US07642202B1
A nitrogen-free anti-reflective layer for use in semiconductor photolithography is fabricated in a chemical vapor deposition process, optionally plasma-enhanced, using a gaseous mixture of carbon, silicon, and oxygen sources. By varying the process parameters, a substantially hermetic layer with acceptable values of the refractive index n and extinction coefficient k can be obtained. The nitrogen-free moisture barrier anti-reflective layer produced by this technique improves plasma etch of features such as vias in subsequent processing steps.
US07642201B2
An iPVD system is programmed to deposit uniform material, such as barrier material, into high aspect ratio nano-size features on semiconductor substrates using a multi-step process within a vacuum chamber which enhances the sidewall coverage compared to the field and bottom coverage(s) while minimizing or eliminating overhang.
US07642197B2
According to various embodiments, there are eSiGe CMOS devices and methods of making them. The method of making a substrate for a CMOS device can include providing a DSB silicon substrate including a first bonded to a second layer, wherein each layer has a (100) oriented surface and a first direction and a second direction and the first direction of the first layer is approximately aligned with the second direction of the second layer. The method can also include performing amorphization on a selected region of the first layer to form a localized amorphous silicon region and recrystallizing the localized amorphous silicon region across the interface using the second layer as a template, such that the first direction of the first layer in the selected region is approximately aligned with the first direction of the second layer.
US07642195B2
A process for selectively removing photoresist, organic overlayers, and/or polymers/residues from a substrate without altering the surface chemistry and adhesion properties of the underlying substrate layers is provided. Generally, the process includes pretreating the substrate with hydrogen (e.g., by way of a hydrogen-based plasma) prior to deposition of a photoresist layer, and then ashing the substrate with a hydrogen-based plasma to selectively remove the photoresist, organic overlayers, and/or polymers/residues from the substrate during etching, post-etch, rework, etc. The hydrogen-based ashing process of the invention may be used post-etch to remove the residue photoresist, or may be used in a rework stripping process to remove misaligned patterns. The hydrogen-based ashing process following the initial hydrogen surface pretreatment substantially reduces surface chemistry poisoning, while retaining adequate adhesion properties following ashing.
US07642187B2
A method of forming a wiring for a semiconductor memory device includes obtaining a semiconductor substrate, depositing at least one conductive layer on the semiconductor substrate under controlled conditions, such as substrate temperature and atmosphere temperature, to provide a conductive layer exhibiting a reduced surface roughness as compared to a comparable conductive layer deposited under uncontrolled conditions, and patterning the conductive layer to form a wiring.
US07642181B2
A method and system for providing a twin well in a semiconductor device is described. The method and system include masking a first portion of the device such that a second portion of the device is exposed. A sacrificial layer has a first portion on the first portion of the device and a second portion on the second portion of the device. In one aspect, an oxidation stop layer may be below the sacrificial layer. The method and system include implanting a first well in the second portion of the device, exposing the first portion of the device after the first well is implanted, and oxidizing the second portion of sacrificial layer after the exposing. The method and system further include implanting the second well in the first portion of the device after the oxidizing and planarizing the device after the second well is implanted.
US07642180B2
A process for conformally doping through the vertical and horizontal surfaces of a 3-dimensional vertical transistor in a semiconductor-on-insulator structure employs an RF oscillating torroidal plasma current to perform either conformal ion implantation, or conformal deposition of a dopant-containing film which can then be heated to drive the dopants into the transistor. Some embodiments employ both conformal ion implantation and conformal deposition of dopant containing films, and in those embodiments in which the dopant containing film is a pure dopant, the ion implantation and film deposition can be performed simultaneously.
US07642175B1
A wafer level method of forming a protective coating on the back surface of integrated circuit devices is described. In one aspect, a tape having a backcoat layer and a mount layer is applied to the back surface of a wafer. The backcoat layer is cured or set such that the backcoat layer is affixed to the back surface of the wafer. Thereafter, the mount layer of the backcoat/mount tape is removed while leaving the backcoat layer affixed to the back surface of the integrated circuit devices. In some embodiments, the mount layer includes an ultraviolet (UV) sensitive adhesive material that releases when exposed to UV light. The described arrangements can be used to form integrated circuits having very thin protective backcoatings. By way of example, opaque protective films having thickness in the range of 5 to 50 microns are readily obtainable.
US07642174B2
A laser beam machining method for a wafer, wherein an operation of irradiating the inside of a wafer with a laser beam L along each of planned dividing lines is repeated a plural number of times from a position proximate to a back-side surface of the wafer toward a face-side surface of the wafer so that a plurality of composite layers each including a denatured layer and a cracked layer extending from the denatured layer toward the face-side surface are formed stepwise at intervals (first laser beam irradiation step). Subsequently, each of some of non-cracked layers between the composite layers is irradiated with the laser beam L so as to extend the cracked layer of a given one of the composite layers and to cause the cracked layer to reach the denatured layer of the composite layer which is adjacent to the given one composite layer. The denatured layers and the cracked layers which are sufficient for enabling the wafer to be split are formed by a reduced number of laser beam irradiation operations.
US07642163B2
An electronic device can include a nonvolatile memory cell having DSEs within a dielectric layer. In one aspect, a process of forming the electronic device can include implanting and nucleating a first charge-storage material to form DSEs. The process can also include implanting a second charge-storage material and growing the DSEs such that the DSEs include the first and second charge-storage material. In another aspect, a process of forming the electronic device can include forming a semiconductor layer over a dielectric layer, implanting a charge-storage material, and annealing the dielectric layer. After annealing, substantially none of the charge-storage material remains within a denuded zone within the dielectric layer. In a third aspect, within a dielectric layer, a first set of DSEs can be spaced apart from a second set of DSEs, wherein substantially no DSEs lie between the first set of DSEs and the second set of DSEs.
US07642160B2
Method of forming a flash NAND memory cell array with charge storage elements positioned in trenches
NAND arrays of memory cells are described, as well as methods of forming and using them. Memory cell charge storage devices, such as conductive floating gates, are oriented vertically in trenches, with control gates positioned both in the trenches between charge storage elements and over a horizontal surface between the trenches. Individual charge storage devices are therefore field coupled with two control gates, one on either side.
US07642150B2
Techniques for forming shallow junctions are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for forming shallow junctions. The method may comprise generating an ion beam comprising molecular ions based on one or more materials selected from a group consisting of: digermane (Ge2H6), germanium nitride (Ge3N4), germanium-fluorine compounds (GFn, wherein n=1, 2, or 3), and other germanium-containing compounds. The method may also comprise causing the ion beam to impact a semiconductor wafer.
US07642138B2
An anti-fuse memory cell having a variable thickness gate oxide. The variable thickness gate oxide has a thick gate oxide portion and a thin gate oxide portion, where the thing gate oxide portion has at least one dimension less than a minimum feature size of a process technology. The thin gate oxide can be rectangular in shape or triangular in shape. The anti-fuse transistor can be used in a two-transistor memory cell having an access transistor with a gate oxide substantially identical in thickness to the thick gate oxide of the variable thickness gate oxide of the anti-fuse transistor.
US07642122B2
A method for growing a nitride crystal and a crystalline composition selected from one of AlN, InGaN, AlGaInN, InGaN, and AlGaNInN is provided. The composition comprises a true single crystal, grown from a single nucleus, at least 1 mm in diameter, free of lateral strain and tilt boundaries, with a dislocation density less than about 104 cm−2.
US07642110B2
The invention provides a microfabrication process which may be used to manufacture a MEMS device. The process comprises depositing one or a stack of layers on a base layer, said one layer or an uppermost layer in said stack of layers being a sacrificial layer; patterning said one or a stack of layers to provide at least one aperture therethrough through which said base layer is exposed; depositing a photosensitive layer over said one or a stack of layers; and passing light through said at least one aperture to expose said photosensitive layer.
US07642104B2
A method for contacting an external contact area with a test contact is provided. The external contact area has a galvanically applied coating of a metal or a metal alloy. Before the contact is established between the external contact area and the test contact, the external contact area is wetted with a fluid including an inhibitor which contains an aliphatic hydrocarbon, a binder such as a white mineral oil and/or ethyl acetate, and a lubricant. The fluid lowers the contact resistance between the external contact area and the test contact.
US07642097B2
Methods and devices are disclosed for microarray analysis. In one embodiment a method is disclosed for processing a non-standard size slide having an array of chemical compounds attached to a surface of the slide. A sample is exposed to the surface of the non-standard size slide wherein components in the sample bind to the chemical compounds on the surface of the slide. The sample and the slide are incubated under conditions for carrying out the binding reactions, and the surface of the non-standard size slide is examined for the results of the binding reactions. Prior to the exposing step or the incubating step or the examining step, the non-standard size slide is placed into a slide holder comprising a slide-holding section a slide-holding section adapted to dispose the non-standard size slide to a processing instrument in a manner similar to that for a standard size slide. The non-standard size slide may also include an identifier such as a bar code.
US07642095B2
A process for producing lube basestocks involving solvent dewaxing a waxy feed to produce at least a partially dewaxed lube oil boiling range stream and then hydrodewaxing the partially dewaxed lube oil boiling range stream to produce a lube basestock.
US07642084B2
The present invention relates to an assay system, kits and methods for detecting microorgansims (especially for M. tuberculosis) of a suspected patient. The present invention also relates to an apparatus for performing the integration of thermal and magnetic control in the same apparatus to largely reduce the whole process of M. tuberculosis detection to less than 5 hours.
US07642082B1
The present invention relates to methods and assays for determining the presence of staphylococcal enterotoxin A in a sample through detection of a nucleic acid encoding staphylococcal enterotoxin A.
US07642079B2
The invention is directed to polypeptides having protease activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and methods for making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. The polypeptides of the invention can be used in a variety of diagnostic, therapeutic, and industrial contexts. The polypeptides of the invention can be used as, e.g., an additive for a detergent, for processing foods and for chemical synthesis utilizing a reverse reaction. Additionally, the polypeptides of the invention can be used in food processing, brewing, bath additives, alcohol production, peptide synthesis, enantioselectivity, hide preparation in the leather industry, waste management and animal degradation, silver recovery in the photographic industry, medical treatment, silk degumming, biofilm degradation, biomass conversion to ethanol diodefense, antimicrobial agents and disinfectants, personal care and cosmetics, biotech reagents, in increasing starch yield from corn wet milling and pharmaceuticals such as digestive aids and anti-inflammatory (anti-phlogistic) agents.
US07642075B2
Disclosed is a process of preparing a biodegradable polymer using an enzyme catalyst and a biodegradable polymer prepared through the process. The process includes polycondensing a polyhydric alcohol monomer having a secondary hydroxyl functional group and an acid monomer having a dicarboxylic group in the presence of the enzyme catalyst. Since the biodegradable polymer according to the present invention is polymerized using an enzyme in the course of the polycondensation, it is easily prepared and friendly to nature, and it is possible to control the molecular weight by varying the reaction time in the course of the polymerization. Thus, the biodegradable polymer is usefully applied to control the dose of a drug in a drug release system and is useful as a supporter for regenerating a desired biological tissue of a patient in tissue engineering.
US07642074B2
The invention generally relates to polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) polyketide synthase (PKS) systems, to homologues thereof, to isolated nucleic acid molecules and recombinant nucleic acid molecules encoding biologically active domains of such a PUFA PKS system, to genetically modified organisms comprising PUFA PKS systems, to methods of making and using such systems for the production of bioactive molecules of interest, and to novel methods for identifying new bacterial and non-bacterial microorganisms having such a PUFA PKS system.
US07642072B2
A new nucleic acid molecule that is codon-optimized to expressbeta interferon in Escherichia coli with greater efficacy.
US07642069B2
An improved process for the production of streptokinase using a genetically engineered strain of Escherichia coli which overproduces streptokinase intracellularly and more particularly, the overall process disclosed herein, concerns with an improvement in the fermentative production of streptokinase using an optimized growth medium mainly comprised of simple salts and trace-elements; thus, in principal, the present process constitutes an improved and more economical means for the production of streptokinase which may be useful in thrombolytic therapy.
US07642067B2
A device and a method for rapidly determining the effectiveness of sterilization or disinfection processes are provided. The method involves contacting a biological indicator containing a known number of live spores to a sterilization or disinfection process. When the spores are killed, the minerals in the spores are released. Water is contacted with the dead spores to form an aqueous solution. A parameter related to the concentration of a mineral in the aqueous solution is measured. The effectiveness of the germicidal process is determined from the parameter and the initial number of spores in the biological indicator. Measuring the parameter by measuring the conductivity of the aqueous solution is particularly effective and sensitive.
US07642064B2
The invention is directed to enhanced methods for detecting an analyte of interest in situ, by immunoassay, or by hybridization comprising binding an enzyme-labeled conjugate molecule to an analyte of interest in the presence of a redox-inactive reductive species and a soluble metal ion. The enzyme catalyzes the conversion of the inactive reductive species to an active reducing agent, which in turn reduces the metal ion to a metal atom thereby providing an enhanced means of detecting the analyte via metal deposition.
US07642061B2
The invention relates to the use of the ubiquitous vertebrate glucose transporter GLUT1, or of fragments or sequences derived thereof, for the in vitro diagnosis of cancers, when used as a tumor marker, or for the screening of compounds useful for the preparation of drugs for the prevention or the treatment of pathologies linked to an infection of an individual with a PTLV, or pathologies linked to an overexpression of GLUT1 on cell surfaces, or the in vitro detection of GLUT1 on cell surfaces. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing GLUT1, or fragments or sequences derived thereof, and to their uses such as in the frame of the prevention or the treatment of pathologies linked to an infection of an individual with a PTLV.
US07642059B2
A highly specific homogeneous assay method for an immunosuppressive drug using an immunophilin in a single receptor format is provided. In the simplest format, a single receptor is utilized analogous to a competitive immunoassay whereby an immunophilin is substituted for an antibody, and a competition results between a drug conjugate and the drug analyte for a limited number of immunophilin binding sites. In a microparticle agglutination assay format, an immunophilin is either bound to a particle or in solution. In the case where an immunophilin is bound to a particle, a polyvalent conjugate of the drug analyte is present in solution.
US07642047B2
The invention provides methods and compositions for identifying agents which modulate cell death, indicated e.g. by the expression of caspase-2 and/or caspase-7, in GDNF family growth factor deprived neuronal or nonneuronal cells. The methods for identifying such agents find particular application in drug development.
US07642046B2
The present invention relates to an immunological method and kit for monitoring recruitment of a protein to the intracellular domain of a receptor in intact cells.
US07642039B2
A method of producing an address plate comprising the steps of; coating a layer of conducting inorganic material onto a substrate, coating a layer of photoresist above this layer of conductive material and curing this layer, exposing, through a mask, the desired pattern of the conductors onto the layer of photoresist, developing the photoresist and etching the layer of the conductive material and coating the resulting etched layer with a layer of dielectric material. A further layer of photoresist is then applied, the thickness of this layer being equal to the desired height of a relief pattern, curing the further layer of photoresist, exposing, through a second mask, the desired structure of the relief pattern onto the layer of photoresist, developing the photoresist and allowing the layer to dry. This results in spacers raised above the layer of dielectric material.
US07642038B2
To provide a display device which can be manufactured with higher efficiency in the use of material through a simplified manufacturing process, and a method for manufacturing the display device. Another object is to provide a technique by which patterns of a wiring the like which constitutes the display device can be formed to a desired shape with good control. In a method for forming a pattern according to the present invention, a mask is formed over a light-transmitting substrate; a first region including a photocatalyst is formed over the substrate and the mask; the photocatalyst is irradiated with light through the substrate to modify a part of the first region; a second region is formed; and a composition containing a pattern forming material is discharged to the second region, thus, a pattern is formed. The mask does not transmit light.
US07642036B2
The azo-metal chelate dye to which the present invention is applied is a compound formed as follows: for example, 1,3,4-thiadiazole ring is selected as the diazo component; the diazo component is combined with a coupler component having condensed rings including a fluorine-substituted alkylsulfonylamino group and an amino group, to form an azo dye compound; and the azo dye compound forms chelate bonds with at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Co, Ni, Cu and Pd. Here, two absorption bands (OD1 and OD2) are seen in the absorption spectrum, which is measured in a range of 400 to 800 nm wavelengths. The azo-metal chelate dye is characterized in that the optical density ratio (OD2/OD1) of the two absorption bands is greater than 1.25. By using this azo-metal chelate dye, an optical recording medium capable of high-speed recording is provided.
US07642034B2
A polymer comprising repeat units having formula (1) wherein R1 and R2 are hydrogen or C1-C12 alkyl, or R1 and R2 may bond together to form a ring, and R30 is hydrogen or methyl is used to formulate a resist protective coating material. A protective coating formed therefrom on a resist film is water-insoluble, dissolvable in alkali aqueous solution or alkaline developer, and immiscible with the resist film so that the immersion lithography can be conducted in a satisfactory manner. During alkali development, development of the resist film and removal of the protective coating can be simultaneously achieved.
