US08039321B2
Provided are an electrical fuse, a semiconductor device having the same, and a method of programming and reading the electrical fuse. The electrical fuse includes first and second anodes disposed apart from each other. A cathode is interposed between the first and second anodes. A first fuse link couples the first anode to the cathode, and a second fuse link couples the second anode to the cathode.
US08039318B1
An integrated circuit includes a first and a second die positioned on a lead frame of a package. The lead frame includes a plurality of bond fingers. The integrated circuit includes a first bond pad on the first die that is electrically interconnected to a corresponding second bond pad on the second die through first and second bond fingers of the lead frame. The package may be a QFP, DIP, PLCC, TSOP, or any other type of package including a lead frame.
US08039313B2
A semiconductor device and method for producing such a device is disclosed. One embodiment provides a semiconductor functional wafer having a first and second main surface. Component production processes are performed for producing a component functional region at the first main surface, wherein the component production processes produce an end state that is stable up to at least a first temperature. A carrier substrate is fitted to the first main surface. Access openings are produced to the first main surface. At least one further component production process is performed for producing patterned component functional regions at the first main surface of the functional wafer in the access openings. The end state produced in this process is stable up to a second temperature, which is less than the first temperature.
US08039307B2
A mounted body (100) of the present invention includes: a semiconductor element (10) having a surface (10a) on which element electrodes (12) are formed and a rear surface (10b) opposing the surface (10a); and a mounting board (30) on which wiring patterns (35) each having an electrode terminal (32) are formed. The rear surface (10b) of the semiconductor element (10) is in contact with the mounting board (30), and the element electrodes (12) of the semiconductor element (10) are connected electrically to the electrode terminals (32) of the wiring pattern (35) formed on the mounting board (30) via solder connectors (20) formed of solder particles assembled into a bridge shape. With this configuration, fine pitch connection between the element electrodes of the semiconductor element and the electrode terminals of the mounting board becomes possible.
US08039301B2
A gate after diamond transistor and method of making comprising the steps of depositing a first dielectric layer on a semiconductor substrate, depositing a diamond particle nucleation layer on the first dielectric layer, growing a diamond thin film layer on the first dielectric layer, defining an opening for the gate in the diamond thin film layer, patterning of the diamond thin film layer for a gate metal to first dielectric layer surface, etching the first dielectric layer, depositing and defining a gate metal, and forming a contact window opening in the diamond thin film layer and the first dielectric layer to the ohmic contact.
US08039289B2
Multi-zone, solar cell diffusion furnaces having a plurality of radiant element (SiC) or/and high intensity IR lamp heated process zones, including baffle, ramp-up, firing, soaking and cooling zone(s). The transport of solar cell wafers, e.g., silicon, selenium, germanium or gallium-based solar cell wafers, through the furnace is implemented by use of an ultra low-mass, wafer transport system comprising laterally spaced shielded metal bands or chains carrying non-rotating alumina tubes suspended on wires between them. The wafers rest on raised circumferential standoffs spaced laterally along the alumina tubes, which reduces contamination. The bands or chains are driven synchronously at ultra-low tension by a pin drive roller or sprocket at either the inlet or outlet end of the furnace, with appropriate tensioning systems disposed in the return path. The high intensity IR flux rapidly photo-radiation conditions the wafers so that diffusion occurs >3× faster than conventional high-mass thermal furnaces.
US08039287B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a pixel cell for an image sensor that includes a photodiode, which provides high gain, low noise, and low dark current. The pixel cell includes a photodiode comprising layers of a first material and at least a second material in contact with one another. The photodiode generates charge in response to light and also amplifies the charge. The layers may be configured to promote impact ionization by a first carrier type and suppress impact ionization by a second carrier type. The pixel cell also includes a gate of a transistor adjacent to the photodiode and may include readout circuitry for reading out the charge generated and amplified by the photodiode.
US08039277B2
Disclosed are methods for providing wafer parasitic current control to a semiconductor wafer (1240) having a substrate (1240), at least one active layer (1240) and at least one surface layer (1240), Current control can be achieved through the formation of patterns (1240) surrounding contacts (1215), said patterns (1240) including insulating implants and/or sacrificial layers formed between active devices represented by said contacts (1215). Current flows through active regions (1260) associated with said contacts (1215) and active devices. Methods of and systems for wafer level burn-in (WLBI) of semiconductor devices are also disclosed. Current control at the wafer level is important when using WLBI methods and systems.
US08039265B1
The oxygen content of metal species in a heterogeneous catalyst is determined using volumetric adsorption measurements. Such measurements are employed to quantify the amount of reduction gas that it takes to reduce metal species of a catalyst sample, and the oxygen content is derived from this amount and the reaction stoichiometry. This method can be applied to mono-metallic and multi-metallic heterogeneous catalysts and has been shown to provide at least 10 times better detection sensitivity than typical TCDs in TPR-TCD methods.
US08039260B2
The subject invention provides totipotent, chlorophyllous, cell cultures of maize. In addition, the methods of producing such cultures are applicable to other related species, including cereals such as rice, oats, barley, and heat. The subject cultures are valuable for herbicide studies, studies for enhancing photosynthesis, and genetic manipulation, such as plastid transformation. The methods of the subject invention are capable of providing high percentages of totipotent cells. These cells are capable of sustained cell division and are competent for regeneration over long periods; they provide high-quality target tissue for nuclear and organelle transformation. The invention also describes methods for the introduction of heterologous DNA into the chloroplast genome. The present invention also provides methods, vectors, and gene constructs for enhancing expression of a recombinant nucleic acid sequence in transgenic plants and plant tissues.
US08039257B2
This invention includes the composition of organ grafts accommodated prior to transplantation and therefore resistant to rejection by preformed antibodies. Accommodation is achieved within the donor animal by administration of sub-lethal levels of accommodation inducing factors derived from animals sensitized to the donor.
US08039249B2
Disclosed is a disk based platform for separating and detecting cells that are labeled with immunomagnetic beads. A disk-like carrier board forms therein at least one flow channel structure, which includes an inner reservoir for receiving a sample fluid, an outer reservoir, and a plurality of micro flow channels arranged between and in fluid communication with the inner and outer reservoirs. When the disk-like carrier board spins, cells labeled with immunomagnetic beads are attracted by a magnetic attraction unit that is arranged above the disk-like carrier board and adjacent to the inner reservoir to thereby remain in the inner reservoir, and cells that are not so labeled are acted upon by a centrifugal force induced by the spinning of the disk-like carrier board to flow with the sample fluid from the inner reservoir through the micro flow channels into the outer reservoir.
US08039248B2
The invention provides a modified flavin adenine dinucleotide dependent glucose dehydrogenase (FADGDH), as well as a glucose sensor comprising the modified FADGDH and a method for measuring glucose comprising using the glucose sensor to measure glucose of a sample.
US08039241B2
The present invention relates to an isolated polynucleotide comprising an open reading frame encoding a polypeptide having alpha-amylase activity, the polypeptide selected from the group consisting of: a) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence which has at least 70% identity with amino acids 1 to 450 of SEQ ID NO: 4; b) a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence which has at least 70% identity with the polypeptide encoded by the amylase encoding part of the polynucleotide inserted into a plasmid present in the E. coli host deposited under the Budapest Treaty with DSMZ under accession number DSM 15334; c) a polypeptide encoded by a polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence which has at least 70% identity with the sequence shown from position 68 to 1417 in SEQ ID NO: 3; and d) a fragment of (a), (b) or (c) that has alpha-amylase activity.
US08039240B2
The cloning and heterologous expression of human T2 RNase6PL are disclosed. Further disclosed are methods for preventing, inhibiting and/or reversing cell motility, actin filament assembly or disassembly, proliferation, colonization, differentiation, accumulation and/or development of abnormal cells in a subject is disclosed. The methods are effected by administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a RNase6PL ribonuclease or close homologues thereof.
US08039238B2
The present invention provides a transformant into which has been incorporated DNA for coding a foreign protein having lactate dehydrogenase activity and provided with pyruvic acid substrate affinity that equals or exceeds the pyruvic acid substrate affinity of the pyruvate decarboxylase inherent in the host organism. Said transformant can stably mass-produce lactic acid inside a host organism having the pyruvate decarboxylase gene.
US08039223B2
Kits and methods for selectively assaying a target adiponectin multimer in a biological sample. Such methods accurately evaluate the relationship between a disease and adiponectin through selective assay of adiponectin multimers and provide information that cannot be obtained through measurement of the total amount of adiponectin alone. A method for selectively assaying a target adiponectin multimer in a biological sample comprising distinguishing target adiponectin multimer from the other adiponectin multimers by using a protease and/or an antibody.
US08039213B2
Methods are provided for accurately predicting efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents. Methods of the invention increase the positive predictive value of chemosensitivity assays by assessing both the ability of a chemotherapeutic to destroy cells and the genetic propensity of those cells for resistance. Results obtained using methods of the invention provide insight into the in vivo effectiveness of a therapeutic, and lead to more effective chemotherapeutic treatment.
US08039212B2
The present invention is based on the discovery of genetic polymorphisms that are associated with liver fibrosis and related pathologies. In particular, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules containing the polymorphisms, including groups of nucleic acid molecules that may be used as a signature marker set, variant proteins encoded by such nucleic acid molecules, reagents for detecting the polymorphic nucleic acid molecules and proteins, and methods of using the nucleic acid and proteins as well as methods of using reagents for their detection.
US08039201B2
The present invention relates to an antireflective composition comprising a polymer, a thermal acid generator and optionally a crosslinking agent, where the polymer comprises at least one hydrophobic unit (1), at least one chromophore unit (2), at least one unit with a crosslinking site (3) and optionally a unit capable of crosslinking the polymer, where, R1 to R8 are independently selected from hydrogen and C1-C4 alkyl, W1 is a fully or partially fluorinated alkylene group, X is selected from F, H and OH; W2 comprises a chromophore group, and W3 Y comprises a crosslinking site. The invention also relates to a process for using the antireflective coating composition.
US08039200B2
A photosensitive composition comprises (A) a sulfonium or iodonium salt having an anion represented by one of formulae (I) and (II): wherein Y represents an alkylene group substituted with at least one fluorine atom, and R represents an alkyl group or a cycloalkyl group.
US08039199B2
A negative resist composition for immersion exposure including a fluorine-containing polymeric compound (F) containing a structural unit having a base dissociable group, an alkali-soluble resin component (A) excluding the fluorine-containing polymeric compound (F), an acid generator component (B) that generates acid upon exposure, and a cross-linking component (C); and a method of forming a resist pattern including applying the negative resist composition for immersion exposure to a substrate to form a resist film, subjecting the resist film to immersion exposure, and subjecting the resist film to alkali developing to form a resist pattern.
US08039194B2
A photoacid generator P+ A− comprises (a) an antenna group P+ comprising atoms with high EUV photoabsorption cross-sections according to FIG. 1 and A− anions; or (b) an antenna group P+ and A− comprising anions with low photoabsorption cross-sections for EUV; or (c) an antenna group P+, comprising atoms with high EUV photoabsorption cross-sections according to FIG. 1 and A− comprising anions with low photoabsorption cross-sections for EUV. Novel compounds comprise DTFPIO PFBuS, and DTBPIO CN5.
US08039191B2
A toner having a BET specific surface area of from 1.5 to 3.5 m2/g, obtainable by a process including the steps of; step (1): pulverizing a toner composition containing at least a resin binder and a colorant in the presence of fine inorganic particles having an average primary particle size of from 6 to 20 nm to obtain mother toner particles having a volume-median particle size of from 3 to 8 μm; and step (2): externally adding silica having an average primary particle size of from 25 to 60 nm to the mother toner particles obtained in the above step (1). The toner of the present invention is suitably used for, for example, developing a latent image formed in electrophotography, electrostatic recording method, electrostatic printing method, or the like.
US08039190B2
A carrier core material for an electrophotographic developer including Li ferrite, maghemite, and Fe3O4, wherein a part thereof is substituted with Mn, Li content is 1 to 2.5% by weight, Mn content is 2 to 7.5% by weight, and silicon content is 25 to 10,000 ppm, the following equation (1) is satisfied when respective integrated strengths of spinel crystal structure (110), (210), (211), and (311) faces in X-ray diffraction are respectively I110, I210, I211, and I311, a resistivity R50 of 50 V across a 6.5 mm gap is 5×107 to 7×108Ω, and a resistivity R1000 of 1,000 V across a 6.5 mm gap is 1×107 to 8×108Ω. 2<100×(I110+I210+I211)/I311<14 (1).
US08039186B2
A toner for developing an electrostatic image comprises: a binder resin; and a releasing agent, wherein the binder resin comprises a polycondensation resin obtained by polycondensing a polycondensation monomer in the presence of a polycondensation catalyst, the releasing agent comprises a condensation compound obtained by condensing a condensation monomer in the presence of a condensation catalyst, the toner contains a metallic element derived from the polycondensation catalyst and the condensation catalyst in an amount of from 0 to 10 ppm, and the toner contains a sulfur component in an amount of from 100 to 20,000 ppm.
US08039175B2
The present invention provides a method for producing a multilayer structure, comprising the steps of: providing a composition comprising a Fe—Cr alloy powder and at least one of the oxides of Fe, Cr, Ni, Co, Zn, Cu; forming a first layer of said composition; forming at least one additional layer on one side of said first layer; heat treating said layers in an oxygen-containing atmosphere; and sintering in a reducing atmosphere so as to provide a final alloy, wherein the amount of Fe in the final alloy of the first layer after the sintering step is in the range of from about 50-90% by weight, based on the total weight of the final alloy.
US08039170B2
A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and at least one bipolar plate having an anode-side gas distributor structure for distributing anode reactants, a cathode-side gas distributor structure for distributing cathode reactants, and a guide passage structure for distributing a cooling medium. At least one of the anode-side gas distributor structure and the cathode-side gas distributor structure is divided into at least a first field and a second field, each of the first and second fields having an entry port and an exit port for the reactants. In addition, a method for such a fuel cell includes passing a reactant into an entry port of the first field and out of an exit port of the first field, mixing the reactant with a fresh reactant so as to form a mixture, and passing the mixture into the entry port of the second field.
US08039169B2
A fuel cell includes a separator having a circular disk. On one surface of the circular disk, a fuel gas channel is provided for supplying a fuel gas to an anode, and on the other surface of the circular disk, an oxygen-containing gas channel is provided for supplying air to a cathode. The fuel gas channel has an end point at an outer circumferential end of the anode. A fuel gas discharge channel is connected to an end point of the fuel gas channel, such that the consumed fuel gas is emitted to an oxygen-containing gas supply unit, from a position spaced outwardly from the outer circumference of an electrolyte electrode assembly.
US08039155B2
A fuel-cell system is provided, which includes a fuel cell, a reactive-gas supply unit and a control unit. The reactive-gas supply unit supplies the reactive gases to the fuel cell. The control unit includes an average stoichiometric flow-ratio calculation part and a reactive-gas reduction part. The average stoichiometric flow-ratio calculation part calculates an average stoichiometric flow ratio by averaging stoichiometric flow ratios. A stoichiometric flow ratio is a ratio of an amount of the reactive gases supplied to the fuel cell with respect to a required amount of the reactive gases of the fuel cell in accordance with a required amount of power generation. When the average stoichiometric flow ratio is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, the reactive-gas reduction part reduces the amount of the reactive gases supplied to the fuel cell so as to lower the stoichiometric flow ratio.
US08039152B2
An anode material made from nanoparticles, said anode material including a homogeneous mixture of lithium-alloying nanoparticles with active support matrix nanoparticles, is provided. The active support matrix nanoparticle is a compound that participates in the conversion reaction of the lithium battery. The compound is preferably a transition metal compound, with said compound including a nitride, carbide, oxide or combination thereof. An electrode manufactured from the anode material preferably has a porosity of between 5 and 80% and more preferably has a porosity between 10 and 50%. The anode material nanoparticles preferably have a mean linear dimension of between 2 and 500 nanometers, and more preferably have a mean linear dimension of between 2 and 50 nanometers.
US08039151B2
A negative electrode active material includes lithium-titanium composite oxide porous particles having an average pore size of 50 to 500 Å.
US08039144B2
An electrochemical cell (400) is provided having a singular electrical coupling. A flexible substrate (200) having an interconnect extension (209) is coupled to an electrochemical cell structure (300). The assembly is then placed into an enclosure (301), such that a portion of the flexible substrate (200) is disposed within the enclosure (301). The enclosure (301) is then sealed about the interconnect extension (209) such that the interconnect extension (209) projects distally from the closure (404) as a singular electrical coupling. Embodiments of the invention facilitate the manufacture of narrow cells without compromising cell reliability.
US08039137B2
In a battery cooling device for cooling a battery with air from a cooling unit, such as a cooling fan, the air flow of the cooling unit is optimally controlled. A air flow control device calculates a calorific value of the battery based on an internal resistance of the battery and a charge/discharge current measured by a current measurement unit, calculates the difference as a differential temperature between battery temperature measured by a battery temperature measurement unit and ambient temperature measured by an ambient temperature measurement unit, and controls the air flow of the cooling fan on the basis of the calculated calorific value and the differential temperature.
US08039135B2
Disclosed is the structure of a center pin assembly inserted into the winding center of a winding-type electrode assembly of an electrochemical device, which has a case containing the winding-type electrode assembly. The center pin assembly can secure the safety of an electrochemical device when physical impact (e.g. squeezing, shock) is applied from the outside, when the internal temperature rises, and/or when the device is overcharged. The center pin assembly includes a center pin manufactured by winding a planar substrate into a tubular shape, the planar substrate having at least two protrusions formed in an embossing type or at least two discontinuous scores formed in a predetermined shape; and a container placed in a space inside the center pin, the container containing a substance capable of improving the safety of the device.
US08039134B2
A can type secondary battery and a method of manufacturing a circuit board for the secondary battery that improves reliability by providing a consistent breakdown pressure of the circuit board used in the can type secondary battery. The can type secondary battery includes an electrode assembly, a can to house the electrode assembly and a cap assembly combined with the can. The cap assembly includes a circuit board, which includes fiber layers and is broken by a safety vent when an internal pressure of the can is increased. A woven direction of the fiber layers is inclined with respect to a length direction of the circuit board. Distribution of the breakdown pressure among the circuit boards is decreased, and thus the circuit boards are broken under a consistent pressure, thereby improving the reliability of the can type secondary battery.
US08039128B2
An organic light emitting device having a high efficiency and durability is provided. The organic light emitting device includes an anode, a cathode and a layer formed of an organic compound interposed between the anode and the cathode, and contains at least one kind of the fluorene compound represented by the following general formula (I) or (II): wherein R1 to R4 each represent an alkyl group, a fluorinated alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group, or a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group; and Ar1 to Ar8 represent a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group or a substituted or unsubstituted polycondensed aromatic group.
US08039119B2
Orientation degree and smoothness of a substrate surface better than those of conventional ones are provided in a textured substrate for epitaxial thin film growth. The present invention is a textured substrate for epitaxial film formation, including a crystal orientation improving layer made of a metal thin film of 1 to 5000 nm in thickness on the surface of the textured substrate for epitaxial film formation having a textured metal layer at least on one surface, wherein differences between orientation degrees (Δφ and Δω) in the textured metal layer surface and orientation degrees (Δφ and Δω) in the crystal orientation improving layer surface are both 0.1 to 3.0°. Further, when another metal different from the metal constituting this textured substrate crystal orientation improving layer is added equivalent to a thin film which is 30 nm or less, and subsequently is subjected to heat treatment, the smoothness of that surface can be improved. At this time, the surface roughness of the substrate surface becomes 20 nm or less.
US08039108B2
A member (1) resistant to erosion by cavitation on which an amorphous carbon film coating is formed on a surface of a base material has at least a first amorphous carbon film coating (4) having a plurality of columnar structures (4a) on the surface of the base material (2), and a second amorphous carbon film coating (5) having a plurality of granular structures (5a) deposited with no orientation on the surface of the first amorphous carbon film coating (4).
US08039107B2
A silver-coated ball 10 according to the present invention includes: a spherical core 1; and a coating layer 2 including silver superfine particles, which is arranged so as to surround the core 1. The silver superfine particles included in the coating layer 2 have a mean particle size of 1 nm to 50 nm.
US08039097B2
A method for the temporary protection of patinated surfaces of copper products, in which an aqueous polymer dispersion is applied to the patinated surface, so that the polymer dispersion penetrates regions of the porous patina that are close to the surface, and in which the aqueous polymer dispersion is subsequently dried, so that it forms a composite with the patina that is permeable to water vapor diffusion. The polymer dispersion binds loose dust located on prepatinated copper products and simplifies the handling of the copper products. It behaves in a hydrophobic manner, but on the other hand it permits the required access of air moisture and water to the patina layer for further weathering.
US08039093B2
A method for preparing a tamperproof ID document comprising in order the steps of a) providing an ID document having at least one image on at least one outermost surface of said ID document; b) printing or coating a curable liquid on at least one of said outermost surfaces of said ID document thereby forming an outermost layer on said printed or coated outermost surface at least partially covering said at least one image; and c) curing said outermost layer; wherein said curable liquid comprises a polymerizable and/or a polymeric abherent agent and said printed or coated outermost surface is the surface of a layer or foil exclusive of porous pigment. Also disclosed is an ID document wherein the surface of an outermost layer at least partially covering an image on the ID document has a surface energy of less than 28 mN/m; and the use of an abherent agent-comprising curable composition to provide ID-documents with a substantially non-printable and substantially non-laminatable abhesive surface.
US08039079B2
A segmented insulative device and related kit for insulating components of a thermal distribution system, and particularly chilled fluid systems. The kit includes a sheet of segmented insulation formed by a composite layer of segmented, flexible, pre-sewn insulation that is easily cut to size in the field using scissors, utility knives or other simple, hand-held cutting devices. The composite layer includes at least one outer layer of low permeance laminate devoid of stitching and adhered to the pre-sewn insulation. The kit also includes low permeance pressure-sensitive adhesive tape as fasteners, also easily cut to length, using hand-held devices. The low permeance laminate and the low permeance pressure-sensitive adhesive tape form a contiguous outer water vapor barrier free of stitching that would otherwise compromise low permeance. The segmented insulation and the fasteners are attached to one another in the field. This provides an installation kit that an installer can use to provide a versatile insulation in the form of the assembled segmented insulative device that insulates against heat gain to the chilled surface and retards the intrusion of water vapor into the insulation as well as to the chilled surface. The segmented insulative device lends itself to quick customization on-site rather than requiring costly off-site manufacture or pre-assembly and subsequent quick installation on the pipe component requiring thermal installation.
US08039065B2
To provide an antireflection film which is easily and inexpensively producible and which has an antireflection property, a scratch resistance and a stain resistance in a sufficient level, and a polarizing plate and a liquid crystal display device utilizing the antireflection film of such excellent ability, the antireflection film includes a transparent support and a low-refractive index layer having a lower refractive index than the transparent support, wherein the low-refractive index layer is an outermost layer, and the low-refractive index layer contains a hollow silica particle and a compound that reduces a surface free energy of the outermost layer.
US08039063B2
A method for fabricating an alignment film is provided. The method includes providing a substrate, forming a plurality of region defining strips at an interval on the substrate, and forming organic alignment strips for aligning liquid crystal molecules between the region defining strips by applying an organic alignment material on the substrate.
US08039061B2
In a method for producing a hose with a sealing layer, a hose body having a resin innermost layer is prepared, a rod-like core member is disposed through a center portion of a hollow interior of a connecting portion of the hose body so as to occupy the center portion, and the plasma gas is fed and distributed in an interior of an innermost layer of the connecting portion to modify an inner surface of the innermost layer. Then, the sealing layer is formed on the inner surface by coating an elastic material for the sealing layer on the inner surface of the connecting portion.
US08039058B2
A gypsum or foam facer is formed by the direct in-line or off-line coating of a pre-impregnated, fibrous network matting with a secondary binder system. The pre-impregnated fibrous network is preferably formed of a randomly oriented wet use chop strand fiber material impregnated with a modified urea-formaldehyde binder system. The secondary binder system preferably consists of low glass transition acrylic or styrene-butadiene-rubber resin filled predominantly with fillers combined with a plate like reinforcement or fibrous reinforcement. In an alternative embodiment, a low basis secondary veil is layered onto the fibrous network matting with or without the secondary binder system to improve softness and decorative appearance of the formed gypsum board. In another preferred alternative embodiment, a plurality of high aspect ratio particles may be introduced to the binder prior to introduction of an optional secondary binder resin to also improve the softness and decorative appearance of gypsum board.
US08039052B2
The various embodiments of the invention provide for relative movement of the substrate and a process head to access the entire wafer in a minimal space to conduct combinatorial processing on various regions of the substrate. The heads enable site isolated processing within the chamber described and method of using the same are described.
US08039049B2
A method and system for treating a dielectric film in a batch processing system includes exposing at least one surface of the dielectric film to a treating compound including a CxHy containing compound, where x and y represent integers greater than or equal to unity. The plurality of wafers are heated when the treating compound is introduced. The dielectric film can include a low dielectric constant film with or without pores having an etch feature formed therein following dry etch processing.
US08039048B2
A process for forming algae-resistant roofing shingles comprises producing algae-resistant granules, and adhering the granules to a shingle stock material. The algae-resistant roofing granules are produced by a process that includes coating mineral particles with a clay-silicate binder including a metal oxide algaecide and small organic particles. The particles are heated to cure the binder, and the organic particles pyrolyse to form pores in the coating. The release of the algaecide is controlled by the structure of the granules.
US08039039B2
Grooves (3R, 3G, 3B) corresponding to red, green and blue respectively are formed on a substrate (40), and the edge portion of each groove (3R, 3G, 3B) is formed so as to be farther from a side of substrate (40) in order. The edge portion of each groove (3R, 3G, 3B) is immersed in an organic EL solution (8R, 8G, 8B) of corresponding color, the grooves (3R, 3G, 3B) are severally filled with the organic EL solution (8R, 8G, 8B) of corresponding color using capillary phenomenon, and thus a full-color organic EL display device is manufactured.
US08039030B2
Microwaveable popcorn compositions, products and methods of making the same are disclosed. The composition includes unpopped popcorn kernels, an oil comprising at least one omega-3 LC PUFA, and an oil that is solid at about 20° C. The an oil comprising at least one omega-3 LC PUFA can include a microbial oil prepared by extraction with isopropanol and water in the absence of winterization.
US08039017B2
A wound care device for local treatment of pain in a wound, said device comprising an active pain relieving composition, the device being constructed in such a manner that the pain killing agent is released to the wound in such a way that substantially no effective systemic plasma concentration of the pain killing agent can be found and wherein a majority of said pain killing agent is in direct contact with the wound.
US08038992B2
Methods are provided for decreasing demyelinating inflammatory disease in a subject by inhibiting the activity of chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1). Methods are also provided for screening for agents that find use in treating demyelinating inflammatory disease in a subject.
US08038988B2
Methods and compositions for stimulating the growth of hair are disclosed wherein said compositions include a cyclopentane heptanoic acid, 2-cycloalkyl or arylalkyl compound represented by the formula I wherein the dashed bonds represent a single or double bond which can be in the cis or trans configuration, A, B, Z, X, R1 and R2 are as defined in the specification. Such compositions are used in treating the skin or scalp of a human or non-human animal. Bimatoprost is preferred for this treatment.
US08038985B1
The invention discloses a pharmaceutical composition of bioactive nanoparticles composed of chitosan, poly-glutamic acid, and a bioactive agent for oral delivery. The chitosan-based nanoparticles are characterized with a positive surface charge and enhanced permeability for oral drug delivery.
US08038984B2
Methods and compositions for treating sepsis using cell membrane-permeant peptide conjugate covalent compounds having target cell specificity are provided.
US08038972B2
A higher order silane composition, includes: a higher order silane compound; and a solvent containing one of a substituted hydrocarbon based solvent and an unsubstituted hydrocarbon based solvent. As the solvent, a solvent having a refractive index of 1.53 or more is selected so that the higher order silane compound is dissolved therein.
US08038960B2
A reformer that produces reformed gas from a hydrocarbon material includes a reforming chamber having an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder; a reforming catalyst filled in the reforming chamber; a burner that heats the reforming catalyst and fuel of reformed gas; a combustion gas outer flow channel through which combustion gas of the burner flows along an outer side surface of the reforming chamber; a combustion gas inner flow channel through which the combustion gas of the burner flows along an inner side surface of the reforming chamber; and a plurality of return pipes as a reformed gas flow channel.
US08038940B2
An automated machine for transferring solution from a source microwell plate to a destination microwell plate. A plurality of pins is used for transferring the solution. The pins are attached to pin assemblies. The pin assemblies are attached to the circumference of a circular dial that is rotatably connected to the automated machine. The circular dial rotates the pins form a solution removal position to a solution transfer position and then to a pin cleaning position. Solution is removed from individual wells at the solution removal position and the solution is transferred to individual wells at the solution transfer position. The pins are cleaned at the pin cleaning position. A computer is programmed to control the automated machine and the transfer of solution. In a preferred embodiment, the computer is programmed to: 1) execute a saved transfer list, 2) accept a customized input list from an operator, 3) execute the customized input list, and 4) save the customized input list for later execution. In a preferred embodiment, the automated machine is utilized for transferring variable volumes of solution from the source microwell plate to the destination microwell plate.
US08038935B2
Methods of removing odors, particularly odors within enclosed environments are provided which employ nanocrystalline metal oxide and metal hydroxide particles. The nanocrystalline particles are dispersed within an enclosed space so as to contact exposed surfaces located within the space such as walls, floors, upholstery, and the like and adsorb odor-causing materials located within the enclosed space.
US08038934B2
A spring steel having a high strength of 1900 MPa or more and superior in the brittle fracture resistance, as well as a method for manufacturing the same, are provided.The high strength spring steel comprises, as basic components in mass %, C: 0.4-0.6%, Si: 1.4-3.0%, Mn: 0.1-1.0%, Cr: 0.2-2.5%, P: 0.025% or less, S: 0.025% or less, N: 0.006% or less, Al: 0.1% or less, and O: 0.003% or less, the amount of solute C being 0.15% or less, the amount of Cr contained as a Cr-containing precipitate being 0.10% or less, and a TS value represented by the following equation being 24.8% or more, and in point of structure, the pre-austenite grain diameter being 10 μm or smaller, wherein TS=28.5*[C]+4.9*[Si]+0.5*[Mn]+2.5*[Cr]+1.7*[V]+3.7*[Mo] where [X] stands for mass % of element X.
US08038925B2
A waterproof and breathable lining structure includes a sheet-like waterproof and breathable foaming cushion layer made of a composition of a predetermined amount of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and a predetermined amount of foaming agent such as azodicarbonamide (ADCA), and a fabric lining layer integrally adhered to one side of the cushion layer to form the lining structure. The cushion layer is made by a process including the steps of: (a) palletizing raw materials including the low density polyethylene and the foaming agent such as Azodicarbonamide (ADCA); (b) extruding the palletized raw material to make a solid sheet; (c) cross-linking the solid sheet by an E-beam to form an irradiated matrix; (d) foaming the irradiated matrix into the sheet-like foaming cushion layer.
US08038921B2
A process for producing a molding having an embedded member which comprises: a first step in which a mold (1) having pins (3) which extend from the outside to the inside of the mold and can be withdrawn outward is heated to a given temperature; a second step in which a member (2) to be embedded is held in a given position within the mold by supporting the member, including an upper part thereof, with the pins (3); a third step in which a thermoplastic resin is packed through a gate (1d) first into that part of the cavity of the mold (1) which is located under the member to be embedded to thereby cause the thermoplastic resin to press the member against the pin (3) located in an upper part of the mold; a fourth step in which the thermoplastic resin is packed into the remaining part of the cavity of the mold (1); and a fifth step in which the pins (3) are withdrawn successively from the lower side of the mold before cooling to a temperature at which the thermoplastic resin solidifies and loses its flowability.
