US08524310B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a cereal flour raw material that can provide products having superb texture. A further object of the present invention is to provide a food product manufactured using such a cereal flour raw material. The present invention provides a cereal flour composition that contains wheat flour prepared from a type of wheat that does not express any two of the three wheat starch synthase II proteins, and also does not express the three wheat granule bound starch synthase proteins, and another type of cereal flour; and a food product manufactured using such a cereal flour composition.
US08524306B2
The present embodiments generally relate to beverages with enhanced flavors and aromas and method of making same. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to soluble coffee and methods of making soluble coffee with improvements in such qualities as taste and aroma.
US08524298B2
The invention relates to a process and a device for enriching water, in particular drinking water, with magnesium ions. In order to enable enrichment of water with magnesium ions in exchange for calcium ions and/or heavy metal ions during treatment of water, and in particular of drinking water, it is proposed according to the invention to pass the water through an ion exchanger which contains a weakly acidic ion exchange material, wherein at least a part of its ion exchange capacity is loaded with magnesium ions.
US08524285B2
Nutraceutical compositions derived from the fruit of the Garcinia mangostana L. or mangosteen plant and methods to make the same are provided. The nutraceutical mangosteen compositions employ novel combinations of mangosteen fruit pulp and pericarp, and can be additionally complemented by selected juice concentrates to yield a composition for improving general health and wellness in humans. The methods to make the nutraceutical compositions involve the use of a mixture comprising pericarp and inner pulp from whoe fruit of a Garcinia mangostana L. plant.
US08524281B2
The present invention provides an oral pharmaceutical formulation comprising coated spheroids of a kinase inhibitor such as neratinib, which formulation is designed to reduce or eliminate side effects associated with existing oral formulations of kinase inhibitors.
US08524280B2
Methods for enhancing the release and/or absorption of poorly water soluble active agents are described herein. The method involves dissolving, melting, or suspending a poorly water soluble active agent in one or more molten fatty acids, conjugated fatty acids, (semi-) solid surfactants of high HLB value, and/or hydrophilic polymers. The molten active agent mixture is then suspended and homogenized in a hydrophilic or lipophilic carrier to form microparticles suspended in the hydrophilic or lipophilic carrier. The particles suspended in the hydrophilic or lipophilic carrier can be encapsulated in a hard or soft gelatin or non-gelatin capsule. It is believed that the microparticles produced by the method described above will exhibit enhanced dissolution profiles. In vitro release studies of formulations containing cilostazol and fenofibrate showed 100% dissolution of cilostazol in 15 minutes and over 90% dissolution of fenofibrate in 35 minutes.
US08524279B2
A method and apparatus are provided for atomizing a liquid under dispersal conditions suitable for spray drying at a commercial plant scale. In one embodiment, a liquid atomizer has a structural body adapted for connection with a spray dryer and a plurality of atomizing nozzles. Each of the atomizing nozzles includes a liquid nozzle adapted to disperse a supply of liquid and a gas nozzle adapted to disperse a supply of gas. In another embodiment, a process for producing a powder blend of at least two target substances in a single processing step is provided.
US08524276B2
The present invention provides compositions comprising methylnaltrexone or a salt thereof, and compositions and formulations thereof, for oral administration.
US08524273B2
A transdermal absorption preparation having a support and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer consisting of multiple layers, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer comprises a drug-retaining layer containing a drug and an acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive and a skin adhesion layer containing a styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer. This preparation can continuously release bisoprolol at a constant concentration. Moreover, it can be easily produced.
US08524272B2
Devices for administration of one or more active agents to the skin or mucosa of a host are formed in the nature of a double-disk patch. One outer layer functions as the primary adhesive layer for adhering the patch to the host. The other inner layer contains at least one active agent to be administered to the host. The inner layer is bonded to the outer layer through an opening provided in an interposed active agent impermeable release layer. The release layer separates a circumferential portion of the active agent containing inner layer from the outer adhesive layer to inhibit migration of the active agent therebetween.
US08524269B2
The present invention provides oral dosage compositions, and methods of making thereof, which contain an edible oil, preferably containing an omega-3 fatty acid, and admixed therein one or more water soluble vitamins and/or minerals, for example vitamins B6, B9, and/or B12. The present invention also provides a method of making the composition comprising mixing the edible oil and one or more water-soluble vitamins and/or minerals to form a suspension or emulsion of the water-soluble vitamins and/or minerals in the edible oil. The mixture can be inserted into capsules, gelcaps, or caplets for oral consumption. An additional aspect of the invention is that the edible oil can coat particles of the water-soluble vitamins and/or minerals, which may preferably provide the vitamins and/or minerals improved absorption in the body due to increased resistance to degradation in the acidic environment of the stomach.
US08524262B2
Amphiphilic silicons which are dispersible or self-dispersing in water, have a high refractive index, and are prepared by a hydrosilylation reaction, resulting in products which are free of cyclic organopolysiloxanes. The high refractive index and dispersibility make the amphiphilic silicones useful in personal care and cosmetics where high shine or gloss is desired.
US08524260B2
The invention consists of a method for manufacturing an aqueous formulation containing at least one oil, and comprising the steps of mixing at least one associative polymer, one oil, and water, encapsulating the oil by increasing the pH to a value greater than 8, potentially precipitating the mixture by reducing the pH to a value less than 6, and potentially isolating the resulting particles by removing the water. The aqueous formulations, as with the aqueous dispersions, and the resulting solid particles constitute other objects of the invention.
US08524257B2
A menthol-containing solids composition comprising or consisting of (a) a solid menthol component consisting of bodies having a content of 95 wt. % or more menthol, based on the total weight of the bodies, and (b) a solid silicon dioxide component comprising or consisting of particles having a particle size of not more than 100 μm, wherein particles of the silicon dioxide component adhere to the surface of the bodies of the menthol component and wherein the amount of the silicon dioxide component is not more than 4 wt. % and the amount of the menthol component is at least 95 wt. %, in each case based on the total weight of the solids composition.
US08524247B2
Described herein are recombinant rabies viruses comprising a heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding an immunocontraceptive protein, such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) or zona pellucida 3 (ZP3). The recombinant rabies viruses disclosed herein are recovered by reverse genetics, replicate efficiently, elicit rabies virus neutralizing antibodies and immunocontraceptive peptide-specific antibodies in vaccinated animals, and protect vaccinated animals against wild-type rabies virus challenge. Further provided is a method of immunizing a non-human animal against rabies virus infection and simultaneously inhibiting fertility of the animal, comprising administering an immunogenic composition comprising one or more of the recombinant rabies viruses described herein.
US08524238B2
Methods and compositions are provided for assessing, treating, and preventing diseases, especially cancer, using cancer-associated targets (“CAT”). Methods and compositions are also provided for determining or predicting the effectiveness of a treatment for these diseases or for selecting a treatment, using CAT. Methods and compositions are further provided for modulating cell function using CAT. Also provided are compositions that modulate CAT (e.g., antagonists or agonists), such as antibodies, proteins, small molecule compounds, and nucleic acid agents (e.g., RNAi and antisense agents), as well as pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Further provided are methods of screening for agents that modulate CAT, and agents identified by these screening methods.
US08524232B2
Molecules that interfere with the binding of a tumor necrosis factor receptor with its ligand, such as a soluble receptor, have proven usefulness in both basic research and as therapeutics. The present invention provides improved soluble transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand-interactor (TACI) receptors.
US08524228B2
Methods and compositions for male or female contraception are provided. The compositions include an effective amount of netrin-1 to reduce or inhibit sperm concentration in semen of males or to inhibit or reduce fusion of male gametes with female gametes in a female subject Still another embodiment provides a method for diagnosing male infertility by determining the amount of netrin-1 in a sample of epididymal fluid or semen from a male subject, comparing the amount of netting-1 in the sample to levels of netrin-1 in samples of epididymal fluid or semen from fertile males, wherein levels of netrin-1 in the sample from the male subject that are higher or lower than levels of netrin-1 in samples from fertile males are indicative of male infertility in the male subject.
US08524227B2
The present invention relates to blocking the activity of IL-TIF polypeptide molecules. IL-TIF is a cytokine involved in inflammatory processes and human disease. The present invention includes anti-IL-TIF antibodies and binding partners, as well as methods for antagonizing IL-TIF using such antibodies and binding partners in IL-TIF-related human inflammatory diseases, amongst other uses disclosed.
US08524225B2
The present invention relates to a process for the proteolytic hydrolysis of a peptide or a polypeptide, said peptide or polypeptide comprising 4 to 40, preferably 5 to 35, amino acid residues and said peptide or polypeptide is not hydrolysable by subtilisin whereby said peptide or polypeptide is hydrolysed by a proline specific endo protease at a pH of 6.5 or lower, preferably 5.5 or lower and more preferably 5.0 or lower to hydrolyse said peptide or polypeptide.
US08524221B2
Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for inactivating CCR-5 genes, using zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) comprising a zinc finger protein and a cleavage domain or cleavage half-domain. Polynucleotides encoding ZFNs, vectors comprising polynucleotides encoding ZFNs, such as adenovirus (Ad) vectors, and cells comprising polynucleotides encoding ZFNs and/or cells comprising ZFNs are also provided.
US08524216B2
The present invention provided a polymer and a method for preparing the polymer, wherein the polymer was a terpolymer having a molecular weight of more than 1000, and copolymerized by acrolein, acrylic acid, and low alkene-alkyl dibasic acid or low-alkene-alkyl polybasic acid.
US08524209B2
The present invention concerns a composition for the permanent shaping of human hair comprising a copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and quaternized vinylimidazole at a concentration in the range of 0.1 to 2.5% by weight calculated to total composition and process for permanent shaping human hair with the said compositions.
US08524203B2
Sunscreen composite particles for UVA and UVB protection are described. The particles are substantially free of supplied UVB sunscreen and are prepared with a UVA sunscreen suitable to undergo keto-enol tautomerization.
US08524201B2
Disclosed are compositions related to a substantially non-cytotoxic chlorine dioxide solution. The solution may be a thickened fluid composition. Also disclosed are methods of making and using a substantially non-cytotoxic thickened fluid compositions or solutions comprising chlorine dioxide solution. An oxidizing composition of reduced irritation is also disclosed.
US08524196B2
The invention relates to a method of relieving nicotine craving comprising the steps of providing at least one chewing gum comprising tobacco alkaloid to a user, providing relief of nicotine craving to said user by transferring of tobacco alkaloid from the chewing gum to the human body of said user by chewing of said chewing gum, said chewing of said chewing gum comprising a chewing process involving a transfer of tobacco alkaloid from said chewing gum above a threshold transfer rate in the period of about ½ minute to about 2½ minutes from initiation of said chewing process.
US08524189B2
The present invention provides a process for the selective oxidation of hydrogen sulphide contained in a hydrogen sulphide-containing hydrocarbon feed gas to elemental sulphur. The hydrogen sulphide-containing hydrocarbon feed gas and a sulphur dioxide-containing gas are supplied to a reaction zone containing a TiO2-comprising catalyst, wherein elemental sulphur and a gaseous stream depleted in hydrogen sulphide are formed. The gas feeds are contacted with the TiO2 containing catalyst at elevated pressure and at a temperature in the range of from 120 and below 160 ° C., under such conditions that the elemental sulphur formed is essentially in liquid form. At least part of the sulphur dioxide-containing gas is obtained by combusting elemental sulphur to obtain a gaseous mixture of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen and then concentrating the gaseous mixture to provide the sulphur dioxide-containing gas.
US08524188B2
A method includes transferring a raw silicon material in a crucible and subjecting the raw silicon material in the crucible to thermal energy to form a melted silicon material at a temperature of less than 1400 Degrees Celsius, the melted silicon material having an exposed region bounded by an interior region of the crucible, subjecting an exposed inner region of the melted silicon material to an energy source to include an arc heater configured above the exposed region and to be spaced by a gap between the exposed region and a muzzle region of the arc heater to form a determined temperature profile within a vicinity of an inner region of the exposed melted silicon material while maintaining outer regions of the melted silicon material at a temperature below a melting point of the crucible, and removing impurities from the melted silicon material to form higher purity silicon.
US08524185B2
Catalysts, methods of preparing catalyst, and methods for treating exhaust gas streams are described. In one or more embodiments, a catalyst system includes an upstream zone effective to catalyze the conversion of a mixture of NOx and NH3 to N2, and a downstream zone effective for the conversion of ammonia to N2 in the presence or absence of NOx. In an embodiment, a method for preparing a catalyst system includes: first coating one end of a substrate along at least 5% of its length with an undercoat washcoat layer containing a material composition effective to catalyze the removal of ammonia; second coating with an overcoat layer containing a material composition effective to catalyze the conversion of a mixture of NOx and NH3 to N2. A method for treating the exhaust gas stream is provided, which includes injecting ammonia or an ammonia precursor into an exhaust gas stream of a vehicle, passing the engine exhaust gas stream containing NOx and NH3 through the upstream zone of a catalyst system to remove NOx and then passing the exhaust gas stream through the downstream zone of the catalyst system to remove NH3, as well as other oxidizable species such as hydrocarbons and CO.
US08524178B2
A process of preparing a doped aluminum oxide, includes providing a solution comprising 8-hydroxyquinoline; an aluminum precursor; a dopant precursor, and a reaction solvent; isolating a precipitate from the solution; and calcining the precipitate to form the doped aluminum oxide. Compositions may be prepared which include tris(8-hydroxyquinolinato) aluminum and (8-hydroxyquinolinato)zM, wherein M is a metal ion and the value of z is equivalent to the oxidation state of the metal ion.
US08524155B1
An improved system for collecting, detecting, and classifying submicron-sized particles in a sample comprising an Integrated Virus Detection System (IVDS) of the type wherein the detecting means includes a differential mobility analyzer (DMA) and condensation particle counter (CPC), the improvement comprising positioning an aerosol collector or an electrostatic collector between the differential mobility analyzer and the condensation particle counter wherein submicron-sized particles from the environmental sample are collected for further analysis.
US08524149B2
A nickel base alloy includes: by mass, 0.001 to 0.1% of carbon; 12 to 23% of chromium; 15 to 25% of cobalt; 3.5 to 5.0% of aluminum; 4 to 12% of molybdenum; 0.1 to 7.0% of tungsten; and a total amount of Ti, Ta and Nb being not more than 0.5%. A parameter Ps represented by a formula (1) shown below is 0.6 to 1.6, Ps=−7×[C]−0.1×[Mo]+0.5×[Al] (1) where [C] indicates an amount of carbon; [Mo] indicates an amount of molybdenum; and [Al] indicates an amount of aluminum, by mass percent.
US08524148B2
A method of making a medical device which is at least partially bio-erodible and which exhibits controlled elution of therapeutic agent.
US08524147B2
A process for producing powder green compacts includes centrifugally compacting a slip containing a material powder, a binder resin and a dispersion medium in a mold, into a compact containing the material powder and the binder resin. A process for producing sintered compacts includes sintering the green compact. A powder green compact contains a material powder and a binder resin, the binder resin being present between particles of the material powder and binding the material particles. A sintered compact is obtained by sintering the green compact.
US08524139B2
An improved method for laser processing that prevents material redeposition during laser ablation but allows material to be removed at a high rate. In a preferred embodiment, laser ablation is performed in a chamber filled with high pressure precursor (etchant) gas so that sample particles ejected during laser ablation will react with the precursor gas in the gas atmosphere of the sample chamber. When the ejected particles collide with precursor gas particles, the precursor is dissociated, forming a reactive component that binds the ablated material. In turn, the reaction between the reactive dissociation by-product and the ablated material forms a new, volatile compound that can be pumped away in a gaseous state rather than redepositing onto the sample.
US08524126B2
A method for manufacturing an optical film includes providing a molding machine. The molding machine includes a hopper, a first cylindrical roller, a second cylindrical roller, and a UV light source. The first and second cylindrical rollers are located at two opposite sides of a narrow outlet of the hopper and positioned at substantially a same height just below the narrow outlet. Thereafter, a UV-curable material is provided into the hopper, and flows out from the narrow outlet of the hopper. The UV light source is turned on toward the UV-curable material. Furthermore, the first and second cylindrical rollers are rotated to directly press the UV-curable material when the UV-curable material is cured.
US08524120B2
Single pellets of a thermoplastic resin containing long glass fibers and a conductive filler are set forth that enable molded articles made from these pellets to exhibit conductivity and, at the same time, high mechanical properties. These pellets have mechanical properties that are substantially equivalent to non-conductive pellets of a thermoplastic resin containing same loading of long glass and provide conductivity that is substantially equivalent to articles obtained by blending two kinds of pellets, one pellet having a conductive filler and the other pellet one containing long glass fibers. The pellets include a thermoplastic resin, a long fiber reinforcing filler and a conductive additive dispersed in the pellet.
US08524118B2
A nitride phosphor represented by Formula 1: M1a-zCezM2b-xM3xNc-yOy, Formula 1 wherein M1 is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Sc3+, Y3+, Lu3+, La3+, Pr3+, Sm3+, Gd3+, Tb3+, Yb3+, Dy3+, Eu3+, and Bi3+, M2 is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Si4+ and Ge4+, M3 is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Al3+, B3+, and Ga3+, a is equal to or greater than about 1.8 and equal to or less than about 2.2, b is equal to or greater than about 3.8 and equal to or less than about 4.2, c is equal to or greater than about 6.7 and equal to or less than about 7.3, x is equal to or greater than about 0.7 and less than about 3, y is equal to or greater than 0 and less than about 3, and z is greater than 0 and less than about 1.
US08524117B2
The invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium based on a mixture of polar compounds having negative dielectric anisotropy, which contains at least one compound of the formula I and at least one compound of the formula II in which R1, R2, R3, R4, ring A, Z1, Z2 and m are as defined in Claim 1, and to the use thereof for an active-matrix display based on the ECB, VA, PS-VA, FFS, PALO or IPS effect.
US08524111B2
The present invention provides a CMP abrasive slurry for polishing insulation film, that allow efficiently and high-speed polishing of insulation films such as SiO2 film and SiOC film in the CMP method of flattening an interlayer insulation film, a BPSG film, an insulation film for shallow trench isolation, or a wiring-insulating film layer, a polishing method by using the abrasive slurry, and a semiconductor electronic part polished by the polishing method. A CMP abrasive slurry for polishing insulation film containing cerium oxide particles, a dispersant, a water-soluble polymer having amino groups on the side chains and water, a polishing method by using the CMP abrasive slurry, and a semiconductor electronic part polished by the polishing method.
US08524104B1
Fire extinguishing compositions and methods of extinguishing a fire comprising compounds of formula (I) where Rf is a fluorocarbon group. The compounds and compositions described herein are useful as intermediates in the preparation of or as additives to AFFF (aqueous film forming foam) formulations used for the extinguishment of fuel and solvent fires.
US08524103B2
A method for manufacturing a susceptor includes: forming a concave pattern in a surface of a substrate to be processed; applying a SiC paste containing a SiC powder and a sintering agent to the surface of the substrate to be processed to fill the concave pattern to form a SiC coating layer; laminating a SiC substrate on the SiC coating layer; and firing the SiC coating layer to form a SiC layer having at least one convex section on the surface of the SiC substrate.
US08524099B2
Methods for processing events occurring in a process chamber are provided. In one method, an operation includes carrying gas and receiving an optical signal from the process chamber to an analysis tool that operates in response to the optical signal having a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for process analysis. And, dividing the carried gas and optical signal into a plurality of separate gas and optical signals between the process chamber and the analysis tool. The dividing is configured through separate apertures so that the apertures collectively maintain the SNR of the optical signal received at the tool. Methods provide a septum in a second bore dividing the second bore into apertures configured to reduce etching of and deposition on the optical access window and to maintain the desired SNR at the diagnostic end point.
US08524095B2
Methods for fabrication of leading edge shields and tapered magnetic poles with a tapered leading edge are provided. The leading edge shield may be formed by utilizing a CMP stop layer. The CMP stop layer may aid in preventing over polishing of the magnetic material. For the tapered magnetic poles with a tapered leading edge, a magnetic material is deposited on a planarized surface, a patterned resist material is formed, and exposed magnetic material is etched to form at least one tapered surface of the magnetic material.
US08524089B2
A combined sedimentation and pressure floatation wastewater treatment tank includes a tank body, a sedimentation treatment device and a pressure floatation treatment device. The tank body contains a predetermined amount of wastewater for treatment. The sedimentation treatment device is used to remove relatively heavier sludge from the wastewater by sedimentation treatment, and the pressure floatation treatment device is used to remove relatively lighter sludge from the initially treated wastewater by pressure floatation treatment. In operation, the wastewater is initially treated by the sedimentation treatment device and is further treated by the pressure floatation treatment device. Alternatively, the wastewater is initially treated by the pressure floatation treatment device and is further treated by the sedimentation treatment device.
US08524087B2
Low metal, low water biomass-derived pyrolysis oils and methods for producing the same are provided. Metal- and water-containing biomass-derived pyrolysis oil is contacted with an acidic ion-exchange resin having sulfonic acid groups to produce a low metal, water-containing biomass-derived pyrolysis oil. The low metal, water-containing biomass-derived pyrolysis oil is removed from the spent ion-exchange resin after ion-exchange. The low metal, water-containing biomass-derived pyrolysis oil is distilled to produce a low metal, low water biomass-derived pyrolysis oil and a distillation product. The distillation product comprises one or both of an alcohol ion-exchange regenerant and an acidic ion-exchange regenerant which may be used to regenerate the spent ion-exchange resin. The regenerated acidic ion-exchange resin may be recycled. The spent alcohol and acid ion-exchange regenerants may be recovered and recycled.
US08524080B1
An apparatus for removing cyanotoxins and excess ions from contaminated water. Contaminated water passes from a storage tank (200), through a sand filter (210), through a reaction chamber (230), and finally through a carbon filter (270). The sand filter removes particulates and some bacteria. Treatment of the water in the reaction chamber first destroys cyanotoxins, algae, and bacteria through the use of high voltage shocks applied between two groups of electrodes (285, 285′), then the voltage on the electrodes is lowered and electrolysis is used to sequester free ions in the water in the region near the electrodes. Partially treated water is removed from the upper portion of the reaction chamber and passed through a carbon filter (270) to remove radiation, and to improve taste and smell. After passage through the carbon filter, the water is potable. The water remaining in the reaction chamber is discarded into a reservoir (265).
US08524076B2
A fluid purification unit includes a case including a hollow and a plurality of openings communicating with the hollow to flow a fluid inside into the hollow and outside from the hollow, the case including combining protrusions formed on a first face and concave portions formed on a second face opposite to the first face, each of the combining protrusions having a first cross sectional area and being regularly arranged in a first direction and at a first interval and each of the concave portions having a second area corresponding to the first cross sectional area and being arranged at a second interval corresponding to the first interval.
US08524075B1
A fluid pressure vessel has a filter cartridge with spaced headers positioning cylindrical pleated filter media. The headers form an inlet chamber communicating with the inlet upstream side of the filter media and an isolated outlet chamber communicating with the downstream side of the filter media. A hollow piston with a toothed periphery having a circumferential slot is positioned closely adjacent the upstream side of the filter media. The piston hollow communicates with a drain chamber isolated from the inlet and outlet chambers. Upon opening of the drain chamber to atmospheric pressure, the pressure in the piston hollow and slot causes a lower pressure in a localized area of the media and back flushing of trapped material on the upstream side of the media to the drain chamber. An actuator is connected to selectively progressively move the piston and slot along the entire surface of the media.
US08524073B2
Disclosed herein is a sorbent composition including an adsorbent support; and a metal component comprising a transition metal, wherein the metal component is impregnated on a surface of the adsorbent support; and wherein the metal component effects the removal of sulfur and vanadium from a hydrocarbon fuel. Also disclosed herein is a sorbent composition comprising an adsorbent support, wherein a surface of the adsorbent support has been chemically modified to comprise functional groups; and wherein the adsorbent support effects the removal of sulfur and vanadium from a hydrocarbon fuel.
US08524060B1
A micro-analytical platform for performing electrophoresis-based immunoassays was developed by integrating photopolymerized cross-linked polyacrylamide gels within a microfluidic device. The microfluidic immunoassays are performed by gel electrophoretic separation and quantifying analyte concentration based upon conventional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). To retain biological activity of proteins and maintain intact immune complexes, native PAGE conditions were employed. Both direct (non-competitive) and competitive immunoassay formats are demonstrated in microchips for detecting toxins and biomarkers (cytokines, c-reactive protein) in bodily fluids (serum, saliva, oral fluids). Further, a description of gradient gels fabrication is included, in an effort to describe methods we have developed for further optimization of on-chip PAGE immunoassays. The described chip-based PAGE immunoassay method enables immunoassays that are fast (minutes) and require very small amounts of sample (less than a few microliters). Use of microfabricated chips as a platform enables integration, parallel assays, automation and development of portable devices.
US08524051B2
Coated article with oxidation graded layer proximate IR reflecting layer(s) and corresponding method
A coated article is provided that may be heat treated in certain example embodiments. A graded layer (e.g., contact layer or other suitable layer) is formed by initially sputter-depositing a layer, and thereafter ion beam treating the sputter-deposited layer with at least reactive gas ions in order to form a graded layer. In certain example embodiments, the result is a coated article that has improved visible transmission and/or durability, without sacrificing optional heat treatability.
US08524050B2
Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a stainless steel separator for a fuel cell. The stainless steel separator includes a stainless steel sheet, a first coating layer comprising metal/metal nitride films (M/MNx) (0.5≦x≦1) on a surface of the stainless steel sheet, and a second coating layer comprising a metal oxynitride film (MOyNz) (0.05≦y≦2, 0.25≦z≦1.0).
US08524047B2
A method of dehydrating tolylenediamine which includes subjecting tolylenediamine having a water content of 5-40 wt. % to first-stage distillation at a vacuum of 13-101.3 kPa and subjecting the bottoms from the first-stage distillation to second-stage distillation at a vacuum lower than 13kPa.
US08524037B2
A process is provided for delignifying lignocellulosic material, including feeding a lignocellulosic blend comprising a Western Red Cedar (WRC) chip furnish and a second lignocellulosic material into an aqueous alkaline pulping solution at the feed end of a digester to produce a lignocellulosic mass. The second lignocellulosic material is provided in a proportion that increases the density of the mass to enable the mass to move through the digester while minimizing production effects associated with low density WRC chips. The mass moves through the digester to produce a pulp that may be bleached.
US08524034B2
Provided is a complex of hydrogen peroxide and at least one compound represented by Formula I: wherein X is: —C(R3)3, —C≡C(R3), —O(R3), —N(R3)2, or —S(R3); and R1, R2, and R3 are each independently selected from H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aralkyl, aryl, heteroaryl heteroarylalkyl, heterocyclyl, and cycloalkyl, or R2 and an R3 are optionally taken together to form an alicyclic ring. Also provided are anaerobic cure systems and curable compositions employing the complexes described herein.
US08524022B2
A method of manufacturing a structure, the method comprising: forming a panel assembly by bonding a stack of thickness control plies of composite material to a laminar composite panel, the stack of thickness control plies having a first edge proximate an edge of the laminar composite panel, a second edge opposite the first edge, and a ramp where the thickness of the stack of thickness control plies decreases towards the first or second edge; measuring the thickness of the laminate composite panel or the panel assembly; controlling the number of thickness control plies in accordance with the measured thickness; attaching a first component to the panel assembly, the first component having a surface which engages the laminar composite panel and a ramp which engages the ramp in the stack of thickness control plies; and attaching the laminar composite panel at or near its edge to a further component.
US08524012B2
A method for growing planar, semi-polar nitride film on a miscut spinel substrate, in which a large area of the planar, semi-polar nitride film is parallel to the substrate's surface. The planar films and substrates are: (1) {1011} gallium nitride (GaN) grown on a {100} spinel substrate miscut in specific directions, (2) {1013} gallium nitride (GaN) grown on a {110} spinel substrate, (3) {1122} gallium nitride (GaN) grown on a {1100} sapphire substrate, and (4) {1013} gallium nitride (GaN) grown on a {1100} sapphire substrate.
US08524011B2
An automated heat exchanger tube cleaning assembly and system are provided. The present system can automatically (without ongoing human intervention) survey the tube sheet of a heat exchanger in three-dimensions, convert and record the survey results as a digital file in three-dimensions, and then, according to sequential parameters input via custom software, automatically coordinate via computer one or more cleaning devices to effect the cleaning of each desired tube of the heat exchanger.
US08524009B2
A substrate processing method comprising: holding a substrate substantially horizontally by a rotatable substrate holding mechanism; supplying a rinsing liquid onto the top of the substrate held by the substrate holding mechanism at the substrate holding step; after the rinsing liquid supply step, spraying a gas onto the top of the substrate held by the substrate holding mechanism, by a gas knife mechanism, to form a gas spraying zone on the substrate top, and unidirectionally scanning the substrate top in its entirety by this gas spraying zone, without rotating the substrate; replenishing the rinsing liquid by supplying, in parallel to the gas knife spraying step, a rinsing liquid onto the substrate top at its area downstream in the gas-spraying-zone scanning direction rather than the gas spraying zone formed by the gas knife mechanism; and drying the substrate surface after the gas knife spraying step and the rinsing liquid replenishing step.
US08524004B2
A substrate processing chamber for processing a plurality of wafers in batch mode. In one embodiment the chamber includes a vertically aligned housing having first and second processing areas separated by an internal divider, the first processing area positioned directly over the second processing area; a multi-zone heater operatively coupled to the housing to heat the first and second processing areas independent of each other; a wafer transport adapted to hold a plurality of wafers within the processing chamber and move vertically between the first and second processing areas; a gas distribution system adapted to introduce ozone into the second area and steam into the first processing area; and a gas exhaust system configured to exhaust gases introduced into the first and second processing areas.
US08524001B2
Silicon wafers having excellent voltage resistance characteristics of an oxide film and high C-mode characteristics are derived from single crystal silicon ingots doped with nitrogen and hydrogen, characterized in that a plurality of voids constituting a bubble-like void aggregates are present ≧50% relative to total voids; a V1 region having a void density of over 2×104/cm3 and below 1×105/cm3 is ≦20% of the total area of wafer; a V2 region having a void density of 5×102 to 2×104/cm3 occupies ≧80% of the total area of the wafer; and bulk microdefect density is ≧5×108/cm3.
US08523999B2
Masses for obtaining poured concrete, concrete for bricks, concrete for tiles or mortar are known, in which Portland cement and Colemanite, water and additives to regulate the process are involved as aggregate.The invention achieves a remarkable increase in the capacity of neutron radiation protection of the material. For this, Portland cement is replaced by Alumina cement and a new component is inserted into the mass, specifically anhydrous calcium sulfate, the Colemanite staying as aggregate.
US08523990B2
An ink composition having a suitably-adjusted hue and causing no decomposition of dyes during storage is provided. The ink composition contains a compound (a) represented by the following formula (1), an ingredient (c) and moisture-retentive agents, characterized by being from 0.1 mass % to lower than 7.0 mass % in content of the compound represented by the formula (1), 10.0 mass % or lower in content of a moisture-retentive agent having 3 or more hydroxyl groups (b) and lower than 30.0 in molar ratio of the moisture-retentive agent having 3 or more hydroxyl groups to the compound represented by the formula (1): wherein each of Ar1 and Ar2 preferably represents an aromatic heterocyclic group, each of A1 and A2 represents a hydrogen atom or a substituent, Y represents —OM or —NR1R2, M represents a hydrogen atom or a metal ion and each of R1 and R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, a heterocyclic group or the like. The ingredient (c) is at least one compound selected from C.I. Direct Yellow 59, id. 86, id. 132 or the like.
US08523954B2
The present invention is drawn to a composition and method for dyeing keratinous substrates containing: (a) at least one polyamine compound comprising at least three amino groups; (b) at least one nonionic surfactant; (c) at least anionic silicone; (d) at least one dye chosen from oxidation dye precursors and direct dyes. The compositions of the present invention may optionally contain at least one thickening agent, at least one alkaline agent, at least one fatty substance, at least one salt, and at least one oxidizing agent.