US07642027B2
A charge transport composition is provided including a cyclo-aliphatic ether compound. One purpose of the cyclo-aliphatic ether compound is to improve the resistance to crazing, crystallization and etching of the charge transport layer. The charge transport composition may be coated along with a charge generation composition onto a conductive substrate to form a photoconductor. The charge transport composition may therefore be employed in a photoconductor located in a printer or a printer cartridge.
US07642015B2
A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes an electrode group having a positive electrode and a negative electrode wound flatly by way of an interposed separator, a positive electrode tab electrically connected to the positive electrode, and projecting from a spiral winding surface of the electrode group, a negative electrode tab electrically connected to the negative electrode, and projecting from the spiral winding surface, and a nonaqueous electrolyte, wherein the nonaqueous solvent contains sultone compound including a ring having at least one double bond, and a distance between the positive electrode tab and the negative electrode tab is 6 mm to 18 mm.
US07642011B2
A radical compound may be used as an active material for an anode layer 2 to provide a novel stable secondary battery with a higher energy density and a larger capacity. The radical compound used has, for example, a spin concentration of 1021 spins/g or more.
US07642008B2
A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the two electrodes, a container for receiving the electrode assembly inside, and a cap assembly fixed to the container. The cap assembly includes a cap plate fixed to the container, an external terminal disposed in the cap plate to electrically be coupled with the electrode assembly, and a tubular body that surrounds the external terminal to fix the external terminal to the cap plate. The external terminal includes at least one groove formed toward inside of the external terminal for fastening the external terminal to the tubular body.
US07642001B2
The invention provides a non-aqueous secondary battery having positive and negative electrodes and non-aqueous electrolyte containing lithium salt which has an energy capacity of 30 Wh or more, a volume energy density of 180 Wh/l or higher, which battery has a flat shape and is superior in heat radiation characteristic, used safely and particularly preferably used for a energy storage system. The invention also provides a control method of the secondary battery.
US07641991B2
A magnetic recording medium is provided that comprises a non-magnetic support and at least one magnetic layer above the support, the magnetic layer comprising a ferromagnetic powder dispersed in a binder, and the binder comprising a polyurethane resin having a weight-average molecular weight of 200,000 to 400,000. There is also provided a magnetic recording medium that comprises a non-magnetic support, a non-magnetic layer above the support, the non-magnetic layer comprising a non-magnetic powder dispersed in a binder, and at least one magnetic layer above the non-magnetic layer, the magnetic layer comprising a ferromagnetic powder dispersed in a binder and the binder of the magnetic layer and/or the non-magnetic layer comprising a polyurethane resin having a weight-average molecular weight of 200,000 to 400,000.
US07641988B2
A self-supported nitride semiconductor substrate of 10 mm or more in diameter having an X-ray diffraction half width of 500 seconds or less in at least one of a {20-24} diffraction plane and a {11-24} diffraction plane.
US07641986B2
A light emitting device having at least one layer that contains a phosphorescent organometallic dendrimer with a metal cation and two or more coordinating groups as part of its core and wherein at least two of said coordinating groups each have a dendron attached, at least one of which dendrons comprises at least one nitrogen atom which forms a part of an aromatic ring system or is directly bonded to at least two aromatic groups.
US07641978B2
A coated article is provided that may be used as a vehicle windshield, insulating glass (IG) window unit, or the like. An ion beam is used during at least part of forming an infrared (IR) reflecting layer(s) of such a coated article. Advantageously, this has been found to improve sheet resistance (Rs) properties, solar control properties, and/or durability of the coated article. Other layers may also be ion beam treated in certain example embodiments.
US07641975B2
A process for the preparation of dual-cure hardeners, coating systems which contain these hardeners, and the use of these coating systems, as well as substrates coated with these coating agents. The dual-cure hardeners are prepared by reacting at least one diisocyanate or polyisocyanate A with the product B of the reaction of B1 acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and/or dimeric acrylic acid with B2 glycidyl methacrylate and/or glycidyl acrylate, wherein B contains less than 0.2 wt. % of epoxide groups.
US07641968B2
There are provided a moisture-curable polyurethane hot melt adhesive containing a urethane prepolymer obtained by reacting a polyol (A) with a polyisocyanate (B), wherein the polyol (A) contains 40 to 80 mass % of a polycarbonate polyol (a1), 5 to 40 mass % of polytetramethylene glycol (a2), and 5 to 40 mass % of a polyester polyol (a3) obtained by reacting a polycarboxylic acid containing an aliphatic polycarboxylic acid and an aromatic polycarboxylic acid with a polyether polyol obtained by adding an alkylene oxide to bisphenol A, based on the total amount of the polyol (A), and a multilayer sheet using this adhesive. This adhesive can maintain excellent adhesion strength even after washing is repeatedly performed under stringent washing conditions without impairing soft texture of a multilayer sheet.
US07641965B1
Provided is a transparent and light-weight ballistic resistant safety glazing comprising an ionomer sheet. The ionomer sheet comprises an ionomer derived from a parent acid copolymer that comprises copolymerized units of an α-olefin having 2 to 10 carbon atoms and, based on the total weight of the acid copolymer, about 20 to about 30 wt % of copolymerized units of an α,β-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms. The ionomer is neutralized to a level of about 5% to about 90%, based on the total carboxylic acid content of the acid copolymer, and further comprises at least one cation. Further provided are articles comprising the light-weight ballistic resistant safety glazing.
US07641961B2
A method of producing a print medium to reduce problems associated with the gradual dye-fade and color-shift of inks over time, and to provide improved resistance to physical handling is provided Specifically, a method can comprise steps of coating a media substrate with a porous coating composition of semi-metal oxide or metal oxide particulates to form a porous ink receiving layer, coating the porous ink-receiving layer with a latex layer configured to allow an ink-jet ink to be received at the porous ink-receiving layer, printing ink-jet ink on at least a portion of the latex layer to form ink-associated latex regions exclusive of non-printed latex regions, and heating the latex layer. The ink-jet ink can include an ink vehicle, a colorant, and a film promoting additive that lowers the film forming temperature of the latex particulates in the ink-associated latex regions. Upon heating, the ink-associated latex regions form a continuous film, and non-printed latex regions do not form a continuous film. Associated systems and ink-jet prints are also provided.
US07641960B2
An inflatable cellular cushioning material having an air inlet pipe path to be inflated by an inflating device through the use of an air inlet pipe, the inflatable cushioning material comprising at least two layers of plastic pre-welded in such a manner so as to form a substantially diagonally oriented lines forming sleeves along the longitudinal axis of the inflatable cellular cushioning material and a substantially horizontal welded lines along the path of the air inlet pipe whereby the horizontal welded lines substantially reduce the non-inflated areas along the path of the air inlet pipe.
US07641957B2
The use of a coating composition comprising: (a) from about 5 to about 50 weight percent solids, the solids comprising from about 10 to about 70 weight percent silica and from about 90 to about 30 weight percent of a partially polymerized organic silanol of the general formula RSi(OH)3, wherein R is selected from methyl and up to about 40% of a group selected from the group consisting of vinyl, phenyl, gamma-glycidoxypropyl, and gamma-methacryloxypropyl, and (b) from about 95 to about 50 weight percent solvent, the solvent comprising from about 10 to about 90 weight percent water and from about 90 to about 10 weight percent lower aliphatic alcohol, wherein the coating composition has a pH of from about 3.0 to about 8.0, for the purpose of improving the surface smoothness of a polymeric substrate, particularly a heat-stabilised, heat-set, oriented polyester substrate, and use of said coated substrate in the manufacture of an electronic or optoelectronic device containing a conjugated conductive polymer.
US07641951B2
Printing stock for use in making a sign that includes a face sheet and a backing sheet. The sign is formed, for example, by overlapping a plurality of face sub-sheets of the printing stock, with the face sub-sheets arranged in a pattern to form a desired image of the sign. The face sheet includes a printing surface for receiving ink and an adhesive surface for receiving the backing sheet. The face sheet includes a face cut forming a margin and the face sub-sheet such that at least a portion of the margin is separable from the face sub-sheet. The backing sheet may include a backing cut forming a border and a backing sub-sheet such that at least a portion of the border is separable from the backing sub-sheet so that at least a portion of the adhesive surface of the face sheet is exposable.
US07641944B2
A method for forming gold plating. The method includes preparing a solution containing gold ions and a reductant, immersing an object that is to be plated in the solution, irradiating the object with ultraviolet rays, and depositing gold on the object to form gold plating when the ultraviolet rays cause a photochemical reaction in the solution.
US07641934B2
There are provided a process for the production of an entry sheet for drilling, comprising preparing a water-soluble resin composition solution by using a mixed solvent containing water and isopropyl alcohol in a specific ratio as a solvent of a water-soluble resin composition, then applying the solution to a sheet-like base material and drying the resultant base material to form a resin layer on the base material, and a method of drilling a printed wiring board material using the above entry sheet. According to the present invention, the problems of remaining bubbles in the resin layer and a decrease in surface flatness and smoothness due to the occurrence of a ridge, which are caused because the melting point of the water-soluble resin is lower than the boiling point of water, are overcome, and an entry sheet for drilling excellent in hole position accuracy is provided.
US07641928B2
The present invention relates to a method of dewatering whole stillage comprising subjecting whole stillage to one or more enzymes capable of degrading a whole stillage component and separating the material obtained in step i) into a solid fraction and a liquid fraction.
US07641925B2
A synergistic composition for the treatment of diabetes in a subject in need thereof, comprising Trigonelline of concentration ranging between 20 to 30%, amino acids of concentration ranging between 20 to 60%, and soluble fiber of concentration ranging between 10 to 60%, optionally along with pharmaceutically acceptable additives, a process thereof and also, a method of treating diabetes.
US07641910B2
The invention provides BASB027 polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding BASB027 polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic uses.
US07641909B2
Chimeric flaviviruses that are avirulent and immunogenic are provided. The chimeric viruses are constructed to contain amino acid mutations in the nonstructural proteins of a flavivirus. Chimeric viruses containing the attenuation-mutated nonstructural genes of the virus are used as a backbone into which the structural protein genes of a second flavivirus strain are inserted. These chimeric viruses elicit pronounced immunogenicity yet lack the accompanying clinical symptoms of viral disease. The attenuated chimeric viruses are effective as immunogens or vaccines and may be combined in a pharmaceutical composition to confer simultaneous immunity against several strains of pathogenic flaviviruses.
US07641908B2
The invention relates to live attenuated VDV2 (VERO-Derived Vaccine Dengue serotype 2) strains which have been derived from the wild-type dengue-2 strain 16681 by passaging on PDK and Vero cells. The invention further relates to a vaccine composition which comprises a VDV2 strain.
US07641906B2
The invention relates to intranasal immunization with detoxified lipooligosaccharide from nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae or Moraxella catarrhalis.
US07641894B2
Immune stimulatory amounts of hematopoietic colony stimulating factors are administered to patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The factors include G-CSF and GM-CSF. These factors induce and maintain remission of the disease and its manifestations, whether within the intestine or without.
US07641890B2
The present invention provides a method for producing an inorganic fine particle comprising the step of: reacting two or more reaction solutions for forming an inorganic fine particle while the reaction solutions flow in a non-laminar flow state in a microchannel, thereby form the inorganic fine particle, and an inorganic fine particle produced by the production method. The method for producing an inorganic fine particle of the present invention can stably produce monodisperse inorganic fine particles of nanometer size and allows for flexible response to formulation conditions (e.g., varying flow rate ratios between reaction solutions to be mixed) and for high-throughput production.
US07641881B2
An ammonia and fertilizer production process is based on partial oxidation of fossil fuel, which co-produces polycarbonsuboxide. The four step process is low-cost and low-carbon-dioxide emission. It comprises the steps of reacting fossil fuel with oxygen in air and steam in an electric discharge plasma to produce a gas exit stream of polycarbonsuboxide, hydrogen with associated nitrogen (110); cooling the gas stream to condense and separate the polycarbonsuboxide as a solid polymer (120); compressing the gas stream to pressures for synthesis of ammonia (140); and, converting the gas stream to ammonia by employing a catalytic converter (150). Optional steps involve gas cleanup, which include removal of contaminants from the gas stream and adding hydrogen or nitrogen to the gas stream to adjust the ratio of hydrogen to nitrogen to three to one, respectively, prior to converting the gas stream to ammonia (130).
US07641875B1
A multi-phase catalyst for the simultaneous conversion of oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons is provided. A catalyst composition comprising the multi-phase catalyst and methods of making the catalyst composition are also provided. The multi-phase catalyst may be represented by the general formula of CeyLn1-xAx+sMOZ, wherein Ln is a mixture of elements originally in the form of single-phase mixed lanthanides collected from natural ores, a single lanthanide, or a mixture of lanthanides; A is an element selected from a group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Li, Na, K, Cs, Rb, or any combination thereof; and M is an element selected from the group consisting of Fe, Mn, Cr, Ni, Co, Cu, V, Zr, Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, Ag, Au, Al, Ga, Mo, W, Ti, or any combination thereof; x is a number defined by 0≦x<1.0; y is a number defined by 0≦y<10; s is a number defined by 0≦s<10; where s=0 only when y>0 and y=0 only when s>0. The multi-phase catalyst can have an overlayer of an oxide having the fluorite structure with a combination of platinum and/or rhodium.
US07641871B2
A fine channel device including a fine channel provided with at least two inlet ports for feeding fluid, inlet channels communicated with the inlet ports, a confluent portion communicated with the inlet channels, a branch portion communicated with the fine channel, from which at least two outlet channels are branched to feed predetermined amounts of fluid, and outlet ports communicated with the outlet channels. The fine channel is provided with a plurality of partition walls arranged along a boundary formed by at least two kinds of fluid fed from the inlet ports so as not to cause mutual contamination of fluid. Furthermore, the plurality of partition walls are spaced apart at intervals in a flowing direction of fluid.
US07641860B2
A modular and reconfigurable multi-stage microreactor cartridge apparatus provides a manifold for removably attaching multiple microfluidic components such as microreactors. The microfluidic components are attached at microfluidic component ports having two input/output terminals, which microfluidic component ports are connected via connections internal to the manifold to other microfluidic component ports providing a microfluidic circuit. The microfluidic component may be a microfluidic circuit plug-in or a cartridge having a mounting block with two input/output terminals and a fastener aperture and fluidic tubing having a first and second transport portion and a body portion, the three portions being disposed in substantially parallel planes and the body portion being would in a coil around a spool. The coil is connected to the mounting block by either epoxy protector or L-bracket. The cartridge has a first and a second remote input/output terminal connected to the first and second transport lines respectively.
US07641855B2
A system for automatically testing a sample aliquot retained in temporary storage in environmentally controlled conditions on an automated clinical analyzer for a period of time without requiring operator intervention.
US07641854B2
A system and a methodology for controlling multifunctional multireactor chemical synthesis instruments employ real time automatic controls, calculations, feedbacks and optional graphic tracking of parameters, process characteristics and events and offer templates for designing otherwise complex sequences for the bench chemist, physicist or biologist. Automatic lab notebook construction is also provided as well as remote monitoring and control options, warning alarms and shut down alarms.
US07641852B1
A sterilizer for medical instruments is compact and designed to be placed on a table top. The sterilizer provides includes a cavity for receiving a cassette holding the instruments to be sterilized. A stream circuit provides steam to the cassette for sterilization, and the time required for sterilization is reduced by withdrawing air from the cassette by application of a vacuum. The cavity is evacuated at the same time as the cassette to prevent application of high stresses to the cassette during the vacuum-assisted withdrawal of air. The time for sterilization is further reduced by use of dual heat exchangers to reduce the volume removed from the cassette.
US07641849B2
An injector for injecting particulate material into a metallurgical furnace has a first tubular barrel and a housing defining a chamber having an inlet for particulate material, a first gas inlet and a particulate material/gas outlet connected to the rear end of the first barrel. The first air inlet has a first nozzle operable to inject gas into the chamber at a supersonic velocity when gas at suitable pressure is passed through the nozzle. A second tubular barrel surrounds the first barrel in spaced relationship therewith. The second barrel has a second gas inlet adjacent its rear end and a second nozzle adjacent its front end. Gas under pressure supplied to the second gas inlet passes between the barrels and is discharged at supersonic velocity from the front end thereof adjacent gas and entrained particulate material discharged from the first barrel so as to shroud the particulate material.