US08038907B2
Novel, simple methods are presented directed to the synthesis of aligned nanofibers of polyaniline and substituted derivatives on a substrate. The production of these fibers is achieved via various methods by controlling the concentration of aniline monomer or substituted aniline derivatives or an oxidant in the reaction medium and maintaining said concentration at a level much lower than conventional polyaniline synthesis methods. Methods are disclosed relating to the use of a permeable membrane to control the release of a monomer and/or oxidant as well as a bulk polymerization method.
US08038902B2
The present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one type of liquid crystal, to a liquid crystal cell and liquid crystal display device comprising such composition and to a method of preparing such a composition and/or such a liquid crystal cell.
US08038878B2
A simple, low cost, replaceable coolant filtering is integrated in a coolant reservoir bottle or reservoir tank of an internal engine liquid cooling system. The coolant filtering system intercepts coolant flowing between the engine cooling system and the coolant reservoir, removing particulates from the coolant by filtration, entrapping the removed particulates on the filter media as well as capturing larger particulates into a drainable cup-like depression provided within the coolant reservoir. Also a coolant bypass passage is operative to permit coolant to bypass the filter should the filter media become blocked with contaminants.
US08038877B2
The invention relates to an oil filter apparatus comprising an oil inlet and an oil outlet, with a suction oil pump being connectable to the oil outlet with which a negative pressure can be produced between the oil inlet (and the oil outlet, a coarse filter medium and a fine filter medium which is arranged between the oil inlet and the oil outlet, with the oil filter apparatus being capable of allowing a volume share of the oil to pass permanently through the coarse filter medium irrespective of the viscosity of an oil passing through the oil inlet and of allowing at the same time the remaining volume share of the oil to pass through the fine filter medium. The entire oil volume flow can thus be purified in a short period of time with high efficiency, and no additional space is required outside of the transmission or engine, a light and cost-effective configuration is achieved, and the oil filter apparatus can be used in different vehicle models or types of engines without any change and thus without any reduction in the variety of variants.
US08038871B1
A septic tank float mounting system includes a septic tank having a pump therein. A discharge conduit is in fluid communication with the pump. A pump actuating assembly is removably positioned in the septic tank. The pump actuating assembly includes a tube having a first end and a second end. A plurality of clamps is attached to the tube and releasably engages the discharge conduit. A control is positioned outside of the septic tank. An electrical conduit extends through the tube and is in electrical communication with the control and the pump. A float apparatus is releasably engaged to the tube and in communication with the electrical conduit. The float apparatus signals the control to turn on the pump when the float apparatus detects a preselected height of fluid in the septic tank.
US08038867B2
A device includes a first electrode and a second electrode spaced from the first electrode to define a volume. An anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane are disposed within the volume. A controller controls a supply of electrical current from an electrical source to the first electrode and to the second electrode. The electrical current supply is controlled to switch from a first mode of operation to a second mode of operation providing electrical current having a reverse polarity during each cycle. The electrical current is supplied at a controlled cycle rate and for a controlled duration. The cycle rate is greater than about 100 hertz and less than about 10 kilohertz.
US08038866B2
Anode foil, preferably aluminum anode foil, is etched using a process of treating the foil in an electrolyte bath composition comprising a sulfate and a halide, such as sodium chloride. The anode foil is etched in the electrolyte bath composition by passing a charge through the bath. The etched anode foil is suitable for use in an electrolytic capacitor.
US08038863B2
A stamper having a patterned layer composed of a hard material and a compressible material back plane layer. The back plane layer may be composed of an elastomer. The stamper may be used to imprint an embossable layer disposed above a substrate for the production of a magnetic recording disk.
US08038851B2
A contacting device for a galvanization apparatus comprises contacting rollers with a continuous rigid external face, which is joined to a jacket section. The jacket section is provided with an inner opening that is wider than a rotating shaft on which the contacting roller sits. This allows the contacting roller to be moved in a radial direction, wherein electric contacting and securing of a basic position is obtained via springs in every one of the radially moved positions. The moveability of the contacting roller ensures good contact as the contacting roller rests against substrates also when the substrates are uneven. The contact pressure can be relatively small.
US08038846B2
According to the present invention, a process is provided for making paper or board comprising forming a cellulosic suspension that may or may not comprise a filler, flocculating the cellulosic suspension, draining the cellulosic suspension on a screen to form a sheet, wherein the cellulosic suspension is flocculated using a flocculation system comprising the sequential or simultaneous addition of a siliceous material and an organic, cationic or anionic, water-in-water or dispersion micropolymer in a salt solution.
US08038842B2
A method for the fractionation of lignocellulosic materials into cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin in a batch or continuous process in a treatment with vaporous mixture of aliphatic alcohol, sulfur dioxide and water. Cooking conditions are varied to get different proportions of cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin. Chemical recovery through pressure release is described.
US08038838B2
A spin head includes chucking pins configures to chuck and unchuck a substrate. Contact portions of the chucking pins and the substrate are varied during a process to prevent a treating solution from remaining at the contact portions.
US08038834B2
A plasma processing system includes a processing chamber, a substrate holder configured to hold a substrate for plasma processing, and a gas injection assembly. The gas injection assembly includes a first evacuation port located substantially in a center of the gas injection assembly and configured to evacuate gases from a central region of the substrate, and a gas injection system configured to inject gases in the process chamber. The plasma processing system also includes a second evacuation port configured to evacuate gases from a peripheral region surrounding the central region of the substrate.
US08038824B2
A sheet peeling apparatus 10 includes: a supporting means 11 for supporting a semiconductor wafer W stuck with an adhesive sheet S; a tape sticking means 14 for sticking a peeling tape T to the adhesive sheet S; a pulling means 13 for pulling the peeling tape T; a peeling assisting means 15 including an endless member 45 which is positioned on the adhesive sheet S, and wound on a guide member 41; and a sandwiching means 16 for sandwiching the adhesive sheet S between the endless member 45 and the sandwiching means 16. In the sheet peeling apparatus 10, the adhesive sheet S is peeled off due to the relative movement of the pulling means 13 and the supporting means 11 in a state that the adhesive sheet S is sandwiched between the peeling assisting means 15 and the sandwiching means 16.
US08038820B2
A method of stacking a flexible substrate is provided. The method includes the steps of: preparing a carrier substrate; stacking an adhesive layer on the carrier substrate; and stacking a flexible substrate having at least one image display device on the adhesive layer using a laminating or pressing method. Thus, the flexible substrate is easily fabricated without modification of conventional mass-production equipment for fabricating a display, and thereby a lightweight, thin, and compact flexible display can be realized.
US08038807B2
First, an R—Fe—B based rare-earth sintered magnet body including, as a main phase, crystal grains of an R2Fe14B type compound that includes a light rare-earth element RL, which is at least one of Nd and Pr, as a major rare-earth element R is provided. Next, an M layer, including a metallic element M that is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, Ga, In, Sn, Pb, Bi, Zn and Ag, is deposited on the surface of the sintered magnet body and then an RH layer, including a heavy rare-earth element RH that is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Dy, Ho and Tb, is deposited on the M layer. Thereafter, the sintered magnet body is heated, thereby diffusing the metallic element M and the heavy rare-earth element RH from the surface of the magnet body deeper inside the magnet.
US08038802B1
A method of operating a dishwasher having a treating chamber for washing utensils for draining, capturing, and storing a portion of a wash liquid for subsequent use.
US08038801B2
The invention relates to a method for cleaning plant components of a power station, wherein a medium is continuously passed through one or more plant components for cleaning a closed circuit and a check of the medium for degree of purity is carried out in at least one operating plant component.
US08038799B2
A substrate processing apparatus and a substrate processing method, with which a resist can be removed satisfactorily from the substrate and a processing solution used for removing the resist can be recycled, are provided. The substrate processing apparatus includes: a substrate holding means holding a substrate; a peroxosulfuric acid generating means generating a peroxosulfuric acid using sulfuric acid; a mixing means mixing the peroxosulfuric acid generated by the peroxosulfuric acid generating means and sulfuric acid of higher temperature and higher concentration than the sulfuric acid used in the peroxosulfuric acid generating means; and a discharging means discharging, toward the substrate held by the substrate holding means, the mixed solution of the peroxosulfuric acid and the sulfuric acid mixed by the mixing means as a processing solution for removing a resist from the substrate.
US08038787B2
The present invention relates to coating formulations comprising surface-modified silicon dioxides. The coating formulations are useful in applications such as architectural paints for buildings, windows and doors.
US08038785B2
A black ink composition that contains metal particles having a silver tin alloy region as its colorant.
US08038776B2
An inlet air filtration system for a gas turbine includes, in an exemplary embodiment, an air plenum, and a plurality of filter elements mounted inside the air plenum, with each filter element including a support structure. The inlet air filtration system also includes a plurality of electrodes positioned proximate the plurality of filter elements, where the electrodes are coupled to a power source which supplies a voltage to the electrodes. The voltage is sufficient to establish an electrostatic field between the electrodes and the filter elements, and is sufficient to produce a corona discharge from the electrodes, wherein an amount of current applied to the filter elements is about 0.1 μA/ft2 to about 15 μA/ft2.
US08038775B2
Clean corona ionization bars separate contaminant byproducts from corona generated ions by establishing a non-ionized gas stream having a pressure and directed toward an attractive non-ionizing electric field of a charge neutralization target, by establishing a plasma region of ions and contaminant byproducts in which the pressure is sufficiently lower than the pressure of the non-ionized gas stream to prevent byproducts from migrating into the non-ionized gas stream. The ionization bar(s) may be located sufficiently close to the charged neutralization target that a non-ionizing electric field of the target induces at least a substantial portion of the ions to migrate into the non-ionized gas stream and to the neutralization target as a clean ionized gas stream.
US08038774B2
This invention involves ship flue gas desulphurization method and system. It employs seawater to reduce SO2 and other pollutant discharged by ship. The method includes seawater scrub, acidic seawater transfer, deacidification, and discharge processes. The system includes a scrubber and a water-saving deacidification device. Upper portion of the scrubber comprises a scrubbing section which is connected with scrubbing seawater pump by pipelines. Lower portion of the scrubber comprises a cooling section. One end of the scrubber links the ship engine smoke pipe by a scrubbing inlet pipe, and the other end links the scrubber to a scrubbing outlet pipe. The water-saving deacidification device lies below the scrubber and is connected with it. The water-saving deacidification device is coupled to a blending seawater pump, fan, and total drain pipe for discharging seawater after deacidification. This invention provides high desulphurization efficiency, and requires small seawater quantity.
US08038767B2
An improved method for processing of nickel bearing saprolite and limonite ores to recover the valuable minerals contained therein, comprising leaching the ore with nitric acid to form a slurry; separating the iron values by precipitation, removing the iron values; forming a liquid/solid residue in which nickel, cobalt and magnesium are in solution, and manganese and aluminum are solid residues in oxide form; conducting a liquid-solid separation and removing the solids; and recovering the nickel, cobalt, and manganese from the liquid-metal concentrate. The leachate is recovered and nitric acid from the leachate is recycled.
US08038766B2
A direct reduction process for a metalliferous material includes supplying the metalliferous material, a solid carbonaceous material, an oxygen-containing gas, and a fluidizing gas into a fluidized bed in a vessel and maintaining the fluidized bed in the vessel, at least partially reducing metalliferous material in the vessel, and discharging a product stream that includes the partially reduced metalliferous material from the vessel. The process comprises (a) reducing the metalliferous material in a solid state in a metal-rich zone in the vessel; (b) injecting the oxygen-containing gas into a carbon-rich zone in the vessel with a downward flow in a range of ±40° to the vertical and generating heat by reactions between oxygen and the metalliferous material (including metallized material), the solid carbonaceous material and other oxidizable solids and gases in the fluidized bed, and (c) transferring heat from the carbon-rich zone to the metal-rich zone by movement of solids within the vessel. The metal-rich zone is formed in a lower section of the vessel and the carbon-rich zone is an intermediate section below an upper section of the vessel. Oxygen-containing gas is injected into a central region of the vessel.
US08038763B2
Au—Pt heteroaggregate dendritic nanostructures and AuPt alloy nanoparticles, and their use as anodic catalysts in fuel cells.
US08038761B2
There is provided an iron-based sintered material resistant to the metal fatigue developing from the voids therein functioning as the initial points and improved in the strength and machinability thereof. An iron-based sintered material, including a mixed structure of martensite, bainite, and pearlite and multiple voids formed in the mixed structure, wherein the ratio of martensite and bainite in the mixed structure is 70% or more; the ratio of martensite and/or bainite in the mixed structure forming the void surface is 90% or more; and the density of the iron-based sintered material is 7.4 g/cm3 or more.
US08038757B2
A block for filtering particles contained in an internal combustion engine exhaust gases, includes overlapping assemblies of adjacent input channels (14e) and output channels (14s), the input and output channels being alternately arranged so as to form, in cross-section, a checkered pattern, the overall volume of the input channels (14e) being greater than that of the output channels (14s). The filtering block is characterized in that at least one inner space (20e, 20s) of one channel (14e, 14s) includes at least one inner fin (30).
US08038747B2
Methods and systems for a gasifier having a partial moderator bypass are provided. The gasifier includes a partial oxidation reactor including an inlet and an outlet and a primary reaction zone extending therebetween, the partial oxidation reactor configured to direct a flow of products of partial oxidation including fuel gases, gaseous byproducts of partial oxidation, and unburned carbon, and a secondary reaction chamber coupled in flow communication with the partial oxidation reactor, the secondary reaction chamber is configured to mix a flow of moderator with the flow of gaseous byproducts of partial oxidation and unburned carbon such that a concentration of fuel gases is increased.
US08038733B2
A composition and system for use in coloring hair and improving color retention properties in colored hair is described. The composition of the present invention preferably includes hair dye and a copolymer of isobutylmethacrylate and silicone grafted acrylate in isoparaffin, whereby these components are combined in an aqueous based, or alternatively, a nonaqueous based solution. The system includes the step of applying the hair coloring solution to the hair.
US08038729B2
The invention includes a method of conditioning fabrics, comprising contacting fabric with a liquid composition comprising an amino-functional silicone and a quaternary ammonium, and drying said fabric at 200 degrees F. or greater. The invention includes a method of conditioning fabrics, comprising washing fabric in a detergent having a wash pH of greater than 10, contacting fabric with a liquid composition comprising an amino-functional silicone and a quaternary ammonium, and drying said fabric at less than 200 degrees F. The invention further provides a method of conditioning fabrics wherein softness, anti-static, and anti-wrinkle properties are imparted to the fabric wherein the conditioned fabric resists yellowing in industrial and institutional conditions wherein the wash pH is greater than 9 and/or the fabric temperature is 200 degrees Fahrenheit or greater.
US08038727B2
The invention concerns a method for treating textile materials providing said textile materials with a soft feel, absence of yellowing and good hydrophily, which consists of contacting the textile materials with a composition comprising at least a linear, cyclic or three-dimensional polyorganosiloxane of formula (I), wherein: the symbols Z, identical or different, represent R1, and/or V; and the symbols V represent a group of sterically hindered piperidinyl function(s).
US08038725B2
The invention relates to polyolefin materials, in particular fibers, and/or filaments, and/or nonwovens, and/or nonwoven products made from at least one polyolefin and a melt additive containing a fatty acid ester, wherein a subsequent activation of the fatty acid ester contained in the melt additive occurs on the surface of the polyolefin materials by applying a formulation, which contains a silicone compound and a quaternary ammonium compound.
US08038719B2
The invention features a glenoid (shoulder socket) implant prosthesis, a humeral implant prosthesis, devices for implanting glenoid and humeral implant prostheses, and less invasive methods of their use for the treatment of an injured or damaged shoulder.
US08038715B2
Prosthetic intervertebral discs and methods for using the same are described. The subject prosthetic discs include upper and lower endplates separated by a compressible core member. The prosthetic discs described herein include one-piece, two-piece, three-piece, and four-piece structures. The subject prosthetic discs exhibit stiffness in the vertical direction, torsional stiffness, bending stiffness in the saggital plane, and bending stiffness in the front plane, where the degree of these features can be controlled independently by adjusting the components of the discs. The interface mechanism between the endplates and the core members of several embodiments of the described prosthetic discs enables a very easy surgical operation for implantation.
US08038714B2
Intervertebral spacers and methods of promoting fusion bone growth in the space between adjacent vertebrae are provided. The spacers include an elongated body having a first end, a second end and an outer surface. Side walls connect the first and second ends. The elongated body also defines an interior cavity. The side wall defines an opening to the interior cavity in a side of the elongated body. At least one of the first and second ends has a discontinuity, such as a concave surface, for nesting with an adjacent spacer. The methods of promoting fusion bone growth include utilizing the inventive spacers described herein.
US08038713B2
Artificial disc replacements (ADRs) and total disc replacements (TDRs) are based upon two, directly articulating components, resulting in a restricted-motion system that better approximates more normal spinal flexion, extension, and lateral bending. One component has a concave articulating surface, and the other with a convex articulating surface. The radius of curvature of the articulating surface is smaller in the anterior to posterior direction of the ADR than radius of curvature of the articulating surface in the left to right direction of the ADR. The use of an articulating surface with two or more radius of curvature also limits axial rotation, thereby protecting the facet joints and the Annulus Fibrosus (AF). The two different radii used to create the articulating surfaces also naturally leads to an oval shape as seen from the top, which better fits the oval shape of the vertebral endplate better than circularly shaped ADRs. Both components are preferably made of a hard material and are highly polished to reduce friction.
US08038708B2
Medical devices for implantation within a body vessel can include a remodelable material, such as an extracellular matrix material, positioned within a lumen defined by an outer covering material. The covering material is preferably substantially non-remodelable, and can be supported by a radially expandable frame. The medical device can also include a valve means positioned within the covering material. The valve means can include one or more valve leaflets formed from the remodelable material, and a separate valve support frame. One or more therapeutic agents can be associated with the remodelable material or the covering material.
US08038705B2
A stent may be formed of at least one structural material having a pattern including at least one serpentine structure which extends about the longitudinal axis of the stent. The structure is formed of a plurality of struts. Adjacent struts are interconnected by end portions having inner turns and outer turns. At least some of the end portions are elongated and other end portions are non-elongated and have a predetermined length. The inner turns of the elongated end portions are substantially unaligned longitudinally with the inner turns of the non-elongated end portions. At least one of said elongated end portions is configured to serve as a fiducial marker.
US08038699B2
A percutaneous tower for the orthopedic procedures. The tower can include an outer elongated member, an inner elongated member received within the outer elongated member, a release actuator operable to move the inner elongated member relative to the outer elongated member between first and second positions, and a fastener engagement member coupled to a distal portion of the tower and operable to engage a bone fastener when the inner elongated member is in the first position, and to disengage the bone fastener when the inner elongated member is in the second position.
US08038693B2
An ultrasonic surgical instrument including an ultrasonic transmission member having a proximal end and a distal end is provided. The instrument also includes an ultrasonically-actuated cutting element having a tissue contacting surface and a clamp member supported adjacent to the cutting element for clamping tissue. The clamp member includes a sensing mechanism that senses load variations. A handle member located at the proximal end of the transmission member moves the clamp member relative to the cutting element. Also, a feedback mechanism is operatively coupled to the sensing mechanism that supplies information related to the load variations where the output of the tissue cutting element is adjusted based on the sensed load variations.
US08038692B2
An ophthalmic surgical probe having a modular drive assembly and a skin that is removable from the drive assembly. This design simplifies probe manufacturing and provides greater manufacturing flexibility.
US08038683B2
A method of determining a reference point on condyles of a femur uses a computer assisted surgery system having a digitizer with perpendicular first and second planar surfaces, the digitizer being locatable and trackable in three dimensional space by the computer assisted surgery system. A digitized plane is created using the digitizer, the digitized plane being a posterior plane and/or a distal plane of the condyles. The posterior plane and the distal plane are respectively defined by the first and second planar surfaces of the digitizer. A location of the reference point in the digitized plane is then determined using the computer assisted surgical system. The reference point is a most remote point of the femur within the digitized plane.
US08038679B2
A bone reamer has an ablation device for forming cavities in body tissue, the ablation device is movable with respect to a head of the reamer, and is capable of protruding at least partially beyond a surface of the head. The amount of protrusion the ablation device protrudes beyond the surface of the head has a variable geometry and the geometry is remotely modifiable. More particularly, the amount the ablation device extends beyond the outer surface of a reamer head body can be varied by an actuator located on the reamer outside the body.
US08038669B2
Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale (PFO) provide for applying energy to tissues adjacent the PFO with a catheter device to substantially close the PFO acutely. Apparatus generally includes a catheter device having at least one energy transmission member at or near its distal end configured to apply energy to PFO tissues to acutely, substantially close the PFO. Applied energy may be monopolar or bipolar radiofrequency energy or any other suitable energy, such as laser, microwave, ultrasound, resistive heating or the like. Some embodiments of a catheter device further include one or more tissue apposition members near the distal end for helping bring PFO tissues together, such as a PFO covering member, a vacuum applying member and/or the like. PFO closure via energy-based approaches of the invention may help prevent stroke, treat migraine headache, and possibly treat or prevent other medical conditions.
US08038663B2
A bubble free, self-priming IV set for use in the administration of liquids that includes a drip chamber comprising a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, a bubble isolation device disposed within the drip chamber that prevents air bubbles from exiting the chamber outlet, a tube having an inlet end coupled to the chamber outlet of the drip chamber and an outlet end, and an end plug that includes an air vent. The end plug may be coupled to the outlet end of the tube and is a flow restrictor so that when a liquid is moving through the tube, the velocity of the liquid flow is controlled such that the front of the liquid does not trap bubbles in the tube.
US08038660B2
A reusable, washable breast shield for use by lactating women. The shield may include an inner layer and an outer layer. The shield may be placed against the breast of the user and may be held in place with an article of clothing or may be used without supporting clothing.
US08038655B2
A dose metering mechanism for use in administering doses of an injectable product from an injection device, the dose metering mechanism including a rack with teeth, a feed sleeve displaceable relative to the rack, a first catch element associated with the feed sleeve for latching in the teeth of the rack, a guide piece relative to which the rack is movable, a second catch element associated with the guide piece for latching in the teeth of the rack, and a latching control device associated with the toothed rack for controlling the latching of at least one of the first and second catch elements in the teeth of the rack. A method of preparing to administer and administering doses of an injectable product from an injection device including the dose metering mechanism is encompassed.
US08038646B2
A body-insertable apparatus which can make the volume smaller by simplifying a mechanism taking in or throwing out predetermined fluid is realized. The body-insertable apparatus has a configuration having, in a housing, a balloon member, a communication adjusting mechanism, a control circuit, and a power source part and forms a storage chamber by the balloon member and an outer circumferential member (sheet holding substrate and part of the housing) covering the outer surface of the balloon member. In the body-insertable apparatus, a first communication pipe communicated with the inner space of the balloon member and a second communication pipe communicated with the outer space are formed. The communication adjusting mechanism communicates the first communication pipe with the second communication pipe based on an electric current output from the control circuit. The inner space of the balloon member is communicated with the outside of the body-insertable apparatus. The outside fluid is flowed into the storage chamber via an inlet with the contracting operation of the balloon member.
US08038643B2
The invention relates to a device for loading a patient connector for peritoneal dialysis with a closure plug. To permit an arbitrary number of disconnection/connection procedures with patient connectors that insert a sterile closure plug into the patient's abdominal connector during disconnection, a device for loading a patient connector for peritoneal dialysis with a closure plug is suggested, said device consisting of a housing containing a closure plug and of means for transferring the closure plug out of the device and into a patient connector. This permits loading, under sterile conditions, of a patient connector whose closure plug has already been used with a new closure plug. By loading a new closure plug, the push-button with which the closure plug is inserted is returned to its starting position, so that the patient connector is again available for a connection/disconnection procedure.
US08038642B2
The invention relates to a system for delivering anesthesia drugs to a patient. The system comprises means for feeding anesthesia drugs to the patient treated, a measuring device for measuring at least one parameter relating to the effects of the anesthetic drugs fed to the patient, a patient monitor to show the results measured by the measuring devices, and feeding means for feeding patient demographics to the system. The system further comprises means for visual planning of the anesthesia drug delivery before the drugs are actually fed. The system can also comprise means for anesthesia management for drug interaction during the treatment.
US08038634B2
Herein disclosed is a simple, passive splinting system for sternotomy patients designed to provide a continuous yet readily adjustable, compressive tangential stabilizing force to the ribcage so as to promote healing of a median sternotomy incision while minimizing patient pain.
US08038633B2
An air pulse generator for providing high frequency chest wall oscillation therapy to a patient is provided. The air pulse generator has a housing and first and second diaphragms supported in the housing. The air pulse generator further has a crankshaft assembly coupled to the first and second diaphragms to reciprocally move the diaphragms back and forth to produce oscillating pressure pulses. The crank shaft assembly includes a motor with an output shaft that rotates about a first axis, a flywheel mounted on the shaft to rotate therewith, a first member coupled to the first diaphragm and pinned to the flywheel by a first stub shaft that is offset from the first axis, a second member coupled to the second diaphragm, and a cam interposed between the first member and the second member. The first member is pinned to the cam by the first stub shaft and the second member is pinned to the cam by a second stub shaft.
US08038630B2
The present invention relates to a device with an ultrasonic-based probe for drilling and coring. The invention uses ultrasonic and subsonic vibrations produced by a frequency compensation coupler or free mass to produce the hammering action of a partially disengaged probe, with a relatively low axial force required. The invention can also be fitted with irrigation and aspiration capabilities. The invention can furthermore be furnished with a body sensor-feedback apparatus, which provides feedback to the operator as to the optimal frequency and power use of the generator. One embodiment of the invention also has a cooling mechanism to keep the drill or coring apparatus at an optimum temperature.
US08038625B2
An electrophysiology apparatus is used to measure electrical activity occurring in a heart of a patient and to visualize the electrical activity and/or information related to the electrical activity. A three-dimensional map of the electrical activity and/or the information related to the electrical activity is created. Exemplary maps include a time difference between action potentials at a roving electrode and a reference electrode, the peak-to-peak timing of action potentials at the roving electrode, the peak negative voltage of action potentials at the roving electrode, complex fractionated electrogram information, a dominant frequency of an electrogram signal, a maximum peak amplitude at the dominant frequency, a ratio of energy in one band of the frequency-domain to the energy in a second band of the frequency-domain, a low-frequency or high-frequency passband of interest, a frequency with the maximum energy in a passband, a number of peaks within a passband, an energy, power, and/or area in each peak, a ratio of energy and/or area in each peak to that in another passband, and a width of each peak in a spectrum. Colors, shades of colors, and/or grayscales are assigned to values of the parameters and colors corresponding to the parameters for the electrograms sampled by the electrodes are updated on the three-dimensional model.
US08038622B2
A remotely manipulatable transducer element or linear transducer array for use with a remote work station including a display permits an operator of an ultrasound system to be remotely located from a patient. The transducer or linear transducer array comprises an assembly within a housing for fixation to a human body and intended to be placed one time and then remotely manipulated in directions of rotation, twist, and linearly in first and second perpendicular directions within a plane parallel to the surface of the human body under study. In one embodiment, the housing comprises a motor and a linear transducer array which are mounted to a rotor of the motor via an optional gear assembly for rotation, for example, in a range of 180 degrees so that multiple planes of imaging can be obtained, for example, of a heart or other body organ. The remotely manipulatable transducer or transducer array assembly may comprise a wireless transceiver having a unique identifier for communication with one or more work stations, each having a unique identifier.
US08038621B2
An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes plural ultrasonic transducers, a catheter signal detection unit and a position detection unit. The plural ultrasonic transducers are arrayed two-dimensionally for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from an object. The catheter signal detection unit is configured to acquire a reception signal of a frequency modulated continuous wave from reception signals from at least three of the plural ultrasonic transducers. The frequency modulated continuous wave is transmitted from a catheter inserted in the object. The position detection unit is configured to detect a position of the catheter based on the acquired reception signal of the frequency modulated continuous wave.
US08038620B2
A method for Fresnel zone imaging is provided. The method comprises identifying a plurality of constructive regions and a plurality of destructive regions in an energy transmitting device and converting the destructive regions to the constructive regions by using an apodization profile. The apodization profile comprises apodization values for each constructive region and destructive region and the apodization values comprise real numbers.
US08038618B2
An ultrasound-imaging system and method is provided that permits an operator to acquire an image of a volume-of-interest in a time critical fashion, that is capable of referencing the volume rendering to a standard two-dimensional imaging mode, and permits the operator to selectively choose a number of display-mode parameters that result in an operator directed view of the volume-of-interest. The ultrasound-imaging system comprises an input device configured to receive a plurality of imaging parameters and a controller in communication with the input device. The ultrasound-imaging system generates an operator-directed transmit-beam scan sequence in response to the imaging parameters and transmits a spatially modified transmit-beam scan sequence over a portion of the volume-scan range of the ultrasound-imaging system. Moreover, the ultrasound-imaging system provides the flexibility for an operator to direct a plurality of operator-configurable multi-dimensional views.
US08038616B2
Methods of acoustic imaging provide images with reduced reverberation noise and images of nonlinear scattering and propagation parameters of the object, and estimation methods of corrections for wave front aberrations produced by spatial variations in the acoustic propagation velocity. The methods are based on processing of the received signal from transmitted dual frequency band acoustic pulse complexes with overlapping high and low frequency pulses. The high frequency pulse is used for the image reconstruction and the low frequency pulse is used to manipulate the nonlinear scattering and/or propagation properties of the high frequency pulse. Through filtering in the pulse number coordinate and corrections for nonlinear propagation delays and optionally also amplitudes, a linear back scattering signal with suppressed pulse reverberation noise, a nonlinear back scattering signal, and quantitative nonlinear forward propagation and scattering parameters are extracted.
US08038615B2
A method for inferring the physiological condition an individual using a physiological monitoring system including providing a set of personal data regarding the individual, the personal data including wellness parameter data or semantic data or both, wherein the wellness parameters correspond to known physiological attributes for the individual; acquiring physiological data of the individual and associated capture condition data, during multiple capture events; calculating wellness parameter data for the individual, using the physiological data and the capture condition data; analyzing the wellness parameter data to identify changes in the wellness parameter data; and inferring the physiological condition of the individual from the changes in the wellness parameter data in view of the semantic data.
US08038613B2
An apparatus, and related method, for determining one or more association variables is described. The apparatus includes at least one processor, at least one memory, and at least one program module. The program module is stored in the memory and is configurable to be executed by the processor. The program module includes instructions for determining a statistical relationship between one or more temporal onsets corresponding to one or more events and a pattern of occurrence of a compound variable. The compound variable corresponds at least to a pattern of occurrence of a first variable and a pattern of occurrence of a second variable. The determining includes contributions from presence and absence information in the pattern of occurrence of the compound variable.
US08038606B2
An endoscope insertion portion of this invention includes an air/water feeding portion for spouting gas or liquid from a spouting port to outer surfaces of the first observation optical system and the second observation optical system, which is disposed on the distal end portion so as to line up with the first observation optical system and the second observation optical system on a generally straight line. The air/water feeding portion is disposed on the distal end portion such that a spouting direction of the gas or the liquid has a first angle with respect to the first direction.