US08523950B2
A hinged knee prosthesis (10) comprises a tibial component (16) and a femoral component (14). The tibial component (16) is configured to attach to a tibia. The tibial component has a bearing surface (128). The femoral component (14) is configured to hingedly attach to the tibial component (16) and rotate relative to the tibial component (16). The femoral component (14) comprises a medial condyle (30) and a lateral condyle (32). The medial and lateral condyles (30 and 32) have an eccentric sagittal curvature surface (50) configured to rotate and translate on the bearing surface (128) of the tibial component (16). A method of rotating a hinged knee (10) through a range of flexion is provided. The method fixedly attaches a femoral component (14) to a tibial component (16). Axial rotation of the femoral component (14) is induced relative to the tibial component (16) when the hinged knee (10) is flexed.
US08523937B2
The disclosure relates to medical devices coated with zein admixed with levulinic acid. The medical device may further include a therapeutic agent in contact with zein admixed with levulinic acid. Zein admixed with levulinic acid allows the therapeutic agent to be retained on the device during delivery and also controls the elution rate of the therapeutic agent following implantation. The disclosure further relates to methods of delivering a therapeutic agent on said medical devices as well as their use especially in the form of stents for prevention of restenosis.
US08523931B2
A guidewire assembly for use in deploying a bifurcated endoluminal vascular prosthesis that has a main graft portion and at least a first branch graft portion The guidewire assembly include a hollow guidewire sheath having a restraint mechanism, such as a tubular sheath, for constraining a branch graft portion of the vascular prosthesis and an inner core wire that is slidably insertable into a central lumen of the hollow guidewire sheath. In use, the guidewire assembly may be used with a deployment catheter to deploy the bifurcated vascular prosthesis and leave the inner core wire in position in the patient's aorta, extending through the main graft portion of the vascular prosthesis.
US08523925B2
A phototherapy apparatus for the treatment of skin disease is disclosed including: an at least partially hollow body element; a plurality of light emitting elements enclosed within the body element; and a plurality of elongated light transmitting elements, each of the light transmitting elements having a proximal end detachably affixed to the body element in proximity to one or more of the light emitting elements, and extending to an end distal the body element. For each of the elongated light transmitting elements, at least a portion of light incident from the light emitting elements onto the proximal end is directed through the light transmitting element and emitted from the distal end.
US08523923B2
A two-piece clamping element comprises two separate, i.e., non-integral, opposing first and second clamping jaws forming a laterally open cavity to receive a pin or rod-shaped element. Each clamping jaw has a bore aligned with one another to receive a screw, wherein a pivot bearing is arranged opposite said cavity allowing the two opposing clamping jaws to come in contact to one another. The pivot bearing comprises at least one set of complementary part-cylindrical bearing surface portions. An anti-rotation pin extends between the two jaw members.
US08523921B2
An improved tibial plateau leveling osteotomy plate is disclosed. The plate is contoured in its proximal head portion to more closely resemble the structure of the tibial bone segment that is cut and rotated during the procedure. The plate also preferably has screw holes in the proximal head portion that are machined through the pre-contoured proximal head portion and are designed to angle the screw in a targeted screw path with respect to the osteotomy.
US08523917B2
Anterior cervical instrumentation systems, methods, and devices are disclosed. Systems may facilitate immobilizing or providing support for the cervical portion of the vertebral column of a patient. A device may comprise a plate having two channels located in a proximal to distal direction, and may further comprise at least one aperture. The device may further comprise attachment elements such as attachment cross-links and spacer cross-links, and fasteners. The plate and the attachment elements may be secured to the vertebrae by passing fasteners through apertures and channels. The length of the plate, position and number of the attachment cross-links, position and number of spacer cross-links and degree of movement may be intraoperatively selected by the surgeon to provide an optimal application and procedural outcome. Uniform components of the devices and systems allow for a more streamlined and simplified method of treating spinal conditions.
US08523911B2
The present invention provides a spine stabilization system having a first bone anchor having a first receiving portion and a second bone anchor having a second receiving portion. The first and second elongated rods are positioned within the first and second receiving portions. The first and second locking caps are configured to retain and capture the first and second elongated rods within the first and second bone anchors. The top connector is configured with a first and a second end, which are provided with elongated openings. The first and second locking caps have a threaded portion for coupling to a first and second locking nut. The locking caps are also provided with at least one flange for coupling to the bone anchor, and a bearing surface spaced apart from the bone anchor, the bearing surface configured to contact the top connector.
US08523909B2
Spinal implants include an elongated body portion dimensioned and configured for percutaneous introduction into a target interspinous process space, at which interspinous distraction and/or spinal fusion are desired. The body portion can include a threaded outer surface, or alternatively a smooth surface. The body portion can include one or more interior cavities, and can include deployable engagement members adapted and configured to move in tandem between a stowed position retracted within the interior cavity of the body portion and a deployed position extended from the interior cavity of the body for engaging adjacent spinous processes. An internal drive assembly for selectively moving the engagement members from the stowed position to the deployed position can be provided, as can a elements for locking the engagement members in a deployed position.
US08523902B2
Disclosed herein are methods and devices for securing soft tissue to a rigid material such as bone. A bone anchor is described that includes an anchor body with expandable tines and a spreader that expands the tines into bone. Also disclosed is a bone anchor that includes a base and a top such that suture material may be attached to apertures in the anchor top or else compressed between surfaces on the base and top to secure the suture to the anchor. Methods are described that allow use of single bone anchor to secure tissue to bone or also to use more than one bone anchor to provide multiple lengths of suture material to compress a large area of soft tissue against bone.
US08523897B2
An implantable device for containing emboli within an atrial appendage may include an expandable frame having a plurality of supports projecting distally from a proximal hub, a mesh barrier provided on proximal sections of the supports, and a plurality of tissue anchors provided on the supports for engaging tissue when the device is positioned in an atrial appendage.
US08523891B2
A probe for a surgical instrument used for cutting selected tissue in a body cavity while under visual inspection, e.g., a surgical tool for the release of the transverse carpal tunnel ligament, has a profile where the flat top surface of the probe has a wider width dimension than the lower surface of the probe. Thus, the sides of the lower surface are sloped or curved inward such that all points below the flat top surface at any particular point on the first and second sides of the flat top surface have a width that is smaller than the width dimension of the flat top surface. The degree of sloping or curving inward will cause tissues to be moved downward (instead of upward) when the probe is inserted, and will provide for generating an upward force that firmly holds the probe against the tissue to be cut and a downward force on the surrounding tissue below the probe.
US08523889B2
An end effector includes a first portion having a first specific acoustic impedance value, and a second portion having a second specific acoustic impedance value less than the first specific acoustic impedance value. The first portion includes a proximal end segment of the end effector and a distal end segment of the end effector, and the proximal end segment and the distal end segment are composed of a first material. The second portion includes an insert segment of the end effector composed of a second material. The insert segment is located between the proximal end segment and the distal end segment along the longitudinal axis of the end effector. The insert segment functions to bridge or fill the nodal energy gap. A surgical instrument includes a transducer configured to produce vibrations along a longitudinal axis as a predetermined frequency. An ultrasonic blade extends along the longitudinal axis coupled to the transducer. An insert segment or a pad is positioned adjacent to the blade such that it engages the blade when the surgical instrument is in a closed position and generates heat filling the nodal energy gap.
US08523879B1
A medical retrieval device and method used in endoscopic procedures to retrieve stones has a shaft comprising a sheath with a lumen and a drive wire slidably disposed within the lumen for operating a stone entrapping mechanism on the distal end of the retrieval device. The shaft has an average outside diameter of less than 1.9 Fr. The shaft, sheath and drive wire each have proximal, intermediate and distal portions, and each of the corresponding portions are in generally similar locations along the longitudinal length of the device. The proximal portions of the shaft and the drive wire are preferably stiffer than the corresponding intermediate portions of the shaft and drive wire. The proximal and intermediate portions of the sheath have generally similar stiffnesses. The shaft reduces flow resistance within the working channel of an endoscope, increasing the flow of irrigation fluid in order to improve procedural visibility. The shaft varies in flexibility to match the requirements of a flexible endoscope and facilitate deflection of the endoscope.
US08523876B2
Spinal surgical systems include a compressor mountable to a first vertebra and positionable relative to a fulcrum mountable to a second vertebra. The compressor and fulcrum are manipulated relative to one another to compress the first and second vertebrae. The systems further include a distractor mountable to a first vertebra and positionable relative to a fulcrum mountable to a second vertebra. The distractor and fulcrum are manipulated relative to one another to distract the first and second vertebrae.
US08523874B2
Instruments and techniques separate or spread adjacent bony structures by inserting a distal spreader assembly into the space between the adjacent bony structures and actuating the spreading members with a proximal actuator assembly.
US08523861B2
A proximal humeral plate assembly can include a first plate, a coupler, a second plate, and a guide. The first plate can define a window and can have a first major surface adapted to conform to a native bone structure. The coupler can be formed on a second major surface of the first plate opposite the first major surface. The second plate can be adapted to engage the coupler, to cover the window, and to conform to the native bone structure. The second plate can include through holes adapted to receive bone screws. The guide can be adapted to engage the coupler and to guide at least one of a cutting tool and a dilation tool.
US08523859B2
A vacuum-assisted wound healing device is provided comprising an airtight hollow conical member surrounding a skin-breaching bone stabilization device, and a port for attaching a suction tube. The conical member has an opening at one end conforming to the circumference of the shaft of a bone stabilization device, and a opening at the other end to enclose a wound in a patient's skin surrounding the bone stabilization device. The device may be used to provide controlled reduced pressure to the wound site, reducing healing time and risk of infection.
US08523852B2
A power source delivers oscillating electrical energy to an electrical conductor, such as a wire or catheter, which is coated circumferentially with a ferromagnetic material in a selected region. With high frequency electrical energy, the ferromagnetic material has a quick response in heating and cooling adjustable by the controllable power delivery. The ferromagnetic material can be used for separating tissue, coagulation, tissue destruction or achieving other desired tissue effects in numerous surgical procedures.
US08523850B2
A power source delivers oscillating electrical energy to an electrical conductor, such as a wire or catheter, which is coated circumferentially with a ferromagnetic material in a selected region. With high frequency electrical energy, the ferromagnetic material has a quick response in heating and cooling adjustable by the controllable power delivery. The ferromagnetic material can be used for separating tissue, coagulation, tissue destruction or achieving other desired tissue effects in numerous surgical procedures.
US08523845B2
A surgical power tool has an actuation assembly which comprises a force sensor and a switch. The force sensor is provided to determine an actuation force produced by the user, and the switch is transferred by the actuation force from a first switching state to a second switching state. A combined evaluation of the force sensor signal and of the switching state enables, for example, a plausibility check for increasing the operational reliability of the power tool.
US08523839B2
An intravenous fluid pump (IV) contains a disposable part including a fluid chamber having a resilient top membrane and a non-disposable part including a piston abutting a resilient membrane and a vacuum chamber fitted on top of the resilient top membrane. An external pump is used to create vacuum in the vacuum chamber, resulting in the resilient top membrane being held taut. The flow rate through the pump is relatively independent of changes in the pressure of IV fluid on the upstream and the downstream due to changes in the relative elevation of the fluid reservoir and the patient with respect to the fluid pump.
US08523836B2
An absorbent includes inner and outer surfaces, an absorbent body disposed therebetween, and front waist, back waist, and crotch regions. The article also includes pairs of front and back side panels, each side panel having an attachment edge and a free edge, the front and back side panels being releasably attachable to define a wear configuration of the absorbent article. The article also includes a finger tab having a distal end, a tab line where the finger tab intersects the free edge, and a proximal end attached to the free edge, wherein the distal end has a distal end longitudinal midpoint, wherein the tab line has a tab line longitudinal midpoint, and wherein the distal end longitudinal midpoint is longitudinally offset from the tab line longitudinal midpoint.
US08523827B2
A medicament injection apparatus that permits injection of a fluid medicament into a patient through a needle. The medicament injection apparatus includes a timer and a display, the timer being actuated upon commencement of an injection operation, in which the timer runs to a predetermined time until completion of the injection operation and the display is operated while the timer runs. Thus, informing a user of when a required period for dispersal of an injected medicament has lapsed so that the user knows when to withdraw a needle from the body after the injection.
US08523824B2
Provided are devices and methods for catheter and guidewire management in a surgical setting. In one implementation, the device includes a housing having a curved bottom surface for accommodating the shape of a patient's leg. A retaining member is included, which can retain one or more guidewires, catheters, or the like. In another embodiment, the housing may include a number of vertical supports between which are mounted at least one retaining member housing. The retaining member housing may in turn house a retaining member, suitable for receiving and retaining one or more elongated devices such as catheters or guidewires. The retaining member may have a suitable size, shape, and level of flexibility to allow a catheter or guidewire to be placed therein and held with a desired level of force until such a time as a user desires to remove the catheter or guidewire.
US08523816B2
An intravenous (IV) pump is disclosed. The IV pump includes a housing, a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, and a switch configured to selectably energize or de-energize the electromagnet. The permanent magnet generates a magnetic field and the electromagnet, when energized, generates a magnetic field that approximately cancels the magnetic field of the permanent magnet.
US08523812B2
A surgical system that is able to sense the onset of an occlusion or other surgical event as well as when an occlusion breaks. To help avoid overheating of the tip, the system of the present invention predicts the temperature of the eye using irrigation flow rate and reduces the power to the handpiece automatically if an overheating situation is predicted. Alternatively or in addition, the system of the present invention monitors the power drawn by the handpiece, which is indicative of the cutting load on the tip, and automatically adjusts the power or stroke of the tip to compensate for increased loads on the tip.
US08523808B2
A medical device control handle has a first actuation member for actuating at least one puller wire in one manipulation of a medical device, including uni-directional deflection, if not a pair of puller wires for bi-directional deflection of a catheter, and a second actuation member for actuating an additional puller wire in another manipulation of the medical device, wherein the first and second actuation members have a common rotational axis without being rotationally coupled. In one embodiment, a first actuation assembly has a first actuator, an arm rotatable about an axis, and a first shaft. The first deflection actuator and the arm are rotationally coupled by the rotation shaft, and the arm has at least one pulley that is engaged with a puller wire. The second wire actuation assembly has a second actuator and a second shaft having a spool portion. Each actuation assembly has a friction-inducing element that provides friction torque between components of each assembly such that the actuators are self-holding.
US08523800B2
A shunt rivet for implantation in the aorta and inferior vena cava to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a method of treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
US08523793B1
A therapeutic joint cover apparatus for massaging a knee while also providing compression that includes a tapered support body having an oval cutout centrally disposed therein which is surrounded by vibrating motors. A trio of length adjustable straps engages respective rings on the opposite side of the support body and a hook portion of hook and loop fastener disposed the straps' outer ends removably attach to an outer side of the support body to secure the support body to a user's knee. An interior lining disposed on the support body inner side provides a cool comfortable fit between the vibrating nodes and the user's knee. The apparatus is self-contained, including an on-off pressure-switched rechargeable battery housed in a pocket proximal to the top end so that no assembly or other preparations are required.
US08523791B2
A device for the transdermal delivery of a therapeutic agent at a treatment site comprising a housing containing: a mechanical vibration element; a light source; a heating and/or cooling element; a power source for powering said mechanical vibrational element, light source, and heating element; and an electronic control module.
US08523790B2
A walking assistance device has a drive mechanism for driving a third joint of a leg link of the walking assistance device, the drive mechanism including a crank arm secured to a lower link member and a linear-motion actuator which has a linear-motion output shaft connected to the crank arm. The angle formed by a straight line connecting a joint axis of the third joint and a connecting portion of the linear-motion output shaft relative to the crank arm and a straight line which passes the connecting portion and which is parallel to the axial center of the linear-motion output shaft changes from an angle closer to the straight angle toward an angle closer to the right angle as the flexion degree of the leg link is increased from a flexion degree corresponding to a state wherein a user is in an upright posture.
US08523786B2
The invention relates to a guide device (1), in particular for positioning catheters in a body duct. The guide device (1) has an extended first thread (2) and at least one extended second thread (3) made from wire, which runs close to the first thread (2). According to the invention, the guide device (1) has a device (8), provided for one of the threads (2, 3) by means of which it is possible to actively control a relative movement between the threads (2, 3) or at least make the same difficult. The control device (8) is for example embodied such that the first thread (2), prepared from a flexible material, exerts a pressure, preferably acting a radial direction, on the several second threads, or that magnetic fields (4) of differing polarities along the first thread (2), prepared from a flexible material and along the second thread (3), may be generated for the selective introduction of an opposing attraction of the threads (2, 3) for reinforcing the guide device (1).
US08523785B2
A method for measuring the concentration of a compound in the blood of a part of a subject is provided. An invasive or non-invasive sample of blood may be used for this determination. Also provided is a device for measuring the concentration of a compound in the blood of a subject. The device comprises a source of electromagnetic radiation, a holder, a detector and a processing system.
US08523782B2
Minimally invasive methods, systems and devices are provided for assessing collateral ventilation in the lungs. In particular, collateral ventilation of a target compartment within a lung of a patient is assessed by advancement of a catheter through the tracheobronchial tree to a feeding airway of the target compartment. The feeding airway is occluded by the catheter and the opening and closing of a one-way valve coupled with the catheter is observed. If the valve ceases opening and closing over time, this may indicate that significant collateral ventilation into the target compartment is absent. If the valve continues to open and close over time, significant collateral ventilation into the compartment may be present. Based on the collateral ventilation assessment, a treatment plan may be generated.
US08523778B2
A catheter assembly for an intravascular ultrasound system includes a hub disposed at a proximal end of a catheter. The hub includes a rotatable connector shaft disposed at least partially in a lumen that extends from the hub to a distal end of the catheter. A pumping apparatus is coupled to the connector shaft such that rotation of the connector shaft causes a corresponding rotation of the pumping apparatus. A reservoir is in fluid communication with the pumping apparatus. The reservoir is configured and arranged for inputting an acoustically-favorable medium to the pumping apparatus. An imaging core is configured and arranged for inserting into the lumen. The imaging core includes an imaging device coupled to a rotatable drive member. The rotatable connector shaft is coupled to a proximal end of the drive member such that rotation of the connector shaft causes a corresponding rotation of the imaging core.
US08523777B2
A method of predicting onset of electromechanical dissociation in a heart of a subject is disclosed. The method comprises: extracting from the composite input signal an electrocardiac signal and determining electrical activity of the heart based on the electrocardiac signal; extracting from the composite input signal a radiofrequency signal and determining blood flow measure based on the radiofrequency signal; and if the blood flow measure is below a predetermined threshold and the electrical activity is above a predetermined threshold, then predicting the onset of electromechanical dissociation.
US08523776B2
Transmitting and receiving ultrasound with repetition frequency that corresponds to velocity range indicating the measurable velocity to and from a diagnostic site that contains moving fluid within a body to be examined. Generating Doppler spectrum image showing velocity of moving fluid based on signals obtained from transmission and reception of ultrasound. Storing modeled value based on model correlating standard blood velocity waveform with an ECG waveform. Calculating measured blood velocity waveform based on spectrum image of a specified patient. Acquiring ECG waveform at timing corresponding to measured blood velocity waveform. Estimating blood velocity waveform excluding effects of valve signals of patient based on measured blood velocity waveform, ECG waveform, and modeled value. Comparing measured blood velocity waveform with estimated blood velocity waveform, to exclude excess parts of the difference over a threshold from measured blood velocity waveform, and to interpolate excluded parts of measured blood velocity waveform.
US08523775B2
A method and system for energy-based (e.g., ultrasound treatment and/or other modalities) of sweat glands are provided. An exemplary method and system for targeted treatment of sweat glands can be configured in various manners, such as through use of therapy only, therapy and monitoring, imaging and therapy, or therapy, imaging, and monitoring, and/or through use of focused, unfocused, or defocused ultrasound (or other energy) through control of various spatial and temporal parameters. As a result, ablative energy can be deposited at the particular depth at which the aberrant sweat gland population is located below the skin surface.
US08523769B2
A spreader for aortic valve reconstruction having a dimensionally stable ring and three retractor arms comprising, respectively, a stem and a blade, with the blade being distally disposed on the stem, and wherein the retractor arms are disposed, offset relative to each other by respectively 120° in the direction of circumference of the ring, on said ring, and wherein the stems of the retractor arms are substantially aligned as perpendicular relative to the plane of the ring, and wherein the retractor arms are supported on the ring in such a way by the proximal end of their stems that they can be radially moved relative to each other toward the inside and radially expanded by the spring force of the ring.
US08523768B2
A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue refraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.
US08523765B2
A controller includes a servo controller that performs attitude control of the bending portion. A point lock computing section is provided at the servo controller. Based on supplied distal end command value information and position feedback information, the point lock computing section performs computational processing by a distal end link root coordinate position calculating section and an inverse kinematics computing section in order to obtain a servo position command signal for a distal end-side link member and a servo position command signal for a link member other than the link member, and outputs the same to a driving section. Accordingly, point lock is enabled at two locations, namely, the distal end-side link member and an arbitrary link member, while other link members are controlled so as to assume attitudes having redundancy.
US08523764B2
A remote viewing device including a hand-holdable control unit. The control unit supports a display device and a drive assembly. The drive assembly is removably attached to the control unit and provides mechanical power to an insertion tube. A distal end of the insertion tube includes an inspection head for insertion into a structure for imaging the interior of the structure. The insertion tube is removably attached to the drive assembly by a connector assembly, where the connector assembly is operable, when attached, to convey mechanical power from the drive assembly for moving the articulated tip in response to a user input at the control unit, and to convey images from the inspection head to the display device.
US08523759B2
Methods for performing minimally invasive heart surgery include accessing a heart of a patient through a first incision on the left thorax of the patient, contacting the heart through the incision with a heart stabilizing device and/or a heart positioning device, introducing at least one coupling device through a second incision on the patient located apart from the first incision, coupling the coupling device with the heart stabilizing device or the heart positioning device, and performing a surgical procedure on the heart. Systems may include a retractor device, a heart stabilizing device, and a coupling device, for enhancing cardiac surgery. Any suitable heart surgery may be performed using methods, devices or systems of the present invention. In one embodiment, a CABG procedure is performed.
US08523745B1
A person lies supine on a floor surface with her knees bent and her feet resting on a foot supporting portion of an exercise assembly. The person uses her hands to grasp respective left and right handles on the exercise assembly proximate her left and right hips. The person positions her abdomen beneath a strap secured in series with at least one resistance device. The person moves her pelvis off the support surface subject to resistance from the resistance devices. Parts of the assembly may be used apart from the overall assembly to perform other sorts of exercises.
US08523740B2
A method and apparatus of generating haptic cues for pacing and monitoring are disclosed. After sensing an event via a component, a process for generating haptic cues generates an input in response to the event. The component, in one example, may be a sensor or a combination of a sensor and a haptic actuator. Upon receipt of the input, the process retrieves a haptic signal from a tactile library in response to the input. A haptic feedback in response to the haptic signal is subsequently generated.
US08523739B2
A vehicle propulsion system and method of operation are presented. As one example, cylinder deactivation and transitioning from four to two strokes is coordinated with transmission shifting to improve vehicle response. Additionally, it is possible to reduce transitions in operating modes to improve drive feel.
US08523736B2
A control apparatus for a vehicular power transmitting system includes a shifting-point changing portion configured to change a shifting point at which a determination to perform a shifting action of a transmission portion is made, such that a shifting portion is changed according to a shifting response of the transmission portion. Alternatively, the control apparatus includes a shift-control start-point changing portion configured to change a shift-control start point at which the determination to perform the shifting action is made, such that the shift-control start point is changed according to the shifting response of the transmission portion, and a compulsory shift-control starting portion configured to make the determination when an operating point of a differential portion electric motor has reached the shift-control start point.
US08523731B2
A welded component comprising two sheet metal components (51, 53) joined by at least one weld seam (55). A first sheet metal component (51) is disk-shaped and a second sheet metal component (53) is pot-shaped, and at least one of the two sheet metal components (51, 53) has a sheet thickness (s). One (51) of the two sheet metal components (51, 53) has a larger sheet thickness (S>s) in an area of the at least one weld seam (55).
US08523726B2
A hybrid drive for a motor vehicle which has a combustion engine, a transmission with a transmission input shaft which can be coupled with the combustion engine, and an electric machine which is positioned between the combustion engine and the transmission. The electric machine has a stator and a rotor which interacts with the transmission input shaft and is supported by a transmission housing input part. The transmission input shaft is supported, by a fixed radial bearing and a spaced radial bearing, in a bearing journal of the transmission housing input part. The rotor is connected, in a rotationally fixed manner, to an extension of the transmission input shaft which protrudes from a bearing journal. A radial shaft seal is positioned at the end of the bearing journal, facing the rotor, and the two radial bearings are cooled and lubricated by transmission oil.
US08523724B2
A method including activating a first clutch assembly to connect a first rotatable member to a rotating final output member until a shift trigger point is reached to provide a rotational speed to the first rotatable member from the final output member. The first clutch assembly is then deactivated. The second clutch assembly that connected a synchronized second rotatable member with the final output member is then deactivated. A third synchronizer engaged with the first rotatable member, and the first clutch assembly is activated to connect the first rotatable member to the final output member.
US08523721B2
A tensioner system for tensioning a power transfer member such as a chain or a belt is disclosed. In one example, the system includes a base adapted to rotate about a main shaft that is operatively coupled to a motor, a housing positioned around the main shaft and a plurality of deformable elastic members positioned within the housing. The system further includes a plurality of deforming members positioned within the housing around the main shaft, wherein the plurality of deforming members are adapted to be urged in a radially outward direction so as to deform the deformable elastic members.
US08523718B1
Arrow vanes, devices and methods for improving arrow vane airfoils for compound arrows, crossbow arrows and traditional arrows, which improves flight characteristics over traditionally manufactured, configured and/or applied vanes. Compound bends in the base of the vanes can be done by clamping the vanes in a channel having a generally straight portion and a generally bent portion. The bent portion can have a helical right bend or a helical left bend. A fletching jig can be used to glue the compound bent bases of the vanes to sides of an arrow shaft.
US08523714B2
A swing training and fitness aid comprising a handle having an extended portion of rotational configuration engaged with a rotating means having flexibly affixed thereto a weight, the weight capable of being rotated along the extended portion in two directions by rotating said handle portion, thereby strengthening the wrists, forearms and shoulders of the user, along with exercising the abdominal muscles and the large muscle groups of the legs.
US08523711B2
A handheld apparatus for displaying a graphic representation of a golf course. The handheld apparatus including a location measuring device that generates location information corresponding to a location of the handheld apparatus; a memory that stores location information corresponding to each of a plurality of features of the golf course; a computing device connected to the location measuring device and the memory that retrieves a subset of the plurality of features of the golf course based on the measured location information generated by the location measuring device; and a display connected to the computing device that displays a graphic representation of the retrieved subset of the plurality of features of the golf course.
US08523707B2
The invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having a core, an envelope layer enclosing the core, an intermediate layer enclosing the envelope layer, and a cover which encloses the intermediate layer and has formed on a surface thereof a plurality of dimples. The core is formed primarily of a rubber material and has a diameter of at least 31 mm, the envelope layer and the intermediate layer are each formed primarily of the same or different resin materials, and the cover is formed primarily of polyurethane. The envelope layer, intermediate layer and cover have thicknesses which satisfy the relationship cover thickness
US08523701B2
A golf club incorporating an interchangeable shaft system includes a shaft, a shaft sleeve, a club head. The shaft sleeve is coupled to an end of the shaft and is received in a hosel included in the club head. The shaft sleeve is removably coupled to the club head. Hosel and shaft sleeve alignment features provide discrete orientations between the shaft and club head.
US08523691B2
A combination structure for a labyrinth includes plural labyrinth units, which are combined into various labyrinths, respectively composed of four frame rods, a reinforcing support bar and plural fixing members. The four frame rods have their ends butt jointed to form into a square, each frame rod is formed with two connecting ends respectively cut with a recess and provided with an insert hole and each having its wall bored with plural insert holes. The reinforcing support bar is obliquely set inside the four frame rods and formed with two connecting ends respectively bored with an insert hole and having two sides respectively cut with a lengthwise recess. The fixing members are inserted in the insert holes of the connecting ends of the four frame rods and of the reinforcing support bar for securing the four frame rods and the reinforcing support bar together to form a labyrinth unit.
US08523689B2
An axially adjustable driveshaft assembly in a drive train system is described. Two hollow driveshaft sections, where one has a valve through an aperture in it and each has an end fitting, engage each other to form an axially adjustable driveshaft assembly that has a sealed internal chamber within. When a pressurized air or vacuum source is connected to the valve, air fills the chamber or air is removed from the chamber, which correspondingly increases or decreases a drive train system length. This results in facilitating the installation of the driveshaft assembly between a transmission and an axle assembly in a drive train system.
US08523688B2
A hanger bearing coupling includes a bearing for supporting a shaft, the bearing including an inner race mounted onto the shaft, the bearing mounted between at least two hub assemblies mounted one on either side of the bearing on the shaft; and a hanger including an opening for receiving the bearing there through for operably connecting the bearing to the hanger. Each hub assembly including an inner flex hub mounted to the shaft and an outer flex hub resiliently mounted to the inner flex hub wherein the outer flex hubs are adapted to connect to tubular shafts which may be longitudinally misaligned.
US08523683B2
A video game apparatus includes a CPU, the CPU detects marker coordinates data included in input data transmitted from a controller, and calculates indicated coordinates of the controller. A star object indicated by the controller is set as a target object by a player pressing a B-trigger switch. Then, a player object executes a processing according to the target object. For example, when the player continues to press the B-trigger switch, the player object is moved to approach the target object.
US08523671B2
Trajectory-based games of chance are described that may be implemented on a video gaming machine. In a trajectory-based game of chance, a trajectory of a game object may be generated in a 3-D gaming environment. A wager may be made on an aspect of the game object's trajectory in the gaming environment such as a termination location for the trajectory of the game object. The aspect of the game object's trajectory may occur according to a known probability. Hence, an award for the trajectory-based game of chance may be proportional to the probability of the aspect of the game object's trajectory occurring.
US08523670B2
A gaming system and method which includes enabling a first player at a first gaming device to initiate at least one play of a first game, enabling a second player at a second gaming device to initiate at least one play of a second game, determining, based at least in part on at least one activity of the first player, a benefit, and providing the determined benefit to the second player.
US08523668B2
The invention generally relates to a lock-box device that requires a child or any other user to answer one or more educational questions correctly before being allowed access to one or more entertainment systems that require power such as a television, a computer, and a video game console.
US08523664B2
A machine having a card processing assembly. The machine has a plurality of card holders connectable to the card processing assembly. One card holder is configured to hold data cards associated with one condition. At least one other card holder is configured to hold data cards associated with another condition.
US08523659B2
A gaming system selects and displays one of a plurality of symbol blocks in each of a plurality of block positions, wherein each of the selected blocks includes at least one partial symbol. Each partial symbol has at least one complementary partial symbol which, when arranged in a designated spatial relationship with one another, form a complete matching symbol. If any of the partial symbols on the selected blocks create a complete matching symbol, the gaming system provides at least one award to the player. Each matching block which includes any portion of a complete matching symbol is then removed, creating an empty block position. The gaming system then fills the empty block position by either shifting a displayed block into the empty block position or by selecting a new block. The gaming system repeats this process until no complete matching symbols are formed.
US08523657B2
The gaming system may enable a player to wager an amount of bitcoins on one or more plays of one or more primary or base games. If a player wagers an amount of bitcoins on a play of a game, the gaming system may determine and display an outcome for the play of the game. The gaming system then may determine if any award may be associated with the determined outcome. If an award having a value greater than zero is associated with the determined outcome, the gaming system may provide the determined award to the player, such as an amount of bitcoins.
US08523654B2
A method of gaming comprising: selecting a plurality of symbols for display at a plurality of display positions, the selecting being performed by selecting from a set of symbols including one or more modifiable symbols, each modifiable symbol adapted to receive a modifier; determining whether a corresponding modifier is a available for each selected modifiable symbol; modifying each selected modifiable symbol in respect of which a positive determination is made by adding the modifier to the modifiable symbol; and determining whether to make an award based on the plurality of symbols as modified.
US08523653B2
A result represented by a matched bingo card representation is displayed to a player in a bingo-type game through a result representation provided at a suitable player station. Each result representation includes a graphical representation unrelated to the bingo-type game. That is, although the game results are simply bingo game results defined by predetermined patterns of matches between the various card designations and the designation set produced or called for a particular bingo-type game, the game results are displayed to the players with a graphical display including a graphic that is not merely a graphical representation or reproduction of a bingo card.