US07641844B2
A method of making a fiber-reinforced medical balloon is described herein. The method entails pressurizing a portion of a balloon, and ejecting a fiber precursor fluid from at least one nozzle adjacent to the portion. One or more fibers are formed from the fiber precursor fluid and deposited on an exterior surface of the portion. Preferably, the fibers are polymer nanofibers, and the method is carried out using an electrospinning process.
US07641839B2
A method for fabricating a three dimensional emblem is disclosed. An indentation is formed in the back surface of a piece of transparent material. Multiple colors are printed to form a pattern or emblem in the indentation. After printing, the indentation is filled with resin to make the back surface of the piece of transparent material flat. A second indentation is then formed in the filled indentation. When the front surface of the transparent material is viewed, the emblem appears as a three dimensional emblem. Since the emblem is under the front surface of the transparent material, the three dimensional emblem is protected and cannot be inadvertently dislodged from the transparent material.
US07641838B2
An intraluminal catheter having at least a section of the catheter shaft being relatively transparent, and the method of manufacture thereof. In a presently preferred embodiment, the intraluminal catheter is a balloon catheter having a transparent shaft section formed of a polyetheretherketone polymeric material. The substantially transparent shaft section, of the catheter, is amorphous, and is substantially free of water marks and gels that would limit the transparency.
US07641830B2
A method of continuously feeding film pieces for the molding process includes a film preparation task, a film drawing task, a film cutting task and a film feeding task. The film preparation task includes preparing a roll of film and drawing the film out and fixing a head end thereof at a first position. The film drawing task includes holding the film and drawing the film along a film feeding direction to have the head end to a second position. The film cutting task includes cutting the film off to have a film piece,. The film feeding task includes holding the film piece and moving the film piece to a third position. The film preparation task, the film drawing task and film cutting task are repeated in sequence for continuously feeding film pieces for the molding process.
US07641829B2
Methods are provided for mechanically chopping nanotubes and other nanoscale fibrous materials. The method includes forming a macroscale article which include the nanoscale fibers, and then mechanically cutting the macroscale article into a finely divided form. In one embodiment, these steps are repeated. The nanoscale fibers may be carbon nanotubes, which optionally are aligned in the macroscale article. The macroscale article may be in the form of or include one or more buckypapers. In one embodiment, the macroscale article further includes a solid matrix material in which the nanoscale fibers are contained or dispersed. The forming step can include making a suspension of nanoscale fibers dispersed in a liquid medium and then solidifying the liquid medium to form the macroscale article. After the mechanical cutting step, the medium can be dissolved or melted to enable separation of the chopped nanoscale fibers from the medium.
US07641819B2
The present invention provides conductivity control agents derived from the trans esterification of dialkyl phosphonium 5-sulfoisophthalate salts with poly(alkylene glycols). The conductivity control agents can be used with semi-conductive rolls, belts and other biasable members. The inclusion of the conductivity control agent in the polymeric or polyurethane elastomers extends the electrical life of the polymer biasable member in low humidity environments. Additionally, the resistivity of the elastomeric polymers or polyurethane on the biasable member is controlled to a desirable value by adjusting the conductivity control agent level in the polymer elastomers.
US07641818B2
A sintered body target for transparent conductive film fabrication is chiefly composed of Ga, In, and O; has a Ga content ranging from 49.1 at. % to 65 at. % with respect to all metallic atoms; is chiefly constructed from a β-GaInO3 phase and an In2O3 phase; provides an In2O3 phase (400)/β-GaInO3 phase (111) X-ray diffraction peak intensity ratio that is 45% or less; and has a density of 5.8 g/cm3 or more. A transparent conductive film obtained by using a sputtering technique is an amorphous oxide transparent conductive film chiefly composed of Ga, In, and O, so that a Ga content ranges from 49.1 at. % to 65 at. % with respect to all metallic atoms, a work function is 5.1 eV or more, and a refractive index for light with a wavelength of 633 nm ranges from 1.65 to 1.85.
US07641812B2
The present disclosure encompasses provides thermal stabilizer compositions comprising a phase change material admixed with a support material such as a diatomaceous earth, and a nucleator. The present disclosure further encompasses a heat insulation blanket for reducing heat transfer between adjacent spaces, comprising at least two plies of thermoplastic sheet material in superposed relationship and a seal, wherein the seal connects the plies of sheet material to form a cell containing a volume of a thermal stabilizer comprising a phase change material, a support material such as a diatomaceous earth, and a nucleator.
US07641809B2
The present invention relates to the field of compression refrigeration and air conditioning. Specifically, the present invention relates to a tracer-containing compositions comprising refrigeration/heating fluid and tracer compound(s). Additionally, the present invention relates to a method for detecting tracer compounds to identify gases after leaving the custody of the original manufacturer or prior source, and the verification of authenticity. The aforementioned method provides for the detection of tracer compounds, which in turn, may alert the refrigeration industry to when dilution, adulteration, contamination or other unauthorized practices have occurred with refrigeration products.
US07641804B2
A filter unit (10) and a filter device formed from several such units for filtering a fluid, especially a process fluid such as required for chip-removing machining processes. The filter units (10) each comprise a frame (11) and a filter medium (16). The frame (11) has support webs (12), which reinforce the frame (11) and support the filter medium (16). The support webs (12) are arranged on the downstream side (18) of the filter medium (16) to prevent clogging on the upstream side (17) and permit a simple removal of the filter cake. The filter units (10) are stacked on each other in alternating orientation such that the upstream sides (17) or the downstream sides (18) of two adjacent individual filter units (10) face each other. The frame (11) forms unfiltered fluid and filtered fluid flow nozzles (13), (14) through which the fluid to be filtered or the filtered fluid can flow.
US07641803B2
A filter cartridge including a frame that is formed of one or more fluid conductive members and has a fluid outlet and a plurality of spaced inlets; and a flexible fabric material that allows the flow of water therethrough, the flexible fabric material being connected to the frame in a manner defining an internal zone, whereby substantially all fluid entering the internal zone from an opposite side of the flexible fabric material passes therethrough; wherein, upon connection of the fluid outlet to a fluid intake system, fluid is drawn through the flexible fabric material into the internal zone, thereby filtering the fluid, and filtered fluid is drawn through the plurality of spaced inlets and passes to the fluid outlet for delivery into the fluid intake system. A system and method for filtering fluid intake are disclosed.
US07641800B2
A process for the removal of liquid, gaseous and/or dissolved constituents from a process stream. The process stream is contacted with an adsorbent comprising a first porous material which has been incorporated into a second porous material at least 30 vol. % of the pores of the first and second porous materials of which are filled with an extraction liquid. The affinity between the adsorbent and the constituents to be removed exceeds the affinity between the constituents and the extraction liquid.
US07641793B2
A plurality of magnets can be positioned around a container through the use of a plurality of holders that can be releaseably positioned around the container. Each holder has an area compatible in shape to the magnet to hold a magnet. The base of the holder which contracts the container is of a shape compatible to that of the container. There is at least one aperture on at least two sides of the holder. A strap is placed through the apertures and secured at each end. This secures the magnets to the container. The holder can have a flexible base portion or can itself be flexible. The holders can be at an angle of about 150° to about 210° to the axis of the container. The magnets can be positioned in various polar arrays around the container. The container will hold an aqueous liquid either in a static or flow condition. The container can be a bottle, pipe conduit and/or a filter within pipe conduit system.
US07641786B2
The invention relates to a method for analyzing a lubricating oil for low temperature properties. The method utilizes 2-dimensional gas chromatography (2D GC) to determine the amounts of paraffins and isoparaffins in the oil. In particular, the method analyzes for a particular isoparaffin fraction which is correlated to low temperature performance. The compositional information thus obtained is correlated with formulated oil Mini Rotary Viscometer (MRV) properties.
US07641781B2
In a method for coating a substrate, and a coated object, in a first step, in an external current-less or electrolytic manner, nickel and/or cobalt and/or platinum are deposited on a substrate in a deposition bath. In the deposition bath, particles are additionally suspended which contain at least one metal selected from Mg, Al, Ti, Zn and no Cr, the particles becoming occluded in the coating. In a second step, the actual protective layer is produced by heat treatment. The coating of component parts may be used for aircraft turbines or gas turbines or for garbage incineration systems having temperature-resistant protective layers against high temperature corrosion.
US07641778B2
A gel electroelution device can have a gel spot column having upstream and downstream openings in fluid communication with an inlet and outlet, respectively. The gel spot column receives a gel spot and negative and positive electrodes are fluid communication with the inlet and outlet, respectively. A gel electroelution process can involve flowing a buffer solution through the gel spot in a first direction, and creating an electric field across the gel spot in the same direction. A separator device can have a generally cylindrical collection reservoir in fluid communication with inlet, filtrate, and retentate ports, a filter intermediate the inlet and filtrate ports. The inlet and retentate ports can intersect the collection reservoir in a manner to induce a cyclonic flow. A flow separation process can involve inducing a generally cyclonic flow in the collection reservoir, and filtering the fluid therein to retain the retentate.
US07641772B2
A distillation unit (10) employs a fluid circuit (FIG. 8) in which a counterflow heat exchanger (102, 104, 106, 108, 110) transfers heat from condensate and concentrate to feed liquid to be distilled. The pumping system (100, 238) that drives fluid through the circuit is arranged to keep the pressure in the counterflow heat exchanger's condensate higher than that in its feed-liquid passage. This tends to discourage the contamination that could otherwise occur in the concentrate if the fluid isolation ordinarily maintained between those passages is compromised.
US07641770B2
A system for recovering hydrocarbons from tar sands includes a heated enclosure 66, one or more input conveyors 60, 67 move tar sands through the heated enclosure, provide a flow line with a temperature gradient of at least 150° F., and mechanically move the tar sands along the flow line. A heated rotary drum 74 is in fluid communication with the flow line, and condenser unit 94, 98 receive vapors from the flow line and the rotary drum and output hydrocarbons. One or more discharge conveyors 76 discharge stripped sands from the rotary drum. Control valves 80, 82 seal a vacuum downstream from the discharge conveyors, and control valves 34, 46 seal vacuum upstream from the one or more input conveyors. Various types of vacuum pumps may be used to maintain a selected vacuum between the control valves.
US07641768B2
A method of joining two ends of a fabric for use in a paper machine, carried out using a joining assembly, includes the steps of: placing a first end of the fabric on a first portion of a pin plate, the pins in the first portion of the pin plate extending into the first end; placing a second end of the fabric on a second portion of the pin plate such that the first end and the second end are in close proximity to each other in a join area, the pins in the second portion of the pin plate extending into the second end; and joining the first end and the second end in the join area. The method results in a perforated (and therefore permeable) join area.
US07641767B2
An apparatus and method serves, e.g., to deaerate, clean or screen a fibrous suspension and is provided with a closed housing and a rotor arranged centrally therein. The rotor puts at least a part of the fibrous suspension guided into the housing into a rotational flow. The fibrous suspension flowing into the housing through the inlet is put into rotation by a guide element acting hydraulically. This increase the efficiency of the apparatus and prevents disturbing turbulences in the apparatus.
US07641761B2
A plasma CVD apparatus includes a showerhead comprised of a body having a hollow structure. The shower plate is detachably integrated with the body at a peripheral surface of the body and a peripheral surface of the shower plate, and at least one of the peripheral surface of the body or the peripheral surface of the shower plate is surface-treated.
US07641753B2
A PVC-free multilayer tube, preferably for medical purposes, with more dependable peelability, comprises at least three layers, of which a base layer comprising a first plastics material has been bonded to at least one connection layer comprising a second plastics material by means of at least one buffer layer arranged between the base layer and the at least one connection layer, the buffer layer comprising a third plastics material, wherein the multilayer tube can be used to mold a coil or a loop with a diameter of down to 50 mm without undesirable kinking. Each of the first and second plastics materials is comprised of at least 25% by weight, based on the total weight of the base layer and the connection layer, respectively, of polyolefins, while the third plastics material has a proportion, based on the total weight of the buffer layer, of more than 75% by weight of a thermoplastic elastomer which is not a polyolefin.
US07641743B2
Methods and compositions that serve to both darken a zinc or other active! metal surface and impart corrosion-resistant properties thereto, are disclosed. The compositions include an aqueous solution containing about 0.1 percent to about 5 percent ammonium chloride and about 0.1 percent to about 5 percent ammonium molybdate. The compositions utilize particular ratios of concentrations of ammonium chloride and ammonium molybdate.
US07641738B2
A method of wet cleaning a surface is disclosed. The method of wet cleaning a surface of at least one material chosen from silicon, silicon-germanium alloys, A(III)/B(V)-type semiconductors and epitaxially grown crystalline materials, such as germanium, includes the following successive steps: a) the surface is brought into contact with an HF solution; b) the surface is rinsed with acidified, deionized water, then a powerful oxidizing agent is added to the deionized water and the rinsing is continued; c) optionally, step a) is repeated, once or twice, while optionally reducing the contacting time; d) step b) is optionally repeated, once or twice; and e) the surface is dried.
US07641726B2
A mixture of compounds of Formula (1) and salts thereof: wherein: M is 2H, Si, a metal, an oxymetal group, a hydroxymetal group or a halometal group; Pc represents a phthalocyanine nucleus of formula; R1 is H or optionally substituted C1-4alkyl; R2 is optionally substituted alkyl; R3 is H or optionally substituted C1-4alkyl; R4 is optionally substituted heterocycyl; L is a direct covalent bond or a divalent linking group; w, x, y and z are each independently greater than zero. Also compositions and inks, printing processes, printed material and ink-jet printer cartridges.
US07641699B2
Provided is a novel hip replacement implant system that includes a ball assembly having a ball trunnion, the ball assembly being configured as a replacement for the head of the femur and capable of being secured by the ball assembly trunnion to a calcar implant element that can be securely seated in the calcar bone of the femoral neck, thus maintaining the load transfer function of the calcar bone of the femoral neck. A method of using the device is also provided.
US07641698B1
A modular hip joint implant and associated method. The modular hip implant includes a femoral stem having a proximal surface defining a dovetail groove having first and second female wings, and a neck component having a distal surface defining a semi-dovetail projection engaging the dovetail groove. The projection includes a single male wing mating with the first femoral wing.
US07641692B2
The invention relates to a surgical implant that provides an artificial diarthroidal-like D joint, suitable for use in replacing any joint, but particularly suitable for use as an intervertebral disc endoprosthesis. The invention contains two rigid opposing shells, each having an outer surface adapted to engage the surfaces of the bones of a joint in such a way that the shells are immobilized by friction between their outer surfaces and the surfaces of the bone. These outer surfaces are sufficiently rough, while the inner surfaces of the shells are relatively smooth. The central body has a shape that cooperates with the shape of the inner surface of the shell so as to provide a range of motion similar to that provided by a healthy joint.
US07641682B2
Implantable medical grafts fabricated of metallic or pseudometallic films of biocompatible materials having a plurality of microperforations passing through the film in a pattern that imparts fabric-like qualities to the graft or permits the geometric deformation of the graft. The implantable graft is preferably fabricated by vacuum deposition of metallic and/or pseudometallic materials into either single or multi-layered structures with the plurality of microperforations either being formed during deposition or after deposition by selective removal of sections of the deposited film. The implantable medical grafts are suitable for use as endoluminal or surgical grafts and may be used as vascular grafts, stent-grafts, skin grafts, shunts, bone grafts, surgical patches, non-vascular conduits, valvular leaflets, filters, occlusion membranes, artificial sphincters, tendons and ligaments.
US07641669B2
An intravascular occlusion balloon catheter having a removable hub, a profile sized to approximate a guidewire, and a means for venting air from the balloon. The removable hub and the small profile allow the occlusion balloon catheter to be used as a guidewire. The venting means allows air to be easily and reliably removed from the balloon prior to use.
US07641666B2
The present invention relates generally to a prosthetic spinal disc for replacing a damaged disc between two vertebrae of a spine. The present invention also relates to a method for implanting a prosthetic spinal disc via posterior or posterior lateral implantation. Other surgical approaches for implanting the prosthetic disc may also be used. The present invention also involves a method for implanting the prosthetic spinal disc while either avoiding or minimizing contact with the spinal cord and nerve rootlets, or reducing the time and extent that they need to be repositioned during implantation.
US07641660B2
A system for cutting a bone at a desired location may include an image guided drill cylinder configured to receive either a drill bit to create a bore at a target location on the bone or a pin for insertion into the target location, and a cutting block having a plurality of adjustable guides, each defining a cutting path to guide a cutting instrument, a mounting location configured to attach to the bone at the target location, and a plurality of adjustors for adjusting the position of the guides relative to the target location. The system may further include a tracking instrument for providing image guidance of the adjustments to the positions of the guides.