US08038593B2
The present invention provides for a system an method of monitoring the status of a plurality of medical devices connected to a central computer or server using a wired or wireless network, and displaying information representative of the status of the medical devices to a user on a display screen using both graphics and text. The system is also capable of determining when a condition or alarm warranting notification of the care giver to correct the condition exists, and displaying information about the condition or alarm on the display, including associating a warning graphic or icon representative of the condition or alarm with an icon representing a specific medical device or portion of a medical device. The system includes a rules data base and decision engine that may be used to determine the existence of conditions that require notification to the care giver.
US08038592B2
A centrifuge includes a rotor, a rotation shaft which has a through-hole communicated with an interior of the rotor, a face seal which slidingly contacts an end of the rotation shaft and has a path communicated with the through-hole of the rotation shaft, a wall member which accommodates the face seal, a sample transfer unit which transfers a sample through the rotor, and a coolant circulation unit which circulates a coolant to the wall member. The sample transfer unit transfers the sample by pressure so that a pressure of the sample flowing through a portion where the rotation shaft and the face seal slidingly contact with each other is higher than a pressure of the coolant flowing through the wall member.
US08038588B2
A combined shoulder shrug and neck exercise machine includes a shrug exercise system having a first shrug arm assembly and a second shrug arm assembly and a neck exercise system operable to receive a ratio of a first weight load on the first shrug arm assembly.
US08038580B2
A trampoline includes a frame and a jumping bed which preferably has hook elements on its underside. The jumping bed is connected to the frame via a plurality of annular strap sections, which each extend at least partially around the frame and are inserted into the hook elements. The hook elements have a first receiving section and a second receiving section. These are arranged separated from one another in such a way that the two loop ends of the strap section, which are produced by the looping of the strap section around the frame and are inserted into the hook element, do not, or substantially do not, come in contact with one another. This structure considerably extends the life in comparison with conventional trampolines.
US08038575B2
A releasable backstopping clutch is provided with a safety mechanism to prevent uncontrolled release of the clutch. A support structure is fixed against rotation and releaseably coupled to the one of the inner or outer members of the backstopping clutch. The support structure inhibits rotation of the member when coupled to the member and permits rotation of the member when uncoupled from the member to release the clutch. A sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of a characteristic associated with movement of the member and a controller is configured to cause recoupling of the support structure and the member if the characteristic meets a predetermined condition.
US08038569B2
A transmission includes: a plurality of rotating elements interposed between a driving source and an output portion; a rotating member that rotatably supports one of the rotating elements and is formed at a radially outer portion thereof with a plurality of recesses or protrusions; a support member having a surface, that is facing the rotating member, and a plurality of protrusions or recesses that are formed in a radially inner portion thereof and engage with the recesses or protrusions of the rotating member, the rotating member being mounted in the support member such that the rotating member is not able to rotate; and a friction producing mechanism that is provided between the rotating member and the above-indicated surface of the support member and is arranged to produce a frictional force between the rotating member and the surface of the support member.
US08038565B2
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.
US08038551B2
A racquet frame has one or more string holes formed therein and a string bed plane, along which the string holes extend. The racquet frame is preferably formed by providing a frame bearing structure, which is aimed at providing flexural stiffness to said racquet frame, and structurally integrating the frame bearing structure with a frame binding structure, which is aimed at providing torsional stiffness to the racquet frame. The mutual integration of the frame bearing structure and the frame binding structure forms a composite frame structure, in which one or more of said string holes may be provided.
US08038540B2
The apparatus relates to a vibration absorber for mounting onto the outer circumference of a rotating shaft or axis having an inner part (3) of substantially resilient material for abutting against the outer circumference of the shaft or axis, and an outer part (2, 2′), which comprises at least two segments (2, 2a, 2b), that grips around the inner part and abuts it vibratingly, and serves as an inertial mass member. The segments (2, 2a, 2b) are configured at their two ends in the circumferential direction with connecting members (5a, 5b, 5a′, 5b′, 6a, 6b, 6a′, 6b′) formed integrally therewith for establishing a mutual latching connection.
US08038539B2
A constant-velocity drive system for an aircraft rotor has a gimbal mechanism and a differential torque-combining mechanism. The gimbal mechanism has gimbals driven in rotation by a rotor mast about a mast axis, the gimbals providing for gimballing relative to the mast about gimbal axes generally perpendicular to the mast axis. The differential torque-combining mechanism is connected to the gimbal mechanism and configured to be driven in rotation about the mast axis by the gimbal mechanism. The differential mechanism is capable of gimballing relative to the mast about the gimbal axes, the differential torque-combining mechanism having an output component attached to a yoke of the rotor for driving the yoke in rotation with the differential torque-combining mechanism.
US08038535B2
A system, method, and computer program product for collaborative online gaming, including at least one of providing a central repository master browser system; providing an experience calibrated match-making service; providing a dynamic multiplayer server component auto deployment and aggregation system; providing a lobby centric simultaneous and collaborative client game play launching feature; and providing a video game screen over-layer technology giving users access to a control interface while inside a video game being played.
US08038534B1
A system and method for providing more than one simultaneous and different bingo game, using single bingo ball draws from a central location. The present invention further provides for players to be highly distributed, for example throughout the US, while still using the single centralized ball draw and still supporting different bingo games in parallel.
US08038529B2
A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game includes a game similar to the well-known game of COLLAPSE.
US08038523B2
In accordance with some embodiments, a plurality of outcomes are generated and used to create a video presentation of representative outcomes. The video presentation is recorded onto a tangible medium (e.g., DVD or CD-ROM) or otherwise provided to a player (e.g., player may access the video presentation online). This allows a player to purchase a video presentation of (e.g., predetermined) outcomes in a jurisdiction in which gambling is legal yet view the presentation at the player's convenience (e.g., from any jurisdiction and at any time). A player who purchases such a video presentation may subsequently redeem it for a redemption value associated therewith.
US08038518B2
An agricultural combine includes a supporting structure. A work assembly is coupled to the supporting structure. The work assembly has a plurality of components to assist in the performing of crop processing operations. The work assembly is configured to define an air stream path. The work assembly has at least one rotary component that generates an air stream that flows through the air stream path to aid in crop processing in the work assembly. A fluid system is configured to circulate a fluid. The fluid system includes a fluid cooler that is positioned at a location in the air stream path to provide cooling of the fluid.
US08038509B2
Disclosed herein is a chemical mechanical polishing apparatus. The apparatus comprises a carrier to hold a wafer and being capable of lifting, lowering and rotating, a polishing pad compressed onto the wafer through the lowering of the carrier to polish the wafer, a contact pressure sensor to detect contact pressure between the polishing pad and the wafer when the polishing pad is compressed onto the wafer, a support physical property controller to generate control signals corresponding to the contact pressure detected by the contact pressure sensor, a variable physical property support being adapted to come into close contact with the polishing pad and having physical properties varied in response to the control signals generated by the support physical property controller, and a rotational table to hold the variable physical property table.
US08038498B2
A method of manufacturing a three dimensional image display device includes: applying an adhesive member to any one of a lens plate and a display panel so as to form a continuous frame having an application height higher than a separation distance between the lens plate and the display panel in a bonding complete state; measuring the application height of the adhesive member; figuring out a volume of an enclosed space, which is formed by the display panel, the adhesive member and the lens plate, by using a lowest application height of the adhesive member, and figuring out a bonding pressure leading to obtaining of a necessary internal pressure in the enclosed space, by using the figured-out volume of the enclosed space; and bonding the lens plate and the display panel together with the adhesive member in a reduced pressure atmosphere with the figured-out bonding pressure.
US08038487B2
An electrode structure for connecting a battery module to a bus bar is provided. An electrode structure including a metal terminal having a base and a tip end, the base fixed to a body of a battery module, the tip end spaced apart by a predetermined distance from the body of the battery module and connected to a bus bar, a nut arranged between the tip end of the metal terminal and the body of the battery module, a rotation stopper in abutment with the nut and preventing the nut from slipping when fastening the bus bar, and a screw shaft screwed into the nut and penetrating through the tip end of the metal terminal and the bus bar.
US08038481B1
An electrical receptacle includes an exterior component and an interior component received inside the exterior component. Main electrical connectors have exterior end portions aligned with main connector openings of the interior component and have interior end portions disposed in alignment with main terminal channels of the exterior component. First and/or second central connectors each having substantially circular portions extend from an end plate of the exterior component and have exterior portions extending to a central connector opening of the interior component. Also featured is a method for electrically connecting the electrical receptacle to a controller device.
US08038475B2
A shield connector includes plural female terminals 2, a connector housing 3, and a shield shell 8. The connector housing 3 includes a terminal holder 6 that holds the plural female terminals 2 and an inner housing 5 into which the terminal holder 6 is inserted. The shield shell 8 includes an upper shield shell 25 and a lower shield shell that are attached to each other so as to cover the outer periphery of the inner housing 5. The upper shield shell 25 includes an extension wall 30 which detects the state where the terminal holder 6 is being inserted into the inner housing by overlapping with at least a part of a surface 6a of the terminal holder 6 on the rear end side in an insertion direction toward the inner housing 5 in the state where the upper shield shell is attached to the inner housing 5 and by coming into contact with the terminal holder 6 so as to regulate the upper shield shell 25 from being attached to the inner housing 5 in the state where the terminal holder 6 is being inserted into the inner housing 5.
US08038474B2
An assembled electrical connector includes an insulating housing and at least two sets of electrical conducting terminals. The insulating housing has a main body, a first tongue and a second tongue extending from the main body and perpendicular to the main body. The first tongue is longer than the second tongue, and the second tongue is located at a side of the first tongue in a lengthwise direction. The at least two sets of electrical conducting terminals include a first terminal set and a second terminal set. The first terminal set is arranged at a side of the first tongue, and the second terminal set is arranged at a side of the second tongue. Compared with prior art, such a structure can miniaturize the volume of the electrical connector apparently and further miniaturize the volume of an electronic product utilizing the electrical connector.
US08038473B2
A connector seal including at least one cylindrical coaxial cable connector, and an elastic sleeve rolled upon itself. The sleeve is configured to unroll to enclose at least a portion of the connector. The portion of the connector may be a connection location between two of the connectors. The portion of the connector may have at least one of differing surface shapes and differing diameters. The elastic sleeve may be fastened to an exterior portion of the connector, may be pre-positioned on the connector, and may be configured to be removed entirely from the connector. A release liner covering one side of the elastic sleeve may be rolled up with the elastic sleeve. The release liner may be elastic and may be latex.
US08038470B2
A connector assembly for use with a compressible gasket includes a housing having a mating end and a cable end, the housing being configured to hold a contact. The connector assembly also includes a deflectable shroud extending from the housing rearward of the cable end to the compressible gasket. The shroud surrounds a hollow chamber that is configured to receive the compressible gasket. The shroud is deflectable between an expanded state and a collapsed state, wherein a volume of the hollow chamber is reduced when in the collapsed state as compared to the expanded state. The shroud compresses the gasket when in the collapsed state.
US08038464B2
An electrical connector for electronics applications such as avionics or the like includes an adaptable strain relief feature for accommodating different sizes of wire bundles that terminate and are electrically coupled within the connector. The strain relief feature includes a pair of clamping members that span between mounting surfaces at a rear portion of the connector to define a strain relief passageway in which the wire bundle is clamped to provide a strain relief. The clamping members are selectable from at least two different available shapes so that the size of the strain relief passageway is determined by the selection of clamping members, which may be interchangeable with one another. Resilient pads on the clamping members engage and compress against the wire bundle to secure it in place when the selected clamping members are installed.
US08038463B2
A device for securing a connector in an insulating module housing particularly a USB connector is disclosed. The module housing contains a connection region with at least one location spring arranged therein, wherein the spring end of the location spring is aligned in the connection direction. The spring ends protrude into the connection region so that connectors with non-standardized outside dimensions, inserted between the spring ends are prevented from falling out of the module housing.
US08038462B2
An electrical connector housing system provides a water-tight o-ring seal between a receptacle housing and a plug housing without compressing the o-ring in the mating direction. The housing system includes at least two latch sliders that can be engaged to trap latch tabs within latch slots. The latch sliders are substantially unaffected by the o-ring compression, and are compatible with housing systems of almost any size and/or shape. Embodiments include a connector region surrounded by a curved wall having an o-ring groove in its outer surface, and the plug housing includes a shell which overlaps the curved wall and compresses the o-ring perpendicular to the mating direction. The housings can include integral electrical contacts and/or can accept one or more insertable contacts. The latch sliders. The latch mechanism can include a detent mechanism, and can require a tool for disengagement.
US08038460B2
A security device for a plug (1) has at least one locking clip (2) said security device comprising a lockable closure piece (8, 12) which prevent the manual operation of the locking clip (2). The closure piece (8, 12) comprises a closure lower piece (8) which may be fixed to the plug (1) on which a separate closure upper piece (12) is placed. Said closure lower piece (8) is designed such as to be clipped on the plug (1) with a positive and/or non-positive fit.
US08038454B2
An electrical ganged-outlet apparatus includes a unitary outlet body including a plurality of electrical outlets and a back surface. Each of the electrical outlets has at least a first and a second receptacle contact element, and a line terminal. The line terminal is electrically connected to the first receptacle contact element and extends from the back surface. The outlet body has at least one neutral bus bar disposed against the back surface, and the neutral bus bar is electrically connected to the second receptacle contact element.
US08038452B2
A test socket, adapted for electrically connecting an IC package to a printed circuit board, comprises a bottom board (10) and four separated clumps (20). The bottom board has a main body (11) having a rectangular shape and four mounting portions (12) integrally extending outwardly from four corners of the main body, respectively. The clumps are assembled upon the four mounting portions of the bottom board to cooperate with the bottom board to define a receiving space for receiving the IC package.
US08038451B2
A multi-board assembly includes a main printed circuit board (PCB) assembly that is coupled to at least two secondary PCB assemblies. A positioning device situates the second PCB assemblies in a desired position such that electrical connectors on the second PCB assemblies align with and engage complementary connectors on the main PCB assembly.
US08038438B2
This invention refers to a totally adjustable, low-friction bracket system which allows the programming of the prescription in an individualized fashion reducing the quantity of adjustments in the archwires, in order to bring the teeth into their suitable positions in orthodontic treatments.
US08038437B2
Method for treating wooden staves (5) designed to be subsequently contacted with an alcoholic medium such as wine, so as to provide same with aromas and flavours. The method includes the following steps: lining, at least partly, the inner side of a metal support (2) with the wooden staves (5); performing a thermal treatment of the wooden staves (5) using a cresset (7) arranged at the center of the support (2).
US08038433B2
An injection molding tool having a first section moveable with respect to a second section. In a first position, the first section contacts the second section along a parting line and forms a cavity. An expandable cavity part is moveably mounted with respect to the second section. In a closed condition, the expandable cavity part is in a retracted or molding position. The expandable cavity part can be moved away from the molding position or the closed condition to a release position or an expanded condition with allows access to molded part or other article. A core pin is either moveably mounted with respect to the expandable cavity part or is in a fixed position with respect to the expandable cavity part.
US08038426B2
A friction puller for an injection mold is disclosed. The friction puller has a bolt with a head portion and a threaded portion. The friction puller has first and/or second first substantially hemispherical wedges having a first and/or second passages running through them for the bolt and allow lateral float about the bolt. The friction puller also has a deformable jacket having a third passage running through is for the bolt and first and second substantially hemispherical cups for receiving the first and second substantially hemispherical wedges. The first hemispherical wedge can have a vent relief notch disposed in a top surface of the first hemispherical wedge. The deformable jacket can have a jacket vent notch disposed in a top surface of the deformable jacket. The bolt head and the jacket can have alignment indicator marks thereon. The bolt threads can have a variable pitch diameter.
US08038417B2
In an electric pump unit, communication between arcuate ports provided in correspondence with a discharge side and a suction side of an internal gear pump is selectively permitted and prohibited in correspondence with movement of a spool of a relief valve. If fluid pressure at the discharge side of the internal gear pump becomes greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the spool moves across an inner arc of one of the arcuate ports corresponding to the suction side of the internal gear pump and from a position at which the spool prohibits the communication between the arcuate ports to a position at which the spool permits the communication. As the spool moves away from the position at which the spool blocks the communication between the arcuate ports, the opening degree of the relief valve changes in accordance with a downward convex curve.
US08038415B2
Provided is a variable capacity swash plate type compressor. The variable capacity swash plate type compressor includes: a cylinder block; a front housing; a rear housing; a valve; a driving shaft; a rotor; a swash; an elastic; and a plurality of pistons, wherein at least one step portion perforating the rotor and the driving shaft, communicating the crank chamber and the refrigerant communication passage, and protruding toward its inner face so that a cross-section of the at least one step portion is reduced in a direction of the refrigerant communication passage from the crank chamber toward an inner face of the step portion, is provided, and at least one oil separation passage in which oil is centrifugally separated from a refrigerant gas flowing inside the driving shaft as the driving shaft rotates is formed.
US08038412B2
A hydraulic pump system is provided that includes a pump driven by an electric motor. The electric motor includes windings that receive power from a power source. In one example, a temperature sensor is arranged in proximity to hydraulic fluid associated with the pump, such as at an input of the pump. In another example, the temperature sensor measures the ambient temperature to predict the viscosity of the pump based upon cool down rates of the system. A controller monitors a temperature at the temperature sensor and commands power to be provided to the windings to generate heat. Electric motor power consumption can be monitored to determine viscosity. The heat reduces the viscosity of the hydraulic fluid. Bleed air may be selectively provided to a casing associated with the hydraulic fluid in response to a command from the controller. The controller actuates a valve to regulate the flow of bleed air to the casing to provide supplemental heat to the heat provided by the windings. In this manner, the viscosity of the hydraulic fluid is more efficiently managed to provide desired startup of the pump in cold conditions.
US08038402B2
A drive train for a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine includes a rotor hub and one or more blades. The drive train includes a first stage carrier connected to the rotor hub. The first stage carrier includes one or more first stage planet gears that interact with a fixed first stage ring gear and a rotating first stage sun gear. A second stage planet carrier includes one or more second stage planet gears. The second stage planet carrier is rigidly connected to the first stage sun gear. The second stage planet gears interact with a rotating second stage ring gear and a non-rotating second stage sun gear. A generator includes a generator rotor and a generator stator, and the generator rotor is fixedly connected to the second stage ring gear so that both the generator rotor and the second stage ring gear rotate together.
US08038389B2
A turbine nozzle assembly and a method for assembling the turbine nozzle assembly with respect to a combustor of a gas turbine engine are provided. The method includes coupling a radial outer retaining ring to an aft end of the combustor. A plurality of turbine nozzles are provided. Each turbine nozzle includes an inner band, a radially opposing outer band, and at least one vane extending between the inner band and the outer band. The outer band of each turbine nozzle is coupled to the outer retaining ring to define the turbine nozzle assembly. An inner retaining ring is positioned about an axis of the gas turbine engine and coupled to the inner band of each turbine nozzle.
US08038380B2
A bucket position indication mechanism is provided for a material handling machine. The material handling machine includes a bucket and an operator's control station. The bucket position indication mechanism includes at least one position indicating element attached to the bucket at a position that is viewable by an operator at the operator's control station when a bottom plate of the bucket is aligned with a ground surface and at least a portion of the position indicating element extending in a direction parallel to the bottom plate of the bucket.
US08038371B2
A holesaw mandrel assembly has a mandrel body with a first end to be coupled with a drill motor and a second end extending from the body. The second end receives a holesaw. The first member is positioned on the second end. The first member is axially movable on the second end. A friction surface is on the first member. The friction surface is adapted to contact a base surface of the holesaw such that upon contact with the friction surface, the holesaw is fixed in position. The friction surface moves between a first contact position and a second release position. A mechanism on the first member moves the friction surface between the first and second position.
US08038367B2
A pipe-laying apparatus and method for laying or raising a pipeline from a vessel. The apparatus includes a first pipe gripping assembly disposed on a pipe laying path along which pipeline passes during laying, a second pipe gripping assembly disposed on the 10 pipe-laying path, and a drive unit for causing relative movement in a direction along the pipe-laying path between the first pipe gripping assembly and the second pipe gripping assembly. The first pipe gripping assembly includes both a pipe gripping arrangement for gripping a pipe during pipe-laying and a cable gripping arrangement for gripping a cable during an operation when a cable is connected to a length of pipeline.
US08038366B2
A wheeled concrete screeding device includes a wheeled unit having wheels for movably supporting a frame portion, and a screed head supported at the frame portion and following behind the wheeled unit when the wheeled unit is moved in a screeding direction. The screed head includes a grade establishing element and a vibratable member. The grade establishing element is generally vertically adjustable responsive to a signal from a laser receiver disposed at the screed head to establish a struck-off surface of the uncured concrete at a desired grade. The vibratable member is adjustably attached at the grade establishing element and the vibratable member at least partially floats behind the grade establishing element on the struck-off surface of the uncured concrete and is at least partially supported at the struck-off surface of the uncured concrete as the wheeled unit is moved in the screeding direction.
US08038365B2
A soft landing control system for a screeding device is operable to automatically lower a vibrating member relative to a grade setting device after the grade setting device is lowered to the desired grade. The control may be operable to delay lowering the vibrating member relative to the grade setting device at least until the control receives an input indicative of at least a portion of the screed head assembly being moved to a position generally over a newly placed concrete area.
US08038362B2
An assembly error prevention member includes a first plate portion that is attached to a first tab and a third plate portion that is inserted into a slit. The third plate portion has a blocking portion that inhibits a bolt from being tightened into a bolt hole and a driven portion that moves the blocking portion. The second plate portion has a first end portion connected to the first plate portion and a second end portion connected to the third plate portion. The second end portion is wider than the first end portion.
US08038361B2
A ring binder mechanism has a housing and hinge plates supported for pivoting movement by the housing. The mechanism has rings, each including a first ring member mounted on a first hinge plate and a second ring member. The first ring member is movable relative to the second ring member between open and closed positions. The mechanism has a travel bar and a locking element that are free of fixed connection to the hinge plates and movable in translation relative to the housing and hinge plates. The travel bar blocks pivoting motion of the hinge plates when the ring members are closed. An elongate link connects a pivotable actuating lever to the travel bar such that pivoting motion of the actuating lever produces translational movement of the travel bar. The elongate link is oriented so it extends longitudinally relative to the housing.
US08038355B2
A connector which makes it easy to view light from a light source. A light guide 7 guides light from LEDs 21 forward of the housing 5 in a fitting direction. The light guide 7 is configured to be mounted on the housing 5 that hold contacts 3, in a manner covering the same.
US08038344B2
The invention relates to a converter with a container for receiving molten metal and with a measurement device for the optical temperature determination of the molten metal. The converter has an optical waveguide for guiding electromagnetic radiation emitted by the metal to an optical detector for determining the temperature of the metal from an analysis of the electromagnetic radiation. The converter further has a line arranged between the optical detector and the container through which fluid flows for guiding and transporting the optical waveguide. The optical detector is arranged, spaced apart from the container, in a region in which the surrounding temperature is less than 150 DEG C. The invention further relates to a method for the temperature determination of the molten metal in such a converter.
US08038343B2
A novel computer program product and method for thermally characterizing a device used for cooling an electronic device is disclosed. A cooling device, being operated, is thermally coupled to a heat pipe having a surface to receive a test chip. A heater is patterned on a circuitry side of the test chip. The heater is separate from operational circuitry of the test chip. A localized heat source is applied to at least one region on a test chip thermally coupled to the heat pipe to locally heat more than one region on a second surface of the test chip to test more than one hot spot. The second surface is the circuitry side of the test chip. The heater provides a bias heat to the test chip, independent of operating the test chip, while the localized heat source is selectively applied directly to the test chip. A temperature detector is used to measure a temperature distribution on the second surface of the test chip. The temperature distribution is used to thermally characterize said cooling device during operation.
US08038342B2
The present invention relates to a method for determining the kinetics of gas hydrate formation in a fluid comprising water, wherein the following stages are carried out: a sample of the fluid is provided in form of a water-in-oil stable emulsion, DSC measurements are performed on the sample to obtain at least one peak corresponding to the gas hydrate conversion energy in the water drops of said emulsion, kinetic characteristics of the formation of hydrates in said fluid are deduced from the peak.
US08038340B2
A timepiece comprising a main energy storing device, a gear train coupled to the main energy storing device, a tensioning element coupled to the gear train, the tensioning element configured to be driven about a tensioning axis in cyclic steps, a tensioning control system configured to control the tensioning element, a storage hairspring having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the tensioning element, a wheel connected to the second end of the storage hairspring, a clockwork movement rotatably driven by the wheel, an escapement coupled to the clockwork movement and a device configured to be switched in a stepwise manner and driven rotatably in cyclic steps by an element of the gear train.
US08038336B2
A lamp holding apparatus for mounting a lamp to a base member includes a mounting plate having a pair of locking portions protruding to a base side. The locking portion is inserted into a mounting hole provided at the base and capable of being locked to a peripheral edge on its back side. Abutting portions, which protrude to the base side and are capable of abutting the base at the time of mounting, are provided on a bottom surface of the mounting plate that is an opposing surface to the base. The abutting portions are provided at three spots with one of the locking portions interposed therebetween. At the time of mounting, each of the abutting portions abut the base, and the mounting plate is elastically deformed so as to be warped, whereby the locking surface of the locking portion is kept in the state in which it is locked to a peripheral edge of a back side of the mounting hole by its elastic force.
US08038334B2
A vehicular headlamp unit using a light-emitting element as a light source includes a projection lens on an optical axis that extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction, and first and second light source units arranged rearward of the projection lens. The first light source unit includes a first light-emitting clement, a first reflector arranged to cover the first light-emitting clement from above and structured to reflect light from the first light-emitting element forward toward the optical axis, and a first mirror component having an upward-facing reflective surface. The second light source unit includes a second mirror component including a downward-facing reflective surface, a second light-emitting element arranged on the second mirror component facing forward and diagonally downward, a second reflector structured to reflect light from the second light-emitting element upward, and a third reflector arranged downward of the second light-emitting clement which reflects light from the second light-emitting clement forward.
US08038324B2
A waterproof lighting fixture includes a transparent tubular enclosure having two open ends and an inner peripheral wall that defines an inner hole. A lamp device is disposed in the inner hole, and includes a lamp seat, a LED light source module, a reflector component, a LED driver, and a power cable. The lamp seat has a heat-dissipating peripheral wall that is disposed around the lamp seat, that defines a compartment having an upper end opening, and that has an inner surface. A heat-dissipating base wall is disposed on the inner surface, and has a bottom surface. At least one heat-dissipating connecting wall is connected between the bottom surface and the inner surface. First and second waterproof devices are disposed for sealing the open ends of the enclosure, respectively.
US08038317B2
A lighting device comprising one or more solid state light emitters which emit ultraviolet light, one or more other emitters which emit light in the range of 430 nm to 480 nm and one or more other emitters which emit light in the range of 555 nm to 585 nm, to make a mixture which in the absence of any other light would be within an area defined by coordinates (0.32, 0.40), (0.36, 0.48), (0.43, 0.45), (0.42, 0.42), and (0.36, 0.38). One or more of the other emitters is a lumiphor. One or more of the other emitters can be a solid state light emitter. The lighting device may further comprise one or more 600 nm to 630 nm light emitters, and the lighting device may emit light within ten MacAdam ellipses of the blackbody locus. Also, packaged solid state light emitters and methods of lighting.
US08038316B2
Color displays superpose a two color image component with a monochrome image component to yield full color images. Each image component may be generated by controlling an array of light sources. In some embodiments the monochrome image component is provided by a backlight and the two color component is provided by an array of sub-pixels of two types.
US08038315B1
A luminaire housing with a printed bottom panel is provided. The luminaire housing has a luminaire housing frame. The printed bottom panel is coupled to the luminaire housing frame and has a first surface generally facing the interior of the luminaire housing. The first surface of the printed bottom panel has an opaque ink layer applied thereto that defines a printed area. The printed area outlines at least one light permeable light passageway.
US08038313B1
The present invention includes a skate board having a deck, a pair of trucks mounted beneath the deck and equipped with wheels. The deck is equipped with a plurality of light emitting devices, such as LEDs, which are mounted to the deck in a distinct pattern. The LEDs are in electrical connection with an energy source, such as a rechargeable battery. In a preferred embodiment, the rechargeable battery is mounted into the deck in a removable pack which can be charged without removing it from the deck. A microcontroller may be incorporated which provides for the selective illumination of the light emitting devices, and which may pulse, flicker, or create other aesthetically pleasing illumination patterns.
US08038311B2
A LED utility light includes a light head and a light head carrier for supporting the light head, wherein the light head has a light housing, a power source, and a LED light arrangement. The light arrangement includes at lest a light source provided within the light housing, wherein the light head is rotatably and detachably coupling with the light head carrier, so that light source having different light effects is selectively and rotatably adjusted by rotating the light head.
US08038310B1
An illumination system has a glove and an illumination device. The illumination device may be attached to an upper portion of the glove via first and second fastening materials. The illumination device includes a battery operably connected with a light source through a switch, for illuminating a selected part of a work space. A plurality of pliant support legs of the illumination device extend generally radially outwardly and downwardly, for supporting the housing upon the back of the hand. The first fastening material has a width and a length that are dimensioned so that the illumination device may be removably attached to the glove via the second fastening material to point in any of 360 degrees of rotation, such that the light source directs illumination in a selected direction with respect to the glove.
US08038307B2
A projector includes a projection optical device and a projection position adjusting device that includes a fixed member defining a hole having a step portion, a first plate that supports the projection optical device and a second plate disposed between the fixed member and the first plate. The projection position adjusting device further includes a connecting member having a step and being disposed in the hole of the fixed member and connected to the first plate, and an urging member disposed between the connecting member and the step portion of the hole of the fixed member. The urging member urges the step portion of the hole and the step of the connecting member away from each other, and urges the first plate into direct contact with the fixed member.
US08038302B2
A projector includes an exterior casing that includes an air intake port for introducing outside air into the interior thereof; and a cooling device that cools the interior of the exterior casing by the outside air introduced via the air intake port, in which the cooling device includes a first sirocco fan and a second sirocco fan that discharge air taken along axes of rotation of the fans to the direction along tangent of rotation, and an air intake port-side duct that guides the outside air introduced via the air intake port toward the first sirocco fan and the second sirocco fan, and in which the first sirocco fan and the second sirocco fan are disposed with axes of rotation thereof oriented so as to intersect with each other.
US08038295B2
The invention provides tinted contact lenses that include a limbal ring that serves to enhance the definition of the wearer's iris resulting in the iris appearing larger to viewer's of the lens wearer. The lens also incorporates additional elements that overlie a portion of the wearer's iris. The lenses of the invention may be used as cosmetic lenses for enhancing or altering an individual's iris.
US08038285B2
The intermittent application method of intermittently applying an application liquid to a continuously conveyed band-shaped or cut-sheet-shaped supporting body, includes the step of causing a lower surface of the supporting body, and a circumferential surface of an application cylinder which takes up the application liquid from an application liquid reservoir by rotation, to make contact with each other and separate from each other in a relative manner by means of a cam mechanism in such a manner that an application section where the application liquid is applied, and a non-application section where the application liquid is not applied, are formed on the lower surface of the supporting body.
US08038262B2
A unit cell for an inkjet printhead includes a substrate that defines an ink inlet passage, the substrate incorporating drive circuitry. Side walls are arranged on the substrate. A nozzle plate is arranged on the side walls such that the nozzle plate and the side walls define an ink chamber in fluid communication with the inlet passage. The nozzle plate defines an aperture in fluid communication with the ink chamber. A heater element is connected to the drive circuitry. The heater element is configured to generate a bubble of ink to be ejected from the aperture on receipt of an electrical signal from the drive circuitry. The heater element is suspended in the ink chamber such that, when ink is supplied to the chamber, the heater element is immersed in the ink. The heater element is configured so that a collapse point of the bubble is at a position spaced from the heater element.
