably includes a golf club and a receiver. The golf club preferably includes an active RFID transponder, a power source, a switch and an accelerometer.
US08444496B2
A lateral dynamic simulation device includes a positioning platform (1), a motor mechanism (2) and a carriage (3). The positioning platform (1) has an upright positioned arm (10). The motor mechanism (2) has multiple degrees of freedom and comprises a base (20), a platform (21) and a plurality of stretchable bars (22) to join the base (20) and the platform (21) by the universal joints (220). The carriage (3) has a space (30) at the frontal portion for carrying passengers and a back portion (31) at the rear portion. The base (20) of the motor mechanism (2) is fixed to the arm (10) of the positioning platform (1) and the platform (21) of the motor mechanism (2) is fixed to the back portion (31) of the carriage (3).
US08444489B2
A virtual card system provides a card game which is presented in a three-dimensional representation on monitor screens. The system allows human players to play the card game through the monitor screens. The monitor screen may be touch screens which allow the human players to input commands directly. The card game displayed on the touch screen is adapted for graphical manipulation in response to commands from a human player in real time, for instance to bend a card back at the corner to look on the underside.
US08444486B2
Systems and methods for displaying cues indicating input actions in a rhythm-action game may include: displaying, to a player of a rhythm-action game, a lane divided into at least two sub-lanes, each sub-lane containing cues indicating a drum input element; and displaying, to the player, an additional cue spanning a plurality of the sub-lanes, the additional cue indicating a foot pedal action. In some embodiments, the additional cue may span all the sub-lanes. In some embodiments, each sub-lane may contain cues indicating a drum input element of a set of linearly arranged drum input elements. In other embodiments, each sub-lanes may correspond to a fret button of a simulated guitar and the additional cue may correspond to an open strum.
US08444485B2
Seamless navigation is provided between high-definition audio-video content configured for use with a media player application, and an executable video game packaged with the audio-video content on a digital medium. An API module is distributed to player/consoles. An application provided with the high-definition audio-video content detects the presence of the API module on the player device. In response to detecting the API module, the application provides an interactive feature that uses the API module to load and execute the executable video game in response to user input.
US08444483B2
A browser application and toolbar are described according to some embodiments. The browser application presents wagering game content in a toolbar. Some embodiments are directed to determining that a first player account uses the toolbar to access the wagering game content, determining that a second player account referred the first player account in response to determination that the first player account uses the toolbar, and providing a referral award to the second player account for referring the first player account.
US08444479B2
A method of managing bets is provided. The method includes receiving win bets and group bets. Each win bet includes a bet that a participant selected from a set of participants in an event will win the event. Each group bet includes a bet that one of a subset of the set of participants will win the event. Results of the event identifying a winning participant from the set of participants are received. An amount of a win bet payout for at least a portion of the win bets that comprise a bet on the winning participant is determined. An amount of a group bet payout for at least one of the group bets is also determined. In this manner, a bettor may bet on all participants in an event other than a particular participant, such as the favorite participant, and thus effectively bet against the particular participant.
US08444472B2
Casino games and methods having a set of objects displayed in a screen of a casino gaming machine. Each object has a randomly assigned attribute from a corresponding set of attributes. The casino gaming machine receives the player's input for each of a predetermined number of objects in the set. When selected, a symbol corresponding to the hidden attribute is displayed. After each input, the remaining attributes of the remaining objects not selected are randomly reassigned to each unselected object before the player selects the next object.
US08444470B2
A video-based multi-ball super-roulette gaming system, method and processor-readable media includes a main/primary roulette wheel having a number of ball pockets with betting marks and a circular runway for rotating multiple graphical game balls within the primary roulette wheel. The system permits a player to pay and play multiple balls in order to maximize the action and winning chances with respect to a player. Multiple balls of the game provide increased action for the player while enticing the player to wager more creating increased gaming volume for an operator. Optionally, a secondary multiplier bonus wheel rotates within the vicinity of the primary roulette wheel in order to provide multiplied potential win for the player when configured with, for example, a bonus-wheel super-roulette gaming system and/or method.
US08444465B2
The elegance and simplicity of the present invention is its taking pure electronic video poker in a new direction. This invention, with a portal, takes video poker from a static, single screen playing field with known values to a video poker format with a portal into another playing screen whenever any four of a kind, with maximum coins bet, is made by the player. This invention has a primary playing screen, a portal into an informative secondary screen which moves into a bonus screen. The player becomes interactive with the game on the bonus screen and choices he makes on the touch screen determine the amount of winnings the player will receive. When play has finished on the bonus screen, the primary screen returns and regular play video poker resumes.This innovative invention with a portal into other screens allows the player to be interactive in this game in determining their own winnings.
US08444455B2
A semiconductor wafer is polished, wherein in a first step, the rear side of the wafer is polished by a polishing pad comprising fixedly bonded abrasives having a grain size of 0.1-1.0 μm, while supplying a polishing agent free of solid materials having a pH of at least 11.8, and, in a second step, the front side of the semiconductor wafer is polished, wherein a polishing agent having a pH of less than 11.8 is supplied. A polishing pad for use in apparatuses for polishing semiconductor wafers, has a layer containing abrasives, a layer composed of a stiff plastic and also a compliant, non-woven layer, wherein the layers are bonded to one another by means of pressure-sensitive adhesive layers.
US08444448B2
A manufacturing method of a touch panel having a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes which are formed on one surface of a substrate and extend in directions crossing each other, includes: forming the second electrodes so as to be separated at intersections between the first and second electrodes on the substrate; forming the first electrodes at the intersections on the substrate; forming an insulating film at least on the first electrodes at the intersections using a printing method; and forming bridge wirings that connect the second electrodes separated at the intersections to each other over the insulating film using the printing method, wherein forming partition walls for partitioning at least a part of a profile shape of the insulating film is performed prior to the forming of the insulating film.
US08444446B2
In an apparatus for controlling operation of an outboard motor having an internal combustion engine, a transmission, and a trim angle regulation mechanism, where operation of the transmission is controlled to change the gear position from a second speed to a first speed when detected throttle change amount not less than a first predetermined value and operation of the trim angle regulation mechanism is controlled to start the trim-up operation such that the trim angle converges to a predetermined angle, the operation of the trim angle regulation mechanism is controlled such that the trim angle is decreased based on the detected rudder angle when steering of the outboard motor is started, thereby enabling to appropriately prevent cavitation caused by steering of the outboard motor, so that the boat can be smoothly turned.
US08444439B2
A connector mounting apparatus includes a mounting bracket and a receiving member. A receiving space is defined in the mounting bracket. The receiving member includes a main body, a first resilient resisting tab extending outward from a base panel of the main body, and a first resilient contacting tab extending inward from the base panel to resiliently abut a connector interface received inside the main body. The main body is received in the receiving space and the first resisting tab resiliently abuts an inner surface of the receiving space.
US08444438B2
Connectors to connect optional or daughter cards or boards to main or motherboards. One example provides a connector that is capable of supporting high-speed data rates by employing contacts that provide short signal paths and a ground plane to improve signal quality. The space consumed in electronic devices may be reduced by providing a connector having a low profile, while another example may provide a connector having mechanical stability. Another example provides a connector having an increased manufacturability. Other examples include wider contacts for increased current capabilities.
US08444437B2
An electrical connector assembly includes a cage having a front end and an internal compartment. The front end is open to the internal compartment of the cage. The internal compartment is configured to receive a pluggable module therein through the front end. An electromagnetic interference (EMI) gasket is mounted to the front end of the cage such that the EMI gasket is engaged with an electrically connected to the cage. The EMI gasket includes electrically conductive springs that are configured to engage and electrically connect to the pluggable module when the pluggable module is received within the internal compartment of the cage. The EMI gasket including a flange. A bracket is mounted to the front end of the cage such that the bracket extends at least partially around the EMI gasket. The bracket having a wall that is engaged with the flange of the EMI gasket for holding the EMI gasket on the front end of the cage.
US08444434B2
A receptacle assembly includes a front housing configured for mating with a header assembly. A contact module is coupled to the front housing. The contact module includes a conductive holder that has a first side and an opposite second side. The conductive holder has a front coupled to the front housing. The conductive holder holds a frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a plurality of contacts and a dielectric frame supporting the contacts. The dielectric frame is received in the conductive holder. The contacts extend from the conductive holder for electrical termination. A ground shield is coupled to the first side. The ground shield is electrically connected to the conductive holder. The ground shield has grounding beams that extend therefrom. The grounding beams extend forward of the front of the conductive holder for electrical connection to a corresponding header shield of the header assembly. First and second side shields are coupled to the first and second sides, respectively. The first and second side shields are electrically connected to the conductive holder. The first and second side shields have grounding fingers that extend therefrom. The grounding fingers extend forward of the front of the conductive holder for electrical connection to a corresponding header shield of the header assembly.
US08444432B2
A power and data adapter assembly includes an electrical receptacle assembly having a receptacle housing, removable side tabs and a simplex receptacle. The assembly also includes a data port assembly having the receptacle housing, data port adapter and data port connector. The data port assembly and simplex receptacle assembly are receivable within a channel support through ends of the channel support and are positionable in desired positions along the length of the channel support.
US08444430B2
A plug element, in particular a so-called small form-factor pluggable connector, has a reliable, effective and easily mountable locking mechanism. To accomplish this, an arrangement of a locking element and an actuating element inside of a housing of the connector element is provided. The locking element contains a detent element for latching and locking with a mating piece, into which the connector element can be inserted to form a lockable plug connection. The actuating element contains a grip part, which is guided through a first opening through the housing to the outside.
US08444426B1
A lamp holder connector includes a lamp box and at least one pair of lamp bases assembled to the lamp box. The lamp box includes a first upper holder, at least one pair of first lower holders assembled to the first upper holder, and at least one pair of first terminals received in the lamp box. Each side of the first upper holder defines an elastic portion. An outer face of each elastic portion defines at least one fastening portion. Each lamp base includes a second upper holder assembled to the first lower holder, a second lower holder assembled to the second upper holder, and a second terminal received in the second lower holder. At least one side of the second upper holder defines a receiving groove for receiving the elastic portion. A sidewall of the receiving groove defines at least one fastening hole for buckling the fastening portion.
US08444424B2
A card edge connector (100) includes a longitudinal insulative housing (1), a set of contacts (2), and an ejector (3) rotatablely attached the insulative housing. The insulative housing has a longitudinal direction and a thickness direction, the insulative housing has a central slot (114). The contacts have contacting portions (21) arranged at two sides of the central slot (114) in the thickness direction. The ejector (3) includes a main portion (30), an ejecting portion (35) extending from a first end of the main portion and along the longitudinal direction, a locking portion (31) extending from a second end of the main portion opposite to the first end and along the longitudinal direction, and a lever portion (32) extending from the second end and along the thickness direction.
US08444420B2
A system for project management comprises a guidebook and a series of templates that accept input data from a user and calculate results based on the data. The resultant data is used to operate the system, which comprises the following components: a guidebook comprises the instructions for operating the method and all templates used during the method; standardized templates that are to be used for any project regardless of subject matter; weekly audits of project managers; a project manager certificate program; an auditor training program; a series of performance evaluations for project managers and auditors, and a series of performance analytics designed to correlate hours worked with performance quality to establish optimum task allocation for participants in the system.
US08444417B2
Methods for preventing, reversing, ameliorating or treating dental diseases, disorders or injuries are provided. In particular, methods for preventing, reversing, ameliorating or treating dental diseases of the gingival (gums) and bone are provided. Such methods utilize novel compositions including, but not limited to, extraembryonic cytokine-secreting cells (herein referred to as ECS cells), including, but not limited to, Amnion-derived Multipotent Progenitor cells (herein referred to as AMP cells) and conditioned media derived therefrom (herein referred to as Amnion-derived Cellular Cytokine Solution or ACCS), and Physiologic Cytokine Solution (herein referred to as PCS), each alone or in combination with each other and/or other agents.
US08444399B2
A pump system for conveying a first fluid using a second fluid. The system includes at least a first pump having at least a first rigid outer casing defining a first interior space and a first flexible tube structure accommodated in the first interior space. The interior of the first flexible tube structure is arranged for receiving one of the first or second fluids. The region of the first interior space surrounding the first flexible tube structure is arranged for receiving the other of the first and second fluids. The first flexible tube structure is movable between laterally expanded and collapsed conditions for varying the volume of the interior of the first flexible tube structure, thereby imparting sequential discharge and intake strokes on the first fluid.
US08444394B2
A method and apparatus for a pump control system. One or more embodiments of the invention include a pump controller that can perform a self-calibrating procedure, can provide precise motor speed control, can provide a limp mode before shutting down the motor when system parameters are exceeded and/or fault conditions occur, can detect fault conditions, and can store fault conditions for later retrieval.
US08444391B2
A propeller drive for boats features a transition cone between the gearbox housing and the propeller hub(s). The propeller hub (that is closest to the gearbox housing) is smaller in cross-sectional dimension than the gearbox housing. The dimension of the front end of the transition cone corresponds to the cross-sectional dimension of the gearbox housing, and the dimension of the rear end of the transition cone corresponds to the cross-section dimension of the (closest) propeller hub. The transition cone has a bulging shoulder between the front and rear ends, the largest peripheral cross-sectional dimension of which is greater than the cross-sectional dimension of the front of the transition cone.
US08444390B2
A blade for a turbine engine made by the diffusion-bonding/superplastic-forming (DB/SPF) process has a hollow skin made of front and back panels 1, 3 and internal reinforcement in the form of webs 5 extending between the two faces or panels at an angle to the plane of the blade. The cavities are filled with viscoelastic damping filler 7. In order to allow the blade to deform more easily so that the filler can take up the strain, the webs are pre-buckled so as to compress at least some of the webs. When the blade is deformed, the webs straighten or buckle further, applying a deformation to the filler as they do so and thus dissipating energy. The blade is thus well reinforced against impact but still capable of damping vibrations.
US08444389B1
A multiple piece turbine rotor blade with a shell having an airfoil shape and secured between a spar and a platform with the spar including a tip end piece. a snap ring fits around the spar and abuts against the spar tip end piece on a top side and abuts against a shell on the bottom side so that the centrifugal loads from the shell is passed through the snap ring and into the spar and not through a tip cap dovetail slot and projection structure.
US08444386B1
An air cooled turbine blade with a number of multiple pass serpentine flow cooling circuits extending around the airfoil surface in which a first leg of each serpentine flow circuit is located against a hot wall surface and the second legs and even the third legs of the serpentine flow circuits being located inward from the first legs. The circuits include two-pass serpentine circuits in the leading edge and trailing edge region that discharge into collection cavities, and the mid-chord section of the airfoil is cooled with three-pass serpentine circuits that discharge into long slots that open onto the blade tip.
US08444381B2
A cooling circuit for a turbine bucket having a shank, a platform and an airfoil. The cooling circuit includes a first cooling passage extending from an inlet located at a radially inward end of the shank and adapted to communicate with a turbine wheel-space, the first cooling passage, in use, supplying cooling air to a serpentine cooling circuit extending within and across at least one region of the platform. The serpentine cooling circuit connects with a separate internal cooling circuit in the airfoil, such that the cooling air used to cool the platform is re-used in the airfoil cooling circuit.
US08444378B2
In the area of the support struts and/or the aerodynamic fairings downstream of the stator vanes, the cross-section of the bypass duct of a turbofan engine is enlarged such that the pressure variations caused by the stagnation effect of the installations and reacting on the fan are reduced, enabling the fan to be operated with more efficiency and stability and finally the losses of the overall system and the fuel consumption to be reduced. The cross-sectional enlargement is accomplished by modifying the course of the wall in a limited area, actually by gradually enlarging the flow cross-section in the bypass duct in the axial and in the circumferential direction, with this enlargement being confined to the area around the leading edge of the support struts and/or the aerodynamic fairings.
US08444374B2
The invention relates to a hydroelectric machine. According to the invention, the machine includes: at least two pipes (10, 11) connected to a ballast (8) and to a horizontal bar (14), bearing a vertical axis (15) driving a first gear manipulation box (25) and then the rotor of a first generator (27); blades (16) opposite the openings (12, 13) of the pipes (10, 11), carried by bearings (17) and beams (18), and by a second structure (24) via rolling bearings (22), the beams (18) leading to a hollow cylinder (31) driving, via two sprockets (28, 29) and an axis (30), a second gear manipulation box (31) and then the rotor of a second generator (33); cylindrical steel frames (38, 40, 42, 44, 47, 49) bearing shoulders and rolling bearings (39, 41, 43, 45, 46, 48, 50); a power supply for powering two needle latches (59, 60) via two concentric metal hoops (55, 56) and two brushes (57, 58).
US08444368B2
This invention provides a substrate transport apparatus (100) which transports a substrate (W) placed on a hand portion (10) to a processing apparatus or a predetermined storage unit. The substrate transport apparatus (100) includes a moving means (20) for supporting the proximal side (10b) of the hand portion (10) serving as one end of the hand portion (10), and reciprocally moving the hand portion (10) in the direction of its extension, a tilt detection means (30) for detecting the tilt of a distal end (10a) of the hand portion (10) with respect to the horizontal direction, which accompanies flexure of the hand portion (10) upon placing the substrate (W) on the hand portion (10), and a tilt correction means (40) for generating a pitching motion of the hand portion (10) as a whole so as to cancel the tilt of the distal end (10a) of the hand portion (10).
US08444361B1
A portable log skidder designed for towing with various vehicles comprising a self-contained battery-operated winch is herein disclosed. The skidder comprises a steel frame providing an “L”-shaped configuration. An inverted “U”-shaped structure at a rear location provides an opening and an upper pulley over the open frame. To utilize the log skidder, it is positioned in proximity to a large log. A steel cable is extended from the winch and strapped around one end of the log. Next, the winch is used to raise one (1) end of the log slightly off the ground. The log skidder, along with the log, is then pulled using a vehicle thereto a location where the log can be harvested for firewood, lumber, or other purposes. The log is centered over two (2) pneumatic rubber tires on the frame which carry the weight of the log skidder and the log. The winch is controlled by a tethered remote control unit at a safe distance.
US08444359B2
A blind fastener employs a split bolt element having two symmetrical half sections split at mating separation faces and cooperatively displaceable between a first collapsed position and a second expanded position. A capture portion split bolt has a substantially circular plan form in the first collapsed position with a diameter which is received through an attachment hole in a structural member. A bearing section and a threaded portion both have a substantially circular plan form in the second expanded position while the capture portion has compression surfaces extending with an elliptical major axis greater than the hole diameter in the extended second position to engage a bottom surface surrounding the attachment hole. The bearing section closely engages the attachment hole in the expanded position. A wedge separator element is insertable between the half sections to expand them from the first collapsed position to the second expanded position. A nut is threadably received on the threaded portion and engages a lip on a mounting aperture in a monument to be attached to the supporting structure.
US08444353B2
A cutting tool includes a tool body having a first end engageable with a workpiece and a second end engageable with a spindle of a power tool. A blade extends outwardly from the first end of the tool body and including a cutting edge, the cutting edge being engageable with a workpiece to cut the workpiece. A bit, including a drive shaft and a cutting end extends along an axis of the tool body. The drive shaft extends axially outwardly beyond the first end of the tool body and terminates at the cutting end. The cutting end has a maximum cross-sectional width greater than a maximum cross-sectional width of the drive shaft, and an axial distance from the first end of the tool body to the cutting end is greater than a maximum cutting depth of the cutting tool.
US08444350B2
The gel time of a grouting system may be controlled by providing a resin component separated by a catalyst component, where a carbon component is included in the catalyst component. The catalyst component may include an inhibitor such as a phenolic compound, and/or the resin component may include a promoter such as an aniline compound.
US08444336B2
A lead cartridge adapted for storing leads and capable of being detachably connected to a lead feeding mechanism of a mechanical pencil to supply the leads one by one to the lead feeding mechanism, the mechanical pencil being provided with an interference part, the lead feeding mechanism being provided with a receiving part. The lead cartridge includes a tank part for storing the leads, a tip end connection part capable of being detachably fitted with the receiving part of the lead feeding mechanism, a lead port provided on a tip end side of the tank part to allow one of the leads in the tank part to pass from the tank part, and a swing cover arranged in the lead cartridge to be swingable between a closing position where the swing cover closes the lead port, and an opening position where the swing cover opens the lead port.
US08444334B2
A container with a roto-translatory motion of a stick holder (1) provided with a pair of opposed sticks (3, 3′) in comparison with the support surface plane (4) and upper (5) and lower (5′) pins, that axially slide inside an intermediate body (7), provided with vertical grooves (11, 11′) inside its central wall (10) and slits (8, 8′) and (9, 9′) on its upper (7′) and lower (7″) portions rotating in the inside of a pair of outer bodies (13, 13′). The pins (5, 5′) slide inside annular grooves (14, 14′), helicoidal groove (16, 16′) and (17, 17′) made in the inner wall of these outer bodies (13, 13′), such that the pair of sticks (3, 3′) can be controlled to come out from both ends, upper (7′) and lower (7″) portions of the intermediate body, when the ends are apart from the respective caps/bases (22, 22′) of covering.
US08444326B2
An optical fiber coupling device, comprises a coupling assembly that includes a first ferrule and a second ferrule and an optical fiber having a first end mounted in the first ferrule and a second end mounted in the second ferrule. The first ferrule is disposed in an axial bore of a first barrel and the second ferrule is disposed in an axial bore of a second barrel. The coupling assembly is disposable in a coupling housing configured to receive at least two optical fiber connectors.
US08444323B2
A bearing lock is provided that improves upon existing methods of stabilizing a bearing in an electric motor. The bearing is fit between a rotatable shaft and a nonrotating annular support. The bearing has an inner race surrounding the rotatable shaft and has an outer race surrounded by the annular support. The bearing lock has an annular body with a midportion, an inner wall, and an outer wall. Both the inner wall and the outer wall extend generally in a first direction from the midportion and are spaced from one another to define an annular cavity therebetween. The outer wall has circumferentially-spaced integral tabs that extend at least partially toward the inner wall to provide a biasing force to lock the body to the annular support when the annular support is placed in the annular cavity.
US08444308B2
A vehicular lamp has a semiconductor light emitting element as a light source. The vehicular lamp includes a heat dissipation member that dissipates heat generated by the semiconductor light emitting element; a power supply member that supplies power to the semiconductor light emitting element; a light emitting element holding portion that holds the semiconductor light emitting element in a state of contact with the heat dissipation member; and a housing portion that is secured to a lamp body. The light emitting element holding portion electrically connects the semiconductor light emitting element and the power supply member, the housing accommodates the power supply member and the heat dissipation member, and the light emitting element holding portion is detachably secured to the heat dissipation member.
US08444303B2
An LED lighting device includes a plurality of parallel illumination assemblies each including an elongated metal bar and a plurality of LED elements secured to the bar, and a heat dissipation assembly comprising a metal substrate comprising a plurality of hollow posts arranged in rows on a top surface; a plurality of parallel metal units each comprising a rod releasably secured to both the substrate and the bar, the rod including a plurality of hollow, closed U-shaped members each partially fastened in the post; and a plurality of metal frame members for releasably securing the rods together.
US08444295B2
Various optical system embodiments produce a narrow beam of focused or unfocused light using a compound parabolic concentrator, lens system, and high flux density solid-state light source. Various system embodiments include a solid state light source configured to emit light, and a compound parabolic concentrator having a smaller opening and a larger opening opposite the smaller opening, wherein the light source and the concentrator are operationally positioned with respect to each other for light from the light source to enter the smaller opening of the concentrator and exit the larger opening of the concentrator as a narrower beam of light. Some embodiments include an imaging stage operationally positioned with respect to the concentrator to receive the narrower beam of light at an image plane and relay an image plane to a far field target.
US08444286B2
A lighting apparatus includes a metal mounting fixed to a needed place such as a ceiling or a wall, rod-shaped holding metal fixtures, and a lighting apparatus body constituted by a chassis to which one end portion of each holding metal fixture is loosely fitted, a board which is fixed to the chassis and on which light emitting diodes are mounted as luminous elements, a reflecting panel, a cover (diffusing panel) that covers the light emitting diodes, and so on. By inserting the lock section of the other end portion of each holding metal fixture into an insertion hole and then locking each holding metal fixture on the metal mounting, the lighting apparatus body is held in a state of being separated from the metal mounting.