US07641657B2
Methods and apparatus for providing percutaneous access to vertebrae in alignment with a visualized, trans-sacral axial instrumentation/fusion (TASIF) line in a minimally invasive, low trauma, manner are disclosed. A number of related TASIF methods and surgical tool sets are provided by the present invention that are employed to form a percutaneous pathway from an anterior or posterior skin incision to a respective anterior or posterior target point of a sacral surface. The percutaneous pathway is generally axially aligned with an anterior or posterior axial instrumentation/fusion line extending from the respective anterior or posterior target point through at least one sacral vertebral body and one or more lumbar vertebral bodies in the cephalad direction. The provision of the percutaneous pathway described herein allows for the formation of the anterior or posterior TASIF bore(s) and/or the introduction of spinal implants and instruments.
US07641653B2
A removable handswitch and electrode assembly for use with a forceps having opposing end effectors and a handle for effecting relative movement of the end effectors with respect to one another includes a housing having at least one portion which removably engages at least a portion of a mechanical forceps and a handswitch assembly disposed on the housing. A pair of electrodes is included which removably engage a distal end of the mechanical forceps such that the electrodes reside in opposing relation to one another. At least one electrode is adapted to connect to an electrosurgical generator through the handswitch assembly. At least one stop member is operatively associated with the electrodes and controls the distance between the opposing electrodes to affect a tissue seal.
US07641647B2
A marker band and medical devices such as catheters and guidewires that include a marker band. A marker band may include a generally cylindrical body portion having one or more slots or openings defined therein. The marker band is configured for being secured to a medical device. Methods of making and using a marker band and a medical device having a marker band are also disclosed.
US07641639B2
The present invention provides a body fluid suction reservoir including a flexible bag, two plates for supporting the bag, and a spring put between the two plates. The body fluid suction reservoir further includes a lock having a hook and a release part and consisting of a member different from the two plates, by which lock the spring is held in a state compressed between the two plates, and the held state is releasable. The lock has flexibility and is held by one of the plates so as to be deformable from a first state in which the hook is engaged with the other plate to a second state in which the hook is not engaged, and the lock is urged to take the first state.
US07641638B2
Medical devices, kits, and methods for utilizing an elongate surgical needle that may be used through an endoscope working channel or through an external accessory channel device used with an endoscope are provided. The needle has a proximal end and a flexible distal end, an opening at or near the proximal end and an opening at or near the distal end, the openings defining a channel. The surgical needle distal end comprises a tissue engaging section and an intermediate section being operatively coupled in an axial direction. The tissue engaging section and intermediate section have different flexibility such that the tissue engaging section has greater flexibility than the intermediate section. Optionally, the needle distal end has a preformed bend at or near the tissue engaging section, the preformed bend capable of being constrained to a substantially linear configuration and capable of returning to the preformed configuration when unconstrained.
US07641634B2
An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a needle to contact and penetrate tissue. The apparatus also includes a device coupled to the needle, wherein the device detects the needle contacting the tissue, and measures depth of tissue penetration.
US07641633B2
A catheter delivers an electrode within a vein for a minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins and venous insufficiency using RF energy. The catheter is introduced into a patient and positioned within the section of the vein to be treated. The electrode radiates high frequency energy towards the vein, and the surrounding venous tissue becomes heated and begins to shrink. The catheter includes a controllable member for limiting the amount of shrinkage of the vein to the diameter of the member. The electrode remains active until there has been sufficient shrinkage of the vein. The extent of shrinkage of the vein may be detected by fluoroscopy. After treating one section of the vein, the catheter and the electrode can be repositioned intraluminally within the vein to treat different sections of the vein until all desired venous sections and valves are repaired and rendered functionally competent.
US07641630B2
The drainage catheter hub includes a locking cam for securing a suture to maintain an anchor configuration of the distal end of the drainage catheter. The locking cam is rotatable to a first position for securing the suture and a second position for releasing the suture. The locking cam includes a tapered surface which includes a release portion and a securement portion. The release portion allows movement of the suture while the securement portion cooperatively engages the suture in connection with the seat to minimize movement of the suture.
US07641626B2
The invention relates to support element (4) comprising a main body (6) having a front wall (25) and a peripheral wall (32) projecting away from the front wall. The front wall and the peripheral wall define a housing compartment (33) designed to receive a fluid distribution circuitry cooperating with a treatment unit for defining an integrated blood treatment module.
US07641618B2
A heart beat/respiration measuring device comprising a sheet-like capacitance-type pressure sensor adapted to be pressed against the human body, and a measuring circuit for measuring a heart rate and/or respiration rate from the output of the sensor. The capacitance-type pressure sensor includes a sheet-like dielectric body elastically deformable in all directions and a pair of conductive clothes with stretchability disposed on opposite sides of the dielectric body. The measuring circuit comprises a resonant circuit wherein the capacitance-type pressure sensor serves as an oscillation capacitor, and a calculation processing circuit for detecting variations in the oscillation frequency of the resonant circuit and calculating the heart rate and/or respiration rate based on the frequency component or components of heart beats and/or respiration included in the variations.
US07641613B2
A method for improved detection and imaging of ultrasound contrast agents using dual-band transmitted pulses, is described. The method is based on transmitting a pulse consisting of two frequency bands, a low frequency band which purpose is to manipulate the high frequency scattering properties of the contrast agent, and a high frequency band from which the image reconstruction is based. In addition, a general form of pulse subtraction is used to significantly suppress the received tissue signal.
US07641604B2
Various embodiments of the invention are directed towards an exercise device for use with Pilates method exercise and other exercise methods. The exercise device is used either the arms or legs of the user for various exercises. The exercise device improves upon related-art system by allowing users to performing exercises while actively engaging the hands or legs of the device with the device in a manner that remains comfortable during exercises.
US07641590B2
A lap counter for use by a swimmer, has a case for attaching to the swimmer, and a compass sensor housed in the case for providing an output signal which changes between opposite directions along which the swimmer swims back and forth. An operating circuit includes a processor programmed to distinguish the change in the output signal of the compass sensor between the opposite directions to identify a reversal in direction of swimming by the swimmer and to count laps, each lap being based on two successive reversals in direction. The processor may also be programmed to distinguish the change in the compass sensor output signal to detect a rise above an upper threshold and a subsequent fall below a lower threshold, or vice versa, to identify, a wave in the output signal that represents a swimming stroke of the swimmer and to count the strokes.
US07641580B2
The invention relates to a transmission, in particular between a drive shaft and a wheel driving shaft of an engine, in particular of an automotive engine, such as a riding mower engine, whereby this transmission is of the belt-controlled variable-speed drive unit type (2) combined with a clutch device (7).This transmission is characterized in that it is equipped with at least one progressive-type clutch device (7), preferably friction-based, and comprises a control mechanism (20) that is common to clutch device(s) (7) and to the variable-speed drive unit (2), whereby this control mechanism (20), in a first step, acts on the clutch device (7) to pass from the disengaged position, so-called of zero speed, to the engaged position that corresponds to the minimum operational speed of the variable-speed drive unit (2), then, in a second step, acts on the speed variation mechanism (6) of the variable-speed drive unit (2) to regulate as desired the speed of the engine that is equipped with such a variable-speed drive unit (2).
US07641578B2
There is provided a double-face driving silent chain wherein the size of each inner link plate of an exterior driving link train to a back face thereof is set to be equal to or greater than the size of each link plate of an interior driving link train. Thereby, inner side planes of the back face of the inner link plate abut against the both side planes of an interior driving sprocket and guide and prevent the silent chain from engaging with the sprocket in twist. All the link plates, other than the inner link plates of the exterior driving link train, have the same shape when seen from the side and the outermost link plate of the interior driving link train is thin as compared to the other link plates.
US07641576B2
A reversible locking device 1 for a tensioner 100 of a timing chain 20 includes a locking device body 3, integral with the tensioner 100 and protruding with respect to the body of the tensioner 100, which has a shaped slot 2. A perforated protrusion 4 is integral with the shoe 5 carried by the piston 6 and protrudes with respect to the shoe 5 so that its hole is aligned with the shaped slot. A rod 7 has a first part 8 with a shape complementary to that of the shaped slot 2 and a second part 9 bearing at one end a conical portion 10 adapted to couple it irreversibly to the perforated protrusion 4 integral with the shoe 5.
US07641572B2
A golf ball having an outside surface with a plurality of dimples formed thereon. The dimples on the ball have a cross-sectional profiles formed by a catenary curve. Combinations of varying dimple diameters, shape factors, and chordal depths in the catenary curve are used to vary the ball flight performance according to ball spin characteristics, player swing speed, as well as satisfy specific aerodynamic magnitude and direction criteria.
US07641569B2
A golf club head with a vibration damping insert is disclosed. The club head includes a face member, a damping member, and a body member. The damping member is sandwiched between the face member and the body member and extends along a large percentage of the face member. The damping layer attenuates vibrations, providing consistent feel across the length of the striking face.
US07641564B2
Grooves as ball rolling grooves are formed in a side peripheral wall of a preparatory formed body that is to be an inner member. A recess opened so as to be continuous to curved bottom sections of the grooves, which face a through-hole, is formed in one end surface of the preparatory formed body. In carburizing, carburizing gas entering into space between the through-hole and a support shaft member flows through the recess after coming into contact with inner teeth, and is then discharged to the outside of the preparatory formed body via the curved bottom sections of the grooves. On the contrary, the carburizing gas having been in contact with the curved bottom sections of the grooves flows through the recess to come to be in contact with the inner teeth and is then discharged through the space.
US07641563B2
A boot for constant-velocity universal joint includes a major-diameter fastener, a minor-diameter fastener, and a bellows. The bellows includes a first root, a first crest, a second root, a second crest, a third root, a third crest, a fourth root, a fourth crest, a fifth root and a fifth crest. The first crest, the second crest, the third crest, the fourth crest and the fifth crest have a top, respectively, and the tops of the second crest, third crest and fourth crest are disposed on an outer peripheral side with respect to a line L1, which the tops of the first crest and fifth crest make there between, in a cross section involving the central axis of the bellows.
US07641557B2
A flexible coupling capable of transmitting moments and comprising a first member having a longitudinal axis (30) connected by at least three joints (27) to a second member (41) having a longitudinal axis substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first member, the joints being circumferentially spaced apart about said axis, each joint comprising a first part (27) on one of the members and a second part (31) on the other member, the parts of each joint interfitting so that moments can be transmitted between said members by the joints and so that relative sliding and rotational movement can take place between the parts of teach joint, the joint parts on at least one of the members being flexibly arranged (41) so that the members may articulate relative to one another.
US07641547B2
A method of motivating players to return to a casino includes receiving a request to convert a predetermined value of casino currency to cash. Upon the receipt of the request, a premium value is calculated based at least in part on the predetermined value. Subsequently, the customer is provided an instrument having a total value equal to the predetermined value plus the premium value when the instrument is used at the casino. The instrument may comprise a check having a negotiable value equal to the predetermined value, and a second pay-line defining the total value with the premium to be provided if the check is cashed at the issuing casino.
US07641530B2
An organic EL panel and a method of forming the same, in which a bottom electrode of an organic EL device is flattened at the surface so that organic layers deposited thereon have uniform thicknesses, thereby avoiding the occurrence of leak currents and allowing favorable luminescence characteristics. The organic EL panel has an organic EL device formed on a substrate, the device comprising the bottom electrode, the organic layers including at least an organic luminescent layer, and a top electrode. The bottom electrode has an etched surface obtained by chemically etching a polished surface of an electrode material film. The organic layers are formed on the etched surface.
US07641522B2
An electrical-connection device, particularly for photovoltaic-cell panels, has: a first electrical terminal, designed to be connected to apparatuses for generation or use of electrical energy and to extend in a fixed position through a wall for support of the connection device; a seal for fluid-tight coupling of the first electrical terminal to the supporting wall; a second electrical terminal connected to the first electrical terminal and to an electrical wiring external to the supporting wall; and an electrically insulated liquid-tight chamber, housing at least partially the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal.
US07641517B2
A lamp base has a projection that carries lamp contacts and has an outer surface formed with retaining formations arrayed with irregular spacing. A socket forms a recess into which the projection can be inserted with play and apertures provided with contacts engageable with the lamp contacts. Retaining formations in the socket fit with the lamp-base retaining formations in only one defined angular alignment of the lamp base and the socket. The projection has a central plug projecting toward the socket and forming a lamp key coded for a predetermined lamp wattage. The socket has a hole corresponding to the plug and itself forming a socket key coded for the maximally admissible lamp wattage for the socket. The lamp base only fits into the socket when the lamp wattage indicated by the lamp key does not exceed the maximally admissible lamp wattage defined by the socket key.
US07641514B2
An electrical connector assembly (100) includes a connector holder (2) defining a plurality of positioning cavities (2101) therein, and at least a slot (2103) located in a front portion of each of the positioning cavities; a plurality of grounding members (5) respectively mounted to the positioning cavities, each of the grounding members (5) having a body portion (50), a first contacting portion (51) connected to a front edge of the body portion, a second contacting portion (52) connected to a back edge of the body portion and at least an arm (53) connected to a lateral edge of the body portion, said at least an arm received in the at least a slot, and the first contacting portion disposed out of the connector holder; a plurality of connectors respectively mounted to the positioning cavities, each of the connectors having a metallic shell contacting the second contacting portion; and a metallic cage (4) enclosing the connector holder and the connectors, with the first contacting portion contacting inner surface of the metallic cage.
US07641513B2
An upgradeable patch panel assembly and associated method of upgrading a patch panel assembly. The upgradeable patch panel assembly including a panel base having an aperture sized to receive a scanner interface cable. The method including removing a first cover from the panel base, inserting a scanner interface cable through the existing aperture in the panel base, and attached an upgraded cover to the panel base. Upgrading the patch panel assembly is completed while the assembly remains mounted to a frame and without disconnecting rear cable connections. The upgraded patch panel assembly provides jack-occupancy monitoring capabilities.
US07641510B2
A jumper assembly (100) adapted for use in connecting junction block to conduit having electrical cable running therethrough and wherein the junction blocks are half junction blocks, the jumper assembly including: a first plurality of wire conductors (306) and a second plurality of wire conductors (308) are each electrically and structurally connected to a terminal set comprising a half H-shaped terminal set having a series of first terminal blades (312) and a series of second terminal blades (314), each set of terminal blades bein commonly integral with an elongated common blade (316).
US07641509B2
A battery connector comprises an insulative housing comprising mounting surface and a top surface opposite to the mounting surface. A receiving chamber is defined in the housing from the top surface with first and second conductive terminals spatially arranged within the chamber. The chamber features at least a rounded corner for conforming to a rounded edge of a battery to be inserted so as to prevent the battery from being inserted incorrectly. The rounded corner has a curve surface tangent to two inner side walls of the chamber.
US07641507B2
A cable connector includes an insulative housing, some terminals, an insert and a shield. The insulative housing includes a main body, a pair of side arms respectively rearward extending from the middle of the two sides of the main body to form a receiving space between the two side arms. The forward section of said main body is a mating portion with some evenly disposed grooves. The rearward section of said main body is a connecting portion with some troughs corresponding to the grooves. Each side arm includes two pair of separated receiving slots on the tail thereof to be connected to the receiving space. Each of terminals includes a mating piece on the forward part thereof to be received in the mating portion and a connecting piece on the rearward part thereof to be received in the connecting portion. The insert includes a main body with a grid to form some passages corresponding to the troughs of the housing and two pair of fastening portions respectively extending from two sides of the main body. The main body of insert is received in the receiving space between the two side arms of the housing through said fastening portions being inserted into the receiving slots of the housing. The shield includes an upper cover assembled on the upper surface of the housing to cover the connecting portion and the insert, and a lower cover assembled on the lower surface of the housing to cover the connecting portion and the insert.
US07641504B1
An electrical connector backshell adapter for terminating sheathed electrical cables, the electrical connector backshell adapter having a housing having a first and at least a second port, the electrical connector backshell adapter further having a cable sheath termination nipple having a proximal end, the cable sheath termination nipple overlying the housing's first port, the cable sheath termination nipple's proximal end being fixedly attached to or formed wholly with the housing; the electrical connector backshell adapter further having a seam extending through the housing, the seam further extending through the cable sheath termination nipple, the seam dividing the housing into first and second housing sections, the seam further dividing the cable sheath termination nipple into first and second nipple sections, and the electrical connector backshell adapter further having a hinge connected operatively to the housing's first and second housing sections for motions of the first and second housing sections between opened and closed positions.
US07641498B2
A Universal Serial Bus socket-equipped arrangement (USB-SEA) configured for mating with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) plug having a plug metal housing and an aperture disposed in the plug metal housing. The arrangement includes a plug-receiving cavity configured to receive the USB plug. The arrangement further includes a spring-loaded mechanism disposed within the plug-receiving cavity. The spring-loaded mechanism is biased toward an interior region of the plug-receiving cavity. The spring-loaded mechanism is also configured to slide along the connector metal housing of the USB plug when the USB plug is inserted into the plug-receiving cavity and to movably mate with the aperture disposed in the plug metal housing when the USB plug is in a terminal mating position with the USB socket assembly. The spring-loaded mechanism represents one of a spring-loaded ball and a spring-loaded pin.