US08038259B2
An ink-jet recording apparatus of one aspect of the invention comprises nozzles are arranged on an ink ejection surface in a matrix in a first direction in which a recording medium is conveyed and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The plurality of nozzles are grouped into a plurality of nozzle sets, each of the plurality of nozzle sets includes nozzles arranged along the second direction. The plurality of nozzle sets are spaced from one another in the first direction by first distances, each of the first distances is an integral multiple of a distance that is obtained by multiplying a unit distance by 2n-1. The unit distance corresponds to a highest resolution among first resolutions with respect to the first direction of an image to be formed on the recording medium.
US08038257B2
An inkjet recording apparatus of the present invention includes: a drum which conveys a recording medium, a wiper extended in the axial direction of the drum, and inkjet heads aligned in the circumferential direction of the drum along the outer circumferential surface of the drum. The inkjet heads are moved by a head-moving mechanism to be in a recording position or a wiping position. The wiper-moving mechanism moves the wiper in the circumferential direction along the outer circumferential surface so that the wiper wipes ejection surface of at least one of the inkjet heads while the inkjet heads are in the wiping position.
US08038254B2
The invention provides an ink set having at least an ink composition and a maintenance liquid. The ink composition comprises a pigment (i). The maintenance liquid comprises one or more solvents (ii) having a solubility parameter value of 27.5 or less. The content of the one or more solvents (ii) is 50 weight % or more with respect to a total solvent content of the maintenance liquid. The invention further provides a method of forming an image using the ink set including at least applying, with a liquid applying device, the ink composition to a recording medium, and applying a maintenance liquid to the liquid applying device.
US08038252B2
A method of detecting a fault within a micro electro-mechanical device is provided. The micro electro-mechanical device has a support structure and an actuating arm that is movable relative to the support structure because of thermal expansion of at least part of the actuating arm caused by heat inducing current flow through at least that part. The method comprises the steps of passing a first current pulse having a predetermined duration tp through at least the part of the actuating arm and determining movement of the actuating arm in response thereto.
US08038242B2
A droplet ejecting component of the present invention includes an ejecting component having a charge and discharge characteristic, an applying component being provided with a transistor, and an increasing component. The ejecting component ejects a droplet. When a control signal is inputted, the applying component applies an application voltage to the ejecting component, and the increasing component increases the impedance of the transistor.
US08038236B2
The invention provides a device for patterning workpieces, having: an ink-jet printing means having a plurality of nozzles from which drops of ink can be expelled, a workpiece carrier means for carrying the workpiece to be patterned, a conveyor means for bringing about a relative movement between the workpiece to be patterned and the printing means, and a detection means for detecting the relative position between the ink-jet printing means and at least one surface to be patterned of the respective workpiece to be patterned. The device according to the invention is characterised in that the detection means is disposed and configured so as to be in a predetermined, fixed relationship to the ink-jet printing means and/or to detect at least the distance between the ink-jet printing means and at least one surface to be patterned of the respective workpiece to be patterned, at least during printing.
US08038232B2
A pneumatic brake system for a motor vehicle includes a compressed air system including a plurality of compressed air reservoirs containing compressed air. A service brake system in fluid communication with the compressed air system is operably engaged by application of the compressed air from the compressed air system. A parking brake system in fluid communication with the compressed air system is operably engaged upon the engagement of a spring brake component. A compressed air release system is coupled to the compressed air system and the parking brake system. The compressed air release system is configured to receive a command and in response to the command drain compressed air from the compressed air system if the parking brake system is engaged.
US08038210B2
A vehicle seat system and method in which a seat belt restraint assembly is secured directly to the seat. The vehicle seat system includes a seat frame and a seat base that supports the seat frame. The system includes a first stop operating at rear portions of the seat base and seat frame to couple the seat base and seat frame and to limit forward pivoting movement of the seat frame upon sudden deceleration. The system may also include a second stop to limit rearward pivoting movement of the seat frame. The coupling of the seat base and seat frame provides the seat system with sufficient strength to satisfy load testing requirements and to provide comfort to the occupant. The vehicle system may include a tilt adjustment mechanism that allows tilting of the seat frame and that may also form part of a cushion slide mechanism.
US08038195B1
The invention is a storage container for mounting on the bed of a pickup truck. The invention requires that the pickup truck be modified by imparting equally placed left and right cutouts in the sidewalls of the bed of a pickup truck, the cutouts extending from the bed rails to about midway down the sidewalls of the bed. The inventive storage container is mounted in the cutouts and is of a width wherein the sides of the container coexist in approximate flush planar relation with the bed sidewalls and cab of the pickup truck to which the invention is attached. The mounting position of the container is such that it remains suspended in the bed cutouts a substantial distance above the deck of the pickup bed, thereby allowing elongate items such as 4×8 sheets of plywood to be accommodated beneath the container.
US08038192B2
An ice scoop is disclosed and has a scoop section and a handle section. The scoop section includes a bottom with a forward end, a rear end, and opposed side edges, two opposed side walls extending up from the side edges of the bottom, and a back wall connecting the side walls and connected to the rear end of the bottom. A scoop cavity is defined within the scoop section. The handle section extends rearward from the back wall and has two elongate, opposed, and spaced apart rails. First and second grips extend laterally between the two rails. The first grip is spaced from the back wall. The second grip is spaced from the first grip further from the back wall. The handle section is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the bottom and angles upward away from the back. The handle has an offset step formed in the side rails. The forward end is a reinforced edge. The scoop has a hand shield at the back wall and spaced from the first grip.
US08038177B2
A flexible pipe joint has two annular elastomeric flex elements stacked in a co-axial fashion at an inner radius from a common center of rotation, and at least one elastomeric flex element disposed at an outer radius from the common center of rotation. The flex elements at the inner radius are coupled mechanically in series between the extension pipe and the housing of the flexible pipe joint, and the flex element at the outer radius is coupled mechanically in parallel with the series combination of the inner flex elements. The inner flex elements isolate the flex element at the outer radius from transport fluid, and the flex element at the outer radius reduces the axial compression of the inner flex elements. Thus, the inner flex elements may have a reduced radius and a different composition to handle a higher loading of heat and pressure.
US08038171B2
Disclosed is a device to connect the tips of skis and thereby enable a skier to create, hold, and adjust the shape of a wedge with his skis. The device is comprised of two sleeves which slip over and are secured to the upturned tips of the skis. The sleeves are connected by a length of flexible, stretchable, or both, material. This connection is either fixed or made by a novel easily detachable hook. The device allows the skis to be easily connected or disconnected for lift rides, when walking across flat terrain, or to evaluate the progress of the skier during a lesson. As a result, disclosed is a novel device which enables a skier to make, hold, and adjust a wedge while being easily detached for normal skiing and easily used by a skier or instructor wearing gloves or mittens.
US08038164B2
A vehicle includes a vehicle body. The body defines a wheel well and has a body panel that at least partially defines an opening of the wheel well. A wheel is operatively connected to the vehicle body, is selectively rotatable about an axis, and is at least partially disposed within the wheel well. A member has a first end and a second end. The first end is rotatably mounted with respect to the body panel forward of the axis. The second end is rotatably mounted with respect to the body panel rearward of the axis.
US08038163B2
A leading or trailing arm vehicle suspension system comprised of a fabricated vehicle axle and a fully integrated beam casting providing bending stiffness to control axle windup and longitudinal stiffness to control axle position is disclosed. The beam casting is attached to the vehicle axle with a thru-bolt connection. The beam casting includes rack and pinion mounting attachment holes and also includes other built-in features providing efficient transfer of loads into the vehicle axle.
US08038161B2
This invention relates to a folding structure for carrier's handlebar, wherein it essentially comprises: a first joint (2) fixed in the front end of a carrier body (1) and having positioning teeth (25) formed on the sidewall in the interior thereof, and a second joint (3) pivotally provided in the first joint (2); a rail block (33) being fixed in the interior of the second joint (3), the rail block (33) being formed with a sliding rail (331), a slider (34) being formed in the sliding rail (331), occluding teeth (341) being formed on the bottom end of the slider (34) to mesh with the positioning teeth (25) of the first joint (2), a wire body (35) and an elastic member (36) being provided on the top end of the slider (34), and a dragon head handlebar (12) being provided on the second joint (3). In this manner, it is convenient for user to adjust the angle of the dragon head handlebar. In addition, the elastic member enables the slider to mesh automatically with the positioning teeth so as to ensure the safety of user.
US08038154B2
The present invention provides a poker game playing method wherein multiple five-card hands from once previously shuffled 52-card poker deck can be played without increasing probabilities against a casino, while maintaining maximum entertainment value, and with immediate certainty of winning or losing. The method of the present invention maximizes entertainment value derived from the poker deck by rewarding a gambler with free five-card hands when there had been five-card hand winning combinations, wherein the rewarding free five-card hands are from the remaining un-played cards of said same poker deck, thus, without increasing chances against a casino or gaming house, and wherein a gambler may have a false impression of increased probabilities in his favor because of the rewarding free five-card hands, therefore increasing his gambling desire to start anew waging against newly shuffled 52-card poker decks.
US08038153B2
Playing cards from the input playing card receiver are allocated or directed between at least the first intermediary and the second intermediary playing card receivers based on an order in which the playing cards will be arranged at the playing card output receiver. The second intermediary playing card receiver may comprise an endless array of playing card receiving compartments mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis. The first intermediary playing card receiver may comprise an annular array of playing card receiving compartments mounted pivotal movement about a second horizontal axis. The first intermediary playing card receiver may comprise a diagonal array of playing card receiving compartments mounted translation along a vertical axis.
US08038147B2
A sheet processing apparatus includes an intermediate stacking portion which temporarily stacks, thereon, a sheet conveyed thereto; a discharge portion which discharges sheet stacked on the intermediate stacking portion; an aligning member which is provided downstream of the discharge portion in a sheet conveying direction and has a sheet holding surface capable of holding the lower surfaces of the sheet and a sheet aligning surface capable of abutting against end portions of the sheet in the widthwise direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction, the aligning member being movable in the widthwise direction; a first stacking portion which is provided below the aligning member and stacks, thereon, a sheet discharged from the discharge portion; and a second stacking portion which is provided above the aligning member and stacks, thereon, a sheet conveyed thereto; wherein a standby position of the aligning member is at a position more inward than the outermost position in the widthwise direction, within the range through which the aligning member is movable.
US08038144B2
In an image forming apparatus, a sheet reversing mechanism is configured to take over and transfer, at a transfer speed Vr, a print sheet with an image already formed on one side being transferred at the transfer speed Vr from a first transfer mechanism, to stop the print sheet once, then to start transfer of the print sheet in an opposite direction, and to pass the print sheet to a second transfer mechanism at the transfer speed Vr. The first and second transfer mechanisms are located on upstream and downstream of a switchback reverse path for reversing print sheets respectively Upon lapse of a time T1 after detection of the print sheet by a print sheet detection unit, a transfer control unit drives the sheet reversing mechanism to start acceleration from a stopped state to the transfer speed Vr, the time T1 calculated based on the transfer speed Vr.
US08038141B2
A document feeder includes a sheet tray loaded with sheets stacked thereon in a predetermined direction, a pickup unit pulling in sheets on the sheet tray and feed the sheets, a separation unit that separates a sheet from the sheets fed through the pickup unit and feeds the separated sheet, so as to convey the sheets sequentially on a sheet-by-sheet basis, and a guide unit that forms a carrying path extending from the sheet tray to the separation unit. The guide unit has an entrance portion provided at a side of the sheet tray relative to the separation unit, as an entrance of the sheets on the sheet tray into the carrying path. The carrying path has a longer length in the predetermined direction at a downstream side in a sheet carrying direction relative to the entrance portion than a length in the predetermined direction of the entrance portion.
US08038139B2
The inserter including a storing unit, a sheet-feeding unit; a conveyance unit; and a controller that determines for every sheet a conveying speed of the sheet to be discharged to the downstream side device by the conveyance unit, in which the controller determines: the conveying speed of the sheet, which was discharged from the image forming apparatus, when the sheet is discharged to the downstream side device by the conveyance unit, based on the conveying speed when the inserter receives the sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus; and a conveying speed of the insert-sheet, which was fed by the sheet-feeding unit, when the insert-sheet is discharged to the downstream side device by the conveyance unit, based on a conveying speed of one of a preceding sheet and a succeeding sheet, when one of the preceding sheet and the succeeding sheet is discharged to the downstream side device.
US08038135B2
A sliding clamp and clamp assembly are provided. The clamp assembly includes a cam member that, when actuated, biases a stationary clamp jaw assembly toward another jaw assembly. The cam member utilizes a ball-and-socket coupling to couple the cam member to the sliding clamp bar. The ball-and-socket coupling allows the cam member, and an extended actuator, to be pivoted and rotated into an infinite number of positions.
US08038126B1
A support post for a guardrail has a strong axis and a weak axis which is substantially perpendicular to the strong axis. The support post is adapted to receive a guardrail such that the rail face of the guardrail runs generally perpendicular to the strong axis such that the support post resists an impact on the face of the guardrail and yields to an impact force on the end of the guardrail.
US08038122B2
The invention relates to a device for controlling a valve (1) between an opened position and a closed position, that includes a valve actuation organ (8), an elastic system (17, 20) for oscillating the actuation organ between two end positions, at least one electromagnet (14, 15) associated with a control unit (23) for attracting the actuation organ towards its end positions, wherein the control unit supplies power to the electromagnet for attracting the actuation organ into a first end position when the required energy amount is at most equal to a threshold and for allowing the actuation organ to move back to the other end position when this amount is higher than the threshold. The invention also relates to a control method.
US08038119B2
A metering device has an actuating unit within a housing in which an actuator is inserted and a hydraulic compensating element. The hydraulic compensating element is connected to the actuator and can be filled with a fluid when subjected to pressure. A first end of the actuator is provided with a first end cap. The metering device further has a stop that is disposed on the housing in the form of a seat, faces the first end cap, and defines a stopping position for the first end cap. The stop maintains a maximum distance between a sealing element and the end cap, the distance being smaller than the actuator traveling distance such that the actuator stroke beyond the end cap is sufficient for opening the valve. The first end cap hits the stop when moving in the direction of the hydraulic compensating element such that the movement is blocked.
US08038118B1
A system for preparing compressible food stuff such as ground meat to include a central cavity in the meat product which can receive one or more condiments prior to cooking with the pressing and shaping devices to cover the condiment filled cavity with an additional layer of the compressible food product for a final shape and compressed product. The molding system includes a mold body that is cylindrically shaped, a first press plate that includes a central smaller in diameter protrusion for forming a cavity in a compressible food product, a second press plate having a flat disc shaped for compressing the top layer of meat over the cavity and an adapter ring used to raise the side wall of the mold body for adding a second layer of meat to be compressed with the second press plate.
US08038117B2
A supporting mechanism for an electronic device includes a connecting bracket configured to connect to the electronic device and a supporting bracket connected to the connecting bracket. The connecting bracket includes an operating member. The supporting bracket is configured to support the electronic device. The supporting bracket includes an adjustable component having a pressing portion positioned thereon. The adjustable component is capable of elongating or shortening via pressing the pressing portion by the operating member of the connecting bracket, and being unmovable via removing the operating member from the pressing portion to change a length of the supporting bracket.
US08038116B2
A portable and collapsible bookstand apparatus includes a pair of main panels which is connected by a 180 degree foldable device; a pair of book-holding panels which is connected with the pair of main panels respectively by respective 90 degree foldable devices; a pair of bottom panels which is connected to the main panels respectively by respective 90 degree foldable devices; a plurality of height-control panels which is connected with respective bottom panels by respective 110 degree foldable devices, and are carved and inserted into the respective bottom panels when folded; and a plurality of notches in the main panels for the plurality of height-control panels to be inserted.
US08038113B2
A lighting assembly for a recessed luminaire includes a plaster frame for supporting the recessed luminaire and a pair of telescoping bars for attaching the plaster frame to framing support members. The telescoping bars include a first bar and a second bar, each of the bars having a generally S-shaped cross-sectional profile that is defined by a center curve joining a first area and a second area, which are generally hook-shaped and extend perpendicularly from the center curve in opposing directions. The first area of the first bar is overlappingly positioned at least in part within the second area of the second bar, and the first area of the second bar is overlappingly positioned at least in part within the second area of the second bar whereby the first and second bars are mated in an inverted and opposed adjacent relationship allowing sliding extension of the bars.
US08038112B2
A shelf support system is provided for supporting one or more shelves at selected elevations on a vertical surface. The system includes at least one standard having a rear wall, a first mounting wall extending from the rear wall, and a second mounting wall extending from the rear wall. The first and second mounting walls define between them a channel open to the front of the standard. At least one of the first and second walls defines notches which are not visible from the front of the standard, and the notches are adapted to receive a retention member on a bracket or shelf support which can be disposed within the channel of the standard. The shelf support can be tilted to an orientation that permits it be moved up or down within the standard to a different position, or to be removed from the standard altogether, or to be reinserted into the standard.
US08038105B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to arcuate saddles with partial ribs typically used to anchor and suspend insulated or non-insulated pipes. Partial ribs on the lower face of the saddle inhibit the saddle from sliding relative to the hanger when engaged and provide strengthening force to the saddle.
US08038102B2
The present invention provides a system and method for actively manipulating and controlling aerodynamic or hydrodynamic flow field vortices within a fluid flow over a surface using micro-jet arrays. The system and method for actively manipulating and controlling the inception point, size and trajectory of flow field vortices within the fluid flow places micro-jet arrays on surfaces bounding the fluid flow. These micro-jet arrays are then actively manipulated to control the flow behavior of the ducted fluid flow, influence the inception point and trajectory of flow field vortices within the fluid flow, and reduce flow separation within the primary fluid flow.
US08038094B2
A hydraulic system for aircraft operating devices provides a secondary pressure source for direction and deceleration control in case of loss of pressure from a primary pressure source. The system includes multiple pressure accumulators that include a primary accumulator, which supplies pressurized fluid to a first actuator, and first and second secondary accumulators, which supply pressurized fluid to second and third actuators, respectively. If the primary accumulator is disabled, the first secondary accumulator will supply pressurized fluid to the first actuator. If the first secondary accumulator is disabled, the second secondary accumulator will supply pressurized fluid to the second actuator. By providing multiple, substantially independent accumulators, direction and deceleration control is maintained even in the event of loss of the primary accumulator.
US08038089B2
The present invention provides a leader member in a recording tape cartridge that is excellent in terms of strength, rigidity, corrosion resistance, a low frictional property, and abrasion resistance, have excellent productivity, and is manufactured with a low cost, a manufacturing method thereof, and the recording tape cartridge. A leader member that is attached to a free end of a recording tape wound around a single reel accommodated in a case and that is pulled out from an opening formed in the case by an pull out member of a drive device is manufactured by die casting with one of a zinc alloy, an aluminum alloy, a magnesium alloy, or a copper alloy.
US08038085B2
Machines for distributing loosefill insulation from a package of compressed loosefill insulation are provided. The package of compressed loosefill insulation includes a bag encapsulating a body of compressed loosefill insulation. The machine includes a chute having an inlet end and an outlet end. The inlet end of the chute is configured to receive the package of compressed loosefill insulation. A plurality of shredders is mounted at the outlet end of the chute and configured to shred and pick apart the loosefill insulation. A bag digester is configured to shred the bag into short strips of shredded bag. The short strips of shredded bag are configured to mix with the shredded loosefill insulation. A discharge mechanism is positioned downstream from the bag digester and the shredders and is configured for distributing the shredded loosefill insulation and the short strips of shredded bag into an airstream.
US08038080B2
A fuel injector for an internal combustion engine, particularly of inwards or outwards opening needle injector type, includes an injector body, e.g., forming a nozzle ending in an injection office, a mechanism for closing off the injection orifice of the injector body, the closing-off mechanism including a vibrating pintle ending in a head for closing off the injection orifice, a return mechanism returning the closing-off to the position in which they close off the injection orifice, and a mechanism for setting the pintle and/or the nozzle into cyclic longitudinal vibration so as to open and close the injection orifice alternately. The fuel injector includes a selectively activatable mechanism immobilizing the pintle with respect to the body.
US08038062B2
Methods and apparatus for providing path planning for a guided munition. In one embodiment, a boundary value problem solver is used to guide the munition from one configuration to another configuration at a different altitude using a waypoint-based search tree where a number of leaves grows linearly with the depth of the tree.
US08038057B1
A card actuated automated banking machine is operative to carry out financial transactions responsive to data included on user cards. The machine includes a user interface including a display. The user interface includes a card reader which is operative to read data on user cards which identify at least one of a user and a user's financial accounts. A fascia of the machine includes a keypad through which users input confidential data. Covers prevent unauthorized persons from viewing confidential inputs to the keypad. Authorization signals assure that the display is operating in a manner that provides appropriate user instructions. A visual indicator is operative to indicate to a user that keypad inputs are being encrypted.
US08038053B2
The invention relates to a ballot box assembly for securely storing a paper ballot generated by an interactive user terminal includes a housing, a ballot storage chamber, an aperture and a drive assembly. The housing is provided for holding the ballot generated by the interactive user terminal. The housing includes a coupling portion for removeably securing the housing to the interactive user terminal. The ballot storage chamber is disposed within the housing. The aperture is provided for receiving the ballot from the interactive user terminal when the housing is secured to the interactive user terminal. The aperture passes through the housing. The drive assembly is provided for conveying the ballot from the aperture to the inner ballot storage chamber. The drive assembly selectively blocks passage of the ballot between the aperture and the ballot storage chamber.
US08038052B2
The present invention provides a retractable dual-purpose file folder, including a retractable chamber with a front panel, a rear panel, a retractable bottom wall, two retractable side walls and an accommodation space. A plurality of three-sided sealed spacers is arranged at intervals into the accommodation space of the retractable chamber, the bottom of which is coupled onto the retractable bottom wall. There is a multi-section locator, including first and second locators. The first locator is arranged onto the front panel, and the second locator arranged on the rear panel. The invention includes positioning bands, each with a positioning end located securely on the front panel and a moveable end with a mating portion mated securely with the first and second locators. The retractable dual-purpose file folder can be accommodated into the brief case and placed uprightly on the table for meeting the diversified customer requirements with better applicability.
US08038051B2
A method for the deposition of a soldering powder to an electronic circuit board includes the steps of imparting stickiness to an exposed metal surface of a substrate and depositing a soldering powder to the resultant sticking part in a liquid body. The method can further include the steps of heating the substrate, thereby fusing the soldering powder, and forming a solder circuit.
US08038048B2
A cold weld is formed in a multilayer material. A first pin is coupled to a first block. A second pin is coupled to a second block. The multilayer material is disposed between the first pin and the second pin. The first pin opposes the second pin. The multilayer material is held in the XY plane and floats in the Z axis.
US08038042B2
A backpack which includes a frame and a cover. The frame has a first frame element which is connected with a first portion of the cover and a second frame element which is connected to a second portion of the cover. The second frame element is pivotably arranged on the first frame element at a region lying between an upper region and a lower region of the first frame element.
US08038040B2
Described is a fluid dispensing container having a bottle and fluid withdrawing assembly for liquids, such as liquid cleaners and the like. The bottle has an integral dip tube formed therein, fluidly connecting the inside of the bottle with the top opening of the bottle. A fluid dispensing mechanism, such as a pump or trigger-sprayer, is attached to the top of the bottle to take fluid up through the integral dip tube and dispense the fluid accordingly. The fluid dispensing mechanism may be aligned to allow a direct connection between integral dip tube and the fluid dispensing mechanism. The fluid dispensing mechanism may be attached to the bottle with a snap-fit connection.
US08038038B2
A fluid dispensing system provides a sprayer. The system has a container with liquid fluid, such as used in lawn and garden weed control and fertilization. The sprayer has a handle containing a spring engine and a pump for liquid from the container. The spring engine has a flat spring having a spring band extending from two coils wound on two shafts. One of the coils is manually wound by a crank connected to a shaft on which the coil is connected. The other shaft is connected to the pump by a rotary cam driver. Liquid is sucked by the pump into a pump chamber during part of a cycle of rotation of the other shaft when the coils are unwound and the liquid is pumped out of the chamber during the other part of the cycle of rotation to a sprayer head on the sprayer handle.
US08038028B2
An additional containment system for a fluid containment vessel includes an outer section, an inner section, and a monitoring system. A plurality of independent and distinct zones of interstitial space are positioned between the outer section and the inner section. The monitoring system is connected to and separately monitors a pressure in each of the zones. A divider plate is attached to both the inner section and the outer section and divides a first zone from a second zone. Upon detecting a leak, the monitoring system provides an indication as to the leak being in the outer section or in the inner section, and upon detecting a leak, the monitoring system also provides an indication as to which of the zones the leak is detected.
US08038026B2
A container cover for use with a container having a neck. The cover includes a lid, a skirt extending downward from the circumference of the lid, a concentric plug seal extending from the lid inside the skirt. The cover also may include vent holes in the lid. The skirt preferably includes at least two lock panels. The sides of the lock panels are defined by vertical slots in the skirt, and each lock panel features at least one inwardly-projecting locking wedge. When the cover is locked on the container, the locking wedges engage a lip on the container neck. When a user wishes to remove the cover, the user pulls up on the edge of a lock panel, disengaging the locking wedges from the container lip and removing the cover.
US08038023B2
A molded plastic container includes a side wall having a valve seat feature molded into the side wall, the valve seat feature comprising a central recess in the outer surface of the side wall, and an annular valve seat surrounding the central recess. The container has one or more holes extending through a portion of the side wall bounded by the annular valve seat into the interior of the container for venting gas from the container. A label is affixed against the outer surface of the side wall and is under tension, the tension of the label causing the label to firmly abut the annular valve seat. Excess pressure of gas inside the container is able to momentarily lift the label away from the annular valve seat to establish a flow path between the label and the annular valve seat such that gas under pressure is vented from the container.
US08038021B2
A sectional rack, which can be assembled without using fastening elements and tools, includes rectangular vertical posts, foot members connected to lower front and lower rear ends of the vertical posts, hook members hooked to hanging holes provided on lateral faces of the vertical posts, and crossbars mounted to lower and higher positions between two adjacent vertical posts via the hook members. When the hook member is hooked to the hanging holes, an insertion slot is formed between the hook member and the lateral face of the vertical post. The crossbars are respectively formed on a lower portion at each of two lateral ends with an insertion section for firmly downward inserting into two insertion slots formed on two facing lateral faces of two adjacent vertical posts, so that the two vertical posts are supported by the crossbars to stably stand upright.
US08038016B2
To reliably bias drugs to a rotor side without upsizing a device, with little layout limitations, and without damaging the drugs.Biasing means that biases drugs stored in a cassette 3 to a rotor 23 side to arrange the drugs includes: a casing 35; a constant load spring 36 provided in the casing 35 and having a spring part 41 fixed to the rotor 23 side of the cassette 3 at its tip; a locking plate 42 provided in the casing 35 and having a gear part 46 that engaged with and disengaged from a locking rack 26 formed in the cassette 3; and a pressing block 43 projected so as to be pressed from the contact surface of the casing 35 in contact with the drugs and rotating the locking plate 42 by pressing to release the gear part 46 from the locking rack 26.
US08038008B2
A medicament dispenser comprises a housing having opposing first and second walls. A connecting assembly is associated with at least one of the first and second walls to facilitate connection of the first and second walls to one another. A blister pack containing the medicament is pivotally connected to the connecting assembly so as to be rotatable about the connecting assembly and about an axis of rotation substantially orthogonal to the first and second walls to facilitate movement of the blister pack from: i) a closed position in which the blister pack is substantially enclosed within the housing; and ii) an open position in which the blister pack is at least partially rotated from the housing.
US08037996B2
An apparatus for transferring a plurality of electronic components includes a row of pick heads operative to pick up the electronic components simultaneously from a first location and to place them at a second location. Additionally, there is a driving mechanism operative to drive the pick heads to move relative to one another in directions which are parallel to a length of the row of pick heads whereby to adjust a pitch width of the pick heads.
US08037992B2
A tablet conveying apparatus for transporting tablets includes a conveyer. Each of the tablets includes a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and a generally flat, circumferential belly band that interconnects the first and second sides. The conveyer includes a plurality of carrier bars to convey a plurality of tablets along a predetermined conveyer path. Each carrier bar has at least one pocket to receive and transport a tablet in a vertical orientation along the predetermined conveyer path. The pocket may be configured to allow rotation of the tablet about its central axis that extends transverse to the first and second sides. The pocket may be configured to establish line contact between two flat portions of the pocket and two corresponding circumferential portions along the belly band.
US08037987B2
In a wet-type multi-plate clutch comprising an externally-toothed plate and an internally-toothed plate each of which is formed by adhering a friction material on a core plate and in which torque is transmitted by engaging the externally-toothed plate and the internally-toothed plate, the friction materials are adhered on opposed surfaces of the externally-toothed plate and the internally-toothed plate which are opposed to each other.
US08037986B2
A one-way clutch of roller type comprises an outer race having pockets provided at their inner faces with cam surfaces, an inner race spaced inwardly from the outer race in a radial direction and rotatably disposed in concentric with the outer race and having an annular outer peripheral track surface, a plurality of rollers disposed in the pockets and adapted to transmit torque between the outer race and the inner race when engaged by the cam surfaces, and accordion springs disposed in the pockets and adapted to bias the rollers toward engagement directions with respect to the cam surface, and is characterized in that one ends of the accordion springs are secured to axial end faces of the outer race.
US08037976B2
A disc brake for a utility vehicle, having a brake caliper which encompasses a brake disc and which is fastened, so as to be axially movable in relation to the brake disc, to a positionally fixed brake carrier by means of two fastening elements, wherein the fastening elements have in each case one guide bar which is fixedly connected to the brake carrier, of which guide bars, for the axial mobility of the brake caliper, one in guided in a plain bearing which is designed as a fixed bearing and the other is guided in a plain bearing which is designed as a floating bearing, wherein at least the floating bearing has a guide sleeve, which engages around the guide bar and which is connected to the brake caliper so as to be fixed in terms of movement, with an elastomer bearing sleeve, and the guide bar is covered, on its end side facing away from the brake disc, by means of a cap, is designed such that the cap, while covering the guide sleeve at the end side, is fastened at least in one axial partial region to the elastomer bearing sleeve.
US08037973B2
A fixing device for an anti-slip cable locker is disclosed. The fixing device provides a connection such that after the cable is engaged, and a single screw action, the cable can be locked after engagement, and therefore, article hooked to the locker will be securedly locked. The fixing device allows a quick installation, rapid engagement with the cable locker and provides anti-slip from the cable locker.
US08037971B2
The invention provides airplane landing gear comprising at least one axle for carrying at least one brake-and-wheel assembly comprising a rim mounted to rotate on the axle and a stack of disks and a support carrying modular electromechanical actuators that are individually removable, the landing gear and the brake-and-wheel assembly being organized in such a manner that each actuator is in at least one of the following configurations: an empty space of dimensions sufficient for receiving the actuator extends on a disassembly path directly facing the actuator when it is in an operating position; the actuator is associated with displacement means enabling it to be moved from an operating position to a disassembly position, an empty space of dimensions sufficient to receive the actuator extending along a disassembly path directly facing the actuator when it is in the disassembly position.
US08037962B2
A motorcycle that maintains sufficient vehicle rigidity with a simple structure. A main frame has an up-and-down extension part in a vehicle width center, side plates disposed apart on the right and left of the up-and-down extension part, and first and second supporting pipes. Both ends of the supporting pipes are attached to the side plates.