US08523650B2
A method provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded.
US08523637B2
A dust shroud for an angle grinder includes an access hatch which slides along the shroud body to selectively expose an edge of a grinding disc to allow grinding into a corner. The hatch remains attached to the shroud body in both the open and closed position, making the hatch easier to use and less likely to become lost, resulting in increased worker compliance in properly using the hatch.
US08523636B2
A working object grinding method capable of grinding a working object reliably is provided. A working object 1 is irradiated with a laser beam while locating a converging point therewithin, so as to form a reformed region 7 in the working object 1 along a reformed-region forming line set at a predetermined distance inside from an outer edge of the working object 1 along the outer edge, and a rear face 21 of the working object 1 is ground. As a result, the reformed region 7 or fissures C1 extending therefrom can inhibit fissures generated in an outer edge portion 25 upon grinding the working object 1 from advancing to the inside, whereby the working object 1 can be prevented from fracturing.
US08523632B2
Particularly, a thin-film solar cell panel or the like is processed without necessity of attaching and detaching of mask and washing steps with respect to a workpiece in a fine blasting employing a fine abrasive. A negative pressure space (20) and an opposing negative pressure space (40) having openings (22, 42) are opposed by being spaced at a movement allowable interval of the workpiece such as a thin-film solar cell panel or the like and so as to face one side edge in the same direction as a moving direction of the workpiece. Then, a fine abrasive is injected from a blast gun (30) in which an injection hole (31) is disposed within the negative pressure space (20), the workpiece is relatively moved in a moving direction (T) with respect to the injection hole, and while the fine abrasive is injected, compressed gas generating a gas flow having a diffusing direction substantially parallel to the relative moving direction of the workpiece to carry out air blow, thereby the fine abrasive and a cut scrap injected from a space within each of negative pressure space through the intermediary of a suction device communicated with the negative pressure space (20) and/or the opposing negative pressure space (40).
US08523629B2
A variable compression hybrid design sports bra offers both compression and encapsulation to support the breasts of a user. The front member of the bra includes a rib band extending across the front, and left and right cups connected at bottom portions thereof to the rib band so as to extend above the rib band. The front member also includes a shaped compression panel or bust cup which receives the left and right cups therein. This compression panel is made of an elastic material, is connected to the rib band at a lower portion thereof, and has left and right upper front portions extending from a main portion thereof. An attachment system or mechanism adjustably attaches the compression panel with a strap system to adjustably stretch the compression panel over and thus compress the left and right cups. The cups are supported by crossing slings.
US08523622B2
A rescue appliance for evacuating physically-compromised persons is disclosed. A rescue appliance includes a platform configured to support a prone evacuee, a set of wheels coupled with the platform to support the platform relative to a floor surface, and a protection assembly coupled with the platform. The protection assembly is configurable to surround the prone evacuee to protect the evacuee from a fire. The protection assembly can be configured to encase the prone evacuee. The rescue appliance can be configured to be sufficiently buoyant to support an evacuee on water to allow evacuation in a flooding emergency. Two or more rescue appliances can be coupled together to form a train so that multiple persons can be evacuated simultaneously.
US08523614B2
[Object] To provide a card socket having a structure that achieves a low profile.[Solving Means] The base portion of a card frame is basically constituted by a base frame (100) made of metal. Resin is used only for parts where absolutely necessary, such as a housing (200) for retaining contacts (300) and a switch piece holding housing (700) that retains a second switch piece (620). Thus, the resin thickness can be reduced while maintaining the strength of the card socket, so that the structure of the card socket is simplified and a low profile can be achieved.
US08523611B2
An electrical connector comprises a printed circuit board (12) having a rear edge connected to the cable (10) and a front edge opposite to the rear edge, a number of upper contact modules (21) stacked along the front edge on a top side (122) of the printed circuit board (12), and a number of lower contact modules (22) stacked along the front edge on a bottom side 124 of the printed circuit board (12). Each of the contact modules (21, 22) has a conductor pairs (14) for transferring signal differential pairs lined along a column direction perpendicular to the printed circuit board (12) and an insulator (152, 156) encapsulating a portion of each conductor (14) of the conductor pairs.
US08523610B2
Described are connectors having a substrate, a first interface connection terminal set electrically coupled to the substrate, a second interface connection terminal set electrically coupled to the substrate, a third interface connection terminal set electrically coupled to the substrate, a housing coupled to the substrate and surrounding at least a portion of the first interface connection terminal set, the second interface connection terminal set, and the third interface connection terminal set, and a shell coupled to the housing and the substrate, wherein the first interface connection terminal set and the second interface connection terminal set are configured to support at least two interface connection standards with interfaces that are mechanically different.
US08523608B2
A connector assembly includes a connector and a fixing plate. The connector includes a block, a connector body formed on a front side of the block, two protrusions at the top and two at the bottom of the block, a limiting member acting as a backplate, and a protruding and deformable latch extending from the block. The fixing plate defines an opening, two notches communicating with the opening, and a positioning hole. When the connector body is pushed through the opening with the two protrusions respectively aligning with and passing through the two notches, the latch is deformed to abut against a rear surface of the fixing plate. The connector may be slid along the opening, to allow the latch to engage in the positioning hole. The protrusions are caught and locked in place by a front surface of the fixing plate.
US08523606B2
A test socket is provided including a socket board, socket pins and a guiding member. The socket pins are exposed to an upper surface of the socket board and are configured to be electrically contacted by external terminals of an object. The guiding member is disposed on an upper surface of the socket board and is arranged to guide the external terminals as a single unit to contact the external terminals with the socket pins. The guiding member is also configured to a center of the socket board with a center of the object.
US08523605B2
A loop connector comprises first and second connectors. The first connector has a first housing and a pair of first terminals, is configured to be surface-mounted on a top surface of a board, and has a fitting face thereof extending in a direction intersecting the top surface of the board. The second connector has a second housing and a second terminal configured to contact one of the first terminals, is configured to engage the first connector, and has a fitting face thereof extending in a direction intersecting an extending direction of the second terminal. The second housing is provided with a second terminal accommodation-concave portion. The second terminal is provided with a pair of terminal bodies and a connecting portion to connect thereto, the terminal bodies being perpendicular to the connecting portion when the second terminal is press-fit into the second terminal accommodation-concave portion.
US08523603B2
A connector assembly includes a first connector and a second connector. The second connector is engageable with the first connector along a downward direction in a state where the first connector is below the second connector. The second connector includes a second contact, a second holding member and an operating portion. The operating portion is held by the second holding member so that a positional relation therebetween is kept when a force is applied to the operating portion along an upward direction and when a force is applied to the operating portion along a first horizontal direction perpendicular to the upward direction or a second horizontal direction opposite to the first horizontal direction. The second connector is removable from the first connector when a force is applied to the operating portion either along the upward direction or along the first or second horizontal direction.
US08523596B2
A power plug locking device used with a door lock drive source that locks a vehicle door includes a lock mechanism switched between a lock state, in which removal of a power plug from an inlet is prohibited, and an unlock state, in which the removal is permitted. A plug lock drive source performs an unlocking operation that switches the lock mechanism to the unlock state. A plug lock detector, which detects whether the lock mechanism is in the lock state, is connected between the plug lock drive source and an unlock terminal of the door lock drive source. A power supply circuit supplies the plug lock drive source with current and switches the lock mechanism to the unlock state when the door lock drive source is performing an unlocking operation while the plug lock detector is detecting that the lock mechanism is in the lock state.
US08523592B1
An electrical connector includes a base, a cover and at least one elastic member. The base is disposed with at least one fastening portion and at least one pivoting portion. The cover covers on the base, disposed with at least one locking portion correspondingly locking the fastening portion, and capable of being opened or closed relative to the base about the pivoting portion. The at least one elastic member press against the base. When the locking portion unlocks the fastening portion, the elastic member pops up automatically due to elasticity, so that an operating space is formed below the cover to allow an operator to open the cover with fingers, which facilitates operation and does not cause injuries of the fingers, thereby ensuring safe use.
US08523584B2
A connector includes a connector body having cavities with through-holes disposed therein. Sealing membranes are received in the cavities and serve to protect the connector from the environment. Wire conductors may pierce the sealing membranes, and may be received by the through-holes of the cavities in the connector. In cavities in which wire conductors have been received, each sealing membrane forms a seal around a corresponding wire conductor. The connector body is formed from a first material, and the sealing membranes are formed from a second material, different from the first material.
US08523583B2
A receptacle connector used as an electrical connector. The receptacle connector includes: a housing in which a receiving space is formed, a connection target being inserted in the receiving space; a plurality of contacts being arranged parallel to one another, having a plurality of signal line contacts and a plurality of ground contacts, and being placed with every two adjacent signal line contacts for transmitting signals interposed between two ground contacts; a supporting member made of an electrically-insulating synthetic resin material, and configured to integrally support and fix thereto the plurality of contacts; and a common contact made of a conductive resin material and configured to be provided with a certain gap from each of the plurality of ground contacts to electrically connect the plurality of ground contacts. The plurality of contacts integrated together by the supporting member are received in the receiving space.
US08523581B2
A header connector assembly and a process of fabricating a header connector assembly is disclosed. The header connector assembly includes a header subassembly and a module. The header subassembly includes an outer housing and an inner housing, the inner housing having contacts and a circuit board, wherein the circuit board is attached to the header subassembly.
US08523578B2
An equipment provided with a docking device for receiving an extractable element comprising a housing carrying a pluggable connector and having at least one grounding surface, the equipment comprising a printed circuit card carrying a device including a central body from which there extend two parallel rails for slidably receiving side portions of the housing, and a connector having tabs soldered to the printed circuit while being arranged to co-operate with the pluggable connector of the extractable element in the sliding direction, and at least one contact element comprising a fastener tab soldered to the printed circuit, the contact element being electrically conductive and being arranged to be pressed against the grounding surface while the extractable element is being put into place in the equipment.
US08523571B1
A family organization and communication tool is preferably provided via a web site that enables internet access by both parents and their children. The tool provides features for the managing, scheduling and sharing of information among the parents and children of blended families. Specifically, the tool provides for an access schedule calendar to which can be posted specific events requiring the pick up and drop off responsibilities of a parent. Additionally, the tool provides a means for electronically requesting a swap or trade in days of responsibility for a child and the tool provides for an “ask and approve” expense log for the sharing of children's expenses among parents. The tool further provides for date and time stamping of access by the parents or children to each web page within the tool and for protected entries, entries that can only be edited or deleted by the original creator.
US08523570B2
A system and method for providing a personalized face chart. A digital image of the subject's face is obtained. A facial region of the digital image is identified. A line drawing is generated based on at least the facial region of the digital image.
US08523569B2
The present invention relates to a method of delivering local anesthetic after dental extraction surgery. The present invention relates to packing the tooth socket with a tinned release local anesthetic which is coordinated with an initial local anesthetic and which lasts up to 5 days. The socket can be surgically sealed or the implant can act as the sealing means.
US08523567B2
The present invention relates to an adjustable dental implant bar system. There is provided a dental implant bar which can be adjusted and which may have articulated and telescopic arms and which can be further secured to implant heads already installed in the patient's mouth or alternatively on a manufactured model made with computerized surgical simulation software or using a conventional dental printing system with transfers.
US08523566B2
Drill sleeve (1) for a dental drill (70) having a hollow and cylindrical shape and a longitudinal axis A, a circular inner surface (10) for guiding the dental drill (70), and an outer surface (15) intended to be inserted into a template (50). The outer surface (15) of the drill sleeve (1) has at least one longitudinal flattened or concave area (20, 120), the circular inner surface (10) is essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis A, and the drill sleeve (1) is thin-walled.
US08523564B2
An orthodontic retainer system including retainer modules that are applied to adjacent teeth in a patient's mouth. The retainer modules may be provided in the form of mutually attracted members, such as magnets, that are temporary coupled on opposites sides of a delivery member for positioning and bonding to an adjacent pair of teeth. In one exemplary embodiment, the retainer modules have rounded and/or chamfered edges and sloped and curved lingual surfaces, and may include a magnet that is received and sealed within an enclosure or cover that has the same shape or profile as the magnet and is made of a wear-resistant biocompatible material.
US08523562B2
Kilns for processing ceramics and methods for using such kilns are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a kiln includes an inner body configured to hold one or more ceramic workpieces for processing. The kiln can also include an outer body at least partially surrounding the inner body and spaced apart from the inner body to define an airflow passageway therebetween. The airflow passageway includes an inlet proximate to an upper portion of the outer body and an outlet proximate to a lower portion of the outer body. The kiln can further include an air mover positioned to move air through the airflow passageway from the inlet toward the outlet. In several embodiments, the kiln can additionally include a lid assembly pivotably coupled to the outer body and configured to sealably close against at least the inner body.
US08523561B2
A combustor of a water heater includes a burner member and a flame cover. The burner member has a passageway therein with an inlet and an outlet. The flame cover has a plurality of flame holes. The character of the present invention is that the burner member is provided with a room at a top thereof communicated with the passageway. A separating device is put in the room, and the flame cover is connected to the burner member to cover the separating device The separating device has a main outlet and two side outlets right under the flame holes of the flame cover to generate main flames and side flames respectively.
US08523558B2
An injection mold (1) may include: an outer block (100) that is mounted and fixed to an injection molding machine and divided into an upper mold (110) and a lower mold (120), an inner block (200) composed of an upper block (230) and a lower block (220) that are replaceably mounted on the upper mold (110) and the lower mold (120), respectively; a metal core (300) mounted in the inner block (200) and has a cavity (310) for forming a molded product (10) with a molded portion having a size of tens to hundreds of micrometers; an ejector (400) coupled to the inner block (200) and removes the molded product (10) in the cavity (310) by moving straight; a driving unit (500) disposed inside the lower mold (120) is moved up/down by hydraulic pressure or pneumatic pressure supplied from the outside, and drives the ejector (400).
US08523556B2
An injection blow molding (IBM) system and method for forming a plurality of parisons and molded articles. The IBM system includes an injection station having two die sets and a plurality of first and second body mold halves each attached to a respective die set. Each of the first body mold halves has a corresponding second body mold half with which it cooperatively defines a cavity for forming the exterior shape of the body of one of the parisons. The individual, independent attachment of the body mold halves to the die sets allows easy individual replacement of faulty or worn molds. Further, such an attachment configuration also permits the body mold halves connected to a common die set to be spaced from one another, so as to reduce thermal expansion problems and ease dimensional tolerances required for the width of the body mold halves.
US08523552B2
The invention relates to a device for extruding plastic profiles, preferably plastic tubes, to which plasticized bulk plastic can be fed, and comprising a plurality of ring channels (5) combined by means of a flow conjunction (4) to a common melt channel (2). According to the invention, the tool (1) is divided into three functional areas, wherein the three functional areas are a distribution area (7), a cooling area (8), and a forming area (9), wherein cooling channels (3) are disposed about the ring channels (5) in the cooling area (8). The invention further relates to a method for extruding plastic profiles, preferably plastic tubes, comprising the following steps: a) feeding bulk plastic from one or more extruders into one or more infeed channels (6), b) wherein the fed bulk plastic is divided into partial flows in a distribution area (7), c) transport of the bulk plastic into at least two ring channels (5) located in a cooling area (8) of the tool (1), d) cooling the bulk plastic by means of cooling channels (3) disposed around the ring channels (5), e) joining the pre-cooled partial flows at a flow conjunction (4) to form an overall melt flow in a melt channel (2), f) forming the desired plastic product, g) feeding the formed plastic product into a cooling and calibrating station.
US08523550B2
A powder press for producing a metal powder compact comprises an upper punch arrangement and a lower punch arrangement (1) which accommodates the die arrangement (3) which forms the mold cavity (8) into which the metal powder is filled, whereupon the pressing process is carried out. The lower punch arrangement (1) is equipped with a plate (2) on which the die arrangement (3) is placed and to which plate (2) cross pressing devices (4) are fastened. Each cross pressing device (4) is equipped with a cross pressing punch (5) that can be linearly driven by a drive unit and that can be pressed into and retracted out of the mold cavity (8) in the cross pressing direction through an opening (6) in the die (7) which is essentially perpendicular to the pressing direction. The drive unit of each cross pressing device (4) comprises a linear drive unit with a fixed part fastened to the frame (18) of the cross pressing device (4) and a part which is linearly moveable relative to the fixed part, said linearly moveable part being connected to a first wedge (19) whose wedge surface (22) acts on the wedge surface (23) of a second wedge (24) that can be moved essentially perpendicularly to the first wedge (19) in the direction of cross pressing. This allows compacts to be produced which exhibit lateral holes, side impressions or side impressions and protrusions applied during the pressing process, whereby the forces produced in the cross pressing direction can be optimally absorbed.
US08523546B2
A rotary engine has a cycloid rotor and a sealing grid including a face seal that rotates with the rotor, and including other seals that do not rotate with the rotor. As the rotor rotates within a housing, the rotor, housing and seal grid form at least one working chamber between them, the chamber undergoing a change from initial volume V1 to V2, which is less than V1, thus compressing a working medium, and subsequently expanding to volume V3, which may be larger than V1, such that the chamber volume is a smooth and continuous function of rotor's rotational angle.
US08523543B2
A pumping assembly includes a well head with a radial flow channel for pumped fluids. A spacer stand is secured to the well head. A hydraulic pump is provided with a housing secured to the spacer stand. The hydraulic pump has a hydraulic ram tied to a reciprocating annular piston having a central bore. When the annular piston moves in an upward direction the hydraulic ram moves toward an extended position extending from the housing. When the annular piston moves in a downward direction, the hydraulic ram moves toward a retracted position retracted within the housing. A polish rod extends up through the central bore of the annular piston and is held in position by a polish rod clamp positioned on top of the hydraulic ram. The polish rod moves with the hydraulic ram.
US08523536B2
An axial piston pump has: a cylinder body that forms therein a cylinder chamber extending in an axial direction of a drive shaft and rotates integrally with a driven shaft; a piston that reciprocates in the axial direction of the drive shaft; and a cam device that rotates integrally with the drive shaft and has: a fixed cam member that has a cam surface capable of coming into contact with a cam follower coupled to the piston and is capable of rotating integrally with the drive shaft, with movement of the fixed cam member in the axial direction being restricted; and a movable cam member that has a cam surface capable of coming into contact with the cam follower and is capable of rotating integrally with the drive shaft, with movement of the movable cam member in the axial direction being allowed, irregularity differences in the axial direction of the cam surface of the fixed cam member and the movable cam member being different from each other.
US08523535B2
An adjusting valve adjusting valve for adjusting the delivery volume of a displacement pump includes a valve casing, a valve piston which is mounted such that the valve piston can be moved within the valve casing, a valve spring which counteracts a force exerted by the valve-actuating pressure on the valve piston, and an adjusting device serving to adjust the valve piston in the direction of or counter to the force exerted by the valve-actuating pressure. A displacement pump exhibiting an adjustable delivery volume, includes a pump casing, a delivery chamber formed in the pump casing and a delivery member and the adjusting valve for adjusting the delivery volume, arranged in a flow of the fluid delivered by the delivery member.
US08523528B2
A locking device including a hoop, the hoop curling up to form an axial mounting hole in the middle. An upper convex block, a lower convex block, a middle aperture, a left aperture, a right aperture, an upper convex ear, a lower convex ear, an upper guiding inclined plane, and a lower guiding inclined plane are disposed in the device. The upper convex block and the lower convex block move axially to narrow the middle aperture, the upper guiding inclined plane and the lower guiding inclined plane contact with each other to make the upper convex block and the lower convex block to move circumferentially to narrow both the left aperture and the right aperture and enable the hoop to tightly hold objects inside the axial mounting hole.
US08523526B2
A blade for a gas turbine, is provided and includes a blade airfoil which extends in a blade longitudinal direction and at the lower end merges into a shank which terminates in a blade root for fastening the blade on a blade carrier, particularly on a rotor disk. Devices for cooling the blade, which are supplied with a cooling medium, especially cooling air, via a feed hole arranged on the shank at the side, are arranged inside the blade airfoil. In the region of the feed hole provision is made for a planar stiffening element which reaches beyond the immediate region of the feed hole for reducing peaks of mechanical stress.
US08523524B2
An airfoil is provided and includes a body formed to define a substantially radially extending cooling hole therein, which is configured to be receptive of a supply of a coolant for removing heat from the body, and a flag region therein, which is fluidly communicative with the cooling hole and thereby configured to be receptive of a portion of the supply of the coolant such that the coolant portion is directed to form a vortex within the flag region to increase heat removal from the body beyond that provided by the coolant flow through the cooling hole.
US08523522B1
A functional rotor, desirably but not necessarily a Savonius, helical, or other vertical axis wind turbine rotor, has other functions in addition to driving a useful driven mechanism (such as an electricity or hydrogen generator, pump, etc.). The rotor has exterior rotating surface areas and at least one of design, aesthetic, holographic, reflective, and informational elements on those areas that create the illusion of movement distinct from the rotation of the rotor itself. The elements may be substantially vertical holographic material or reflective material stripes alternating with non-holographic or non-reflective stripes, or at least one of design and aesthetic elements disposed to create a spiral movement illusion. The elements may be selected and positioned so that a message or design is completed in the viewer's eye only upon rotation of the surface areas. The rotor may simulate a praxinoscope, phenakistascope, or zoetrope. A Savonius VAWT may be provided having a rotor with vanes having relatively large, uninterrupted exterior surface areas, a covering for at least one of the exterior surface areas, and removable attachment elements which operatively removably connect the covering to at least one exterior surface area. The removable attachment elements may comprise cooperating hook and loop fasteners on the covering and the vane exterior surface area, or cooperating permanent magnets or magnetic material. A number of different messages may be provided on the surface areas, each primarily visible at a different speed of rotation of the vanes than the others.
US08523519B2
An alloy suitable for use in a rotor, such as one or more regions of a steam turbine rotor, as well as a forged rotor formed with the alloy. The alloy consists of, by weight, 0.20 to 0.30% carbon, 0.80 to 1.5% chromium, 0.80 to 1.5% molybdenum, 0.50 to 0.90% vanadium, 0.30 to 0.80% nickel, 0.05 to 0.15% titanium, 0.20 to 1.0% manganese, and 0.005 to 0.012% boron, the balance iron, optionally low levels of other alloying constituents, and incidental impurities.
US08523512B2
A method for mitigating restart pinch during a hot restart. The method comprises providing a gas turbine engine including a stator and a rotor rotatably situated within the casing of the stator and providing an external heat source capable of selectively supplying auxiliary heat to the casing. The method further comprises operating the gas turbine engine for a first period of time at a steady state condition without supplying the auxiliary heat to the casing and supplying the auxiliary heat to the casing for a second period of time when shutting down the gas turbine after operating at the steady state condition for the first period of time.
US08523498B2
A cutting insert includes a cutting edge formed at an intersection of a rake face formed on a first surface and a relief face with a positive relief angle. The relief face includes a major relief face located adjacent to a major cutting edge, a first minor relief face located adjacent to the first minor cutting edge, and an intermediate relief face located adjacent to the intermediate cutting edge and extending between the major relief face and the first minor relief face. The intermediate relief face includes a protruding curved relief face extending from the first surface. An intersection of the curved relief face and the rake face has a predetermined radius of curvature and has substantially the same shape as that of an intersection of the curved relief face and a second surface.
US08523497B2
A pair of sub-flank surfaces is formed at a vertex angle portion of an insert body having a substantially polygonal, plate-like shape, and between the sub flank surfaces, a vertex flank surface at a vertical angle portion is formed substantially in a protrusive, curved shape, and is smoothly connected to the sub-flank surfaces in a tangential direction. The vertex flank surface at the vertex angle portion is extended across the entire thickness of the insert body, and boundary lines, between the vertex flank surface at the vertex angle portion and a pair of minor cutting edges, are parallel to each other. A second curved ridge line, which is formed between (i) the flank surface and (ii) the rake surface, and a first curved ridge line, which is formed between (i) the flank surface and (ii) the seat surface, have approximately same shape.
US08523495B2
The bulkhead anchoring system includes a plurality of concrete slabs which are sufficiently heavy to remain in place on a bottom surface of a waterway, due to high suction produced by the bottom of the waterway on the slabs. The slabs are positioned close to or adjacent the bulkhead. Risers extend vertically upwardly from the concrete slabs, at the rear corners thereof, positioned such that the risers are in contact with the bulkhead. The risers are concrete if the waterway is saltwater or can be galvanized steel if the waterway is fresh water.
US08523493B2
In a vessel utilized for providing powdered materials, such as binder, for the construction of an in-situ piling, the vessel has a binder feeding system having a fluidization chamber, where the fluidization chamber receives air at a higher pressure than the substantial portion of the remainder of the vessel. This higher pressure enhances the fluidization of the powered materials as the materials are dispersed through an actuated valve at the bottom of the vessel. This system results in a decreased volume of air required for transporting the powdered materials through the feeder hose to the tool in the piling borehole, thereby reducing the creation of air pockets in the in-situ piling. This feeder system replaces the cell wheel currently used in binder feeder systems.
US08523479B2
Disclosed anti-ram systems comprise at least one bollard section comprising a base of limited height and a plurality of spaced bollards extending upwardly from the base, which may be erected or installed on a paved surface such as asphalt, concrete, paver stones, etc., or on an unpaved surface such as soil, and need not be partially of fully buried, and yet can qualify for Department of State crash ratings previously assigned to buried bollard systems. Disclosed anti-ram systems also comprise a plurality of bollard sections and one or more connectors for interconnecting two or more of the bollard sections, and may also include an anchor or anchor system engaging at least each end of a bollard section not connected to another bollard section. The bollard sections may be filled with ballast and high friction structure may be attached to the bottom of the bollard sections to resist sliding after impact.
US08523477B2
Restrictor plates and systems for a catch basin hood are provided. The hood can include a front external surface, a front internal surface and an inlet extending therebetween. The hood inlet can defined by a plurality of surfaces, such as a top surface and a bottom surface oriented so that a height-wise cross-section of a flow channel defined by the hood inlet can be substantially trapezoidal, narrowing from an upstream side towards a downstream side. The restrictor plate can include a curbed inlet defined by a plurality of walls, including a top wall and a bottom wall oriented so that a height-wise cross-section of a curbed flow channel defined by the curbed inlet is substantially trapezoidal, whereby the top and bottom walls of the curbed inlet are disposed against respective top and bottom surfaces of the hood inlet without contacting the hood front external surface when secured thereto.
US08523474B2
A liquid dispensing device with ratchet is provided with a container, a transmission assembly, a dispensing assembly, and a cap. A pulling of the cap away from the container bounces a carrier and unblocks an inlet opening. A further turning of the sleeve toward a predetermined direction co-rotates both the rotation ring and the externally threaded pipe to move the plunger toward bottom of the container along the externally threaded pipe in order to push the liquid to flow to the application head via the channel, the inlet opening, and the passage.
US08523472B2
A portable oral care system comprises an oral care implement and a dentifrice container. The portable oral care system has an oral care implement with a handle and a head with a tooth cleaning element. The oral care implement is collapsible to be configurable between a use and a transport state. Further, the oral care system has a dentifrice container with a cavity for holding dentifrice and a dispensing outlet. Further, when the oral care implement is in the transport state, it is engagable with the dentifrice container for securing the oral care implement to the dentifrice container.
US08523470B2
A lipstick, lip gloss and lip liner are arranged in a single bullet-shaped body. The lip gloss forms a core of the body and the lipstick forms a sheath that coaxially envelopes the lip gloss core. The body has an upper lip liner part that extends along a first side, and a lower lip liner part that extends along the a second side of the body opposite the first side. The cross-section of the body is a pendant shape. An upper half of the pendant shape is wedge-shaped and defines an apex. A lower half of the pendant shape is semi-circular shaped and defines a rounded portion. The upper lip liner part is positioned in the apex and the lower lip liner part is positioned in a center of the rounded portion.
US08523468B2
A dual-purpose utility writing instrument containing a pen and/or pencil at one end and a lip balm applicator at the other end for lip treatment. A wall divides the apparatus into two chambers, where one end of the pen and/or pencil apparatus may contain ink or lead and the other end may contain a balm for topical application, so that both the balm and writing instrument can be conveniently carried in a single apparatus.
US08523466B2
An image forming apparatus including: a housing configured to accommodating an image forming portion for forming an image on a sheet; and a conveying mechanism configured to at least partially define a conveying path for guiding the sheet to the image forming portion, wherein the conveying mechanism includes a first conveying element including an upstream end on which a feeding assembly for feeding the sheet is formed, and a second conveying element confronting the first conveying element to form the conveying path in cooperation with the first conveying element, and the housing includes a rail configured to guide displacement of the second conveying element from a first position where the second conveying element forms the conveying path along the first conveying element to a second position where the second conveying element is away from the first conveying element.
US08523464B2
This disclosure describes an ergonomic computer keyboard with an integrated joystick pointing device. The keyboard incorporates a palm support and a key orientation that enables a user to rest his hand on the palm support and access keys. The joystick pointing device is situated on a portion of the keyboard that is closest to the user such that the user can manipulate the joystick pointing device without removing his hands from the keyboard.
US08523461B2
An optical transceiver that provides an inner metal cover in addition to a metal cover and a frame is disclosed. The inner cover includes a ceiling, a front skirt bent downward at a front edge of the ceiling, sides bent downward at both side edges of the ceiling, and a pair of arms extending rearward from respective side ends of the ceiling. The ceiling makes an obtuse angle with respect to the front skirt when the arms are not assembled with the frame, and shapes in convex protruding outward when the metal cover is not assembled with frame and. Assembling the inner cover and the metal cover with the frame, the inner cover comes in securely contact with the metal cover.
US08523458B2
A fiber optic interface device with a bent optical path has a ferrule with a body having front and rear ends and an internal cavity adjacent the front end and defined by a rear wall and a bottom wall. The bottom wall defines at least one lens. The device includes at least one optical waveguide that defines the bent optical path. The ferrule supports at least one optical waveguide so that the bent optical path resides within the cavity, with the fiber end being operably aligned with the at least one lens. A fiber optic interface assembly is formed by mating the device with a second fiber optic interface device.
US08523446B2
This wheel support bearing assembly includes an outer member, an inner member, and a plurality of rows of rolling elements between opposed rolling surfaces in both members. At least one sensor unit is provided on the outer diametric surface of the outer member, which is stationary. The sensor unit is made up of a strain generating member having two or more contact fixing segments adapted to be fixed to an outer diametric surface of the outer member in contact therewith and a sensor fitted to the strain generating member for detecting a strain induced in this strain generating member. A groove is provided in the outer diametric surface of the outer member at a location adjacent to the neighboring two contact fixing segments of the sensor unit.
US08523445B2
This invention relates to bearings, and more specifically is directed to active hydrostatic bearings destined for large heavily loaded reciprocating internal combustion engines, like ultra high compression ratio Diesel cycle engines, and homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) and detonation engines working on stoichiometric fuel/air mixture. A fluid handling system therefore, method and apparatus are also disclosed.
US08523444B2
The invention relates to a ring (120) that is intended for being mounted tightly around a shaft of a hydraulic machine to form a portion of a hydrostatic or hydrodynamic bearing. The ring includes at least one first section (122), at least one second section (124) and means (132) for mounting the first and second sections around the shaft. Each section (122, 124) includes two edge surfaces (1223, 1243) connecting the external (1221, 1241) and internal (1222, 1242) radial surfaces thereof. The first section (122) is provided with at least one threaded hole (127) accessible via an edge surface (1223) and capable of receiving a screw (132) projecting from an edge surface (1243) of the second section (124). The screw (132) is provided, on the portion of the shank (134) thereof that projects from the second section (124), with at least one raised pattern (140) for rotatably moving the shank (134) in order to screw or unscrew the shank in the threaded hole (127). The screw (132) is provided with a piston (130) sliding in a recess (128) arranged in the second section (124), connecting to the edge surface (1243) of the second section and isolated from the outside by a bearing (136). The second section (124) is provided with means for supplying pressurized fluid to a chamber (C1) with variable volume arranged between the piston (130) and the bearing (136), inside the recess (128).
US08523442B2
Disclosed is a supporting bearing for providing a large rotary module with an axial supporting force. The supporting bearing includes a body, a sliding track and a plurality of rolling members, wherein the sliding track is embedded in the body, and the rolling members are disposed so as to roll in the sliding track and to protrude from the top of the body, thereby providing higher precision and better rigidity to the large rotary module.