US07641497B2
A socket, for electrically connecting an IC package and a printed circuit board, comprises a base received with a plurality of contacts, a stiffener surrounding the base and bolts mounting the socket to the printed circuit board. The stiffener has a horizontal plate, which has engaging holes by drawing, so the engaging hole has a sidewall extending beyond the horizontal plate to keep the bolt in the engaging hole of the stiffener.
US07641486B2
A first housing (10) and a second housing (30) are connected by leverage brought about by the engagement of pinions (24) of a lever (20) rotatably supported on the first housing (10) and racks 33 of the second housing (30). In the process of rotating the lever (20), cam action brought about by the engagement of cam grooves (25) of the lever (20) and cam followers (37) of the second housing (30) is exhibited. This cam action prevents the first housing (10) from being inclined with respect to the second housing (30) with engaged positions of the pinions (24) and the racks (33) as supports.
US07641483B2
An electronic assembly (100) includes a housing having a plurality of walls together defining a receiving space and an outlet defined in one of the walls and in communication to the receiving space; a connector (53) pivotally linked to the housing and projected outward of the housing via the outlet; a locking member (6) mounted to the housing, said locking member including a base portion (60) having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, a stopper portion (62) formed on the first side and extending into the receiving opening, and a resilient member (61) arranged adjacent to the second side for exerting a resilient force to the base portion.
US07641478B2
A card bus connector assembly mounted within a housing (40) includes a card bus connector (10) and an electronic card (20) having a number of grounding pads (23) disposed on a bottom surface thereof and a wedge-shaped protruding portion (29) disposed in an end portion of the electronic card. The card bus connector has a base (11) and a grounding plate (4) mounted to a bottom surface of the base. The grounding plate has a number of grounding terminals (431) extending upwardly for engaging with the grounding pads of the electronic card.
US07641477B2
An electrical plug and receptacle relying on magnetic force from an electromagnet to maintain contact are disclosed. The plug and receptacle can be used as part of a power adapter for connecting an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, to a power supply. The plug includes electrical contacts, which are preferably biased toward corresponding contacts on the receptacle. The plug and receptacle each have a magnetic element. The magnetic element on one of the plug or receptacle can be a magnet or ferromagnetic material. The magnetic element on the other of the plug or receptacle is an electromagnet. When the plug and receptacle are brought into proximity, the magnetic attraction between the electromagnet magnet and its complement, whether another magnet or a ferromagnetic material, maintains the contacts in an electrically conductive relationship.
US07641476B2
A rotatable quick disconnect electrical connector assembly is provided. The assembly includes a male component and a female component, which have a mating fit together and which have an electrical connection when in mating contact. The connection is further enhanced by magnetic attraction, one of either the male or female components having a magnetic material and the other having a magnet-sensitive material. Each of the male and female components has a generally circular cross-section, to permit relative rotation through unlimited degrees in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. The components may be made separately. A system of such connectors is also provided (e.g. for displays).
US07641470B2
The cooking appliance (1) having a control panel (2) is equipped with one or more gas flow (Q) regulating valves, wherein the rotary regulating plug (6) is provided with various peripheral through holes (16-19). The control knob (9) being interchangeable for fitting to the actuating shaft (7), is chosen from the two units available, one and the other permitting different angular limit positions of the regulating plug (6) for the supply of a constant minimum gas flow Qmin, adjusted each one for a different type of gas N gas or LP gas. The outlet conduit (5) of the valve is equipped with a further injector nozzle (21,23) for adjusting a constant gas flow Qmax to be fed into the conduit (25) of the correspondent burner, when the cooking appliance is supplied with a LP gas.
US07641459B2
A molding system for foam-in-bag cushions comprises a mold defining a mold cavity, an air plenum separate from the mold cavity, a plurality of air passages that connect the mold cavity to the air plenum, and at least one port connected to the air plenum. The mold cavity has an open side and the mold includes a door that is movable between a closed position closing the open side of the mold cavity and an open position allowing a cushion to enter and exit through the open side. The system further comprises a pneumatic vacuum/blowout system connected with the at least one port. The vacuum/blowout system comprises a vacuum source, an air tank containing pressurized air, and a vacuum/blowout valve structured and arranged to alternately couple the at least one port either to the vacuum source or to the air tank.
US07641449B2
For a motor that drives a compressed air generator, three operating modes which includes a powerful mode for rotating a motor in a high speed range, a silent mode for rotating the motor in a low speed range, and an automatic mode for automatically changing the rotation speed of the motor from the low speed to the high speed in accordance with a setup condition are prepared. A user can designate a desired operating mode by using an operating mode selection switch.
US07641442B2
The turbine casing includes a circumferential wall coaxially surrounding a ring that surrounds the moving blades of the turbine. The casing includes a plurality of perforations delivering air for ventilating the outside face of the circumferential wall in uniform manner.
US07641436B2
A bale tote implement for a skid steer vehicle including an elongated body having a plurality of openings. Each opening is configured to receive one or more fasteners and at least one of the openings is configured to receive a fastener to retain the implement in position on a bucket of the skid steer vehicle. The implement also includes a plurality of substantially hollow gathering teeth having a first end and a second end. The first end is substantially flattened and the second end includes a support dowel inserted therein. Slots are configured to receive the second end of the gathering teeth. U-shaped fasteners are positioned adjacent the second end and through at least two of the openings in the elongated body. The U-shaped fasteners apply a retention force on the second end and the support dowel to retain the teeth in position within the slots.
US07641428B2
A floating fastener base and pocket are disclosed. The base and pocket permit the adjustable positioning of a stud, such as a striker bolt, prior to final assembly and tightening. A floating fastener base has one or more flanges which fit within a pocket created by one or more respective flange receptacles formed on a substrate. The floating fastener base is inserted into the floating fastener base pocket. This provides a fastening base for a stud wherein the fastening base and the stud are positionally adjustable prior to final retention of the stud, typically accomplished by tightening of the stud.
US07641426B2
A device for fixing an object to a rail by way of a fitting (P1, P2, P3, P4) that is movable along the rail within a groove together with a sliding member and is provided with a retainer which can be sunk into at least one lateral groove cavity in the rail. The retainer is joined to a sliding member via a connecting element. The retainer is supported relative to the sliding member and/or a rotating element via at least one energy accumulator while the pressurized retainer is fixed relative to the rail in at least two vertical positions.
US07641419B1
A control system for heating a screed assembly of a paving machine is provided. The control system includes a plurality of resistive heating elements positioned adjacent to a screed plate of the screed assembly. An electrical power supply is selectively connected with the resistive heating elements via switches operated by a controller. The controller is responsive to inputs from at least manual switches and temperature sensors. The controller is configured to automatically adjust the temperature of the screed plate by selectively energizing fewer than all of the resistive heating elements at a time.
US07641415B2
An automatic locking ball coupler for a power take off includes a ball keeper connected to the power take off and having a longitudinal axis and openings in a cylindrical surface thereof. Locking balls are received in the openings and can move radially with respect to the axis of the cylindrical ball keeper. A ball collar is positioned around the cylindrical ball keeper and has a plurality of internal circumferential rings and recesses between each ring. The ball collar can slide axially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the ball keeper between a coupled position in which the locking balls are on the rings and an uncoupled position in which the locking balls are in the recesses.
US07641413B2
A ball joint is provided that when a load equal to or greater than a first predetermined value is applied in the axial direction of a ball stud, if a cushion seat is deformed by a predetermined amount, an opposing surface portion contacts a first load receiving portion of a ball seat, preventing the cushion seat from being deformed by a predetermined amount in the central axis direction. When a load equal to or greater than a second predetermined value greater than the first is applied in the axial direction of the ball stud, a second load receiving portion of the ball seatcontacts a bottom surface portion of an inner chamber of a socket, whereby an axial load onto the cushion seat is reduced, and the ball seat prevents the cushion seat from being deformed by a predetermined amount or more in the axial direction.
US07641412B2
A ball-point pen, wherein a cover member (6) is fitted to a joint member (3) connecting a writing tip (1) rotatably supporting a writing ball (2) at the tip thereof to an ink storage tube. When the cover member (6) is fitted to the joint member (3) along the outer peripheral surface thereof, a part of the cover member does not come within 0.2 mm (within the range of the chain double-dashed line) from around the writing tip. Thus, even if the accuracies of parts and assembly machines are dispersed, a problem with an existing ball-point pen wherein a cover member is brought into contact with a writing tip and the writing tip is damaged in an assembly step can be avoided.
US07641400B2
A package design for electro-optic devices has been developed in which the substrate supporting the electro-optic element serves also as the base of the device housing. The electro-optic element is flip-chip bonded to the substrate. In a preferred embodiment the substrate is a multi-level wiring board.
US07641396B2
A connection device for connecting an optical fiber to an electrical device has a housing, a cable gland, and a plug for insertion into the corresponding socket of the electrical device, the housing having a cable passage for insertion of the optical fiber, the plug being held at least partially in the housing and being connectable to the fibers of the optical fiber which has been inserted into the cable passage. The housing has a first housing part for holding the plug and a second housing part for connection to the cable gland. The first and second housing parts are connectable in a manner enabling them to be axially moved relative to each other in the connected state by an extent defined by at least one stop on the second housing part that is engageable with at least one opposing stop on the first housing part.
US07641393B2
A hub unit is fixed to a body's side in such a state that a lubricating ring member is held between a hub receiving surface which constitutes a step portion of a large-diameter portion and a vehicle inner side end face of an inner ring with at least either of an abutment surface of the lubricating ring member with the hub receiving surface and an abutment surface thereof with the vehicle inner end face of the inner ring made to constitute a lubricant holding surface which holds a lubricant, whereby the hub receiving surface and the vehicle inner side end face of the inner ring are made to easily slip relative to each other, thereby making it possible to prevent the generation of an abnormal noise between contact surfaces of the inner ring and the hub receiving surface of the axle.
US07641383B2
An apparatus and method for testing thermal switches is disclosed including modulating the temperature of a receiver in thermal contact with a thermal switch at a first rate within a range containing the nominal switch temperature of the thermal switch. A first temperature at which the switch changes state is recorded. The temperature is then modulated at a second rate and a second temperature at which the switch again changes state is recorded. The temperature may be modulated at a third rate slower than the second rate to determine a third temperature. The first, second, and third switch temperatures are then processed and output to an operator. The first, second, and third rates may be determined according to an exponentially decreasing function.
US07641382B2
In a deposited-film formation apparatus or process having the means or steps of evacuating the inside of an inside-evacuatable chamber through an evacuation piping by an evacuation means, feeding a material gas into the chamber while evacuating the inside of the chamber, and applying a high-frequency power to form a deposited film on a substrate disposed inside the chamber, a leak is detected on the basis of a measured value of a temperature sensor which detects the heat of reaction that is generated when the material gas fed into the chamber reacts with oxygen contained in air having entered from the outside, so as to be able to stop the material gas feeding.In deposited-film formation apparatus or processes making use of spontaneously ignitable gases, the leak can quickly be detected when air enters the chamber because of any unexpected accident such as a break of piping.
US07641370B2
A lighting apparatus for a vehicle cab or cabin, having a plurality of reading lights for a plurality of passenger seats. A number of the reading lights is at least equal to the number of passenger seats, and a mean distance between the reading lights is less than a shortest possible distance between the passenger seats.
US07641363B1
The present invention discloses an LED streetlight structure, which comprises: a heat-conduction pipe frame, an upper casing, a lower casing, a light concentration plate, and a transparent cover. The upper and lower casings are made of a plastic material and pivotally coupled to each other. The heat-conduction pipe frame has a heat-dissipation seat with main heat-dissipation fins. Two stabilizer boxes with fins are respectively arranged at two sides of the heat-dissipation seat. Heat-dissipation lamp sets insert through the bottom of the heat-dissipation seat. The present invention installs the main heat-dissipation fins on heat-conduction pipe frame and installs the fins on the stabilizer boxes to increase heat-dissipation area. Further, an auxiliary heat-dissipation ventilation device is arranged above the heat-conduction pipe frame and made of aluminum, and aluminum itself benefits heat dissipation. Furthermore, air can be compulsively conducted to the main heat-dissipation fins, then can enhance the dissipation effect.
US07641361B2
An example light emitting diode bulb assembly includes a base having a first end portion and a second end portion defining an axis, a plurality of first light emitting diodes secured adjacent a plurality of first base surfaces about the axis, and at least one second light emitting diode secured adjacent a second base surface of the first end portion, wherein the second base surface is transverse to the plurality of first base surfaces.
US07641354B1
An assembly that combines a flashlight with at least one secondary tool element. The flashlight has an elongated casing. At least one tool element is provided. The tool element is coupled to the elongated casing of the flashlight, wherein the tool element is capable of moving reciprocally with respect to the elongated casing between a retracted position and an extended position while remaining coupled to the casing. The tool element lays parallel to the central axis of the flashlight and protrudes beyond the front of the flashlight when in its extended position. A locking mechanism is provided for selectively locking the tool element into its extended position. As such, the tool element can be locked into an extended position in front of the flashlight or retracted back into a stored position along the casing of the flashlight.
US07641350B2
A fold mirror for a projection display system is designed to lessen a perceived variation in white color balance of light reflected across the mirror wherein the white light is comprised of sub-beams of orthogonal polarization states. The mirror comprises a metal reflective layer and a plurality of optically transparent layers, wherein thicknesses and materials of the optically transparent layers are such that wavelength-averaged reflectance for p-polarized incident green light varies by less than 1%, wavelength-averaged reflectance for s-polarized blue light varies by less than 1.5%, and wavelength-averaged reflectance for s-polarized red light varies by about 4% over a range of angles of incidence between 0 and 65 degrees.
US07641344B2
A device to determine the contrast sensitivity of an individual's visual system by means of a series of tests in a measurement session, comprising a means for producing real time digital images, corresponding to modulated visual stimuli; and a display means for presenting said images to an individual's eye, wherein said stimuli may be modulated around an average stimulus in any direction of the color space and may be configured in their spatial and temporal characteristics for each measurement session. Said stimuli are usually chosen in the cardinal directions of the color space and respond to a sinusoidal grid pattern with spatial and temporal modulation, and with a two dimensional gaussian envelope.
US07641343B1
The objective of the present method and apparatus is to provide a portable diagnosis system for a quick and reliable method to examine the conditions of a human eye-lens. The method provides precise and safe technique for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) which is not involved brain surgery or biopsy. The detection of deposited layers of amyloid plaque in the eyes of the patient has been discovered to be a possible diagnosis solution. The disclosed method uses terahertz waves instead of laser for scanning the eye of the AD patient to precisely image the amyloid layer non-evasively in real time and to map the deposited plaque with high resolution which can easily distinguish the abnormality of an AD patient with the comparison of the patient eye-lens test to the available signature of a normal person and the signature of a person with common age-related cataracts.
US07641323B2
The liquid ejection head includes an ejection port which ejects liquid onto an ejection receiving medium; a pressure chamber which applies pressure for ejection to the liquid to be ejected from the ejection port; and a plurality of pressure determination elements which are provided on at least one of wall faces constituting the pressure chamber and have characteristic different from each other.
US07641320B2
An ink jet head has a plurality of first ink chambers (3) front end portions of which open at an end surface (A) of the substrate and rear end portions of which are blocked, and a plurality of second ink chambers (4) front end portions of which open at an end surface (B) on the opposite side to the end surface (A) and rear end portions of which are blocked. Furthermore, this ink jet head has electrodes formed upon inner walls of the first ink chambers (3) and the second ink chambers (4), a first common ink chamber (6) formed between the rear end portions of the second ink chambers (4) and the end surface (A) and communicated with the first ink chambers (3), and a second common ink chamber (7) formed between the rear end portions of the first ink chambers (3) and the end surface (B) and communicated with the second ink chambers (4). And this ink jet head has a nozzle plate covering the first ink chambers (3) and the second ink chambers (4), and having nozzle holes formed to correspond to those ink chambers.
US07641318B2
The image forming apparatus comprises: a plurality of ejection ports through which liquid is ejected toward a prescribed recording medium; a plurality of pressure chambers which are respectively connected to the plurality of ejection ports; a plurality of first actuators which respectively change volume of the plurality of pressure chambers; a common liquid chamber which is connected to the plurality of pressure chambers; a second actuator which changes volume of the common liquid chamber; and a drive unit which supplies drive signals to the first actuators and the second actuator, such that the first actuators cause the volume of the pressure chambers to contract to eject the liquid through the ejection ports and subsequently to expand the volume of the pressure chambers, and causes the second actuator to contract the volume of the common liquid chamber after the volume of the pressure chambers has been expanded.