US08037961B2
A snowmobile having a double A-arm front suspension is disclosed. The double A-arm front suspension includes an upper A-arm, a lower A-arm, and a spindle connecting the skis the upper A-arms and lower A-arms, the connection of the upper and lower A-arms to the spindle defines a caster angle, the upper A-arm and the lower A-arm are connected to the front portion of the frame such that the caster angle decreases when the front suspension is compressed. Also disclosed is a snowmobile having a suspension travel of at least 8 inches and a steering assembly having a single pitman arm.
US08037955B2
A method for operating a hybrid drive having at least one first and one second drive-connected drive machine, in which an actual torque of at least one of the drive machines is influenced by a reference-forming element in that, from a combined setpoint torque, a first setpoint torque is formed for a slow influencing path and a second setpoint torque is formed for a fast influencing path for the first drive machine and a setpoint torque is generated for a fast influencing path of the second drive machine. A provision is made for the lead setpoint torque for influencing the slow influencing path of the first drive machine to be obtained from the unfiltered combined setpoint torque before the combined setpoint torque is processed in the reference-forming element.
US08037954B2
When a current flows through a battery, a resistance loss proportional to the square of the current is produced by an internal resistance component of the current. In a case where the temperature of a heat capacity element is raised, a charging current is controlled such that prescribed thermal energy is provided to the heat capacity element by this resistance loss. Air is induced into a power supply unit through a vehicle compartment air exhaust duct. Then, the thermal energy stored in the heat capacity element is transferred to the air induced into the power supply unit. The air to which the thermal energy has been provided from the heat capacity element is blown out toward a vehicle compartment space by a fan.
US08037952B2
A control system for a walk behind loader which includes a control plate that is mounted to a shaft about an upright axis, wherein pivoting the control plate about the upright axis provides a steering input to the loader. A control handle is pivotally mounted about a generally horizontal axis and movable to provide for a direction and speed control input coupling through a control link. The control handle is mounted onto a handle mounting section section, that in turn is pivotally mounted to a support about an axis that is substantially coincident with the an axis coupling the handle to the control link, so that the control handle can be moved as the handle mounting section pivots between a raised and lowered position without causing a change in the position of controls controlled by the handle. The loader is capable of being operated by an operator walking on the ground when the control handle is in the lowered position, and by an operator standing on a platform attached to the loader, when the control handle is in the raised position.
US08037950B2
A particle impact drilling system and method are described. In several exemplary embodiments, the system and method may be a part of, and/or used with, an apparatus or system, methods, to excavate a subterranean formation. The system can including, for example, removing near-borehole damage, casing, window milling, fishing, drilling with casing, under reaming, coring, perforating, effective circulatory density management, assisted annular flow, and directional control. Embodiments of associated systems and methods are also included.
US08037946B2
A hammer assembly (1) for breaking, levering and raking material, the hammer assembly includes a hammer (1) and an articulated control linkage (3). The hammer includes: a movable mass capable movement along an impact axis (14), an elongated 5 tool (23) having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel or coaxial with the impact axis(4), a primary pivot (6) attachment point for attaching the hammer (1) to a distal end of an operating arm (2) attached to the carrier for pivotal movement of the hammer (1) about a primary axis (6) orthogonal to the impact axis (14). The control linkage (3) includes first (4) and second linkss (5) for effecting pivotal movement of the hammer (1) about the primary axis (6) in response to movement from a drive attached to the operating arm (2).
US08037943B2
Fastening device for coupling of blades in agricultural cultivation machines, in particular, tilling machines such as rotary tillers, including an intermediate fastening element, formed by a solid body, which joins the blade to the rotary plate; the intermediate fastening element being equipped with a fastening arrangement for linking the fastening arrangement to the rotary plate; a guiding arrangement for insertion of the blade into the intermediate fastening element; and at least one through hole, extending transversely with respect to the direction of the guiding arrangement and intended for insertion of a retractable pin which, when the pin is inserted, acts as a retaining element for the blade with respect to the intermediate fastening element such that the arrangement enables the user/operator to manually replace and/or reset the tilling blade, avoiding any need for accessory tools commonly used for this purpose.
US08037935B2
An apparatus includes a sample compartment. The apparatus further includes an inlet port through which the sampled reservoir fluid may be introduced into the sample compartment. The apparatus further includes a concentrating object that can be placed within the sample compartment. The concentrating object includes an outer surface and an inner surface recessed from the outer surface. The inner surface is receptive to adsorbing the selected portion of the sampled reservoir fluid.
US08037925B2
The present invention relates to a heat exchanger, and more particularly, to a heat exchanger in which a partition wall integrally formed with a header is fixedly inserted into a partition inserting groove of a tank and it is easy to check leakage of a heat exchange medium between the tank and the partition wall through a leakage checking hole formed in the partition inserting groove.
US08037922B2
A device for monitoring motion of a movable closure arranged for travel between limit positions, comprising an absolute position encoder for identifying whether the closure is in one of a plurality of sectors of travel, a relative position encoder for monitoring the speed and relative position of the closure, and a drive means for operatively coupling the relative position encoder and the absolute position encoder to the closure, such that there is a fixed relationship between motion of the closure and movement of both encoders, wherein the absolute position encoder features an adjustment assembly comprising a first element and a second element, the first element being selectively adjustable in position relative to the second element to adjust the absolute position encoder without movement of the drive means or the relative position encoder.
US08037914B2
A laminating apparatus having a thickness-detecting function is provided. Before the laminating operation is done, the thickness of the article to be laminated is detected by a thickness detecting mechanism of the laminating apparatus. According to the detected thickness, the temperature or the rotating speed of the heating roller of the laminating apparatus is dynamically adjusted.
US08037913B2
A carcass for a pneumatic tire includes a first annular bead, a second annular bead, a first continuous radial ply, a second continuous radial ply, and a third non-continuous radial ply. The first radial ply has two shoulder portions and two lateral edge portions. One lateral edge portion of the first ply extends from one shoulder portion of the first ply radially inward to a location proximal to the first annular bead. The other lateral edge portion of the first ply extends from the other shoulder portion of the first ply radially inward to a location proximal to the second annular bead. The second continuous radial ply has two shoulder portions and two lateral edge portions. One lateral edge portion of the second ply extends from one shoulder portion of the second ply radially inward to a location proximal to the first annular bead. The other lateral edge portion of the second ply extends from the other shoulder portion of the second ply radially inward to a location proximal to the second annular bead. The third non-continuous radial ply has a first portion and a second portion separate and distinct from the first portion. The first portion of the third ply extends from a location proximal to one shoulder portion of the second ply to a location proximal to the first annular bead. The second portion extends from the other shoulder portion of the second ply to a location proximal to the second annular bead.
US08037912B2
A tire comprising at least one reinforcement structure of the carcass type anchored on either side of the tire in a bead, the base of which bead is intended to be mounted on a rim seat, the reinforcement structure extending circumferentially from the bead towards the sidewall, at least one arrangement of main cords along a substantially circumferential path being arranged substantially adjacent to the structure, the arrangement of the cords of the at least one arrangement being such that the number of main cords arranged on the axially inner side relative to the structure is greater than the number of main cords arranged on the axially outer side relative to the structure.
US08037893B2
A computer implemented method and system for optimizing thermal performance of a computer system. An identification of a set of processor cores associated with the computer system is made and a thermal index is requested for each of the set of processor cores to form a set of thermal indexes. Proximity information and conductive property information associated with the set of processors is loaded and software is mapped to execute on an optimal processor core form the set of processor cores based the set of thermal indexes, proximity information, and conductive property information.
US08037891B2
An object of the present is to uniform particle diameters and speeds of liquid droplets in a two-fluid nozzle for cleaning substrates which mixes gas and liquid internally and injects liquid droplets with gas so as to clean a substrate. The two-fluid nozzle for cleaning substrates has a gas supply passage for supplying gas, a liquid supply passage for supplying liquid, and a lead-out passage for leading out internally-formed liquid droplets, wherein an injection port for injecting liquid droplets to the outside is formed at the front end of the lead-out passage, and wherein a cross-sectional area Sb of the injection port is formed smaller than a cross-sectional area Sa of the lead-out passage, and a cross sectional area Sc of an exit of the gas supply passage is formed smaller than the cross-sectional area Sa of the lead-out passage.
US08037882B2
A conduit for a breathing circuit includes a heater associated, at least in part, with a hydrophilic layer. The purpose of the heater is to evaporate any condensed liquid collecting in the conduit, which is first sucked up by the hydrophilic layer. The heated wick reduces the risk of collected water being passed to the patient and causing choking fits or discomfit. It is preferred that the heated wick lies freely in the conduit to settle at low points in the conduit where condensation may collect.
US08037881B2
The present invention relates to an improvement of the mouthpiece of a dry powder inhalation device wherein the medicament is packed in the blisters of single dose blister strips. According to the invention a portion of the air which enters the mouthpiece does not pass through the powder containing blister, but follows an alternative path through the mouthpiece, enabling therefore the modification of the resistance of the device in a simple and cost effective manner.
US08037875B2
A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes a first fuel tank where a first fuel containing alcohol is stored; a second fuel tank where a second fuel is stored, wherein a concentration of alcohol in the second fuel is known; an alcohol concentration sensor disposed in a supply passage through which the first and second fuels flow; and a malfunction determination portion. The control apparatus switches a fuel flowing through the supply passage between the first fuel and the second fuel, and controls a fuel injection amount based on a concentration of the alcohol in the first fuel detected by the sensor. The malfunction determination portion determines that the sensor malfunctions, if a value detected by the sensor is outside a predetermined range corresponding to the concentration of the alcohol in the second fuel when the fuel flowing through the supply passage is switched to the second fuel.
US08037873B2
The present invention relates to a method of scavenging residual burnt gas of a direct-injection internal-combustion engine, notably of diesel type, comprising at least one cylinder (10) including a combustion chamber (12), at least one exhaust means (14) with an exhaust valve (18) controlled by exhaust control means (42), at least one intake means (24) with an intake valve (28) controlled by intake control means (40) and a processing unit (44) receiving the values relative to the intake pressure (Pa) and to the exhaust pressure (Pe) of the engine. The method consists, when the engine runs under low speed and high load conditions, in carrying out a sequence of opening/closing of exhaust valves (18) during the exhaust phase of the engine, during this exhaust valve opening/closing sequence, in carrying out at least one sequence of opening/closing of intake valves (28) so as to achieve scavenging of the residual burnt gas.
US08037872B2
A thermal management system for an engine is disclosed. The thermal management system may have a first heat exchanger situated to cool air directed into the engine, a pump configured to pressurize a fluid directed through the engine, and a second heat exchanger situated to transfer heat absorbed by the fluid to air directed into the engine. The thermal management system may also have a heater configured to provide supplemental heat to air directed into the engine.
US08037870B2
A fuel economy improvement assist device (1) has: accelerator operation amount detection means (12); and display control means (15a) for displaying, on a display device (20), a target value corresponding to a target accelerator operation amount and a deviation value of the detected accelerator operation amount from the target accelerator operation amount (14a). The display control means (15a) calculates an accelerator depression speed based on the detected accelerator operation amount, and variably displays the deviation value in accordance with the calculated accelerator depression speed.
US08037865B2
A compression-release brake system for operating an exhaust valve of an engine during an engine braking operation. The compression-release brake system comprises a self-contained compression brake control module (CBCM) operatively coupled to the exhaust valve for controlling a lift and a phase angle thereof and a source of a pressurized hydraulic fluid. The CBCM includes a casing defining piston and actuator cavities, a slave piston mounted within the piston cavity, a check valve provided between a supply conduit and a slave piston chamber and a compression brake actuator disposed in the actuator cavity. The compression brake actuator includes an actuator element and a biasing spring. The actuator element selectively engages the check valve when deactivated so as to unlock the slave piston chamber, and disengages from the check valve when activated so as to lock the slave piston chamber. The actuator element is exposed to atmospheric pressure.
US08037863B2
The present invention is an engine, which includes a positive displacement compression process, a variably fueled, continuous combustor and/or heat exchanger, and a positive displacement, work-producing expander. This arrangement avoids the traditional stochiometric mixture requirements utilized in spark-ignition based engines and the emission problems associated with diesel engines.
US08037853B2
A valve assembly for an internal combustion engine includes a stationary permanent magnet assembly having at least one permanent magnet for generating a permanent magnetic field and a movable coil assembly having at least one coil of electrically conductive material for generating a magnetic field when an electrical current is applied to the at least one coil to thereby move the coil assembly with respect to the permanent magnet assembly. A valve is connected to the coil assembly for movement therewith. The valve assembly also includes a housing with an internal cavity and spaced ports extending from the cavity to circulate liquid through the cavity and cool the valve assembly during operation.
US08037850B2
A method for operating an engine with a fuel reformer is presented. In one embodiment a first fuel is reformed into a gaseous fuel comprising H, CO, and CH4, or the fuel may change state to vaporized alcohol. The present method provides for ramping injection of the gaseous fuel so that stoichiometric combustion may be maintained while gaseous fuel is injected to the engine.
US08037835B2
A tool storage structure of a saddle-ride type small boat capable of reducing the number of parts while suppressing noise generation. In a saddle-ride type small boat driven by an occupant who straddles the seat formed of a front seat and a rear seat on the boat body, a frame of the rear seat includes an insertion portion to be inserted into the rear lower portion of the front seat. The insertion portion is integrally provided with the tool storage portion for storing tools. The number of parts needed to form the tool storage portion is reduced and noise generation is suppressed.
US08037833B2
Disclosed herein is an inventory system with stackable trays that permits access to individual trays. The inventory system comprises an upright pole having a top and bottom, a support attached to the bottom of the pole, and at least two stackable trays, each tray having a fastening device to engage a back of the tray to the pole, wherein when a tray is moved away from the pole, the fastening device disengages the pole, and when a tray is pushed toward the pole, the fastening device can engage the pole. Also disclosed is a stackable tray. Also disclosed is method for removing a lower stacked tray from underneath a higher stacked tray.
US08037828B1
An explosive device that can generate a projectile from the opposite side of a wall from the side where the explosive device is detonated. The projectile can be generated without breaching the wall of the structure or container. The device can optionally open an aperture in a solid wall of a structure or a container and form a high-kinetic-energy projectile from the portion of the wall removed to create the aperture.
US08037824B1
According to one embodiment, a cartridge includes a main explosive and an exploding foil initiator housed in a case. The exploding foil initiator includes metallic strips that are operable to initiate explosion of the main explosive in response to an electrical signal.
US08037814B1
An improved roll belt guide mechanism for directing movement of a plurality of side-by-side belts in a round baler wherein adjacent belts are staggered to create opening through which trash mass pass to prevent trash accumulation behind the belts. A pair of offsetting rolls is positioned between two guide rolls defining the normal belt path. The offsetting rolls are aligned on axes that are parallel to the normal guide roll axes and arranged so that one offsetting roll is positioned generally forward of the other. One or more belts are directed around the forward offset roll while the remainder of the belts is directed around the rearward offsetting roll. The alignment and separation of the offsetting rolls is configured to allow roll belts of equal lengths to be used regardless of routing around the offsetting rolls. Trash removal may be improved by the addition of an auger in the space between the offset belts to urge the trash laterally, generally along the length of the offsetting rolls.
US08037799B2
A system includes a housing and an electromagnetic coil within the housing. The electromagnetic coil is arranged in a coil stack. A thermal damper is positioned adjacent to the electromagnetic coil, and a thermal structural plate is positioned adjacent to the coil stack. The thermal damper manages temperature rise of the electromagnetic coil and the thermal structural plate provides cooling to the coil stack. In an embodiment, the system is used to launch projectiles.
US08037788B2
A tight-spot fitting includes an elongated body configured to be inserted into and extracted from an aperture of a device, a user-operable head configured to be manipulated by a user to rotate the elongated body with respect to the aperture of the device, a depression in the user-operable head dimensioned and configured to receive a corresponding driver, and a through-bore extending through the elongated body and the user-operable head into the depression. The through-bore is configured and dimensioned to receive a line therethrough such that when the elongated body portion is inserted into the aperture, the line spans the aperture and through-bore, and extends through the depression.A tight-spot driver includes an elongated body, an operational end at a first end of the body, configured and dimensioned for insertion into a depression of a fitting, a user-operable head at a second end of the body, configured to allow a user to rotate the body in order to rotate the fitting when the operational end may be inserted in the depression of the fitting, and a slot extending from the operational end along at least a portion of the body. The slot is dimensioned and configured to accommodate a tubing the fitting extending the depression of the fittingA method of using the tight-spot fitting and driver is also disclosed.
US08037785B2
A push-bar indexing device that, when an index table is rotated by a specific angle, the table is accurately stopped to accurately index a workpiece. Each time a push bar is moved, a stopper is moved to a predetermined position by excessive relative movement between a spindle and a main table. An engagement member is operatively associated with the index table, which causes the engagement member to be rotated by a specific angle each time the index table is rotated. This allows the engagement member to be engaged with the stopper of a predetermined position, causing the index table to be stopped by the stopper.
US08037783B2
A device for a clamping bolt comprising a shaft for interconnection of a first body and a second body, wherein the first body is provided with a first bore and the second body is provided with a second bore, the clamping bolt extending within the bores, and wherein the clamping bolt is provided with an internally conical first clamping sleeve which is located, at least partially, within the first bore, and wherein the first clamping sleeve, by moving it in the longitudinal direction of the shaft, is structured so as to be able to be clamped against the first body, and wherein the clamping bolt is provided with an internally conical second clamping sleeve which is located, at least partially, within the second bore, and which is structured so as to be able to be clamped against the second body by moving it in the longitudinal direction of the shaft, the first clamping sleeve encircling the second clamping sleeve.
US08037782B2
The steering column assembly includes: an upper clamp 7; a distance bracket 8 fixed to an outer tube 4; a clamp bolt 9 including a shank 9b inserted in tilt long holes formed in the upper clamp 7 and telescopic long holes formed in the distance bracket 8; an operation lever 10 configured to rotate integrally with the bolt 9; a cam body 11 configured of an eccentric cam 41 and a ring 42, the eccentric cam 41 being provided on the shank 9b, the radial dimension of the eccentric cam 41 gradually changing in its circumferential direction, and the ring 42 rotatably fitted on the outer periphery of the eccentric cam 41. The cam body 11 rotates and is pressed against an inner tube 5 to lock the inner tube 5 to an outer tube 4.
US08037775B2
A system for locating impacts comprises at least one array of a plurality of carbon nanotubes, each carbon nanotube operable to emit electrical activity when compressed. The system also comprises at least one sensor coupled to the at least one array configured to detect emitted electrical activity from the plurality of carbon nanotubes. Furthermore, a computer is configured to determine the location of an impact on the at least one array in response to the detected emitted electrical activity from the plurality of carbon nanotubes.
US08037769B2
A pressure gauge includes a pressure measurement-display portion (11) for measuring a pressure and displaying the pressure by a pointer, a fitting portion (21) extending from the pressure measurement-display portion and having a pressure detection passage (22) formed therein, and an orifice member (60) arranged in the pressure detection passage and having an orifice (62) formed therein. This pressure gauge prevents breakage of an internal mechanism of the pressure gauge owing to a pressure change phenomenon. Incidentally, an orifice may be formed at a part of the pressure detection passage in place of the orifice member. A pressure gauge assembly (1) includes a pressure gauge (10) having a fitting portion having a pressure detection passage formed therein, and a joint (30, 40) for connecting the fitting portion of the pressure gauge to a conduit line, wherein an orifice (49) is formed at a part of an internal passage of the joint.
US08037761B2
There is provided a quantitative evaluation device or the like of atomic vacancy existing in a silicon wafer in which the atomic vacancy concentration in the silicon wafer can be quantitatively evaluated by forming a rationalized thin-film transducer on a surface of a silicon sample without conducting an acceleration treatment for enhancing the concentration. This is characterized by comprising a magnetic force generating means 2 for applying an external magnetic field to a silicon sample 5 cut out from a given site of a silicon wafer, a temperature controlling means 3 capable of cooling the silicon sample 5 to a temperature region of not higher than 50 K, a ultrasonic oscillating-detecting means 4 for oscillating ultrasonic pulse to the surface of the silicon sample 5 and propagating the oscillated ultrasonic pulse into the silicon sample 5 and detecting a change of sound velocity in the propagated ultrasonic pulse, wherein a thin-film transducer 8 having properties capable of following to an expansion of the silicon sample 5 at the above temperature region and substantially aligning C-axis in a given direction is directly formed on the surface of the silicon sample 5.
US08037759B2
In a method for determining the relative position, velocity, acceleration, and/or the rotation center of a body displaceable in a three dimensional space, at least twelve linear acceleration sensors are provided and in each case arranged on a position which is stationarily fixed with respect to the body. At least one acceleration measurement signal is captured by the linear acceleration sensors. A position, velocity, acceleration, and/or rotation center signal is generated for the body from the acceleration measurement signal and data describing the position and orientation of the linear acceleration sensors in the body-fixed coordinate system.
US08037756B2
A microelectromechanical gyroscope that includes a first mass oscillatable according to a first axis; an inertial sensor, including a second mass, drawn along by the first mass and constrained so as to oscillate according to a second axis, in response to a rotation of the gyroscope; a driving device coupled to the first mass so as to form a feedback control loop and configured to maintain the first mass in oscillation at a resonance frequency; and an open-loop reading device coupled to the inertial sensor for detecting displacements of the second mass according to the second axis. The driving device includes a read signal generator for supplying to the inertial sensor at least one read signal having the form of a square-wave signal of amplitude that sinusoidally varies with the resonance frequency.
US08037743B2
A chassis dynamometer for a vehicle has a motor having a rotor, rollers configured to be operably connected to wheels of the vehicle, a flange portion extending inward in a radial direction from each of the rollers, and a rotor bracket for supporting the rotor of the motor. The flange portion and the rotor bracket are connected via a torque meter capable of measuring at least an outer peripheral tangential force of the roller.
US08037740B2
A detection unit 4 with detection means 3 and fluid inflow/outflow guide means 2 is connected to a passage 1 for fluid with conductive material or to a pool section 5 for pooling of the fluid. The detection unit 4 guides inflow and outflow of the fluid through the fluid inflow/outflow guide means 2 and detects a concentration of conductive material through the detection means 4. A concentration of conductive material in the fluid is continuously measured with high accuracy.
US08037736B2
Determination of non-linearity of a positioning scanner of a measurement tool is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method may include providing a probe of a measurement tool coupled to a positioning scanner; scanning a surface of a first sample with the surface at a first angle relative to the probe to attain a first profile; scanning the surface of the first sample with the surface at a second angle relative to the probe that is different than the first angle to attain a second profile; repeating the scannings to attain a plurality of first profiles and a plurality of second profiles; and determining a non-linearity of the positioning scanner using the different scanning angles to cancel out measurements corresponding to imperfections due to the surface of the sample. The non-linearity may be used to calibrate the positioning scanner.
US08037735B2
A die cushion apparatus of a press machine in which a discharge opening of a fluid hydraulic pump/motor is directly connected to a pressure chamber on a cushion pressure production side of a fluid hydraulic cylinder and the torque of a rotating shaft of the fluid hydraulic pump/motor is controlled by an electric motor to control a pressure (die cushion pressure) of the pressure chamber on the cushion pressure production side. It is therefore possible to control the die cushion pressure with excellent responsiveness with respect to a die cushion pressure command and prevent occurrence of a surge pressure. The die cushion apparatus also has excellent energy efficiency since energy required for a die cushioning action that a cushion pad receives when effecting die cushioning of a press machine is regenerated as electrical energy through the fluid hydraulic cylinder, fluid hydraulic pump/motor, and electric motor.
US08037734B2
An effective thread number in the thread section which is disposed on the mouth section of the bottle is formed to be 2.2. That is, the thread section is formed such that the thread section 13 should serve effectively in the mouth section such that an interval between a start position and an end position should be 2.0 to 2.5. In the bottle can member 11 which has such a thread section, an outer diameter of the thread section which is formed on the mouth section is 28 to 38 mm. Also, the thickness of the mouth section is 0.25 to 0.4 mm. The thread section which has the effective thread number 2.0 to 2.5 is formed by eight-thread per inch pitch. By doing this, it is possible to put the cap desirably.
US08037730B2
A stretch-forming apparatus includes a main frame which carries a die enclosure between jaw assemblies. An insulated die is mounted in the enclosure. A method of forming a component includes placing a workpiece in the enclosure, heating the workpiece to a working temperature using electrical resistance heating, and then stretching the workpiece against the die. The method is particularly useful for titanium workpieces.
US08037727B2
A non-planar sputter target having differing crystallographic orientations in portions of the sputter target surface that promote more desirable deposition and density patterns of material sputtered from the target surface onto a substrate. A closed dome end of the sputter target is comprised of a first crystallographic orientation and sidewalls of the sputter target are comprised of a crystallographic orientation different from that of the dome. The sputter target is formed, preferably by hydroforming or other metal working techniques, in the absence of annealing. The hydroforming manipulations result in the different crystallographic orientations while minimizing, or ideally omitting, the application of heat. Quick and cost effective non-planar sputter targets that are easily repeatably producable are achievable as a result.
US08037726B2
Method for bending tubular articles with a relative ratio of the bending radius (R) and the outer diameter (D) of the finished pipe which is less than 3, comprising the following steps: forging an article made of material with a predefined composition depending on the final use and with a predefined length (L) in the longitudinal direction and an outer diameter (D); providing a die having an asymmetrical bottom die half with seat for the pipe; and a top die half with punch asymmetrically arranged in the longitudinal direction (X-X) with respect to the vertical center axis of the die; heating the article in an oven to the required temperature for forging depending on the specific composition of the material; positioning the article inside the bottom die half in the longitudinal direction; closing of the two die halves so as to start bending of the article; opening the die; and extracting the bent article.
US08037715B2
The present invention discloses a ring base with releasable hooks. The ring base comprises a concave part; a spring placed on the concave part; a plate including holes formed therein and attached on the spring; and hooks passing through the holes in the plate to be rotatably fixed on the concave part.
US08037713B2
A centrifugal compressor assembly for compressing refrigerant in a 250-ton capacity or larger chiller system comprising a motor, preferably a compact, high energy density motor or permanent magnet motor, for driving a shaft at a range of sustained operating speeds under the control of a variable speed drive. Another embodiment of the centrifugal compressor assembly comprises a mixed flow impeller and a vaneless diffuser sized such that a final stage compressor operates with an optimal specific speed range for targeted combinations of head and capacity, while a non-final stage compressor operates above the optimum specific speed of the final stage compressor. Another embodiment of the centrifugal compressor assembly comprises an integrated inlet flow conditioning assembly comprising a flow conditioning nose, a plurality of inlet guide vanes and a flow conditioning body that positions inlet guide vanes to condition flow of refrigerant into an impeller to achieve a target approximately constant angle swirl distribution with minimal guide vane turning.
US08037709B2
A heat pump HVAC system with an integrated pressure reducer which reduces the head pressure of the system when operating in the cooling mode and thus reduces compressor workload. The heat pump HVAC system includes a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, an exterior coil positioned outside of a building, an interior coil positioned within the building, and a reversing valve for changing the flow direction of refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit. A heat exchanger is provided between the outlet of the exterior coil and the thermal expansion valve. The heat exchanger cools the refrigerant flowing between the outlet of the exterior coil and thermal expansion valve using refrigerant exiting the interior coil.
US08037698B2
An air conditioning unit is disclosed for motor vehicles. The air conditioning unit includes with a compression refrigerant circuit where a refrigerant circulates, comprising comprehensively switched in series with respect to fluid flow at least one compressor upstream of a heat-delivering heat exchanger, and an expansion element upstream of a heat-absorbing heat exchanger, whereby into the flow path leading from the outlet of the heat-delivering heat exchanger to the expansion element an additional heat exchanger is integrated thermally coupled to at least one cooling means the temperature of which can be put to values below the temperature of the refrigerant in the compression refrigeration circuit at the position of the refrigerant's outflow from the heat-delivering heat exchanger, and a method for its operation.
US08037693B2
A method for cooling an object includes coupling a cooling device to the object, wherein the cooling device includes at least one thermoacoustic engine and a plurality of gas diodes, generating acoustic power with the thermoacoustic engine, channeling acoustic oscillations of a fluid through the gas diodes, and transferring the heat produced by the object to the fluid to facilitate moving the heat away from the object.
US08037692B2
The present invention proposes a thermal generator which is non-polluting, has very good energy efficiency, is of simple and economical design and uses little energy, at the same time as being capable of further development, flexible and modular. In this thermal generator (1), the thermal elements (3) composed of magneto-calorific material each comprises two separate collector circuits (31 and 32), a “hot” collector circuit connected to a hot heat transfer fluid circuit (51) and a “cold” collector circuit (32) linked to a cold heat transfer fluid circuit (52). The heat transfer fluid is made to move alternately in one or the other of the collector circuits (31 and 32) depending on whether or not the thermal elements (3) are subjected to the magnetic field generated by the magnets (40) moving in rotation around a central axis (B) with respect to the thermal elements (3). The heat transfer fluid circuits (51 and 52) are partly incorporated in a plate (2) carrying the said thermal elements (3) and connected to external circuits which have heat exchangers (55 and 56) using the calories and frigories generated by those thermal elements (3).
US08037690B2
A fuel manifold for a gas turbine engine comprises manifold adaptors each supporting a nozzle for outputting fuel from a fuel supply. The manifold adaptors have a primary conduit and a secondary conduit extending between connection ends of the manifold adaptor. The primary conduit and the secondary conduit are in fluid communication with the nozzle to supply fuel thereto. Transfer units are between adjacent manifold adaptors, and each comprises a primary transfer tube matingly connected at opposite ends to the primary conduits of the adjacent manifold adaptors for fuel circulation between the primary conduits. A secondary transfer tube in each transfer unit is matingly connected at opposite ends to the secondary conduits of the adjacent manifold adaptors for fuel circulation between the secondary conduits. A drain sleeve in each transfer unit is connected at opposite ends to the adjacent manifold adaptors.
US08037685B2
A system for cooling charge air from a turbo- or supercharger and exhaust gas recirculated from an exhaust gas recirculation valve in an internal combustion engine. The system includes a radiator and parallel charge air and exhaust gas heat exchanger units, the charge air heat exchanger unit having aluminum tubes and fins for air cooling the charge air, and the exhaust gas heat exchanger unit having stainless steel tubes and fins. The charge air heat exchanger and the exhaust gas heat exchanger units are each disposed adjacent the radiator, on the same or opposite sides. Alternatively, there is provided a pair of combined charge air cooler and exhaust gas cooler heat exchanger units, with a first heat exchanger unit having stainless steel tubes and fins, and a second heat exchanger unit having aluminum tubes and fins. The heat exchanger units are disposed on opposites sides of the radiator.
US08037681B2
A hydrostatic drive system (1) has a load-sensing pump (2) with an adjustable discharge volume and at least one consumer connected to the pump (2). The discharge volume of the pump (2) can be set by a discharge volume control device (6) that sets the delivery pressure of the pump available in a delivery line (4) of the pump (2) so that it is higher by a pilot control pressure difference than the load pressure of the consumer. The discharge volume control device (6) can be actuated by an electronic control device (7) functionally connected with a sensor device (9) for measuring the load pressure of the consumer and with a sensor device (8) for measuring the delivery pressure available in the delivery line (4). A circulation device (15) is associated with the delivery line (4) to control the connection of the delivery line (4) with a reservoir (3).