US08444283B1
An underwater dock light having an internal water cooling system formed from primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary mounting surfaces forming a chamber. Each of the mounting surfaces are each in thermal communication with a light emitting unit generating heat. LED circuit boards are mounted at an angle to produce a large diameter of light in the surrounding water. A light bifurcating structure causes a central portion of light to be a different color than the perimeter. The transparent lens has an opening and a latching structure configured to connect the transparent lens to the end of the transparent cover. A tire valve stem is located on the underwater light and is capable of removing or filling the underwater light with a gas. Antifouling circuitry automatically cycles the underwater light on and off multiple times during periods of non-use. Smart circuitry communicates and accepts commands by a user.
US08444280B2
There is provided a process for the preparation of a suspension of magnetic particles in a polar carrier liquid. The process includes the step of: coating the surface of the magnetic particles with an organic ligand having a hydrophilic chain prior to the suspension. For preparing a magnetically deformable mirror, the suspension of magnetic particles in a polar carrier liquid is coated with a reflective surface layer. A ferrofluid includes a suspension of magnetic particles coated with an organic ligand having a hydrophilic chain in a polar carrier liquid.
US08444277B2
A projector includes: first and second light blocking members adapted to partially block a light beam from a light source, and a drive section adapted to make the first and second light blocking members perform an opening and closing operation. When the corresponding first and second light blocking members are located at a maximum blocking state, with respect to an opening and closing direction of the first and second light blocking members perpendicular to a system optical axis, a first and second support sections support the first and second light blocking members at predetermined positions on the system optical axis side from intermediate positions corresponding to midpoints of areas between edge portions of the first and second light blocking members on the system optical axis side and parts, to which outer edges of the light beam to be blocked are input.
US08444268B2
A system provides an optical image of an object. A first module tracks a reference feature of the object. A second module includes a source for an imaging beam, a scanning device to move the imaging beam along a portion of the object and a detection device receives a signal associated with an image of the portion of the object. The first module controls the position of the imaging beam relative to the reference feature to correct for the motion of the object. A third module detects a distortion of the object and compensates for the distortion.
US08444262B2
An inkjet printer includes a platen, a printing head, a feeding device, a pre-heater and a print heater. The printing head is configured to move in a right-left direction above the platen and to eject solvent ink from nozzles of the printing head on a printing surface of a medium at a printing position. The feeding device is configured to feed the medium on the platen in a forward direction substantially perpendicular to the right-left direction. The temperature controller is configured to control a pre-heater heating temperature of the pre-heater and a print heater heating temperature of the print heater such that a surface temperature of the printing surface of the medium at the printing position becomes within a range of from 30° C. to 70° C.
US08444256B2
There is provided a piezoelectric actuator including: a substrate that is supported by a support portion; a piezoelectric element that includes a lower electrode formed on the substrate, a piezoelectric layer formed on the lower substrate, and an upper electrode formed on the piezoelectric layer; and a driving circuit that applies a voltage to the piezoelectric element. The upper electrode has a first upper electrode that is positioned on an outer peripheral side of the piezoelectric layer and at least one second upper electrode that is positioned on a center side of the piezoelectric layer, and a voltage applied to the first upper electrode is lower than a voltage applied to the second upper electrode.
US08444246B2
An apparatus includes: a drying unit to dry a printing medium on which an image was printed using an inkjet head; a humidification unit to humidify the printing medium that was dried by the drying unit so that the moisture content of the printing medium becomes the equilibrium state in the ambient environment; a colorimetric unit to perform colorimetry on the printing medium that was humidified by the humidification unit; and a calibration unit to calibrate printing properties on the basis of the result of colorimetry by the colorimetric unit.
US08444235B2
A storage system is provided comprising a rail mounted to a surface. A cabinet is supported on said rail. At least one engagement member engages the rail to suspend the cabinet from the rail. The cabinet is supported at an angle relative to the surface. An adjustment mechanism is used to adjust the position of the engagement member relative to the rail for adjusting the angle. A method of mounting a cabinet on a surface is also provided comprising mounting a rail having a flange on a surface. A cabinet as described herein is suspended from the rail by the engagement member. The adjustment mechanism is moved towards or away from the surface to adjust the angle of the cabinet.
US08444234B2
A washing machine of the present invention comprises a top cover where a laundry entrance hole is formed through which laundry is put in from above; a lid assembly coupled to the top cover in a rotatable manner and opening and closing the laundry entrance hole; and a stopper being formed at least in one of the top cover and the lid assembly and preventing the lid assembly from being rotated more than a maximum opening angle. The stopper prevents a lid assembly from being rotated more than a maximum opening angle.
US08444233B2
An electronic device includes a chassis and a bracket. An opening is defined in the chassis. The opening has a first side edge and a second side edge located at opposite sides thereof. A length of the second side edge is greater than that of the first side edge. The bracket is mounted in the opening. The bracket includes a pair of first hooks and a pair of second hooks at opposite sides thereof. A distance between the pair of first hooks corresponds to the length of the first side edge. A distance between the pair of second hooks corresponds to the length of the second side edge. The pair of first hooks is engaged into the opening along the first side edge. The pair of second hooks is engaged into the opening along the second side edge.
US08444232B2
A collapsible showcase including a lower panel; an upper panel detachably mounted on the lower panel; a lower collapsible compartment attached to the lower panel and protruding outwards thereof; an upper collapsible compartment attached to the upper panel and protruding outwards thereof; wherein the lower an upper compartments are folded on the panel to which they are hingedly attached at least at one of their side walls. The showcase also has a collapsible base attached to the lower panel and protruding in a contrary direction from the compartments to provide stability to the showcase. The compartments may be divided in sub-compartments by dividers and the showcase may also include a shelf. When the showcase is folded, the collapsed compartments are located between both panels in a sandwich manner.
US08444222B2
Retractor systems for securing child safety seats in vehicles are described herein. In one embodiment, a child safety seat includes a web operably coupled to a spool of a web retractor movably positioned under the safety seat. The web can include a first end portion that carries a first anchor connector and a second end portion that carries a second anchor connector. Rotation of the spool in a first direction retracts the first and second end portions of the web toward the retractor. Rotation of the spool in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, allows the first and second end portions to be drawn away from the retractor.
US08444221B2
A booster seat assembly may be used with a bench seat assembly and with a seat belt assembly for each occupant. The booster seat assembly may support at least two child sized occupants and may permit each child sized occupant to access the seat belt assembly for self latching and self unlatching.
US08444219B2
A vehicle seat comprises a rectangular-shaped seat back frame having right and left side frames; a headrest for supporting a head of a seat occupant that is installed within the vehicle seat; a rear-end collision detector mounted to the seat back frame at a position behind the seat occupant, wherein the rear-end collision detector detects rearward movement of the seat occupant and moves rearward; a link member that supports the rear-end collision detector with the seat back frame therethrough; and a biasing member that biases the link member; wherein: the rear-end collision detector acts such that the rearward movement of the rear-end collision detector reduces a distance between a head of the seat occupant and the headrest, and a lower end portion of the biasing member is coupled to a rear portion of the side frame and disposed posterior to the rear-end collision detector.
US08444216B2
A vehicle wiring structure equipped with a pipe (20), the two ends of which are inserted into the vehicle through an electrical-load-side through-hole and a power-source-side through-hole provided in the floor, and power cables (40a, 40b, 41), which are inserted in the pipe (20) and connect a power source and electrical loads. The power cables pulled out of the end part of the pipe (20) inserted through the power-source-side through-hole (60) are restrained by a first cable guide (70) provided inside the vehicle and are wired to a power source connection part, while the end part of the pipe (20) inserted through the power-source-side through-hole (60) reaches as far as the position where the first cable guide (70) is provided. The pipe (20) is supported by a through-hole seal member (61) that has a pipe through-hole (62) through which the pipe (20) passes and that closes the power-source-side through-hole (60).
US08444211B2
A front pillar (18) for an automobile includes a hollow member (25), an outer panel (28), and an inner panel (29). The hollow member has a curved shape, the entirety of which projects to the outside of a vehicle body. The outer panel is provided to the wall section of the hollow member which is on the vehicle exterior side. The inner panel is formed so as to lie along the wall section of the hollow member on the vehicle interior (34) side, and is provided to the wall section (27) on the vehicle exterior side.
US08444209B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a trim for vehicles capable of reducing the number of parts and thereby reducing the cost when a plurality of shock absorbing portions are required to have different hardnesses from each other. The trim for vehicles according to the present invention is a door trim 20 including a lower board 21, and a pull handle 40 mounted on the lower board 21, further including a plurality of shock absorbing portions with different hardnesses capable of absorbing shock energy, wherein an extension portion 50 of the plurality of shock absorbing portions is formed integrally with the pull handle 40, and the extension portion 50 has a shape extending downward from the pull handle 40.
US08444205B2
A molded component to connect a motor vehicle window with a water box includes a first segment affixable to the vehicle window and a second segment having a detent cavity bounded by a resilient leg and configured to receive a rib of the water box in an insertion direction so as to detachably affix the water box in a frictionally and/or geometrically interlocking manner in the detent cavity. A detent element projects into the detent cavity at an acute angle relative to the insertion direction such that the resilient leg is elastically deformed to a greater extent during an extraction of the rib of the water box from the detent cavity than during an insertion of the rib of the water box into the detent cavity. This facilitates the insertion and presents a greater resistance to the extraction of the rib from the detent cavity.
US08444202B2
This disclosure relates to a display surround for protecting a display area and, in particular, to trim elements for surrounds located around dials in automotive instrument panels. A display surround for protecting a display area comprises a perimeter wall for surrounding the display area and a wall capping piece. The wall extends from a base portion of the wall proximate the display area towards an end portion of the wall away from the display area. The end portion includes a top face, and the top face includes a groove. The capping piece has a tongue. The tongue includes a protuberance on opposite sides and the groove includes a recess on opposite sides. The capping piece is secured in place to cap the wall by seating the tongue within the groove and by engaging each protuberance with a corresponding recess.
US08444189B2
A door open/close system for a vehicle includes: a plurality of door open/close devices 11, 11′ having a latch mechanism 14 including a latch 13 for engaging with an engaging member 12, a motor 16a (16a′) for driving the latch mechanism 14, and a latch state detecting member 21 (21′); and a control member 4 for starting to drive the motor of any one of all the door open/close device when the latch state detecting member of the one door open/close devices detects that the latch mechanism is in the half-latch state, said control member driving synchronously the motors of all the door open/close devices except the one door open/close device to change the latch mechanisms from the half-latch state to the full-latch state when the latch state detecting members of all the door open/close devices except the one door open/close device detect that the latch mechanisms are in the half-latch state in a case that the door of the vehicle is changed from a fully opened state to a fully closed state.
US08444185B2
An extrusion resistant ring that is radially expandable and contactable to accommodate the relative movement of two joined bodies relative to each other. The extrusion resistant ring in combination with an elastomeric diaphragm provides a high pressure seal for down-hole oil drilling apparatus.
US08444171B2
A convertible double stroller comprising a pair of cross bars pivotally connected at a common vertex connected to a pair of telescoping rods creating a generally hour-glass shaped frame assembly having a front end and a rear end, a plurality of wheels attached to the frame assembly, a handle bar attached to the frame assembly rear end, and a pair of seat mounts fixedly attached to each of the telescoping rods, wherein the convertible double stroller may be selectively transitioned between three configurations: (a) a seated configuration wherein the frame assembly is in a fully expanded position thereby positioning the seat mounts in a side-by-side placement for seating; (b) a seated configuration wherein the frame assembly is in a moderately expanded position thereby positioning the seat mounts in a front-to-rear placement for seating; and (c) a storage configuration wherein the frame assembly is in a fully collapsed position for storage.
US08444163B2
A bearing mechanism for a transverse leaf spring that can be mounted in the region of an axle of a vehicle. The bearing mechanism has an outer bearing shell device and insertion devices which are at least partially encompassed by the outer bearing shell device and comprise layer elements with different stiffnesses. In the assembled state, the insertion devices are each disposed between the outer bearing shell device and the transverse leaf spring. In the region of a support surface of the transverse leaf spring, a recess is formed for each of the insertion devices in which the insertion devices engage in a form-locking manner. The insertion devices are each formed in the contact surfaces facing the support surfaces of the transverse leaf spring, having at least one receiving device into which, in the assembled state of the insertion devices, a region of the transverse leaf spring engages.
US08444162B2
A bearing mechanism for a transverse leaf spring that can be mounted near an axle of a vehicle. The bearing mechanism has an outer bearing shell device and insertion devices which have at least some regions encompassed by the outer bearing shell device. Each of the insertion devices comprise at least two layer elements which have different stiffness. In the assembled state, the insertion devices are each disposed between the outer bearing shell device and the transverse leaf spring. The outer bearing shell device comprises a one-piece bearing ring element, and the insertion devices can be operatively connected, at least in a force locking manner, to the bearing ring element and the transverse leaf spring, via tensioning elements.
US08444160B2
A suspension device in which a knuckle for supporting a wheel is supported by arms and a damper is connected to the knuckle. A suspension device (10) is configured in such a manner that the intersection (73) between a line extended from an elastic kingpin axis (68) of a rear wheel (31) and a road surface (72) is located on the rear side, relative to the vehicle, of the ground contact center (74) of the rear wheel. The elastic kingpin axis is tilted forward relative to the vehicle and is disposed below the rotation center (32) of the rear wheel in the vertical direction. A lower connection section (81b) of a damper (18) is provided on a line (33) drawn in substantially the vertical direction from the rotation center of the rear wheel. A damper axis (84) is tilted inward in the width direction of the vehicle and tilted forward relative to the vehicle.
US08444157B2
A wheel set attachment is used in combination with floor maintenance equipment, such as buffers, sanders, grinders, cleaners, etc. (“buffer”), which are typically equipped with small diameter wheels which make transport difficult. The wheel set attachment is conducive for conveying the device up flights of stairs, over obstacles, or conveying the device any appreciable distance. The wheel set attachment of the present invention easily attaches to the buffer without the need for tools and is quickly removed. Once installed, the wheel set attachment is stable and provides a pair of wheels which function as though integral to the buffer.
US08444156B2
A trailer including a plurality of rearwardly-extending frame arms located on opposite sides of said main frame, each of which includes a tandem with a plurality of wheels mounted thereto; a U-shaped cross member for maintaining said main frame level from side to side; at least one length-adjustable member operatively connected to said main frame and at least one of said plurality of frame arms; selective movement of said length-adjustable member causing said distal end of at least one of said plurality of frame arms to move up or down; and an automatic leveling system for moving each said length-adjustable members and each said corresponding frame arm such that said main frame is maintained in a relatively level orientation when said trailer encounters uneven terrain.
US08444131B2
The sheet transporting device of the invention includes: a transferring device (64) adapted to transfer a sheet (30), a conveying device (66; 66A) for conveying a sheet transferred from the transferring device (64) onto the conveying device, and a controlling means (76) adapted to control the speed of the conveying device (66; 66A) and defining a transfer cycle (CT). The controlling means (76) is adapted to slow down the conveying device (66) when a sheet is conveyed by the related conveying device and to accelerate the conveying device when no sheet is present on said conveying device. The invention can be used for the cutting devices of rotary printing machines.
US08444130B2
A method for securing a closure on a cylindrical container (such as a pharmaceutical vial) includes: positioning a closure in a first position, the closure being substantially centered via a centering assembly along an axis that is generally normal to the closure; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a second position; positioning a cylindrical container, the container being substantially centered via the centering assembly along the axis; translating the substantially centered closure along the axis to a third position in which it is adjacent the substantially centered container; and relatively rotating the closure and the container to secure the closure to the container. With such a method, both the closure and the cylinder can be centered along the axis, thereby registering them with each other for reliable securing.
US08444121B2
Systems are provided for damping vibrations from a payload. In an embodiment, and by way of example only, the system includes an isolation strut and a gas line. The isolation strut includes a bellows and a piston. The bellows has a first end and a second end, the first end being enclosed, and the second end attached to the piston to define a chamber. The piston includes a damping annulus therethrough having a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The gas inlet provides flow communication to the chamber of the bellows. The gas line is coupled to the isolation strut and is in fluid communication with the gas outlet thereof. The system is hermetically sealed to contain a gas therein.
US08444118B1
An apparatus for use in a cooling tower system may include a circulating fluid system. The apparatus may include a mechanism to receive an electrical signal representative of load on the cooling tower system. The apparatus also may include a mechanism to control fluid communication of at least one chemical into the circulating fluid system in response to the electrical signal.
US08444114B2
The present invention is directed to an anchorage extractor. The extractor is used to remove post, anchorage or stake from the ground without using a force generated by a motor. The anchorage extractor comprises a base disposed on the ground to provide a stable support. A lever is connected to a driving wheel that is connected to a rack. The anchorage is attached to the rack and when the lever is actuated, the drive wheel drives the rack upward, removing the anchorage from the ground. An advantage of the present invention is that the direction of the extraction force is parallel to the anchorage axis by adjusting the angle of the extractor. The extractor may be folded on itself or dismantled to be transported.
US08444102B2
An apparatus for holding handheld devices is provided, including a receiving base, an upper cover, a locking unit, at least a resilient unit and at least a weight allocation unit. The receiving base has a shell forming an accommodation space with an upward opening, and at least a concealing space inside. One side of the upper cover is coupled to the receiving base. The locking unit is responsible for affixing the closing, opening or holding positions between the upper cover and the receiving base. When the locking unit is in unlocked state, the resilient unit provides a force to lift the upper cover to the maximum opening position. The weight allocation unit is housed inside the concealing space. The electronic device can be held between the upper cover and the receiving base with a tilt angle.
US08444098B2
A balloon holder caddy system designed to simulate the look of Helium-filled balloons, to reduce the safety hazards associated with traveling with Helium-filled balloons in the passenger compartment of an automobile, and to eliminate repeated trips to a base location and back (a product use location such as is common with real estate agent's sign postings.) Balloon holder caddy system comprises a top gang-clip with multiple balloon neck receiving slots for creating a balloon cluster, a rod for elevating the balloon cluster simulating helium filled balloons, and an intermediate leg gripper and a base gripper for attaching to a sign-post leg using re-useable/releasable zip-ties. The system providing a unique and efficient balloon displaying means.
US08444080B2
A paper dispenser has a brake for a paper roll and a tensioning device for the web of paper and interacts in such a manner that the braking effect of the brake is adapted to the tension in the web of paper. The tensioning device is loaded in a paper path between the two conveying rollers and the paper reel.
US08444070B2
A unit fuel injector (10) has a control valve (40) in which a valve spool (92) is displaceable within a bore (91) of a valve body (90) between a limit of displacement that fully opens an oil outlet port (42) to an oil inlet port (44) while closing an oil drain port (106) to the oil outlet port and a limit of displacement that closes the oil outlet port to the oil inlet port while opening the oil outlet port to the oil drain port. The valve spool has a spool body (96) whose geometry defines an exterior envelope of the valve spool. Permanent magnets (98, 100) are disposed within a bore of the spool body inside of the exterior envelope, and electromagnets (102, 104) are electromagnetically coupled with the permanent magnets for displacing the valve spool within the valve body bore.
US08444056B2
A target, made of two layers, that has an animal design. The animal design on the bottom layer has at least two zones which correspond to a level of effectiveness of a bullet strike within that zone. Each level of effectiveness is indicated by a color and each animal design has at least two levels of effectiveness.
US08444045B2
A method of joining at least two parts includes steps of dispersing a joining material comprising a multi-phase magnetic metal-aluminum powder at an interface between the at least two parts to be joined and applying an alternating magnetic field (AMF). The AMF has a magnetic field strength and frequency suitable for inducing magnetic hysteresis losses in the metal-aluminum powder and is applied for a period that raises temperature of the metal-aluminum powder to an exothermic transformation temperature. At the exothermic transformation temperature, the metal-aluminum powder melts and resolidifies as a metal aluminide solid having a non-magnetic configuration.
US08444043B1
An array of solder balls is attached to solder pads of one of a first substrate and a second substrate. After aligning the array of solder balls relative to solder pads of the other of the first substrate and the second substrate, a thermal-mass-increasing fixture is placed on a surface of the second substrate to form an assembly of the first substrate, the second substrate, and the array of the solder balls therebetween, and the thermal-mass-increasing fixture. The thermal-mass-increasing fixture is in physical contact with at least a surface of a periphery of the second substrate. The thermal-mass-increasing fixture reduces the cool-down rate of peripheral solder balls after a reflow step, thereby increasing time for deformation of peripheral solder balls during the cool-down and reducing the mechanical stress on the solder balls after the cool-down.
US08444042B2
[Problems] To provide a process for producing a thermal sprayed, metal plated steel tube having a metal layer substantially uniform and favorable over the whole surface in a highly productive manner.[Means for solving] A process for producing a metal tube comprising continuously forming a metal plate composed of a first component into a tubular shape and continuously welding its butted ends to form the metal tube, wherein, after the continuous welding, a metal layer composed of a second component which is different from the first component is formed by thermal spraying directly over the surface of the metal tube, the metal layer having no discontinuities in the circumferential and lengthwise directions. Especially it is preferred that the process comprises a process step of making the thickness distribution of the metal layer more uniform after formation of the thermal sprayed metal layer over the external surface.
US08444038B2
A surgical instrument including a handle assembly, an elongate portion, a pair of opposed jaw members and a tissue stop is disclosed. The elongate portion extends distally from the handle assembly, and the pair of opposed jaw members extend distally from the elongate portion. The pair of opposed jaw members include first and second jaw members. The tissue stop cammingly engaged with the first jaw member and is movable between a first position where at least a portion of a stopping portion of the tissue stop is disposed between a tissue-contacting surface of the first jaw member and a tissue-contacting surface of the second jaw member and a second position where the portion of the stopping portion is between the tissue-contacting surface of the first jaw member and a lower surface of the first jaw member.
US08444036B2
A surgical fastener apparatus having a handle, an elongated shaft having a proximal end attached to the handle and a distal end extending therefrom. An end effector including a pair of jaws pivoted at a proximal end thereof and movable between an open and closed position. A cartridge containing a plurality of surgical fasteners, the cartridge attached to the end effector. An electrically powered actuator for deploying the surgical fasteners, the actuator including a power source and a motor. Means for electrically adjusting the amount of spacing between the jaws when the end effector is in the closed position.
US08444034B2
A gun mounting apparatus for utility terrain vehicles comprising: a first inverted L-shaped tubular member comprising a first attacher, a second inverted L-shaped tubular member comprising a second attacher, an obliquely oriented tubular member having a first tubular member end and a second tubular member end with a gun grip attached to each tubular member end and a first elastic cord and a second elastic cord. The first and the second inverted L-shaped tubular member may be partially inserted into receiving holes in side walls of a bed-box of a utility terrain vehicle and may be additionally secured to the vehicle via the first and second elastic cord which are attached to the first and second attacher. The gun mounting apparatus for utility terrain vehicles is suitable for transporting at least one weapon securely fastened to the gun grips which are attached to the obliquely oriented tubular member.
US08444032B2
A vehicle-mounted equipment carrier includes a hub portion to which is secured a number of vehicle-engaging and equipment-engaging support members. The various support members are each connected to sections of the hub that are movable relative to one another and that include engagement structure to hold the hub sections in desired angular positions with respect to one another. The hub sections can be moved upon disengagement of a clamping mechanism that compresses the hub sections into engagement with one another, and also holds each of the various components of the carrier in connection with one another.
US08444031B2
A harness for the wearing of at least one stage prop by a stage performer includes a frame with a backrest suitable for supporting the stage prop, and elements forming shoulder supports suitable for positioning and/or maintaining the harness in place on the artist's shoulders. The backrest and the elements forming the shoulder supports are rigid. The elements forming the shoulder supports are coupled to the backrest by a pair of elastic coupling elements.
US08444016B2
An apparatus for dispensing milk-based beverages comprises a milk container (4), a pump (8) for conveying the milk from the milk container (4) to a milk outlet (20), supply means (13, 14) for supplying at least one flavoring agent to the milk and means for mixing the at least one flavoring agent with the milk. To this end, a coolable cabinet (2), into which the milk container (4) can be inserted, is arranged in a housing (1). Via a hose line (7), the milk in the milk container (4) reaches a mixing apparatus (9) in a meterable quantity, conveyed by the pump (8) disposed in the hose line (7). At least one flavoring agent is able to be additionally supplied in a metered manner into the mixing apparatus via the supply means (13, 14), and is able to be mixed with the milk; the mixed beverage thus obtained reaches, via an outlet (20), a vessel (21) which can be provided beneath this outlet (20). Flavored cold milk-based beverages can thereby be produced in an optimal way.