US08523440B2
A fillable, sealable, disposable container for storing, transporting and consuming a liquid, such as an individual beverage serving, has opposed front and back walls joined along their opposed sides. Each wall has an upper portion, defining an opening for filling the container, and a lower portion, connecting the lower portions of the front and back walls, for stabilizing the container for filling. A sealable fluid-tight liquid retaining seal is provided at the opening, for sealing the container when filled. Means are provided for creating a hole in the front wall of the container to extract the liquid.
US08523439B2
The present invention relates to polymeric bags, particularly polymeric drawstring trash bags. The present invention comprises a trash bag having an elastic drawstring. The elastic drawstring trash bag features a short seal and an inner seal at each upper corner of the drawstring trash bag. The short seal and inner seal are separated by a small unsealed area. The inner seal serves to reduce the upper opening of the drawstring trash bag, while the elastic drawstring utilized with the bag provides a bag that allows the bag to fit snugly on many common trash receptacles.
US08523435B2
The invention relates to a packaging bag comprising at least one flap (24, 28) which is folded against one face of the bag body (10) and which is held in position by means of a removable linking element (30, 32). The invention is characterized in that the bag also comprises an element (50) which is designed to ensure that the bag can be opened and reclosed, which extends transversely to the fold line (22) of the flap and which covers the entire width of said flap (24, 28) and at least a substantial part of the bag body.
US08523432B2
A temperature sensor includes a polymer body for mounting the sensor to a mounting surface and positioning a temperature sensing element within a target fluid. The temperature sensing element may be positioned at the distal end of the polymer body and may be sealed from the fluid by a metal cap filled with a thermally conductive material. In this manner, the polymer body may thermally insulate the temperature sensing element and lead conductors within the polymer body from the mounting surface. The polymer body may also include a connector on the proximal end to facilitate an electrical connection with the temperature sensing element, a flange to install the sensor against the mounting surface, and a fixation surface configured to mate with the mounting surface. In some examples, the polymer body may be constructed in two stages to facilitate different configurations of the connector, flange, and/or fixation surface.
US08523431B2
A thermometer is constituted by a body member and a tip member secured to the body member. A thermal sensor is mounted on the inside of the tip member, adapted for sensing a temperature and producing a temperature signal. A set of leas wires is coupled to the thermal sensor for transmission of the temperature signal. A display unit is disposed on the body member and a processor is disposed to electrically connect the set of lead wires to receive the temperature signal and drive the display unit for display of a corresponding temperature reading. A rear cover is secured to the body member. A mechanical selector is disposed between the processor and the rear cover and the type of temperature scale displayed in the display unit is selected by pushing the mechanical selector from the rear cover.
US08523429B2
A remote, noncontact temperature determination method and apparatus is provided, which is operable to determine the temperature of a conducting member forming a part of or in operative thermal communication with an object of interest. The method comprises the steps of first inducing a closed vortex eddy current (28) in a conducting member (16, 38, 44) by subjecting the member (16, 38, 44) to a magnetic field, such that the corresponding eddy current magnitude changes exponentially over time. A characteristic time constant of the exponential current magnitude changes is then determined, and this is used to calculate the temperature of the object. The apparatus (24) includes a field transmitting coil (14) coupled with a waveform generator (12) for inducing the eddy current (28), and a field receiving coil assembly (18) which detects the corresponding magnetic field induced by the eddy current (28). Using the invention, temperature determinations can be made which are substantially independent of the relative distance and/or angular orientation between the conducting member (16, 38, 44) and the field receiving coil assembly (18).
US08523427B2
A sensor device formed on a semiconductor substrate. The device comprises a thermal radiation sensor including a sensing cell and a referencing cell which are co-operable for providing a first output signal indicative of the temperature fluctuation resulting from incident radiation. A gradient sensor including a pair of cells spatially located on the semiconductor substrate is provided which are co-operable to provide a second output signal indicative of the temperature gradient across the semiconductor substrate for facilitating calibrating the first output signal. At least one of the cells of the gradient sensor is not common to the cells of the thermal radiation sensor.
US08523419B2
An edge-lit backlight comprises a front and back reflector forming a hollow light recycling cavity having a cavity depth H and an output region of area Aout, and one or more light sources disposed proximate a periphery of the backlight to emit light into the light recycling cavity. The light sources have an average plan view source separation of SEP collectively having an active emitting area Aemit, wherein a first parameter equals Aemit/Aout and a second parameter equals SEP/H. The first parameter is in a range from 0.0001 to 0.1, and by the second parameter is in a range from 3 to 10. The front reflector has a hemispherical reflectivity for unpolarized visible light of Rfhemi, and the back reflector has a hemispherical reflectivity for unpolarized visible light of Rbhemi, and Rfhemi*Rbhemi is at least 0.70.
US08523413B2
The invention relates to a LED collimator element for a vehicle headlight with a low-beam function, which emits at least visible light of one color from at least one region of a light source. The LED collimator element (1) has at least one LED (2) as such a light source, whose predominant part of the light radiated in operation can be directly radiated in a radiation angular range of the LED collimator element (1), and comprises a collimator (3) deflecting the light which is not radiated in the radiation angular range of the LED collimator element (1) into the radiation angular range, wherein the LED collimator element (1) is asymmetrically structured at least regarding a collimator cutting plane (4) in such a way that a defined non-uniform brightness distribution is achievable in a radiation plane of the LED collimator element (1) defined orthogonally with respect to the collimator cutting plane (4) and with respect to a main direction of radiation of the LED collimator element (1), and at least one filter (12) is to be arranged at least in one region of the collimator (3) in such a way that, when realizing the low-beam function, the area of the traffic space, which lies below the bright-dark cut-off can be illuminated in defined areas with visible light of different colors.
US08523408B2
A display apparatus includes a panel module and a backlight module. The backlight module is disposed under the panel module. The backlight module includes a frame, a light guide plate, and a reflector. The frame supports the edge of the light guide plate. The reflector is disposed at the bottom of the light guide plate. The edge of the reflector and that of the frame horizontally form an engaging seam without overlapping, and the engaging seam is substantially in a serrated shape.
US08523396B2
A device housing includes first and second cases, a first magnetically sensitive positioning pin, and a first compressible member. The first case has a first protruding block having a first positioning hole. The second case has a first groove having a second positioning hole. When the first protruding block is disposed in the first groove, the first positioning hole is aligned with the second positioning hole. The first magnetically sensitive positioning pin runs through the first and second positioning holes to position the second case on the first case. The first compressible member is disposed in the first positioning hole and between an inner wall of the first positioning hole and the first magnetically sensitive positioning pin. When a first magnetic force acts on the first magnetically sensitive positioning pin, the first magnetically sensitive positioning pin compresses the first compressible member and moves away from the second positioning hole.
US08523391B2
A flat light source apparatus has a light source board which comprises unit boards, each unit board having a printed circuit board and a light source formed on the printed circuit board, wherein the unit boards are arranged adjacent to each other at least in one direction, and any pair of the unit boards adjacent to each other is integrated by a connecting portion provided therebetween. The apparatus also has a main wire which extends along a plane of the light source board, wherein the main wire extends between adjacent unit boards via the connecting portion such that all of the unit boards are electrically connected to each other by the main wire. The apparatus further has a branch wire for supplying electric power to the light source, the branch wire being provided in each unit board and branching from the main wire in each unit board.
US08523386B2
An illuminable safety rope includes an illuminable wire of a predetermined length surrounded by a light-transmitting insulative covering to thereby form an illuminable cable. The insulative covering includes a flange extending radially outward along its length. The flange is defined by opposing side portions and terminates at an edge portion. A fabric material is disposed over and secured to the opposing side and edge portions along at least the length of the illuminable cable to thereby form the safety rope. At least a portion of the illuminable cable opposite the flange transmits light to illuminate the safety rope along its length when the illuminable wire receives power. Additional floatation materials and/or wiring can be provided adjacent the flange and beneath the fabric to enable floatation and/or reinforcement of the rope, or a distress signal to be sent to an alarm.
US08523380B1
An illuminated attachment is provided for enhancing safety by increasing visibility of a screen or window to prevent accidental contact with the screen or window. The attachment includes a housing, a power source positioned in the housing, a frame coupled to the housing, and a plurality of lights coupled to the frame. The plurality of lights is operationally coupled to the power source. A switch assembly is operationally coupled between the power source and the plurality of lights for selectively illuminating the plurality of lights. An attachment member such as a first magnet is coupled to the housing. Thus, the housing is designed for coupling to a planar material such as screen or window.
US08523376B2
A cane or similar walking aid incorporates a concealed electrical self-defense device having electrodes located at the tip region of the cane, and may also incorporate an annular light source to aid the user. A grip is attached to a support shaft which terminates in a tip that is fabricated of an elastomer and incorporates electrodes for the electrical deterrent. The tip electrodes can be fabricated from a conductive elastomer to avoid scratching or marring floor surfaces as well as to provide resistance to slipping. When the shaft has both tip electrodes and side electrodes positioned along the exterior surface of the support shaft, the separation of the side electrodes can be adjusted to provide preferential arcing between the side electrodes to provide a visual and audible deterrent and to avoid premature deterioration of the conductive elastomer tip electrodes.
US08523375B2
Disclosed herein is a refrigerator which performs a light emitting operation in connection with opening and closing of doors and a home bar door. The refrigerator includes a front glass, a light guide member disposed on a rear surface of the front glass, a light emitting device disposed at the outside of the light guide member to generate light toward the light guide member, scattering members provided within the light guide member to scatter the light of the light emitting device transmitted through the light guide member, and transmitting parts provided on the front glass corresponding to the scattering members to transmit the light of the scattering members toward the front surface of each door, and the light emitting device emits light in connection with opened and closed states of the doors.
US08523356B2
A fundus camera includes an irradiation unit including a plurality of LED elements and a fluorescent material that emits light by being excited by light emitted from the LED elements and configured to emit light that is generated by combining light emitted from the LED elements and excitation light from the fluorescent material, an illumination optical system configured to irradiate an eye fundus of a subject's eye with the light emitted by the illumination unit, an observation unit configured to form an eye fundus image by receiving light, which is emitted from the illumination unit and reflected from the eye fundus, and an imaging unit configured to pick up the eye fundus image formed by the observation unit.
US08523355B2
The invention relates to a method for measuring the curve of a spectacle frame (4) comprising the following operations: determining the position of a first reference mark (18) defining the mid plane of the spectacle frame (4); determining the position of a second reference mark (20) defining the orientation of a spectacle lens holder relative to said mid plane; and measuring the angle between said first and second reference marks. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method.
US08523352B2
Disclosed is an eyewear retention system, which may include any of a variety of electronics, including telecommunications receivers, transmitters, electronic storage devices, and head-up display driving circuitry.
US08523350B2
An improved eyeglass retainer system is provided which comprises one or more semi-rigid straps or cables to attach to the ends of the temples of eyeglasses. Means for attaching each end of said strap or cable to the ends of the temples of the eyeglasses are provided. Such means enable the strap or cable to be maintained in more than one fixed position away from the head and neck of the wearer when the eyeglasses are worn over the ears of said wearer.
US08523344B2
When a jam occurs, a jam position detection unit detects a position of a record medium stuck in an image recording apparatus. A restoration mechanism control unit determines whether or not to move a restoration mechanism on the basis of the position of the stuck record medium.
US08523342B2
The present invention provides an inkjet recording processing liquid for use in an inkjet recording method of causing a processing liquid to adhere to a recording medium and thereafter causing ink to adhere to the recording medium to which the processing liquid has adhered. The inkjet recording processing liquid contains water, glycerin, and at least one multivalent metal salt selected from the group consisting of calcium nitrate and magnesium nitrate. The glycerin content in the processing liquid is 10 to 50 mass percent, and the multivalent metal salt content in the processing liquid is 0.8 to 2.0 mol/L.
US08523339B2
An image forming apparatus includes a head tank, a main tank, a pump, and a first control unit, so that when pressure in the head tank is not restored to a predetermined pressure while liquid is supplied from the main tank to the head tank, it is determined that the state of the main tank is an empty state, causing a pump to reversely supply a predetermined amount of liquid from the head tank to the main tank, and stopping printing; and further includes a second control unit, so that when emergency printing is instructed, opening the head tank to air, supplying liquid to the head tank, closing the head tank from air, and supplying liquid from the head tank to the main tank to generate a negative pressure in the head tank are performed.
US08523335B2
A system for venting gas at ink containers which supply inks to a multi-channel inkjet printhead is provided having a plurality of ink containers for supplying fluids to a printhead having a plurality of ink channels, and a gas vent assembly having a plurality of gas vents. Each ink container has an ink port connected to a corresponding one of the ink channels of the printhead and a gas port. Each gas vent is connected to a corresponding one of the gas ports of the ink containers. The gas vents of the gas vent assembly are in fluid communication with the external atmosphere.
US08523329B2
An inkjet printhead substrate includes: a pair of individual conductive layers configured to supply electrical power to a heat generation element; a first common conductive layer configured to be connected to one of the pair of individual conductive layers; a second common conductive layer configured to be connected to the other of the pair of individual conductive layers; and an isolation layer configured to be provided between the one of the pair of individual conductive layers and the first common conductive layer, and between the other of the pair of individual conductive layers and the second common conductive layer, wherein the isolation layer is formed from a conductive material which has a lower solubility in ink than a material used for the pairs of individual conductive layers, the first common conductive layer and the second common conductive layer.
US08523319B2
A method for arranging liquid droplet ejection heads includes: arranging and fixing a plurality of inkjet liquid droplet ejection heads, ejecting a common functional liquid, on a common carriage plate, based on the amount of liquid droplets ejected from a number of ejecting nozzles in a nozzle row that each of the liquid droplet ejection heads has, with the heads shifted in a direction of the nozzle row, the heads being so arranged and fixed that in the heads closely aligned in the direction of the nozzle row, a difference between the amounts of liquid droplets ejected from two ejection nozzles located at each innermost end of the heads is within a predetermined range of tolerance, and the amounts of liquid droplets ejected from two ejection nozzles located at the outermost ends in the direction of the nozzle row are within a predetermined range of a reference amount.
US08523313B2
An inkjet cartridge has an ink containment system for storing ink for printing. The inkjet cartridge includes a printhead having a plurality nozzles in fluid communication with the ink reservoir and an electrical interconnect for providing an electrical communication between the printhead and a printer controller. The electrical interconnect is disposed at an acute angle relative to the printhead.
US08523312B2
A data storage system includes a recording head and a compensating resistor. The recording head has a heating element. The compensating resistor is in electrical series with the heating element and is external to the recording head. A method includes applying an alternating current at a first angular frequency to a recording head. A voltage drop across the recording head heating element is measured. A component of the voltage drop is extracted. The component has a frequency that is three times the frequency of the first angular frequency.
US08523311B2
The present invention teaches and claims an image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming portion including one or more inkjet heads for forming an image on a recording medium by discharging ink from an ink discharge surface of the inkjet head; a recording medium transporting portion having a transport surface which is positioned below the ink discharge surface and on which the recording medium is placed for transporting a sheet to a position facing the ink discharge surface; a moving mechanism for moving the transport surface toward and away from the ink discharge surface; an ink discharge surface protecting mechanism including but not limited to a cap member and a driving device for moving the cap member; and a control unit for moving the transport surface away from the ink discharge surface to operate the ink discharge surface protecting mechanism when the recording medium is jammed during transportation of the recording medium.
US08523310B2
In order to provide technique which reduce the positional shift of recording in the conveyance direction of a printing medium, a printing apparatus comprises: a conveyance unit for conveying the printing medium by rotating a roller; a detection unit for detecting a conveyance amount of a printing medium conveyed by rotating the roller in less than one rotation; an acquisition unit for acquiring a conveyance amount of the printing medium corresponding to a predetermined rotation amount of the roller by detecting the conveyance amount a plurality of times; and a setting unit for setting a rotation amount of the roller when forming an image on the printing medium based on a conveyance amount of a printing medium corresponding to the acquired predetermined rotation amount of the roller.
US08523308B2
A recording head adjustment method includes: a dot row forming step of causing relative movement between a recording medium and a recording head in which a plurality of sub-heads each including a plurality of recording elements are joined together, and driving the plurality of recording elements at prescribed drive timing with respect to each of the plurality of sub-heads in such a manner that dot rows for the respective sub-heads are formed in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of the relative movement; a step-difference amount calculation step of measuring positions in the direction of the relative movement of the dot rows for the respective sub-heads in a situation where a range of a part of the dot rows formed by an overlapping portion between the mutually adjacent sub-heads where recording rates represented by number of dots per unit surface area are substantially same as each other is set as a measurement object, and obtaining an amount of step difference between the sub-heads represented by difference or ratio of the measured positions in the direction of the relative movement of the dot rows for the respective sub-heads; an adjustment value calculation step of calculating an adjustment value for the drive timing of the plurality of recording elements with respect to each of the plurality of sub-heads according to the obtained amount of step difference; and a drive timing adjustment step of adjusting relative drive timing with respect to each of the plurality of sub-heads according to the calculated adjustment value.
US08523305B2
An apparatus includes a printing unit which is disposed in a housing and configured to form an image on a sheet, an lid attached to the housing by a hinge mechanism, and a camera which is attached to the lid and configured to read an image on a document while the lid is open, wherein the sheet having the image formed by the printing unit is discharged on the lid, and when the lid is opened, the camera can read the document which is placed at a reading position below the camera.
US08523301B1
A drawer assembly includes a drawer body that is slideably coupled within a cabinet housing a slide assembly. The slide assembly includes an outer slide portion having a blocking tab disposed thereon. The slide assembly further includes a slide mount having an engagement tab pivotably mounted thereon. The engagement tab engages the blocking tab to lock the drawer assembly. The engagement tab can be released by turning a twist-lock mechanism, which actuates a lever that engages an actuator tab extending inwardly.
US08523283B2
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for a novel double sling chair. The double sling chair simplifies the manufacture of sling chairs affording efficient and speedy construction. The double sling chair comprises a chair frame having a back section with an upper rail and a lower cross member, a decorative cross member, and a seat section, a seat panel coupled to the seat section of the chair frame, a first fabric back panel having length is coupled to the upper rail and the decorative cross member without having to thread the first fabric back panel to the decorative cross member, a second fabric back panel having length is coupled to the lower cross member and the decorative cross member without having to thread the second fabric back panel to the decorative cross member to form a back rest for the back section.
US08523271B2
A vehicle having a structural bed configured to serve as a structural load-bearing member is provided. The structural bed extends rearward from a cab structure of the vehicle and includes a core layer. First and second outer layers flank the core layer and span substantially the entirety of the core layer. The first and second outer layers are composed of a material that has a higher strength than the core layer. The thickness of the core layer may be at least approximately 10 times greater than each of the thicknesses of the first and second outer layers, respectively. The composite structural bed may be integrated with mass-efficient structures to produce an efficient load-bearing structure for a vehicle.
US08523270B2
A motor vehicle includes at least one wheel designed to turn in a well defined by a wheelhouse. The vehicle also includes a wheel deflector of an elongate overall shape extending from the wheelhouse towards the wheel with one end provided with a radius R corresponding substantially to an exterior radius of the wheel. The deflector is arranged in an upper portion of the wheelhouse and extends longitudinally on each side of a median plane of the wheel passing through an axis of rotation of the wheel, with an overall angular length L between 1/20 and ¼ of an external circumference of the wheel.
US08523268B2
Provided is an arrangement for stowing away a retractable tonneau cover assembly (50) under a floor of a luggage space (10) requiring a very small space. A recess (36) is formed laterally across a width of a vehicle body in a rear end thereof. When stowing away the assembly, an outer tube (52) of the assembly is received in the recess with a longitudinal slot (54) thereof facing upward. A flexible cover sheet (56) extends out of the longitudinal slot (54), and a rigid free end member (58) attached to a free end of the flexible cover sheet (56) extends along a rear side of the outer tube into a deep section (36B) of the recess (36). Therefore, the recess (36) is required to have a width which is not significantly greater than the height (h) of the outer tube (52).
US08523265B2
The present disclosure generally relates to a multipurpose transport system, a roof assembly, and methods for transporting forest biomass and wood residuals. Roof assemblies according to the disclosure are mountable on a top portion of a transport system. In some embodiments, roof assemblies include two or more panels, one or more panel movements assemblies operably connected each of the two or more panels, and one or more actuation assemblies. The two or more panels extend from a first side of the roof assembly to and second side of the roof assembly in a louvered configuration. Each of the two or more panels are moveable between a first position and a second position. Further aspects of the disclosure are directed towards multipurpose transport systems and methods for transporting forest biomass and wood residuals using systems according to the disclosure.
US08523260B2
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a console for use in a vehicle. One embodiment comprises a compartment defined by a first wall and a second wall that are spaced apart from one another in a first direction, a first channel disposed adjacent to the first wall, the first channel defining an opening oriented in an upward direction and including first and second end surfaces spaced apart along the first channel, a retainer structure disposed within the first channel and spaced from the first and second end surfaces and a tray member having an engagement structure configured to be received within the first channel. The tray member is positionable within the compartment such that the engagement structure is received within the first channel and engages the retainer structure to restrain movement of the tray member along the first channel toward both of the first end surface and the second end surface.
US08523259B2
A tool mounting assembly for a motor vehicle includes a vehicle body structure, a first storage container portion that is configured to receive at least one jack operation tool, and a second storage container portion that is fixed to the first storage container portion and is configured to receive at least one wheel chock. A first bracket is attached to the vehicle body structure and fully surrounds the first storage container portion in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the first storage container portion. A second bracket is attached to the vehicle body structure and at least partially surrounds the first storage container portion. The second storage container portion is positioned between the first bracket and the second bracket.
US08523257B1
The re-usable cover for protecting freight while in transit includes an upper end for attachment to the rear end opening of a freight container, a pair of side edges adjacent to a respective side of the rear end opening of the freight container when the upper end is attached, and a front surface configured to face the exterior of the freight container when the upper end is attached.
US08523255B2
A retaining stud is inserted from a bottom portion of a suction pad that constitutes part of an ejector equipped suction apparatus, and an end of the retaining stud is inserted into an adapter plate. Further, a small diameter portion of a lock plate engages with a lock plate groove, which is exposed externally on the retaining stud, whereby the retaining stud and the lock plate are connected together integrally. In addition, an ejector is fixed using a side wall portion of the adapter plate. A mounting bracket is attached to the adapter plate while covering the lock plate, and a transfer means such as a robot arm or the like is fixed to the mounting bracket using a bolt.
US08523254B2
A robot hand with a connection part that undergoes stretching deformation according to object shape. The robot hand includes a variable connection device that provides a contact face that enables pressing and contacting a moving target and has a connection part in contact with the moving target enables stretching deformation; a connection length controller that interfaces with a drive part to stretch and deform the connection part so that the connection part undergoes conversion between a closed-loop state wherein it is continuous with the surface of the moving target or divided into a plurality of sections to be pressed and contacted, and an open-loop state wherein it detaches from the moving target; and a shape retention device that retains the shape of the variable connection device consistently in a closed-loop state wherein the variable connection device is pressed and contacted with the moving target at a set pressure.
US08523249B2
A latch assembly comprises a first portion (32) defining an opening and a second portion (54) slidably disposed in the opening for movement of the first portion along the second portion. The second portion includes a stop which is larger than the opening for preventing further movement of the first portion along the second portion in a first direction. A securing element releasably connects the first portion and the second portion in a first relative axially connected position. In a mortise lock (20), the first portion and the second portion are thus movable together relative to the housing so that the first portion at least partially non-rotatably projects outwardly from the opening in the edge wall of the housing in an extended position and is inside the housing in a retracted position. Disconnecting the first portion from the second portion allows the first portion to move along the second portion in the first direction to a second axial position.
US08523236B2
A method, kit and product for hidden surface images or designs utilizing reshaped magnetic fields. The magnetic field of a hidden surface image is manipulated and controlled to form a clearly defined shape revealed through a magnetic field viewing device. The method comprises forming a design/image element from a magnet; forming a corresponding housing layer opening replicating the shape of the element; reshaping the magnetic field of the element; placing the reshaped element into the housing layer; covering/securing the element beneath a masking layer; and viewing the element with a magnetic field viewing device. A kit for hidden magnetic surface imaging method comprises a magnetic medium, housing layer, adhesive, masking layer, and a strong magnet for reshaping the magnetic field. A hidden magnetic field surface image product comprises a housing layer including a defined opening, an image element comprising a flexible magnet housed within the opening and a masking layer.
US08523217B2
A coupling mechanism for attaching a fifth wheel RV trailer to a truck for towing. A fifth wheel towball interface which provides unobstructed gimbal action into the connection between truck and trailer. A fifth wheel base having a lightweight structure made from a lightweight material and/or engineered design with lightweight in mind.
US08523188B2
A self-centering floating seal comprising a ring having first and second diameters, wherein the ring is arranged to be installed between first and second gland components, a plurality of tabs protruding from the first diameter, wherein the tabs are operatively arranged to exert a force on the first gland component to create a radial gap between the first diameter and the first gland component, while the second diameter is arranged to engage against the second gland component for forming a sealed interface, a plurality of seats corresponding to the plurality of tabs, wherein each seat forms a recess in the first diameter of the ring for receiving one of the tabs when each tab is flexed toward the ring, and wherein the tabs are substantially equally spaced about the first diameter of the ring, and each of the tabs spans an axial thickness of the ring.
US08523187B2
An axial face seal assembly including a seal member which is seated in a carrier, the carrier being non-rotatably connected to a base member but movable axially thereto and biased from the base member by means of a compression spring interposed between the base member and the carrier, the base member being axially and non-rotatably securable to a drive shaft by means of an open ring clamp having first end second ends. The ring clamp is supported on the base member, at least one of said first and second ends being movable relative to the other end in a circumferential direction; and wherein tightening means is rotatably journalled on the base member for adjusting the relative distance between the first and second ends of the ring clamp. A mounting fixture is likewise disclosed and cooperating with the seal assembly in a mounting procedure.
US08523180B1
A paper transmitting mechanism mounted on the transmitting path which includes a driving wheel, a driving system drives the driving wheel, a pressure wheel, a pressure wheel adjusting unit, and a paper sensor settled upstream to the driving wheel and pressure wheel. The pressure wheel adjusting unit includes an elastomeric unit; one end of the elastomeric unit is connected to the axle of the pressure wheel, and the other end is connected to a linear driving device. When the paper sensor detects the paper is going to enter or leave the driving wheel, the paper sensor will send a signal for adjusting the clamping force between the driving wheel and the pressure wheel to make the clamping force and the friction between the driving wheel and the pressure wheel adjustable according to the position of the paper, so as to avoid the paper slipping or vibrating during transmitting.
US08523177B2
When continuous-conveying control is executed in a conveying apparatus which can handle various sizes of sheet, a conveying apparatus which can efficiently detect a conveying error by a required minimum conveyed amount or conveying time according to a sheet size is provided. For that purpose, a maximum conveyed amount from start of sheet feeding of the subsequent page to determination to be a sheet-feeding error is set based on a detection result of a rear end portion on a previous page by a PE sensor. The maximum conveyed amount when the rear end portion of the previous page is detected is set smaller than the maximum conveyed amount when not detected.
US08523172B2
Provided is an image forming apparatus capable of preventing unnecessary sheet feeding when power is turned on. A state of a drive transmission portion 14A provided to transmit the driving of a drive portion to a feeding roller when a sheet is fed is switched from a second state that the driving of the drive portion is not transmitted to the feeding roller by a solenoid 19 to a first state that the driving of the drive portion is transmitted to the feeding roller and keep it. The controller for controlling the switching of the solenoid 19 and the driving of the drive portion to rotate the feeding roller drives the drive portion for a time necessary to return the drive transmission portion 14A from the first state to the second state to make the drive transmission portion 14A be in the second state when power is turned on.
US08523166B2
Disclosed is a paper discharge apparatus of optimizing the moving path of a stapler provided at the rear of the paper discharge apparatus by effectively constructing the structure of the paper discharge apparatus that discharges paper onto a stacker tray. The paper discharge apparatus includes a pair of guide side plates including first rail grooves and curved cams adjacent to the first rail grooves, a pair of paper gripping units to grip the paper on the paper stacking plate in the contact with the curved cams, a first driving unit to drive the paper gripping units, an aligning stopper provided between the guide side plates to straightly move by a predetermined distance in the paper transfer direction from front end portions of the guide side plates, and a second driving unit to previously move the aligning stopper in the paper transfer direction just before the paper gripping units.
US08523161B2
A clamping mechanism automatically adaptable to change of thickness of printed circuit board includes: a frame body having two parallel rail seats; two clamping rail members respectively mounted on the rail seats for clamping a printed circuit board, each clamping rail member including a first clamping rail and a second clamping rail spaced from each other by a clamping gap; and two adjustment units for adjusting the clamping gap of the clamping rail members. Each the adjustment unit includes: a support section mounted on the frame body to provide a support face; a connection section, one end of the connection section being affixed to the first clamping rail, the other end of the connection section being positioned above the support face; and a floating section positioned between the connection section and the support section and supported on the support face to apply a resilient support force to the connection section.
US08523157B2
An inspection device includes a base to receive an electronic device, a supporting member, a first adjustment member, a second adjustment member, and an inspecting member installed on the second adjustment member. The supporting member includes a horizontal plate movable relative to the base, a guideway fixed on the horizontal plate, and a guiding block movably mounted on the guideway. The first adjustment member includes a fixing plate fixed on the guiding block, and an adjusting plate rotatably attached to the fixing plate, and movable and rotatable relative to the base. The second adjustment member is fixed on the adjusting plate. Movement and rotation of the adjusting plate relative to the base allow movement and rotation of the second adjustment member relative to the base to allow movement and rotation of the inspecting member relative to the electronic device.
US08523152B2
A volatile organic compound removal device includes a cabinet having first and second slidable drawers movable between inserted and extended positions. A downcomer tube is downwardly and slidably received in an aperture of the first drawer. A sealing flange extends horizontally outward from a downcomer tube perimeter and extends beyond the aperture when the downcomer tube is received in the aperture. The sealing flange faces an upward facing surface of the first drawer and supports the downcomer tube to the first drawer using only a weight of the downcomer tube applied through the sealing flange to the upward facing surface. A removable seal pot pan is supported on an upward facing surface of the second drawer, which is aligned directly below and receives a lower end of the downcomer tube.
US08523141B2
Provided is a valve, including an in-line flow passage, a shut-off mechanism, and a multi-stage throttling section disposed in the in-line flow passage. Further provided is an in-line valve, including a flow control component and a sealing component, wherein the flow control component and the sealing component are separate from one another.
US08523118B2
A method for forming a collapsible plaque for holding floral objects is disclosed. The collapsible plaque may be used with a casket or headstone for display of a floral object thereon.
US08523116B2
A panel-mounted control stick for aircraft providing for roll and pitch input that emulates the response of a traditional floor-mounted control stick. The panel-mounted control stick incorporates a pitch beam input assembly and a roll input assembly for translating the movements of the control stick into movements of aircraft control surfaces.
US08523114B2
An aircraft fuel tank system is disclosed in which a vent tank is provided with an additional ullage vent for use, in combination with an eternal flame barrier means, when refuelling.
US08523105B2
According to the invention, a rear portion of a fuselage of an aircraft contains a fuel cell system, and the aircraft further includes a rear cone which is removably mounted relative to the rear portion of the fuselage so as to form an extension thereof. The rear cone is shaped as a fuel tank for the fuel cell system contained in the rear portion of the fuselage. The rear cone includes at least one housing extending into the fuel tank and configured to receive at least one projecting slide extending from the rear portion of the fuselage.
US08523103B2
A rotor blade assembly for providing vertical lift to an aircraft, having a rotor head and a plurality of blades, with each blade attached to a mechanism such as a cam surface, whereby movement of the mechanism causes the radial distance between the distal tip of the attached blade and the center of the rotor head to alter, decreasing or increasing the length of the lifting surface. The blades are moved from a fully extended position providing maximum lift, to a retracted position in which the blades are removed from the airstream. The pitch of the blades may be controlled by a pitch controller to achieve full helicopter responsiveness. A plurality of bladeletts may be positioned near the outer periphery of the rotor head. When they are moved into the airstream, passing air impacts the bladeletts exerting a pressure, causing rotational movement of the rotor blade assembly.