US08037673B2
An emissions control system includes a temperature determination module and an emissions control module. The temperature determination module determines a first temperature of a heater element of a diesel particulate filter (DPF) assembly in an exhaust system and determines a second temperature of a catalyst of the DPF assembly. The emissions control module selectively activates the heater element, selectively initiates a predefined combustion process in an engine based upon the first temperature, and selectively starts a reductant injection process based upon the second temperature.
US08037672B2
A quantity of unburned fuel is provided through a combustion chamber of an engine and an exhaust conduit to a catalytic converter. The catalyst in the converter is determined to be non-operational if a post-catalyst temperature sensor does not indicate a sufficient temperature increase between readings before and after provision of the unburned fuel to the combustion chamber. The unburned fuel may be provided by withholding spark ignition to create a misfire in the combustion chamber or, particularly in a direct injection engine, by injecting the fuel during the exhaust stroke.
US08037659B2
An automated medication preparation system for preparing a prescribed dosage of medication in a drug delivery device. The system includes a plurality of stations for receiving, handling and processing the drug delivery device so that the prescribed dosage of medication is delivered to the drug delivery device and a transporting device that receives and holds more than one drug delivery device and moves the drug delivery devices in a controlled manner from one station to another station. The system is configured so that two or more separate drug delivery devices can be acted upon at the same time.
US08037652B2
There is described an apparatus for a concrete form for an insulated wall. The apparatus comprises first and second wall panels arranged in opposed spaced apart parallel relationship, each panel having an inner surface, an outer surface, an upper edge surface, a lower edge surface and end surfaces. A plurality of retainers are secured within each of said first and second panels at spaced apart intervals, each retainer including a connecting portion extending outwardly from the inner surface of each panel, and an anchoring portion. The anchoring portion includes a framework disposed within the panels, an upper connector extending upwardly from each panel's upper edge surface and a lower connector extending downwardly from each panel's lower edge surface. The upper and lower connectors are adapted to respectively engage the upper and lower connectors of the next vertically adjacent panel to securely attach the panels together. A plurality of cross webs extends between the first and second panels to tie them together, the cross webs being adapted for respective connection to the connecting portions of opposed retainers in the first and second panels.
US08037651B2
A ground anchor assembly includes at least two threaded studs, an anchor plate having at least two openings sized and shaped to receive the at least two threaded studs. The assembly further includes a first fastener for each of the at least two threaded studs attached to the respective stud and bearing against a first side of the anchor plate, and a break-away fastener for each of the at least two threaded studs and attached to the respective stud on an opposite side of the anchor plate. Each break-away fastener cooperates with the corresponding first fastener to retain the corresponding stud in position relative to the anchor plate and the other of the at least two studs.
US08037646B2
An annular preform is constructed of predeterminable width and height and filled with a predeterminable quantity of a fluid grouting material. After setting of the grouting material and removal of the formwork a ring is placed on the surface of the set grouting material and a lower pylon segment is placed on the ring and connected thereto.
US08037630B2
An apparatus, method, and system for holding a device along the side of a relatively tall pole. The apparatus includes, in one aspect, a hanger bracket adapted to removably mount to the pole. A frame to which the device can be mounted is attached to the hanger bracket. In one embodiment, the frame has first and second cross-arms and an elongated member spacing the cross-arms from each other. In another aspect, a second hanger bracket can be used to further connect the frame to a pole. A locking device can be used to lock at least one of the hanging brackets to the pole. In a further aspect of the invention, the device is a banner or sheet-like device. In another aspect of the invention, the bracket and/or banner is in combination with the pole and/or device.
US08037629B2
A display mounting kit, system, and method are disclosed utilizing first and second primary releasable attachment elements that are secured about the periphery of a display panel and in a substantially corresponding relationship on a mounting surface, respectively. At least one supplementary fastening element having a stiff core and first and second substantially planar surfaces for respective engagement with the display panel and the mounting surface provides secure mounting between the display panel and the mounting surface.
US08037628B2
An article and method for recording dosing compliance is provided having compliance recordation indicia printed on a compliance recordation article and a mechanism for attaching the article to a container.
US08037626B2
A cloth treating apparatus is disclosed. A cloth treating apparatus includes a cabinet comprising an accommodating space which accommodates laundry, a air supplying device which supplies hot air to the accommodating space, an opening unit which selectively opens and closes at least one hot air supply hole, the at least one hot air supply hole through which the hot air is drawn into the accommodating space and a control unit which controls the air supplying device and the opening unit.
US08037623B2
An article of athletic footwear having an air-filled bladder disposed in a sole structure is disclosed. The air-filled bladder is in fluid communication with ambient air through a filter that permits ambient air to enter the bladder but restricts liquids and particulates from entering the bladder. In operation, the filter and bladder may be portions of a bladder system that absorb shock when the footwear contacts a playing surface. Alternatively, the filter and bladder may be portions of a bladder system that ventilates the interior of the footwear. The filter may be formed of a material such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene that is attached to a carrier.
US08037617B2
A soil remediation apparatus for treating contaminated soil comprises an air deck unit and a remediation unit. The air deck unit comprises an enclosure with a contaminated soil inlet and a remediated soil outlet; at least one conveyor located inside the enclosure and operable to convey soil from the enclosure inlet to the enclosure outlet; and contaminated air extraction means having an inlet in fluid communication with the enclosure and an outlet, and operable to extract air from the air deck unit.
US08037613B2
A rotary shaving head having a one-piece cup-shaped metal body including a comb portion. A plurality of openings in the comb portion are defined by opposed sidewalls, the intersection of at least one sidewall of at least one of the openings with an inner surface of the comb portion defining a cutting edge having a positive rake angle. A rotary shaving head manufacturing method includes the steps of etching a set of openings corresponding to a shaving head blank into an elongate flat metal strip, forming the blank into a cup-shaped unfinished shaving head, and removing material from the inner surface of the comb portion of the unfinished shaving head.
US08037608B2
Razor handles are provided, for razors having a battery-powered functionality. The razor handles include a housing constructed to hold a battery, and, within the housing, a carrier including a pair of battery clamp fingers configured to exert a clamping force against the battery when the battery is in place in the housing.
US08037602B2
Techniques for designing and creating energy efficient cookware are provided. In accordance with the techniques cookware can include a cookware base having a cooking surface and heating surface. The heating surface can have a pattern of fins forming heat exchange channels. The fins can effectively increase surface area and the channels can guide thermal energy to the perimeter of the cookware base while the fins absorb the thermal energy. The channel fins can improve energy transfer while providing even distribution throughout the cooking surface. The use of fins can also improve the mechanical strength to the cookware. Methods of making the energy efficient cookware are provided. A piece of cookware with a thick base can be provided by casting and by bonding a metal plate to the cookware body. Within the base, heat exchange channels are created by manufacturing processes such as casting or cutting to improve heat transfer.
US08037598B2
A method of repetitively accomplishing mechanical action of a tool member by drivingly engaging the tool member with one end of a compression spring, manually applying incrementally increasing force to the other end of the compression spring until the mechanical action of the tool member is completed, and utilizing an electronic measurement of the force level within the compression spring for repetitively reproducing the mechanical action.
US08037585B2
A device for dismounting the neck bush (4), the bearing bush (5), and the chock (6) from the conically constructed region of the roll neck (2) of a roll (1), where a pressure shoulder ring (8), which is supported on the end face of the neck bush (4), is installed on a roll neck shoulder (3) of the roll (1), is to be improved in such a way that it can be built very short and that it can carry out the dismounting movement with very small pressures of a pressure medium. To this end, it is proposed that a gap (11) be provided between the pressure shoulder ring (8) and the end face (7) of the roll neck (2), that the pressure shoulder ring (8) be coupled with the neck bush (4), and that at least one pressure medium for removing the neck bush (4) and the chock (6) be provided in the gap (11).
US08037583B2
In one embodiment, a biased fabric is supplied. The biased fabric supply has a first specified width and a first bias angle of warp yarns relative to weft yarns. At least one overfeed roller configured to overfeed fabric from the biased fabric supply at an overfeed rate is provided. At least one spreading arm configured to stretch the fabric to a second specified width and a fabric oven configured to heat the biased fabric supply to a specified temperature and output a balanced crimp and/or elongation biased fabric are also provided.
US08037582B2
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fastener including: a fastener body including: a cylindrical portion having an insertion hole formed therethrough; and a locking portion protruding outward from the cylindrical portion; and an unlocking member inserted into the insertion hole, wherein the locking portion is inserted into an attachment hole of an attachment object from a front side thereof, and exposed from a rear side of the attachment hole, wherein the locking portion has an elastic claw locked to an edge of the attachment hole at the rear side, wherein the elastic claw is elastically reducible in diameter, wherein the unlocking member is movable in a position rearward of the elastic claw, and wherein the locking portion is reduced in diameter when the unlocking member is pushed.
US08037572B2
A vacuum having a container and a cover coupled to the container. The coupled cover and container define an interior space communicating with an inlet and an outlet. A fan is fluidly disposed between the inlet and the outlet and a motor is operable to rotationally drive the fan, wherein rotation of the fan creates a fluid flow from the inlet, through the interior space, and out the outlet. A frame supports the container and a handle coupled to the frame is moveable between a use position and a stowed position.
US08037568B2
A windshield wiper assembly is provided that includes a pair of leaf spring elements supported generally parallel to each other with a space therebetween, each leaf spring element having a locating hole at an intermediate portion thereof, a flexible blade supported within the space between the leaf spring elements, and a bracket fixed to the intermediate portion of the pair of leaf spring elements and supporting said pair of leaf spring elements to provide the space therebetween. The bracket includes a pair of pressure distribution tabs, each pressure distribution tab extending from opposite sides of the bracket, and each pressure distribution tab being received in a corresponding one of the locating holes of the pair of leaf spring elements to locate the bracket at the intermediate portion of the pair of leaf spring elements.
US08037564B2
The air cells are attached detachably to the base members. By this, it is possible to set up the size or the arrangement of the air cells. For example, in a hospital, it is possible to change easily and inexpensively the air cells on a bed according to the patient's height, the body shape, the state, or the condition of affected part. Thus, it is exceedingly advantageous for dispersing the pressure added to the body.
US08037561B2
An objective of the present invention is to provide a diaper change mat which has excellent workability and facilitates changing diapers. A diaper change mat according to the present invention includes surface fasteners (101 to 105 and 101′ to 105′) configured to be fastened detachably to a diaper and a mat (11) on which the surface fasteners (101 to 105 and 101′ to 105′) are fixed. The surface fasteners (101 to 105 and 101′ to 105′) are preferably convex members of surface fasteners and the convex members are fastened to nonwoven fabric used for a disposable diaper. The convex members of the surface fasteners are sheets provided with many engaging members of convex shape such as hooked or mushroom shaped, or the like. The surface fasteners (101 to 105 and 101′ to 105′) can fix a diaper (2) in a spread state to the mat (11), and thus help facilitate changing diapers.
US08037557B2
The present invention relates to a sink access device which is utilized to facilitate a child or a diminutive person to wash their hands at a lavatory located in a public restroom. The sink access device includes a step support mount having a base and an upwardly extending arm. The step support mount is fixedly attached to a portion of a public restroom. A step is pivotally mounted to the upwardly extending arm of the step support mount. The step has a first position wherein the step is in a vertical position and a second position wherein the step is in a horizontal position providing a platform for a diminutive person to step onto. The step is positioned either at or behind a vertical plane defined by the front profile of a sink when the step is in the first position and the step breaks the plane when in the second position.
US08037555B2
A bathtub cushion has a mat sized and shaped to fit on a bottom of a bathtub. A cushion is coupled to and constrained by the mat. The cushion further comprises a plurality of separate and distinct cushions. The mat circumscribes the plurality of separate and distinct cushions. At least one attachment device is coupled to the mat to retain the mat on the bottom of the bathtub. The mat and the cushion include at least one aperture extending therethrough.
US08037548B2
A helmet (20) comprising a mechanism (28) to increase or decrease the internal volume thereof through the displacement of one or more portions (32) of the protective material (24) lining the helmet shell (22). The adjustment mechanism (28) is mounted on or adjacent the shell (22) of the helmet (20), from which project one or more connectors (30) which are operationally connected to the movable portions (32) of the protective material (24). When the adjustment mechanism (28) is activated, for example clockwise or counterclockwise, the connectors (30) are displaced, which causes the movable portions (32) of the protective material (24) to either be displaced away from the shell (22) of the helmet (20) or towards the shell (22) of the helmet (20) and thus allowing for a fine tuning of the fit of the helmet (20) on a player's head.
US08037544B2
The application is directed to self-securing garments designed to be donned quickly and safely secured to the body in a matter of seconds. Described are garments having an opening in the back terminating at two opposite edges. Attached to the outside of the garment is at least one flexible elongated band at least partially comprised of a shape-memory material. The ends of the band are formed into dual, oppositely wound coils. To use, the wearer puts on the garment as usual and, grasping a flexible coil in each hand, pulls them so that they unwind and elongate while simultaneously wrapping them around the sides of the body. Upon release, the shape-memory material causes the coil to contract, thus embracing the body and holding the garment between the body and the uncoiled band. The garment can have one or more coiled bands, such as at the waist, chest, or neck, to secure the garment closely to the body quickly and without assistance.
US08042186B1
Disclosed are systems, methods and computer program products for detection of malware with complex infection patterns. The system provides enhanced protection against malware by identifying potentially harmful software objects, monitoring execution of various processes and threads of potentially harmful objects, compiling contexts of events of execution of the monitored processes and threads, and merging contexts of related processes and threads. Based on the analysis of the individual and merged object contexts using malware behavior rules, the system allows detection of malicious objects that have simple and complex behavior patterns.
US08042177B2
A method, computer readable medium, and for requiring external authorization for a job prior to processing includes determining for a job if external authorization for at least one is item is approved and processing the job if the determining if external authorization is approved determines that the external authorization for the at least one item is approved.
US08042175B2
If content is transmitted/received through a digital signal bus, protection of copyright causes a problem because of no deterioration in quality. Accordingly, authentication is required. The quantity of information to be processed is, however, so large that a long time is required for authentication. Accordingly, both achievement of handling property as in conventional analog connection and protection of copyrighted content without user's awareness become an object. The foregoing object can be achieved by authentication which is executed, for management of copyright, among apparatuses connected to the digital signal bus when the apparatuses are powered on or connected to the digital signal bus or when an input terminal connected to the digital signal bus is selected. The object can be further achieved by an encryption key shared among these apparatuses.
US08042172B1
Enabling a client computer to perform an operation is disclosed. Login information is received from a client computer. The login information is confirmed by querying a trusted agent on the client computer.
US08042169B2
A method for managing the computer systems of a private network from a remote physical location in a manner that does not require the installation of agents on the computer systems of the private network, or the reconfiguration of the firewall of the private network to permit access into the private network.
US08042167B2
Methods, systems, and computer program products for firewall policy optimization are disclosed. According to one method, a firewall policy including an ordered list of firewall rules is defined. For each rule, a probability indicating a likelihood of receiving a packet matching the rule is determined. The rules are sorted in order of non-increasing probability in a manner that preserves the firewall policy.
US08042163B1
A method for revocable token identifiers may be employed in a shared storage environment. An access server may generate access tokens and include revocable token identifiers previously obtained from storage devices. When clients present access tokens to storage devices during storage requests, storage devices may check the validity of access tokens by verifying that the revocable token identifiers were previously issued to the access server. An access server may request that the storage device revoke revocable token identifiers. Storage devices may deny any future storage requests including revoked token identifiers. Additionally, an access token may include instructions specifying operations for a storage device to perform in conjunction with a storage request. A trusted server may issue grantor tokens granting permissions for access servers to use when issuing access tokens. An access server may then include such a grantor token in access tokens that it generates and issues to clients.
US08042146B2
An electronic document generating apparatus comprises a generating unit that assigns a value to a variable area in a source electronic document for defining a format, to newly generate an electronic document, and a setting unit that establishes, independently of the generated electronic document, security policy information which defines an operation right to the generated electronic document, on the basis of security policy information associated with the source electronic document and defining an operation right to the source electronic document, and associates the established security policy information with the generated electronic document.
US08042145B2
This invention relates to controlling the power states in a multimedia system comprising a multimedia connector box including a multimedia source interconnected to a transmitter module, and a multimedia device including a receiver module interconnected to a multimedia sink, wherein the transmitter and the receiver modules interface the multimedia connector box and the multimedia device via multimedia interfacing means. A signal detector detects the signal activity between the power sources of the multimedia system for determining the current power state of the power sources, and a power switching mechanism adapts the power states of the transmitter and receiving modules to the power states of the power sources.
US08042141B2
A cable modem of a CATV system includes an address monitoring unit and a proxy requesting unit. The address monitoring unit monitors an address of at least one set top box connected to the cable modem based on a content of transmission sent to the cable modem from the set top box. The proxy requesting unit requests for sending relevant information about the set top box to an address indicated by monitoring result of the address monitoring unit, when the proxy requesting unit is requested for sending the relevant information by at least one management device connected to the cable modem via a CATV network.
US08042134B2
An information processing apparatus includes: a managing module configured to manage pieces of image information corresponding to types of applications; a determination module configured to determine whether a present time satisfies a preset temporal condition; an image selecting module configured to select first image information corresponding to a type of an activated application, and second image information corresponding to the type of the activated application when the present time satisfies the temporal condition; and a display module configured to generate a first image based on the first image information to be displayed on a display device when the image selecting module selects the first image information. The display module generates a second image based on the second image information to be displayed on the display device in place of the first image when the image selecting module selects the second image information.
US08042128B2
The invention is to provided an emergency ejection device for a slot-in optical drive, which utilizes a feeding motor to rotate a transmission shaft from one end of the transmission shaft without self-locking. The other end of the transmission shaft extending to the front of the drive forms as a pincer-like slot, and a worm is disposed between the two ends. One end of a gear set having a plurality of gears drives a clamping unit, and the other end rotates a roller. A worm wheel is disposed on one of the gears in the middle of the gear set and is engaged with the worm with self-locking so that the transmission shaft can be rotated by hand to eject a disk.
US08042113B2
A runtime-resource management method, system, and product for managing resources available to application components in a portable device. The method, system, and product provide for loading one or more new application components into a portable device only if maximum runtime resources required by the one or more new application components are available in the portable device assuming loaded application components within the device are using the maximum runtime resources reserved by the loaded application components, reserving maximum runtime resources required by application components when application components are loaded into the portable device, and running loaded application components using only the runtime resources reserved for the loaded application components.
US08042110B1
Application boundary decomposition and dynamic grouping of application components may provide a user with a task-oriented, user-configurable, dynamic user interface. An operating system may include various individual application components and a user may be able to organize the application components to create custom task groupings for performing specific tasks. The components of a single task grouping may be displayed within a single task frame or border. Alternatively, the components may be displayed upon on the user's desktop without such a border along with other desktop icons. Application components may be dynamically rearranged, either by the user or automatically in response to user context changes or according to a priority relationship among the application components. Additionally, multiple application components may access a single shared copy of data and task groupings may be shared among different users using different computer systems.
US08042107B2
The present invention preferably automates mainframe computer operating system upgrades by automatically installing a base operating system on the mainframe system, performing information-gathering of an existing mainframe computer system, using the information to recreate the environment settings of the existing system, and providing a series of directives typically required of a skilled mainframe computer systems programmer for an IPL. By preparing a mainframe computer system to automatically perform an IPL, and, thereafter, automating a series of configuration process to install optional products, the present invention decreases the amount of time and operator skill-level requirements for prior art mainframe computer operating system upgrades.
US08042094B2
A method for accessing graphical information including receiving one or more graphics commands written in an application programming interface (API). The graphics commands are converted into a graphical language that facilitates the execution of the commands for a plurality of output devices of one or more types.
US08042090B2
Embodiments of configuring elements of a first enterprise system (ES) and a second ES in mechanisms are described generally herein. For example, in an enterprise system (ES) module for a first ES may include a plurality of configurable elements and a configuration module. The configuration of a first configurable element of the plurality of configurable elements may affect the configuration of a second configurable element of a second ES. The configuration module may configure the a portion of the plurality of the configurable elements of the first ES based on a configuration of the first configurable element. The configuration module may further and generate a configuration element information (CEI) message for the second ES that includes an indication of the configuration of the first configurable element. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US08042077B2
According to a circuit board creation program presented herein, a simulation assuming a case in which an addition of a bypass capacitor near a another bypass capacitor provided between a pin and via of an LSI part can be performed, simply by adding a bypass capacitor property model and changing the value of a coefficient parameter by which the property value of an element of a line part is to be multiplied or divided.
US08042060B1
A toolbar in a client application such as a web browser may be miniaturized. The miniature toolbar annexes itself to a part of the chrome region of the client application, modifying the functionality of the annexed part. The annexed part may be a search box. At least a subset of the features of the toolbar is accessible from the miniature toolbar, but some toolbar features may not be accessible from the miniature toolbar. Some features of the miniature toolbar may replace some features of the annexed search box.
US08042058B2
A portable device having rotatable input buttons and a method of operating the portable device are provided. The portable device includes a button rotation detecting unit, a User Interface (UI) generating unit and a mode setting unit. The button rotation detecting unit detects the rotation of the input buttons. The UI generating unit generates desired objects. The mode setting unit changes a current mode of the portable device to a mode of operating on the objects corresponding to the positions of the rotated input buttons when the rotation of the input buttons is detected.
US08042051B2
An apparatus for providing for virtual communication and collaboration comprises a collaborative virtual environment (CVE) application executing within a distributed data processing system, and a navigation module implemented within the CVE application. The CVE application provides a virtual world represented as a grid of an interconnected set of locations each divided into a set of zones and each having an assigned context through a user interface provided to a plurality of users through one or more client systems. The CVE provides each user with a respective avatar representation for navigating and interacting within the locations of the virtual world. The navigation module provides a user interface element and automatically directs the avatar representation to traverse the set of zones the set of locations of the virtual world in a particular order of locations and at a particular.
US08042046B2
A software control mechanism is disclosed for use with a plurality of media applications. The software control mechanism comprises a media control panel structured for use with a plurality of media applications. The media control panel is independent of each media application. Each media application is displayed within a computer screen. The software control mechanism is structured to control a function of a presently interfaced media application on the display screen. Further, as the presently interfaced media application changes on the display screen, the media control panel for that media application is displayed along a same boundary of the computer screen.
US08042039B2
A dynamic page template is populated with one or more digital content objects, comprising. For each digital content object, a locus is determined in relation to the dynamic page template. The locus specifies locations on the dynamic page template at which the digital content object can be placed. The digital content object is then placed on the dynamic page template at one of the locations specified by the locus. The digital content objects placed on the dynamic page template are algorithmically manipulated one or more times to change sizes and/or locations of one or more of the digital content objects. The dynamic page template is then output.
US08042034B1
An audio file is linked to a record in a database. The record is accessed and the audio file related to the record is obtained. Once the audio file is obtained, it is recorded on a recording media. The audio file is then linked to the record. In one embodiment of the invention, linking the audio file to the record is accomplished by storing a pointer to the location of the audio file on the recording media in a field of the record. In another embodiment of the invention, the audio file is digitized and the digitized audio file is stored in a memory. The digitized audio file is stored in one of two ways: either in a field of the record, or separately from the record. In the latter case, a pointer to the audio file is stored in a field of the record. Linking the audio file to its related record allows quick and easy access to the audio file from the record. This is particularly useful for client databases since the linking allows quick and easy access to conversations with a client about the client's accounts and/or transactions.
US08042030B2
An ECC decoder outputs, to a likelihood substituting unit, information on data in data blocks that is corrected to be valid. Based on the information, the likelihood substituting unit substitutes likelihood corresponding to the data corrected to be valid by the maximum value, and outputs it to an LDPC decoder. The LDPC decoder decodes user data with likelihoods partly substituted by the maximum value using LDPC parity, and calculates likelihood of data that constitutes the user data. The LDPC decoder outputs the calculated likelihood to a channel APP decoder as external data.
US08042025B2
In one aspect, circuitry to determine a modular remainder with respect to a polynomial of a message comprised of a series of segment. In another aspect, circuitry to access at least a portion of a first number having a first endian format, determine a second number based on a bit reflection and shift of a third number having an endian format opposite to that of the first endian format, and perform a polynomial multiplication of the first number and the at least a portion of the first number.
US08042022B2
Methods, apparatuses and systems are disclosed for preserving, verifying, and correcting data in DRAM device during a power-saving mode. In the power-saving mode, memory cells in the DRAM device may be refreshed using a self-refresh operation. This self-refresh operation may allow bit errors to occur in the DRAM device. However, by employing error correction coding (ECC), embodiments of the present invention may detect and correct these potential errors that may occur in the power-saving mode. Furthermore, a partial ECC check cycle is employed to check and correct a sub-set of the memory cells during a periodic self-refresh process that occurs during the power-saving mode.
US08042019B2
A broadcast transmitting system and a method of processing broadcast data in the broadcast transmitting system are disclosed. Herein, the broadcast transmitting system includes a block processor for encoding mobile service data at a coding rate of 1/H, a group formatter for mapping the encoded mobile service data into at least one region of a data group that has a plurality of regions, wherein the data group further includes a plurality of known data sequences, a trellis encoder for trellis encoding data being outputted from the group formatter, the trellis encoder having at least one memory that is initialized at a start of each known data sequence, a multiplexer for multiplexing the trellis-encoded data with segment synchronization data and field synchronization data, and a modulator for modulating a broadcast signal including the multiplexed data.
US08042010B2
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that augments a circuit design with a mechanism for detecting and correcting timing errors. This system first partitions the circuit into a set of blocks that are clocked by an independent clock source, and integrates an error signal propagation circuit between the set of blocks. For a respective block, the system determines a set of internal registers that are to be implemented as double data sampling registers, and replaces the determined set of internal registers with double data sampling registers, wherein a given double data sampling register is configured to generate an error signal when it detects a timing error. Then, the system integrates a two-phase error correction circuit into the respective block, wherein when notified of a timing error by a double data sampling register, the two-phase error correction circuit is configured to stall registers in the respective block.
US08042003B2
Provided are a method and apparatus for evaluating the effectiveness of a test case used for a program test on the basis of error detection capability. The method includes: receiving a target program used for evaluating the effectiveness of the test case; generating an error program by inputting errors to the target program; detecting the errors by executing the test case on the generated error program; and calculating evaluation points of the test case using a ratio of the number of the detected errors to the number of the input errors. Thus, the capability of the test case used for a program test to detect errors can be evaluated.
US08041999B2
A method comprises performing at least one zero-bit scan across an interface. The at least one zero-bit scan defines a command window. Further, the method implements one of a selectable plurality of control levels in the command window based on the number of the at least one zero-bit scans.
US08041995B2
There is disclosed a method capable of resetting a fault tolerant computer in complete synchronization among modules. The method includes a step of generating a reset requesting signal by one of the modules, a step of dividing the reset requesting signal to first and second reset requesting signals, a step of transmitting the second reset requesting signal to the other module, a step of delaying the first reset requesting signal in the one module by a time required for transmitting the second reset requesting signal to the other module, a step of resetting at least one CPU included in the one module by a first CPU reset signal generated based on the first reset requesting signal delayed in the one module, and a step of resetting at least one CPU included in the other module by a second CPU reset signal generated based on the second reset requesting signal transmitted to the other module.
US08041993B2
There is provided a distributed system having a plurality of nodes connected by a network. Each of the nodes includes: a common-parameter-value determining unit for determining a common-parameter-value from values of a parameter (each value being possessed by a corresponding one of the nodes); a common-operation execution unit for executing a common-operation using, as its input, a value of the parameter or the common-parameter-value; a send/receive unit for exchanging, via the network, the parameter values used for the determination of the common-parameter-value and the results of the common-operation execution with the other nodes; and a fault identification unit that compares the common-operation execution results collected from all the nodes and determines that an error occurs if not all the results are the same.
US08041983B2
A method for optimizing signal operating parameters for a signal sent over a data transmission channel through a programmable logic device (PLD) is provided. A transmit test pattern is generated and is associated with a set of signal operating parameters for the transmission and receiving of the test pattern over a data transmission channel. The data transmission channel loops from a transmit port to a receive port of the PLD. A determination of whether the received test pattern matches the transmit test pattern is performed. The match results and the set of signal operating parameters are recorded. At least one of the signal operating parameters of the set of signal operating parameters is modified through a processor of the PLD. Another transmit pattern is transmitted and received according to the modified set of signal operating parameters and the results are recorded. Methods for optimizing data transfer into a PLD and corresponding apparatuses are included.
US08041978B2
A recording medium, method and apparatus for managing data are discussed. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of reproducing main data and additional data. The method includes receiving the additional data associated with the main data, the additional data being divided into a plurality of segment units; and reproducing the additional data in a synchronous manner with the main data using time information if indication information indicates a presence of the time information. The time information indicates a presentation time of the additional data with respect to the main data. The main data and the additional data are reproduced according to management data, the management data including link information for linking the main data and the additional data.
US08041977B2
A method to save time needed in battery replacement for a Notebook and a battery detector thereof is comprised of having placed the battery detector containing a voltage detection circuit and a register module in the Notebook. When the power level of the battery falls below a first threshold, a prompt menu including a battery replacement option is displayed. When battery replacement option is selected, the Notebook enters a sleep mode and a numeric value marking the need of an automatic power on for the Notebook is stored in the register module. If the voltage detected by the voltage detection circuit is greater than a second threshold, and a numeric value marking the need of an automatic power on for the Notebook is stored in the register module, the Notebook is driven to perform a power on procedure.
US08041965B2
A processor has: a power table including a plurality of power control registers each rewritably storing power control information; a condition determiner for rewritably storing a plurality of operating conditions (e.g., a comparison address to be compared with the program counter) and determining which one of the plurality of operating conditions is satisfied by a current operation of the processor so as to supply an index signal to select one of the plurality of power control registers based on the determination; and a voltage/clock controller for controlling the power consumption in a control object circuit block according to the power control information in one of the power control registers that is selected by the index signal.
US08041961B2
A storage system encrypts plain text from an external device and stores the cryptogram into a disk unit, decrypts stored data in the disk unit and transmits decrypted text to the external device. The plain and decrypted text must be in agreement when seen from the external device. If a failure occurs in the encrypting or decrypting process, the plain and decrypted text disagree. The storage system includes an encryption unit for encrypting first data, a decryption unit for decrypting the encrypted data into second data, and a comparison unit for comparing the first and second data. When the first and second data do not agree, the first data is encrypted by a different encryption unit and the encrypted data is decrypted into third data, whereupon the first and third data are compared. When the first and third data do not agree, a failure report is sent.
US08041953B2
Systems and methods for managing email are provided. Some of the email may be encrypted using identity-based-encryption (IBE) techniques. When an incoming IBE-encrypted message for a recipient in an organization is received by a gateway at the organization, the gateway may request an IBE private key from an IBE private key generator. The IBE private key generator may generate the requested IBE private key for the gateway. The gateway may use an IBE decryption engine to decrypt the incoming message. The decrypted message can be scanned for viruses and spam and delivered to the recipient. Outgoing email messages can also be processed. If indicated by message attributes or information provided by a message sender, an outgoing message can be encrypted using an IBE encryption engine and the IBE public key of a desired recipient.
US08041949B2
An information processing system in which information transfers between communication devices through a network is limited within a prescribed range by registering unique information obtainable within the prescribed range into each device and permitting information transfer between devices which share common unique information, where the unique information is formed by a pair of public and secret unique information, a bridge device is controlled such that, upon receiving a proxy check request from a reception device, whether a transmission device is another bridge device or not is judged when the public unique information registered by the reception device is registered in the bridge device and one public unique information registered in the bridge device is registered by the transmission device. Then, the secret unique information registered by the reception device is transmitted to the transmission device when the transmission device is not another bridge device.