US08444010B2
A food dispensing device having a frame with first and second sidewalls in spaced parallel relation that house a heating board and a slant board. The slant board is positioned below the heating board and both slope downwardly. Specifically, the heating board has a plurality of slots therein such that juice from a food product flows through the slots and onto the slant board. Adjacent and below the heating board and slant board is a flange that is positioned such that when a food product is placed on the heating board the food product rolls toward the flange and simultaneously juice flows from off the slant board into a juice tray disposed below the flange.
US08444009B2
A magazine having compartments for receiving cassettes has an outer housing having an open top and an open front side. An inner housing within the outer housing encloses an interior space and defines a plurality of compartments. The inner housing has opposing sidewalls, and spring elements form the compartments. A generally U-shaped feed element is mounted on the inner housing movably reciprocally in the longitudinal direction over a depth of the compartment so that the feed element moves a cassette from one compartment to an adjacent compartment.
US08444001B1
A dinner plate of conventional size and shape includes coupling means on its planar bottom that grasps and retains flexible plastic drink cups, enabling a user to stabilize the plate atop the cup and to hold both securely with one hand. The user squeezes the cup rim and inserts it between diametrically opposing, chordal grooves of the coupling means, the cup's resiliency expanding the rim into the grooves when released. In a preferred embodiment, the coupling means is a coaxial, raised island in the plate bottom that forms a recess into which the cup rim fits, radially inward-extending lugs in the recess walls fitting under the cup rim to secure it against the plate bottom. This leaves the plate bottom flat for use on horizontal surfaces and optimizes nesting of plates for storage and stacking, as well as creating a closure for the cup.
US08443994B1
The present invention is a bottle cap assembly including an anchor, a cap portion, and a retaining device. The anchor attaches to a bottle and has a threaded neck and a ridge extending outward from the threaded neck. The cap portion removably attaches to the anchor and the bottle. The cap portion has a retaining sleeve along an entire circumference of the cap portion. The retaining device keeps the cap portion connected to the anchor, so that the cap portion is not lost. The retaining device includes a rod element housed in the retaining sleeve, and the rim of the retaining sleeve prevents detachment of the rod element from the retaining sleeve. The rod element extends between the anchor and cap portion, while only the anchor remains attached to the bottle.
US08443978B2
A package for a medicament, the package comprising a sleeve and a slide, the slide having a medicament region for containing medicament, the sleeve having opposed first and second major surfaces connected and spaced apart by a side wall to define an internal volume, the side wall further defining a slide opening, the slide being movable parallel to a slide axis between a position in which the medicament region is substantially within the internal volume and a position in which at least some of the medicament region extends outside the internal volume through the slide opening, characterized in that the sleeve includes a shoulder and the package includes biasing means, the sleeve and slide being arranged such that the slide is movable within the internal volume between a secured position, in which slide is substantially prevented from moving parallel to the slide axis by contact between a portion of the slide and the shoulder, and an unsecured position, in which the slide portion can move parallel to the slide axis through the slide opening, the biasing means resiliently biasing the slide to the secured position. The invention extends to a blank for fabricating a sleeve for such a medicament package and to a slide or sleeve for use in such a medicament package.
US08443972B1
A method of packaging a hole saw includes positioning a circular cutting edge portion of the hole saw against a surface of a base member of a hang tag assembly. The base member includes a post that extends from the surface into a hollow interior defined by the hole saw. A cap member of the hang tag assembly is positioned adjacent a mounting portion of the hole saw. The cap member includes a stem and a display card portion. The stem is advanced through a bore defined in the mounting portion and into the hollow interior of the hole saw. The post is then secured to the stem within the hollow interior of the hole saw.
US08443965B2
A take-up machine is provided. Each of upper and lower conveying devices has an endless rotating body and a plurality of take-up pads provided on the surface of the endless rotating body. The take-up machine is configured to pinch a top face and a bottom face of a resin-molded article with the take-up pads of the upper and lower conveying devices to take up the resin-molded article. The take-up machine is installed along an extrusion line of a resin extruder. In a lateral direction orthogonal to an extrusion line, a length of each of the take-up pads is multiple times a length of the resin-molded article to be taken up. Each of the take-up pads has a plurality of supporting potions which are arranged in the lateral direction and capable of supporting resin-molded articles with different shapes. The upper and lower conveying devices are movable in the lateral direction so as to make one of the supporting portions coincide with the extrusion line.
US08443962B2
A removable unit includes an endless belt-like member; a first contact member that contacts an inner surface of the belt-like member; a second contact member disposed upwardly of the first contact member in a direction of gravitational force when the removable unit is mounted to a body of an image forming apparatus; a first cleaning member disposed between the first contact member and the second contact member; and a second cleaning member disposed between the first cleaning member and the second contact member. The first cleaning member prevents an adherent cleaned off by the second cleaning member from moving downward in the direction of gravitational force along an inner peripheral surface of the belt-like member.
US08443953B2
A clutch with high binding ability comprises a plurality of detent components provided between a left and a right lateral plates and each detent component can be pulled back to its original location by a resilient element. The detent block of each detent component is movably positioned between the left and the right lateral plates. The detent element of each detent component is slidably connected onto the detent block. One end of the detent element is provided with a groove for locating a positioning bar therein. Thereby, when the clutch rotates, the radial force of the detent element can be increased in order to enhance the detent ability of the detent element. When the rotational speed of the clutch is decreased to be the rotational speed of passive driving or to be lower than the rotational speed for engagement, the detent element can be pulled back to its original location by means of the elastic element located between the detent block and the detent element.
US08443951B1
A ratchet cylinder for a bicycle hub is provided with a cylinder member, a plurality of ratchet teeth, a plurality of springs and a C-ring. The C-ring circles around the connecting end of the cylinder member and engages in the grooves of the respective ratchet teeth, so as to retain the ratchet teeth in the receiving grooves and allow the ratchet teeth to pivot within a limited angle. The springs are disposed between the ratchet teeth and the ratchet cylinder to keep pushing the respective ratchet teeth of the hub shell into an engagement position with the teeth of the hub shell, so that the ratchet teeth can be surely engaged with the teeth.
US08443947B2
A magneto-rheological fluid damper includes a housing, a magnetically permeable body, a spindle, and a magneto-rheological fluid. Given a plurality of multi-pole two-way magnetic poles and a plurality of multi-pole coils, magnetic lines pass through the magneto-rheological fluid mostly in a direction perpendicular to a gap, such that the magneto-rheological fluid features an enhanced chaining force. Accordingly, the magneto-rheological fluid damper enables an increase in a magnetically permeable area of the magneto-rheological fluid subjected to an applied magnetic field and enhancement of damping force, and is free from a complete system failure.
US08443939B2
A brace rail shield combination for a rail of a ladder having at least one rung having a first portion that has a shape that conforms with an interior cross sectional surface of the rail. The brace rail shield combination includes a second portion that extends from the first portion at a first location to the rung to provide structural support to the rung. The second portion having an attachment portion at a second location spaced apart from the first location that is fixed to the rung. The first portion and the second portion being one continuous piece. A method for using an extension ladder. A method for producing a knee brace rail shield combination.
US08443932B2
A working machine is provided with a revolving upperstructure, working equipment, an engine compartment, a counterweight, a muffler, and an exhaust path for releasing exhaust gas, which has been discharged from the muffler, to an outer side of the revolving upperstructure. The exhaust path includes a tailpipe connected to the muffler and an exhaust pipe for releasing exhaust gas, which has been discharged from the tailpipe, to the outer side of the revolving upperstructure. The counterweight is utilized for the formation of the exhaust path. The exhaust path includes a passage formed in the counterweight and accommodating an upper end portion of the tailpipe inserted therein with a predetermined clearance formed around the upper end portion such that the exhaust gas discharged from the tailpipe can be guided to the exhaust pipe.
US08443908B2
A condensate collector arrangement for a dry pipe sprinkler system comprises a collection chamber and an upstream valve and a downstream valve with an anti-trip arrangement for preventing the upstream valve and the downstream valve to be open at the same time and preferably includes an arrangement to indicate the presence of condensate and a lock for the anti-trip arrangement and an alarm which may be selectively deactivated.
US08443897B2
A subsea safety system (50) for use during a well treatment operation. The subsea safety system (50) includes a tubular string having an inner flow passage (112). At least one valve assembly (116, 134) is positioned within the tubular string. The valve assembly (116, 134) is operable between open and closed positioned to selectively permit and prevent fluid flow therethrough. A frangible liner (134) is disposed within the valve assembly (116, 134). The frangible liner (134) has a close fitting but not fluid tight relationship with the valve assembly (116, 134). The frangible liner (134) is operable to protect the valve assembly (116, 134) from particle flow during the well treatment operation. In addition, the frangible liner (134) is operable to shatter responsive to closure of the valve assembly (116, 134), thereby allowing full operation of the valve assembly (116, 134).
US08443896B2
A substantially cylindrical buoyancy module for a marine riser includes a plurality of buoyancy elements separated along at least one helical separation plane.
US08443891B2
Methods of fracturing a well can include the steps of: (A) obtaining a fracturing job design having at least one treatment interval; (B) running a tubular string into the treatment interval; (C) before or after the step of running, forming one or more tubular string openings in the tubular string, wherein after the step of running, the one or more tubular string openings are positioned in the treatment interval; (D) except for the axial passageway of the tubular string, blocking at least 86% of the nominal cross-sectional area of the treatment interval that is between one of the ends of the treatment interval and the axially closest of the one or more tubular string openings, and, except for the axial passageway of the tubular string, leaving unblocked at least 4% of the nominal cross-sectional area of the treatment interval; and (E) pumping a fracturing fluid through the one or more tubular string openings at a rate and pressure sufficient to initiate at least one fracture in the subterranean formation surrounding the treatment interval.
US08443887B2
A radio frequency applicator and method for heating a hydrocarbon formation is disclosed. An aspect of at least one embodiment disclosed is a linear radio frequency applicator. It includes a transmission line and a current return path that is insulated from the transmission line. At least one conductive sleeve is positioned around the transmission line and the current return path. The transmission line and the current return path are electrically connected to the conductive sleeve. A radio frequency source is configured to apply a signal to the transmission line. When the linear applicator is operated, a circular magnetic field forms, which creates eddy current in the formation causing heavy hydrocarbons to flow. The heat is reliable as liquid water contact is not required. The applicator may operate in permafrost regions and without caprock.
US08443884B2
A setting tool for setting a well tool in a wellbore includes a setting mechanism which is operative to apply a setting force to set the well tool, and an orientation indicator which indicates an orientation of the setting tool. A method of setting a well tool and engaging an assembly with the well tool includes setting the well tool in a wellbore utilizing a setting tool which includes an orientation indicator, and then engaging the assembly with the well tool, thereby fixing an orientation of the assembly relative to the well tool. A method of azimuthally orienting a whipstock in a wellbore includes setting an anchor in the wellbore, the anchor including an alignment device, and indicating an azimuthal orientation of the alignment device relative to the wellbore. The anchor setting and azimuthal orientation indicating are performed using only a single trip into the wellbore.
US08443881B2
The present invention generally relates to an expandable liner hanger capable of being expanded into a surrounding casing. In one aspect, an expandable tubular system is provided. The system includes an expandable tubular. The system further includes an expansion swage for expanding the expandable tubular, wherein the expansion swage is deformable from a compliant configuration to a smaller substantially non-compliant configuration. Additionally, the system includes a restriction member disposed on an exterior surface of the expandable tubular, wherein expansion of the expandable tubular in the location of the restriction member deforms the expansion swage from the compliant configuration to the smaller substantially non-compliant configuration. In another aspect, a method of expanding a liner hanger using a cone is provided.
US08443879B2
The disclosure provides a blowout preventer (BOP) system with a ram having a shear blade with a shear blade profile to shear a tubular member disposed in the BOP. The shear blade profile can include a stress concentrator and centering shaped surface. The stress concentrator and the centering shaped surface can be laterally offset from a centerline of ram travel and on opposite sides of the centerline. An opposing second shear blade can have a mirror image of the shear blade profile with the stress concentrator and centering shaped surface reversed to the orientation of the first shear blade. Further, the ram can include a mandrel with a mandrel profile for the tubular member to deform around during the shearing process and to reduce an overall lateral width of the sheared tubular member in the BOP through-bore to allow retrieval of the deformed sheared tubular member from the BOP.
US08443876B1
This invention is a top drive having an inside blowout preventer connected with a rotatable stem. The inside blowout preventer includes a hydraulically actuatable arm. An inside blowout preventer with a rotatable stem is connected to the top drive rotatable stem. The inside blowout preventer has a hydraulically actuatable arm, a hydraulic cylinder, a tubular body having a tubular bore, and a valve operator assembly surrounding the tubular body.
US08443872B2
In an evaporator that constitutes part of a vehicular air conditioning apparatus, first fins having louvers therein are arranged between first and second tubes. Together therewith, a second fin, which does not have any louvers therein, is provided at a boundary portion between a first cooling section, which faces toward a first front passage through which air from a first blower unit flows, and a second cooling section, which faces toward a first rear passage through which air from a second blower unit flows. In addition, air is supplied to the interior of a casing from the first blower unit and is cooled by the first cooling section, which is partitioned by the second fin, whereas air supplied from the second blower unit passes through the second cooling section, which is partitioned from the first cooling section by the second fin.
US08443868B2
An air/refrigerant heat exchanger includes a plurality of coiled tubes. A first tube of the plurality of coiled tubes has a phase change material therein. A second tube of the plurality of coiled tubes has a flow of cooled refrigerant flowing therethrough and the first tube is in thermal contact with the second tube. A third tube of the plurality of coiled tubes has a flow of air flowing therethrough and the third tube is in thermal contact with the first tube and the second tube.
US08443867B2
A casting method and a casting device for a cast-metal object which are inexpensive and have a high degree of freedom are provided to cast plural types of cast-metal objects simultaneously.A cast-metal object is cast by using a casting device (10) including a mold structure (5) for forming a casting space capable of filling molten metal; and a runner (1) provided separately from the mold structure (5) for supplying molten metal into the casting space in the mold structure (5) by connecting the runner to the mold structure (5), wherein the runner (1) has a dividable structure, and the mold structure (5) has an assembly structure of a plurality of members.
US08443859B2
A manually operated or automated bonding tool for the attachment of a formed adhesive element to a bonding part is disclosed. The bonding tool includes a loading module in which the bare bonding part is loaded, an oven module in which the bare bonding part is heated, an adhesive picking station module in which the adhesive is attached to the heated bare bonding part, and a part transfer module which advances the bare bonding part sequentially from the loading module, through the oven module, and to the adhesive picking station module. The oven module includes an elongated heating block having a bonding part guide by which the bare bonding parts are transferred through the oven and to the adhesive picking station module. The part transfer module is used to push the unheated bare bonding part into and through the oven module and into position on the adhesive picking station module.
US08443855B2
Disclosed is a pneumatic tire including a straight main groove and two wave-shaped main grooves arranged in the center area of a tread, and diagonal grooves arranged in each shoulder area ranging from each wave-shaped main groove to the outer side of the tire, and extending obliquely outward from the wave-shaped main groove to a direction reverse to the tire rotational direction, the rotational direction being specified for the tire. Each diagonal groove is formed to have a convex protruding toward the outer side of the tire, and the extending end portion of the diagonal groove terminates in the shoulder area. Thus, each shoulder area is provided with a non-block pattern in which a land section continues in the tire circumferential direction. Thereby, the pneumatic tire has increased driving stability and uneven wear resistance while substantially maintaining good drainage performance and noise performance against columnar resonance.
US08443853B2
Embodiments provide an inkjet cartridge refilling system. The system may include a drill station configured to drill at least one refilling hole in an inkjet printer cartridge. The system may include an evacuation station configured to remove excess ink from the inkjet printer cartridge. In some embodiments, the excess ink is removed via a vacuum source. The system may also include a filling station configured to provide any of a plurality of inks into the cartridge. Some embodiments provide the ink to the inkjet cartridge via a hole drilled in the cartridge. Other embodiments provide the ink via inkjet nozzles of the inkjet printer cartridge. The system may also include a test station configured to test the refilled cartridge to determine whether it is functioning properly after being filled with ink.
US08443837B2
A coupling device which contributes to a further reduction in the space required to transport a die etc., in which first and second joints are simplified in structure and downsized, and that is advantageous when multiple sets of such first and second joints are installed. The coupling device comprises a female joint and a male joint. The female joint is fitted on a mold and comprises a first valve casing, a first valve body, and a first open/close valve having a first valve seat and a first valve portion. The male joint is fitted on a clamping plate of an injection molding machine and comprises a second valve casing, a second valve body, and a second open/close valve having a second valve seat and a second valve portion. The coupling device further comprises a valve body drive unit. When, in a condition where the front ends of the first and second valve casings and are in contact with each other, the valve body drive unit drives and advances, in the male joint, only the second valve body relative to the second valve casing, the first and second valve bodies and are driven to the valve opening side.
US08443830B2
A heater built-in valve usable even under a high-temperature condition beyond 200° C. is provided. Piston driving means 7 has an upper compressed-air introducing chamber 24 for moving a piston 6 downward, and a lower compressed-air introducing chamber 25 for moving the piston 6 upward. Piston sealing means 8 has an upper bellows 29 that seals the upper compressed-air introducing chamber 24, and a lower bellows 30 that seals the lower compressed air introducing chamber 25.
US08443826B2
A demand valve for gas mixing comprises two or more flow control valves that are connected to separate gas supplies. The demand valve includes a common actuation mechanism, such as a diaphragm arranged to displace levers, each of which, in turn, opens and closes proportionally in a substantially constant ratio a respective flow control valve. Inhalation flow drawn through an outlet causes displacement of the diaphragm and hence opening of the flow control valves. Gas from the separate supplies is therefore mixed in a main chamber to a substantially constant composition, regardless of the flow rate demanded, before being dispensed via the outlet.
US08443809B2
A condom, including a non-porous sheath member, having an open end and a rounded end, and shaped to cover the glans and body portion of a penis, and at least one rib having at least one outer portion and at least one inner portion, wherein the at least one outer portion is attachedly fixed to said non-porous sheath member, and wherein an inner cylinder formed by at the at least one inner portion is exclusive from said non-porous sheath member, and including at least one lubricant within the inner cylinder and at least one hole extending from the inner cylinder through the outer portion to provide for flow of the lubricant outwardly from the inner cylinder through the at least one hole pursuant to application of a predetermined pressure, wherein the at least one rib extends at least one of substantially from the open end to the closed end and substantially about a circumference of the non-porous sheath member.
US08443803B2
A collapsible respiration bag assembly is disclosed and includes a flexible hollow body longitudinally extending about a longitudinal axis thereof between an air intake end and an air outlet end and formed with at least three annular folds. A patient valve is fitted at the outlet end and includes a face mask coupler transversing the longitudinal axis. An intake valve assembly is also included and a face mask fitted with a face engaging rim, a dome portion and a valve coupler detachably connectable to the face mask coupler. The dome portion of the face mask is deformable between an operative, concave position and a convex stowing position, where the dome portion is inverted and where the valve coupler is detached from the face mask coupler. The assembly is configurable between at least one extended, operative position and a fully collapsed stowed position where the annular fold zones at least partially overlap.
US08443801B2
A method and system for controlling fluid flow settings by receiving a precondition pressure wave function, representative of a precondition frequency, a precondition amplitude and a precondition pressure of the fluid flow in the system, establishing an operating pressure wave function, representative of an operating frequency, an operating amplitude and an operating pressure of the fluid flow desired in the system, determining cycle error between the precondition pressure wave function and the operating pressure wave function, converting the cycle error to flow adjustment, and updating an operating flow with the flow adjustment.
US08443800B2
Several methods and a system for a method and system of safeguarding a filling process of a breathable air apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of safety of a building structure includes safeguarding a filling process of a breathable air apparatus by enclosing the breathable air apparatus in a secure chamber of a fill site of the emergency support system of the building structure to provide a safe placement to supply the breathable air to the breathable air apparatus. The method may include ensuring that a prescribed pressure of the emergency support system maintains within a threshold range of the prescribed pressure by including a valve of the emergency support system to prevent leakage of breathable air from the emergency support system.
US08443788B2
An internal combustion engine is charged by a compressor such that for example only a fraction of the charge is supercharged for an operating cycle of the internal combustion engine and is supplied via a separate charging channel with the help of a short-stroke valve which is controlled by the camshaft after closure of the inlet of the internal combustion engine such that the suction/charging stroke of the four-stroke process is maintained entirely or partially.
US08443784B2
In one exemplary embodiment of the invention an internal combustion engine includes a piston disposed in a cylinder, a valve configured to control flow of air into the cylinder and an actuator coupled to the valve to control a position of the valve. The internal combustion engine also includes a controller coupled to the actuator, wherein the controller is configured to close the valve when an uncontrolled condition for the internal engine is determined.
US08443774B2
The invention relates to a camshaft variator device for an internal combustion engine which includes a crankshaft and a camshaft. The invention includes: a first component which is rigidly connected to the camshaft of the engine, such that the rotation of the first component causes the camshaft to rotate; a second component which is rotated by the crankshaft of the engine; a third component which connects the first and second components to one another and which, in turn, rotates the first component in relation to the second component in order to vary the position and partial speed of the camshaft in respect of the crankshaft; and a fourth component which is used to impart a longitudinal and reciprocating longitudinal movement to the third component. The purpose of the device is to enable the opening and closing time and duration of the valves to be varied by varying the position and partial speed of the camshaft in relation to the crankshaft.
US08443772B2
A drive rotation member is driven by a crankshaft of the engine, and a driven rotation member is rotatable relative to the drive rotation member and secured to a cam shaft of the engine. An electric motor is arranged to rotate together with the drive rotation member and produces a dynamic power when fed with an electric current through brushes. A hollow control shaft is rotatable relative to the drive rotation member and forces the driven rotation member to rotate relative to the drive rotation member when rotated by the power of the electric motor. A bearing device is arranged between the driven rotation member and the hollow control shaft for smoothing a relative rotation therebetween. The bearing device includes a plurality of rollers. A lubrication oil feeding structure is provided for causing the rollers of the bearing device to be submerged in a lubrication oil at least when the engine is in operation.
US08443766B2
A method for automatically controlling an internal combustion engine, where, during normal operation in a first controller mode, a charge air temperature controller is set as dominant for a map-controlled thermostatic valve for automatically controlling the charge air temperature (TLL), or, during normal operation in a second controller mode, a coolant temperature limit controller is set as dominant for the map-controlled thermostatic valve for automatically controlling the coolant temperature (TKM). If a charge air temperature sensor fails, the second controller mode is set with the coolant temperature limit controller dominant, and if a coolant temperature sensor fails, the first controller mode is set with the charge air temperature controller dominant.
US08443764B2
The arrangement is for positioning equipment in association with an opening in a boiler wall and has a rotation mechanism that rotates the equipment around a virtual rotation axis that lies within the outer wall of the boiler. During the use of a liquor spreader for the introduction of combustible material, the opening of the liquor spreader is arranged in the virtual center of rotation so that the point at which the combustible material is introduced is retained independently of the angle of rotation. The liquor spreader is united either with a glide device or the guide in the rotation mechanism.
US08443761B2
A veterinary procedure table includes an animal support upon which an animal may be placed during the performance of a veterinary procedure. A sink associated with the animal support is adapted to receive fluid material that may be generated during the performance of the veterinary procedure and to direct the fluid material away from the animal support. The veterinary procedure table further includes at least one sensor for sensing a load disposed on the animal support, and a display communicating with the sensor to indicate a weight associated with the sensed load.
US08443754B2
An atomizer (2) with a rotary atomizing head (4) is mounted on the front side of a housing member (6) in which an air motor (3) is accommodated. A primary external electrode (8) is located around the outer peripheral side of the housing member (6) in such a way as to encircle the housing member (6). A secondary external electrode (10) is located on the front side of the housing member (6), in a position closer to the rotary atomizing head (4) than the primary external electrode (8). A first high voltage (V1) in the form of a direct-current voltage is supplied to the primary external electrode (8) from a first high voltage generator (11). On the other hand, a second high voltage (V2), in the form of a pulsating voltage (V2p) consisting of a series of intermittent pulses in a range lower than the first high voltage (V1), is supplied to the secondary external electrode (10) from a second high voltage generator (12).