US07641315B2
A printhead is provided for an inkjet printer. The printhead includes a wafer assembly supporting rows of ink ejection nozzles. Each nozzle includes a nozzle structure defining a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with an ink ejection port. A cantilevered thermal actuator terminates in a free end over an ink supply channel. The thermal actuator includes a serpentine heater layer connected to a CMOS drive circuitry layer of the wafer assembly. The CMOS drive circuitry layer is configured to actuate the thermal actuator and reciprocate the actuator to eject ink in the nozzle chamber out through the ink ejection port.
US07641314B2
Provided is a micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangement for a printhead integrated circuit. The arrangement includes a nozzle chamber defined in a substrate with a roof that defines an ink ejection port. The nozzle arrangement further includes a paddle located inside the chamber below the ink ejection port, said paddle operatively ejecting ink from the chamber through the port. Also included is an actuator arm having a fixed end fixed to the substrate and a working end that is displaceable towards and away from the substrate upon receipt of a drive signal in the form of a current pulse emanating from a drive circuitry layer on the substrate. The arrangement further has a motion transmitting structure interconnecting the working end of the actuator arm and a proximal end of the paddle.
US07641304B2
A printhead maintenance system for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition is provided. The maintenance system comprises: (a) a printhead having an ink ejection face; (b) a foaming system for providing a liquid foam on the face; and (c) a foam transport assembly comprising: a transfer surface for receiving the foam or a collapsed foam from the face and a transport mechanism for feeding the transfer surface through a transfer zone and away from the printhead. The transfer zone is adjacent to and spaced apart from the face.
US07641298B2
A heat-insulated wall has two outer covering layers which are disposed at a distance from one another and are constructed at least substantially vacuum-tight. The two outer covering layers are connected to one another in a vacuum-tight manner by a connecting profile that runs along their contour and has a U-shaped cross section. The two outer covering layers together with the connecting profile enclose an intermediate space that can be evacuated and filled with an evacuable heat insulating material. At least one tubular bushing for cables or the like runs through the intermediate space. The bushing connects apertures to one another that are formed the spaced-apart outer covering layers. The tubular bushing is provided on its two end sections with a flange-shaped expanded and flattened region by which the bushing is fixed in a vacuum-tight manner on the mutually facing inner sides of the two outer covering layers.
US07641297B2
The present invention discloses a rack mountable to a computer cabinet without using a tool, and the rack includes a slide module and a latch element, and the slide module includes an adjusting element and a latch element. The latch element includes at least one hook extended horizontally and at least one protruding pillar proximate to the hook. During installation, the hook is latched into a positioning hole of the computer cabinet, and a turning member of the latch element is turned to extend the protruding pillar deep into the positioning hole, so that the hook will not be separated from the positioning hole when the protruding pillar is pressed. On the other hand, users simply need to return the turning member to its original position to separate the protruding pillar from the positioning hole, so as to disassemble the rack.
US07641270B2
In a car body frame member that couples a front side member and an extension member to each other, a portion thereof extending from a rear portion of the front side member to the extension member is formed as a bent portion that is smoothly curved and inclined downward. A side surface that is continuously extending from the bent portion to the front side member as a straight portion of the car body frame member is continuously formed with a reinforcing bead.
US07641267B2
A harness protecting structure is provided for a vehicular horn for a vehicle, in which the vehicle has a grille defining an air intake opening in a front part of the vehicle, a radiator located posterior to the grille, and the horn being disposed in front of the radiator and facing the opening of the grille. The grille is provided with a peripheral wall, the peripheral wall extending posterior to the lower and side edge of the grill, and a part of the peripheral wall extending across and anterior to a peripheral region of the horn so as to form a protective surface. The harness of the horn is laid from the outside of the region of the horn behind the protective surface.
US07641263B2
In the first variant, a designer set of elements is embodied in such a way that it makes it possible to shape different modifications of a passenger car body. The body is embodied such that it is splitable on a transversal plane. The element set consists of changeable front and rear elements. In the body split plane, the external surfaces of all front and rear elements have the same shapes and sizes. In the second variant, the body is splitable in two transversal planes. The body element set consists of changeable hood, cab and body rear part elements, wherein the external surfaces of the elements are smoothly mating with each other.
US07641251B1
A collapsible truck rack that can be assembled and disassembled easily without the use of tools. The rack can be stored in the interior periphery of the truck bed so as not to appreciable diminish the capacity of the truck bed for the placement therein of items to be transported. The rack does not increase the profile of the vehicle when in the collapsed position and therefore reduces drag during transport. An X-load is added to reduce shift of the load during turns. An optional brace can be bolted to the top surface of the periphery of the truck bad. An optional canvas cover can be used to cover the collapsed rack to secure and protect the rack when not in use.
US07641237B2
The seatbelt device includes: a current wound position detection unit; a driving state detection unit that detects a driving state of the vehicle to transmit a driving state detection signal; a driving state change determination unit that determines a driving state change status based on the driving state detection signal from the driving state detection unit to transmit a driving state change signal; a target wound position setting unit that sets a target wound position of the belt reel based on the current wound position detection signal and the driving state change signal; and a motor control unit that controls a current to be supplied to the motor so as to maintain a state in which the current wound position of the belt reel is equal to the target wound position in accordance with the driving state change signal.
US07641236B2
A high-rigidity, light-weight bottom structure for a vehicle body is disclosed. The structure comprises a rectangular framework and an X-shaped frame member positioned inside the rectangular framework. The framework in the vicinity of an area where front wheels or rear wheels are provided is formed by a triangular frame part.
US07641235B1
A transporting dolly attachable to a vehicle includes a metal frame having a base with a top surface and a bottom surface mounted on opposed peripheral side brackets, a peripheral front bracket and a peripheral rear bracket. A center support member and outer support members are secured to the bottom surface of the base. The center support member is integrally formed as a hitch connector to engage with a conventional trailer hitch receiver. The top surface of the base provides an area to carry cargo. Swivel jacks are mounted on the frame to allow the frame to be raised and lowered, and additionally provide means to move the dolly with an attached demountable handle.
US07641232B2
A gas generator (10) is provided including a housing (12). A gas generating composition (16) produces expanded gases upon activation of the inflator (10), thereby increasing the internal pressure and compressing the spring (50) operably coupled to the gas release member (40). As the spring (50) is compressed, at least one gas exit aperture (44), sealed prior to gas generator (10) activation, is opened as the gas release member (40) slidably engages an inner wall (11) of the housing (12). After gas generator (10) activation, the spring energy of the spring (50) gradually equalizes and then exceeds the gas pressure of the system gases, thereby once again attenuating the gas exit opening to maintain an optimum average system pressure as the gas is released from the housing (12).
US07641228B2
In at least one embodiment, an air bag system comprises an air bag having an impact surface which in a non-inflated state is arranged in a housing located below the upper edge of a windowsill of a vehicle door. In an inflated state, at least part of the impact surface is positioned above the windowsill. There is a supporting surface for the air bag below the upper edge of the windowsill. The air bag defines a main chamber and a supporting chamber. The impact surface forms part of the main chamber. The supporting chamber, in an inflated state, is situated between the main chamber and the supporting surface and is supported at least in part by the supporting surface.
US07641225B2
A motorcycle airbag module includes an inflatable airbag, which is deployed between the rider's seat and the steering handlebar of a motorcycle. First and second recessed portions are formed in the front face of the airbag, when in an inflated and deployed state. The first recessed portion extends in a longitudinal direction in the center part of the front face and the second recessed portion diverges and extends respectively to the right and left from the lower end of the first recessed portion arranged in the longitudinal direction. The front face of the airbag is sectioned by the first and second recessed portions to form right and left inflated portions as well as a lower inflated portion. The right and left inflated portions are positioned respectively on the right and left sides of the first recessed portion, and the lower inflated portion is positioned below the second recessed portions.
US07641221B2
An impact absorbing airbag module is disclosed. The module includes a chassis that holds an inflator, and is connected to a mounting system. The chassis includes a forward side wall, a first lateral side wall, a second lateral side wall, and a rear side wall. One of the side walls includes a deforming zone that includes a first angled portion and a second angled portion. In some cases, the deforming zone extends around the periphery of the chassis.
US07641218B2
A two-dimensional gas bag blank (10) has a first, a second, and a third side section (12, 14, 16). The first side section (12) is connected to the second side section (14) via a common side edge (18) forming a first edge fold line (18k), and the second side section (14) is connected to the third side section (16) via a common side edge (20) forming a second edge fold line (20k). A surface fold line (12s, 14s, 16s) extends on the surface of each section (12, 14, 16). The surface fold lines (12s, 14s, 16s) form an acute angle with the respective adjacent edge fold lines (18k, 20k).
US07641215B2
Gliding board equipment systems and individual components are disclosed herein. A gliding board equipment system of one embodiment includes a gliding board, a boot having an upper cuff and a lower boot, and a binding selectively attaching the boot to the gliding board. The upper cuff of the boot defines opposed slots, and a respective pin passes through each slot to couple the upper cuff to the lower boot and allow the upper cuff to move laterally relative to the lower boot.
US07641211B2
A transportation apparatus includes a backrest and leg support pivotably connected to a seat portion. The seat portion is slidably connected to first and second spaced apart slide rails. Each slide rail includes a plurality of telescoping members. At least one middle leg and at least one rear leg depends downwardly from the seat portion. At least one middle wheel is connected to the middle leg and at least one rear wheel is connected to the rear leg. The middle wheel and rear wheel define a middle and rear rotation axes, respectively. At least one front wheel is operatively connected to the leg support. The middle leg is movable to adjust the vertical position of the middle wheel, and the rear leg is movable to adjust the vertical position of the rear wheel. The plurality of telescoping members slide the seat portion in a substantially horizontal direction in relation to the rear rotation axis or the middle rotation axis.
US07641203B1
A multi-blade ice-skate footwear includes a foot-retaining section with a substantially planar bottom surface, a first blade adjustably connected to an anterior portion of the bottom surface, and second and third blades adjustably connected to a posterior portion of the bottom surface and spaced from the first blade respectively. The ice-skate footwear includes a mechanism for selectively biasing the first blade along a first reciprocating linear path while simultaneously biasing the second and third blades along second and third reciprocating linear paths respectively.
US07641200B2
Disclosed is a variable clearance packing ring arrangement including a packing ring, wherein the packing ring includes a sealing face. The variable clearance packing ring arrangement also includes an actuating arrangement internal to the packing ring.
US07641199B1
A basketball-like member is mounted on one end of a pendulum adapted to swing in an arc about a cylindrical bearing attached to a support extending from a discontinuity of a first side of a partially cylindrical hoop through which the basket-ball member is repetitively swung to score points. A handle on a second opposite side is grasped and the tethered ball manipulated to cause the repetitive arcuate travel through the hoop. A battery-powered counter keeps track of the number of baskets or points scored, at the preference of the player.
US07641194B2
A drum for conveying a sheet has a cohesive sheet-guiding surface provided at little effort or cost and includes a drum body, a jacket forming a circumferential surface and a device for fixing the jacket onto the drum body. The jacket is located above a gap formed in the drum body so as to extend parallel to a longitudinal axis. The device for fixing the jacket includes at least one tensioning body that acts on the jacket in the region of the gap and is adjustable in radial direction.
US07641180B2
A rail and supported panel assembly having first and second rail portions, each portion having a constant cross section defining an elongate recessed channel on an underside. Also included are a panel supported at a top edge, a post for supporting the rail portions, and a rail-to-post connection assembly located between the post and the rails. The connection assembly has a pair of partially overlapping arms movable with respect to each other about a pivot to accommodate a range of first and second rail portion alignment angles.
US07641172B2
An actuator installation bracket is provided for a water shutoff system including a water line, a shutoff valve having a stem, and an actuator. The actuator includes a housing having first and second ends, sides, and a pivotable actuating member. The actuator installation bracket includes a first mounting portion having first and second ends and a base portion extending therebetween. The base portion includes a number of apertures and receives the actuator. A second mounting portion extends outwardly from the base portion and is coupled to one of the water line and the shutoff valve, in order that the pivotable actuating member of the actuator is aligned with a corresponding one of the apertures of the base portion and with the stem of the shutoff valve. A key couples the pivotable actuating member to the shutoff valve stem to open and close the shutoff valve.
US07641166B2
A device assembly includes a device (20), a supporting member (30), and a positioning member (10). The device includes a bottom wall (21). The supporting member includes a main portion (32) to support the device. The positioning member includes a central portion (12) attached to the main portion of the supporting member, and a pair of positioning arms (14) attached to the bottom wall of the device.
US07641162B2
An adjustable support arm assembly includes a holder frame affixed to a support, a mounting frame for supporting an object, and a coupling structure coupled between the holder frame and the mounting frame. The coupling structure comprises a female coupling member, a male coupling member inserted into the female coupling member, a polygonal shaft with a peripherally toothed head inserted through the female coupling member and the male coupling member and movable between a locking position to lock the female coupling member to the male coupling member and an unlocking position for allowing turning of the female coupling member about the polygonal shaft relative to the male coupling member, and a compression spring that supports the polygonal shaft in the locking position.
US07641158B2
A portable intravenous stand comprising: (a) a base including a plurality of wheels; (b) a plurality of vertical supports extending from the base; (c) a plurality of cross-members mounted to the plurality of vertical supports to maintain the vertical supports in relative position to one another; and (d) an intravenous retainer loop mounted to at least one of the plurality of vertical supports.
US07641157B2
A beverage support apparatus has first elongate body having a first penetrator at a lower end capable of piercing the ground in a generally vertical manner. A first beverage support is provided on a raised end of the first elongate body. A handle may be disposed on the elongate body and/or be a single beverage support structure. A second elongate body may be spaced from, and arranged in parallel to, said first elongate body and may be structured similar to the first elongate body. A high-volume beverage container retaining member is slidably coupled between the first elongate body and second elongate body for vertical movement therealong, said beverage container retaining member having a retaining portion adapted to fit over a top of a beverage container and rest against an outer surface of the beverage container. The first or second elongate bodies may independently act as beverage holders.
US07641155B2
The invention relates to an arrangement for at least partially compensating a torque caused by gravitational forces acting on a mass body (2), which is rotatably supported on an axis of rotation (3). The arrangement includes a gas pressure spring (5) for providing a linear force. This linear force is transformed into a torque by means of a converter unit (7). The mass body (2) and the converter unit (7) can be coupled to each other in a way which allows for adjusting the amplitude and the phase of a compensating torque.
US07641147B2
An airplane wing has a lower wing cover, an upper wing cover and a wing spar. A first end portion of the wing spar is welded to the lower wing cover and/or a second end portion of the wing spar is welded to the upper wing cover.
US07641146B2
In one embodiment, an aircraft comprises a plurality of hoop frame support members and a landing gear enclosure comprising a curved surface. The plurality of support frame support members abut against and extend over the curved surface to provide support to the landing gear enclosure. In another embodiment, loads are transferred from a landing gear strut through a strut fitting, through at least one inner surface of the landing gear enclosure, through at least one outer surface of the landing gear enclosure, and into the plurality of hoop frame support members.
US07641139B2
A quick acting clutch, the quick acting clutch comprising: a friction plate; a clutch plate movably mounted to the friction plate about a center of rotation of the friction plate and the clutch plate, the clutch plate being configured to rotate with respect to the friction plate; an actuator arm pivotally mounted to at least one of the friction plate or the clutch plate, the actuator arm being configured to amplify movement of a first end of the actuator arm and rotational movement of the friction plate relative to the clutch plate moves the first end of the actuator arm; and a lock pawl pivotally mounted to the clutch plate for movement between a locking position and an unlocking position, the lock pawl and a second end of the actuator arm each being configured to contact each other and rotational movement of the friction plate with respect to the clutch plate causes movement of the first end to be amplified at the second end such that the second end of the actuator arm and the actuator arm contacts the lock pawl and the lock pawl is moved from the locking position to the unlocking position.
US07641133B2
The invention relates to a cleaning lance with a nozzle tube (1), on whose outlet-side end there is a discharge nozzle (2), which can be switched by means of a switching mechanism between a high-pressure position and a low-pressure position. In order to be able to perform both the foam application and also the high-pressure wash with such a cleaning lance, without requiring manual switching of the operating function on the cleaning lance itself, it is provided that the nozzle tube (1) has an air inlet (3), which can be closed with a valve (4), wherein the valve function is coupled to the switching mechanism of the discharge nozzle (2), such that the valve (4) closes the air inlet (3) when the discharge nozzle (2) switches from its low-pressure position into its high-pressure position.