US08041942B2
A method of authentication of peers of a peer-to-peer network includes a certificate issuer tracking at most a predetermined number of node IDs for each peer on the peer-to-peer network, a requesting peer requesting from the certificate issuer a certificate for authenticating a communicating peer and each certificate issued listing at least one node ID of the predetermined number of node IDs assigned for the communicating peer.
US08041939B2
A method of establishing a Host Identity Protocol session between first and second Host Identity Protocol enabled hosts, where at least said second host is located behind a reverse-proxy. The method comprises providing the reverse-proxy with Diffie-Hellman public keying material of the second host, sending said Diffie-Hellman public keying material from the reverse-proxy to the first host as part of the Host Identity Protocol base exchange procedure, this material being bound to the Host Identity of the reverse-proxy for the purpose of the Host Identity Protocol session, and, at the first host, using the Host Identity of the reverse-proxy as the correspondent Host Identity for the Host Identity Protocol session, and, at the second host, using the Host Identity of the reverse-proxy as the originating Host Identity for the Host Identity Protocol session.
US08041933B2
A system for selectively enabling a microprocessor-based system is disclosed. State information that describes the operating conditions or circumstances under which a user intends to operate the system is obtained. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a valid hash value is determined, preferably based on the state information and preferably by locating the valid hash value within a table of valid hash values indexed by the state information. Candidate authorization information is obtained from the user, and a candidate hash value is generated by applying a hashing algorithm to the candidate authorization information, the state information, or a combination of the candidate authorization information and state information. The candidate hash value and the valid hash value are then compared, and the microprocessor-based system is enabled if the candidate hash value matches the valid hash value. In this manner, the designer or distributor of the system can determine, at the time of manufacture or distribution, the conditions and circumstances under which the system may be operated.
US08041913B2
A data protection method for an electronic device having a storage medium is provided, wherein the storage medium includes a plurality of partitions and a partition table. In the data protection method, a partition entry point and a partition data corresponding to the specific partition are captured and sent to an external storage device when the electronic device enters a shutdown process. Then, the partition entry point is deleted from the partition table and the partition data is removed from the storage medium. When the electronic device is turned on, a user has to provide the corresponding external storage device to restore the partition entry point and the partition data back to the storage medium. Thereby, personal data stored in the storage medium is protected and accordingly data security is ensured.
US08041910B2
This storage apparatus further includes a control unit for creating a second volume as a backup volume of the first volume upon receiving a backup command of the first volume from the host apparatus, and sending a completion reply of the backup command to the host apparatus while the formatting of the second volume and the replication from the first volume to the second volume are incomplete.
US08041907B1
A method and system for efficient space management for single-instance-storage volumes is provided. A backup module storing data within a collection of containers according to access locality and retention time of the data, wherein the retention time defines an amount of time the data is stored within the collection of containers before deletion of the data, and the access locality comprises an order in which the data is to be accessed is further provided. A compaction module compacting the stored data by selecting at least two containers among the collection of containers, wherein the selection is performed using a predetermined criteria that includes access locality and retention time of the data is also provided. The compaction module distributes the data among the at least two containers. The compaction criteria creates an imbalance among the containers to create more empty, full, or nearly full containers.
US08041904B2
In order to provide a more efficient persistent storage device, one or more long-term storage media are included along with a non-volatile memory. In one embodiment, one portion of the non-volatile memory is used as a write buffer and a read cache for writes and reads to the long-term storage media. Interfaces are provided for controlling the use of the non-volatile memory as a write buffer and a read cache. Additionally, a portion of the non-volatile memory is used to provide a direct mapping for specified sectors of the long-term storage media. Descriptive data regarding the persistent storage device is stored in another portion of the non-volatile memory.
US08041899B2
A write back allocate system that includes: (i) a store request circuit; (ii) a processor, adapted to generate a store request that comprises an information unit and an information unit address; and (iii) a cache module, connected to the store request circuit and to a high level memory unit. A single cache module line includes multiple segments, each segment is adapted to store a single information unit. A content of a cache module line is retrieved from the high level memory unit by generating a fetch burst that includes multiple segment fetch operations. The store request circuit includes a snooper and a controller. The snooper detects a portion of an address of a cache segment of a cache line that is being fetched during a fetch burst. The controller is adapted to request from the cache module to receive the information unit before a completion of the fetch burst if the portion of the address of the cache segment matches a corresponding portion of the information unit address.
US08041898B2
The present disclosure provides a method for reducing memory traffic in a distributed memory system. The method may include storing a presence vector in a directory of a memory slice, said presence vector indicating whether a line in local memory has been cached. The method may further include protecting said memory slice from cache coherency violations via a home agent configured to transmit and receive data from said memory slice, said home agent configured to store a copy of said presence vector. The method may also include receiving a request for a block of data from at least one processing node at said home agent and comparing said presence vector with said copy of said presence vector stored in said home agent. The method may additionally include eliminating a write update operation between said home agent and said directory if said presence vector and said copy are equivalent. Of course, many alternatives, variations and modifications are possible without departing from this embodiment.
US08041895B2
Systems and/or methods are presented that provide for recording transactions that occur during a write process for the purpose of recovering the transactions in the event of a power loss. In an aspect a system implements an organization that reflects a cache architecture that is organized according to the cache way and set index of each transaction In this regard, the cache way and set index cache architecture provides for a post-power loss search operation that is limited to identifying duplicate locations within the cache-line and keeping only the most recent modification. Thus the system provides pre-organization in terms of self-aggregation by cache way and set index recording that facilitates cache-line eviction processing in the event that the cache is determined to be full.
US08041893B1
Embodiments disclosed herein utilize statistical approximations to manage large filesystem-based caches based on imperfect information. When removing entries from a large cache, which may have a million or more entries, the cache manager does not need to find the absolutely oldest entry that has been accessed the least recently. Instead, it suffices to find an entry that is older than most. In embodiments disclosed herein, statistical sampling of the cache is performed to produce models of different properties of the cache, including the number of entries, distribution of access times, distribution of entry sizes, etc. The models are then used to guide decisions that involve those properties. The size of the samples can be adjusted to balance the cost of acquiring the samples against the confidence level of the models produced by the samples. To achieve randomness, entries are stored using prefixes of addresses generated via a message-digest function.
US08041883B2
A solution for restoring operation of a storage device based on a flash memory is proposed. The storage device emulates a logical memory space (including a plurality of logical blocks each one having a plurality of logical sectors), which is mapped on a physical memory space of the flash memory (including a plurality of physical blocks each one having a plurality of physical sectors for storing different versions of the logical sectors). A corresponding method starts by detecting a plurality of conflicting physical blocks for a corrupted logical block (resulting from a breakdown of the storage device). The method continues by determining a plurality of validity indexes (indicative of the number of last versions of the logical sectors of the corrupted logical block that are stored in the conflicting physical blocks). One ore more of the conflicting physical blocks are selected according to the validity indexes. The selected conflicting physical blocks are then associated with the corrupted logical block. At the end, each one of the non-selected conflicting physical blocks is discarded.
US08041882B2
For NAND flash devices, two specific bounds for the program time are defined in the data sheets: a typical program time, during which more than 50% of all pages are programmed, and a maximum program time. Reduction of the maximum program time to an effective program time is possible using the following method for writing to a flash memory, comprising the steps of specifying an effective program time that is between typical and maximum program time, writing first data to the flash memory, after the effective program time checking if the programming cycle is finished, if it is finished writing second data to the flash memory, and if it is not finished writing the at least second data to a buffer memory and marking them as not to be overwritten, repeating the previous steps as long as further data are to be stored, determining a free location in a flash memory, and copying the at least second data from the buffer memory to the determined location in the flash memory.
US08041879B2
A flash memory system includes a flash controller for controlling operation of at least two flash memory devices. A page buffer is allocated within each flash memory device, such that one page buffer functions as a designated target buffer and another page buffer functions as a mirror buffer. The flash controller transmits the page data to two flash memory devices simultaneously, such that no backup of the page data is required to be kept in the flash controller. Hence, there is no delay in writing the next page data from a host computer to the flash controller.
US08041877B2
A method for distributed computing utilizing virtual memory is disclosed. The method can include identifying a first node to process an application, identifying paging space accessible to the first node, identifying a second node to share paged data with the first node, and transacting the paged data between the first node and the identified paging space. Thus, application processing results from the first node can be stored in paging space and a second node can retrieve the first result from the paging space such that the paging space can be shared between nodes. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US08041871B2
The present invention is a method for providing address decode and Virtual Function (VF) migration support in a Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIE) multi-root Input/Output Virtualization (IOV) environment. The method may include receiving a Transaction Layer Packet (TLP) from the PCIE multi-root IOV environment. The method may further include comparing a destination address of the TLP with a plurality of base address values stored in a Content Addressable Memory (CAM), each base address value being associated with a Virtual Function (VF), each VF being associated with a Physical Function (PF). The method may further include when a base address value included in the plurality of base address values matches the destination address of the TLP, providing the matching base address value to the PCIE multi-root IOV environment by outputting from the CAM the matching base address value. The method may further include constructing a requestor ID for the VF associated with the matching base address value, the requestor ID being based upon the output matching base address value and a bus number for a PF which owns the CAM.
US08041869B2
A method and system for bus arbitration to be used in a system having a plurality of data handling units (110a, . . . , 110d) and a shared bus (140) with a plurality of data-lines. The invention provides a method and an system to carry out the method, having steps of; receiving data transfer requests from the data handling units; selecting a set of data transfer requests the allowance of which serves a maximum number of data handling units and utilizes a maximum number of data-lines, and; allowing the data handling units that issued said selected set of data transfer requests to access said bus in a single bus cycle.
US08041864B2
A storage apparatus is provided, including a USB connector configured to communicate with an external device, a storage device including a cap for covering the USB connector, and an interface to control a communication with the external device via the USB connector. A memory stores data transferred from the external device via the USB connector and the interface. A controller manages the interface and the memory. A portable case is configured to contain the interface, the memory, and the controller. A user input button on an external surface of the portable case receives a user input so that the controller may control the memory to store different information based on how many times, or how long, the user actuates the button.
US08041859B2
An apparatus and method for connectivity in networks configured for non-disruptive disconnection of one or more peripheral devices are disclosed. The apparatus includes a first logical layer associated with a first peripheral device, the first peripheral device arranged in a network configured for non-disruptive disconnection of at least one peripheral device, at least a second logical layer associated with at least a second peripheral device, the at least a second peripheral device arranged in the network configured for non-disruptive disconnection of at least one peripheral device, at least one power source associated with the first logical layer and the at least a second logical layer, and a first electrically conductive link coupled to the first logical layer, the at least a second logical layer, and the at least one power source associated with the first logical layer and the at least a second logical layer.
US08041857B2
A dynamic A-MSDU enabling method is disclosed. The method enables the recipient of an aggregate MAC service data unit (A-MSDU) under a block ACK agreement to reject the A-MSDU. The method thus distinguishes between A-MSDU outside of the block ACK agreement, which is mandatory, from A-MSDU under the block ACK agreement, which is optional. The method thus complies with the 802.11n specification while enabling the recipient to intelligently allocate memory during block ACK operations.
US08041851B2
In a data processing system having multiple input/output adapters, a DMA memory block is assigned to each adapter. The DMA memory block has a data area and a generic common control area. All adapters have the same translation control entry for the control area. The control area includes a mapped page assigned to each adapter request and an unmapped buffer space interposed between the mapped pages. By mapping the generic DMA memory, memory space which is not required by an adapter is not mapped unnecessarily. Because the generic DMA memory space is part of each adapter's DMA memory space, adapters are unable to write to partitions to which they do not belong and the possibility of cross-partition memory writes is reduced. Moreover, runaway writes to dedicated DMA memory space may be caught as soon as they occur.
US08041848B2
A media processing system and device with improved power usage characteristics, improved audio functionality and improved media security is provided. Embodiments of the media processing system include an audio processing subsystem that operates independently of the host processor for long periods of time, allowing the host processor to enter a low power state. Other aspects of the media processing system provide for enhanced audio effects such as mixing stored audio samples into real-time telephone audio. Still other aspects of the media processing system provide for improved media security due to the isolation of decrypted audio data from the host processor.
US08041847B1
Scheduling Direct Memory Access (DMA) operations. Blocks are provided in a first DMA chain, with each block in the first DMA chain corresponding to an operation and comprising a pair of pointers, a first pointer pointing to a command structure to be executed or a data structure to be moved, and a second pointer pointing to a next block in the first DMA chain. A DMA engine processes successive operations in the first DMA chain. Time remaining in an interval for processing the first DMA chain is tracked. A second DMA chain of conditional blocks are maintained, with each conditional block corresponding to a conditional operation and containing an estimate of time needed to complete the conditional operation. A conditional operation is executed from the second DMA chain if the remaining time in the interval is greater than the estimated time to complete processing of the conditional operation.
US08041841B1
Method and interface for configuring a link is described. A transceiver has configuration registers. The configuration registers are read to determine capability of the transceiver. An application is selected, and the configuration registers of the transceiver are configured responsive to the application selected. A protocol having initialization, transmit and receive portions is described to facilitate configuration operations, such as reads and writes of configuration registers, for such a link.
US08041840B2
An autonomous Web server may be connected to an industrial control system to provide direct access to input and output points through connections between the Web server and the input and output points. Coordination with the programmable logic controller is implemented through a set of lock flags which prevent conflicts either between multiple Web connections or between Web connections and the control produced by the programmable logic controller.
US08041836B1
A system and method which automatically converts COBOL data definitions into view files which allows a user from an Internet terminal to access an On-Line Transaction Processing (OLTP) enterprise server. This conversion permits the Internet user to perform COBOL transactions using the enterprise legacy system.
US08041835B2
An overlay network uses flexible neighbor selection based on network address translation (NAT) to define routing between nodes. The NAT type is used as a flexible neighbor selection criteria, either alone or in conjunction with other criteria. A method of selecting a neighboring node for a first node in a distributed hash table network includes determining a desired key value for a node finger table entry and requesting a set of candidate neighboring nodes near this desired key value. The method determines a network address translation type of each of the set of candidate neighboring nodes and ranks the set of candidate neighboring nodes accordingly. The method selects one of the set of candidate neighboring nodes based on the ranking. The NAT types of candidate neighboring nodes are determined by sending probe messages or from data received from a central overlay network server.
US08041833B2
An electronic network filter for classified partitioning in an ATM network. The filter has a classified network buffer for identifying whether data is classified or unclassified to define invalid and valid data packets. Invalid data packets are dropped from the classified network buffer and valid data packets are sent to an unclassified network for testing without interrupting the operation of the classified network. In one embodiment, the classified network buffer is programmable to adapt to the continually changing requirements of classified networks.
US08041829B2
Methods and systems for remote data collection and distribution include components and operations for receiving, at a server, data transmitted by a first client device via a communication network. The method may also include selecting, by one or more client devices associated with the communication network, a second device to receive the data. The method may further include establishing a connection between the server and the selected second device via the communication network. The method may also include automatically transmitting the received data to the second device using the connection via the communication network. The method may further include causing, by the one or more client devices, the second device to execute a predefined operation.
US08041827B2
A method for interoperability of a network interface protocol with an Internet interface protocol begins by receiving a scan channel request of a plurality of channels that are in accordance with the network interface protocol. The method then continues by determining whether an Internet packet is being received via one of the plurality of channels when the channel scan request is received (i.e., is a higher layer protocol supporting a current transmission). If so, the method continues by scanning at least one channel of the plurality of channels, but does not scan all of the plurality of channels at one time. The method continues after the scanning by tuning to the channel supporting the higher layer protocol communication to transmit at least one outbound Internet packet. The method then continues by scanning at least another channel of the plurality of channels.
US08041819B1
A method for providing network services includes receiving a mobile station identifier (MSID) from a mobile node at a packet data serving node. The packet data serving node is operable to communicate with the mobile node. The method includes receiving a registration request (RRQ) from the mobile node and appending the MSID to the RRQ. The method includes forwarding the RRQ to a home agent. The home agent is operable to communicate with the packet data serving node. The method also includes receiving an Internet Protocol (IP) address from the home agent. The IP address corresponds to the MSID. The MSID may be included in a normal vendor specific extension (NVSE) constructed by the packet data serving node. Appending the MSID to the RRQ may comprise appending the NVSE to the RRQ.
US08041805B2
In certain embodiments, a system is provided for measuring page-specific user feedback concerning each of a plurality of particular web pages. A user-selectable element is viewable on and solicits page-specific user feedback concerning each such web page upon initial display of the web page, the element appearing identically and behaving consistently on each such web page. Software associated with the element is operable to receive the feedback concerning the web page for reporting, the feedback comprising one or more page-specific subjective ratings of the web page and one or more associated page-specific open-ended comments concerning the web page, the feedback allowing an interested party to access page-specific subjective ratings and associated page-specific open-ended comments across the plurality of web pages to identify one or more web pages for which the feedback is notable.
US08041804B2
Methods and systems for utilizing captured packets to determine the operations performed on packets by a network device are described. One or more packets are captured and forwarded through the network device. Operations performed on the captured IP packets are logged.
US08041801B2
State information of a user is detected via a biometric information sensor and is stored, in a nonvolatile memory, in association with a content identifier of content that is being reproduced for the user when the state information is detected. An information request, including the state information of another user at another terminal apparatus, is generated and transmitted. Provided information transmitted in response to the information request is received and provided to the user. When an information request is received by the user, information is extracted from the nonvolatile memory based on the state information of another user. Provided information that is based on the extracted information is transmitted to another user.
US08041800B2
A communication orchestration service automatically orchestrates dynamic multiple party, multiple media communications. A customer expresses his or her communications needs in the form of a high-level goal or goals. A goal-based search finds a combination of building block predicates that can be used to satisfy the customer's needs. In conjunction with the search process, the mechanism uses the SIP OPTIONS request or presence information to actively query device status and capabilities during the search. This enables the search to actively explore the communications environment at runtime. Once a solution is found, the necessary parties can be contacted, resources can be provisioned, and the multiple media, multiple user collaboration/conference can be initiated.
US08041799B1
A system, method, and medium for routing alarms based within a telecommunications network is provided. Status indications (such as alarms or element problem notifications) are received and a determination is made as to whether the status indication has been processed. If it has not be processed, then a data field state is evaluated to determine a routing behavior rule. If the status indication is an updated occurrence (not new), then a corresponding prior event is identified within a data structure, notified, and the second occurrence is routed to one or more data engines.
US08041785B2
Described is a technology by which network server software has an interface into which a plurality of software router providers, that have methods to configure routers, may be plugged in. The network server software communicates with each provider to determine each of the provider's capabilities with respect to configuring a connected network router. A router provider is chosen based on that provider's capabilities in order to configure the router. In one example implementation, a router configuration component of the network software passes an IP address of the router to each provider and receives a score in return that indicates that provider's capabilities with respect to configuring the connected router. The provider with the best score is chosen for use in configuring the router. The score is built from weighted values, with more weight given to the capabilities deemed more valuable to users who need to configure routers.
US08041784B1
A redundant hybrid peer-to-peer content sharing system is provided. In general, the system includes a proxy hosted by a central server and, for each user, a primary user device hosting a primary sharing engine and one or more secondary user devices hosting secondary sharing engines. The user's shared images are hosted by the primary user device, and, based on the capabilities of the secondary user devices, versions of the shared images are copied to the secondary devices. When a guest at a guest node desires to view a shared image, a request for the shared image is provided to the proxy. Generally, if the primary user device is online, the proxy forwards the request to the primary device. If the primary user device is offline, the proxy identifies one of the secondary user devices capable of serving the request and forwards the request to the identified secondary user device.
US08041777B2
A method is disclosed for dynamically varying a content download depending on whether the download is a foreground-download or a background-download. When a server receives a content-request from a device, the server determines whether the content-request is foreground-generated or background-generated and accordingly selects a set of content to transmit in response to the device. If the content-request is background-generated, for instance, the server may select a smaller quantity of content, since the device user might not be actively involved with the download. On the other hand, if the content-request is foreground-generated, the server may select a larger quantity of content, since the user is involved at the time. Alternatively, the device itself may select a location from which to request content, based on whether the download is a foreground-download or a background-download.
US08041775B2
A system and method are directed towards providing non-requested content to a mobile terminal based on characteristics of, and tracked usage of the mobile terminal to request content through an online portal service, which provides access to content in multiple subject areas. A mobile user profile is created from the characteristics and patterns of the tracked usage. The tracked usage information includes the time, location, frequency at which the content was requested. Based on the mobile user profile information, content related to previously requested content is provided to the mobile terminal upon a trigger that is related to the requested content. The trigger event may include the mobile terminal returning to a location from which certain content was previously requested. The non-requested content may further be based on a related general user profile that indicates usage of an alternate electronic device to access content through the portal.
US08041771B2
A method of inputting an electronic address into an address field on a communications device, the electronic address including a plurality of text characters and non-text symbol characters. The method includes: receiving a plurality of inputs for the address field through a user input interface of the device; adding text characters to the address field corresponding to the inputs; and detecting among the inputs repetitive successive inputs of a predetermined delimiter, selecting a non-text symbol character from a set of non-text symbol characters in dependence on a number of times the delimiter has been repetitively input without any intervening inputs, and adding the selected non-text symbol character to the address field.
US08041770B1
A method, apparatus and computer program product for providing instant messaging functionality within an Email session is presented. An intended Email recipient is notified that an Email message is currently being written to them. The intended Email recipient is invited to view the Email message. The intended Email recipient is permitted to interact with the originator of the Email by way of an instant messaging session.
US08041762B2
As part of handling a large amount of error information generated on a mainframe system associated, for example, with a telephone billing system, a utility software program allows a user to easily process the error information. The information is generated by the mainframe in flat file format and converted into spreadsheet format. This compilation of error messages is then sent electronically as a spreadsheet to an operator responsible for processing the error messages. The utility software automatically opens the spreadsheet and saves then information locally in a relational database. The operator then opens the database and disposes of the error messages. Upon completion, the utility software appends the disposed information to an SQL database residing on a network. The utility software then establishes communication with a mainframe and transfers the error message disposition to the mainframe where this information is merged with the existing error messages and disposed of accordingly.
US08041758B2
A multiplier has a multiplication array in which partial products are generated by performing multiplication between a multiplier and a multiplicand, and a partial product control circuit which generates an enable signal for activating an effective region in the multiplication array corresponding to effective figures of the multiplier and the multiplicand. The effective figures depend on the format of the multiplier and the multiplicand. The partial product control circuit controls the status of the enable signal according to a multiplication command designating the format. The multiplication array is constituted by a dynamic circuit. The dynamic circuit in an initial stage of the multiplication array has a switch which is turned on/off by the enable signal. When the enable signal is ineffective, the switch is turned off and a discharging operation in the dynamic circuit is stopped.
US08041757B2
A method of signal processing comprises receiving an unknown input signal that includes a distorted component and an undistorted component, the unknown input signal having a sampling rate of R; and performing self-linearization based at least in part on the unknown signal to obtain an output signal that is substantially undistorted, including by generating a replica distortion signal that is substantially similar to the distorted component, the generation being based at least in part on a target component having a sampling rate of R/L, L being an integer greater than 1.A digital signal processing system comprises an input terminal configured to receive an unknown input signal that includes a distorted component and an undistorted component, the unknown input signal having a sampling rate of R; and an adaptive self-linearization module coupled to the input terminal, configured to perform self-linearization based at least in part on the unknown input signal to obtain an output signal that is substantially undistorted, wherein the adaptive self-linearization module includes a replica distortion signal generator configured to generate a replica distortion signal that is substantially similar to the distorted component, the generation being based at least in part on a target component having a sampling rate of R/L, L being an integer greater than 1.
US08041756B1
The invention includes apparatus and methods for high-speed calculation of non-linear functions based upon a shifted adder and a offset generator. Various implementations may preferably include a input preprocessor and/or an output post processor. The invention includes a family of core cells built from instances of these calculators providing an upward, functionally compatible, extension to a family of Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) core cells. All of these core cells consistently provide the ability to perform high speed DSP tasks including Fast Fourier Transforms (FFTs), Finite Impulse Response (FIR) filters and Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) filters. The core cells built from the calculators can concurrently perform many non-linear function calculations. The core cells can switch between tasks every clock cycle.
US08041745B2
Methods of managing data associated with an entity include providing an address book entry for the entity in an address book of a user. The address book entry has an associated name and includes a plurality of identifications associated with the entity. Data records associated with the entity are automatically obtained from a plurality of applications based on the plurality of identifications associated with the entity, including a communications service of the entity. The obtained data records and the address book entry are formatted to provide an address book record for the entity in the address book. The address book record includes contact information for the entity and includes an identification of communications between the user and the entity and/or common appointments of the user and the entity.
US08041740B1
A database system, method, and computer program product are provided for recording entity state and type information for use during subsequent processing of data. In use, data is received from an entity. Further, type information associated with the entity is recorded, and state information associated with the entity is recorded. In addition, the type information and the state information are capable of being used to process the data while tracing on any parallel processing node. Furthermore, the tracing may include any intermediate state or final state associated with the entity or any state associated with a context.
US08041738B2
In one or more embodiments, a tag is provided and includes a property that associates a strongly typed variable with the tag. Strongly typed variables can include any suitable types. For example, in at least some embodiments, the strongly typed variable is a people type that allows the tag to be associated with an individual person or group of people by virtue of a unique identification that is associated with the person or group. Strongly typed tags can then serve as a foundation upon which various other types of information and services can be provided to enhance the user experience.
US08041736B1
A method and system manages ownership information about disks in a storage network without the need for an emulated, partner mode system. The method and system provides for ownership information, including a current owner and a home owner for resources, such as disks, to be stored on each disk in a storage system, as well as to be stored in memory on each storage system node in the network. A further aspect of the invention is a disk homeness application program interface (API), which provides commands that can be utilized by an administrator at a host computer to set, modify and disco play ownership information about each disk in the cluster. Upon a takeover, any node in the network can takeover one or more disks by reading the ownership information stored on the disks or in the tables.
US08041732B2
A computer-based method for downloading text content and images in web pages is provided. The method includes downloading a web page as a temporary extensible markup language (XML) file in an application server, and searching the temporary XML file for predetermined information in the temporary XML file. The method further includes searching the temporary XML file for text content in the temporary XML file. Furthermore, the method includes converting a relative path of the image uniform resource locator (URL) to an absolute path by joining the URL of the web page to the front of the relative path of the image URL, and generating a local path for each image in the temporary XML file and storing each image into an application server according to the local path.
US08041729B2
A method and apparatus is provided for determining related keywords to narrow a query, and/or for categorizing a query. A keyword graph connects keyword nodes to each other based on degrees of cross-reference indicating how frequently keywords associated with the nodes appear in searches. A domain node representing a category hooks to a category-matching node in the keyword graph. Based at least in part on a degree of cross-reference between another node and the category-matching node, the domain node hooks to the other node. Alternately, the domain node hooks to nodes that match user-identified keywords. At query time, the query is categorized by the domain node closest to a node matching the query. Keywords related to the category may be determined from the nodes that are hooked to the domain node. The related keywords can be used to narrow a search or expand the metadata of a document.
US08041727B2
A system, method, and computer program product allows a web service consumer to create an example query which illustrates the web service desired. The example query is compared, element by element, to potentially relevant web services. The difference between each element in the example query and any element in the web service being compared is quantified as a distance metric, based on the relationship between the elements. The relationships might be classified as: exact match, direct synonym, fuzzy synonym, hyponym, hypernym, or no match. The distance metric for each element in the example query is summed to calculate a total distance between the example query and the web service being compared. This sum is an expression of the difference between the example query and the web service being compared.
US08041720B2
A method for ordering telemetry messages containing attributes individually not sufficient to establish total ordering is provided. An initial rank value is assigned for a first telemetry message. For a subsequent telemetry message, it is determined if an attribute of the subsequent telemetry message indicates an ordering of the subsequent telemetry message with respect to the first telemetry message. If the attribute indicates the ordering of the subsequent telemetry message, a subsequent rank value is assigned to the subsequent telemetry message one higher than a highest rank value already assigned, otherwise a correct slot of the subsequent message is determined by minimizing a distance from an S slot corresponding to the highest rank value already assigned to a first non-empty slot by application of a Lazy Walker algorithm.
US08041713B2
Systems and methods for analyzing boilerplate are described. In one described system, an indexer identifies a common element in a plurality of related articles. The indexer then classifies the common element as boilerplate. For example, the indexer may identify a copyright notice appearing in a plurality of related articles. The copyright notice in these articles is considered boilerplate.
US08041711B2
A method for providing a link in an electronic file being presented to a user which includes defining a customized viewpoint for the user. The viewpoint includes a preference for the user that provides an association between a data pattern and a computer network resource. The method also includes generating a request for content, receiving an electronic file in response to the request, and evaluating the electronic file to recognize a match between at least one portion of the electronic file and the data pattern. Upon recognizing a match, the electronic file is modified to include a link to the computer network resource associated with the matching data pattern, and the modified electronic file is presented to the user. Thus, the link included in the electronic file presented to the user is customized for the user, and different users who retrieve the same content can be provided with links to different computer network resources depending on their respective viewpoints.
US08041700B2
A method and apparatus for textual searching of a database is provided herein. During operation a user will input a letter into a search engine. The search engine will score words based on the letter and display results of the highest-scored words. Another letter will again be received and the process repeated. In situations where titles are returned to the user, additional steps of associating the words with a title and scoring the title take place. The highest-scored titles are provided to the user as the displayed results.
US08041696B2
Disclosure is related to idea tracking and management. The disclosure invokes a method and system for displaying and tracking ideas from a database. The invention accesses a data repository via a data connection, displays the data from the data repository, and allows the displayed data to be characterized as scheduling data, statistical data, action items, current status, and listing of individuals.
US08041683B1
A log collection utility (LCU) operable in a storage area network (SAN) to identify the various types of log files generated in the SAN computes the location of each of the log files, and collects the log files for consolidation and analysis in a common repository. The LCU periodically collects and/or processes the log files by enumerating the location of each of the log files in a log file designator, and generates a script operable for identifying each of the log files sought. A resulting task definition file lists each of the log files identified. The log collection utility therefore finds log files generated by dissimilar applications and nodes in the SAN via a log type definition that enumerates each of the log files in a manner that is agnostic to operating systems, platforms, and directory structures around which the log files are written and stored.
US08041676B2
File system objects of unknown type are backed up and restored. A list of file system objects is received from a file system. The file system objects are to be backed up. For each file system object that has a file type that is unknown, the following is performed. First, the file system is queried to obtain information regarding the file system object that is sufficient for the file system to later recreate the file system object if necessary. Second, the file system object and the information regarding the file system object are stored. Examples of file system object types of the file system that may be unknown to an application running on a Microsoft Windows® operating system include symbolic links, named pipes, and special device files.
US08041672B2
A management device connected to a file server providing a computer with file data stored in a storage subsystem, and collects information about access to the file data. In the management device, a log of access to the file data stored in the storage subsystem is collected as access data, and the access data for the same file data is grouped. With such a configuration, a large amount of information about access to the file data can be easily used, and the amount of information can be compressed.
US08041668B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for detecting data inconsistencies. Methods are disclosed for determining whether a set of conditional functional dependencies are consistent; determining a minimal cover of a set of conditional functional dependencies and detecting a violation of one or more conditional functional dependencies in a set of conditional functional dependencies. The conditional functional dependencies comprise one or more constraints that data in a database must satisfy including at least one pattern with data values.