US08443749B2
A floating island comprising one or more modules each comprised of one or more layers of permeable and porous matrix comprised of post-consumer carpet fibers and a top covering and a bottom covering around each layer. Alternate embodiments include layers comprised of polyethylene terephthalate bottle-fiber matrix and/or jute or coir fibers. A method of manufacturing the floating island module described above.
US08443747B1
A releasable mooring pendant apparatus that can be coupled or decoupled to a boat. The apparatus comprising of a pair of clips, one at each end of a rod, with each clip comprising hook and ring sections, and an opening therebetween defining a mouth. A movable arm placed under tension to biasly maintain each clip in a closed position, and each clip may only be opened upon activation through the intermedium of a functional retractor lever by a boater pulling on a cable, wherein a functional retractor lever causes a greater force on the movable arm such that the clip is caused to open. The mooring pendant apparatus operates as an extension of the boater's arm, and it can be utilized either by keeping the apparatus on the boat or leaving it connected to the mooring line and also to the mooring ball.
US08443746B2
Boats including elevated walkways that are useful for increasing cabin height in a boat, such as a bow rider style boat, are described. Such elevated walkways are elevated relative to either a cockpit deck portion or a deck portion of a bow area and can be used to connect the bow area to the cockpit area. The cabin of a boat with an elevated walkway as described is located at least partially below the elevated walkway. The portion of the cabin below the elevated walkway has a ceiling area that is elevated relative to either the deck portion of the bow area or the cockpit area deck portion where the elevated walkway overlaps the cabin space. Elevated walkways as described herein are located on the boat such that they either overlap the central longitudinal axis of the boat or the end of the elevated walkway near the cockpit is located between port and starboard dash consoles.
US08443740B2
A cyclonic incinerator includes a cylindrical outer burn chamber having a defining wall, a central axis, a first end, a second end, and a forced air opening extending through the wall between the first end and the second end. A forced air manifold is provided which is adapted to direct forced air into the forced air opening of the outer burn chamber to create a cyclonic air flow about the central axis of the outer burn chamber. A cylindrical inner burn chamber is concentrically disposed within the outer burn chamber. The inner burn chamber has a defining wall, a first end and a second end. The first end of the inner burn chamber has an exhaust gas opening. The second end of the inner burn chamber is in communication with the outer burn chamber. A gas inlet is positioned at the first end of the outer burn chamber.
US08443739B2
Through the addition of tertiary air and a reduction of secondary air, NOx emissions from a waste-to-energy (WTE) boiler may be reduced. The tertiary air is added to the WTE at a distance from the secondary air, in a boiler region of relatively lower temperatures. A secondary NOx reduction system, such as a selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) system using ammonia or urea, may also be added to the boiler with tertiary air to achieve desirable high levels of NOx reductions. The SNCR additives are introduced to the WTE boiler proximate to the tertiary air.
US08443735B2
Truck assemblies, systems and methods are provided for transferring weight supported by various wheels, and axles. An example truck assembly may include a truck frame element, and a carrier coupled with the truck frame element. A bias may be configured to bias the carrier away from the truck frame element. An actuatable linkage arrangement may include a compliant linkage coupled with the carrier. The compliant linkage may pull the carrier against the bias in a first direction.
US08443729B2
The present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art by providing a centerfire rifle cartridge with a case having a head having a rim, a body extending from the head to a tapered shoulder, and a neck extending from the shoulder and defining a mouth receiving a bullet. The body has a straight external surface free of a protruding belt, and has a maximum diameter sized to closely fit for operation within a standard action of magnum width. The cartridge has an overall length sized to closely fit for operation within a standard action such as a short action or a long action.
US08443718B2
The invention proposes a device for preparing a beverage from a food substance contained in a capsule by injection of a liquid into the capsule provided to the device, said device comprising an extraction head (20) having an aperture (22) for inserting a capsule (24) into a receiving chamber (25) of the device, a closing mechanism (21) to selectively enclose said capsule by a relative movement of at least two enclosing members (10, 25b), and at least one injection member (1) comprising a support member (2) and at least one injection element (3), for receiving a liquid, attached to said support member (2) which is arranged to inject liquid into a capsule (24) provided to the device, wherein the injection member (1) is releasably mounted on a support (10) at the injection side of said receiving chamber (25) by means of a releasable connection mechanism (4a, 4b, 12).
US08443717B2
A capsule for preparing drinks by passing a liquid through a powdered substance (9) contained in a chamber (8) made in the capsule (1). The chamber (8) is delimited on at least one side by at least one filter element (7) having a plurality of through-holes (12) extending from a first face (13) of the filter element (7) facing the inside of the chamber (8), to a second face (14) of the filter element (7). At least at the first face (13), the through-holes (12) have inlet sections (15) extending according to a main trajectory of extension and each having a length, measured along the main trajectory of extension, greater than their width, measured transversally to the main trajectory of extension.
US08443716B2
A piston head is formed to have a bowl, micro chambers in the piston body adjacent to the bowl, and orifices providing communication between the micro chambers and the bowl. The micro chambers are formed in the piston head by using grooves that in part define the volume of the reaction chambers, and which are completely sealed from above with permanently secured plugs.
US08443714B2
A brake stud housing assembly and method of construction of such assembly for vehicles that exhibits increased shock resistance and vibration reduction capability, allowing for increased durability of a brake housing assembly. The housing assembly includes a vibration dampening layer having an adhesive material that provides a permanent connection between the housing shell and reinforcing plate, which transfers both tensile and compressive loading forces between the housing shell and reinforcing plate in order to reduce vibration and stress.
US08443707B2
An apparatus is disclosed that is a self-contained gas management system (hereinafter “GMS”) that accommodates individual canisters of highly energetic small munitions, but is not so limited. By decoupling the gas management system for a given munition from an adjacent munition, the risk of downing a multi-pack launcher or munition adapter is reduced. Thermal wear, overheating, restrained firing and aft closure debris can be isolated through the separation of gas management systems. In addition, the GMS allows for ease of replenishment and maintenance of a given sub-cell of a multi-pack system. The GMS works with existing munitions and canisters without the need to modify them. Each GMS is dimensioned to fit the canistered munition it receives as well as the launch system with which it is used. The illustrative GMS comprises a plenum, and a first and a second uptake structure. The plenum receives the exhaust from the canistered munition when the munition fires. The plenum is fluidically coupled to the first and second uptake structures. The uptake structures in the illustrative embodiment receive the missile exhaust from the plenum and vent the exhaust to the atmosphere. In the illustrative embodiment, the first and second uptake structures are disposed along opposite sides of the canistered munition, flanking it.
US08443706B2
A fabric comprising a first plurality of yarns, a second plurality of yarns and a third plurality of yarns wherein the first, second and third pluralities of yarns have a yarn orientation that is different from each other. The third plurality of yarns is oriented in an axial direction. The second plurality of yarns is interwoven with the first plurality of yarns. The third plurality of yarns have no crimp. The yarns of the second plurality of yarns have an average linear density greater than or equal to the average linear density of the yarns of the first plurality of yarns and the yarns of the third plurality of yarns have an average linear density greater than the average linear density of the yarns of the second plurality of yarns and less than three times the average linear density of the yarns of the first plurality of yarns.
US08443702B2
To make improvements in torque wrenches with a torque limiter that uses a cam mechanism and to provide a torque wrench that realizes more stable operation and is capable of highly precise tightening. In a torque wrench with a torque limiter that uses a cam mechanism, a solid columnar roller member 14 is engaged with a cam part 7 of a cam shaft 8 such that it is rotatably supported by a roller support lever member 12 mounted in a head portion 2 such as to be rotatable around a support shaft 16 and such that it is pressed against the cam part 7 by a spring force transmitting rod 18 biased by a torque setting spring. The roller support lever member 12 is configured such that the distance r2 from the support shaft 16 to a point of application of force of the spring force transmitting rod 18 is longer than the distance r1 from the support shaft 16 to the roller member 14.
US08443694B2
A rotary actuator assembly is provided for actuation of an upper arm assembly for a dexterous humanoid robot. The upper arm assembly for the humanoid robot includes a plurality of arm support frames each defining an axis. A plurality of rotary actuator assemblies are each mounted to one of the plurality of arm support frames about the respective axes. Each rotary actuator assembly includes a motor mounted about the respective axis, a gear drive rotatably connected to the motor, and a torsion spring. The torsion spring has a spring input that is rotatably connected to an output of the gear drive and a spring output that is connected to an output for the joint.
US08443684B2
The subject is a rotary drive device (1), which has a device housing (7) in which drive means (2) are disposed that are in driving communication with a rotatably supported power takeoff part (4). The power takeoff part (4) has a power takeoff disc (5) that is received at least partly in a bearing receptacle (25) of the device housing (7), the power takeoff disc being surrounded by an annular roller bearing unit (33). The roller bearing unit has a bearing assembly (34) with rolling elements (35) and with one inner and one outer running surface arrangement (37, 38), and the entire bearing assembly (34) is disposed inside the bearing receptacle (25) and is surrounded radially outward by a boundary wall portion (27) of the device housing (7).
US08443673B2
A geophone including a plurality of ferromagnetic masses (e.g., magnets) disposed to oscillate on one or more compliant elements (e.g., springs) in a manner that produces a steep flux gradient at one or more conductive coils is disclosed. The magnetic masses are positioned with like poles facing each other so as to compress the magnetic field gradient. The coils may be positioned in the flux gap either between the magnets, in close proximity to the magnets, or surrounding the magnets. Vibration measurements may then be detected from the movement of at least one of the magnetic masses.
US08443665B2
A micro gyro consisting of a vibrating micro scale structure produces a signal whose characteristic frequency shifts in proportion to the applied angular velocity. The vibrating structure consists of a suspended proof mass resonator supported on springs and connected to at least one detector resonator. The structure can be made with multiple semiconductor materials such as silicon, poly-silicon, silicon dioxide, and silicon nitride, using one of many MEMS fabrication processes. The proof mass resonator is designed to have two closely coupled resonant frequencies, with one resonant mode for the drive motion and the second resonant mode for the sense motion. Detector resonators are connected to the vibrating structure such that when the proof mass resonator oscillates due to the Coriolis force in its sense mode, the connections to the detector resonators are stressed by the proof mass resonator, thus changing the resonant frequency of the detector resonators. By measuring the shift in the resonant frequency of the detectors, the applied angular rate can be determined.
US08443664B2
An equalizing tank for a hydraulic motor vehicle brake system, with a housing including a housing upper part and a housing lower part, and with a device for monitoring the fluid level in the equalizing tank, the device including a switching unit which is fastened to the housing and has a plug-in connector and a contact carrier, a portion of which projects into a guide pipe which extends into an interior space of the tank, and a sensor element or switching element which is arranged on the contact carrier in the region of the guide pipe and which can be switched by a transmitter in a switching point at which the switching unit generates a signal for an electronic control unit.
US08443663B1
An embodiment of concentrically-mounted disks, designed for sailing, which can be used in conjunction with a navigational chart and/or a compass to calculate boom/mainsail angles in degrees relative to a sailboat's course heading, calculating all sailable compass headings. Calculations factored by transitioning boom/mainsail angles, apparent wind ratios, angle of attack, and the areo-hydrodynamics of sailing. Further providing depictions of course heading, relative position of boom/mainsail, apparent wind direction, and coordinates relative to a navigational chart.
US08443654B2
A device monitors an obstruction of two fluid filters of a fluid circulation system of a gas turbine engine of an aircraft. A first obstruction sensor sends a first detection signal of an obstruction of a first filter. A second obstruction sensor sends a second detection signal of an obstruction of a second filter. A processor includes a monitoring input to measure the first and second detection signals. The first obstruction sensor includes a Wheatstone bridge including a strain gauge resistor. The second obstruction sensor is connected in parallel with the strain gauge resistor. The first detection signal is sent over a first predetermined variation range. The second detection signal is sent over a second predetermined variation range, distinct from the first variation range. The processor identifies the obstruction of one of the fluid filters as a function of one of the variation ranges of the detection signals.
US08443649B2
In a mass flow controller verifying system, there are provided a verifying gas line arranged in parallel to influent flow gas lines and joined into a post-confluent flow gas line, a reference volume calculating portion adapted to calculate a reference volume determined for a specified piping of a gas piping system, a verifying parameter calculating portion adapted to calculate a verifying parameter based on time series data of a measurement pressure measured by a pressure measurement unit during a control of a flow rate by a mass flow controller to be verified, and a comparing portion adapted to compare a reference parameter set based on the reference volume and the verifying parameter, whereby the verifying system can be introduced into an existing gas piping system used in a semiconductor manufacturing process and so forth at a low cost and is capable of verifying a mass flow controller quickly and accurately.
US08443643B2
A burr removing method includes: pressing, by using a work pressing device (7), the upper surface of a work (W) around a work edge (WE), along which a burr occurs, so as to be relatively freely movable, the work (W) held on a work table in a plate material processing machine so as to be freely movable in X- and Y-axis directions; when the work (W) relatively moves with respect to the work pressing device (7) in the X- and Y-axis directions, vibrating a striker (35) vertically, the striker (35) provided at a position below the work pressing device (7) so as to be freely vertically movable; and, when the striker (35) moves upward, crushing the burr. A burr removing device includes: a freely vertically movable striker (35) equipped with a burr striking portion (33) at the upper end thereof for striking a burr from the lower side and provided on a base member (29) attachable to and detachable from a work table or a die holder (5) in the plate material processing machine; and a vertical movement actuator being used for vertically moving the striker (35) and provided on the base member (29) or in a burr removing unit (37) equipped with the striker (35).
US08443642B2
A method of forming a tubular member with portions having finished corners formed in a hydroforming operation by initially forming a pre-form that includes sharp corners. The pre-form includes bulges of the tube material between the sharp corners that flow toward the intended corner locations as the tubular member is hydroformed. The bulges may be external ribs or internal recesses.
US08443639B2
A resistant mechanical combination lock and improvements thereto are described herein to include one or more of the following features: an improved combination change/set feature that includes a tumbler interlocking lever with digitated micro-fingers suitable for interdigitating with digitated micro-fingers on the peripheral edge of a combination tumbler ring, the tumbler interlocking lever and the combination tumbler ring sandwiched between a pair of outer gate rings to form a tumbler wheel assembly; a key stabilization feature in which an internal boss and a pivot recess together help stabilize the change key when changing the combination of a lock to help prevent “lock out”; an improved duress feature that includes a duress tumbler wheel assembly (that includes a duress lever) and an interchangeable microswitch; and/or a fence control feature that preferably includes an overcenter spring and trigger plate for controlling fence contact with the drive cam.
US08443636B2
Laundry washing machine (1) provided with a casing (2) and with a vibration damper (7) which is fixed to the casing (2) so as to reduce vibrations transmitted to the latter; the vibration damper (7) comprising a supporting frame (8) rigidly fixed to the casing (2), an oscillating mass (9) housed inside the supporting frame (8), and at least one block (10) of viscoelastic polymeric gel interposed between the oscillating mass (9) and the supporting frame (8) to floating support the oscillating mass (9).
US08443630B2
A method for manufacturing a primary preform for optical fibers using an internal vapor deposition process, including the steps of: i) providing a hollow glass substrate tube having a supply side and a discharge side, ii) surrounding at least part of the hollow glass substrate tube by a furnace, iii) supplying a gas flow, doped or undoped, of glass-forming gases to the interior of the hollow glass substrate tube via the supply side thereof, iv) creating a reaction zone in which conditions such that deposition of glass will take place on the interior of the hollow glass tube are created, and v) moving the reaction zone back and forth in longitudinal direction over the hollow glass substrate tube between a reversal point located near the supply side and a reversal point located near the discharge side of the hollow glass substrate tube.
US08443629B2
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an ultra-thin glass substrate, the method including: a feeding step of feeding a preform for a glass substrate to a production line while being held; a heating step of heating the preform fed from the feeding step to a temperature around a softening point thereof; and a drawing step of drawing the preform that has softened in the heating step to form an ultra-thin glass substrate, in which the preform has been wound on a cylindrical first winding roll.
US08443627B2
There is provided a method of making a heat treated (HT) coated article to be used in shower door applications, window applications, or any other suitable applications where transparent coated articles are desired. For example, certain embodiments of this invention relate to a method of making a coated article including a step of heat treating a glass substrate coated with at least a layer of or including diamond-like carbon (DLC) and an overlying protective film thereon. In certain example embodiments, the protective film may be of or include both (a) an oxygen blocking or barrier layer, and (b) a release layer. Following and/or during heat treatment (e.g., thermal tempering, or the like) the protective film may be removed. Other embodiments of this invention relate to the pre-HT coated article, or the post-HT coated article.
US08443622B2
An air conditioner includes a case provided with openings, a heat exchanger disposed in the case, one or more fans disposed in the case, and a variation unit that is movably disposed around the fans to vary air inlet and outlet directions.
US08443616B2
A replacement basin for a refrigerated counter having an integral basin and a method of installing that replacement basin is disclosed. Upon removing of the existing integral basin, the replacement basin may be mounted to the refrigerated counter, connected to the counter's existing refrigeration system, and then used to support one or more removable product filled bins or containers.
US08443614B2
Provided is a refrigerator with a dispenser assembly capable of sensing the height of a vessel and water level using a remote sensor by employing changes in electrostatic capacitance, in order to enable a user to automatically dispense water to a desired level regardless of the material or size of a vessel.
US08443613B2
Systems and methods are provided for conditioning air inside an enclosure. The systems and methods may comprise: (1) a plurality of flow tunnels for passage of a heat-transfer fluid; (2) a thermoelectric cooler in thermal communication with the flow tunnels for thermally conditioning the heat-transfer fluid in the flow tunnels; (3) an air inlet for receiving unconditioned air; (4) a thermal exchange assembly for facilitating thermal exchange between the thermally conditioned heat-transfer fluid and the unconditioned air to result in conditioning of the air; and (5) an air outlet for outputting the conditioned air into the enclosure.
US08443611B2
A system for damping combustor nozzle vibrations includes an end cover and a combustion chamber downstream from the end cover. First and second sets of nozzles extend axially between the end cover and the combustion chamber. The second set of nozzles is adjacent to the first set of nozzles. The system includes means for damping vibrations between the nozzles with a gap between the means for damping vibrations. A method for damping combustor nozzle vibrations includes flowing a working fluid through first and second sets of nozzles, wherein the first set of nozzles includes a damping member attached to and circumferentially surrounding at least a portion of the first set of nozzles, and contacting at least one nozzle in the second set of nozzles with the damping member on at least one nozzle in the first set of nozzles.
US08443609B2
A gas-turbine burner for a gas turbine includes a fuel nozzle 1 having several fuel exit holes 23, which are each connected to a fuel line 5, 7, 29, 30, through which fuel can be passed selectively Between individual fuel exit holes 23, different static pressures of the airflow are provided between fuel lines flown by fuel and fuel lines not flown by fuel.
US08443603B2
An intake manifold assembly for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle includes a plenum, a plurality of lower runners coupled to and in fluid communication with the plenum, and a plurality of upper runners. Each of the upper runners is coupled to and in fluid communication with one of the lower runners. The plurality of upper runners includes a single dedicated upper EGR runner configured for supplying combustion air to at least two dedicated EGR cylinders. A primary throttle body is coupled to the plenum and configured for regulating a flow rate of compressed combustion air through the plenum. An EGR throttle body is coupled to the dedicated upper EGR runner and configured for regulating a flow rate of the compressed combustion air through the dedicated upper EGR runner to control the flow rate of the compressed combustion air to the dedicated EGR cylinders.
US08443601B2
A method for controlling the wastegate in a turbocharged internal combustion engine including the steps of: determining, during a design phase, a control law which provides an objective opening of a controlling actuator of the wastegate according to the supercharging pressure; determining an objective supercharging pressure; measuring an actual supercharging pressure; determining a first open loop contribution of an objective position of a controlling actuator of the wastegate by means of the control law and according to the objective supercharging pressure; determining a second closed loop contribution of the objective position of the controlling actuator of the wastegate; and calculating the objective position of the controlling actuator of the wastegate by adding the two contributions.
US08443600B2
Actuator comprising elements made of shape memory alloy with broadened range of working temperatures
An actuator is described in which a functional element is made of a shape memory alloy, and the actuator includes means for increasing the load applied onto the functional element when the external temperature increases, thus causing a consequent variation of transition temperatures characterizing the hysteresis cycle of the functional element.
US08443598B1
A drive apparatus for a zero turn vehicle or similar application comprising a pair of pumps mounted in a common housing and having coaxial input shafts and an input shaft mounted in the common housing perpendicular to the two pump shafts. A pair of center sections or end caps including hydraulic porting are mounted to opposite ends of the common housing, and each center section has a hydraulic motor mounted thereon external to the common housing.
US08443591B2
An engine control system comprises an oxygen comparison module and a regeneration control module. The oxygen comparison module compares an oxygen concentration of an exhaust gas of an engine to an oxygen threshold. A regeneration control module initiates regeneration of a particulate filter and controls regeneration based on the oxygen comparison and at least one of a particulate filter load, a particulate filter temperature, and a speed of the engine.
US08443590B2
A control system comprises an exhaust treatment system, an electric heating module, and an exhaust heating module. The exhaust treatment system comprises a particulate matter (PM) filter and an electric heater. The PM filter includes M zones that receive exhaust gas of an engine and filter PM from the exhaust gas. The electric heater heats exhaust gas input to N of the M zones, wherein M is an integer greater than one and N is an integer less than M. The electric heating module activates the electric heater to heat exhaust gas input to the N zones to regenerate the N zones. The exhaust heating module heats exhaust gas input to the M zones by controlling an air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas after the N zones regenerate.
US08443584B2
An embodiment of the present invention takes the form of a system that may recirculate a portion of the exhaust of at least one turbomachine where it may be mixed with the inlet air and re-enter the turbomachine without affecting reliability and availability of the unit. An embodiment of the present invention provides an inlet system for an exhaust gas recirculation system. This inlet system may take a variety of forms and may optimize the direction that the portion of the recirculated exhaust stream flows within the inlet system.
US08443583B2
Apparatus and methods for combustion of fuel. Some embodiments of the inventions include a fuel nozzle which injects fuel into a combustion channel of a wave rotor combustor or a pulse detonation combustor In some embodiments the combustion process includes a backward-propagating detonation wave within a substantially closed channel which compresses discrete quantities of combustible and noncombustible mixture. Yet other embodiments include a precombustion chamber integrated into the wave rotor, the outlet stator or both.
US08443576B2
A casing member for assembly with an opposed identical casing member to encase a post includes an elongate body portion having spaced apart first and second side edges extending lengthwise of the body portion. First and second connectors are adjacent the first and second side edges respectively, and extend lengthwise therealong. The first connector includes a first tongue protruding from the body portion along a tongue axis. The second connector includes a groove bounded at least partially by spaced apart first and groove second sidewalls joined to the body portion. The first groove has a groove axis parallel to both the groove sidewalls and the tongue axis. The first tongue is inter-engageable with the first groove of the opposed identical casing member and the first groove is inter-engageable with the first tongue of the opposed casing member so as to secure the two casing members together about the post.
US08443571B2
In one example, we describe a method of construction and assembly for a very large wind power generator (or windmill or wind turbine unit), for sea, coast line, or in-land installment. In other examples, we describe the improvements on components of a wind power generator (or windmill or wind turbine unit). In one example, we describe a method of avoiding or minimizing problems with the weather forecasts or military radar interferences, for large wind mills or wind farms.
US08443562B2
The form for a concrete footing (10) is a mold for receiving concrete for footings on construction projects. The form has a housing (12), and a plurality of horizontal support members (16) that extend across the hollow interior of the housing. The form may be manufactured from plastic, cardboard, concrete or other materials. Vertical tubes (14) extend from the top and bottom and are hollow to allow for in situ soil sampling after the footing has been set in the excavation.
US08443560B2
A concrete form block for construction of a building includes first and second panel devices, each having inner and outer faces separated by ribs. Projecting connectors are disposed on the inner faces and each has a pin-receiving aperture. U-shaped couplers are used to connect the two panel devices together so that their inner faces are parallel. Each connector has first and second connecting pins and these are received in the apertures of the connectors of the panel devices, with each pin being pivotable in its aperture after insertion. The panel devices can be moved from a collapsed configuration having at least a reduced space between the inner faces and an in-use configuration with more space between these faces. There is also disclosed a panel structure having upper and lower channel forming frames connected to an outer wall portion thereof. These form a channel for receiving equipment for utilities.