US07641124B2
A Q-Chip MEMS magnetic device comprises a thin-film electronic circuit for implantation in the Track-2 area of a magnetic stripe on the back of a credit card. The Q-Chip MEMS magnetic device periodically self-generates new sub-sets of magnetic data that are to be read in combination with other magnetic data that is permanently recorded in the surrounding surface of the magnetic stripe. A collocated battery and microcontroller provide operating power and new data for magnetic bit updates. A swipe sensor triggers such updates by sensing electrical contact with a legacy card reader. Several thin-film coils of wire are wound end-to-end around a common, flat, ferrous core. These are driven by the microcontroller. In one instance, such core comprises “hard” magnetic material with a coercivity of 200-300 Oersteds. Magnetic data written from the corresponding adjacent coils will persist for later readings by a legacy card reader. In another instance, the core comprises “soft” magnetic material with a coercivity of about one Oersted. A media stripe of “hard” magnetic film material overlays respective coils to receive magnetic data transfers. Magnetic data written from the corresponding adjacent coils will persist in the overlaying hard media for later readings by a legacy card reader. In a data input mode, the thin-film coils can be used as readers to provide updates and new programming to the microcontroller.
US07641122B2
To provide a technology for making it possible to control enable/disable of an IC card function provided in a mobile device. A mobile device including an IC card unit for executing an IC card function, and a communication unit for carrying out communication through a radio telephone line detects a voltage of a battery unit for supplying an electric power to each of the IC card unit and the communication unit, judges whether or not the IC card function can be used in accordance with the detected voltage value, and issues an enable/disable instruction to the IC card unit in accordance with the Judgment results.
US07641118B2
In order to greatly simplify the electronics of devices utilizing memory cards, a new type of interface specification is presented which is called DPXD for a “Dual Ported eXtended Digital” memory card. The DPXD interface specification comprises an electrical 5 signal set definition based upon a new dual USB concept call Dual Ported USB or DPUSB, a mechanical and electrical definition for a memory card socket, an associated memory card signal and mechanical specification for a memory card, and a mechanical definition for cables compatible with the DPXD socket.
US07641107B1
An automated banking machine includes a card reader operative to read data from user cards and to use the data read by the card reader in operation of the machine. Status messages are received from automated banking machines operating in a network. The messages are received by an event management system operating at least one computer in operative connection with a data store. The data store includes information representative of the banking machines in the network, status messages generated by the banking machines and actions to be taken including entities to be notified of conditions which cause status messages to be sent by the various banking machines.
US07641106B1
A cash dispensing automated banking machine activated responsive to user cards includes a secure enclosure. The secure enclosure includes a chest portion and a moveable door. The door has mounted thereon a locking bolt work mechanism which is operative to selectively secure the door in a closed position. The door is mounted to the chest through hinge assembles that enable the door to be selectively adjusted in up-down and right-left directions. The chest door includes dead bolt portions at the hinge side that resist separation of the door from the chest if the hinge is compromised.
US07641103B1
A wall mounted log chute for holding and transferring fire wood through a wall of a dwelling is disclosed. The chute is mounted within the confines of the wall of a dwelling and having an outside and an inside position. In the outside position the chute is capable of receiving fire wood and other materials. These other materials include but are not limited to coal, feed, bio fuels and household refuse. The chute is capable of material transfer of any nature. When the desired amount of wood or other material is arrived at the chute is mechanically or manually operable from the outside position to the inside position. The reverse operation is also true. The chute is capable of holding the wood in the inside position and a storing facility or can be emptied to repeat the process. One embodiment allows the chute to be controlled from the first position to the second position by a hydraulic arm and an electrical switch.
US07641101B2
A cooling system assembly method including: providing a support fixture having a multi-level support surface and multiple positioning dowels extending therefrom; positioning multiple liquid-cooled cold plates on the support surface employing the multiple dowels, the dowels providing relative positioning and alignment of the cold plates for facilitating subsequent coupling thereof to electronic components to be cooled; sealing multiple coolant-carrying tubes in fluid communication with the cold plates; and sealing a header subassembly to the coolant-carrying tubes to provide an assembled liquid-based cooling system. In operation, the support fixture facilitates shipping of the assembled cooling system by maintaining the components in fixed relation. A transfer fixture is employed in removing the cooling system from the support fixture and placing the cooling system in engagement with the electronics system. The transfer fixture includes multiple clips engaging and holding components of cooling system in fixed relation when removed from the support fixture.
US07641100B2
A method and apparatus for cold forming a battery terminal having a base and an insert. The insert includes a first portion encapsulated within the base and a second portion that extends beyond a first side of the base.
US07641095B2
An articulating surgical instrument is provided including a handle, an articulating portion extending distally of the handle and an end effector positioned on a distal end of the articulating portion. A flexible drive band is provided for movement through the articulating portion and end effector. The flexible drive band includes a first portion having a first height and the second portion having a second height greater than the first height. The difference in heights being sufficient to eject staples from a body portion of the end effector into an anvil member of the end effector. An actuation mechanism is provided for drawing the flexible drive band through the articulating surgical instrument.
US07641090B2
A quick-releasable nail output nozzle for a nail gun includes a nozzle base, which is affixed to a nail outlet port of a nail magazine and has a nail output groove on the front side for guiding out a bar of nails, two side wings, and two hooks spaced below the side wings. A nozzle cover is covered on the front side of the nozzle base and has two flanges with protruding blocks respectively hooked on the back side of the side wings of the nozzle base. A locking lever is pivoted to the nozzle cover. A hook rod is pivoted to the locking lever for hooking up with the hooks of the nozzle base by means of the control of the locking lever.
US07641087B2
A dispensing device for adhesive tape has a flat cylindrical base member with a coaxial axle element inside for the mounting of a roll of adhesive tape. A slit is provided along the wall of the cylindrical base member through which the tape is pulled out. On a section of the wall adjacent to the slit, a curved rectangular buckle is hinged to the wall, which can be flipped away from the slit to be held at an appropriate included angle with the wall. A cutting blade is provided along the outer edge of the buckle for cutting the tape while the end of the remaining tape is automatically adhered to the edge of the buckle. When the buckle is closed to the wall, the exposed segment of the tape is folded between the buckle and the section of wall.
US07641085B2
An umbrella support device includes a halter strap formed as a loop having a connection point formed thereon for attachment to a belt, an umbrella cup attached to the halter strap proximate to the connection point for receiving an umbrella handle therein, and an umbrella stabilizer attached to the halter strap at a point furthest from the umbrella cup for accommodating an umbrella pole therethrough. A method of donning the umbrella support device includes placing the halter strap over a user's first shoulder, placing the halter strap over the user's second shoulder, such that the halter strap extends behind the user's neck, in front of the user's shoulders, under the user's arms and across the user's back, and orienting the halter strap such that the umbrella cup is approximately centered across the user's back and the umbrella stabilizer is approximately centered behind the user's neck.
US07641066B2
A collapsible container with latches provides a more consistent knockdown force in more situations. At least one of the engaging surfaces of the latch is curved outwardly toward the other engaging surface. This provides substantially tangential contact between the surfaces, even when the wall is deformed slightly by the knockdown force. The tangential contact provides consistent frictional force resisting the knockdown force.
US07641064B2
A child-resistant package includes a container having a finish with at least one external thread, at least one axial lug on a shoulder spaced from the thread and an external abutment on the finish adjacent to the lug. A closure of integrally molded plastic construction includes a base wall, a peripheral outer wall, and an inner wall spaced from the outer wall and having at least one internal thread for securement to the container finish. The outer wall has diametrically opposed gaps, and the inner wall extends axially in radial alignment with the gaps for circumferential abutment with the at least one lug on the container. The inner wall is flexible inwardly for clearing the lug between the lug and the external abutment, and for permitting removal of the closure from the container finish. The external abutment preferably is in the form of an external bead that extends circumferentially around the finish in alignment with an edge of the lug.
US07641061B1
A retail display system for increasing density of merchandising of products, by using the otherwise unused space of existing display configurations. A hanger display configuration, which may hold vertical strip displays, is installed in such a manner as to adapt to a diverse range of product packaging and shelving fixture types, efficiently provide signage, pricing and scanning information, and to reduce theft. The hanger display configuration can be manufactured for a specific product and specific quantity of such product. Faceplates have clamps on the rear face for clamping the faceplates to seldom-used non-shelve portions of the rack display and other store fixtures, such as bars, stanchions, corners, etc.
US07641048B1
A toolbox assembly includes a toolbox casing and at least one auxiliary plate. The toolbox casing has at least one surface recess including a mounting segment defined in a front face and a fixing segment defined in a side face. The mounting segment has at least one slot. The at least one auxiliary plate has a first portion corresponding to the mounting segment and a second portion corresponding to the fixing segment. The first portion has at least one flange extended from an outer peripheral thereof and corresponding to the at least one slot. The at least one flange engages with the at least one slot. The first and second portion respectively and tightly fit within the mounting and fixing segment for protecting the toolbox assembly.
US07641046B2
Combination case for providing a versatile protective case for a handheld device, such as a PDA. The combination case has a rigid inner shell that attaches to an outer shell with a mounting plate. The handheld device is inserted into the rigid inner shell, which is then attached to the rear panel of the outer shell. The rigid inner shell is a three-sided shell that holds the handheld device and allows free access to the LCD display and operational components on the device when the outer shell is open. A soft inner shell may be used instead of the rigid inner shell. This soft inner shell attaches to the outer shell with the mounting plate and provides a water-resistant enclosure for the device.
US07641042B2
An inverted coil brush assembly is particularly useful for the cleaning of a chain or belt and the like as a hand tool or part of an apparatus through which the chain or belt moves. The inverted coil brush assembly has an open coil structure with a long lead and can easily be threaded on and removed from a belt or chain. The tool is sufficiently flexible that the axial hole (ID) through its center can be enlarged or contracted by axial elongation or compression of the tool. The tool and its method of application and use enable it to be used as a hand tool or as a component in a transmission for example. It may be adjusted manually or automatically. The tool preferably has a lead or space between adjacent coils of from about ¼ to 2 times or more the outside diameter (OD) of the coil. The OD to ID ratio may vary from our 2:1 to about 7:1. A preferred ratio is about 3:1.
US07641040B2
A textile separating apparatus may include a textile collection area for supporting the pile of textile items, and a transport mechanism having an inclined face intersecting the pile of textile items. One or more pick members may project from the face of the transport mechanism, and may successively separate and carry individual textile items from the pile of textile items towards a textile receiving area.
US07641037B2
A bill handling apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention has a bill insertion slot into which a bill is inserted, a bill feeding mechanism for feeding the bill inserted from the bill insertion slot, a sensor for reading the fed bill, and a bill identifying section for identifying authentication of the bill read by the sensor, a sensor board on which the sensor is installed, and a control board for controlling each operation of the bill feeding mechanism, the sensor and the bill identifying section. The bill handling apparatus further has a first connector installed on the sensor board, and a second connector installed on the control board, and the first connector and the second connector are fitted with each other for electrical continuity.
US07641034B2
A chute system for conveying articles, preferably documents, from an upper to a lower elevation in a building. The system includes a vertical post, an outer wall that is concentric therewith, and a helical chute wound around the post. The chute is secured at an inner edge to the post and at an outer edge to the wall. The chute comprises a plurality of chute segments secured together in stepped relationship to each other. Each chute segment has a triangular upper wall disposed at a first angle to the post and sloping downwardly toward the outer wall. The upper wall is simultaneously disposed at a second angle to the horizontal and slopes generally downwardly toward a lower end of the post. Each chute segment further includes a first flange extending upwardly from the upper wall and a second flange extending downwardly from the upper wall. Adjacent chute segments are secured together by welding the second flange of a first chute segment to the first flange of a second chute segment.
US07641019B2
A ground engaging vehicle having a frame, a power unit connected to the frame, at least one ground traction device, a power transfer device directing power from the power unit to the at least one ground traction device. The control system controls the power transfer device. An input device accepts commands from an operator and provides a signal to the control system. The input device includes a first bracket, a second bracket pivotally connected to the first bracket and a joystick device connected to the first bracket.
US07641009B2
Upon incompletion of abnormality detection of an air-fuel ratio sensor provided in an exhaust pipe of an engine during operation of the engine (steps S310 and S320), when the state of charge SOC of a battery is lower than a preset reference charge level Sref or when the accelerator opening Acc is not less than a preset reference opening Aref (steps S330 and S340), the abnormality detection is not performed (step S350). When the state of charge SOC of the battery is not lower than the preset reference charge level Sref and when the accelerator opening Acc is less than the preset reference opening Aref (steps S330 and S340), the abnormality detection is performed to identify abnormality or normality of the air-fuel ratio sensor based on an air fuel ratio AF output from the air-fuel ratio sensor (steps S360 to S420). The drive control cuts off a fuel supply to the engine, controls a motor to enable motoring of the engine, and ensures output of a torque demand to a driveshaft, while the abnormality detection is performed.
US07640994B2
A soil aeration device may include a plurality of arcuate blades mounted to an assembly adapted to rotate and translate the blades proximate a ground surface, thereby forming aeration pockets in the soil. In certain embodiments, the arcuate tines penetrate and fracture the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket deposited on the top of the soil. In various embodiments, a planetary gear assembly imparts to the tine a translational and rotational movement which creates a fractured pocket in the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket and deposited on the surface of the soil. In still other embodiments, the arcuate tine may have mounted thereon a coring tube that cuts and removes a plug from the pocket formed in the soil.
US07640991B2
The present invention provides a ball seat apparatus for actuating a downhole component. The ball drop apparatus comprises a plurality of ball seat bores and at least one passage extending therethrough.
US07640990B2
A flow control valve for use inside a wellbore. In one implementation, the flow control valve may include a housing, a chamber disposed inside the housing and an entry port disposed at a first end of the chamber. The entry port may be configured to allow fluid to enter into the chamber. The flow control valve may further include an exit port disposed at a second end of the chamber. The second end may be opposite of the first end and the exit port is configured to allow fluid to flow out of the chamber. The flow control valve may further include a check valve assembly disposed between the entry port and the exit port. The check valve may be configured to allow fluid to flow from the entry port to the exit port and to prevent fluid to flow from the exit port to the entry port.
US07640988B2
A method and apparatus for treating a subterranean section surrounding a wellbore with a fluid. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a three-dimensional tubular element capable of fluid flow in a wellbore with at least one burst disk with a pre-determined pressure rating positioned at a desired location on the tubular wherein the burst disk ruptures at the pre-determined pressure at the desired location on the tubular in the wellbore. The method provides the ability to choose the order in which the subterranean interval sections surrounding a wellbore are treated with fluid.
US07640980B2
A process may include providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of a subsurface formation. Heat may transfer from one or more heaters to a part of a formation. In some embodiments, heat from the one or more heat sources may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons in a part of a subsurface formation. Hydrocarbons and/or other products may be produced from a subsurface formation. Certain embodiments describe apparatus, methods, and/or processes used in treating a subsurface or hydrocarbon containing formation.
US07640975B2
Flow control for increased permeability planes in unconsolidated formations. A well system includes a casing expansion device interconnected in a casing string for initiating an inclusion propagated into a formation surrounding the casing string. The device has at least one opening in a sidewall for fluid communication between the inclusion and an interior of the casing string. A flow control device is retrievably installed in the expansion device and controls flow between the formation and an interior of the casing string. A method of controlling flow of fluid between a formation and an interior of a casing string includes the steps of interconnecting a casing expansion device in the casing string; expanding the device to thereby initiate propagation of an inclusion into the formation; and installing a flow control device in the expansion device to thereby control flow between the inclusion and the casing string interior.
US07640971B2
A heat exchanger manifold with improved sealing between the tank and header. The manifold includes a plastic heat exchanger tank having an opening for mating with a header and a lip extending substantially around a periphery of the opening. The lip has an outer surface and an upper surface extending outward of the tank opening, and a ridge extending upward from a portion of the upper surface extending substantially around the tank. The manifold further includes an aluminum heat exchanger header adapted to connect to a heat exchanger core. The header has a groove around the periphery thereof receiving the tank lip and a plurality of plastically deformable tabs extending from an edge of the groove. The tabs are bent inward and contact the ridge on the tank lip to secure the tank to the header.
US07640965B2
A method is provided of in-situ casting well equipment wherein a metal is used which expands upon solidification. A body of such metal is placed in a cavity in a well. Before or after placing the metal in the cavity in the well, the body is brought at a temperature above the melting point of the metal. The metal of the body in the cavity is solidified by cooling it down to below the melting point of the metal.