US08041658B2
A method, system, and computer program product are described for adaptively learning user preferences for smart services. According to an exemplary embodiment, a method for adaptively learning user preferences for smart services includes modeling an availability of a subscriber for responding to an event associated with a service in terms subscriber context information available to determine a current situation of the subscriber related to the service, the subscriber context information based on private information of the subscriber. The availability of the subscriber for responding to the event is determined using a probability value associated with at least a portion of the subscriber context information. The probability value associated with the portion of the subscriber context information is updated based on feedback received from the subscriber in response to being presented a response to the event.
US08041652B2
A method, system, and computer program product for measuring web site satisfaction of information needs are provided. The method includes: selecting a page for analysis; generating a page profile in the form of a list of keywords representing the page; generating a page traffic profile in the form of lists of keywords representing information needs of users, wherein the page traffic profile is generated from keywords used by users to visit the page; determining the success of users' visits to the page; and analyzing whether a page satisfies users' information needs by applying a distance measure between the keywords of the page profile and the keywords of the page traffic profile and combining the distance measure result with a success rate of the keywords.
US08041651B2
A processor architecture for a learning machine is presented which uses a massive array of processing elements having local, recurrent connections to form global associations between functions defined on manifolds. Associations between these functions provide the basis for learning cause-and-effect relationships involving vision, audition, tactile sensation and kinetic motion. Two arbitrary input signals hold each other in place in a manifold association processor and form the basis of short-term memory.
US08041650B2
Methods and systems for directed creation of construction documentation are provided. Example embodiments provide a Directed Documentation System (a “DDS”), which directs, in a computer-assisted manner, the creation of a historical record of a portion or an entire construction project. In one embodiment, the DDS comprises a directed construction data organization process/component, a directed documentation data acquisition process/component, a construction documentation data retrieval process/component, and a construction documentation data distribution process/component. These components cooperate to direct the documentation of a construction project in a manner that insures that all desired aspects of the project are documented thoroughly and uniformly. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US08041649B2
Systems and methods are disclosed for calculating a delivery date. The disclosed systems and methods may include receiving, at a delivery processor, origin data corresponding to an origin delivery office that receives an item to be sent, the origin data comprising origin location information, a scan date reflecting a date the item is scanned at the origin delivery office, and a scan time reflecting a time the item is scanned at the origin delivery office. The delivery processor determines whether the scan time is before a cut-off acceptance time for scanning items at the origin delivery office and sets a start date and time based on the scan time determination. The delivery processor also determines a first estimated date and time that the item will be scanned at an outbound delivery office, and determines a second estimated date and time that the item will be scanned at an inbound delivery office. Thereafter, the delivery processor calculates the estimated delivery date based on the start date and time, the first estimated date and time, and the second estimated date and time, and provides the estimated delivery date to a source data processor.
US08041647B2
In the automation of project risk identification, various qualitative and quantitative measures are combined to report a project's risk level, areas, and mitigation in an automatic and objective manner. The software package includes a risk assessment and report framework and a risk engine, a portfolio analysis, a project plan validator, an integrated project management office toolkit and process asset library, and an integrated skills tracking, locating and availability module with a skills engine.
US08041642B2
A predictive software license balancing system for allocating a predetermined number of software licenses between two or more license servers located at different sites. Each license server compiles software license usage statistics and shares the usage statistics with the other license servers. Based in the compiled software license usage over time, the software license usage for each site is predicted and the available software licenses distributed accordingly, thus balancing the number of software licenses available at each site based on predicted software license usage.
US08041639B2
Systems and methods are provided to facilitate online transactions via mobile communications. In one aspect, a system includes a data storage facility to store an account and a phone number associated with the account and an interchange coupled with the data storage facility. The interchange includes a common format processor and a plurality of converters to interface with a plurality of different controllers of mobile communications. The converters are configured to communicate with the controllers in different formats; and the converters are configured to communicate with the common format processor in a common format to facilitate deposit transactions and payment transactions.
US08041633B2
A transaction process system (10) provides for data transactions between parties. In a credit card transaction, the parties are the merchant (20), acquiring bank (24), card association (34), issuing bank (14), and cardholder (12). A transaction processing center (30) is positioned between the acquiring bank and the card association. The transaction processing center provides data processing channels for message-based processing (72) and filed-based processing (76). The file-based processing uses an incoming queue (80) and outgoing queue (84) to simplify the interface. The transaction processing center also provides for currency conversions and account reconciliation on a per transaction basis. The transaction processing center uses a scheduler (160) to efficiently manage the data processing resources.
US08041626B2
Systems and methods for configurable trading interfaces that allow a trader to quickly and easily submit trading commands to a trading system are provided. Using these systems and methods, a trader can using various trading interfaces to initiate trading commands, configure various display features and default command settings, and control a level of command entry verification that is provided to protect against inadvertent entry of incorrect trading commands.
US08041625B2
A computer implemented method, system, and software for calculating and using an intraday indicative value of a leveraged Bullish or Bearish exchange traded fund (“ETF”) for arbitrage purposes, includes calculating an intraday current value of all the equity securities in the ETF (applicable only to Bullish ETFs), calculating mark to market gains or losses of at least one derivative product, and retrieving an accumulated loss or gain of the at least one derivative product and other cash equivalent amounts. The intraday indicative value of the ETF is determined by combining the calculated intraday current value of all the equity securities (applicable only to Bullish ETFs), the accumulated loss or gain, the mark to market gains of the at least one derivative product and other cash equivalent amounts. The determined intraday value of the ETF is used, by a party, for arbitrage purposes.
US08041619B1
A hybrid model for new account acquisition is disclosed. A software tool can be provided to implement a statistical model that produces a hybrid score and corresponding decile segregation. The statistical model is a hybrid of a net conversion rate (NCR) model and an approval model, and may thus be referred to herein as a hybrid model. In example embodiments, a set of hybrid scores is calculated for each of a plurality of values of alpha to produce a decile level lift table for each set of hybrid scores. Potential values for alpha tend to lower the hybrid scores for declined prospects. The decile level lift tables can be used to facilitate selection of a value for alpha to optimize a performance metric associated with the new account acquisition. In some embodiments, a cost-benefit curve can be created from the lift tables.
US08041599B2
Under the present invention, a set (e.g., one or more) of requests (e.g., from a single bidder or multiple bidders) for an elemental bidding resource (EBR) is received. Market conditions for the EBR are evaluated from historical data. It is then determined whether a demand for the desired EBR exceeds a supply of the EBR. Based on the market conditions, the supply, and the demand, a brokering strategy (e.g., auction versus non-auction) and associated method are selected to allocate the EBR. A resource unit broker (RUB) will then determine an outcome of the brokering method to fulfill at least one of the set of requests. The outcome and associated metrics can then be logged, it can be determined whether a sales contract was created, the EBR can be allocated, and reports/data can be updated accordingly.
US08041591B2
A format conversion decision definition generating unit 104 stores information whether or not a response message format from a service unit 134 may be utilized in all later service callings of a business process without format conversion in a repository 121 as format conversion decision information 127, by referring to business process definition information 105 and adapter definition information 106. Then, when a business process operation control unit 132 executes the business process, an adapter operation control unit 133 refers to the format conversion decision information 127 about a target service 134 at the time, and skips the format conversion when information indicating that the format conversion is unnecessary is stored in the format conversion decision information 127.
US08041579B2
An article of manufacture, such as a credit card sized health card having a magnetic strip, includes user selected medical information and/or information to obtain medical information of an individual and eligibility of healthcare payments in an embodiment. A user may customize the medical information displayed on the health card. In an embodiment, a method obtains and stores medical information in a machine-readable format. An interface to select a portion of the medical information is provided to a user. In response to a user selection, the portion is displayed on a substrate, such as the health card, and the medical information is accessed by information, such as a URL, user identifier and password, recorded in a machine-readable format on the substrate. In an embodiment, a system includes a healthcare provider processing device obtaining eligibility information from the health card and generating an eligibility request to an entity processing device that forwards the eligibility request to a payer processing device. An eligibility response from the payer processing device is then provided to the healthcare provider processing device via the entity processing device. In an embodiment, medical information in a paper format is faxed using a unique user identifier and password and categorized into a machine-readable format.
US08041578B2
The transient problem may be sufficiently addressed, and for this purpose, a further delay on the side of the decoding may be reduced if a new SBR frame class is used wherein the frame boundaries are not shifted, i.e. the grid boundaries are still synchronized with the frame boundaries, but wherein a transient position indication is additionally used as a syntax element so as to be used, on the encoder and/or decoder sides, within the frames of these new frame class for determining the grid boundaries within these frames.
US08041573B2
The present invention discloses a system and method for integrating a voice browser into a Web 2.0 environment. For example, a system is disclosed which includes at least a Web 2.0 server, a voice browser, and a server-side speech processing system. The Web 2.0 server can serve Web 2.0 content comprising at least one speech-enabled application. The served Web 2.0 content can include voice markup. The voice browser can render the Web 2.0 content received from the Web 2.0 server which includes rendering the voice markup. The server-side speech processing system can handle speech processing operations for the speech-enabled application. Communications with the server-side speech processing system occur via a set of RESTful commands, such as an HTTP GET command, an HTTP POST command, an HTTP PUT command, and an HTTP DELETE command.
US08041572B2
The present invention discloses a method of performing speech processing operations based upon Web 2.0 type interfaces with speech engines. The method can include a step of interfacing with a Web 2.0 server from a standard browser. A speech-enabled application served by the Web 2.0 server can be accessed. The browser can render markup of the speech-enabled application. Speech input can be received from a user of the browser. A RESTful protocol, such as the ATOM Publishing Protocol (APP), can be utilized to access a remotely located speech engine. The speech engine can accept GET, PUT, POST, and DELETE commands. The speech processing engine can process the speech input and can provide results to the Web 2.0 server. The Web 2.0 server can perform a programmatic action based upon the provided results, which results in different content being presented in the browser.
US08041560B2
An automated name searching system incorporates an automatic name classifier and a multi-path architecture in which different algorithms are applied based on cultural identity of the query name. The name classifier operates with a preemptive list, analysis of morphological elements, length, and linguistic rules. A name regularizer produces a character based computational representation of the name. A pronunciation equivalent representation such as an IPA language representation, and language specific rules to generate name searching keys, are used in a first pass to eliminate database entries which are obviously not matches for the query name. The methods can also be implemented as a callable set of library routines including an intelligent preprocessor and a name evaluator that produces a score comparing a query name and database name, based on a variety of user-adjustable parameters. The user-controlled parameters permit tuning of the search methodologies for specific custom applications.
US08041558B2
Exemplary embodiments are directed to a device and a computer-readable storage medium for creating and editing documents or messages by dynamically loading the required data on the computing device as the documents or messages are being created or edited. These exemplary embodiments have relevance for creating or editing documents or messages in non-English languages using a computing device that is pre-configured to create English documents or messages, but not non-English documents or messages. Further, these embodiments allow a user to create and edit documents and messages on a computing device that may not have been configured a priori or have limited storage capability to support the entire data set required for creating the documents or messages in a specific language. The computing device is required to communicate with a data storage device to dynamically load the required data from therein.
US08041553B1
A computer-based system for testing a circuit design for implementation within an integrated circuit device can include a design application (205) providing simulation instructions for testing a circuit design and a simulation driver (225) receiving the simulation instructions and translating the simulation instructions into control protocol instructions specifying operations of an integrated circuit control protocol. The system can include a simulation environment (240). The simulation environment can include a communication module (245) communicating with the simulation driver, a simulation cable driver (250) receiving the control protocol instructions from the simulation driver via the communication module, and a control module (255). The simulation cable driver further can translate the control protocol instructions into signaling information corresponding to the integrated circuit control protocol. The control module can include a plurality of ports receiving the signaling information and outputting the signaling information to a device under test within the simulation environment.
US08041547B2
A computer-aided method suitable for assisting in the design of an aircraft by providing the values of dimensional variables, dependant of a predefined set of parameters, for the complete aircraft or an aircraft component, comprising the following steps: a) Defining a parametric space grid; b) Obtaining a suitable Reduced Order Model (ROM) model, particularly a Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) model, for calculating said variables for whatever point over the parametric space through an iterative process. Computer Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is used to calculate said variables for an appropriately selected set of points over the parametric space, which are used to approximate, via ROM and ad hoc interpolation, the variables in any other point over the parametric space. The method minimizes the required number of CFD calculations (to minimize the computational cost, which dramatically depends on this number) for a given level of error.
US08041546B2
A method of modeling capacitance for a structure comprising a pair of long conductors surrounded by a dielectric material and supported by a substrate. In particular, the structure may be on-chip coplanar transmission lines over a conductive substrate operated at very high frequencies, such that the substrate behaves as a perfect dielectric. It is assumed that the surrounding dielectric material is a first dielectric with a first permittivity (ε1) and the substrate is a second dielectric with a second permittivity (ε2). The method models the capacitance (C1) for values of the first and second permittivity (ε1, ε2) based on known capacitance (C2) computed for a basis structure with the same first permittivity (ε1) and a different second permittivity (ε2). Extrapolation or interpolation formulae are suggested to model the sought capacitance (C1) through one or more known capacitances (C2).
US08041541B2
A method and apparatus for data analysis according to various aspects of the present invention is configured to automatically identify a characteristic of a fabrication process for components based on test data for the components.
US08041536B2
An inclination calculation apparatus calculates an inclination of an input device operable in terms of a posture thereof. The input device includes an acceleration sensor and an imaging element. In one non-limiting example implementation, the inclination calculation apparatus computes first inclination information representing an inclination of the input device based upon a coordinate position of an imaging target in an acquired image obtained by the imaging element and an estimated coordinate position of a second imaging target not acquired by the imaging element. The inclination calculation apparatus also computes second inclination information representing an inclination of the input device solely from an acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor. The inclination calculation apparatus then calculates an inclination of the input device using the first inclination information and the second inclination information.
US08041519B2
A method to produce an optical module, in particular, a module to transmit an analog data to enhance a yield thereof is disclosed. The method comprises (a) taking an I-L characteristic and its slope efficiency, (b) taking a gradient of a linear approximation between the slope efficiency and a current applied to an LD, and (c) taking an optimum current for the CSO characteristic as varying the current. Steps (a) to (c) give a correlation between the gradient of the linear approximation and the optimum current and are performed in advance to the practical production.
US08041518B2
A method includes receiving a first set of parameters associated with a subset of a plurality of die on a wafer. A die health metric is determined for at least a portion of the plurality of die based on the first set of parameters. The die health metric includes at least one process component associated with the fabrication of the die and at least one performance component associated with an electrical performance characteristic of the die. At least one of the die is tested. A protocol of the testing is determined based on the associated die health metric.
US08041517B2
Systems, methods and devices for indexing, archiving, analyzing and reporting pipe and other void network data. Specifically, multi-dimensional indexing and correlation of spatial, temporal, feature, environmental, uncertainty and/or context-based data is synchronized, indexed and analyzed across a wide variety of pipe networks at various times. The present invention preferably includes data represented at several different levels of reference including: referenced to the sensor with which it was collected; referenced to the robot or platform upon which the sensor is attached; and the world. The structure and functionality of the system provides for extensive querying, trouble-shooting and predictive analysis for pipe networks.
US08041513B2
The present invention is generally related to the separation, fractionation, and/or characterization of molecules and/or biomolecules in one or more mixtures. After fractionation, different phases of a partitioning system can be analyzed via an analytical technique such as spectral analysis, chromatography, or the like, to produce a spectrum or other symbolic representation of the species after fractionation, and the spectra of the various fractions/phases compared to define a comparative spectrum as a marker or otherwise providing information about the sample, including such information that is independent of the original level of abundance of the molecules in the mixture. Comparative spectra of various samples can be compared to each other and/or to controls or reference spectra and/or comparative spectra to determine a variety of information. In some embodiments, the methods can be used for discovering and/or identifying patterns in a mixture of species and/or corresponding patterns of species in a second mixture, where each mixture of species originates from biological systems with different physiological conditions as markers associated with specific diagnostics, and can be used for screening for such markers once discovered and identified during diagnostics screening.
US08041498B2
A control system comprising an NH3 storage level determination module that determines an NH3 storage level in an exhaust system, and a fuel control module that controls an air-to-fuel (A/F) ratio in an engine based on the NH3 storage level. A method comprising determining an NH3 storage level in an exhaust system, and controlling an A/F ratio in an engine based on the NH3 storage level.
US08041496B2
The tank venting device has a fuel vapor reservoir connected to a fuel tank to deliver escaping fuel vapors to the fuel vapor reservoir, and is connected to the internal combustion engine in such a manner that during a tank venting operation the fuel vapors contained in the fuel vapor reservoir are delivered as regeneration gas. To check the operability of the venting device the fuel concentration in the regeneration gas is ascertained at a minimum of two different points in time during the venting operation. The fuel concentration values in the regeneration gas are compared with respective reference values representing the regeneration gas fuel concentration in the situation in which no additional fuel vapors are delivered during the venting operation. The assessment of the venting device operability is carried out by comparison of the values ascertained for the fuel concentration in the regeneration gas with the reference values.
US08041494B2
A dangerous drive predicting apparatus is provided which is capable of rapidly recognizing a future situation of the own vehicle by other vehicles. The dangerous drive predicting apparatus is equipped with: drive information detecting section 110 for detecting drive information containing at least one of a drive action and vehicle information; traffic environment detecting section 120 for detecting a traffic environment around a first vehicle; driving characteristic producing/storing section 130 for producing and storing a driving characteristic every traffic environment based upon the drive information and the traffic environment; and a driving characteristic transmitting section for transmitting the driving characteristic to a second vehicle.
US08041490B2
The system and method for monitoring wear of one or more aircraft parts, such as an aircraft brake, an aircraft tire, a standby system, and landing gear. One or more sensors are provided for sensing a parameter of usage, and an estimate of usage of the part can be determined based upon the signal indicating the sensed value of the parameter of usage of the aircraft part. A plurality of sensors can be provided for sensing usage of a plurality of parts of the aircraft, and the estimate of usage of the part can be stored for access of the estimate by ground personnel. As applied to monitoring wear of an aircraft brake, a linear brake wear indicator attached to the brake moves a discrete distance when the brake is actuated, and a linear position encoder measures the distance traveled by the linear brake wear indicator as an indication of brake usage. A wheel speed monitor may also be provided for measuring the aircraft wheel speed, for distinguishing between static brake applications and moving brake applications, based upon the wheel speed signal.
US08041472B2
A positioning device that detects a position of a mobile body with a radio navigation positioning unit includes: first and second autonomous sensors obtaining behavioral information on the mobile body; a position detecting unit obtaining an estimated position and an estimated direction by updating a detection result based on the behavioral information from the first autonomous sensor; a map data positioning unit that refers to a map data storage unit based on the estimated position and obtains a map data linked position at a predetermined distance away from a link; a direction detecting unit obtaining a cumulative estimated direction by updating the detection result based on the behavioral information from the second autonomous sensor; and a most probable position estimating unit estimating the position of the mobile body from the estimated positions and directions using the Kalman filter.
US08041455B2
A robotic cart pulling vehicle includes a positioning error reducing system for reducing accumulated error in the ded-reckoning navigational system. The positioning error reducing system including at least one of a low load transfer point of the cart attaching mechanism, a floor variation compliance structure whereby the drive wheels maintain a substantially even distribution of load over minor surface variations, a minimal wheel contact surface structure, a calibration structure using at least one proximity sensor mounted on the robot body, and a common electrical and mechanical connection between the cart and the robot vehicle formed by a cart attaching post.
US08041449B2
A method of supplying disk drives to a disk drive testing system includes placing a disk drive tote, carrying multiple disk drives, in a presentation position accessible to an automated transporter of the disk drive testing system. The method includes actuating the automated transporter to retrieve one of the disk drives from the disk drive tote, and actuating the automated transporter to deliver the retrieved disk drive to a test slot of the disk drive testing system and insert the disk drive in the test slot.
US08041424B2
An implantable medical device and associated method deliver cardiac resynchronization therapy in a patient having right bundle branch block by measuring an interval between a right atrial depolarization and a first heart sound and selecting a right atrial-ventricular (AV) pacing interval in response to the measured interval. Pacing pulses are delivered to the right ventricle of a patient's heart at the selected right AV pacing interval to synchronize the right ventricle with an intrinsic left ventricle depolarization.
US08041419B2
A medical device system that includes a brain monitoring element, cardiac monitoring element and a processor. The processor is configured to receive a brain signal from the brain monitoring element and a cardiac signal from the cardiac monitoring element. The processor is further configured to compare the brain signal to the cardiac signal. A method of comparing a brain signal to a cardiac signal is also provided.
US08041418B2
A medical device system includes a brain monitoring element, cardiac monitoring element, therapy module and a processor. The processor is configured to activate the therapy module upon detection of a cardiac event in the cardiac signal. The processor is further configured to monitor the brain signal and communicate to the therapy module to change the cardiac triggered therapeutic output to the brain based upon the brain monitoring. A method of treating a person with a neurological disorder is also provided.
US08041412B2
Systems and methods for obtaining position sensor space data regarding an endovascular prosthesis within an anatomical region of a patient include at least one position indicating element which is movable within an endovascular prosthesis is tracked by a tracking system. A guidance portion of the endovascular prosthesis constrains movement of position indicating elements within the endovascular prosthesis.
US08041411B2
A device for the magnet-assisted catheter intervention comprises magnets for controlling a magnetic tip of a catheter. An x-ray device serves to generate three dimensional ambient images of a patient. A data processing unit calculates the probability of the magnetic tip colliding with an obstacle in the body of the patient from the ambient images and the current position of the magnetic tip and if necessary acts mechanically on the guide element so as to generate a haptically perceivable signal, with which guide element the movement of the catheter is controlled.
US08041409B2
A method and apparatus for imaging a subject animal. The method comprises the steps of treating the animal with an x-ray contrast agent and an imaging agent; supporting the animal in an immobilized state on a support member; acquiring an x-ray anatomical image of the animal; acquiring an optical, dark-field image of the animal; and registering the x-ray anatomical image and the optical image, whereby features of the optical image can be observed in relation to features of the anatomical image.
US08041408B2
A battery fastening apparatus and a portable terminal using the same includes a case an exterior and having a battery seating portion formed on a side so as to be exposed to a surface of the case. A battery is seated on the battery seating portion. A locking knob has a latching protrusion protruding into the battery seating portion so that the battery remains fastened to the battery seating portion. The locking knob is partially exposed to an outside of the case and supported by an elastic member so that the latching protrusion engages with the battery. A stopping lever limits movement of the locking knob when the latching protrusion engages the battery. The battery fastening apparatus prevents the battery from unintentionally detaching from the body of the terminal during operation.
US08041402B2
An improved method, apparatus, and computer instructions for a mobile device for managing ring tones. A radio frequency transmission is detected from another mobile device. In response to detecting the radio frequency transmission from the other mobile device, a ring tone used by the other mobile device is identified to form an identified ring tone. The current ring tone is selectively changed for the mobile device to an alternate ring tone, depending on the identified ring tone.
US08041401B2
A method includes previously downloading, to a device of a user, media content chosen by a buddy of the user and an indication that it is to be associated with the buddy, passing the downloaded media content to the device as the media content to be associated in a contact list with the buddy and playing the media content in response to an identification of the buddy.
US08041399B2
The invention relates to a mobile terminal provided with an interactive display device. The invention is characterized in that a pivotable projection device is provided and constructed in such a way that a variable size projection display and means for detecting the position and/or the movement thereof are obtainable.
US08041397B2
A mobile communication terminal apparatus having a panel used for a predetermined operation and image display and storage unit for recording various pieces of information includes a macro information setting unit, line model setting unit, macro information read unit, and macro processing unit. The macro information setting unit sets macro information which performs a series of operations. The line model setting unit sets linear line model information input from the panel for the macro information set by the macro information setting unit, and records the set line model information and macro information in the storage unit in correspondence with each other. The macro information read unit reads out, from the storage unit, macro information corresponding to line model information input from the panel. The macro processing unit executes a series of operations of the macro information read out by the macro information read unit. A recording medium which records a data operation process program is also disclosed.
US08041395B2
A multiple-antenna system for use in cellular communication and broadcasting. The multiple-antenna transmission system can be controlled, adjusted, configured, or reconfigured to produce desirable radiation beam patterns suitable for different types of applications. A signal distribution network may be provided in the multiple-antenna system. The signal distribution network is embedded in a transmitter and controls the distribution of signals to one or more antennas in accordance with application requirements. Various antenna radiation patterns suitable for different applications can be generated by reconfiguring the connections and gain settings in the signal distribution network. For example, narrow beams may be generated for use in unicast applications, whereas sector beams may be generated for use in broadcast applications. Certain techniques may be employed to manage the transition from one type of transmission mode to another type of transmission mode.
US08041388B2
The invention relates to a method for using an application (18) in a mobile station (1). The application has a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation, whereby the first mode of operation is passive, and in the second mode of operation the application controls the master control unit (MCU) of the mobile station. The invention also relates to a system for making payments, comprising at least one mobile station (1), which has an application (18), means for using the application (18), and the first means of data transfer (IR, 20, RF) for local data transfer. The system also comprises at least one cash register (21) or the like, which has the second means for data transfer (IR2), and the application (18) comprises means for transferring data between the first means for data transfer (IR) and the second means for data transfer (IR2).
US08041378B2
A method is provided in one example embodiment and includes monitoring a plurality of channels provisioned for an endpoint. The method also includes reacting to an alert message by adjusting one of the channels for the endpoint. The adjustment is a selected one of increasing a volume associated with the channel receiving the alert message, or changing a spatial direction from which the alert message and an associated media stream are conveyed to the endpoint. In other embodiments, the adjustment provisions the alert message from a left ear to a right ear of an end user of the endpoint. In still other embodiments, the adjustment includes determining which is a primary channel of the channels and provisioning the alert message to the primary channel of the endpoint. The media stream associated with the alert message is also moved to a same spatial direction along with the alert message.
US08041375B2
Methods and apparatus related to peer to peer communication networks are described. Embodiments directed to methods and apparatus for establishing traffic data transmission rates and/or transmission power levels between wireless terminals is described. Embodiments direct to methods and apparatus of making decisions whether or not to transmit as a function of the received power of the received response signals are also described. Transmission of pilot signals after granting of a transmission request and a decision to transmit traffic data has been made occurs in some embodiments. Rate information to be used in determining a traffic rate may be received in response to the pilot signal from a peer to peer (P2P) device.
US08041368B2
A mobile communications terminal includes positional information generator configured to generate positional information indicating a current position of the terminal, receiver which receives identification information sent from the base station of the second mobile communication network, notification information generator configured to generate notification information including the identification information and the positional information generated at the time of receiving the identification information, and transmitter which transmits the notification information to the service area calculation apparatus via the first mobile communication network to derive the information concerning the service area.
US08041367B2
In an overlay, U-TDOA-based, Wireless Location System, LMUs typically co-located with BTSs, are used to collect radio signaling both in the forward and reverse channels. Techniques are used to compensate for sparse LMU deployments where sections of the U-TDOA service area are uplink demodulation or downlink beacon discovery limited.
US08041358B2
The base station apparatus includes a calculating unit configured to calculate a total communication throughput value for every cell by totalizing communication throughput in the selected cell of each mobile terminal on a cell-basis, a receiving unit configured to receive reception quality information of the selected cell and the reception quality information of another movement destination cell in the plurality of cells, a judging unit configured to judge whether or not the mobile terminal is in a cell switching zone by obtaining a difference between the reception quality information of the selected cell and of the movement destination cell, and a determining unit configured to determine, if the mobile terminal is judged to be in the cell switching zone, the cell switching to the movement destination cell as a newly selected cell by comparing the total communication throughput value of the selected cell with that of the movement destination cell.
US08041352B2
The invention provides for a mobile radio communications device, and related method, arranged for communication by way of at least two RATs and having at least first and second RAT systems and related respective automatic frequency controls for control of an internal clock of the device, the mobile radio communications device further including a search frequency controller for controlling the internal clock during an initial network search, the frequency controller and related method steps being arranged to be initiated at a nominal correction value at the start of the search procedure, and to depart from the said nominal value responsive to one of a receipt of a valid frequency error reading, or receipt of a request for a raster step during an initial network search procedure.
US08041342B2
A computer program product, method and a terminal for receiving and processing a notification message for notifying a second terminal of an arrival of a multimedia message addressed to a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) of a first terminal installed in the second terminal and storing the received notification message in the SIM card.
US08041317B2
A system includes a radio frequency transceiver. A baseband processor includes an automatic gain control module. The automatic gain control module has a gain that changes from and subsequently returns to a predetermined value each time the radio frequency transceiver receives a radio frequency signal. The baseband processor is configured to selectively generate an interrupt signal each time a radio frequency signal is received based on a magnitude of the change in the gain of the automatic gain control module and a length of time in which the gain returns to the predetermined value. A control module is configured to identify a radio frequency signal received by the radio frequency transceiver as a radar signal in response to the baseband processor having generated a plurality of interrupt signals at substantially equal time intervals.
US08041303B2
A device, system, and method are directed towards employing a beacon to sniff a network metric. When a mobile device requests content from a content server, the content server obtains a beacon be a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) that encodes information about the mobile device, a network carrier, a time the beacon is generated, a connection type, or the like. The beacon may further provide a link to a small image, file, or the like. The beacon may be included with the response to the mobile device. When the mobile device receives the response, it may send a request for content using the beacon's link. A time that the request for the beacon's content is received by a server is recorded. A reverse round trip time (RRTT) may then be determined based on the encoded information and the time the beacon is received.
US08041295B2
A mobile communication device capable of reducing a size of a proximity noncontact communication antenna and improving a proximity noncontact communication distance is provided. In a mobile communication device having both functions of a card function and a reader/writer function as a proximity noncontact communication and equipped with at least two proximity noncontact communication antennas or more for respective functions, a switching controlling portion 4 and a proximity noncontact communication controlling portion 5 for switching tuning circuits 3A, 3B of antennas 2A, 2B based on external equipments (an external proximity noncontact communication reader/writer and an external proximity noncontact communication card) that perform the proximity noncontact communication are provided.
US08041288B2
In a printer, a scanner unit is formed into a taper shape having a thinner thickness on a side of a pick-up roller in a removing direction of a process unit, to allow the process unit to be removed from the printer. A part of a sheet feeding path is formed in an area between the process unit and a sheet cassette. An image forming position on the sheet feed path is set lower than an upper end of the pick-up roller. Thus, removal of the process unit can be readily performed. Further, the height of the printer at a position of the pick-up roller can be reduced as compared with a case where the scanner unit is not formed into a taper shape.
US08041283B2
A sheet feeding device, including: a first tray on which sheets to be fed are stacked; a second tray which is disposed above the first tray to provide a two-tier structure and on which the sheets after having fed from the first tray are stacked; a sheet-feed path extending from the first tray to the second tray; a sheet-feed mechanism which is operable to separate one of the sheets stacked on the first tray, to feed the one of the sheets into the sheet-feed path, and to discharge the one of the sheets to the second tray such that the one of the sheets slides under another of the sheets that has been discharged immediately before the one of the sheets; and at least one sheet guide which is configured to warp the sheets discharged to the second tray, in a direction perpendicular to a sheet-feed direction in which the sheets are fed.
US08041276B2
An image forming apparatus includes a first image bearer that bears a latent image to be developed as a toner image, and a second image bearer that includes an intermediate transfer member. A first transfer device transfers the toner image from the first to the second image bearers. A second transfer device transfers the toner image from the second image bearer to a printing medium. One of the below described inequalities is satisfied when the toner has been subjected to a centrifugal force of 2.6×104 (N/m2) per particle, wherein Ftp represents a non-electrostatic adherence between toner particles, Fpp represents a non-electrostatic adherence between the toner and the first image bearer, and Fbp represents a non-electrostatic adherence between the toner and the second image bearer; Fbp>Ftp, and Fbp>Fpp.