US08523101B2
An aircraft capable of making short takeoffs and landings includes essentially a fuselage, a wing secured to the fuselage, a front horizontal stabilizer secured to the fuselage on the front end of the fuselage and at least two jet engines for propulsion. According to the architecture proposed, the propulsion engines are arranged side by side above the fuselage in a rear part of the fuselage with a width at least equal to the width of the propulsion group, a fuselage flap device is arranged in the back of the fuselage so that the fuselage flaps adopt at least a position in which the flaps are considerably in a horizontal plane and take at least a high-lift position in which the flaps are turned downward in such a way that the blast created by the jet engines is channeled towards the top surface of the fuselage flaps to induce a blowing effect.
US08523092B2
The present invention is generally directed to a system and method for obtaining a test sample from a seed or seeds. The method generally includes placing at least one seed into a seed sampling chamber, breaking the seed into a plurality of seed particles inside the seed sampling chamber, placing a sampling element into the seed sampling chamber, and collecting at least a portion of the plurality of seed particles with the sampling element by attracting at least a portion of the seed particles to a surface of the sampling element or by forcing at least a portion of the seed particles into a feature of the sampling element. In some embodiments, the method further includes using a sampling element transfer device to transfer the sampling element to an extraction well, which may be used to extract DNA or proteins from the collected portion of seed particles.
US08523081B2
The technical objective is to provide a simple and low-cost information input help sheet and an information processing system which exhibit a significantly high input accuracy and input efficiency without limiting a mounting object. The information input help sheet comprises an infrared reflection layer which reflects infrared rays from one side and transmits visible light, and a dot pattern layer provided on one side of the infrared reflection layer and on which dots generated by a dot-code generating algorithm and formed with material having an infrared absorbing characteristic are arranged according to a predetermined rule, in order to perform a variety of multimedia information output and/or operation instructions.
US08523080B2
A memory card package structure includes a substrate having an antenna module; a first and second magnetic waveguiding layers respectively disposed on an upper surface and a lower surface of the substrate; a chip disposed on the first magnetic waveguiding layer and electrically connected with the substrate; and an encapsulation body encapsulating the chip, the first magnetic waveguiding layer and the upper surface of the substrate. A method for fabricating the memory card package structure is also provided. By directly disposing magnetic waveguiding material in the package structure, the thickness of the package structure is retained and yet the signal of an antenna module in the memory card package structure can be directed out along a horizontal direction, thereby extending the signal transmission distance.
US08523079B2
A document (10) comprises a multilayer structure (18) formed by at least two layers (20, 22, 34) assembled together and a near-field communication device (24) incorporated in the thickness of the structure (18). More particularly, the device (24) is in the form of a module (26) comprising a support (28) bearing a near-field communication antenna (30) and a microcircuit (32) and the module (26) comprises an embrittlement zone (46) capable of breaking during separation of the two layers (20, 22, 34) to cause destruction of the module (26).
US08523075B2
A barcode decoding system and method are disclosed that use a data-driven classifier for transforming a potentially degraded barcode signal into a digit sequence. The disclosed implementations are robust to signal degradation through incorporation of a noise model into the classifier construction phase. The run-time computational cost is low, allowing for efficient implementations on portable devices.
US08523061B2
The invention relates to a control terminal (20) for determining whether a fare has been paid comprising: a reader (22) for reading a fare card identification number from a fare card; a processing module (25) adapted to implement a one-way function to generate a control number from a fare card identification number; and a comparison unit (27) for comparing the control number to a reference list.
US08523054B2
A method and a system convert the value of a gift card for use with a mobile device. A gift card converter module associates a value of the gift card with a digital wallet of the mobile device. A digital wallet module enables a financial transaction with the digital wallet of the mobile device. A storage device stores the value of the gift card associated with the digital wallet and the corresponding financial transaction.
US08523049B2
A clamshell carton may be erected from a blank for holding a food product. The blank may include various fold lines and corner features such as gussets or glue tabs that facilitate formation of the blank into the clamshell carton that includes a tray and a lid. The tray may have a bottom panel for supporting a food product. The lid may include a window that allows inspection of the food product held in the carton. The carton may include flanges that project outwardly from the tray and lid. When the carton is closed the flanges may define overlapping pairs that may be sealed together to enclose and seal the food product within the carton.
US08523046B1
A process and apparatus for forming and transferring metal arrays of balls and shapes is described incorporating molds, tape, injection molded metal such as solder, metal reflow and a mask on a substrate for shearing solidified metal of metal arrays into respective openings in the mask.
US08523042B2
A cartridge for a surgical apparatus includes a housing having a slot configured to accommodate a blade. A plurality of fasteners is configured to be deployed by the housing. A first row of the plurality of fasteners is positioned on a first side of the slot and a second row of the plurality of fasteners is positioned on a second side of the slot. The first row of the plurality of fasteners is the nearest row of fasteners to the slot on the first side of the slot that are deployed by the housing, and the first row of the plurality of fasteners is spaced apart from the slot such that an undamaged tissue margin is formed on a section of tissue during operation of the surgical apparatus.
US08523034B2
In a device for supplying a printing substrate web to an internal transport path of the printing substrate web of a printing device, a device accepts the printing substrate web from the printing substrate web source. A drive unit is provided at an output of the device and draws the printing substrate web from the device. A buffer device having a buffer reservoir is provided at an output of the drive unit. The buffer reservoir has a negative pressure device that generates a negative pressure in a buffer reservoir. The negative pressure acts on the printing substrate web to pull the printing substrate web drawn by the drive unit into the buffer reservoir and thereby tensions the printing substrate web before it is supplied to the internal transport path.
US08523027B2
A hanger system with hooks attached to and suspended from a hanging or stationary frame, and from one to a multiplicity of rods capable of holding garments or other items, which rest in the hooks. The hooks are designed to allow the rods to rest in vertical relation to one another within the hooks although, depending on the hanging orientation of the hanger system, the rods may hang adjacent to or diagonal from one another. The frame may be hung from a closet rod or similar support, or may be attached to a surface such as a wall or a shelf, either directly or with spacers between the frame and the surface.
US08523018B2
Diesel exhaust fluid systems are provided. The diesel exhaust fluid systems include a fluid reservoir having an inner surface and an opening therethrough, a fluid reservoir heating device positioned within the fluid reservoir, and a fluid reservoir spacer positioned within the fluid reservoir and between the inner surface of the fluid reservoir and the fluid reservoir heating device. The fluid reservoir spacer includes first and second portions on opposing sides of the opening through the fluid reservoir.
US08523011B2
The present invention relates to a dispenser, particularly a refillable single-hand dispenser, having a sleeve (13) comprising an opening (23) at the top thereof, and a base part (27) opposite the top. A receptacle (15) for receiving tablets (22), lozenges, or the like is accommodated in the sleeve (3) such that it can be displace in the longitudinal direction. The receptacle (15) can be pulled out of the sleeve (15), the base being biased in the direction of the receptacle top by a zigzag spring (19). The zigzag spring (19) passes through the receptacle (15) through an opening in the base and is supported at the base (27) of the sleeve (13). A tablet package (20) comprising a tubular packaging (65) is disposed in the receptacle (15). The package wall (65) encloses the tablets (22). The sliding base (21) has exterior dimensions that correspond at most to the interior dimensions of the tubular packaging (65).
US08523010B2
In one example, a bistable cover assembly includes a cover, a base, an intermediate part; and pre-tensioned spring, the spring being attached to the base and the intermediate part such that the spring biases the intermediate part into two stable positions, the cover interfacing with the intermediate part and being closed in a first of the two stable positions and open in a second of the two stable positions. A method for assembling a cover assembly is also described.
US08522986B2
The present invention provides a pegboard-type organization system for articles to be displayed or secured in-place. The pegs can be locked onto the board to support either a weight placed thereon or a side-ways pressure applied thereto. The support can be either rigid or elastic, depending on whether gripping or load-bearing functionality is required. The inventive system allows a board to be flush-mounted to a support surface, and thereby avoids the wasted space conventionally taken up with such substructures as fir strips.
US08522983B2
A disc for releasable attachment to a shaft of a disc screen apparatus includes a hub having a bore and a single split defining a pair of opposing ends. The hub also has at least one flexible portion intermediate the opposing ends that permits the opposing ends of the hub to be separated a predetermined distance sufficient to allow the shaft of the disc screen apparatus to pass between the opposing ends into the bore. The hub has plurality of outer impacting portions configured for engaging materials to be classified and propelling the materials in a conveying direction when the hub is rotated. A mechanism is provided to secure the hub to the shaft so that the shaft extends through the bore.
US08522982B2
The invention relates to a method for inspecting, with the aid of a machine (1), transparent or translucent hollow articles (Aj) streaming past a series of monitoring stations each comprising at least one sensor (Ci) delivering an output signal (Si(j)) for each article (Aj) traveling past a sensor.According to the invention, the method consists in implementing at least one phase of assessing the setting of the machine consisting: in choosing compliant and defective reference articles (A′(j)), for each reference article (A′(j)), recording the output signals (S′i(j)) of the sensors with each of which are associated an identifier for the reference article concerned and an expected result (R′a(j)), in selecting together, during the processing of the signals, at least two recorded output signals [S′a(j)], [S′k(j)] corresponding to one and the same reference article, so as to obtain after processing, a result (R′j), and in comparing the result obtained by processing (R′j) regarding the defective or compliant character of each reference article with the expected result (Ra′(j)).
US08522979B2
Reprocessable medical devices that have been disposed of in a sharps container are recovered, disinfected or sterilized, sorted, and packed for reprocessing in a generally continuous process. In one embodiment, either a sharps container or at least a portion of its contents is successively and controllably conveyed, either manually or automatically, through a plurality of processing stations that are configured to perform different operations. The operations performed by the processing stations can include, for example, detecting and identifying contents, cleaning and disinfecting, opening the sharps containers, separating and sorting their contents, and disposal of contents that are non-reprocessable. Reprocessable medical devices can be sorted by type as they move along on a conveyor.
US08522971B2
A sink assembly is provided. The sink assembly can comprise a container having a generally trapezoidal shaped cross section. The container can be closed about a sink within the container. The sink can be supported in the container by at least one support element, for example a corner support, a top support having a generally triangular shape, and a drain support. Multiple sink assemblies can be efficiently stacked next to one another for shipping and/or storage.
US08522970B2
A packaging/displaying device includes a main blank foldable into a housing that has a bottom panel, two side panels extending upwardly from two opposite sides of the bottom panel, a back panel extending upwardly from the bottom panel and connected between the side panels, and a top panel connected to a top end of the back panel and extending above the bottom panel, said top, bottom and side panels cooperatively defining a housing space for an object, the top panel having a through hole extending through said top panel to retain a top end of an object. The housing is open at its front side to display the object.
US08522963B2
A case for housing elongated objects includes a box body (2), having a size such that the box body can adequately contain the elongated object (O), which is inserted in the body through a front opening (21). The case has a lock the object housed in the case including at least a movable plate (23) arranged along at least a border (24) of the opening (21), movable between an open position wherein the plate impedes the passage from the inside to the outside of the case to the object to be kept and a closed position wherein the plate substantially arranges along at least a side (25) of the box body, in such a way as not to substantially obstruct the opening.
US08522960B2
The spiral belt conveyor is a conveyor belt system for transporting articles vertically along a helical path. The spiral belt conveyor includes a platform and a central frame structure extending upwardly from the platform. Two idler rollers are mounted on the platform. A helical track having an inner portion and an outer portion is concentrically disposed around the shaft. The inner portion of the helical track has a first radius, and the outer portion thereof has a second radius greater than the first radius. An upper end of the inner portion of the helical track meets an upper end of the outer portion of the helical track adjacent an upper end of the central frame structure. A conveyor belt is mounted on the helical track and the pair of idler rollers.
US08522959B2
A cap transfer unit (1) comprising a cap transfer line (8) defining a transfer path (5) from a cap loading area (4) to a cap discharge area (6), and a cap pusher (16) slidingly mounted along the cap transfer line (8), the cap pusher (16) having a rest position in which the cap pusher (16) is spaced from the transfer path (5), and an active position in which the cap pusher (16) overlaps at least partially the transfer path (5) for coming into abutment with caps (2) located therein.
US08522952B2
Handrail having laterally bent edges which engage around laterally projecting ribs of a guide element such that the ends of the bent edges are situated at a clear distance from one another and each at a distance from a guide base of the guide element where the clear distance corresponds to a total gap size plus a width of the guide base and is chosen in consideration of the width of the guide base and the shrinkage and warpage phenomena occurring during operation to not exceed 8 mm, while a clear width of the bent edges is chosen to be greater than the width of the guide element at the ends of the laterally projecting ribs such that, considering tolerances of the width of the guide element at the ends of the ribs and the shrinkage and warpage phenomena occurring during operation of the handrail, not exceed 8 mm.
US08522947B2
An electromagnetic clutch includes a base portion, a driving member, a driven unit including an output shaft, and an electromagnetic solenoid. The driving member, the driven unit, and the electromagnetic solenoid are assembled on the base portion. The driven unit includes an intermediate member that engages with the output shaft to transmit a torque while being relatively moved towards a rotational axis, the intermediate member being magnetically attracted to the base portion. The driven unit also includes a rotation member that is biased towards the driving member and that is pivotally supported to transmit a rotation of the driving member to the output shaft, a guide mechanism that causes the rotation member to be separated from the driving member while the intermediate member is restrained from moving by being magnetically attracted, and a holding mechanism holding a position of the rotation member that is separated from the driving member.
US08522946B2
A hydraulic control device that controls a hydraulic pressure to be supplied to a hydraulic servo for a hydraulically driven friction engagement element in an automatic transmission that changes between shift speeds by switching an engagement state of the friction engagement element. The control device configured with a switching mechanism that allows communication between oil passage for a first pressure regulation mechanism and the oil passage for a hydraulic servo and blocking communication between an oil passage for the second pressure regulation mechanism and the oil passage for the hydraulic servo when the signal pressure is not input to the signal pressure input oil passage, and blocking communication between the oil passage for the first pressure regulation mechanism and the oil passage for the hydraulic servo and allowing communication between the oil passage for the second pressure regulation mechanism.
US08522930B1
The present disclosure relates to a miniature precision clamping assembly driven by a shape memory alloy actuator wire (SMA wire) which may be employed within a braking or clutch system. The clamping assembly includes a first clamping element, a second clamping element and an SMA wire connected to the first and second clamping elements by being interwoven through a plurality of pressure amplifiers located on the exterior surfaces of the first and second clamping elements. Both the first and second clamping elements are configured to be positioned about a rotatable shaft and move in translation to the shaft via a transition action of the SMA wire between a clamping and releasing position. By energizing the SMA wire a contracting or compressing action is generated thereby causing the first and second clamping elements to move into engagement with the one shaft for inhibiting rotational movement.
US08522929B2
A bicycle rim brake assembly includes a support bracket, first and second brake arms, a fixing member and a biasing member. The first brake arm is pivotally supported to the support bracket. The second brake arm is pivotally supported to the support bracket. The fixing member has a support bracket section and a bicycle frame attachment section. The biasing member is disposed on the fixing member.
US08522927B2
An elevator installation includes a drive unit moving a car and a counterweight in an elevator shaft. The drive unit has a drive motor and a brake coupled to a drive shaft and mounted on a crossbeam in the elevator shaft or on the shaft ceiling. The drive unit has two spaced-apart drive zones and the drive motor is arranged to the left or the right of the two drive zones with the brake on the same side or the opposite side of the drive zones.
US08522916B2
Methods and devices for sound isolation are provided. A sound isolation device includes an expandable element and an insertion element. The expandable element is operatively attached to the insertion element. The expandable element includes an expanding medium, where the pressure of the expanding medium is varied to vary a sound isolation across the expandable element.
US08522912B2
A relay shaft is rotatably provided in a lateral direction of a vehicle body on a rear side of the vehicle body with respect to a mowing apparatus and on a front side of the vehicle body with respect to a left and right pair of rear wheel drive apparatuses. A pedal coupling rod extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body above the mowing apparatus and connects to a brake pedal and to the relay shaft. A left brake coupling rod extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body and connects to a left end of the relay shaft and to an operation portion of a left rear wheel brake. A right brake coupling rod extends in the front-rear direction of the vehicle body and connects to a right end of the relay shaft and to an operation portion of a right rear wheel brake.
US08522905B2
A robot including a frame with wheels moves over a highly magnetically permeable support surface and at least one permanent magnet able to interact magnetically with, and couple the robot to, the surface. The permanent magnet is positioned so that one pole grazes the surface and is free to oscillate so that the pole always faces the surface and is a minimum distance from it.
US08522900B2
A mixture for fabricating a cutting table, the cutting table, and a method of fabricating the cutting table. The mixture includes a cutting table powder and a binder. The binder includes at least one carbide formed from an element selected from at least one of Groups IV, V, and VI of the Periodic Table. The carbide is in its non-stoichiometric and/or stoichiometric form. The binder can include the metal element itself. The binder can also include a catalyst. The cutting table is formed by sintering the mixture using a solid phase sintering process or a near solid phase sintering process. When forming or coupling the cutting table to a substrate, a divider is positioned and coupled therebetween to ensure that the sintering process that forms the cutting table occurs using the solid phase sintering process or the near solid phase sintering process.
US08522885B2
Methods and apparatus enable expanding tubing in a borehole of a hydrocarbon well. According to some embodiments, an expander device includes a collapsible swage formed of collets, at least one slip arrangement and a hydraulic jack to stroke the swage through tubing to be expanded. In operation, expanding tubing may include securing an expansion tool to the tubing, lowering the tool and tubing into a borehole, actuating a collapsible expander of the expansion tool to an extended configuration, and supplying fluid pressure to a jack coupled to the expander thereby moving the expander through the tubing which is held by at least one of first and second tubing holding devices disposed respectively ahead of the expander and behind the expander.
US08522883B2
A tubular string testing system for use with a tubular string having a longitudinally extending flow passage can include a valve which selectively permits and prevents fluid communication between sections of the flow passage, a bypass passage which provides fluid communication between the sections of the flow passage when the valve is closed, and a filter which filters fluid that flows through the bypass passage. A method of testing a tubular string can include permitting fluid to flow through a bypass passage which connects sections of a flow passage extending longitudinally through the tubular string, a filter filtering the fluid which flows through the bypass passage, a valve of a tubular string testing system preventing flow of the fluid between the sections of the flow passage through the valve, and flow through the bypass passage being prevented in response to a predetermined pressure differential being created across the filter.
US08522871B2
A gas generator is provided with a combustion chamber into which oxygen and a hydrogen containing fuel are directed for combustion therein. The gas generator also includes water inlets and an outlet for a steam and CO2 mixture generated within the gas generator. The steam and CO2 mixture can be used for various different processes, with some such processes resulting in recirculation of water from the processor back to the water inlets of the gas generator. In one process a hydrocarbon containing subterranean space is accessed by a well and the steam and CO2 mixture is directed into the well to enhance removability of hydrocarbons within the subterranean space. Fluids are then removed from the subterranean space include hydrocarbons and water, with a portion of the hydrocarbons then removed in a separator/recovery step. The resulting hydrocarbon removal system can operate with no polluting emissions and with no water requirements.
US08522869B2
A fiber optic based logging assembly deliverable via coiled tubing. The downhole portion of the assembly is directed to develop a logging profile of a well by way of the fiber optic line. Thus, a downhole battery may be provided with the tool. Further, opto-electric interfaces may be provided with the assembly to convert between electrical and optical communication signals. Additionally, with the reduced profile of an optical communication line through the coiled tubing portion of the assembly, an operator may elect to perform treatment applications in real-time. That is, in certain circumstances, the operator may direct a treatment application utilizing the downhole assembly in response to the developing well profile (i.e. without first requiring that the assembly be withdrawn and replaced with a solely dedicated treatment assembly).
US08522865B2
An automated flowback system allows control and operation of the system from a remote location away from the dangers of high-pressure gases or abrasives traveling at high velocities that cause damage or failure to equipment piping valves. The system provides techniques and mechanical components installed in flowlines in any position without having to cut and thread, weld or fabricate pipe to fit. This system includes an expansion coupling with axial adjusting lengths adequate to compensate for variations between two points. The expansion coupling is secured and installed into position eliminating field cut and threading, welding or fabrication. The system also includes a blast barrel with an installed choke nipple, choke bean or choke insert with a chosen orifice size for multiple chambered ports. The blast barrel retracts between two fixed points without having to dismantle any connections or be removed from the fluid flow.
US08522861B2
A cold plate assembly is provided having a cold plate with a generally planar member that provides a support surface. The support surface is configured to support a heat generating device. A structural member provides attaching features that are configured to secure the cold plate assembly to a support. The cold plate is secured to the structural member by a braze material. In one example, the cold plate assembly is manufactured by arranging multiple sheets with a first braze material provided between the sheets. The multiple sheets comprise a cold plate. The braze material is heated to mechanically join the multiple sheets to one another and the cold plate to the structural member.
US08522853B2
In one embodiment, a closure assembly for a fire door, including a first lead post having a longitudinal cavity located therein, an opening extending through a wall of the first lead post into the longitudinal cavity and a locking member may be positioned within the longitudinal cavity that is configured to obstruct the opening into the longitudinal cavity upon reaching a predetermined temperature, is disclosed. In additional embodiments, fire doors including such closure assemblies and methods of locking fire doors are disclosed.
US08522850B2
The present invention is related to a method and an apparatus for assembling a tire (1) onto the rim (2) of a vehicle wheel or for disassembling a tire (1) from the rim (2) of a vehicle wheel. There is provided an electric motor (3) for rotationally driving the rim (2) and the tire (1) during the assembling or disassembling operation, tools (4, 5) for assembling or disassembling the tire (1) onto the rim (2) or from the rim (2), measuring means (6, 15, 16, 18) for measuring the tire temperature and/or forces acting on the tire during the assembling or disassembling operation, and recording means (7) for recording on at least one data carrier the measured values of the tire temperature and/or of the forces acting on the tire during the assembling or disassembling operation.
US08522846B2
In order to protect the sidewall of a vehicle wheel from damage caused by an antiskid chain mounted on the wheel, a sidewall protection cover having a U-shaped body is provided. The sidewall protection cover accommodates a chain link of a chain side strand that is situated against the sidewall. The body is preferably one piece and has two wings that are connected along a spine, where the wings enclose a space for accommodating the chain link, and at least one of the wings has a holding element, on its side that faces inward, in the form of a projection for holding the chain link and/or a connection element suspended on it in place between the wings.
US08522844B2
To provide a pneumatic tire having a tire side portion with an enhanced durability according to the present invention, a run flat tire (1) has a turbulent generating concavo-convex part (5) composed of grooves and ribs and extending along at least part of a tire side portion, and a pattern is set to the turbulent generating concavo-convex part (5), in which for the turbulent generating concavo-convex part (5), letting h be a height, p be a pitch, and w be a width, a relationship is met such that 1.0≦p/h≦50.0, and 1.0≦(p−w)/w≦100.0.
US08522842B2
A method and apparatus for stabilizing vials during a contents transfer, the apparatus having a flat base from which vertical arms rise from each end, and having a stabilizer band segment above and parallel to each side of the flat base to provide stabilizing support to at least one fluid vial when the fluid vial is up-ended over a base vial during a contents transfer.
US08522838B2
A grommet adapted to secure a fuel fill line to a fuel fill housing includes a body having an opening extending therethrough and a first flange coupled to the body. The first flange includes a plurality of tabs. The body also includes a second flange coupled to the body such that a channel is defined between each of the tabs and the second flange. Each respective mating tab is adapted to be received in each respective channel. The mating flange includes a plurality of slots. Each respective slot is formed between a pair of mating tabs. During installation, each tab is adapted to be inserted through a respective slot formed in the mating flange. The grommet also includes a latching device adapted to limit the radial movement of the grommet with respect to the mating flange. The latching device may be embodied as a detent adapted to be received in a recess formed in the mating flange. The grommet may also include a tactile indicator adapted to indicate when the grommet is in a predetermined radial position. A fuel fill housing assembly including the above described grommet is also described.
US08522832B2
Some embodiments disclosed herein related to a device for transferring precise amounts of fluid from at least one source container to a at least one target container. In some embodiments, the fluid is first transferred from the source container (e.g., a vial) through a connector to an intermediate measuring container (e.g., a syringe). In some embodiments air can pass through an air inlet and enter the vial to compensate for the volume of fluid withdrawn from the vial. An air check valve or a bag or a filter can prevent the fluid from escaping through the air inlet. The precisely measured amount of fluid can then be transferred from the intermediate measuring container to the target container (e.g., an IV bag). In some embodiments the connector can include a source check valve and a target check valve to direct fluid first from the source container to the intermediate measuring container and then from the intermediate measuring container to the target container. Some embodiments of the device can include a motor and a controller for automatically actuating a plunger of the syringe to transfer the desired amount of fluid.
US08522829B2
An insulated article having a first insulation region comprising a first polymeric material and first hollow ceramic microspheres and a second insulation region comprising a second polymeric material and second hollow ceramic microspheres. The first insulation region has a thermal conductivity that is no greater than the thermal conductivity of the first polymeric material and a volumetric heat capacity in a range of 60% to 90% of the volumetric heat capacity of the first polymeric material. The second insulation region has a thermal conductivity that is no greater than 90% of the thermal conductivity of the second polymeric material and a volumetric heat capacity that is less than 60% of the volumetric heat capacity of the second polymeric material. A method for making a composition for insulating an article is also described.
US08522828B2
A double-walled exhaust system component having glass bubbles disposed between inner and outer pipes and method of making the same. The glass bubbles have a size distribution wherein, on a bulk volume basis, at least 90 percent of the glass bubbles have a size of less than 150 micrometers.
US08522818B2
A booster valve comprising a housing having a signal port, an actuator port, a supply port, and an exhaust port disposed therein. Disposed within the housing are upper and lower plugs. The upper and lower plugs and the housing collectively define a signal chamber which fluidly communicates with the signal port, an actuator chamber which fluidly communicates with the actuator port, and a supply chamber which fluidly communicates with the supply port. The upper and lower plugs are selectively moveable between neutral, delivery and discharge positions. When in the neutral position, the actuator chamber is fluidly isolated from both the supply chamber and the exhaust port. When in the delivery position, the actuator chamber fluidly communicates with the supply chamber but is fluidly isolated from the exhaust port. Finally, when in the discharge position, the actuator chamber fluidly communicates with the exhaust port but is fluidly isolated from the supply chamber.
US08522811B2
An auto flow steam trap has a hollow body, a partition panel mounted in the body, at least one float seat mounted on the partition panel and at least one float assembly mounted in the at least one float seat. Condensate flows through at least one condensate inlet formed on the body, the at least one float seat and at least one float assembly, and then is drained out of the steam trap from a transverse outlet formed on the body. No flash steam occurs when the condensate is drained out of the steam trap. With a non-return valve assembly of the float seat, the condensate and steam that have flowed out of the steam trap do not flow back into the steam trap so a float of the float assembly is not damaged.
US08522808B2
A safety valve for a battery which is mounted on a sealing plate for sealing an opening portion of a gastight battery case, and which can rapidly release a gas in the battery when a battery internal pressure is elevated is provided. In a safety valve for a gastight battery, a thin-wall valve element is formed on a sealing plate which seals an opening portion of a battery case, and the valve element is opened when a battery internal pressure becomes a predetermined value or more so as to release a gas in the battery to the outside of the battery. The safety valve includes: an outer annular groove formed of an annular thin wall which is formed on the periphery of the valve element and is provided for releasing the whole valve element; an inner annular groove formed of an annular thin wall which is arranged in an area inside the outer annular groove; and a connecting groove formed of a straight thin wall which connects the outer annular groove and the inner annular groove to each other. A wall thickness of the inner annular groove and a wall thickness of the connecting groove are set larger than a wall thickness of the outer annular groove.
US08522804B1
A sunshade (12) includes a pole (111) rotatably receiving a screw rod (295) that is can be rotated by operating a handle (213) to cause movement of a follower (277) in the pole (111) between a folded position, an unfolded position, and a tilted position. A runner (297) is mounted around the pole (111) and fixed to the follower (277) to move therewith. A pivotable member (383) is pivotably connected to a fixing member (363) fixed on an upper end (113) of the pole (111). Ribs (451) are pivotably mounted to a hub (439) fixed on the pivotable member (383). Stretchers (313) are pivotably mounted between the ribs (451) and the runner (297). The hub (439) and the ribs (451) are tilted when the pivotable member (383) is pivoted due to movement of the follower (277) from the unfolded position to the tilted position.
US08522797B2
A replaceable accessory head for a powered toothbrush. The user selects one of a plurality of dental care accessory assemblies for flossing, brushing teeth, or for stimulating the gums. That assembly is engaged with the head which in turn is engaged with the handle and is locked thereto. This locking motion also causes the assembly to become locked to the head and the assembly may then be used for its intended purpose. A vibratory mechanism in the handle is activated causing vibration in the accessory assembly and thus improving the flossing, brushing or gum stimulation motions. When the assembly is worn out or when a different dental hygiene task is to be undertaken, the user detaches the head from the handle, thereby simultaneously unlocking the accessory assembly from the head. The assembly is then disengaged and is replaced by a different accessory assembly.
US08522796B2
The present invention includes coated monofilament dental tapes for removing plaque and/or food debris from interdental spaces of a mammal, which dental tapes have a core body with an aspect ratio of about 5:1 or greater, a first cleaning surface and a second cleaning surface opposite the first cleaning surface, a plurality of ribs disposed along the length of each cleaning surface, and a coating containing about 0.8 milligram per yard of dental tape or more of an abrasive and about 0.8 milligram per yard dental tape or more of sodium bicarbonate.
US08522789B2
Airway devices and tube securing devices are disclosed. Methods of making and using airway devices and tube securing devices are also disclosed.
US08522783B2
A cushion includes a substantially triangularly shaped frame from which extends a membrane. The frame has a scalloped edge by which the cushion is affixed to a mask body. The membrane has an aperture into which the wearer's nose is received. The membrane is spaced away from the rim of the frame. The wearer's nose is received through the aperture into the chamber within the mask body. The shape of the seal forming portion is particularly suited to effectively seal the difficult region of the facial contour that is the crease between the sides of the nose and the face.
US08522782B2
A high flow therapy system including a microprocessor, a heating element a non-sealing respiratory interface and a sensor is disclosed. The heating element is disposed in electrical communication with the microprocessor and is capable of heating a liquid to create a gas. The non-sealing respiratory interface is configured to deliver the gas to a patient. The sensor is disposed in electrical communication with the microprocessor and is configured to measure pressure in an upper airway of the patient.
US08522776B2
An inhalation device comprising a base having a slot for insertion of a single blister containing a dose of medicament to be inhaled into the base is disclosed. The inhaler has a mouthpiece pivotally mounted to the base which carries a blister piercing element operable to pierce a blister received in said slot when the mouthpiece is pivoted relative to the base. When a user inhales on the mouthpiece, the dose is entrained in an airflow and flows out of the blister through the mouthpiece and into the user's airway.
US08522775B2
An inhaler (1) device for inhalation of a medicament from a pierceable capsule (10) comprises a housing (2) for receiving a medicament, capsule, closure means (3) for closing the housing, said closure means being moveable relative to the housing; piercing means (7) suitable for piercing a medicament capsule; wherein movement of the closure means relative to the housing causes movement of the piercing means, and wherein the device comprises an air inlet (71) and an air outlet (72) defining an inhalation passage therebetween, the passage comprising one or more vents (70).
US08522772B1
A tracking system for a solar collector assembly array where the tracking system includes a coplanar circular rim structure including multiple circular rims, where each circular rim is fitted around a respective solar collector and where each solar collector has a general shape of a sealed and inflated cylindrical tube housing having a longitudinal center axis and where each solar collector is in a horizontal planar array with respect to each other. The tracking system further includes a first elongated frame structure for supporting the circular rim structure such that all of the circular rims are generally vertically coplanar with one another. The tracking system further includes a cable serially wrapped around each of the respective circular rims to form a closed cable loop where the wrapped cable forms a series of a generally vertical coplanar loops with each loop contacting around a respective rim structure such that at least one generally complete gripping loop is formed on each respective rim. An actuator is attached to the frame structure such that actuator provides a controllable driving force to the closed cable loop to allow for controlled rotation of each solar collector assembly around its respective longitudinal axis.