US08443548B2
A transplantable plant container assembly is provided for containing a growing medium for a plant that significantly promotes air root pruning. The container assembly includes a container device that includes a sidewall support and a bottom support collectively defining an interior cavity. The sidewall support is comprised of a lattice framework defining a plurality of spaced apertures that extend from an interior wall to an exterior wall thereof. A relatively thin, moisture absorbent liner material is disposed adjacent to the lattice framework. The liner material is sufficiently penetrable to enable root penetration therethrough, by the plant, at the apertures. However, the liner material must also have sufficient structural integrity, when moist, to bound the growing medium and moisture across the spaced apertures of the lattice framework when contained in the interior cavity.
US08443533B2
An apparatus and method provide for display and cable management includes a base and a display device. The display device removably attaches to the base. When the display device is attached to the base, an aperture is created or reduced in size. The aperture allows a smaller first portion of a cable to pass through, but prevents a larger second portion of the cable from passing through. When the cable is drawn through the aperture and released, the weight of the cable retracts it through the aperture. The display device and base may include features that cooperate to resist detaching the display device when the cable is drawn through the aperture. The display device may include a graphic insert. The base may be shaped to sit on a horizontal surface and present the display device for viewing by a person standing or sitting nearby.
US08443526B2
A robot compliance device includes first and second discs (12, 30) spaced along a first axis (X). A column (24) is interconnected between the first disc (12) and a beam (14) intermediate the first and second discs (12, 30). A compliance member (40) is mounted around the column (24) between the first disc (12) and the beam (14). First and second canted resilient plates (50) are interconnected between the compliance member (40) and the beam (14) and spaced from each other along a second axis (Y) perpendicular to the first axis (X) and are at a first acute angle with and spaced from the first axis (X). Third and fourth canted resilient plates (52) are interconnected between the second disc (30) and the compliance member (40) and spaced from each other along a third axis (Z) perpendicular to the first and second axes (X, Y) and are at a second acute angle with and spaced from the first axis (X).
US08443523B2
A door lock locator configured to attach to a door having a latch edge and to locate the door lock in relation to a strike plate. The door lock locator includes an edge wall having an edge hole locator, a first wall extending from the edge wall and including a bore hole locator, a second wall extending from the edge wall and cooperating with the first wall to attach the door lock locator to the door. The door lock locator also includes a strike plate locator coupled to one of the edge wall, the first wall, and the second wall. The strike plate locator has a protrusion that selectively engages the strike plate to locate the edge hole locator and the bore hole locator.
US08443516B2
The present invention relates to a refurbished cylinder roller and a process for refurbishing cylinder rollers for use in printing machines. More particularly, the present invention also relates to a process for refurbishing metallic gravure cylinder rollers by replacing the worn outer plating layers with an extruded and thermally cured electrically conductive polymer material, and thereafter electroplating new outer plating layers thereon, the new plating layers including a new printing image formed therein. The present invention also relates to a refurbished gravure cylinder roller which includes a core member extending along an axial length, an image-carrying layer having a printing image formed therein and arranged circumferentially about the core member, and an electrically conductive intermediate polymer layer arranged between the core member and the image-carrying layer, where the intermediate polymer material has a conductivity selected to permit electro-plating of the image-carrying layer directly thereon.
US08443511B2
A scalable MEMS inductor is formed on the top surface of a semiconductor die. The MEMS inductor includes a plurality of magnetic lower laminations, a circular trace that lies over and spaced apart from the magnetic lower laminations, and a plurality of upper laminations that lie over and spaced apart from the circular trace.
US08443507B2
A method for forming a reinforced toolbox includes the step of: injection molding step: injection molding a toolbox with plastic material; extruding step: extruding a protector strip with aluminum; cutting step: cutting the protector strip into a plurality of protectors; assembling step: assembling the protector with the toolbox.
US08443506B2
A method is provided for forming a barbed medical device which includes the steps of providing a blank workpiece and forming at least one barb on the blank workpiece by applying vibrational energy to a tool and bringing the tool and the blank workpiece into contact with each other at an angle such that the tool cuts into the surface of the blank workpiece. A barbed medical device formed by this method is also provided.
US08443500B2
A universal rubber bushing-extracting tool includes a threaded rod and two pushing units. Each of the pushing units includes a nut, a mount, a bearing and two pushers. The nut is engaged with the threaded rod. The mount includes at least two slots defined therein. The bearing bears the mount on the nut. Each of the pushers is movably located in a related one of the slots. The pushers of one of the pushing units push an internal ring of a rubber bushing and the pushers of the other pushing unit push an external ring of the rubber bushing.
US08443492B2
The collar is made from a metal strip formed into a loop, and has a fastening stud and an ear that project radially. The ear is provided with an aperture into which a free end portion of the stud can be inserted for the purposes of fastening and of tightening the collar. The collar further has engagement surfaces for engaging with a tightening tool, which surfaces project radially and are situated respectively behind the ear and behind the stud. The stud and the engagement surface that is situated behind the stud are formed in a common projection and have side cheeks that are raised relative to the plane of the strip, and that are common to them. The ear is also formed by a projection.
US08443489B2
A counterbalance assembly for an appliance hinge includes a base including first and second spaced-apart side walls and a transverse face wall. The base includes: (i) a channel located between the first and second side walls; and, (ii) a notch comprising first and second notch portions respectively located in said first and second side walls. A rotating cam is supported on the base. The cam includes: (i) a camshaft that extends between the side walls and that is adapted for rotation about an axis of rotation, with a first end of the camshaft located in the first notch portion and a second end of the camshaft located in the second notch portion; and, (ii) a lobe that projects from the camshaft. The hinge assembly includes a biasing spring that comprising an inner end engaged with the base and an outer end spaced from the base. The outer end of said spring is located outside the channel. A spring rod includes an outer end operatively coupled to the spring and an inner end operatively coupled to the lobe of the cam such that the spring biases the spring rod to an extended position.
US08443478B2
This invention relates to a mechanism for use in a device that comprises a system for collecting dirt and debris from a variety of floor and upholstery surfaces. In particular the mechanism lifts and directs unwanted debris particles to a waste reservoir for the purpose of cleaning and grooming floor surfaces. The debris collection mechanism can be, but is not limited to its use in a handle operated cordless motorized floor sweeper to collect and gather unwanted debris and dust. The device includes a head unit that incorporates two easily removable elongate cylindrical rotating cleaning bars that are driven such that they contra rotate, and are positioned close to one another at the forward region of the head unit. A removable debris reservoir, removable rechargeable power source and handle incorporating a device operation switch are also included.
US08443471B2
A rope assembly, according to various embodiments, comprises: (1) a braided rope comprising a plurality of braided strands; and (2) a rope fastener that is adapted to: (A) be attached to the braided rope adjacent a first end of the braided rope; (B) allow a user to selectively form a braided rope loop of a first particular circumference by fitting the rope fastener through the plurality of braided strands at a first particular location on the braided rope; and (C) allow a user to selectively form a braided rope loop of a second particular circumference by fitting the rope fastener through the plurality of braided strands at a second particular location on the braided rope. In various embodiments, the rope fastener is shaped for selectively preventing the rope fastener from returning through the plurality of braided strands after the rope fastener has been fitted through the plurality of braided strands.
US08448260B1
A clipboard in an electronic system protects sensitive data by copying data into a clipboard of an electronic system as an entry and selectively blocking access to the sensitive data. For example, the clipboard can be arranged to protect clipped data that is based on a received web page or similar communication. An entry protect status is associated with a clipboard entry that is arranged to store copied data that is sensitive. The entry protect status is changed to indicate the entry protect status is set to block access to the copied data. Access to the copied data for which the entry protect status has been changed is selectively blocked.
US08448259B2
A content playback device of the present invention includes a playback unit 200 operable to play back a content; a normal storage unit 250 that is not tamper-resistant; a secure storage unit 350 that is tamper-resistant; a first control sub-unit 230 that writes playback records indicating elapsed playback time of the content into the normal storage unit one by one at regular time intervals; and a second control sub-unit 330 that (i) writes monitoring records with respect to the playback records into the secure storage unit 350 one by one at irregular time intervals and (ii) determines that the playback records stored in the normal storage unit 250 have not been tampered with if a prescribed relation is satisfied between a specific time point obtained according to a latest one of the monitoring records and one of the playback records corresponding to the specific time point.
US08448253B2
CPU of a console accepts a full application activation instruction generated via an activation instruction switch. The CPU searches through all of apparatus of a mixing system, which the console belongs to, to detect any apparatus having connected thereto a USB dongle that has recorded therein an access key corresponding to an application program to be fully activated. If such an apparatus has been detected within the mixing system, the CPU places the application program in a fully activated state. If, on the other hand, no such apparatus has been detected, the CPU terminates a full application activation process. Such arrangements allows the application program, which requires authentication of the access key, to be executed with simple operation, while preventing unauthorized use of the application program.
US08448251B2
A data processing apparatus is disclosed that comprises: at least one processor; a display for displaying data processed by said at least one processor; at least one display buffer for storing an array of display elements for subsequent output to said display, said display elements being secure display elements for displaying secure data and non-secure display elements; and a user interface; wherein said at least one processor is operable to execute at least one untrusted process and at least one secure process, said at least one secure process having access to secure data; said data processing apparatus further comprising: a secure user input for receiving a user input, said received user input not being accessible to said at least one untrusted process; and said data processing apparatus being responsive to an input received at said secure user input to transform data to be displayed on said display such that said secure display elements and said non-secure display elements are transformed differently to each other.
US08448250B2
A method and a system for transmitting confidential and non-confidential data blocks between intake units (1, 1′) and output units (3, 3′) of a communication system. The communication system has intake units (1) for confidential data blocks, intake units (1′) for non-confidential data blocks, output units (3) for confidential data blocks, and output units (3′) for non-confidential data blocks. A data distribution unit (2) transmits data blocks with confidential information from the intake units (1) for confidential information to the output units (3) for confidential information and data blocks with non-confidential information from the intake units (1′) for non-confidential information to the output units (3′) for non-confidential information. The two types of data blocks are differently marked, and the differently marked data blocks are transmitted in this form via the data distribution unit (2) in dependence on the marking from the intake unit in question to the corresponding associated output unit (3, 3′).
US08448243B1
A computer-implemented method may include generating a first region-of-interest identifier that represents a region of interest within an executable file at a first time. The computer-implemented method may also include receiving, at a second time, a request to scan the executable file for malware and generating a second region-of-interest identifier that represents the region of interest within the executable file at the second time. The computer-implemented method may further include comparing the first and second region-of-interest identifiers to determine that the region of interest at the second time is different than the region of interest at the first time. In addition, the computer-implemented method may include using the difference between the region of interest at the first and second times to determine whether the executable file comprises malware. Various other systems, methods, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US08448241B1
A system for testing the susceptibility of an Internet website to process cross-site scripting instructions is disclosed. The system includes an Internet web browser, a web server and an extension module embedded within the Internet web browser. The extension module is made up of two distinct components, a sending component and a receiving component. Within the sending component, is a translator object coupled to a first reference source. Within the receiving component is an interceptor object coupled to a second reference source. Together, the sending component and receiving component are used to communicate cross-site scripting test commands and receive responses from the web server hosting the Internet website being targeted for testing.
US08448239B2
A storage controller includes a command pointer register. The command pointer register points to a chain of commands in memory, and also includes a security status field to indicate a security status of the first command in the command chain. Each command in the command chain may also include a security status field that indicates the security status of the following command in the chain.
US08448237B2
A virtual private internet may include various network components, including an enhanced service domain name server (DNS), an enhanced service router, and an enhanced service gateway, which all access service policy information stored in an enhanced service repository. The network components in the virtual private internet perform common service processing tasks for routing service requests across firewalls and other network boundaries. The network components also execute other service policies, such as logging, message format translation, and protocol bridging for each service request processed by the network. Updates to services may be implemented in the virtual private internet via changes to service policy information stored in the enhanced service repository.
US08448229B2
A method for registering user identification data in an application service provider data repository is provided, where the application service provider provides web services for a plurality of customers, each customer having a plurality of users with respective user identification data. The method includes receiving user identification data from one of the users through a website associated with one of the plurality of customers, retrieving customer identification data based on a uniform resource locator assigned to the website, concatenating the user identification data and customer identification data to create a user key, and registering a user account within the data repository based on the created user key.
US08448227B2
Systems and methods are provided to make content items, already available on one resource, also available through another, such as through a new location or resource. The content items may be, e.g., videos uploaded by a user or other content. The systems and methods employ a streamlined interface for convenience to the user. In one example, a user of a computer system views a video segment through a first website and re-posts the video segment to a second website by entering a single command or clicking a single button. The websites coordinate the re-posting using credentials previously or contemporaneously entered by the user. Moreover, a content item may be automatically prepared for re-posting on the target website using previously-entered user selections. Playback software from a source website may be posted to a target website to allow access of the content item at the source website.
US08448213B2
Provided is a contents distribution system including: a unit for dividing contents data stored in a contents distribution server into segments and distributing the contents data segments, the contents data being reproducible for a predetermined period of time; a unit for distributing the contents data segments by varying sizes of the contents data segments in accordance with contents processing information notified by a contents reproduction terminal; a unit for receiving and storing the contents data segments distributed by the contents distribution server and reproducing the same in real time; and a unit for notifying the contents distribution server of the contents processing information indicating a processing status of the contents data segments distributed.
US08448206B2
A server device configured to store settings information, the settings information indicating which type of operations are permitted by a user of a video client; receive a request to perform an operation associated with television content; perform a first operation to obtain program information associated with the television content when the settings information permits the first operation, the program information being a measure of popularity regarding the television content; perform the second operation to obtain performer information associated with the television content when the settings information permits the second operation, the performer information being a measure of popularity regarding the performer; perform the third operation to obtain review information associated with the television content when the settings information permits the third operation, the review information including reviews associated with the television content; and present, to the video client, the program information, the performer information, or the review information for display.
US08448205B2
Alternative-channel user selectivity is provided when a user tunes to a broadcast channel for which the desired broadcast station corresponding to such broadcast channel has been reassigned. In one embodiment, after tuning to broadcast channel in response to a user input, it may first be determined if in fact the desired broadcast station corresponding to the tuned broadcast channel has been reassigned. If so, one or more alternative broadcast channels corresponding to the desired broadcast station may be identified, and an alternative channel availability indicator may then be displayed to the user to provide alternative-channel user selectivity.
US08448200B2
A transferred medium is provided. In one exemplary embodiment a transferred medium includes a projection part projected in a transferring direction of the transferred medium from a front end part of the medium such that the projection part traverses the front end part of the medium. The thickness of a part of the projection part can be configured to be greater than the thickness of the front end part, the width of the projection part in a direction perpendicular to the transferring direction can be narrower than the width of the front part in that same direction, and the urging force by the urging member can act on the projection part and the front end part during transfer of the transferred medium. A recording apparatus system that includes a transferred medium is also provided, as are other embodiments of a transferred medium.
US08448197B2
To provide an optical pickup device adapted such that for adhesion fixing of a holder for holding an LD or a light-receiving element to an optical pickup casing via an ultraviolet-curable adhesive, curing shrinkage during ultraviolet irradiation can be reduced and adhesion fixing achieved with high positioning accuracy. In a structure for adhesion fixing of a holder for holding an LD or a light-receiving element to an optical pickup casing via an ultraviolet-curable adhesive, since protrusions are provided at peripheral sections (UV irradiation light source side) on a bonding surface of the holder, a section exposed to strong UV light is first cured, then after the adhesive has moved from an uncured section, the amount of shrinkage of the first cured section in a Z-direction is reduced, and the uncured section is cured.
US08448189B2
A method, apparatus and computer instructions for handling intrusions. A tracer packet is sent back to an intruder causing the intrusion in response to receiving notification of an intrusion from a particular node in a network data processing system. Nodes in the network data processing system are notified of the tracer packet. Identification of the node is stored for use in tracing a route of the tracer packet through the data processing system in response to receiving a message from a node indicating receipt of the tracer packet.
US08448182B2
The present invention enables messaging service users to programmatically and administratively control the system's behavior in the event of an external resource failure. A destination pause/resume feature enables the user to “pause” and “resume” the production and consumption of messages, that are newly produced or produced as a result of “in flight work” completion, on a given destination or all the destinations hosted by a single messaging service server programmatically. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.
US08448181B2
Sizing an infrastructure configuration optimized for a workload mix includes: a) instructing a virtualized-aware testing service (VATS) test controller to perform a test of an initial infrastructure configuration in a virtualized environment, in which the test provides at least one test result; b) determining whether the at least one test result satisfies a predetermined requirement as identified in the workload mix; c) modifying at least one parameter of the initial infrastructure configuration to create a modified infrastructure configuration in response to the at least one test result failing to satisfy the predetermined requirement; d) instructing the VATS test controller to perform another test on the modified infrastructure configuration to generate another at least one test result; e) repeating steps b)-d) until a final infrastructure configuration that causes the another at least one test result to satisfy the predetermined requirement is identified; and f) outputting the final infrastructure configuration.
US08448176B2
Work units are transparently offloaded from a main processor to offload processing systems for execution. For a particular work unit, a suitable offload processing system is selected to execute the work unit. This includes determining the requirements of the work unit, including, for instance, the hardware and software requirements; matching those requirements against a set of offload processing systems with an arbitrary set of available resources; and determining if a suitable offload processing system is available. If a suitable offload processing system is available, the work unit is scheduled to execute on that offload processing system with no changes to the work unit itself. Otherwise, the work unit may execute on the main processor or wait to be executed on an offload processing system.
US08448170B2
The system and method described herein for providing annotated service blueprints in an intelligent workload management system may include a computing environment having a model-driven, service-oriented architecture for creating collaborative threads to manage workloads. In particular, the management threads may converge information for creating annotated service blueprints to provision and manage tessellated services distributed within an information technology infrastructure. For example, in response to a request to provision a service, a service blueprint describing one or more virtual machines may be created. The service blueprint may then be annotated to apply various parameters to the virtual machines, and the annotated service blueprint may then be instantiated to orchestrate the virtual machines with the one or more parameters and deploy the orchestrated virtual machines on information technology resources allocated to host the requested service, thereby provisioning the requested service.
US08448167B2
A storage system includes an information apparatus in which a virtualization mechanism is implemented to build a virtual machine, a storage apparatus which is coupled to the information apparatus, which includes a first logical volume proving a storage area to be used by the virtual machine, and which includes a virtual disk area and a virtual disk management area on the first logical volume, the virtual disk area used by the virtual machine to store data, the virtual disk management area storing management data for managing the virtual disk area; and a management computer which is coupled to the information apparatus and the storage apparatus, and which includes a remote copy controller configured to copy the virtual disk area and the virtual disk management area on the first logical volume of the storage apparatus to a storage area on a second logical volume included in a second storage device coupled to the storage apparatus. The remote copy controller determines whether, on the second logical volume, there is the virtual disk management area used by the virtual machine. When determining that there is not, the remote copy controller transmits, to the storage apparatus, an instruction to copy the virtual disk management area and the virtual disk area to the second logical volume.
US08448162B2
Disclosed is a technique for facilitating software upgrade for a switching system comprising a first management processor and a second management processor and a set of one or more line processors, the techniques comprising receiving a signal to perform a software upgrade for a line processor from the set of line processors, and performing a software upgrade for the line processor without substantially affecting packet switching performed by the switching system.
US08448159B2
A system and method for allowing external execution-time adaptation of application behavior of an application in a telecommunication system without modification to the application code comprises an application having at least one break point and residing on an application server, at least one identifiable decision engine, and a listing of break points that has for each break point at least one identifier of the decision engine, such that at one of the break points, the application accesses the listing of break points, invokes the listed instances of the decision engine corresponding to the break point, and adapts application behavior based on the decision engine. In addition, each entry in the listing of break points can have a sequence number so that if two entries for the same break point have equal sequence numbers, the decision engines identified in these entries can be invoked in parallel.
US08448156B2
A runtime system implemented in accordance with the present invention provides an application platform for parallel-processing computer systems. Such a runtime system enables users to leverage the computational power of parallel-processing computer systems to accelerate/optimize numeric and array-intensive computations in their application programs. This enables greatly increased performance of high-performance computing (HPC) applications.
US08448149B2
A method for converting traditional ladder diagrams for programmable controllers according to model 984, for example, the traditional ladder diagrams being read and executed column by column, into ladder diagrams for IEC 61131-oriented controllers, for example, with the ladder diagrams being read and executed in a data flow-oriented manner. In order to carry out the method, it is determined, in the ladder diagrams that are traditionally read and executed column by column, whether variables are provided on coils as well as on contacts within the network, and it is determined whether the contact is processed according to model 984 in front of the associated coil and according to the IEC model behind the associated coil. If so, an additional variable is generated for each such variable, and the additional variable is fed to the respective contact instead of the original variable. Furthermore, a contact including the original variable is connected to a power supply simulation at the end of the network, followed by a coil encompassing the generated variable.
US08448129B2
A method, system, and computer-readable medium for utilizing the design centers, assembly line and job shops of a global delivery network across multiple software factories are presented. A work packet is examined to determine if it is authorized to be sub-contracted out to a different design center, assembly line or job shop than the design center/assembly line/job shop that have primary responsibility for the work packet. If the work packet is authorized to be sub-contracted out, then the work packet is reassigned to a different pre-qualified design center/assembly line/job shop.
US08448122B1
A method of implementing a circuit design within a programmable integrated circuit (IC) can include identifying an implementation directive embedded within a register transfer level (RTL) description of the circuit design and determining components of a sub-circuit of the circuit design, wherein the sub-circuit is specified by a portion of the RTL description associated with the implementation directive. The sub-circuit can be placed for the programmable IC and routed for the programmable IC according to the implementation directive. A programmatic description of the sub-circuit specifying placement and routing information can be output.
US08448118B2
Solutions for determining intra-die wirebond pad placement locations in an integrated circuit (IC) die are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a dividing band in the IC die, the dividing band dividing the IC die into a first region and a second region; determining a voltage (IR) drop across the first region and the second region; comparing the IR drops across the regions; and in response to the IR drops being substantially unequal, moving the dividing band, determining new IR drops across the regions, and comparing the new IR drops until the IR drops are substantially equal. The dividing band may provide desired locations for intra-die wirebond pads.
US08448108B2
A system, and computer program product for matching systems with power and thermal domains are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A subset of the set of systems is sorted according to size to form a sorted list of systems. The smallest remaining system in the sorted list of systems is selected. The smallest remaining system is allocated to a domain responsive to a determination that the domain can service the smallest remaining system. A system from a second subset is allocated to a plurality of domains such that the plurality of domains includes a smallest number of domains from the set of domains.
US08448107B2
This disclosure describes a method for accomplishing sequential logical equivalence verification using a hierarchical piecewise approach. Initially, the method provides a reference semiconductor design and a second semiconductor design with logic edits relative to it. The method submits both to formal verification to check the reference design against the second semiconductor design with all edits disabled 200. The semiconductor design is partitioned 202 and associated input constraints 204. The edits are further grouped 206 and ordered 208. The invention also discovers a set of dependencies of the logic edits 210 and checks that the ordering of groups obeys the dependencies 212. Each group of edits is further submitted to formal verification 214 and any input constraints assumed for any partitions are verified in their enclosing partition 216. Finally, the method reports success if formal verification succeeds on each group of logic edits and on each set of input constraints 218.
US08448104B1
A method and an apparatus to perform statistical static timing analysis have been disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes performing statistical analysis on performance data of a circuit from a plurality of libraries at two or more process corners using a static timing analysis module, and estimating performance of the circuit at a predetermined confidence level based on results of the statistical analysis during an automated design flow of the circuit without using libraries at the predetermined confidence level.
US08448090B2
Presentation of advanced content items is selectively suspended and/or activated so as to manage system resources. In some embodiments, plug-in code is selectively activated based on prioritization schemes and responsive to resource usage, user input, and/or other conditions. For example, plug-in code can be selectively suspended when the advanced content being presented by the plug-in code is not in view (for example, if it has been scrolled off the screen); when the advanced content is brought into view, for example as a result of scrolling, the plug-in code is reactivated as appropriate and the presentation of the advanced content resumes. State information for suspended plug-ins can be stored so that upon reactivation, plug-in code resumes operation substantially where it left off.