US08522769B2
The present invention relates to outdoor grill accessories, and more particularly, a foldable worktable attachment for an outdoor grill that includes a large table area that is interconnected to a lower shelf by two sets of foldable legs. When in an erect position, the table provides ample space for preparing foods and the like, but when in a collapsed position, the table lies flush against one of the sides of the grill housing, thus, enclosing the lower shelf and supporting legs that are folded and stored between the table and a recessed area included in the grill housing.
US08522766B2
A quiver assembly for detachable connection to an archery bow includes first and second releasable locking members connectable to an archery bow and a quiver. The first releasable locking member has a first base portion with a first locking pin located at one end thereof, a first guide block located at an opposite end thereof, and a first receiver contiguous with the first guide block. The second releasable locking member has a second base portion with a second locking pin located at one end thereof, a second guide block located at an opposite end thereof, and a second receiver contiguous with the second guide block. The first locking pin is received in the second receiver and the second locking pin is received in the first receiver and the first and second guide blocks are in mutual engagement when the first and second releasable locking members are connected together.
US08522754B2
A fuel injector clamp and method of clamping a fuel injector includes clamp members each including a central body with a concaved section and two horizontally offset passageways. Clamp members are oppositely oriented such that the concaved section forms a region adapted to engage a fuel injector. Offset passageways are aligned such that a top passageway of one member is aligned with a bottom passageway of the opposing member. A fastening mechanism is passed through a first pair of aligned passageways to form a hinge, allowing clamp members to pivot about the hinge so a fuel injector can be disposed between the concaved sections. Members are then pivoted towards each other to close the clamp assembly; a second fastening mechanism is passed through a second pair of aligned offset passageways to lock the injector into place.
US08522753B2
Holding elements are known for holding an assembly in a holder, comprising a holding section for engaging behind the assembly and holding members that are provided on the holding section for holding the assembly in the holder. It is disadvantageous that the holding element is comparatively expensive to produce. For example, it is configured very rigidly in the holding direction, which is achieved with a comparatively high amount of material. This results in high production costs. In addition, in the case of very high mechanical loads the detent connection can detach due to torque acting on the detent hooks. The holding element according to the invention is simplified, thereby lowering the production costs. According to the invention, the holding section has a flat configuration viewed in the holding direction, and the holding members are angled in relation to the holding section and configured as elastically resilient holding arms.
US08522749B2
Methods and systems are provided for improving fluid usage while addressing knock by adjusting the use of spark retard and direct injection of a fluid based on engine operating conditions and the composition of the injected fluid. One or more engine parameters, such as EGR, VCT, boost, throttle position, are coordinated with the direct injection to reduce torque and EGR transients.
US08522743B2
A communicating passage for discharging oil and recovering the oil in an oil pan in a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine wherein the communicating passage enables internal spaces of a plurality of crank chambers corresponding to a plurality of cylinders to communicate is provided to a crankcase. An opening of a drain for discharging oil inside the communicating passage is provided. In addition, the drain for discharging the oil via the opening is provided. The drain is formed to discharge the oil on the side of the oil pan provided to the crankcase.
US08522742B2
To reduce the height of a crankcase by arranging a communicating passage in a proper position and to miniaturize an engine in a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine provided with an upper crankcase integrated with a cylinder block or provided separately from the cylinder block on the downside of the cylinder block and a lower crankcase connected to a lower part of the upper crankcase and provided with a communicating passage that communicates with internal spaces of plural crank chambers corresponding to plural cylinders. In the multi-cylinder internal combustion engine, a communicating hole that communicates with the communicating passage is provided on at least either side of the upper crankcase or the lower crankcase, and a cover forming the communicating passage is arranged with the cover covering the communicating hole and is attached to both crankcases across a joined plane of the upper crankcase and the lower crankcase.
US08522741B2
An air-intake duct, which is disposed between an air outlet of an air cleaner box constituting an air cleaner and an air inlet of a throttle body constituting a throttle device, is configured to guide air cleaned by the air cleaner to the throttle device. The air-intake duct includes a tubular coupling member including an upstream coupling portion coupled in an air tight manner to the air outlet of the air cleaner box and a downstream coupling portion air-tightly coupled to the air inlet of the throttle body, the coupling member being entirely formed of an elastic rubber material. The air-intake duct also includes an air guide member including a first air inlet configured to take in air therethrough from inside the air cleaner box, a first air outlet configured to discharge the air therethrough toward the throttle body, and a fitting portion fitted to the coupling member.
US08522739B2
A roller seating device has a hollow-cylindrical element (1) in which a roller (4) is received in seats (8, 10) perpendicular to a center axis (6) of the hollow-cylindrical element (1). A securing element (12) is configured and arranged to couple in a form-fit to the hollow-cylindrical element (1) in the interior (14) of the hollow-cylindrical element (1) in a direction that is axial and rotatory with respect to the center axis (6) of the hollow-cylindrical element (1) and in such a manner as to fix the roller (4) on its faces (16, 18) axially to the center axis (6) of the roller (4).
US08522729B2
A stud and stud arrangement protects the water-cooled tubes of a slag tap outlet from corrosion and erosion by flowing slag and flue gas. The stud is a generally annular or ring-like segment. The stud has a projection terminating in an edge adapted to contact a tube at stud contact area, and has a weld surface for receiving a weld. The weld contacts a tube at a weld contact area and thermally and physically connects the stud to a tube. The weld surface area is greater than the stud contact area, thereby improving heat transfer between the tube and stud. The studs are disposed in an arrangement that is staggered in a direction perpendicular to the flow slag and flue gas.
US08522726B2
A livestock squeeze chute having a head gate assembly at the head end thereof with the head gate assembly including first and second head gates which dwell in a plane which is approximately at a 30-degree angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the squeeze chute. Power cylinders pivotally move the head gates between open and closed positions. Although power cylinders are preferred, the head gates could be manually moved between their open and closed positions.
US08522723B2
An animal exercise wheel is illuminated by LEDs connected to a battery via a reed switch. A magnet actuates the reed switch when an animal begins to rotate the wheel. The LEDs flash with the frequency of rotation of the animal wheel or continuously. As long as the wheel rotates, the magnet continues to actuate the reed switch, which resets a counter. When the wheel stops and the reed switch is no longer actuated, the counter counts a predetermined time, and terminates the illumination of the LEDs.
US08522722B2
A device for feeding animals, includes a frame with a feed holder for a feeding site for an animal. The frame is provided with a restricting device for restricting in at least two opposite lateral directions a dwelling space for an animal using the feeding site. The device is also provided with a distancing mechanism for keeping animals located outside the dwelling space at a distance from the restricting device.
US08522720B2
An animal litter composition that includes geopolymerized ash particulates having a network of repeating aluminum-silicon units is described herein. Generally, the animal litter is made from a quantity of a pozzolanic ash mixed with an alkaline activator to initiate a geopolymerization reaction that forms geopolymerized ash. This geopolymerization reaction may occur within a pelletizer. After the geopolymerized ash is formed, it may be dried and sieved to a desired size. These geopolymerized ash particulates may be used to make a non-clumping or clumping animal litter or other absorbing material. Aluminum sulfate, clinoptilolite, silica gel, sodium alginate and mineral oil may be added as additional ingredients.
US08522719B2
A portable, fully-disposable, pet toilet is comprised of a receptacle whose cavity is fitted with living grass, living sod (including washed or soil-free sod), or a grass-seed medium. The unit has a fitted, removable cover or fold-back lid to enable the convenient shipping and disposal of the unit in its entirety. The pet toilet is used by the pet for a set period of time, at which point it is completely disposed of and replaced with a new one.
US08522713B2
To provide a curtain coating apparatus including: a slit from which at least one layer of a coating liquid is ejected; a curtain edge guide configured to guide the ejected coating liquid in the form of a curtain liquid film and make the coating liquid fall freely, while pouring an auxiliary liquid from the whole of a surface provided in contact with the coating liquid in the curtain edge guide, so as to apply the coating liquid onto a continuously running web; and a claw which supports the curtain liquid film at a bottom of the curtain edge guide, wherein when a residue of the liquid is left on the claw, the claw is configured to move.
US08522709B2
A sun cover for use with a boat tower having an elevated tow point. The cover includes a frame having a forward portion and a rear portion located adjacent to the forward portion, with at least a portion of the rear portion being spaced above or below the forward portion, defining a gap defined above or below a trailing portion of the forward portion and a leading portion of the rear portion. The frame is mounted to the tower and oriented relative to the tower so that the tow point is accessible via the gap such that a tow rope connected to the tow point extends rearwardly from the tow point via the gap and the cover does not interfere with a tow rope attached to the tow point during use of the boat to pull a person being towed by the boat using the tow rope.
US08522707B1
A three dimensional floating structure is formed of interconnected sealed pipes. Large tires are filled with foam, sealed and arranged side by side on the lowest horizontal pipes. A deck supports activities. Structures on sides at a water surface trap floating substances. Offset hinged plates connect modules, forming large structures. Wind redirectors are mounted on plural levels. Windmill pumps draw cool deep water and spray water to disrupt wind energy, cool the surface and concentrate floating substances. The windmills drive turbine generators directly by pumping water to storage tanks and discharging the water through penstocks to drive hydro-electric turbine generators. Excess power is transmitted through cables to onshore power grids. The floating structures provide oil recovery and wind de-energizing, water and waste treatment and residential and recreational activities.
US08522704B2
A method of producing a stitched perforated sheet material including providing a sheet material (3) with a perforated region 4 and an unperforated region (5). The sheet material is then stitched in the unperforated region, but adjacent to the perforated region. This gives an overall perforated appearance whilst avoiding the problems associated with stitching through a perforated material.
US08522699B2
A seeding machine row unit having a seed meter with an endless belt as a seed transport member. A pressure differential holds the seed onto the belt. The belt allows greater freedom in determining the location of the seed pick-up region and the seed release or removal region beyond the constraints of a fixed diameter seed disk. The row unit further includes a delivery system using a brush belt to move metered seed from the meter to the ground.
US08522696B1
Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and apparatus for an inlaid table top table. The top table affords an aesthetically pleasing table that is not only easier to maintain but reduces packaging bulk. An inlaid table top table comprises a table top frame having a rim around an interior of the table top frame, a table top insert configured to fit within the table top frame and rest under the rim of the table top frame. A plurality of table top fasteners is configured to secure the table top insert from under the table top frame against the rim of the table top frame. A set of table legs is coupled to the table top frame, and a support ring is coupled to the set of table legs to provide additional support to the set of table legs.
US08522688B2
A rail maintenance anchor spreader/squeezer work head includes a work head frame, a pair of sliding brackets laterally reciprocating on the frame, each bracket having an anchor engaging end, and a pair of opposed fluid power cylinders secured to the frame, each cylinder connected to a respective one of the sliding brackets for laterally reciprocating the sliding brackets for any one of anchor squeezing, when both cylinders are extended, and anchor spreading when at least one of the cylinders is retracted.
US08522682B1
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for explosive systems such as grenades with novel micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) fuze and novel placement of the MEMS fuze providing increased performance, reliability, and safety. The MEMS fuze is disposed towards a rear portion of the explosive system providing superior performance and design flexibility. Further, the explosive system includes electronics configured to implement a launch timer and to sense impact or when the system stops spinning. The present invention includes an operational method improving safety and reliability by preventing detonation until after the launch timer expires, upon impact, or when the explosive system stops spinning.
US08522680B2
A printing and embossing folder includes a first panel member having a plurality of holes and a second panel member hingedly coupled to the first panel member having a plurality of holes in corresponding relationship to the holes of the first panel member. A set of design tiles include positive relief designs disposed thereon. A corresponding set of design tiles have either negative relief designs for embossing or no relief for printing. The tiles can be positioned at any desired location on the folder so long as the positive design tiles are positioned opposite a corresponding tile for either embossing or printing. Inserting a sheet of paper within the folder and pressing the folder will cause the design to be embossed or printed into the paper.
US08522677B2
A square baler comprises a bale chute for lowering completed bales onto the ground, wherein the bale chute has a leading end connected to the rear end of the baler for pivoting movement between a raised transport position and a lowered operating position about an axis transverse to the direction of travel of the baler, and a suspension is provided. The suspension is connected to the baler by way of a lever mechanism that is movable between a first position in which the bale chute is supported in the operating position and a second position in which the bale chute is inclined sufficiently to the horizontal to cause a bale resting on any part of the bale chute to slide under the action of gravity along the bale chute and to fall onto the ground from the trailing end of the bale chute.
US08522671B2
A system for a deep fryer having a frypot containing a cooking Medium including a holder that carries a food product to be cooked in the cooking medium and a motor operatively connected to the holder that lowers the holder into the cooking medium. The system further includes a sensor that detects contact of the holder when the holder is immersed in the cooking medium; and a controller including a timer that commences cooking the food product when the sensor contacts holder.
US08522664B2
An apparatus for providing protection from blast and ballistic energy is provided. The apparatus includes a liquid storage mechanism containing a liquid and a rigid layer internal to the liquid storage mechanism. The apparatus also includes a pressure release mechanism configured to allow the liquid to exit the liquid storage mechanism when a pressure sufficient to open or activate the pressure release mechanism contacts the liquid storage mechanism and presses the liquid storage mechanism against the rigid layer.
US08522658B2
A table saw is disclosed. The table saw includes a table top including an opening configured to receive a saw blade, a blade case positioned under the table top, the blade case including an interior portion with the saw blade partially positioned within the interior portion, the blade case configured to move relative to the table top, a motor coupled to the saw blade and configured to move relative to the table top, the saw motor configured to rotate the blade about a blade axis, and at least one moveable guard member positioned between the table top and the blade case, the at least one moveable guard member providing an obstruction to the interior portion of the blade case, and the at least one moveable guard member configured to pivot about a pivot axis when the motor is moved up or down or tilted relative to the table top, wherein the pivot axis is substantially perpendicular to the blade axis.
US08522655B2
Woodworking machines including cutting tools and motors adapted to drive the cutting tools are disclosed. The machines also include a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between the cutting tool and a person, and a reaction system adapted to perform a specified action upon detection of the dangerous condition. The machines further include a control system adapted to test the operability of at least a portion of the detection system and/or the reaction system. The control system is adapted to disable the motor if the tested portion is inoperable.
US08522640B2
A cantilever control system including: a cantilever control arm having a bifurcated section for its attachment to a stationary structure so as to provide resistance to off-center loading, a springy portion of the cantilever control arm disposed at the bifurcated section whereby spring redundancy is provided, and a rigid section of the cantilever control arm which includes a user interface portion (i.e., a foot pad or hand grip); a diversity of sensors in terms of types and locations; a coarse flexure control in the form of a contoured snubber which tunes the flexing stiffness and cantilever control arm flexure feel; and a plurality of fine flexure controls including at least one of: a flexure hysteresis control, an over-travel stop control, and a pre-load flexure control.
US08522638B2
A Shift fork is provided for shifting gears of a transmission assembly of a gear box that includes, but is not limited to a basin for collecting splash oil. The basin includes, but is not limited to an outlet channel for guiding the collected oil away from the basin. By means of the basin splash oil can be collected and led via the outlet channel to nearly every place of the transmission assembly, where additional lubrication is wanted. This provides a better lubrication of parts of the transmission assembly with low effort.
US08522637B2
A gear shift lever is provided with damping device of a vehicle. The damping device damps the returning of a reverse gear blocking element in the axial direction of the gear shift lever into a blocking position. For this, the damping device has a first rigid ring element in the axial direction of the gear shift lever, which surrounds the gear shift lever and has projections distributed on the periphery in axial direction. In addition, the damping device has a second rigid ring element, which has recesses in the region of the projections of the first ring element. On the reverse gear blocking element and on the gear shift lever, radial shoulders are arranged, against which the two rigid ring elements support themselves axially. Between the first and the second rigid ring element a rubber-elastic ring element is arranged which is deformable in a rubber-elastic manner between the projections of the first rigid ring element and the recesses of the second rigid ring element on the returning of a reverse gear blocking element.
US08522633B2
A transmission 7 includes three ball bearings 81A, 81B, 81C, an input shaft 74, an output holding member 83, and an output shaft 72. Each of the ball bearings 81A, 81B, 81C has an inner race, an outer race, and a plurality of rolling elements. The input shaft 74 has an insertion portion inserted into the inner race, and is rotated about the rotation axis of the ball bearing 81A, thereby rotating the inner race. When the inner race is rotated, the rolling elements roll in accordance with the rotation of the inner race. The output holding member 83 includes a holding portion 831 which is held by the rolling elements, and is rotated about the rotation axis of the ball bearing 81C in accordance with rolling of the rolling elements, whereby the output shaft 72 is rotated about the rotation axis of the ball bearing 81C.
US08522629B2
The present invention relates to a sequential groundwater sampler and a sampling method thereof, and more particularly, the sampler is constructed with a first pipe, a second pipe, a first cylinder unit and a second cylinder unit. The first pipe plays a role as a container for vacuum sample bottle. The first pipe is fixedly inserted to the second pipe. The second pipe is connected to the two cylinders to be moved up and down vertically while surrounding the first pipe by an advance and retreat of the second cylinder unit. The second pipe plays a role of, passing a syringe needle amounted at the end of a first piston in the first cylinder unit through a rubber plug of a vacuum sample bottle at the bottom end of the first pipe, or separating the syringe needle from the vacuum sample bottle, by an advance and retreat of the first cylinder unit. If the second cylinder and the first cylinder sequentially advance, groundwater is injected to the vacuum sample bottle at the bottom end of the first pipe. If the first cylinder unit and the second cylinder unit sequentially retreat, the vacuum sample bottle completed with injection of the sample is separated downward from the first pipe gravity. The present invention is related to the sampler and the method that sequentially sampling groundwater at a particular depth in a well through repeating above processes.
US08522627B2
A pump portion for taking in and discharging solutions includes a first plunger pump with a small capacity and a second plunger pump with a large capacity. Intake ports of both the plunger pumps are connected in parallel to a common port of a switching valve with a first three-way valve interposed therebetween. The first three-way valve connects the intake port of one of the plunger pumps to the switching valve. Discharge ports of both the plunger pumps are connected in parallel to one port of the switching valve with a second three-way valve interposed therebetween. The second three-way valve connects the discharge port of one of the plunger pumps to the switching valve.
US08522619B2
A pressure sensor including a sensor chip; a differential pressure diaphragm provided in the center portion of the sensor chip; a first differential pressure gauge formed along a radial direction relative to the center of the differential pressure diaphragm, provided on a first edge of the differential pressure diaphragm; a second differential pressure gauge formed along a circumferential direction, which is perpendicular to the radial direction, provided in the vicinity of the first differential pressure gauge on the first edge of the differential pressure diaphragm; and a static pressure diaphragm disposed between an edge portion of the sensor chip and one of the edges, other than the first edge, of the differential pressure diaphragm, provided to the outside of the differential pressure diaphragm.
US08522618B1
A disposable manometer includes a chamber connectable to a source of respiratory gases via a patient breathing valve and a passageway. A pointer is rotatably disposed with respect to a dial to indicate pressure within the chamber. The pointer has an actuator stem with a spiral-shaped protrusion coupled to a groove within an opening of a stem coupling attached at the center of a diaphragm forming one wall of the chamber. Responsive to pressure entering the chamber, the diaphragm reciprocates against the force of a biasing non-magnetic resilient member moving the stem coupling with respect to the actuator stem of the pointer so that the interaction between the spiral-shaped protrusion and the groove causes rotation of the pointer to indicate the pressure within the chamber. The disposable manometer is useful with any source of respiratory gasses and in the vicinity of any strong magnetic field.
US08522617B2
An acoustic matching device has a water bag (64) that contains water and a water bag support frame (66) that sandwiches and supports the water bag on the left and right sides of the knee and curves along the knee cap. The water bag becomes a plate shape curved along the shape of the water bag support frame, which touches the knee cap and fits the unevenness of the knee. When an ultrasonic probe is moved along the knee cap, the acoustic matching between the knee cap and the ultrasonic probe is obtained.
US08522616B2
The invention relates to a method and a device for detecting the solidification behavior of pourable and solidifying masses and/or masses that are to be solidified, in particular of chocolate-type masses, as well as their separation behavior from their delimiting walls that are in contact with these masses, specifically molds. Solutions are offered regarding how to achieve the optimized point in time for demolding and for achieving optimized product surface quality taking into account process orders of magnitude such as cooling temperature, cooling speed and conveyor belt speed.
US08522606B2
A method for similitude testing of a turbomachine, the method comprising selecting a test gas having a molecular weight between 40 g/gmol and 150 g/gmol, a global warming potential (GWP) of less than 700, and a gas specific heat ratio of between 1 and 1.5; operating the turbomachine using the selected test gas; identifying at least one parameter while operating the turbomachine; establishing at least one test parameter associated with the at least one parameter; and comparing the at least one test parameter with a corresponding at least one specified parameter to determine whether the turbomachine has passed the similitude test.
US08522594B2
A workpiece enlarging method is provided, by which an enlarged portion can stably be formed on a portion of a workpiece such as a shaft member, and a drive force required to form the enlarged portion can be reduced. The workpiece enlarging method forms the enlarged portion on the workpiece (W) by applying, with respect to the workpiece (W), alternating shear energy in a transverse direction thereof so as to suppress deformation of the workpiece (W) within an elastic limit while applying compression energy that produces compressive stress equal to or greater than an initial yield strength to increase internal energy of the workpiece (W), thereby decomposing a portion of the increased internal energy by the alternating shear energy and deforming and enlarging the enlargement intended area of the workpiece (W) with the assistance of the decomposed energy obtained by the decomposition.
US08522584B2
A cylinder lock having a body and a modified cam, the cylinder lock being adapted for moving an external element arranged to engage the modified cam, so that the external element slides axially on the cylinder lock body. In a preferred embodiment, the inventive cylinder lock is designed to utilize a helical cam which engages a movable external element or slider, and this design is referred to as the HC cylinder lock. When operated by rotating the appropriate key within it, the movable external element can be moved in a linear fashion along the length of the HC cylinder lock thus converting rotational motion of the key to axial motion of the external element. The external element is arranged to engage an eccentric pin formed as part of a rotating bolt which rotates on an orthogonal axis to the cylinder plug in response to said sliding motion, for the function of locking or unlocking a device. The streamlined design of the inventive HC cylinder lock enables efficient placement of a door lock within the hollow volume of a door to provide locking action.
US08522583B2
In one aspect, the invention is directed to a closure latch for a vehicle door. The closure latch includes an emergency lock actuator to permit a person to lock the door in the event that the power lock actuator is unusable. The latch also includes an ‘impatient passenger’ feature, which permits the doors to be unlocked using the remote keyless-entry feature on the key fob even in a situation where an ‘impatient passenger’ had prematurely lifted the door handle of the vehicle. In some prior art latches, such an action by an ‘impatient passenger’ would prevent the drive motor on the latch from unlocking the latch, thereby necessitating the owner to press the unlock button on the key fob a second time. There is some overlap in the components that used for the ‘impatient passenger’ feature and the components used for the emergency lock actuator, thereby reducing cost and complexity of the latch.
US08522582B2
The present invention relates to a dual lock apparatus (10) of the type including a locking bolt (14) moveable between a first locked position and a second unlocked position said bolt movement corresponding with longitudinal movement of a slider (26) said apparatus including a first and a second locking means adapted to operate independently of one another. The first locking means (74) includes a rotatable cam (76) such that when rotated said cam acts against a moveable piston to thereby move said piston from a first position to a second position in which the second locking means becomes disengaged from said slider and further rotation of the cam urges longitudinal movement of the slider. The second locking means includes an electric motor in geared connection to a member (44) moveable between a first position and second position corresponding with the locked and unlocked positions of the bolt said member including an outwardly biased pin (52) adapted to engage the piston cylinder (58) and urge said piston into said piston first position to thereby mechanically connect the second locking means with the slider. The locking means can therefore operate independently of one another.
US08522579B2
A clothes washer is provided comprising one or more power consuming functions and a controller in signal communication with an associated utility. The controller can receive and process a signal from the associated utility indicative of current state of an associated utility. The controller operates the clothes washer in one of a plurality of operating modes, including at least a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode in response to the received signal. In the case of a water heating clothes washer containing a heater assembly, the controller is configured to change the power consuming characteristics of the heater assembly to reduce power consumption of the clothes washer in an energy savings mode.
US08522578B2
Disclosed herein are a steam generator (600), a laundry machine, and a control method of the laundry machine. The steam generator (600) includes a steam generation unit (610) having a water inlet port (612) formed at one side thereof, an outlet port (613) formed at the other side thereof, and a flow channel (611) connected between the water inlet port (612) and the outlet port (613); and a heater (640) for heating water being supplied through the water inlet port (612) to generate steam. The laundry machine includes a machine case (100) forming the external appearance thereof, a drum (400) rotatably mounted in the machine case (100), and a steam generator (600) having a steam generation unit (610) with a flow channel (611) connected between a water inlet port (612) formed at one side thereof and an outlet port (613) formed at the other side thereof, and a heater (640) for heating water being supplied through the water inlet port (612) to generate steam. The control method includes a steam supply step of heating water being supplied through the water inlet port (612) of the steam generation unit (610) by the heater (640) to generate steam and supplying the generated steam to the drum (400).
US08522563B2
A method of forming a passageway in an insulated door of a refrigerator includes the steps of forming a conduit by inserting a mandrel in the space between a door liner and outer skin, filling the space with foam insulation, and removing the mandrel. In one embodiment, the mandrel is encased with a polymeric skin prior to the inserting step, such that, when the mandrel is removed, the skin remains at the boundary of the passageway so formed. In another embodiment, the method includes mounting fluid and/or electrical conduits to an inside surface of the door liner and subsequently injecting the foam insulation to surround the conduits. In yet another embodiment, fluid and/or electrical conduits are mounted to an outer surface of the door liner. A cover is then positioned over the conduits.
US08522551B2
An apparatus for determining an abnormality of a control valve is applied to an internal combustion engine having a first supercharger, a second supercharger, a first control valve, and a second control valve. The apparatus includes an electronic control unit to obtain two supercharging-pressure-corresponding-values before and after an opening degree of the first control valve is changed during a period in which the engine is operated in a specific operating state under which the first supercharger supercharges the engine more efficiently than the second supercharger, and to determine whether or not the second control valve is abnormal based on the two values with respect to the change of the opening degree of the first control valve.
US08522550B2
The invention refers to a supercharging system for an internal combustion engine incorporating in combination, a turbine, a compressor and an electrical driven system that is connected by any power transmission system to the crankshaft or any other vehicle drive shaft of an internal combustion engine, where the turbine inlet is subjected to exhaust gases, causing the turbine wheel to rotate and thereby via the drive shaft causing mechanical rotating power.
US08522545B2
A heat-driven engine includes a thermally conductive input path, from a heat source and a working medium of a thermostrictive material positioned adjacent to the thermally conductive path. Also, a heat pump of phase change material is positioned adjacent to the working medium and an actuator is controlled to apply stimulus to the heat pump, causing a phase change and an associated release of thermal energy, to drive the working medium above its low-to-high temperature of transformation and controlled to alternatingly remove the stimulus from the heat pump, causing the phase change to reverse, and an associated intake of thermal energy, to drive the working medium below its high-to-low temperature of transformation. Also, heat flow through the thermally conductive path maintains the working medium at a temperature range permitting the heat pump to drive the working medium temperature, in the manner noted.
US08522543B2
The present disclosure is directed toward a hydraulic control system. The system may have a pump and a tool actuator configured to move a tool with a flow of pressurized fluid provided by the pump. The system may further have a tool control valve configured to control the flow of pressurized fluid to the tool actuator. The system may also have a controller operably connected with the tool control valve and the pump. The controller may be configured to receive a tool movement request. The controller may further be configured to estimate a change in a flow demand across the tool control valve associated with the tool movement request. The controller may also be configured to command adjustment of a discharge flow rate of the pump based on the estimated change in flow demand to satisfy the tool movement request.
US08522528B2
In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed an apparatus configured to diffuse a flow of bleed air. The apparatus having an inlet collar configured to receive the flow of bleed air in a direction substantially along a longitudinal axis of the apparatus. The apparatus further having an end wall longitudinally spaced apart from the inlet collar and configured to block the flow of bleed air in a direction substantially along the longitudinal axis. The apparatus also having a first diffuser wall spaced concentrically relative to a second diffuser wall, each of the first and second diffuser walls positioned between the inlet collar and the end wall and including a plurality of perforations configured to permit the flow of bleed air to exit the apparatus at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis.
US08522524B2
A compressor is provided for pressurizing carbon dioxide produced by a carbon dioxide production plant and introducing the pressurized carbon dioxide to a carbon dioxide sequestration system. The compressor has a measuring system which determines the amount of carbon dioxide produced by the production plant. It also has a control system which varies the power of the compressor depending on the determined amount of produced carbon dioxide.
US08522519B2
A lawn mower comprising: a power supply; a chassis for holding the power supply; a fixed shaft attached to the chassis; a rotary blade which is rotatably supported with respect to the fixed shaft; a transmitting portion which transmits rotation of the power supply to the rotary blade; and a fixed blade which is coaxially-arranged with the rotary blade, wherein a distance between the rotary blade and the fixed blade can be varied.
US08522516B2
A packaging machine includes a packaging machine main body, a film transport unit, a former and a former insertion guide assembly. The film transport unit is coupled to the packaging main body to transport a film from a first end part of the packaging main body towards a second end part of the packaging main body opposite from the first end part. The former is disposed in the second end part of the packaging main body to form the film transported by the film transport unit into a cylindrical shape and to direct the film downwards. The former insertion guide assembly is configured and arranged to guide the former to a predetermined position in the second end part of the packaging machine main body while the former is rotated from a lateral side of the packaging machine main body when the former is mounted to the packaging machine main body.
US08522513B2
An agricultural system for wrapping bales includes a baling device to form a cylindrical bale in a baling chamber, and a wrapping device to wrap the bale in wrapping material. The wrapping device includes a wrapping table to support the bale during wrapping, as well as a wrapping mechanism, and a transfer device to transfer a bale ejected from the baling chamber to the wrapping table. The transfer device includes a pivotable support to support a bale. The pivotable support is at least pivotable between a receive position to receive a bale from the baling chamber, and a release position, wherein the bale is released on the wrapping table.
US08522512B2
A round baler is provided having a web wrap apparatus with a feeder for introducing web into a bale chamber through a gap between adjacent motion means. The motion means are provided with protrusions, and anti-interference spacing means are provided to prevent the feeder from contacting the protrusions.
US08522509B2
The tile installation system provides a system for installing an architectural covering material to a substrate surface utilizing a plurality of release sheets where each release sheet has a top side surface and a bottom side surface. A plurality of discrete adhesive substrate portions are positioned on the top side surface of the release sheet, wherein the top side surface of the release sheet has a stronger bonding affinity with the plurality of adhesive substrate portions than the bottom side surface.
US08522507B2
Provided is a process for producing a concrete platform to which an object to be supported is fixed, including: a step of forming form having a pair of concrete side walls and a concrete bottom slab that connects the pair of side walls (S2); a step of setting the form on a plurality of piers (S3); and a step of pouring concrete into the form that is set on the plurality of piers (S6).
US08522506B2
A system for the placement of modular fill material forming co-joined assemblies that promotes increased efficiency in fill material building methods by utilizing the capabilities of aerial conveyance devices, the pre-assembly of forms, the rapid bracing of forms, and the sequential placement of enclosure forms.
US08522505B2
A boardwalk system including a first component having a pre-formed recess and a second component having a pre-formed recess. The system further includes a connector configured to be positioned in the recesses of the first and second components to connect the first and second components such that the connector limits the movement of first component away from the second component.
US08522504B2
A reinforcing assembly for use in a structural concrete member, such as a slab, footing, raft foundation, beam, wall and column, has at least one reinforcing stud with an elongate stem an anchor head at one or both ends, and a support apparatus for positioning the stud in the concrete member. The apparatus has a rail and connector to mechanically secure the stem to the rail in a given spacing and orientation. The connector may be in to form of a clip member for mounting on the rail and for securing the stud thereto, or the connector may be formed integrally with the rail in the form of a recess along an edge of the rail. The rail typically positions a plurality of studs in the concrete member at a given location, direction and spacing.