US08448089B2
Predicted input data is obtained by initially acquiring a set of operations that are performed on non-editable user interface elements of a user interface prior to a subsequent data input into an editable user interface of the user interface. The set of operations is then classified into a pattern class based on the operations in the set and the subsequent data input that corresponds to the set. Subsequently, a pattern type for the pattern class is generated that describes a relationship between the set of operations and the subsequent data input. Accordingly, when a new set of operations is received, input data is predicted for the new set by applying the pattern type to the new set.
US08448088B2
In at least one embodiment of the disclosure, an image display system includes an image display device configured to display a display image based on supply content, and a plurality of image supply devices. Each of the image supply devices includes a display section having a first display area configured to display the display image of the image display device. The image supply devices each include a content selection section configured to receive a selection of supply content from among a plurality of supply contents stored with the image supply device. The image display device is configured to receive the supply content from at least two of the image supply devices and display the supply content as the display image.
US08448077B2
A system and method are provided for executing an executable clinical practice guideline for providing guidance in treating a patient. A guideline repository stores a plurality of executable clinical practice guidelines. At least one interface receives clinical context data associated with at least one of the patient and the patient's treatment. A system server, upon receipt of said clinical context data, automatically chooses an appropriate guideline and controls a display to display the guideline at its present level of abstraction, and a visual navigator which defines the current level of abstraction. The level of abstraction is changed via a user input between a higher level of abstraction in which fewer more abstract steps of the guidelines are displayed and a lower level of abstraction in which more, detailed steps are displayed.
US08448076B2
A graphical editor for creating operator displays and configuring control strategies in a process control plant or system may present a coherent view for the multiple graphical or control strategy items depicted within or associated with the display and strategy. For each graphical item, the view may hierarchically show default and modified values, animation expressions, and event handler scripts. The view may allow a configuration engineer to group, order, and filter various graphical or control strategy items within a single display to present a cohesive view of how the multiple items within the display are capable of being configured for events, animations, and control strategies within the operator display. Providing this cohesive view may allow the user to view and configure graphical items and control strategies without having to open and dismiss dialogs for each configuration task.
US08448075B2
A method and a system for saving an Internet bookmark and a computer-readable medium using the method are provided. In the present method, a web page is first connected to. Then, an image of a particular area in the web page is captured and served as a representative image of an Internet bookmark of the web page. Next, the representative image is associated with a web address of the web page. Thereafter, the representative image and the web address are saved.
US08448069B2
A computer system, a method, and a computer application that creates a view of the properties of a set of objects that have a common property adapter. A user may select some or all of the objects and some or all of the properties to include in the view created by the object set property view. Upon selection of an object by a user, the method and application retrieve the children of the object using a preexisting content adapter. The object set property viewer then ascertains if the children have the same property adapter, also preexisting. If so, the property adapter is retrieved, along with the associated property descriptors and functions of the adapter. The object set property viewer creates a new view, preferably in the form of a table wherein the rows (columns) are of the children objects and the columns (rows) are of the properties of interest. Because of inheritance, and functionality associated with the property is also inherited so that the object set property view may permit a user to sort, align, and/or edit the values of the properties.
US08448068B2
An information processing apparatus includes recording means for recording content, playback controlling means for controlling playback of the recorded content, and viewing history generating means for generating viewing history data used for displaying a viewing history of the content that is played back. Information concerning the content, a title identifying the content, and an image relating to the content are displayed in the viewing history.
US08448066B2
A document editing device includes: a storage section that stores document information partitioned in plural pages and page designating information which designates a page to be used of the plural pages of the document information so as to be correlated with the document information and a purpose; a page designating information selecting section that selects the page to be used from the page designating information according to the document information and purpose designated; and a document editing section that extracts document information of the page to be used from the document information designated according to the page to be used selected. Further, the document editing section edits the document information as edited document information.
US08448065B2
Systems and methods for object linking and embedding for process control networks are disclosed. The exemplary system may include one or more field devices. The system may also include a process control server for monitoring the field devices, storing field information and one or more parameters for each of the field devices, and associating each of the field devices input/output data with a text-based tag. The system may also include a client computer capable of accessing the one or more parameters of each field device by identifying the field information containing the desired text-based tags. The data may be displayed in real time.
US08448056B2
Technology for testing a target recognition, analysis, and tracking system is provided. A searchable repository of recorded and synthesized depth clips and associated ground truth tracking data is provided. Data in the repository is used by one or more processing devices each including at least one instance of a target recognition, analysis, and tracking pipeline to analyze performance of the tracking pipeline. An analysis engine provides at least a subset of the searchable set responsive to a request to test the pipeline and receives tracking data output from the pipeline on the at least subset of the searchable set. A report generator outputs an analysis of the tracking data relative to the ground truth in the at least subset to provide an output of the error relative to the ground truth.
US08448053B2
Method and system for data-rate control by randomized bit-puncturing in communication systems. An encoder encodes at least one information bit thereby generating a group of encoded bits or an encoded frame. The encoder may be any type of encoder including a turbo encoder, an LDPC (Low Density Parity Check) encoder, a RS (Reed-Solomon) encoder, or other type of encoder. Any sub-portion of an encoded frame generated by such an encoder can be viewed as being a group of encoded bits. If the encoded frame is sub-divided into multiple groups of bits, each group can under processing in accordance with the means presented herein to effectuate rate matching. Based on a number of bits to be punctured from the group or frame generated by the encoder, a set of pointers and random-generated displacements is used to generate addresses for bits in the group or frame to be transmitted or punctured.
US08448052B2
A data rate matching method is disclosed. More particularly, a rate matching method using at least two parameters is disclosed. The rate matching method includes selecting bits from an input bitstream using a primary-indication parameter for selecting at least one bit and a secondary indication parameter for canceling the selection using the primary indication parameter or additionally selecting unselected bits, and processing the selected bits according to a rate matching mode so as to generate an output bitstream. By using the rate matching method, highspeed processing is realized by a simple calculation and the locations of target bits can be efficiently decided using at least two indication parameters. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce a calculation amount or improve performance.
US08448051B2
A memory system according to the embodiment comprises a p-adic number converter unit operative to convert δ-digit, h-bit symbols to a k-digit, p-adic data word (p is a prime of 3 or more); an encoder unit operative to generate, from the p-adic data word, a code C composed of a residual field Zp of the prime p; a memory unit operative to store the code C as write data; an error correcting unit operative to apply an operation using a syndrome S generated from read data Y for error correcting the read data Y to regenerate the code C; a decoder unit operative to reverse-convert the code C to regenerate the p-adic data word; and a binary converter unit operative to convert the data word to a binary number to regenerate the binary data D.
US08448033B2
An error correction code encoder is provided. A first encoder encodes input information bits and generates first parity check bits. An interleaver interleaves the input information bits and generates permuted information bits. A second encoder encodes the permuted information bits and generates second parity check bits. The interleaver interleaves the input information bits in a window-wise manner so that the input information bits are divided into input information bit windows before being interleaved, and permuted information bit windows having the permuted information bits are generated thereafter. When the input information bit windows are grouped into groups according to different window index characteristics, the window index of each permuted information bit window has the same characteristic as the corresponding input information bit window interleaved therefrom.
US08448032B2
Techniques are disclosed for reducing the set of initial candidates in signature based diagnosis methodology. These techniques are based on a unique way of making optimum use of information from logic back-cone tracing along with equations that describe the test response compactor.
US08448019B2
A processor includes an accumulator, a storage that outputs data to the accumulator, an error detector that outputs a first error detection signal upon detecting an error in the data, an error identifier that outputs an error identification signal indicating that an error occurs in the storage, an error identification signal holder that outputs the error identification signal as a second error detection signal, an error detection signal holder that holds the first error detection signal and outputs a cancellation signal to stop the accumulation processing of the accumulator, a first calculator that starts making a first calculation based on the second error detection signal and the cancellation signal, and outputs a correction start signal after a lapse of a calculation period, and an error corrector that corrects the error of the data upon receiving the correction start signal.
US08448011B2
A data processing system and an adjusting method thereof are disclosed. The data processing system includes a processor, a clock generator, a monitoring module and a determining module. When a target program is processed, the monitoring module monitors a first loading level of the processor, and transmits the first loading level to the determining module for recording. Furthermore, when a present program is processed, the monitoring module monitors a second loading level of the processor, and transmits the second loading level to the determining module. The determining module determines whether the second loading level matches with the first loading level within a preset period, and if it matches, the determining module generates and transmits a control signal to the clock generator, thereby making the clock generator generates a first clock signal to the processor, so as to increase the operating frequency of the processor.
US08448008B2
On-chip high speed clock control techniques for testing circuits with multiple clock systems are disclosed. The techniques allow certain (e.g. compatible) high speed clocks to be activated with predefined waveforms during a capture period of a logic test, based on a clock control signal. The clock control signal may be supplied via a JTAG control port or via a scan chain load port. The clock control signal may also be generated by a BIST controller. The techniques may ensure glitch-free transitions from slow speed clocks during a shift period to fast speed clocks during a capture period.
US08448006B2
A mechanism is provided for directed resource folding for power management. The mechanism receives a set of static platform characteristics and a set of dynamic platform characteristics for a set of resources associated with the data processing system thereby forming characteristic information. The mechanism determines whether one or more conditions have been met for each resource in the set of resources using the characteristic information. Responsive to the one or more conditions being met, the mechanism performs a resource optimization to determine at least one of a first subset of resources in the set of resources to keep active and a second subset of resources in the set of resources to dynamically fold. Based on the resource optimization, the mechanism performs either a virtual resource optimization to optimally schedule the first subset of resources or a physical resource optimization to dynamically fold the second subset of resources.
US08448005B2
An information processing apparatus includes a transfer unit configured to retain at least one network address from among a plurality of network addresses and transfer other network addresses to other information processing apparatus, a power saving state shifting unit configured to shift to a power saving state, and a return unit configured to return the power saving state to a normal state when the retained network address is accessed.
US08448001B1
A system includes a first device, a second device, and a main power management module. The first device is configured to communicate with a system bus. The second device is configured to communicate with the system bus. The second device includes a device power management module configured to manage power states of the second device. The main power management module is configured to manage power consumption of the second device independently of the first device by selectively supplying power and clock signals to the second device based on the power states of the second device. The main power management module and the device power management module each comprise a power handshake interface. The main power management module communicates with the device power management module via a power management bus using the power handshake interface.
US08447999B2
An electrical power saving system that achieves efficient electricity consumption of apparatuses connected via a communication network includes at least first and second apparatuses connected via the communication network. The first and second apparatuses each include: a transmission and reception unit that transmits and receives a control command via the communication network, the control command being a command by which one apparatus controls another apparatus; and an operation state switching unit that switches an operation state according to the control command. The first and second apparatuses each have, as operation states of different electricity consumption, a first OFF operation mode in which the apparatus is in a power-OFF state but a part of the apparatus is supplied with power, and a second OFF operation mode of lower electricity consumption than the first OFF operation mode. The operation state switching unit in the second apparatus switches the operation state of the second apparatus from the first OFF operation mode to the second OFF operation mode in the case where, when the second apparatus is in the first OFF operation mode, the transmission and reception unit in the second apparatus receives a control command instructing to switch the operation state, from the first apparatus.
US08447987B1
Disclosed is a method of using public key cryptography to determine the authenticity of a brand name product. The brand name product has a unique message personal to the owner of the brand name product and a digital signature which includes at least the encrypted unique personal message. The unique message and digital signature are authenticated using a public key.
US08447985B2
A watermarking apparatus for an electronic circuit is described, which comprises the following features: a watermark memory operative to store a watermark characterizing said electronic circuit, and a watermarking signal generator operative to generate based on said watermark a watermarking signal on a power supply line of said electronic circuit, wherein said watermarking signal is detectable for a recognition of said watermark.
US08447979B2
A method and apparatus for binding update between a mobile node and a correspondent node is disclosed. The method includes: encrypting, by the correspondent node, a parameter for generating a binding management key with a key, and transmitting the encrypted parameter to the mobile node or a home agent which performs binding update on behalf of the mobile node; obtaining, by the mobile node or the home agent, the parameter via decryption, generating a binding management key with the parameter, generating authentication data with the binding management key, and transmitting a binding update message carrying the authentication data to the correspondent node; and verifying, by the correspondent node, the binding update message based on the authentication data, and returning a binding acknowledgement message to the mobile node or the home agent. With the present invention, the security of the binding update process may be improved.
US08447966B2
This invention provides a peripheral control module, a computer system, and an operation method thereof. The peripheral control module is for a computer system. The computer system includes a power switch capable of outputting a power signal. The peripheral control module includes a control unit and a control circuit. The control unit has a program code for controlling a peripheral module. The control circuit is coupled with the power switch and the control unit for receiving the power signal and outputting a switching signal to the control unit, and the control circuit resets the program code to an initial state before the control unit receives the switching signal. This invention further provides a computer system using the peripheral control module and an operation method thereof.
US08447962B2
According to a first aspect, efficient data transfer operations can be achieved by: decoding by a processor device, a single instruction specifying a transfer operation for a plurality of data elements between a first storage location and a second storage location; issuing the single instruction for execution by an execution unit in the processor; detecting an occurrence of an exception during execution of the single instruction; and in response to the exception, delivering pending traps or interrupts to an exception handler prior to delivering the exception.
US08447959B2
A plurality of register windows in a multithread processor are each provided for a corresponding thread and capable of storing data to be used for instruction processing in an arithmetic unit. A work register in the multithread processor is capable of mutually transferring data with respect to the register windows and the arithmetic unit. A multithread control unit in the multithread processor controls data transfer among the register windows, the work register and the arithmetic unit on the basis of an execution thread identifier identifying the thread to be executed in the arithmetic unit. This enables conducting the multithread processing at a high speed.
US08447957B1
A novel coprocessor interface providing memory access without traversing the main processor, and methods of operating the same. A system includes a bus, a processor circuit, a memory circuit, a multi-channel memory controller, and at least one coprocessor. The processor circuit is coupled to the bus, the multi-channel memory controller is coupled between the bus and the memory circuit, and the coprocessors are coupled to both the processor circuit and the multi-channel memory controller. This circuit arrangement provides dedicated high speed channels for data access between the coprocessors and the memory circuit, without traversing the processor circuit or the bus. Thus, non-standard (e.g., non-sequential) data transfer protocols can be supported. In some embodiments, the system is implemented in a programmable logic device (PLD). The processor circuit can be, for example, a microprocessor included as hard-coded logic in the PLD, or can be implemented using programmable logic elements of the PLD.
US08447952B2
A method for controlling access to regions of a memory from a plurality of processes. In order to allow a plurality of processes to access the most recent data packets stored in the memory without any loss of data and without a waiting period, according to the present invention a first one of the processes controls part of an address bus using which another one of the processes accesses the memory, the first process influencing which memory region is accessed by the other process by controlling the part of the address bus.
US08447950B1
A technique to implement an integrated multidimensional sorter is to store data such that it may be retrieved in a sorted fashion. Entries are stored into a memory according to time stamp value, and the time stamp value is divided into multiple portions. The memory is organized as a pointer memory. An integrated multidimensional sorter may be implemented using integrated circuit technology using one or more integrated circuits. These integrated circuits may be used in management of network traffic, and provides quality of service (QoS) control.
US08447948B1
Management of a data cache having a compressed portion and an uncompressed portion by adaptively and dynamically allocating the relative amount space each portion receives. The relative sizes are defined based on one or more cost metrics and benefit metrics. The metrics are selected based on the performance of an application utilizing the cache. An optimized benefit relative to the cost is defined. Application operations on the cache are sampled and the relative cost and benefit is determined for different ratios of uncompressed to compressed cache sizes. The size of the uncompressed portion relative to the compressed portion is then re-adjusted based on an optimal cost-to-benefit ratio for the application.
US08447941B2
In recent years reducing the operating cost of storage devices (hereafter, also referred to as storage sub-systems) has been an important task for the management of storage systems. As one method for solving this task, data life cycle management, in which data is relocated from, for example, a new storage sub-system to an older storage sub-system in accordance with how new the data is or the frequency of use of the data, has become important. One technology for achieving data life cycle management is technology for migrating the contents of a storage area (hereafter referred to as “volume”) of a storage sub-system to another volume without affecting the host computer that uses the volume. In the present invention, when an associated source volume (for example, the source volume in a copy pair association) of a pair of associated volumes (or groups) is migrated, migration of an associated destination volume (for example, the target volume in the copy pair association) is also controlled. In this way, it is possible to control the migration of a pair (or a group) of associated volumes in accordance with the user's requirements.
US08447939B2
An erasure declaration-related write request is received. In cases where, in response to the erasure declaration-related write request, erasure-corresponding data elements which are data elements corresponding to an erasure target and which are stored in a storage area A in the first logical volume are overwritten with erasure data elements which are data elements signifying erasure at or after the snapshot acquisition time point, the storage area A is associated with a storage area B in which encrypted data elements corresponding to the erasure-corresponding data elements stored in storage area A are stored.
US08447937B2
A data migrating method including calculating, in a case where data stored in a volume is migrated to another volume, a required period of time for migrating the data based on a size of data to be migrated and volume configuration information on the volume in which the migrated data is stored and the volume to which the data is to be migrated, determining a start time at which the data migration starts to generate a volume migration plan, setting a priority of the generated volume migration plan, prioritizing, in a case where a periods of time during which the generated volume migration plan is executed and a period of time during which an existing volume migration plan is executed are overlapped with each other, and changing the start time of at least one of those volume migration plans having a lower priority.
US08447936B2
A method for managing software modules of at least two operating systems sharing physical resources of a computing environment, but running in different partitions separated by a virtualization boundary comprises accumulating module information in a virtualization subsystem that directs the creation and management of the partitions. The accumulated module information is used across the virtualization boundary to manage the use of the software modules. Also, a method for managing software modules comprises making at least two operating systems aware that they are being hosted in a virtualized computing environment.
US08447935B2
A computer-implemented method, apparatus, and virtual machine for facilitating the communication between VMs. The method of facilitating the communication between a first VM and a second VM includes: allocating a shared memory segment from within the memory of the physical machine; mapping the requested memory space addresses to the shared memory segments in response to the memory space requests from the VMs; and providing the requested memory space addresses. A method of communication from a first VM to a second VM includes: requesting a memory space in response to a notification that a shared memory segment has been allocated; obtaining the requested memory space address, which has been mapped to the allocated shared memory segment; and accessing communication data in the shared memory segment according to the address. The apparatus and virtual machine executes the steps of the methods.
US08447932B2
Various embodiments of the present invention merge data in a cache memory. In one embodiment a set of store data is received from a processing core. A store merge command and a merge mask from are also received from the processing core. A portion of the store data to perform a merging operation thereon is identified based on the store merge command. A sub-portion of the portion of the store data to be merged with a corresponding set of data from a cache memory is identified based on the merge mask. The sub-portion is merged with the corresponding set of data from the cache memory.
US08447929B2
Associativity of a multi-core processor cache memory to a logical partition is managed and controlled by receiving a plurality of unique logical processing partition identifiers into registration of a multi-core processor, each identifier being associated with a logical processing partition on one or more cores of the multi-core processor; responsive to a shared cache memory miss, identifying a position in a cache directory for data associated with the address, the shared cache memory being multi-way set associative; associating a new cache line entry with the data and one of the registered unique logical processing partition identifiers; modifying the cache directory to reflect the association; and caching the data at the new cache line entry, wherein said shared cache memory is effectively shared on a line-by-line basis among said plurality of logical processing partitions of said multi-core processor.
US08447898B2
In one embodiment, to determine what tasks may be offloaded to a peripheral hardware device (e.g., to be performed in hardware on the peripheral device, rather than on the CPU(s) of the host computer), an indication from the at least one peripheral hardware device may be provided, without the peripheral hardware device first being queried to determine the task offload capabilities provided by the peripheral hardware device.In one embodiment, a large packet that includes a plurality of extension headers may be offloaded to the peripheral hardware device for segmentation. An indication of the offset where the extension headers end may be provided in connection with the large packet. In another embodiment, a packet with extension headers that come before an encryption header in the packet are not offloaded to peripheral hardware device for encryption, while packets with no extension headers before the encryption header may be offloaded.
US08447895B2
Methods and apparatus for enhancing efficiency (e.g., reducing power consumption and bus activity) in a data bus. In an exemplary embodiment, methods and apparatus for intelligently trimming (and adding or re-adding) queue heads resident in a host device associated with various client device processes are disclosed. By selectively trimming inactive or dormant queue heads, the host expends less resources and time polling the queue heads during routine operations. Similarly, queue heads which are newly active, or acquired are intelligently added to ensure proper bus operation. Inactive queue heads are brought back into the polling process only when requested, thereby keeping the list of queue heads to be polled or examined as short as possible at all times.
US08447894B2
A server of an elastic computing cloud system includes a block device driver apparatus and at least a block device service apparatus. The server implements a hot deployment for a storage service, such that an upgrade of the storage service may be performed without interrupting the storage service. The block device driver apparatus maintains a waiting queue and a pending queue for each storage service. In response to determining a storage service will perform an upgrade, the block device driver apparatus stops processing data write/read requests that are maintained in the pending queue for the service, and puts the data write/read requests that are currently processed in the pending queue back to the waiting queue for re-dispatching, thus realizing completion of processing the upgrade of the storage service in the elastic computing cloud system without interrupting the storage service.
US08447892B1
A type one protocol device transmitter performs a detection function to detect attached type one protocol receivers. The detection function operates such that receivers having type two termination are not detected as type one protocol receivers. A type two protocol device receiver has type two termination. Logic is coupled between the type two protocol device receiver and the type one protocol device transmitter so that the type one protocol device transmitter detection function detects the type two protocol device receiver as a type one protocol receiver. The type one protocol device can be a PCI-E device, and the type two protocol device can be a SAS/SATA device.
US08447882B2
A method includes communicating, by a first device, a request to a server to engage in communications with a second device; communicating, by the server, the request received from the first device to the second device; communicating, by the second device, acceptance to the server; communicating information associated with a third device to the first device; using a virtual network connection of the first device, establishing network communications with the third device; communicating information associated with the third device to the second device; using a virtual network connection of the second device, establishing network communications with the third device, wherein the third device is configured to act as a switch and provide cross-connect functionality between the first virtual network connection of the first device and the second virtual network connection of the second device.
US08447880B2
A method for configuring a network on a host includes obtaining a first virtual network stack and a second virtual network stack on the host, configuring a first transport layer implementation on the first virtual network stack, configuring a second transport layer implementation on the second virtual network stack, receiving a packet by the host, sending a packet to the first virtual network stack, and processing the packet using the first transport layer implementation.
US08447876B2
A computer method and related apparatus for delivering content files to a client computer are disclosed wherein a request for a content file on a content server is received from a client; a future time period during which the content file will be available on a cache server is determined; and a rewritten uniform resource locator comprising time period availability information, or a link to a file comprising the time period availability information, is returned from the server to the client. The client can use the information to obtain the content file in the determined future time period.
US08447863B1
Examples disclose systems and methods for recognizing objects. A method may be executable to receive a query from a robot. The query may include identification data associated with an object and contextual data associated with the object. The query may also include situational data. The method may also be executable to identify the object based at least in part on the data in the query received from the robot. Further, the method may be executable to send data associated with the identified object to the robot in response to the query.
US08447859B2
Programmatically adapting an Information Technology (IT) environment to changes associated with business applications of the IT environment. The programmatically adapting is performed in the context of the business application. The changes can reflect changes in the IT environment, changes to the business application, changes to the business environment and/or failures within the environment, as examples.
US08447851B1
Provided is a computing-system monitor configured to monitor a plurality of computing-systems each having a plurality of monitored computing-instances. The computing-system monitor may include a plurality of collectors, each collector executed by one of a plurality of monitored computing-instances, wherein the plurality of monitored computing-instances each are part of one of a plurality of separately monitored computing systems, and wherein each of the collectors is operable to output metrics of a corresponding monitored computing-instance executing that collector. The computing-system monitor may also include an analytics platform, the analytics platform having a plurality of analytic computing-instances, the analytics platform being operable to receive metrics output by the plurality of collectors, calculate statistics with the analytic computing-instances based on the received metrics, and output the calculated statistics.