US08522497B2
A device for leading pipes (6) of a solar cell through a roof, which device is characterized by a connecting sleeve having an upper end with an annular cross section, the connecting sleeve being mounted onto the straight-cut upper end of a dome-like collar (2a) of a conventional pipe duct (2) to surround the opening of the collar (2a), as well as by a cap (4) turnably installed on the upper end of the connecting sleeve (3) and provided with a sideward-facing receiving opening (5) for pipes (6) to be led from a solar cell into the building, whereby the receiving opening (5) is sealable around the pipes (6).
US08522490B1
Methods and devices are provided for rapid solar module installation. In one embodiment, a photovoltaic module is provided comprising of a plurality of photovoltaic cells positioned between a transparent module layer and a backside module layer. The module may be a frameless module. The module may have brackets that allow one degree of freedom. Optionally, the module may have brackets that allow the module to flex in at least one axis of rotation.
US08522488B1
A modular architectural system adapted for use with a finished wall in a patient room includes a service unit, a wall-masking panel, and an interface strip. The service unit includes a frame and a plurality of modular panels coupled to the frame to support service outlets relative to the finished wall. The wall-masking panel is spaced apart from the service unit and is arranged along an edge of the service unit. The interface strip is coupled to the service unit and arranged along the edge of the service unit between the service unit and the wall-masking panel to interconnect the service unit and the wall-masking panel.
US08522481B2
A glass run mounting assembly (“mounting assembly”) for a vehicle door. The mounting assembly includes an elongated stepped bracket and an elongated plate attached to the bracket. The plate and the bracket define a channel with a glass run retention member therein. The plate has an outer surface, an inner surface, and a wall thickness therebetween. The outer surface of the plate has an appliqué thereto. The elongated plate offsets the appliqué from the glass pane substantially by one of wall thickness of the elongated plate.
US08522480B2
A multi-piece hinge pivotably connects a top member and a bottom member. The hinge includes an upper hinge member securable to the top member, a lower hinge member securable to the bottom member and fixable in a frame, a hinge cover secured between the upper hinge member and the lower hinge member, and a spring element acting between the upper hinge member and the lower hinge member. The upper hinge member is pivotable relative to the lower hinge member across a pivot range between a closed position and an open position. The pivot range is limited by a stop assembly. In the closed position, the spring element is positioned to bias the upper hinge member toward the closed position, and in the open position, the spring member is displaced over center to bias the upper hinge member toward the open position.
US08522471B2
Firearms and firearm components are constructed from bonded multi-metallic base materials comprising at least two dissimilar metallic materials having different properties, such as weight, density, wear resistance, durability, hardness, and the like, bonded to one another. The components are fabricated such that the metallic material having higher impact- and wear-resistance is positioned at areas that experience impact, or that include bearing points, wear points, and interfaces with other components, while a lighter weight metallic material is positioned at component locations that don't have rigorous material property requirements. The bonded multi-metallic materials may be explosively bonded multi-metallic materials.
US08522470B2
The invention relates generally to stabilizers for rifles. More specifically, the invention is a rear rifle stabilizer (RRS) designed to replace the current methods of stabilizing a rifle for accurate fire. The RRS comprises a base block having a recess at the top thereof such as a curved U-shaped or V-shaped recess. Lining the recess is an air bladder operatively connected to a hand operated air pump and release valve capable of very minor movement. The purpose of the air bladder is to give the shooter the ability to make very small adjustments in elevation without taking his/her eye away from the sights of the rifle or make any major body movements.
US08522465B2
A modular firearm is disclosed. The firearm that can be configured to operate using ammunition of different calibers via interchangeability of only a few parts. The firearm includes a foldable butt stock assembly for quickly and easily converting the firearm from an extended operating configuration to a compact transport configuration, and vice-versa. Additionally, the firearm includes a modular hand guard assembly having multiple mounting platforms for accommodating a variety of different accessories.
US08522461B2
A mechanical assembly controls the position of a trencher attached to a tractor and includes a positioning arm attached to the tractor at one end and the trencher at an opposite end. The positioning arm levers the trencher about a single fulcrum point on the positioning arm. A first lift cylinder has a base end connected to the tractor and an extendible end connected to the first positioning arm at the single fulcrum point. The positioning arm pivots about the tractor to move the trencher in response to the lift cylinder. Grade control cylinders are also attached to the positioning arm and the trencher to control the angular position of the trencher in relation to the ground below.
US08522460B2
The present invention relates to an underwater excavation apparatus. The apparatus of the invention utilizes mass flow for disturbing or excavating an underwater location and for extracting or sucking excavated material from the underwater location to another location. Restriction of spoil and/or direct spoil is provided for the apparatus and comprises a baffle provided within a cavity of a housing having an open base for the extracting or sucking of excavated material. An outlet for disturbing or excavating and an inlet for extraction or suction are located within the housing while an inlet for disturbing or excavating and an outlet for extraction or suction are located external to the housing.
US08522454B2
An article of footwear including an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper and including a support assembly having an upper member and a lower member spaced from the upper member. A first layer is positioned beneath and in contact with the upper member and has a wave shaped profile with a plurality of first wave crests and first wave troughs. A second layer is positioned above the lower member and has a wave shaped profile with a plurality of second wave crests and second wave troughs.
US08522449B2
The invention relates to a dryer for drying fuel materials such as wood bark, wood chips, sludge, garbage, peat moss or the like. In a preferred embodiment the dryer comprises a conveyor, consisting of twin endless belts, which carries the material to be dried along a vertical path defined between parallel runs of the endless belts, and ductwork which serves to direct heated air (received from any appropriate source) across the vertical path to remove moisture from the material as it is being conveyed. The ductwork includes at least one feed duct for use in delivering the heated air to one side of the vertical path, and at least one exhaust duct for use in withdrawing moisture-laden air on another side of the vertical path. Suction is applied at the exhaust ducts to draw drying air through the ductwork, and the feed and exhaust ducts are made to seal against the conveyor to reduce the introduction of ambient air into the dryer ductwork under the suction applied.
US08522440B2
The inventive tool for cutting a hardened shield of cables used in harsh environment is configured with a spindle support unit and a spindle unit which is pivotally mounted to the spindle support so as to controllably vary a depth at which a cutting wheel fixed to the spindle unit penetrates a cable.
US08522422B2
A method for application of a chip module to an antenna module includes supplying a plurality of chip modules arranged in a row arrangement on a sheet carrier. Separating chip modules from the row arrangement and transferring the separated chip modules to a application device. The chip module separated from the row arrangement are subsequently positioned on the antenna substrate by the application device and contacting of the antenna contact surfaces of the chip module with the contact surfaces of the antenna is performed. The invention further relates to a device for the application of a chip module to an antenna module.
US08522417B2
Vibration damping is important with regard to such components as hollow turbine blades in gas turbine engines. Traditionally damping has occurred through damping elements secured at the root or tip of such blades. Such damping is not optimised and results in potential problems with wear in operational life. By providing a tube of deformable material which can be located within a hollow cavity it is possible to provide an element which through friction engagement can absorb vibration energy and therefore damp such vibration. The tube incorporates a number of cuts and/or grooves in an appropriate pattern in order to define a deformation profile once the tube is expanded in location. The tube is secured in position internally upon an expandable element which is typically an inflatable device. Once in position the tube is retained in its expanded deformable profile and the engagement between the tube and the hollow cavity wall surface results in energy absorption through vibration episodes. It is also possible to provide a tube formed from a shape memory alloy which will expand of its own right in location to engage the hollow cavity wall surfaces for energy absorption during vibration episodes.
US08522409B2
A side release buckle includes a plug and a socket into which the plug is inserted for engagement. The plug includes: a base being provided with a belt attachment and a pair of legs; and an engaging portion being formed to each of the legs. The socket includes: a body being provided with a belt attachment and an insertion opening; a housing space being formed in the body and capable of housing the legs inserted from the insertion opening (22); and an engaged portion being formed in the body and engageable with the engaging portion. The body includes an undulation being continuously formed in an insertion direction of the legs on at least one of top and bottom surfaces of the body.
US08522406B2
A releasable touch fastening includes a fastener strip (2) and a retention bead (20). The fastener strip includes two parallel rows (6) of opposing closely spaced fastener elements (8) extending from a common base (4) to form a retention channel (10). The two rows are separated by a small distance to receive and capture the retention bead constructed to fit between the fastener rows and under the heads (14) of the fastener elements.
US08522403B2
A button is provided. A fixture fixes a button body to a support from an opposite side to the button body with the support therebetween. The button body includes a collar, a shaft protruding from the collar and an insert hole for the fixture to be inserted therein. An outer circular wall and an inner circular wall are formed at a tip end of the shaft separately from each other with a gap therebetween. The outer circular wall defines an outer periphery of the shaft and at least one protrusion for fixing the support thereon is formed at an upper surface of the outer circular wall. The inner circular wall defines an inner periphery of the insert hole. The protrusion protrudes relative to an upper surface of the inner circular wall and the gap is recessed relative to the upper surface of the inner circular wall.
US08522394B2
A hose and accessory holder for an upright vacuum cleaner comprises a tool fixing portion having accessory tools insertable thereinto, a hose fixing portion for attachably/detachably fixing a hose thereto, and a holder fastening portion for attachably/detachably fastening the holder to a vacuum cleaner body. The tool fixing portion further comprises fitting members respectively formed in the insertion directions of the accessory tools on inner circumferential surfaces of the tool fixing portion, and protruding inwardly from the tool fixing portion.
US08522382B2
A penetrating electric toothbrush is disclosed, including a handle, a replaceable brush head, a head unit base, an engaging device, a selection device, and an actuator. The replaceable brush head comprises a head body, a plurality of bristles fixed to the head body, and a detachable fastener. The head unit base has a head receptacle portion, a actuator receiving recess, and a bar guiding portion. The reciprocating bar is protruded from the handle and received in the actuator receiving recess, and the actuator receiving recess is configured to engage the reciprocating bar in either penetration mode or polishing mode. The engaging device is disposed at an end of the reciprocating bar and engaging the head unit base with the reciprocating bar. The selection device places the engaging device either in the penetration mode or the polishing mode.
US08522379B2
A bed has a head end and a foot end. The bed has a deck that can assume a horizontal position and at least one position in which a foot section of the deck is substantially vertical. For instance, the bed may assume a chair position, in which a head section of the deck is pivoted upwardly and the foot section is pivoted downwardly to a substantially vertical position.Casters allow the bed to move relative to the floor. At least one caster is coupled to the foot end of the bed. The foot section of the deck is configured to clear the foot end casters when the foot section is in the substantially vertical position.
US08522371B2
A tank insert for converting a conventional flush toilet into a flapperless, dump bucket-style toilet. The tank insert is sized and shaped to be snugly received within a water tank of the toilet, and includes a water reservoir pivotably received within a catch basin. The water reservoir is filled by the toilets water valve and the toilet's handle actuates the water reservoir to flush the toilet. Upon actuation, water within the water reservoir is discharged into the catch basin, and from there into the toilet bowl, which is effectively cleared.
US08522369B2
A garment protective system includes a protective member and an adjustable member. In another aspect of the present invention, body armor inside a jacket is repositionable due to adjustment of a coupled adjustment strap. A further aspect of the present invention provides a waist belt adjustably coupled to a shoulder area and/or a back area of a jacket.
US08522362B1
A clothing system may include a first two-piece swimsuit. The first two-piece swimsuit may include a swimsuit top and a swimsuit bottom. The clothing system may include further include a midsection cover sized and configured to be selectively connected to the swimsuit top to form a second two-piece swimsuit.
US08528111B2
A method for positioning a tip of an atomic force microscope relative to a intracellular target site in a cell is provided. In general terms, the method comprises: a) positioning a fluorescent tip of an atomic force microscope over a cell comprising a fluorescent intracellular target site so that said tip is above target site; b) moving the tip toward said target site while obtaining images of the distal end of said tip and/or the target site using a fluorescence microscope; and c) arresting the movement of the tip when the target site and the distal end of the tip are both in focus in the fluorescence microscope. A microscope system for performing the method is also provided.
US08528110B2
A probe detection system (74) for use with a scanning probe microscope comprises both a height detection system (88) and deflection detection system (28). As a sample surface is scanned, light reflected from a microscope probe (16) is separated into two components. A first component (84) is analysed by the deflection detection system (28) and is used in a feedback system that maintains the average probe deflection substantially constant during the scan. The second component (86) is analysed by the height detection system (88) from which an indication of the height of the probe above a fixed reference point, and thereby an image of the sample surface, is obtained. Such a dual detection system is particularly suited for use in fast scanning applications in which the feedback system is unable to respond at the rate required to adjust probe height between pixel positions.
US08528106B2
The invention relates to a method for matching a number N of reception equipment with a number M of external security modules, each reception equipment being provided with a unique identifier, and each external security module having a unique identifier and containing information about access rights of a user to digital data distributed by an operator. The method comprises the following steps: memorizing a list of identifiers of reception equipment in each external security module, memorizing a list of identifiers of external security modules in each reception equipment, and when an external security module is connected to data reception equipment, a check plan is carried out to determine whether or not the identifier for the security module is present in the list of memorized identifiers in the connected reception equipment, and the same check plan is carried out for the identifier in the list of identifiers memorized in the security module.
US08528104B2
A security device of this invention includes a nonvolatile storage unit 22 for storing a validity check unit including a counter updated every time signature function means 30 is called up, a volatile storage unit 24 for reading and storing a counter array out of an external nonvolatile storage unit storing the counter array, in which the counter array is obtained by coupling a hash value generated for each signature key with a signature number counter for counting the number of signatures performed by use of the signature key, and a hash function unit 28 for reading the counter array out of the volatile storage unit 24, generating the hash value, and transferring the hash value to the validity check unit for a validity check.
US08528094B1
A system, method and apparatus for associating data is presented. An association system generally includes a vulnerability information system, user identification system and association tool. The vulnerability information system performs a scan of client devices to identify vulnerable devices. The vulnerability information is transmitted to the association tool where it is cross referenced with user identification information received from the user identification system. The association tool identifies the user associated with the vulnerable devices and this information may be stored to generate historical trend information. In addition, the information may be displayed graphically or may be used to generate reports and identify metrics that can be monitored in order to improve reliability, efficiency and the like.
US08528075B2
The execution of anti-virus programs can be accelerated in a virtual desktop environment. In one embodiment, a server hosts a plurality of virtual machines. Before performing a virus scan on a file, the server computes a signature value of the file, compares the signature value with the stored signature values in a central database, and performs virus scan on the file according to the result of the comparison. If the signature value exists in the central database, the virus scan on the file can be skipped.
US08528067B2
Systems and method for producing, validating, and registering authentic verification tokens are disclosed. Such systems and methods include generating verification token specific key pairs. The key pairs can be signed by a verification token manufacturer master key or public key certificate for an additional level of authenticity. Related methods and systems for authenticating and registering authorized verification token manufacturers are also disclosed. Once a verification token manufacturer is authenticated, it can be assigned a manufacturer-specific key pair or certificate and in some cases, a predetermined set of serial numbers to assign to the verification tokens it produces. Each serial number can be used to generate a verification token specific key pair specific to the associated verification token. One component of the verification token key pair can be stored to the verification token. Optionally, the component of the verification token key pair stored to the verification token can be signed by the manufacturer specific master key or certificate and stored a verification token public certificate.
US08528064B2
Systems and methods for securely managing Internet user passwords are presented herein. A formation component can enable a user to create a master account on a web server, the master account comprising a master username and password. An access component can enable the user to access a plurality of password protected websites from a web browser or non-browser software application resident on the user's computing device when the user logs into the master account by entering the valid master username and password. A selection component can log the user into a website of the plurality of password protected websites when the user selects a hyperlink associated with the website, selects a linked image associated with the website, or selects the website from a pulldown list contained in a toolbar of a web browser. A display component can open a web browser or tab associated with the website.
US08528060B2
Efficient secure password protocols are constructed that remain secure against offline dictionary attacks even when a large, but bounded, part of the storage of a server responsible for password verification is retrieved by an adversary through a remote or local connection. A registration algorithm and a verification algorithm accomplish the goal of defeating a dictionary attack. A password protocol where a server, on input of a login and a password, carefully selects several locations from the password files, properly combines their content according to some special function, and stores the result of this function as a tag that can be associated with this password and used in a verification phase to verify access by users. Two main instantiations of our method are given; in one, a combination of mathematical tools, called dispersers and pairwise-independent hash functions is used to achieve security against adaptive intrusions (dispersers make sure that the password of each user depends on randomly chosen locations in a large password file, and pairwise-independent hash functions help in making this dependency sufficiently random); in a second one, a combination of mathematical tools, called k-wise independent hash functions and locally-computable and strong extractors (k-wise independent hash functions make sure that the locations chosen in the large password file from each password are sufficiently random, and locally-computable and strong extractors are used to combine the contents of these locations to generate a single long random value, which makes verification harder for the adversary to foil).
US08528058B2
Architecture for natively authenticating a client application to a web server via HTTP authentication. The Web Services Architecture, and more specifically, Web Services Security, is leveraged to enable legacy applications to access web services transparently to the existing legacy applications. A security support provider (SSP) is created that employs WS-* protocol to at least emulate ws-trust and ws-mex thereby enabling policy exchange via an HTTP protocol stack. Policy can be exchanged via a WWW-Authenticate header enabling legacy applications to use the WS-* family of protocols without modifying the client application. The WS-* protocols are abstracted into a generic programming interface for native client application use.
US08528054B2
A method of obtaining access to an Internet service using a multi-step challenge response test is presented. The method calculates a threshold probability for access to the Internet service and generates a number of challenge-response tests. Each of the challenge-response tests is rendered on a display of a client device. An input corresponding to the response to one of the challenge-response tests is received and an authentication probability is calculated after each response. The authentication probability is evaluated after each response and if the authentication probability is higher than the threshold probability access to the Internet service is provided.
US08528053B2
Described herein are technologies pertaining to disambiguating identities/accounts over a plurality of online services. Public data streams pertaining to accounts of different online services are analyzed, and a determination is made that the accounts are owned by a same user. A searchable profile is generated for the user that comprises data that indicates that the user represented by the profile owns the accounts. The profile is claimable by the user such that the user is enabled to customize contents of the profile.
US08528047B2
A computer-based system provides secure, configurable access to computer network resources. A human-readable language is provided for defining access policy rules. Rules in this language are converted in an automated fashion into filters applied within the various subsystems and components in a multi-layer security system. Network users are authenticated by an access control security system that obtains basic information about that user. Based on the user ID, a set of abstract policies can be retrieved. The retrieved policies are associated with the user and the groups associated with that user. Based on the retrieved rules, a set of rules for multiple layers of the network are generated and applied to those subsystems. Two or more of the subsystems may be placed in series with different types of processing occurring in each of the subsystems, reducing the workload of subsequent subsystems.
US08528042B2
The invention relates to providing policy from an integrated policy server to a mobile device, comprising identifying a policy in an integrated policy server applicable to the mobile device and supplying policy elements to policy transports for transmission to the mobile device. The invention also relates to providing policy from an integrated policy server to a mobile device, including identifying a policy in the integrated policy server applicable to the mobile device, determining whether the mobile device is in compliance with the policy, and supplying policy elements to policy transports for transmission to the mobile device when the mobile device is not in compliance with the policy. The invention further relates to controlling access to a data server by a mobile device, including identifying a policy in an integrated policy server applicable to the mobile device, and determining whether the mobile device is in compliance with the policy.
US08528028B2
A method of delivering personal video content via a video head-end office is provided that includes receiving a personal video content upload request at a notification server from a first set-top box device. The personal video content upload request relates to personal video content to be uploaded from the first set-top box device. The method also includes receiving a personal video content sharing request at the notification server from the first set-top box device. The personal video content sharing request identifies a second set-top box device designated to receive the uploaded personal video content. In addition, the method includes sending notification information from the notification server to the second set-top box device. The notification information indicates a first option to store the uploaded personal video content at a data storage device and a second option to stream the uploaded personal video content to the second set-top box device upon selection of the second option.
US08528027B2
Several data streams contain video, audio and/or other data. Some of the data streams are pre-recorded in a multiplex on a storage medium while other data streams are located out of the data stream multiplex on the storage medium. The data streams are synchronized using a navigation file (List_of_PlayItems), which comprises descriptors (Play-Items, SubPlayItems) pointing to parts of said data streams, wherein said descriptors define the arrangement in time for said data streams by means of data sub stream paths.
US08528026B2
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device having a controller to receive a media program signal from a set-top box (STB), monitor ambient sound, and suppress a portion of the ambient sound according to the media program signal. The media program signal can correspond to a media program presentable at least audibly by the STB. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08528023B2
Extended television (TV) reminders enable a user to add a reminder about a TV program or other content in a communication network, a reminder that can be connected to either an event from the EPG or just a time and date. If the user is logged in on an Internet protocol (IP) TV system, the reminder can be displayed on the user's TV display, and if the user is not logged in, a message can be sent to a user device, e.g., a Short Message Service (SMS), text, or other message. Choices presented to the user when a reminder occurs can include accept, snooze (for a configurable amount of time), and delete, among others. If the reminder is connected to a linear TV program, an option to record the program can also be presented (if allowed by the user's subscription and equipment). Reminders are preferably stored in the network, e.g., as a part of a user's service profile. Storing reminders in the network rather than a local device enables the reminders to be provided to the user anywhere, to any network-connected device.
US08528019B1
A method of selecting, storing and delivering desired audio/data/visual information includes the steps of determining viewing preferences of a viewer and receiving a first group of audio/data/visual signals, for example, broadcast and cable television signals or internet-based signals. Based on the first group of audio/data/visual signals, a second group of audio/data/visual signals, which is a subset of the first group of audio/data/visual signals, is identified. The second group of audio/data/visual signals is selected based on the association of EPG data for each signal with the viewing preferences of the viewer. Content data is then extracted from the second group of audio/data/visual signals and compared with the viewing preferences. The content data may include, for example, closed-captioned text, EPG data, audio information, visual information and transcript information. Based on the comparison of the content data extracted from the second group of audio/data/visual signals with the viewing preferences, audio/data/visual information contained in the second group of audio/data/visual signals which is of interest to the viewer is identified and stored for review at the viewers convenience.
US08528018B2
A method is provided in one example and includes evaluating a video file in a network environment; determining an identity of at least one speaker associated with the video file in order to generate an identity attribute; performing speech to text operations associated with the video file in order to generate at least one text attribute; generating a visual worthiness rating based, at least, on the identity attribute and the text attribute associated with the video file, where the visual worthiness rating is reflective of a visual significance of image content in the video file; and rendering the visual worthiness rating to the end user prior to the video file being played.
US08528013B2
A content delivery system headend is provided. The headend includes a Switched Digital Video (SDV) manager for coordinating SDV sessions requested by subscribers over an access network. The headend also includes an input unit such as a server for receiving content to be broadcast during the SDV sessions. Additionally, the headend includes a subscriber control unit for comparing channel change requests received by the SDV manager from subscribers to subscriber-established rules. Tuning information for accessing programming specified in the channel change requests is only supplied if the channel change requests do not conform to any of the subscriber-established rules for blocking the programming.
US08528012B2
A method and system for controlling operation of one or more electronic devices of an audio-video system with a separate remote controller via a feedback mode of operation are provided. A command code signal is received with a receiver of a signal processing electronic device which interprets the command code signal to determine a particular action being requested. Thereafter, a request for feedback is generated in at least one of a visual form or an audible form for purposes of confirming the particular action being requested before the action is actually executed. If appropriate feedback via a further communication is received with the receiver of the signal processing electronic device within a predetermined time period following the request for feedback, the action is performed and executed by the signal processing electronic device. Otherwise, no action is executed by the signal processing electronic device.
US08528007B1
A host includes an operating system segmented into a user space and a kernel space with a driver. The user space stores a firmware file and the kernel space includes memory. The driver is stored in the kernel space and performs download cycles to download the firmware file to the memory. The device driver, during a first download cycle, transfers a first block of data to the memory. During each download cycle performed subsequent to the first download cycle, the driver is configured to: identify first and second segments of the memory, where data including the first block of data was stored in the first segment during a previous download cycle; copy the data including the first block of data from the first segment to the second segment; and transfer a block of data of the firmware file, not previously stored in the memory, to the second segment.
US08528000B2
The execution environment provides for scalability where components will execute in parallel and exploit various patterns of parallelism. Dataflow applications are represented by reusable dataflow graphs called map components, while the executable version is called a prepared map. Using runtime properties the prepared map is executed in parallel with a thread allocated to each map process. The execution environment not only monitors threads, detects and corrects deadlocks, logs and controls program exceptions, but also data input and output ports of the map components are processed in parallel to take advantage of data partitioning schemes. Port implementation supports multi-state null value tokens to more accurately report exceptions. Data tokens are batched to minimize synchronization and transportation overhead and thread contention.
US08527994B2
A mechanism is provided for guarded, multi-metric resource control. Monitoring is performed for an intended action to address a negative condition from a resource manager in a plurality of resource managers in the data processing system. Responsive to receiving the intended action, a determination is made as to whether the intended action will cause an additional negative condition within the data processing system. Responsive to determining that the intended action will cause the additional negative condition within the data processing system, at least one alternative action is identified to be implemented in the data processing system that addresses the negative condition while not causing any additional negative condition. The at least one alternative action is then implemented in the data processing system.
US08527985B2
A framework (referred to herein as Application Integration Architecture, or AIA) that formalizes and orchestrates activities in an SOA development lifecycle. In one set of embodiments, AIA can capture development-related information in a shared data store and cause the information to flow in an automated or semi-automated manner from one lifecycle phase to the next as the lifecycle progresses. This information flow can, in turn, facilitate automations at each lifecycle phase for the responsible stakeholders (e.g., solution architects, developers, installation developers, etc.), thereby enforcing SOA best practices, enhancing development productivity, and ensuring the quality of the final SOA deliverables.
US08527976B2
A system and method for program verification includes generating a product transaction graph for a concurrent program, which captures warnings for potential errors. The warnings are filtered to remove bogus warnings, by using constraints from synchronization primitives and invariants that are derived by performing one or more dataflow analysis methods for concurrent programs. The dataflow analysis methods are applied in order of overhead expense. Concrete execution traces are generated for remaining warnings using model checking.
US08527965B2
A method for analyzing a set of potential bug statements in source code. The method including obtaining a set of static program analyses; recursively reducing the set of potential bug statements in the source code by: selecting a static program analysis for each recursion from the set of static program analyses in order from least time consuming to most time consuming; evaluating the set of potential bug statements using the static program analysis of the set of static program analyses to determine a subgroup of bug free statements of the set of potential bug statements in each recursion; and removing the subgroup of the bug free statements from the set of potential bug statements to reduce the set of potential bug statements in each recursion; thereby filtering at least one subgroup of bug free statements out of the set of potential bug statements in the source code.
US08527963B2
A probe management system identifies a probe module for an application, which includes a semaphore table that has entries for a plurality of probe points in the application. An entry includes a semaphore variable value for a probe point. The probe management system identifies one or more probe points that are to be activated from an introspection user script. The user script is for examining the execution of the application at one or more of the probe points in the application. The probe management system adjusts the semaphore variable values for the identified probe points in the semaphore table in the probe module to represent to the application that a probe point is to be activated and causes the application to activate the identified probe points based on the adjusted semaphore variable values in the semaphore table.
US08527956B2
A performance projection system includes a test IHS and multiple currently existing IHSs. The performance projection system includes user application software and surrogate programs that execute on currently existing IHSs. The performance projection system measures user application software and surrogate program performance during execution on currently existing IHSs. The performance projection systems measures runtime program performance during execution of surrogate programs on a future semiconductor die IC design model or virtualized future system. Designers normalize and compare surrogate program runtime performance data with user application software performance data. Designers un-normalize the normalized runtime performance data to generate a projection of runtime performance on the future system.
US08527949B1
An interface, system and method enabling dynamic reconfiguration of an electronic device in a convenient and efficient manner. The interface enables basic operations, such as adding or deleting a device configuration and switching between different device configuration views/workspaces. In some embodiments, the system and method apply global device parameter values to each device configuration and/or allow only valid or legal states for device configurations beyond the first configuration. In another embodiment, the electronic device includes a microprocessor, a plurality of internal peripherals, an interconnecting component, an external coupling port, and a memory for storing instructions. The plurality of internal peripherals, the interconnecting component and the external coupling port are programmably configurable to perform a variety of functions. The memory stores a plurality of configuration images that define the configuration and configuration of the plurality of internal peripherals, the interconnecting component and the external coupling port. The instructions stored by the memory facilitate dynamic reconfiguration of the electronic device. Based upon the existence of a predetermined condition, the electronic device is automatically reconfigured by activating different configuration images.
US08527943B1
The present invention discloses a system, method and program code product for efficient component-based application development. Presentation code of a container component is generated by a container-component code generator (container CCG), which uses the class objects of component code generators (CCGs) as subcomponents. The CCGs, as standalone modules or classes, when properly instantiated and initialized could generate the application code of the subcomponents by their code-generating method (CGM) during execution. The container CCG assembles and integrates the subcomponents' application code in run time and fills in the code necessary to establish communication between any two of subcomponents in the resultant application code. One of the methods for establishing inter-component communication and for managing communication dependencies is a service registration object in the application code.
US08527939B2
This disclosure relates to methods, systems, and software for GUI modeling of at least one contextual help object, potentially representing a knowledgebase, in a modeling environment. For example, software for utilizing contextual help may be operable to identify a business object for an application and associate a contextual help object in a knowledgebase repository to the identified business object. The software may be further operable to automatically configure the front-end of the application using the modeling environment and based on the business object and the contextual help object and, upon activation of the business object, to display just-in-time help to a user of the application via the front-end.
US08527933B2
An integrated circuit device layout is created based on charge carrier mobility characteristics of the device's non-functional cells. The charge carrier mobility of the non-functional cells can alter behavioral characteristics such as the hold time, setup time, or leakage current of nearby functional logic cells. Accordingly, a layout tool creates the layout for the integrated circuit device by selecting and placing non-functional cells having different mobility so as to selectively alter the characteristics of nearby logic cells.
US08527924B2
A method and apparatus are provided for use in synthesis of RTL integrated circuit design to determine the functional equivalence of designs. For example, the receiver receives a plurality of designs for synthesis in RTL and a data flow graph is derived for each design. Internal bit widths in the data flow graph representations are restricted (52) to provide a first modified version of each of the designs. These first modified versions are compared each with the design from which it was derived in a comparison unit (54). The input bit widths of the data flow graph representation are then restricted to be no wider than the output bit widths (56) to derive second modified versions of the designs (58). These second modified versions are compared with each other (60) to determine which are equivalent. Equivalent designs can be passed to an RTL synthesis unit 62, or otherwise further evaluated.
US08527920B1
A method for automated synthesis of a parallel prefix device includes determining structural constraints for a given parallel prefix device; generating a plurality of candidate prefix graphs for the parallel prefix device by performing a search of possible prefix graphs meeting the constraints; performing physical synthesis of each of the plurality of candidate prefix graphs to generate performance information for each candidate prefix graph; and determining one or more of the plurality of candidate prefix graphs that meet performance criteria for incorporation into the parallel prefix device.
US08527919B2
There is provided with a device that includes a first inputter inputting design description which includes functions; a second inputter inputting type specifying description corresponding to the functions, each of which specifies a type for a return value of each corresponding function, and the description of at least one function of the functions specifies a type for a return value of a first function which is an other function of functions; a determiner determining a type of the return value of the first function to a comprehensive type to comprehend the types specified by the type specifying description corresponding to the first function and the at least one function and a type of the return value of a second function which is a function than the first function to the type specified thereto.
US08527913B2
A method for resizing a pattern to be written by using lithography technique includes calculating a first dimension correction amount of a pattern for correcting a dimension error caused by a loading effect, for each small region made by virtually dividing a writing region of a target workpiece into meshes of a predetermined size, based on an area density of the each small region, calculating a second dimension correction amount in accordance with a line width dimension of the pattern to be written in the each small region, correcting the first dimension correction amount by using the second dimension correction amount, and resizing the line width dimension of the pattern by using a corrected first dimension correction amount, and outputting a result of the resizing.
US08527907B2
Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, the contents of a window may be reflowed to accommodate one or more of a change in the size or aspect ratio of the window, a change in size of one or more objects or subwindows within the window, and/or the addition or deletion of the contents of the window. The contents of the window may be reflowed proportionally with the event causing the relayout of the window contents such that the contents of the window may be fully displayed within the window area after the event, and/or the relationship of the window contents may be at least partially maintained.
US08527903B2
A device with a touch-sensitive display may be unlocked via gestures performed on the touch-sensitive display. The device is unlocked if contact with the display corresponds to a predefined gesture for unlocking the device. The device displays one or more unlock images with respect to which the predefined gesture is to be performed in order to unlock the device. The performance of the predefined gesture with respect to the unlock image may include moving the unlock image to a predefined location and/or moving the unlock image along a predefined path. The device may also display visual cues of the predefined gesture on the touch screen to remind a user of the gesture.
US08527901B2
In the data structure for managing reproduction of graphic information, graphic information and an indicator associated with the graphic information is stored on the recording medium. The indicator indicates whether the graphic information is for display in response to user request.
US08527899B2
According to one embodiment, an display processing apparatus includes, an operation receiver, a relation calculator, a display information generator, and a display controller. The operation receiver receives operation to select a key content of a first type. The relation calculator calculates relation between the key content and each of second contents of a plurality of types including the first type. The display information generator generates first display information of the key content and second display information of the second contents. The display controller displays list information including the first display information and relation item information indicating a plurality of items involved in calculating the relation and display areas each corresponding to one of the items. In the list information, pieces of the second display information are arranged such that second display information of second content with higher relation to the key content is closer to the first display information.
US08527895B2
A method for representing a virtual keyboard on the display of a mobile terminal, as for example a cell phone, wherein the mobile terminal comprises a camera for capturing image data, a display for representing the image data and a keyboard for selecting menu functions or for inputting, for example, a text message. The keyboard is designed as a virtual keyboard on the display of the mobile terminal and a cursor represented on the virtual keyboard is designed to be moveable, wherein the cursor moves according to the movements of the mobile terminal in the spatial axes to the corresponding keyboard field of the virtual keyboard.
US08527892B2
A multi-screen user device and methods for performing a drag and drop operation using finger gestures are disclosed. A first finger gesture is used to select a display area from which data is to be copied. Subsequently, a drag finger gesture is used to identify where the data that is to be pasted. The drag may extend across a non-display boundary between a first and second display screen of the multi-screen device.
US08527891B2
An apparatus, method, and computer program product are disclosed for enabling user interactions between user interface components. An initial event module detects an initial user input event to a graphical user interface. The initial user input event is associated with a user interaction between a source user interface component and a target user interface component that occupy separate event domains. A transparent component module places a transparent user interface component over the target user interface component in response to the initial user input event. The transparent user interface component occupies the same event domain as the source user interface component. An interaction event module detects an interaction user input event to the transparent user interface component that continues the user interaction. An interaction communication module communicates information of the user interaction to the target user interface component using a communications channel supported by the target user interface component.
US08527873B2
A force feedback system provides components for use in a force feedback system including a host computer and a force feedback interface device. An architecture for a host computer allows multi-tasking application programs to interface with the force feedback device without conflicts. One embodiment of a force feedback device provides both relative position reporting and absolute position reporting to allow great flexibility. A different device embodiment provides relative position reporting device allowing maximum compatibility with existing software. Information such as ballistic parameters and screen size sent from the host to the force feedback device allow accurate mouse positions and cursor positions to be determined in the force feedback environment. Force feedback effects and structures are further described, such as events and enclosures.
US08527863B2
An instruction is received to display a section of a referencing document on a screen. The section has at least one referencing link referencing a different section. The section of the referencing document is displayed on the screen. A selection of a referencing link is received. The different section referenced by the referencing link is displayed on the screen, at least partially at a same time of the displaying of the section of the referencing document. A visual indicator that associates the referencing link with the different section is displayed. Also in response to receiving the selection and in response to determining that the section of the referencing document includes multiple reference links of the at least one reference link to different section, other visual indicators that associate the multiple referencing links with the different section are displayed.
US08527862B2
Methods, devices, and computer-readable storage media that make an asynchronous JavaScript and extensible mark-up language (AJAX) application content state bookmarkable and crawlable include receiving a HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) request is received. The HTTP request includes an HTTP request uniform resource locator (URL) representing a current application state. When the HTTP request URL contains a first reference substring, a second substring is extracted from the HTTP request URL based upon the first reference substring. A modified URL is generated based at least in part on the extracted second substring. The modified URL represents the current application content state.
US08527855B2
A wireless bit-interleaved coded OFDM (BI-COFDM) multiple-in-multiple-out (MIMO) system that improves the diversity seen by a convolutional decoder. The bit stream is interleaved first, then bits are mapped into symbols and then symbols are parsed into Nt separate streams, where t is the number of transmitters. A deinterleaver then performs the inverse permutation before sending the symbols to a Viturbi decoder. In another embodiment, a transmitting side bit-interleaver transforms an encoded and punctured bit stream using a first permutation, groups the transformed bit stream according to a desired constellation on one of Nt antennae, splits the transformed bit stream into separate streams accordingly and bit-interleaves/symbol-maps using a plurality of bit-interleavers/symbol-mappers to permute each stream using a second permutation. A receiving side performs the inverse operations of the transmitting side.
US08527850B1
Systems and methods are provided for implementing error identification and evaluation for a Reed-Solomon (RS) error-correction code (ECC) system. The BMA algorithm and/or list decoding may produce one or more error locator polynomials that are related to a decision-codeword. An accelerated Chien search can be used to more quickly evaluate the one or more error locator polynomial. If the accelerated Chien search identifies a valid error locator polynomial, a normal Chien search can be used to identify error locations, and Forney's algorithm or an equivalent technique can be used to evaluate the error values. A RS ECC decoder can include a computation circuit that evaluates an error locator polynomial or an error evaluator polynomial. The computation circuit can include computation components that receive the coefficients of the polynomials.
US08527844B2
A phase synchronization apparatus and corresponding method are disclosed. In one example the phase synchronization apparatus may include a sampling section, a phase-error detection section, a first computation section, a second computation section, and an interpolation section. The apparatus and method may also carry out phase synchronization that corrects the phases of received signals sampled at sampling periods asynchronous with symbol periods, by carrying out concurrent processing to generate a plurality of received symbols so that the phases can be synchronized at a higher speed.
US08527832B2
The invention relates to a coding method with incremental redundancy in which it is determined (620) whether to carry out the coding of a sequence of information symbols using a first code (C), of the LDPC type, defined by a first check matrix, H, or rather using a second code ({tilde over (C)}), of lesser efficiency than that of the first code, the second code being defined by a second check matrix, {tilde over (H)}, obtained by fractionation (630) of the rows of the first check matrix. The invention finds application to, among others, a link adaptation method, a turbo-coding method, a distributed coding method within a cooperative network, a packet transmission method using an IR-HARQ protocol.
US08527827B2
An orthogonal frequency division multiplexing transmission method includes generating a data symbol. A control information signal is generated. The control information signal relates to a modulation scheme and an error correction scheme of a data symbol in a frame. An orthogonal frequency division multiplexing signal is formed. The orthogonal frequency division multiplexing signal includes the data symbol and the control information signal. The orthogonal frequency division multiplexing signal is formed by arranging the control information signal in a first symbol group that is formed with subcarriers in a time period, and in a second symbol group that is formed with subcarriers, located in the time period, and that has a frequency band distant from the first symbol group.
US08527824B2
A system for testing multi-clock domains in an integrated circuit (IC) includes a plurality of clock sources coupled to a plurality of clock controllers. Each of the clock sources generates a fast clock associated with one of the multi-clock domains. Each of the clock controllers is configured to provide capture pulses to test one clock domain. The capture pulses provided to a clock domain are at a frequency of a fast clock associated with the clock domain. The clock controllers operate sequentially to provide the capture pulses to test the clock domains.
US08527814B1
A method for repairing an error in a software application, including receiving an error including an error description detailing the error, identifying, using a plurality of commands, a network address of a client computer executing the software application and a file system location on the client computer, transmitting, using the plurality of commands, an error tool file to the client computer at the network address, storing, using the plurality of commands, the error tool file on the client computer at the file system location, installing, using the plurality of commands, an error tool on the client computer using the error tool file, executing, using the plurality of commands, the error tool on the client computer, repairing the error in the software application after executing the error tool, and receiving feedback in the form of an execution log from the error tool.
US08527802B1
A memory device can include a data path that includes a first-in-first-out circuit (FIFO) to transfer data according to a latency between at least one memory cell array and signal connections of the memory device, the latency corresponding to a number of cycles of a periodic clock; and a self-timed section configured to transfer data independent of the clock. In addition or alternatively, a memory device can include at least one memory cell array; and a FIFO configured to transfer data between at least one memory cell array and other portions of the memory device according to a periodic clock signal, FIFO introducing a latency into the data according to a control signal generated in response to an access command. Methods corresponding to the above devices and operations are also disclosed.
US08527801B2
A performance control technique for a processing system that includes one or more adaptively-clocked processor cores provides improved performance/power characteristics. An outer feedback loop adjusts the power supply voltage(s) provided to the power supply voltage domain(s) powering the core(s), which may be on a per-core basis or include multiple cores per voltage domain. The outer feedback loop operates to ensure that each core is meeting specified performance, while the cores also include an inner feedback loop that adjusts their processor clock or other performance control mechanism to maximize performance under present operating conditions and within a margin of safety. The performance of each core is measured and compared to a target performance. If the target performance is not met for each core in a voltage domain, the voltage is raised for the voltage domain until all cores meet the target performance.
US08527794B2
An integrated circuit comprising a plurality of functional blocks, each functional block being operative to cause one or more power consuming events, each power consuming event being associated with a respective weight. The integrated circuit also comprises at least one accumulation block for monitoring the functional blocks over a time window and generating a weighted count of the number of occurrences of each power consuming event within the time window; and a power calculation module for calculating a runtime power consumption estimate over the time window using the weighted count. The weighted count may comprise a sum of products of each one of the power consuming events by its respective weight. Calculating the runtime power consumption estimate may comprise averaging the weighted count over the time window to generate a dynamic power estimate, calculating a leakage power estimate over the time window, and summing the dynamic power estimate with the leakage power estimate. The integrated circuit may further comprise a power management module for adapting power consumption of the integrated circuit based on a comparison of the runtime power consumption estimate with one or more predetermined thresholds.
US08527791B2
Disclosed are a battery power control device, a portable device and a method of controlling the portable device. The disclosed portable device includes a workload calculator which calculates a workload necessary to provide the specific service to the user according to at least one of time request information related to a desired time during which the specific service is provided to the user and QoS (Quality of Service) request information related to a quality of the specific service, the necessary workload being smaller than a default workload that is preset for providing the specific service; a task performer which performs a task for providing the specific service according to the necessary workload during a time that is reduced to be shorter than a task performance time according to the default workload and stop the task performance during the reduced time; and a battery unit which supplies a power for performing the task to the task performer.
US08527785B2
A method which includes initiating a power management policy based on a processing element for a computing platform entering a given power state. The power management policy includes a determination as to whether an input/output (I/O) controller and a memory controller for the computing platform are substantially quiescent. The computing platform may then be transitioned to a low power system state from a run power system state based on a determination that both the I/O controller and the memory controller are substantially quiescent and an indication that the computing platform is capable of entering the low power system state. According to this method, the low power system state includes entering one or more devices responsive to the computing platform in a power level adequate to retain a configuration state that enables the one or more devices to transition back to the run power system state in a manner that is substantially transparent to an operating system for the computing platform. Other implementations and examples are also described in this disclosure.
US08527779B1
Example embodiments of the present invention may include an example method of performing steganography. The example method may include processing a data message into multiple message blocks each representing a portion of the data message, and assigning the multiple message blocks to a corresponding set of multiple data files. The method may also include storing the multiple data files in at least one memory location.
US08527773B1
Systems and methods for authenticating the identity of a user prior to giving access to confidential data at a user interface via a network are described. In an exemplary implementation in an Internet environment, a server hosts an application providing selective access by the user to confidential data related to the user. The user provides initial data to the application as part of a request to access the confidential data. At least one database having the confidential data stored therein is accessed by the server to retrieve confidential data relating to the user located in the database based on the initial data received from the client interface. An authentication function causes the server to transmit to the client interface and present to the user an incomplete portion of the confidential data relating to the user, which is not identical to the initial data, along with at least one other portion of data having a substantially identical format to the incomplete portion of the confidential data. The authentication function requests the user to provide additional data to complete the incomplete portion of the confidential data. The user is granted access to the confidential data subsequent to determination by the application that the user correctly completed the incomplete portion of the confidential data.
US08527770B2
A method is provided for provisioning a device certificate on a device. The device is configured to communicate wirelessly with a plurality of backend servers via a communication network. The communication network includes a mobile data server. An activation request is initiated to the mobile data server for activating the device on the communication network. During activation, a device certificate request is provided to the mobile data server for the device. The device certificate request includes at least a user identifier, a device identifier and a device public key. The device certificate request is forwarded from the mobile data server to a predefined certification authority. A device certificate from the predefined certification authority is received at the device in response to the device certificate request.
US08527768B2
A mobile station, an access point, a gateway apparatus, a base station, and a handshake method thereof for use in a wireless network framework are provided. The wireless network framework comprises a first wireless network comprising the access point, and a second wireless network comprising the gateway apparatus and base station. There is an IP security tunnel between the access point and the gateway apparatus. When the mobile station handovers from the first wireless network to the second wireless network, it transmits a master session key to the gateway apparatus via the access point and the IP security tunnel. Additionally, when the mobile station handovers from the second wireless network to the first wireless network, it transmits a master session key to the access point. As a result, the authentication time, which is needed in handover procedure between the first wireless network and the second wireless network, is reduced effectively.
US08527763B2
An information handling system includes a memory and a processor to execute instructions stored in the memory, which causes the processor to at least: send identification information to a second information handling system in response to an identification request broadcast from the second information handling system via a short-range communication; receive first authentication information for a local application and a remote service from the second information handling system; receive a copy of the local application; authenticate a user for the copy of the local application and for the remote service prior to the user logging on to the information handling system; receive second authentication information from the user to access the information handling system; authenticate the user to the information handling system; and automatically initiate a secure session between the copy of the local application and the remote service when the user is authenticated to the information handling system.
US08527762B2
A method for realizing an authentication center (AC) and an authentication system are disclosed. The method comprises: a UE sends an authentication request to an AC and applies for temporary authentication information, the AC assigns a first authentication random code to the UE, then the UE calculates a first response code and sends it to the AC, the AC assigns the temporary authentication information to the UE after authentication and authorization; the UE sends a login request to the application system (AS) which assigns a second authentication random code to the UE, and the UE uses it and the temporary authentication information to calculate a second response code, and sends this code to the AS; the AS sends the second response code to the AC for authentication and authorization; the AC returns the authentication result to the AS which in turn returns the authentication result to the UE.
US08527741B2
A task matching circuit for synchronizing software on a plurality of processors is disclosed. The task matching circuit includes first and second inputs, an analysis sub-circuit, and an output. The first input is from a first processor configured to receive a first software routine identifier. The second input is from a second processor configured to receive a second software routine identifier. The analysis sub-circuit determines if the first software routine identifier corresponds with the second software routine identifier. The output is coupled to at least one of the first or second processors and indicates when the first and second software routine identifiers do not correspond. One of the first and second processors is delayed until the first and second software routine identifiers correspond.
US08527739B2
Distributing a computing operation among processes and for gathering results of the computing operation from the plurality of processes. An exemplary method includes the operations of pairing a plurality of processes such that each process has a maximum of one interaction partner, selecting half of the data located at a process, dividing the selected half of the data into a plurality of data segments, transmitting a first data segment resulting from the dividing operation from the process to the interaction partner of the process, receiving a second data segment at the process from the interaction partner, concurrently with the transferring and receiving operations, performing a computing operation on a third data segment previously received from a previous interaction partner and a fourth data segment from the data segments, and iterating over the transmitting, receiving and computing operations until all the data segments have been exchanged.
US08527732B2
A storage system in an embodiment of this invention comprises a virtual volume to which real storage areas are allocated depending on data amount to be stored therein and which stores a plurality of mainframe data managed in units of tracks, each of the plurality of mainframe data including control information and one or more records storing user data, and a controller The virtual volume is managed by a first real storage area storing the records in the plurality of mainframe data and a second real storage area storing the control information in the plurality of mainframe data. The controller determines not to allocate the first real storage area to the virtual volume in a case that user data in the records in the plurality of mainframe data are initial values. The control information in the plurality of mainframe data is stored in the second real storage area allocated to the virtual volume.
US08527718B2
A method for communication between an initiator system and a block storage cluster may include receiving a first command at a first storage system included in a plurality of storage systems of the block storage cluster. The method may also include transmitting a referral response from the first storage system to the initiator system when at least a portion of the data associated in the first command is stored by a second storage system. The method may further include obtaining a segment start value and a corresponding port identifier based on the referral response, and directing a second command to at least a second storage system included in the plurality of storage systems of the block cluster.
US08527716B2
Since only one golden image (GI) of a snapshot can exist and is shared among a plurality of storage apparatuses, there was a problem that migration or copy thereof deteriorates the capacity efficiency and increases the cost for managing consistency. The present invention solves the above-mentioned problem by either (1) a direct sharing method of generating a parent-child relationship of snapshots among different storage apparatuses at the time of creating differential LUs from the GI or (2) a virtual sharing method of creating virtual LUs of the GI in the respective storage apparatuses and creating differential LUs of the snapshots from the created virtual LUs, using a storage virtualization function among a plurality of storage apparatuses.
US08527712B2
A method including: receiving multiple local requests to access the cache line; inserting, into an address chain, multiple entries corresponding to the multiple local requests; identifying a first entry at a head of the address chain; initiating, in response to identifying the first entry and in response to the first entry corresponding to a request to own the cache line, a traversal of the address chain; setting, during the traversal of the address chain, a state element identified in a second entry; receiving a foreign request to access the cache line; inserting, in response to setting the state element, a third entry corresponding to the foreign request into the address chain after the second entry; and relinquishing, in response to inserting the third entry after the second entry in the address chain, the cache line to a foreign thread after executing the multiple local requests.
US08527705B2
A method begins by a processing module obtaining an encoded data slice and an associated slice name. The method continues with the processing module determining a dispersed storage (DS) unit for storing the encoded data slice based on at least one of the encoded data slice and the associated slice name and estimating a performance level of the DS unit to produce an estimated DS unit performance level. The method continues with the processing module sending the encoded data slice to the DS unit for storage therein and when the estimated DS unit performance level compares unfavorably with a performance threshold, facilitating storage of the encoded data slice in temporary memory to produce a temporarily stored encoded data slice, wherein the temporarily stored encoded data slice is retrieved in response to a retrieval request when confirmation of the DS unit storing the encoded data slice has not been received.
US08527703B1
A method and computer program product for dividing a cache memory system into a plurality of cache memory portions. Data to be written to a specific address within an electromechanical storage system is received. The data is assigned to one of the plurality of cache memory portions, thus defining an assigned cache memory portion. Association information for the data is generated, wherein the association information defines the specific address within the electromechanical storage system. The data and the association information is written to the assigned cache memory portion.A method and computer program product for receiving a data read request concerning requested data stored at a specific address within an electromechanical storage system. A potential cache memory portion within a cache memory system may be identified, wherein the potential cache memory portion is chosen from a plurality of cache memory portions included within the cache memory system. The potential cache memory portion may be read to obtain portion content, wherein the portion content includes portion data stored within the potential cache memory portion and association information concerning the portion data. The association information may be processed to determine if the portion data is equivalent to the data stored at the specific address within the electromechanical storage system.
US08527699B2
Embodiments of the systems and methods disclosed provide a distributed RAID system comprising a set of data banks. More particularly, in certain embodiments of a distributed RAID system each data bank has a set of associated storage media and executes a similar distributed RAID application. Each data bank may have a high speed memory where a write cache is stored. In certain embodiments, a virtualization layer may be executed on a data bank and the distributed RAID application may execute on the virtualization layer. The distributed RAID application may control access to the high speed memory on which the write cache is stored.
US08527698B2
A RAID system is provided in which the RAID controller of the system causes a predetermined number, N, of IO commands to be queued in a memory element, where N is a positive integer. After the N IO commands have been queued, the RAID controller writes N locks associated with the N IO commands in parallel to a service memory device. The RAID controller then writes N stripes of data and parity bits associated with the N IO commands to the PDs of the system to perform striping and parity distribution. If a catastrophic event, such as a power failure, occurs, the RAID controller reads the locks from the service memory device and causes parity to be reconstructed for the stripes associated with the locks. These features improve write performance while preventing the occurrence of data corruption caused by write holes.
US08527696B1
A method and computer program product for receiving a data read request on a first array in a multi-array storage network. If the requested data is resident on the first array, the requested data is obtained from a storage device included within the first array. If not, the requested data is obtained from a storage device included within an at least a second array via an out-of-band cache control process. A method and computer program product for receiving a data write request on a first array for data to be stored on a multi-array storage. The data write request is processed to determine if the data is to be stored on the first array or on at least a second array. If the data is to be stored on the at least a second array, the data is stored via an out-of-band cache control process.
US08527694B2
A method and an apparatus for updating table entries of a TCAM are disclosed. The method comprises: creating a virtual TCAM list, of which respective first TCAM table entries are one-to-one corresponding to respective second TCAM table entries stored in a hardware TCAM; determining, in idle resources of the hardware TCAM, a storage position of a second TCAM table entry to be updated corresponding to a first TCAM table entry to be updated, according to a pre-specified precedence relationship between the storage positions of the first TCAM table entry to be updated and other first TCAM table entry in the virtual TCAM list; and performing an updating operation on the second TCAM table entry to be updated based on the determined storage position. According to the present invention, the storage position of the second TCAM table entry to be updated is selected from the idle resources of the hardware TCAM so far as possible, and thus the problem of a low efficiency in updating table entries because of the rewriting of a lot of other second TCAM table entries caused by updating the second TCAM table entries in the hardware TCAM is overcome.
US08527688B2
A docking station is provided for a computing device. The docking station may be used by, for example, a mobile computing device, such as a cellular or wireless telephony/messaging device. The docking station includes a housing comprising a receiving surface top receive and retain the mobile computing device. An inductive signal transfer interface is included with the housing to inductively signal at least one of power or data to the mobile computing device. The docking station further provides an output component and processing resources. The processing resources are configured to detect placement of the mobile computing device on the receiving surface. The data is received from the mobile computing device, and an output is signaled to the output component based on the received data.
US08527687B2
A main board and a method for dynamically configuring PCIE ports thereof. The main board comprises a PCIE slot, a detecting circuit, an ROM, a chipset and a modifying circuit. The chipset comprises a Management Engine controller and several PCIE ports. The chipset has a Management Engine function or a similar function. The detecting circuit detects the PCIE slot to generate a current state parameter. The ROM stores a default configuration data. The modifying circuit coupled between the chipset and the ROM determines whether the default configuration data needs to be modified according to the current state parameter. When the default configuration data needs to be modified, the modifying circuit modifies the default configuration data according to the current state parameter, so that the Management Engine controller initially configures the PCIE ports according to the modified default configuration data. Thus, the dynamical configuration of the chipset PCIE ports is realized.
US08527685B2
The present invention is directed to a method for implementing firmware in an expander system in such a way that a single hardware component (ex.—a chip) of the expander system may be presented as multiple virtual expanders to both upstream connected devices (ex.—HBAs) as well as downstream connected devices (ex.—disk drives).
US08527678B2
The present invention provides an intelligent, modular multimedia computer management system for coupling a series of remote computers to one or more user workstations to allow each user workstation to selectively access and control one or more remote computers. The computer management system incorporates a centralized switching system that receives keyboard, cursor control device, audio, and auxiliary peripheral device signals from the user workstation and transmits and applies the signals to the remote computer in the same manner as if the keyboard, cursor control device, audio input source, or auxiliary peripheral device of the user workstation were directly coupled to the remote computer. Also, the user workstation receives audio signals and auxiliary peripheral device signals from the remote computer. In addition, the multimedia computer management system transmits video signals from the remote computer over an extended range for display on the video monitor of the user workstation.
US08527665B2
Redirecting a function included in an operating system is disclosed. The redirecting is achieved by identifying an original function call in a kernel and replacing the function call with a replacement function call so that the replacement function is called in place of the original function. In this way the original function call is bypassed and the original call is redirected to the replacement function. This may be done to augment or replace the original function. In one embodiment, when a packet is received, a replacement receiving function is called in place of the network receiving function that was provided with the kernel. In this way, different, less or additional processing of received packets may be performed.
US08527662B2
A managed network provides unique network addresses that are assigned to nodes such that no two nodes will have the same address in the managed network and such that each node will always have the same network address regardless of changing its location or changing the network to which it is joined. The nodes, communicating together, comprise a mesh network. Remote management and control of the nodes is possible from the host server, which is located outside of the mesh network, even if a node is located behind a firewall or network address translator (NAT), because server management messages are encapsulated within headers so that a persistent connection between the node and the external host server is maintained once the node sends a message to the host.
US08527653B2
A general packet radio service (GPRS) gateway support node (GGSN) front end processor (GFEP) system includes an input/output (I/O) interface configured to receive data directly from at least one supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) device. The received data is associated with at least one of monitoring and controlling an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) device. The GFEP system also includes a GFEP processor operatively coupled to the I/O interface, the GFEP processor is configured to perform a protocol conversion to facilitate transfer of the received data from the SCADA device to a GGSN of a wireless communications network, and provide the received data to the GGSN for delivery via the wireless communications network to the AMI device.
US08527634B2
A method and an apparatus for creating an Internet Protocol Connectivity Access Network (IP-CAN) session are disclosed herein. The method includes: creating, by a First Policy and Charging Enforcement Function entity, PCEFa entity, a session with a Policy and Charging Rules Function entity, PCRF entity; performing, by the PCEFa entity, mobility registration with a second Policy and Charging Enforcement Function entity, PCEFb entity; creating, by the PCEFb entity, a session with the PCRF entity; and sending, by the PCRF entity, a session information to the PCEFa entity and the PCEFb entity. mobility The apparatus includes: a PCEFa entity, a PCEFb entity, and a PCRF entity. The method and the apparatus for creating an IP-CAN session under the present disclosure accomplish the purpose of creating an IP-CAN session in the new PCC architecture.
US08527632B2
The secure transfer of data files between secure environments (202, 211) is disclosed. At a source environment (202) a user issues a request via a first local terminal (205J) to transmit one or more selected data files (101) to a specified recipient (211) by identifying the data files and the recipient's email address. The transmission of the data file is approved, possibly by a supervisor (208) and a copy of the selected data file is made to an encrypted storage device. An email is issued to the recipient (211) identifying the location of the selected file and a first password. The selected data file is transferred to the recipient in response to the recipient identifying the location and providing the first password. Preferably, a second one-time password is provided via an alternative mode of communication.
US08527631B1
A Web site reputation service automatically redirects a browsing request for analysis by a rating server. On the browsing request, a proxy autoconfiguration (PAC) file is downloaded from a PAC server to a Web browser of a user computer. The function of the PAC file is executed, sending a request to a rating server along with a host name of a target Web site. The function does not immediately return a proxy server, but first requests a rating of the Web site. A rating result associated with the Web site is produced by the rating server. The rating server returns the rating result and the function returns an address of a proxy server to the Web browser based upon the rating result. A user can enable the Web Proxy Autodiscovery Protocol to use the service. Access control may be implemented by applying an HTTP authentication mechanism on the Web server that hosts the PAC file.
US08527623B2
An embodiment of the present invention automatically detects when a user is in a state of vacillation based on user on-line behavior, records relevant parameters regarding the vacillation event, and then responds accordingly. This response may include providing relevant and/or targeted information that can be used by the user to help remove the indecision. The response may also or alternatively include providing third-party businesses, such as retailers, marketers, and advertisers, with information about vacillation events and associated behaviors for a single user or groups of users so that such businesses can identify potential markets/customers or directly engage similar users to facilitate the decision-making process.
US08527622B2
In some implementations, a first message handler may be configured to receive first network-related data associated with a first network of nodes, the first network of nodes using a first communications protocol. A second message handler may be configured to receive second network-related data associated with a second network of nodes, the second network of nodes using a second communications protocol. A message transport system may be configured to receive the first network-related data and the second network-related data and further configured to route the first network-related data and the second network-related data in a common protocol, and a fault manager may be configured to receive the network-related data in the common protocol and configured to determine a fault associated with an operation of one or more of the first network of nodes and the second network of nodes, based on the network-related data in the common protocol.
US08527614B2
Software configuration and status information of one or more business office appliances operating behind a firewall are controlled remotely by a software patch management application. The software patch management application is connected to a network and transmits instructions and software patches via electronic mail to a network connection on the other side of the firewall. A device management application receives the instructions and/or software patches and communicates the instructions and/or software patches to one or more business office appliances for execution and/or installation without requiring re-boot of the business office appliances.
US08527612B2
Methods, devices and computer program products are provided for configuring network-enabled devices. One or more additional network-enabled devices containing configuration parameters relevant to a first network-enabled device are discovered. The relevant configuration parameters are obtained from the one or more additional network-enabled device by the first network-enabled device and the first network-enabled device is configured using the obtained configuration parameters.
US08527611B2
A method of tailoring data streams transmitted to networked user devices is disclosed in which environment information associated with each device is stored at an agent located on those devices. This environment information may include information related to the hardware, interface and application capabilities of the particular device. In another embodiment, this environment information is transmitted and stored at an agent at a local network gateway. And in another embodiment, the environment information is then stored at a mirror agent located in a backbone network of a service provider. By referring to this environment information, a service provider can tailor the transmission of data streams, such as multimedia streams, to a device based on the capabilities of the device and the associated network.
US08527591B2
The present invention describes a method and apparatus for the implementation of a real-time, sharable web browsing experience on a guest device, utilizing the transfer of URL and form data information. The present invention further describes a method for joining a synchronized browsing session administered by a synchronization server, comprising activating a hyperlink associated with the synchronized browsing session, sending a request to join the synchronized browsing session to the synchronization server in response to the activation of the hyperlink, and joining the synchronized browsing session. The present invention further describes a method for implementing a synchronized browsing session, comprising receiving information related to a shared web browsing interaction performed by a host device from a synchronization server, and performing the shared web browsing interaction based on the information received from the synchronization server.
US08527585B2
The present invention relates to the field of Web browser technology, particularly to a prereading method and system for a Web browser, the method comprising: submitting, by a Web browser client, a first Web page visiting request to a target server and uploading an individual browsing record characteristic of the first Web page; forming, by a transfer server, a prereading policy according to the received individual browsing record characteristic of the first Web page and the stored at least one swarm browsing record characteristic of the first Web page; acquiring, by the transfer server, a Web page from the target server according to the prereading policy and sending the Web page to the browser client for buffering. The present invention makes it possible to preread Web pages according to individual users' visiting habits and preferences in combination with mass users' visiting history, and find out Web pages that a user is most likely to click through computational analysis of weights and preference coefficients on different page elements of Web pages, thereby realizing more precisely prereading, significantly increasing success rate of preread. Further, pages are downloaded in idle period, which advantageously saves time for users by substantially avoiding waiting.
US08527581B2
A method of synchronizing a first device capable of displaying video content and including the video content, and a second device capable of displaying E-book content associated with the video content and including the E-book content. The first device is connected to the second device according to a specific protocol. In response to a specific event for the video content or the E-book content occurring in one of the first and second devices, the device in which the specific event occurs generates event information about the specific event and transmits it to the other of the first and second devices, and performs the specific event according to the event information. Upon receiving the event information, the other of the first and second devices performs the specific event according to the received event information in synchronization with the device in which the specific event occurred, using synchronization information between the video content and the E-book content.
US08527575B2
A method, performed by a server device, may include receiving a request from a user device to place a user, associated with the user device, in a particular queue; determining whether the user meets one or more qualifications associated with the queue; placing the user in the particular queue, when the user meets the one or more qualifications; monitoring whether the user continues to meet the one or more qualifications, while the user is in the queue; and removing the user from the particular queue, when the user fails to meet the one or more qualifications.
US08527568B2
Determining a summary feature set is disclosed. A plurality of subsegments of a first segment are selected. For each subsegment, a plurality of values by applying a set of functions to each subsegment are computed. From all the values computed for all the subsegments, a first subset of values is selected.