US08447850B2
A management computer 3 configures a coordinate plane from a first axis, which denotes a performance value of a virtual machine 1, and a second axis, which denotes a performance value of a volume 2, and partitions this coordinate plane into multiple areas in accordance with a prescribed criterion. The management server computes to which area of the areas a pair configuration of a virtual machine and a logical volume belongs, and stores the result. At a prescribed time, the management server 3 re-evaluates a coordinate of the pair configuration, and determines whether or not an initial area and a latest area match. The management server creates a migration plan so that the latest area matches the initial area.
US08447838B2
A system for providing mobile service comprises an application executing section for executing an application, a component section for transmitting the result of the execution of the application to a mobile terminal on the basis of the operation data in the mobile terminal and allowing the application to be remotely operated in the mobile terminal, an authentication section for authenticating the user, a service management section for storing the configuration file or data file of the application, providing the file to the mobile terminal and regulating the connection with the component section according to the result of the authentication, and an application operation section for receiving and displaying the result of the execution in the application executing section on the mobile terminal, and transmitting the operation data in response to a user operation.
US08447820B1
A computer includes, among other things, local modules contained within a module container of a same application; a message producer unit to communicate with a data server over the i/o interface; a message consumer unit configured to communicate with the data server over the i/o interface; and a local event manager unit. There is a pre-defined sequence of processing events between the local event manager unit, the local modules within the same application of the same module container, remote modules, the message producer unit, and the message consumer unit.
US08447803B2
An intelligent network interface card (INIC) or communication processing device (CPD) works with a host computer for data communication. The device provides a fast-path that avoids protocol processing for most messages, greatly accelerating data transfer and offloading time-intensive processing tasks from the host CPU. The host retains a fallback processing capability for messages that do not fit fast-path criteria, with the device providing assistance such as validation even for slow-path messages, and messages being selected for either fast-path or slow-path processing. A context for a connection is defined that allows the device to move data, free of headers, directly to or from a destination or source in the host. The context can be passed back to the host for message processing by the host. The device contains specialized hardware circuits that are much faster at their specific tasks than a general purpose CPU. A preferred embodiment includes a trio of pipelined processors devoted to transmit, receive and utility processing, providing full duplex communication for four Fast Ethernet nodes.
US08447797B2
The present invention relates to a method and device for detecting a transmission signal on the basis of a received signal by applying a division and detection algorithm. An embodiment of the invention provides a method of detecting a transmission signal including: obtaining a unitary matrix and an upper triangular matrix by performing a sorted QR-decomposition algorithm with respect to a matrix indicating a channel state; calculating a vector y by multiplying a transpose matrix of the unitary matrix by the received signal Y; dividing the upper triangular matrix R into a plurality of sub-upper triangular matrices and dividing the calculated vector y into a plurality of sub-vectors so as to correspond to the divided plurality of sub-upper triangular matrices; and detecting a lattice point corresponding to each of the divided sub-vectors using the divided plurality of sub-upper triangular matrices.
US08447796B2
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for receiving a first and second inputs, calculating a sum/difference of the first and second inputs in parallel with determining a least significant zero (LSZ) vector using the first and second inputs, and determining a shift value based on the LSZ vector, where the shift value is used to perform a shift operation on the sum/difference. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08447795B2
Systems and methods for transactional processing within a clustered file system wherein user defined transactions operate on data segments of the file system data. The users are provided within an interface for using a transactional mechanism, namely services for opening, writing and rolling-back transactions. A distributed shared memory technology is utilized to facilitate efficient and coherent cache management within the clustered file system based on the granularity of data segments (rather than files).
US08447792B2
A system and method for generating a virtual tour on a display device is described. The method comprises providing at least one map. The method further comprises providing a plurality of sequenced images, wherein each of the images is associated with at least one location by a geo-coding module configured to generate a geo-location object data sheet that associates sequential images with a corresponding location. The sequenced images are organized based on the location of each of the sequenced images and displayed on the map. The method is implemented by the system.
US08447787B2
A system and method for generating a virtual tour on a display device is described. The method comprises providing at least one map. The method further comprises providing a plurality of sequenced images, wherein each of the images is associated with at least one location by a geo-coding module configured to generate a geo-location object data sheet that associates sequential images with a corresponding location. The sequenced images are organized based on the location of each of the sequenced images and displayed on the map. The method is implemented by the system.
US08447785B2
A method, computing device, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided for facilitating a context-aware search on documents stored in an unstructured database column. The database server determines whether a document stored in an unstructured database object is marked up according to a recognized markup language. Documents that conform to the markup language are indexed with value-to-node mappings and node-to-physical-location mappings to provide a context-aware search of marked up nodes within the documents. Documents that do not conform to the markup language are indexed with value-to-document mappings to provide a full-text search of the documents. The database server evaluates a context-aware search against documents that conform to the markup language within the unstructured column without requiring the user identify the documents as XML documents and store the documents in an XMLType structured column.
US08447784B1
Embodiments of the present invention utilize context subsystems to logically group resources according to context. Such context subsystems can be nested (i.e. hierarchical), and thus further simplify the complex configuration relationships encountered with complex systems. Higher level (i.e. parent) context subsystems contain at least one resource that is utilized by a lower level (i.e. child) component, subsystem, or context subsystem. Context subsystems can be hierarchically arranged in single- and multi-parent arrangements and single- and multi-child arrangements. The number of context subsystem hierarchical levels is virtually unlimited and is generally dictated by the complexity of the system and the corresponding simplification needs of the configuration technology being utilized to configure the system. Context subsystems are applicable and useful in a configuration environment for virtually any configurable system amenable to contextual groupings of resources.
US08447783B2
A system having an agent manager and a plurality of agents for assisting a user in reaching a conclusion is provided in at least one embodiment. In at least one embodiment, the system is in communication with at least one database housing information to be analyzed by at least one of the agents. Further embodiments include the operation of the system and its interaction with the at least one database. In at least one further embodiment, the method includes the development and publication of the agents.
US08447763B2
A numbering system for antecedents and outcomes providing a method for numbering antecedents and outcomes that reveals underlying information of relationships. The numbering system for antecedents and outcomes utilizes a mathematical relationship and an antecedent's or outcome's existing characterizing information to assign a unique indexing number identifying each antecedent and outcome. In an antecedent numbering system, the unique indexing number is able to provide information about the contributor line number, the cohort, the combination of the preceding multiple antecedents, and the sequence number of the outcome. In an outcomes numbering system, the unique indexing number provides information about the sequence line number, the cohort, the combination of the antecedents, and the order numberof the outcomes.
US08447761B2
Provided is a lifestyle collecting apparatus that collects information for determining a lifestyle of a user, and includes: an object information detecting unit configured to detect object information representing an object around the user; a relevance degree calculating unit configured to calculate a relevance degree of the user to the object, using the object information; an appearance information extracting unit configured to extract appearance information from the object information, and add the relevance degree to the extracted appearance information, the appearance information representing an appearance of the object; and a lifestyle database which stores the appearance information to which the relevance degree has been added, as the information for determining the lifestyle of the user.
US08447756B2
The information retrieval devices of the present invention are composed of two dual hierarchical structures, the first structure containing the premises and the second the consequences/prescriptions arising from the premises. According to a variant embodiment, the information is represented by a collection of nested folded sheets not bound to one another.Advantage: reduction of the space or of the paper required for storing the information and reduction of the processing time.
US08447753B2
An illustrative embodiment provides a computer-implemented process for semantic verification of multidimensional data sources that receives a trusted output from a trusted multidimensional expression engine, receives an un-trusted output from an un-trusted data source and determines whether a query produces a correct semantic result, wherein the correct semantic result is within a predetermined tolerance. Responsive to a determination that the query does not produce a semantically correct result, identifies queries having semantically incorrect results to form a local subset, notifies a query planner of semantically incorrect queries and determines whether to process queries locally. Responsive to a determination to not process queries locally, creates a set of simplified multidimensional expression queries for remote execution.
US08447737B2
A system and method for reconstructing a previous state of a configuration item based on information regarding changes to one or more values of one or more attributes associated with the configuration item.
US08447731B1
A system and method is described for managing litigation services, such as the designation of exhibits, deponents and other information for one or more cases. The method including the steps of receiving trial information and populating a database with the trial information. The method next includes the step of designating portions of the trial information for later use, followed by receiving confirmation of acceptance of the designated portions. Finally, the method includes the step of managing the designation and use of the trial information.
US08447727B2
A distributed processing device includes receiving unit receives a plurality of process requests to records stored on a database, an acquiring unit acquires execution frequency of each processes responsive to the plurality of process requests related to a record identified by an attribute name, on a per attribute name basis of a plurality of attribute names, each attribute name identifying each of the plurality of records, sorting unit sorts the plurality of process requests into a first set and a second set in accordance with the acquired execution frequency of each process on each of the plurality of attribute names, a determining unit determines a first node, serving as an allocation destination of the process request sorted in the first set, from among a plurality of nodes, each node having the database, and an allocating unit allocates the process request sorted in the first set to the first node.
US08447718B2
A method of content filtering of data containers of multiple content types is based on generating a set of encoded filters and a set of encoded rules for each content type. Each encoded filter is expressed as a respective operator, from among user-defined operators, and two operands including a content descriptor and a descriptor criterion. A filter has a binary state and a rule may be based on a single filter or a number of selected filters. An apparatus implementing the method has a user interface for receiving user-defined configuration data, a configuration module for generating a set of encoded filters and a set of encoded rules for each content type, a network interface for receiving data containers from a network and transmitting filtered data containers to the network, and a filtering module for applying the rules to received data containers.
US08447711B2
A hierarchical temporal memory (HTM) based system may be provided as a software platform. The software platform includes: a runtime engine arranged to run an HTM network; a first interface accessible by a set of tools to configure, design, modify, train, debug, and/or deploy the HTM network; and a second interface accessible to extend a functionality of the runtime engine.
US08447705B2
Disclosed is an apparatus that generates automatically a characteristic pattern in time series data by clustering a plurality of time series subsequences generated from the time series data. The apparatus includes a time series subsequence generation unit that generates a plurality of time series subsequences from the time series data, a phase alignment unit that aligns a phase of the generated time series subsequence, a clustering unit that performs clustering of a plurality of the time series subsequences, each having a phase aligned, a storage apparatus that stores the pattern obtained by the clustering, and an output apparatus that outputs the stored pattern.
US08447701B2
Systems and methods of the present invention provide for the spinning and appraisal of a domain name. A list of keywords may be extracted from a domain name entered into a user interface on a client. These keywords may be compared to potential matches in a database and a result set may be compiled and displayed to the user. The client may also display a certified domain name appraisal using a plurality of logical groupings within a domain name appraisal process. This appraisal process may also include a multiplier derived from comparisons of registration statistics for various top level domains.
US08447697B2
Processes and systems for offering and granting digital rights that govern distribution and usage of content, services and resources. The processes and systems provide a basis for flexible business models and negotiation transactions between content providers and users. The concept of meta-rights, which permit digital rights to be derived, permits upstream parties in a content distribution chain to dictate rights granted and received by downstream parties. Therefore, each transaction can be considered as a two party transaction between a rights supplier and a rights consumer.
US08447693B2
Methods and systems for routing payment transactions electronically involve interrogating by computer logic each payment transaction received by a payments interface processor to identify a payment destination and a payment source and to determine, according to pre-defined parameters, whether the payment transaction is eligible for processing via an internal payment transaction processor of the financial institution that minimizes processing costs. Eligible payment transactions may be routed, for example, to an internal debit or credit card processor or ACH processor, and ineligible payment transactions may be routed to external card processing networks.
US08447683B2
Systems and methods are provided for executing a hedge transaction in connection with the execution of a derivative product order in which the price of the derivative product is defined by one or more variables. The hedge transaction may be executed at an exchange or match engine that is different from the exchange or match engine executing the derivative product order. The execution of derivative product transaction may be contingent on the existence of an appropriate hedge transaction. Alternatively, a best efforts approach may be used to fill the hedge transaction order after executing the derivative product transaction.
US08447678B1
A method of utilizing voice authorization includes providing a processor and receiving demographic information related to an applicant for an insurance policy. The method also includes receiving a voice authentication from the applicant related to the demographic information, receiving, from the applicant, insurance information, and underwriting, using the processor and the insurance information, the insurance policy. The method further includes providing policy information to the applicant, receiving a voice authorization from the applicant related to the policy information, and issuing the insurance policy.
US08447670B1
A system for and method of providing payment protection upon the occurrence of trigger events. The system and method include an account, which may be associated with a credit card or other financial product. An accountholder may select trigger events and associated benefits. Upon the occurrence of a trigger event, the issuing entity will evaluate whether the accountholder is entitled to receive an associated benefit. Each benefit is intended to address at least one payment obligation. For example, an account may include payment protection in the form of automatic payment of minimum monthly credit card fees should the accountholder involuntarily become unemployed.
US08447668B2
Approaches for using and implementing transactions involving audio-equipped transaction cards reduce both data-management efforts and costs. In addition, certain applications further facilitate loyalty to the business entity that issues the audio-equipped transaction cards by, e.g., facilitating transactions with the card-issuing entity and/or selected business partners. One example embodiment is directed to audio-equipped personal cards and an approach to purchase agreement that involve activating an audio transmission from a transaction card to establish a point-of-sale purchase agreement. Data relating to the purchase agreement is communicated to an account/payment institution to confirm the purchase agreement, optionally in response to the customer's PIN being received. In another embodiment, a two apparatus (or “card”) approach involves retailers entering data via a retailer card that is useable by selected users (e.g., the retailer's representatives or employees). For such retailer and/or customer cards, various implementations are directed to different approaches for entering user information and/or security information such as customer PIN, a retailer-employee ID or PIN number.
US08447660B2
According to one embodiment, an article sales data processing apparatus includes a list display control unit, a selection unit, an editing acceptance unit, and an update unit. The list display control unit causes a list of articles sold in one transaction to be displayed in the details area. The selection unit accepts selection of an article, of the articles displayed in the details area. The editing acceptance unit causes the display unit to display an editing screen for the sales data of the article selected by the selection unit, and accepts editing of the sales data. When the sales data displayed in the editing screen is edited, the update unit updates the sales data of the article selected by the selection unit, of the sales data of each article stored in the transaction storage unit, to the edited data.
US08447654B1
A method is disclosed for determining a customer's proximity to a checkout register at a store. A mobile electronic device with mobile self-checkout software thereon may record and analyze ambient noise to determine when a customer is in a checkout line as well as to track the customer's progress through the checkout line. The mobile self-checkout software may present information to the customer according to the customer's position in the checkout line. The type and nature of the information presented to the customer may be changed according to the customer's distance from the checkout terminal as well as how quickly the customer is approaching the terminal. The software may provide detailed data about the shopping and checkout experience. This information may be correlated to customer satisfaction and used identify particular strengths and weaknesses in the shopping experience offered by a store.
US08447650B2
A system and method for operating a reward points accumulation and redemption program wherein a user earns rewards from a plurality of independent reward issuing entities, with each tracking the user's earned rewards. A trading server accumulates some or all of the user's earned rewards from the reward servers and credits the accumulated rewards into a single reward exchange account associated with the user. The user may then select an item for purchase with the accumulated rewards. The item is provided to the user in exchange for a subset or all of the rewards. Reward points may also be redeemed in exchange for services, such as the playing of a video game or Internet access.
US08447647B2
Disclosed is a method and system for making payment with discounted prices using temporary card numbers and temporary card number issue information including at least the discount location selected by a user, discount medium and payment medium. The user's mobile terminal transmits the temporary card number issue information to a temporary card number issue device for generating a temporary card number with the temporary card number information and transmitting the selected temporary card number to the mobile terminal for transmitting the generated temporary card number and temporary card number issue information to a credit authorization terminal (CAT) to request transaction authorization to approve payment of the transacted price less a calculated discount based on the temporary card issue information subject to the proviso that the payment authorization is requested within a predetermined time following the issuance of the temporary card as the temporary card is voided.
US08447643B2
A system and method for providing ratings related to a plurality of websites is provided. One embodiment of the system may include program code adapted to execute as a browser toolbar to implement a method comprising retrieving an identifier from the end user computing device, transmitting a request to a remote computer system for a rating value in response to a web page being loaded into the browser, receiving a rating value from the remote computer system, displaying the rating value in the toolbar, receiving a first user rating of the user from the remote computer system, displaying the first user rating in the toolbar, receiving a user input comprising a second user rating from the end user, transmitting the second user rating to the remote computer system, and displaying the second user rating in the toolbar. The remote computer system may store user ratings and reviews and transmit user ratings, an average rating, and a review count. The remote computer system may also parse URLs to determine whether the domain of the URL comprises a domain for which content may be rated. By parsing out an identifier of the URL for such domains, the system can be used to rate profiles of people on social networks and dating websites.
US08447638B2
Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for automation of auditing claims. A data file is received comprising one or more auditable items, each auditable item comprising a word string having one or more words. Each word string for each auditable item is translated using one or more translation steps into a translated item description. Each translated item description is compared to a plurality of terms to generate matching information. Each translated item description is associated with an item identifier based on the matching information. Each auditable item is accepted or rejected based on the item identifier and one or more rules associated with the data file.
US08447632B2
Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for automation of auditing claims. A data file comprising make model information, insurance company information, and one or more auditable items, each auditable item comprising a word string having one or more words. The make model information is automatically translated into a vehicle identifier. The insurance company information is automatically translated into an insurance company identifier. The one or more auditable items are automatically translated into one or more groups of identifiers, wherein the one or more groups of identifiers comprises one or more part item identifiers, one or more operational item identifiers, or both. A parts audit report is automatically generated based on the one or more groups of identifiers. An operational audit report is automatically generated. A multi-point estimate is automatically generated based on the parts audit report data and the operational audit report data.
US08447625B2
Systems and methods for providing technical support sessions to aid clinicians and other end users employing clinical applications are provided. In accordance with one method in a clinical computing environment for requesting a technical support session between a client device and at least one support device, a command to request the technical support session is received. Clinical context information associated with the client device is accessed. A request for the technical support session is communicated. In addition, the clinical context information associated with the client device is communicated.
US08447616B2
Systems and methods are described for a speech system that manages multiple grammars from one or more speech-enabled applications. The speech system includes a speech server that supports different grammars and different types of grammars by exposing several methods to the speech-enabled applications. The speech server supports static grammars that do not change and dynamic grammars that may change after a commit. The speech server provides persistence by supporting persistent grammars that enable a user to issue a command to an application even when the application is not loaded. In such a circumstance, the application is automatically launched and the command is processed. The speech server may enable or disable a grammar in order to limit confusion between grammars. Global and yielding grammars are also supported by the speech server. Global grammars are always active (e.g., “call 9-1-1”) while yielding grammars may be deactivated when an interaction whose grammar requires priority is active.
US08447598B2
A control system for mounting in a vehicle and for providing information to a portable electronic device for processing by the portable electronic device is shown and described. The control system includes a first interface for communicating with the portable electronic device and a memory device. The control system also includes a processing circuit communicably coupled to the first interface and the memory device, the processing circuit configured to extract information from the memory device and to provide the information to the first interface so that the first interface communicates the information to the portable electronic device. The processing circuit is further configured to determine the capabilities of the portable electronic device based on data received from the portable electronic device via the first interface and to determine whether or not to communicate the information to the portable electronic device based on the determined capabilities.
US08447597B2
In an encoding process, a CPU transforms an audio signal from the real-time domain to the frequency domain, and transforms the signal into spectra consisting of MDCT coefficients. The CPU separates the audio signal into several frequency bands, and performs bit shifting in each band such that the MDCT coefficients can be expressed with pre-configured numbers of bits. The CPU re-quantizes the MDCT coefficients at a precision differing for each band, and transmits the values acquired thereby and shift bit numbers as encoded data. Meanwhile, in a decoding process, a CPU receives encoded data and inverse re-quantizes and inverse bit shifts the data, thereby restoring the MDCT coefficients. Furthermore, the CPU transforms the data from frequency domain to the real-time domain by using the inverse MDCT, and restores and outputs the audio signal.
US08447595B2
A method for performing a call between a near-end user and a far-end user, which includes the following operations performed during the call by the near-end user's communications device. Automatic gain control (AGC) is performed to update a gain applied to an uplink speech signal. A frame is detected in a downlink signal that contains speech; in response, the updating of the gain is frozen. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US08447593B2
A high quality speech is reproduced with a small data amount in speech coding and decoding for performing compression coding and decoding of a speech signal to a digital signal. In speech coding method according to a code-excited linear prediction (CELP) speech coding, a noise level of a speech in a concerning coding period is evaluated by using a code or coding result of at least one of spectrum information, power information, and pitch information, and various excitation codebooks are used based on an evaluation result.
US08447575B2
For determining an impact index which indicates the image or damage caused by an earthquake to a portfolio, an equation is stored for calculating a local earthquake intensity for a geographical location. The portfolio includes geographical locations and individual weighting factors assigned to the geographical locations. Furthermore, for the geographical locations stored are one or more impact ratio tables including impact ratios for different earthquake intensity levels. The impact index is calculated for the geographical locations by determining in each case the impact ratio for the local intensity at the respective geographical location, and adding up the impact ratios weighted in each case by the weighting factor assigned to the respective geographical location. An impact index that reflects the geographical distribution of the portfolio can be determined, without the need for a network of seismological measurement stations associated with the geographical locations.
US08447569B1
Determining a sustainability impact for available data center architectures. A data center is accessed by a computer. Two or more functional parameters of the data center are then evaluated by the computer. Then, the computer combines the two or more evaluated functional parameters into a quantified judgment to determine a sustainability impact of available architectures of the data center.
US08447558B2
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus, includes a heat generator on the printed-circuit board in the housing, a heat radiator in the housing configured to radiate heat of the heat generator to the outside of the housing, a first thermometer configure to sense a first temperature at a first position on the board, a second thermometer on the board configured to sense a second temperature at a second position away from the heat generator than the first position, a cooling performance determination module configured to monitor whether a temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature is above a threshold, and to determine whether performance of the heat radiator is deteriorated based on a result of the monitoring.
US08447556B2
A magnetic field sensor includes built in self-test circuits that allow a self-test of most of, or all of, the circuitry of the magnetic field sensor, including self-test of a magnetic field sensing element used within the magnetic field sensor, while the magnetic field sensor is functioning in normal operation.
US08447551B1
An assembly tool is provided. The assembly tool comprises a body and a gripper mount slidably mounted to the body with a first actuator. The first actuator is configured to slide the gripper mount from a first position to a second position along an axis. The assembly tool also comprises a gripper assembly slidably mounted to the gripper mount with a second actuator. The second actuator is configured to facilitate displacement of the gripper assembly with respect to the gripper mount along the axis. The assembly tool also comprises an encoder configured to indicate a displacement distance between an expected position and an actual position of the gripper assembly with respect to the gripper mount along the axis when the gripper mount is in the second position.
US08447545B2
A module is provided for measuring current flowing in a conductor of a low-voltage distribution board. The module includes a current sensor for detecting the current, a microprocessor circuit for processing an output signal from the current sensor, and a module housing which accommodates the current sensor and the microprocessor circuit. The module housing has an opening for passing the current conductor, an interface with two current connections, and a connection element for releasably fastening the module in the low-voltage distribution board. To enable the module to be simply installed in the low-voltage distribution board and ensure operational reliability of the module, the passage opening extends from a side of the module housing bearing the interface, through the current measuring module, to an opposite side of the module housing, and the module is DC-isolated from the current conductor after it has been installed in the low-voltage distribution board.
US08447543B2
Embodiments pertain to devices and systems having simulator circuitry, particularly to simulator circuitry configured to simulate an electric vehicle and test an electric vehicle charger. A test unit is configured to simulate a GFI current via modulator and to simulate electric vehicle loads via switched and combined resistor loads. The test unit provides for reprogramming of the electric vehicle charger via a pilot line. The test unit self-confirms its usability via associating received codes.
US08447537B2
An apparatus for measuring the permeability and diffusivity of a porous solid includes a device for measuring permeability of the solid; a device for measuring diffusivity of the solid; a sample chamber for holding a sample of the solid, the arrangement being such that the permeability and diffusivity can be measured without removing the sample from the sample chamber.
US08447536B2
A measuring system for the precise measuring a density of a medium, flowing in a line. compressible. The measuring system comprises: a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor. Both sensors communicate with a measuring electronics of the system.The measuring electronics are operable to provide, based on temperature measurement and pressure measurement signal, density measured-value representing, instantaneously, a local density, of the flowing medium at a virtual density measuring point, predeterminably spaced from the pressure measuring point and/or from the temperature measuring point, along the flow axis.
US08447527B2
A method for matching a precursor ion with one or more related product ions includes providing input data sets obtained from sample injections, each of the data sets including a precursor ion and one or more product ions, normalizing the input data sets in accordance with a single retention time for the precursor ion, determining which product ions are within a predetermined retention time window with respect to the single retention time, and, if a product ion is within the predetermined retention time window for a specified number of the input data sets, determining that the product ion is related to the precursor having the single retention time. An apparatus for analyzing a sample includes a chromatography module, a mass-spectrometry module in communication with the chromatography module, and control unit in communication with the chromatography module and the mass-spectrometry module.
US08447525B2
Interactive structural restoration while interpreting seismic volumes for structure and stratigraphy
A method for performing seismic interpretation of a subterranean formation by enabling dual-domain interpretation of seismic features in the present day depth domain and simultaneously in a structurally restored “mapped” seismic domain. Specifically, seismic interpretation is performed on structurally restored seismic volumes while concurrently viewing the interpretation results in the structural domain. This increases the interpretation confidence by improved correlation of structural deformed events to their pre-structurally deformed geometry. The method includes the ability to progressively remove structural deformation from the seismic volume, corresponding to moving back in geologic time. The interpretation can be performed in either domain (present-day structure or structurally restored to a defined geologic event), and the interpretation will be mapped to any other computed geologic age or present structural age.
US08447518B2
A current position detector for a vehicle includes: an angular speed sensor; a speed sensor; a GPS receiver; a traveling trajectory estimating element for estimating a relative trajectory based on an orientation change amount and a traveling distance, and for estimating a traveling trajectory based on the relative trajectory and a GPS signal; and an error estimating element for estimating and correcting each error of an angular speed signal, a speed signal and the GPS signal. The error estimating element estimates a gain error of the angular speed signal such that an attachment angle gain error attributed to an attachment angle of the angular speed sensor and an angular speed gain error attributed to a non-linear gain property of the angular speed sensor are independently estimated.
US08447515B2
A method for operating a navigational system, especially a navigational system for a motor vehicle, having a memory, a display unit and at least one operating element, map data being loaded from a map data memory into the memory; the map data being subdivided into first map data and second map data; the first map data including geometric data of edges of a map network stored as graphs, and the second map data including topological data and applications being carried out using the first and/or second map data loaded into the memory.
US08447513B2
An electronic mobile device includes a display for displaying a graphical element. A tilt sensor is configured to sense first and second tilt angles of the mobile device. A processor is coupled to the display and the tilt sensor and configured to move the graphical element relative to the display in a first direction based on the first tilt angle, and to move the graphical element relative to the display in a second direction based on the second tilt angle.
US08447510B2
Apparatuses, methods, and systems for signaling proximity of mobile devices. First activity information of a first mobile device and second activity information of a second mobile device are accumulated. A proximity boundary is established for the first mobile device. A location of the first mobile device is determined from the first activity information and a location of the second mobile device is determined from the second activity information. A determination is made whether the second mobile device is on or within the proximity boundary of the first mobile device. An alert is sent to at least the first mobile device that the proximity boundary has been breached when the second mobile device is on or within the proximity boundary of the first mobile device.
US08447508B2
A method for controlling torque converter slip includes operating the torque converter in a controlled slip mode, monitoring slip in the torque converter, statistically analyzing the monitored slip to determine a likely condition of the torque converter, and utilizing the likely condition of the torque converter to control the torque converter slip.
US08447498B2
Even when an engine is started in various combustion states, an excessive increase in engine speed at the start of the engine is suppressed without an influence of the combustion states and with an excellent responsiveness. Ignition timing (or a combustion injection amount) at the start of an internal combustion engine is corrected in accordance with a crank angle cycle ratio which is a ratio of a combustion period crank angle cycle and a reference crank angle cycle.
US08447495B2
A method and system for fuel vapor control in a hybrid vehicle (HEV). The HEV fuel vapor recovery system includes a fuel tank isolation valve, which is normally closed to isolate storage of refueling from storage of diurnal vapors. The method for fuel vapor control includes selectively actuating the fuel tank isolation valve during interrelated routines for refueling, fuel vapor purging, and emission system leak detection diagnostics to improve regulation of pressure and vacuum the HEV fuel vapor recovery system.
US08447493B2
The apparatus of the present invention corrects a control target value of ignition timing using a multipoint learned value AGdp(n) for compensating for a change amount of the ignition timing caused by time-dependent change of the engine and a basic learned value AG(i) for compensating for a change amount of the ignition timing caused by a factor other than the aforementioned time-dependent change of the engine. In a multipoint learning range n in which the time-dependent change of the engine influences the ignition timing to a great extent, the control target is corrected using the multipoint learned value AGdp(n) and the basic learned value AG(i). In ranges other than the multipoint learning range n, the control target is corrected using only the basic learned value AG(i). Normally, only the learning of the multipoint learned value AGdp(n) is permitted in the multipoint learning range n, and only the learning of the basic learned value AG(i) is permitted in the ranges other than the multipoint learning range n. When it is determined that there is a possibility that fuel has been fed to a fuel tank, the learning of the multipoint learned value AGdp(n) is prohibited for a subsequent predetermined period (if NO in step S103 or step S104).
US08447488B2
A device is described for longitudinally guiding a motor vehicle, including a sensor system for locating preceding vehicles, a controller that regulates the speed of the vehicle to a setpoint speed, either in a following driving mode as a function of the distance from a preceding vehicle or in a free driving mode, an interface to a navigation system which provides information about the traveled route, and a limiting device for limiting the setpoint speed based on the provided information. The limiting device is designed for calculating a limiting value for the setpoint speed for each possible route when the travel route is recognized as being ambiguous and for selecting the greatest of these limiting values for limiting the setpoint speed.
US08447487B2
Disclosed is a brake control system including a plurality of control apparatuses using a brake operation amount detection apparatus and one brake operation amount detection apparatus. The brake control system includes: a master-cylinder pressure control apparatus that controls a master-cylinder pressure based on a brake operation amount; a wheel-cylinder pressure control apparatus that controls a wheel-cylinder pressure of each wheel; and a master-cylinder pressure detection apparatus that detects a signal for calculating the master-cylinder pressure, the master-cylinder pressure control apparatus controls the master-cylinder pressure based on a detection result detected by the master-cylinder pressure detection apparatus, and the wheel-cylinder pressure control apparatus controls the wheel-cylinder pressure based on the detection result detected by the master-cylinder pressure detection apparatus.
US08447485B2
A brake hydraulic pressure controlling apparatus for a vehicle includes a hydraulic pressure block included in a hydraulic pressure unit and including therein a hydraulic circuit, a plurality of electromagnetic valves attached on a surface of the hydraulic pressure block and changing an opening degree of a passage of the hydraulic circuit, and an electronic control unit including an ECU board, which is electrically connected to the electromagnetic valves and on which an electronic control device executing a driving control of each of the electromagnetic valves is provided, and attached on the surface of the hydraulic pressure block so that the ECU board is covered by a case, wherein the ECU board of the electronic control unit is arranged within an area of the surface of the hydraulic pressure block and all of the plurality of the electromagnetic valves are arranged adjacently around the ECU board.
US08447479B2
A speed change system for work vehicle having a continuously variable transmission device selects a first change gear ratio which is set larger than a smallest change gear ratio, when an engine rotational speed is a first set rotational speed which is set equal or close to an idling rotational speed of an engine; retains the change gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission device at the smallest change gear ratio, when the engine rotational speed is equal to or above a second set rotational speed set on a high-speed side relative to the first set rotational speed; and makes the change gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission device larger between the first change gear ratio and the smallest change gear ratio, as the engine rotational speed at that moment becomes lower, when the engine rotational speed is between the first and second set rotational speeds.
US08447478B2
The control apparatus comprises, in its version intended for a double-clutch transmission, first, second and third shift forks each movable between first and second engagement positions to engage a respective gear, of which the first shift fork is able to engage at least the first gear and the second shift fork is able to engage at least the second gear, first, second and third double-acting hydraulic actuators arranged to control each the movement of a respective shift fork between the first and second engagement position, of which the first hydraulic actuator is associated to the first shift fork and the second hydraulic actuator is associated to the second shift fork, a slide valve selectively movable into one of at least three operating positions in each of which the slide valve selects a respective hydraulic actuator, and first and second gear shift solenoid valves for controlling the supply of fluid to the hydraulic actuator each time selected by the slide valve or the connection of that actuator to a tank. The first shift fork is moved into the engagement position of the first gear upon energization of the first gear shift solenoid valve, whereas the second shift fork is moved into the engagement position of the second gear upon energization of the second gear shift solenoid valve.
US08447475B2
A method providing assistance with hill starts to a vehicle including a power plant connected to the driven wheels by a clutch and an automatic parking brake. The method generates an instruction to store in a memory a characteristic of a gradient which corresponds to a state in which it is estimated that the user and the vehicle are ready to pull away, on the basis of conditions that given physical parameters of the vehicle must satisfy.
US08447473B2
A vehicular occupant protection apparatus (10) is equipped with a seatbelt (12) including a shoulder belt portion (12A) fitted to a occupant (P) from a shoulder part thereof to a lumbar part thereof, a pretensioner mechanism (24) that is actuated to remove slack in the seatbelt (12), a force limiter mechanism (26) for limiting a restraint load applied to the occupant by the seatbelt (12), an air belt device (44) that supplies an air belt (45) with gas to inflate/deploy the air belt (45) between the occupant (P) and an instrument panel, and a occupant protection ECU (55) that actuates the air belt device (44) such that the air belt (45) starts being supplied with gas upon or after start of actuation of the force limiter mechanism (26) following actuation of the pretensioner mechanism (24) in the event of a head-on collision of a vehicle.
US08447465B2
A method of registering a vehicle with a call center of a telematics system may entail turning a key within a vehicle ignition to begin a call from a telematics control module within the vehicle to a server at a telematics call center, connecting the telematics control module within the vehicle to the server at the telematics service center, sending a health check request from the telematics control module within the vehicle to the server at the telematics service center; and receiving a health check confirmation in the telematics control module within the vehicle from the server at the telematics service center. The method may further entail inquiring if such a health check request request-confirmation was successful. The method may also include a call fail counter and a message fail counter to automatically re-initiate a health check request and a successful answer to such a request.
US08447464B2
A method and system for interfacing and communicating between an in-vehicle device such as an on board diagnostic (OBD) system and an existing distance measurement instrument (DMI) are provided. In one embodiment, the interface sends a plurality of vehicle speed requests to the OBD system to obtain a plurality of vehicle speed measurements, uses the plurality of vehicle speed measurements and time stamps associated therewith to compute a distance travelled during a time interval, converts the distance travelled to a series of pulses, and sends the series of pulses to the DMI.
US08447455B2
A target route generation system which generates a target route for a robot (R) to travel along autonomously is provided with a route candidate generation element (110) which generates a plurality of travel route candidates to connect the terminating point and the starting point by connecting links stored at a link storing element (211), state recognition elements (115 to 118) which recognize a state of the robot (R), and a route evaluation IC element (120) which evaluates a cost of a travel route candidate including therein an action point stored in an action point storing element (212) lower as the necessity for passing by the action point is higher in view of the state of the robot (R) recognized by the state recognition elements (115 to 118). According to the system, the robot can be made to travel through the action point with a high necessity in view of the state of the robot.
US08447454B2
A method and apparatus for controlling driving means which are designed to steer and move a robot vehicle (3) that is designed as a lawn mowing vehicle. The driving means are controlled so that the robot vehicle (3) travels through several sections (2) of a working area (8) in a specific movement pattern according to a section travel strategy with the help of dead reckoning such that two adjoining course sections (5) overlap with a predefined probability transversely to the direction of travel of the robot vehicle (3).
US08447443B1
A computerized system and method for peak-seeking-control that uses a unique Kalman filter design to optimize a control loop, in real time, to either maximize or minimize a performance function of a physical object (“plant”). The system and method achieves more accurate and efficient peak-seeking-control by using a time-varying Kalman filter to estimate both the performance function gradient (slope) and Hessian (curvature) based on direct position measurements of the plant, and does not rely upon modeling the plant response to persistent excitation. The system and method can be naturally applied in various applications in which plant performance functions have multiple independent parameters, and it does not depend upon frequency separation to distinguish between system dimensions.
US08447441B2
A method and associated system for managing power within an aircraft electrical system, the aircraft having a generator driven by a gas turbine engine for the supply of electrical power to the system, wherein the generator and electrical system are connected to a common energy store. The method includes determining predicted electrical energy demands of the system and predicted thrust demands for the gas turbine engine over at least a portion of a flight. A plurality of time periods within at least a portion of the flight are defined and a desired rate of charge of the energy store for each time period is determined based upon the predicted thrust and electrical energy demands over the time period. The rate of charge of the energy store is controlled during the flight in accordance with the determined desired rate of charge for each time period.
US08447433B2
Control systems and methods for operating the doors of an elevator where the control logic is distributed in local car and landing door controllers that communicate wirelessly with one another to eliminate door control signal wiring in the hoistway thereby simplifying installation and diagnostics and affording door motor control that is individualized for each door.
US08447424B2
It is intended to provide a substrate processing system and a group management system enabling a more flexible and simplified structure of substrate processing apparatuses. The substrate processing system according to this invention has a plurality of substrate processing apparatuses for processing substrates and the group management system connected to the substrate processing apparatuses, and the group management system includes a structure information memory device (structure management device) for memorizing structure information, a plurality of communication devices (connection management devices) for communicating with at least one of the plural substrate processing apparatuses based on the structure information memorized in the structure information memory device, and an apparatus information storage device (data management device) connected to any of the plural communication devices based on the structure information memorized in the structure information memory device and which stores information relating to the substrate processing apparatus performing communication with the communication device.
US08447421B2
Methods and systems for traffic-based media selection are provided. A first media file may be played on a media player. Traffic around the media player is monitored, and various traffic conditions, including speed and density of the traffic, may be detected. A second media file is selected based on a detected traffic condition and provided to the media player. In some embodiments of the present invention, the traffic may occur in a virtual environment.
US08447420B2
A method includes receiving statistical data associated with a past performance of a player at a position at a past sporting event. The player is associated with a plurality of skills that correspond to the position of the player. Each skill has a corresponding offsetting skill and complementary skill. A skill rating is calculated for each skill based on the received statistical data and an expert's subjective input. The subjective input includes (1) an importance rating of that skill to the position of the player, (2) a predicted strength rating of the corresponding offsetting skill at a future sporting event, or (3) a predicted strength rating of the corresponding complementary skill at the future sporting event. An output associated with the calculated skill ratings is sent to an output module and is used to predict a future performance of the player at the position at the future sporting event.
US08447414B2
An energy management system that facilitates the transfer of high frequency energy induced on an implanted lead or a leadwire includes an energy dissipating surface associated with the implanted lead or the leadwire, a diversion or diverter circuit associated with the energy dissipating surface, and at least one switch disposed between the diversion circuit and the AIMD electronics for diverting energy in the implanted lead or the leadwire through the diversion circuit to the energy dissipating surface. The switch may comprise a single or multi-pole double or single throw switch. The diversion circuit may be either a high pass filter or a low pass filter.
US08447413B2
Techniques for configuring electrical stimulation therapy utilizing one or more stimulation intensity values are described. In one example, a method includes receiving a stimulation intensity value that corresponds to an equal intensity function; determining a pulse width value and a pulse amplitude value based on the equal intensity function; and controlling delivery of electrical stimulation pulses with the determined pulse width value and amplitude value to a patient. A stimulation intensity value may correspond to a plurality of paired pulse width and amplitude values having substantially the same intensity. For example, the plurality of paired pulse width and amplitude values may activate a substantially equal volume of tissue when a stimulation pulse with the paired values is delivered.
US08447412B2
An active implantable medical device having wireless communication of data via electrical pulses conducted by the interstitial tissues of the body. This device (12, 14) includes a pair of electrodes (22, 24) and generates pulse trains consisting of a series of electrical pulses applied to the electrodes. The pulse train is modulated by digital information (data) that is produced by the device. A regulated current or voltage source (42) is used to generate (44, 48) current or voltage pulses to form the pulse train. Each current or voltage pulse is a biphasic pulse comprising a positive and negative alternation. The biphasic current or voltage modulated by the digital information, is injected between the electrodes (22, 24) and wirelessly communicated.
US08447400B2
Systems and methods are provided for use by implantable medical devices equipped to deliver multi-site left ventricular (MSLV) pacing. MSLV is associated with a relatively long post-ventricular atrial blanking (PVAB) period that might limit the detection of pathologic rapid organized atrial tachycardias (OAT). In one example, MSLV cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) pacing is delivered within a tracking mode. A possible atrial tachycardia is detected based on the atrial rate exceeding an atrial tachycardia assessment rate (ATAR) threshold. The device then switches to single-site LV pacing, thereby effectively shortening the PVAB to detect additional atrial events that might otherwise be obscured, and thereby permitting the device to more reliably distinguish organized atrial tachycardias (such as atrial flutter) from sinus tachycardia. The device may also employ an automatic mode switch (AMS) threshold that is set higher than the ATAR threshold for use in switching from tracking modes to nontracking modes.
US08447393B2
An electrode for an iontophoretic drug delivery system includes a retainer having a malleable characteristic. The retainer and a conductor are connected to a platform. The conductor and a dose controller are electrically coupled to the iontophoretic drug delivery system. A drug delivery matrix is operably connected to the platform and proximate the conductor wherein the conductor, the drug delivery matrix, and the dose controller cooperate to deliver a drug to a user when the electrode is affixed to the user and operably connected to the iontophoretic drug delivery system.
US08447392B2
A system and method for interfacing a brain with a machine. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention employs a vascular approach in which one or more nano-electrodes are deployed in vasculature having a close geometric relationship with proximal innervation. Each nano-electrode is preferably deployed in a blood vessel so that its sensing end is at or near a nerve passing close to or intersecting the blood vessel. The sensing end of each nano-electrode is adapted so as to be carried along in the blood stream so as to position the sensing end at a desired point within the blood vessel. An array of nano-electrodes of varying lengths can be used to monitor multiple nerves or neurons along a blood vessel.
US08447388B2
A biological observation apparatus according to the present application includes a sound wave radiating unit that radiates a sound wave into an object to be examined in living tissue, a light radiating unit that radiates light into the object, a light interfering unit that makes the light radiated from the light radiating unit interfere with light reflected from an area where the sound wave reaches and radiates interference light, a light detector that detects the interference light radiated from the light interfering unit and outputs an interference signal corresponding to the interference light, and a calculation unit that calculates the amount of frequency modulation of the radiated light based on the interference signal outputted from the light detector and calculates a difference value between the two adjacent amounts of frequency modulation in sequence.
US08447385B2
A microwave handheld radiometer for measuring subsurface tissue temperature of a subject includes a microwave antenna disposed relative to a handheld radiometer housing and adapted to electromagnetically couple to a skin surface of a subject, a circulator having a first circulator input and a second circulator input, wherein the first circulator input is electrically coupled to said antenna via a microwave feedline. A switch is electrically disposed between the antenna and an microwave feedline, said switch having a calibrate state and a measure state. A noise source, electrically coupled to the circulator, is being configured to provide a first source of thermal noise at a first temperature and a second source of thermal noise at a second temperature, wherein the noise source is switched between the first source and second source upon external command wherein a detector provides an output wherein surface temperature effects are corrected for the sub-surface measurement.
US08447366B2
A charging station for mobile devices that allows a user to access mobile device services while a mobile device is contacting a charging pad or is otherwise being charged at the charging station. The charging station includes a charging pad where a mobile device is placed to initiate automatic charging without having to connect the mobile device to a charging cable. The charging station also includes a display and communication components for wirelessly linking the charging station with the mobile device. When the mobile device is within proximity of the charging station, the charging station establishes a connection with the mobile device to allow the services offered by the mobile device to be accessed via the charging station. The display on the charging station may be larger than the display of the mobile device or may be configured with different dimensions than the display on the mobile device.
US08447358B2
A multi-standby terminal and a method of providing a tool kit menu thereof are provided. The method of providing a tool kit menu of a multi-standby terminal for inserting at least two user identity cards includes: receiving a first tool kit menu list included in a first user identity card; receiving a second tool kit menu list included in a second user identity card; adding an identifier to the second tool kit menu list; and storing the first tool kit menu list and the second tool kit menu list in a storage.
US08447355B2
The present invention provides a communication system that enables safe and easy addition of a function for use of credit card settlement services to a portable information terminal. In this system, if a user brings his credit card close to the portable information terminal, the portable information terminal reads a card ID stored in a contactless IC card provided in the credit card. Then, the card ID is transmitted to a card management system which checks whether or not the card ID is valid. If confirming that the card ID is valid, the card management system instructs the portable information terminal to write the card ID thereto. If the user places an order of a merchandize, the card ID written to the portable information terminal is provided therefrom to use credit card settlement services.
US08447353B1
The communication device comprising a voice communication implementer, a bold formatting implementer, an italic formatting implementer, a multiple language implementer, and a remote control implementer.
US08447351B2
A system and method are provided for sequencing radio events in a mobile device with a multi downlink multi carrier receiver. In the mobile device, there is a processor in communication with a timing control unit (TCU), whereby the TCU is in communication with two or more radios. The processor collects one or more radio events corresponding to the two or more radios and then sorts the radio events from highest priority to lowest priority to form a sorted list. The processor then loads the sorted list, beginning with a highest priority radio event, onto the TCU.
US08447348B2
A configurable antenna structure includes a plurality of switches, a plurality of antenna components, and a configuration module. The configuration module is operable to configure the plurality of switches and the plurality of antenna components into a first antenna for receiving a MFBMS signal. The configuration module continues processing by identify a signal component of interest of a plurality of signal components of interest within the MFBMS signal. The configuration module continues processing by configuring the plurality of switches and the plurality of antenna components into a second antenna.
US08447343B2
The present invention relates to methods and arrangements for assisting a User Equipment (UE) to determine transmit power to be used on a first uplink component carrier y, wherein the base station is configured to communicate with the UE over a plurality of uplink and downlink component carriers x,y. The UE is aware of path loss parameters associated with a second downlink component carrier x. The method in a base station comprises determining cell specific path loss parameters associated with the component carriers of the base station. The cell specific path loss parameters at least comprises path loss parameters associated with the first uplink component carrier y and a second uplink component carrier x which is paired to the second downlink component carrier x, wherein the second uplink component carrier and second downlink component carrier are within one frequency band. The method comprises the further steps of calculating a pathloss offset, deltaPL(y,x), for the first uplink component carrier y, wherein the pathloss offset deltaPL(y,x) is the pathloss power offset for the first uplink component carrier y with respect to the second uplink component carrier x, and sending the calculated pathloss offset, deltaPL(y,x) to the UE.
US08447341B2
A method and system to provide push-to-talk from one user to another in a wireless packet data telecommunications network is described. The system may include: a wireless communication network including push-to-talk (PTT) functionality, with a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Proxy Server; a SIP Registrar and Location Server operable to store contact addresses of active mobile devices; a Realtime Transport Protocol (RTP) Media Gateway (PTT Server) operable to function as a call endpoint for each of a plurality of mobile devices wherein the plurality of mobile devices are segmented into membership groups, the PTT Server further operable to multicast a communication from one member of the group to the other members of the group; and an Internet Protocol (IP) network interconnecting the SIP Proxy server, the SIP Registrar and Location Server, and the PTT Server.
US08447339B2
The present invention proposes a multiuser multi-input multi-output scheduling method, which comprises steps of: a multiuser scheduling step of performing multiuser scheduling by using mean channel matrixes of respective user equipments; and a multiuser precoding step of performing multiuser precoding by using instantaneous channel matrixes of respective user equipments selected in the multiuser scheduling. The present invention also proposes a base station and a user equipment which will be used to implement the inventive multiuser multi-input multi-output scheduling method.
US08447334B2
As a network control device which controls a call connection between a calling party terminal and a called party terminal, a network control device determines whether the own network control device is in a congestion state when a handover request is acquired from another network control device which is in the congestion state, and stops transmitting a busy tone to a mobile terminal which is the calling party terminal and transmits a ring back tone to the mobile terminal when it is determined that the own network control device is not in the congestion state.