US07640964B2
Magnetic tilt and raise/lower mechanisms for a venetian blind disposed between the glass panes of a multi-pane window are disclosed. The magnetic mechanisms act on tilt lines and a raise/lower line coupled to the venetian blind. An inner follower carriage is magnetically coupled to an external carriage moveable over one of the glass panes. Movement of the external carriage imparts movement of the follower carriage, which in turn actuates the tilt or raise/lower lines, causing the venetian blind to move. The inner follower carriage and the external carriage include at least one magnet assembly mounted on at least one wheel set to facilitate movement of the carriages over the glass panes as well as to reduce the force required to raise or lower the venetian blind. A multiplier is employed to reduce the stroke length required to raise or lower the venetian blind. Further, a clutch coupling an external slider to the external carriage is provided and to disconnect the slider from the external carriage upon the application of a force exceeding a threshold level.
US07640958B2
A pneumatic tire (10) according to the present invention includes a first side reinforcement layer (110) and a second side reinforcement layer (120). The first side reinforcement layer (110) has a plurality of reinforcement cords (110s), and the second side reinforcement layer (120) has a plurality of reinforcement cords (120s) each crossing the reinforcement cords (110s). Additionally, an inclination angle of each of the reinforcement cords (110s) and the reinforcement cords (120s) with respect to a circumferential line extending in a circumferential direction of the pneumatic tire (10) is 5 to 30 degrees. According to the pneumatic tire (10), high speed durability thereof can be further enhanced without reducing wear life of a shoulder portion thereof.
US07640955B2
An apparatus for use in splitting and cutting wood is provided, including a frame having a log support for holding a log to be split and cut, a vertically extending frame for holding a removable wedge or axe head connected to a manually operable drive means for engaging the wedge on an upper portion of a log for cutting and splitting the log.
US07640950B2
A collapse tolerant flexible pipe and method of manufacturing same according to which an inner tubular layer is provided within an outer tubular layer in a coaxial relationship thereto. The inner layer maintains the maximum allowable strain on the outer layer below a value that will cause damage to the outer layer when the pipe collapses.
US07640949B2
The invention provides a plug for sealing an end of a duct. The plug includes a sealing member for sealing against an interior surface of the duct, and gripping means having one or more teeth for gripping the interior surface of the duct. The plug may include a pair of opposed camming surfaces arranged for relative axial movement therebetween whereby the relative axial movement results in the teeth of the gripping means being urged radially outwardly into gripping engagement with the interior surface of the duct.
US07640942B2
An air-permeable simple car cover tent is formed by covering a cover onto a plurality of supports and a base. One end of the cover is provided with a falling part, two holes, and at least an air window. The top of the falling part is connected with the cover. The base is provided with a first and a second lateral plate that are parallel to each other and connected to the bottoms of a first and a second support legs and each support, so that each support is movable on the base. The tops of the first and the second support legs are inserted into the holes of the cover and connected to the bottom of the falling part to prop the falling part open and air can flow through the cover.
US07640941B2
A brush and roller cleaner includes a hollow canister to receive a spray wand. A control knob pivots with respect to the canister to direct pressurized liquid from apertures of the spray wand. A top cap assembly mates with the canister in one of two positions, 180 degrees offset from one another. The top cap assembly has a tool holding assembly that is capable of holding a paint tool or roller. The tool holding assembly rotates in response to the liquid output from the spray wand apertures. The top cap assembly is capable of holding a roller in a first or second position. The roller rotates within the canister in response to the liquid output from the spray wand apertures to clean the roller cover. A handle for the cleaner supports a roller frame clip for holding the roller in a first or second position.
US07640940B2
A drive unit for dish washing machines includes a flow channel housing, a filter housing and an arm holder, which are thermally fused to one another to form an integral unit. Consequently, assembly of the drive unit is simplified, leakage of wash water is prevented, and pumping performance is increased. Also, the flow channel housing, the filter housing and the arm holder are concurrently fixed to a pump housing of the drive unit by fixing members. Consequently, the assembly process of the drive unit is simplified, and the coupling force between the components of the drive unit is increased.
US07640937B1
An artificial nail removal container for containing a solvent to loosen artificial nails from a hand includes a bag receiving a solvent and a hand with artificial nails thereon to allow the artificial nails to soak in the solvent and loosen the artificial nails from the hand. The bag includes a peripheral wall defining an interior space of the bag. The interior space receives the solvent and the hand. Each of a pair of complimentary fasteners is coupled to an interior surface of the peripheral wall. One of the complimentary fasteners is complimentary to the other one of the complimentary fasteners to selectively close the bag. A constriction band is coupled to the peripheral wall and positioned adjacent to the complimentary fasteners. The constriction band constricts around a wrist to inhibit odors from the solvent exiting the interior space when the hand is positioned in the interior space.
US07640935B2
Cigarette filters are supplied to the infeed portion (1) of a filter tip attachment machine by a unit (2) comprising rollers (11) which divert the filters (3) into an upstream hopper (8), and a channel (9) carrying the filters (3) from the upstream hopper (8) to a downstream hopper (4) where they are released to the infeed portion (1) of the machine. Located between the infeed rollers (11) and the feed channel (9) is a variable volume storage buffer (16) with a movable wall (28) attached to the top branch (23) of a conveyor belt (24); the Belt is driven by a motor (27) interlocked to sensors (31) which monitor and control the level of the mass of filters (3) occupying the upstream hopper (8), so that the size and capacity of the buffer (16) can be adjusted to accommodate fluctuations in the flow of filters through the hopper (8).
US07640916B2
An economical method for controlling a lift pump operating as part of a direct injection fuel system is described. According to the method, the lift pump is operated at efficient operating conditions and then stopped until additional fuel is requested.
US07640913B2
Fuel management system for operation of a spark ignition engine. The system includes a source of gasoline and a source of anti-knock fuel. A proportioning valve receives the gasoline and the anti-knock fuel to discharge a mixture having a controlled gasoline/anti-knock fuel ratio. A single high pressure pump receives the mixture and delivers the mixture to an injector. A fuel management control system controls the proportioning valve and the injector for injection of the mixture into a cylinder of the engine to control knock. A preferred anti-knock fuel is ethanol.
US07640912B2
A method for operating an engine having a first injector for injecting a first fuel into a cylinder of the engine and a second injector for injection a second fuel into said cylinder of the engine, the engine further having at least an exhaust gas oxygen sensor, the method comprising of varying an amount of said first fuel injection in response to said sensor under a first operating condition, and varying an amount of said second fuel injection in response to said sensor under a second operating condition.
US07640907B2
A variable valve timing mechanism 9 includes an electric motor 10 coupled to an intake camshaft 7. A plurality of rotation sensors 18 to 20 are located about the rotor 17 of the electric motor 10. Each of the sensors 18 to 20 outputs a signal corresponding to induced voltage generated by rotation of the rotor 17. Based on the signals form the rotation sensors 18 to 20, reverse rotation of an engine is detected. A counter C is decremented every time a crank signal is output after the occurrence of reverse rotation is detected. Further, a subtraction value Y is computed that corresponds to a discrepancy between the counter C and the actual crank angle caused by a discrepancy between the actual point in time of the occurrence of reverse rotation and the point in time of the detection of the reverse rotation. The counter C is reduced by the subtraction value Y. As a result, reverse direction of the engine is readily detected without providing a dedicated sensor, and the counter is reliably caused to correspond to the actual crank angle.
US07640901B2
An engine intake control apparatus for an engine that comprises at least one combustion chamber operatively connected to an intake port and an intake valve associated with each intake port, wherein the intake valve is adapted to open and close the intake port is disclosed herein. The intake control apparatus comprises a variable valve operating mechanism and a controller. The variable valve operating mechanism is configured and arranged to selectively change a valve closing timing and a valve lift amount of the intake valve. The controller is configured and arranged to control the variable valve operating mechanism when the engine is in a low load condition. The valve closing timing is determined such that an actual compression ratio of the engine is reduced relative to the actual compression ratio when the engine is operating in a high load condition. The valve lift amount is smaller when the engine is in the low load condition relative to the valve lift amount when the engine is in the high load condition. A method for controller an engine is also disclosed.
US07640897B2
A method of cooling a radiator in an internal combustion engine wherein a plurality of fan assemblies is provided. Specifically, each fan assembly has a housing with an interior containing a fan blade and an exterior having six sides to form a hexagonal perimeter. The fan assemblies are then arranged side by side to form a cluster of fan assemblies in order to maximize the amount of fan assemblies that may be provided on an enclosure. The cluster of fan assemblies is then placed adjacent to a radiator to control the air flow over the radiator in order to cool the engine.
US07640893B2
A grooming tool which includes a number of latex surgical tubing pieces generally arranged in parallel to one another, and anchored together at corresponding opposite ends. A handle provides for a user to draw the plurality of latex surgical tubing pieces across an animal for grooming.
US07640892B2
A detection device for the quick of an animal claw incorporates a sensor device and scan system technology into a hand-held device that locates the location for a proper cut, avoiding cutting the quick and avoiding pain to the animal. The scan system technology may include a light sensor, an infrared sensor, a laser sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or an intensity transducer. A control circuit determines the position status of the device and applies a mark on the claw to designate a position that is safe to clip in order to avoid the quick of the claw.
US07640886B2
The disk lubricant tank of the present invention includes a lubricant bath cover device that resides on the lubricant bath surface to suppress surface waves. The bath cover includes a plurality of finger-like projecting members that define a plurality of disk passage slots therebetween. A plurality of disks are disposed upon a disk holding mandrel and are lowered into the lubricant bath. Each disk passes through a separate disk passage slot during the dipping process. The finger-like projections reside on the bath surface between the disk to suppress surface waves that would otherwise impinge upon side surfaces of the disk, leading to lubricant overcoat areas upon the side surfaces of the disk. Therefore, hard disks of the present invention are formed with a more uniform lubricant coating wherein unwanted lubricant overcoat areas formed by surface waves in the lubricant bath are suppressed.
US07640884B2
A direction indicator device captured between couplers of ends of firehose sections that point to the source of the firehose and to safety. The direction indicator device includes a gasket-like annular body which fits over the male threads of the male coupler and is captured between annular ends of the abutting male and female coupler bodies. Direction pointing fingers, integral with the annular body, point toward the hose section to which the male coupler is attached and are angularly oriented to fit between longitudinal lugs of the male coupler. A lip is provided on an inwardly facing surface at each finger tip to hinder removal and to prevent inadvertent removal of the device from the male coupler body.
US07640882B2
An apparatus for attaching a boat cover to a boat is disclosed. The apparatus includes an elongated member defining a first leg and a second leg. A plurality of notches are defined in the first leg of the elongated member. A flexible cover is affixed to the second leg of the elongated member along at least one edge. A guide is affixable to a deck of a boat. The guide defines at least one securement groove therein. The securement groove accepts the second leg of the elongated member therein.
US07640880B2
An automatic sewing device (1), particularly for hosiery knitting machines, characterized in that it comprises a supporting arm (2, 3, 4) for an oscillating means (7, 8), which comprises at least one first oscillating assembly (7), constituted by a semicircular ring, and at least one second oscillating assembly (8), constituted by a second semicircular ring, a means (11, 12) for actuating the oscillating assemblies which is suitable to produce at least one open position, in which the oscillating assemblies substantially form a ring which has the same size as the needle cylinder (24) from which it picks up a hosiery item at the end of the knitting process, and at least one closed position, in which the oscillating assemblies close the hosiery item in a semicircular arrangement, ready to be sewn, in a sewing station, the support being movable from at least one position for gripping the hosiery item from the needle cylinder to at least one position for applying the hosiery item to the sewing station.
US07640873B2
A system for distributing seeds is configured to be transported by an agricultural vehicle along a direction of travel. The system includes a main frame extending along the direction of travel, a first wing frame extending from a first side of the main frame in a first direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel, and a second wing frame extending from a second side of the main frame in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel. The system further includes at least one row unit arranged on the first side of the main frame and supported by the first wing frame, at least one row unit arranged on the second side of the main frame and supported by the second wing frame, a first seed reservoir arranged on the first side of the main frame, and a second seed reservoir arranged on the second side of the main frame. A first seed delivery hose assembly system connects the first seed reservoir to the at least one row unit arranged on the second side of the main frame, and a second seed delivery hose assembly system connects the second seed reservoir to the at least one row unit arranged on the first side of the main frame.
US07640869B2
A height-adjustable folding desk includes a desktop and a leg-support connected to the lower surface of the desk. The leg support includes a first “” shaped rod and a second “” shaped rod. The two supporting-foot of the first “” shaped rod are rotationally cross-connected with the two corresponding supporting feet of the second “” shaped rod respectively. The horizontal rod of the first “” shaped rod is pivotally connected with an end of the lower surface of the desktop, and the other end of the lower surface of the desktop is fixed with an adjustable equipment, the lower surface of the adjustable equipment comprises grooves which may contain the horizontal rod of the second “” shape rod. The height of the folding table can be achieved by adjusting the position of the horizontal rod of the second “” shaped rod.
US07640868B2
A stand for a stereo speaker. The stand comprises a support and a plurality of isolating and polarizing assemblies that engage the support and allow movement of the speaker relative to the support in one direction more than in another direction and to isolate that movement relative to the floor surface upon which the support rests. Preferably, the stand also includes a shelf and a plurality of rods that engage the assemblies and connect the shelf to the support. A first assembly engages a first end of each rod with the shelf and a second assembly engages the second end of each rod with the support. The assemblies are configured to permit more movement of the rods in a first horizontal direction than in a second horizontal direction. Thus, the assemblies allow the shelf to move back and forth in the first horizontal direction in response to vibrations in the speaker and air movement adjacent the same. The stand also includes a mechanism for adjusting the inclination of the shelf relative to the support so as to allow sound emitted therefrom to be directed in a particular direction.
US07640860B1
A projectile is provided, in accordance with the present invention that includes a gas seal, an absorption zone, a core material containment area, a mass of material within the containment area and an actuator member. The containment area is characterized by the ability to peel back upon itself on impact, thereby releasing the mass of core particles after impact. The actuator, is releasably fixed to the hull open end, and has a stem member that projecting into the mass of material. Prior to initial impact the actuator maintains the core material within the containment area hull and, up initial impact, the actuator is continues to be propelled forward, along with the core material.
US07640858B1
The present invention relates to a flare pellet assembly for generating visual and/or infrared energy output, and to methods of making and using the same. The flare pellet assembly generally includes a stack of flare pellets, the individual pellets of which may exhibit an at least generally tapering geometry. These flare pellets may be stacked in a manner that substantially prevents motion of one flare pellet relative to another flare pellet. This stacked arrangement of the flare pellets, along with one or more grooves that may be defined in and/or between adjacent flare pellets, may be said to at least generally enable the resultant flare pellet assembly to provide one or both infrared and visual energy output that reaches desired countermeasure energy output specifications without sacrificing structural integrity of the flare pellet assembly.
US07640848B1
A cooking apparatus enables a user to cook bu boiling, steaming or frying food items. The apparatus includes a burner having a base that is specially shaped to cradle a pot. The pot has a valved flowline that enables the user to drain any fluid that was used for cooking (eg. water, oil, seasoned water, stock, etc.). An upper section above the support surface of the burner for engaging the sidewall of the pot should the pot be tipped inadvertently. The burner includes upper members that are supported above the bottom of the pot and a lower member that engages an underlying supporting surface. The upper pot support members include a ring with a bent, U-shaped section that extends on opposite sides of and under the valved drain flowline. The burner frame can have a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially extending legs. Radial and circumferentially spaced struts define part of the frame and are shaped and cradle the bottom of the pot and its sidewall respectively.
US07640838B2
A planar saw blade having an outer cutting edge with a plurality of saw teeth also includes sets of secondary teeth placed in cutout portions within the body of the saw blade. The secondary tooth sets provide portions within the body of the saw blade that provide additional cutting action that reinforces the primary outer cutting edge of the blade, and include deep gullets that aid in the removal of sawdust and debris.
US07640823B2
A bimodal shifter assembly provides a radically simplified mechanical arrangement for movement of the shifter in each of two modes along distinct shift paths.
US07640822B2
A resin worm wheel is formed by injection molding and includes a first end and a second end. The worm wheel is adapted to be driven by a worm. The worm wheel further includes: an engaging portion including a plurality of teeth engageable with the worm and a tooth space formed between the neighboring teeth; a first non-engaging portion adjacent to the engaging portion at the first end of the worm wheel and not engaging with the worm; and a first cutout portion formed at the first non-engaging portion continuously from the tooth space, the first cutout portion extending axially.
US07640818B2
A transmission is provided having a dual clutch, to achieve torque flow through a countershaft gearing arrangement. The countershaft gearing arrangement includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets having gears that are selectively connectable to a plurality of countershafts. At least one transfer gear set transfers torque from the counter shafts to an output shaft. The output shaft is connected to a final drive unit that has a final drive unit output shaft that is transverse to an input member connected at one end to a torque converter and at the other end to the dual clutch.
US07640817B2
A method for determining the state of preservation of a wooden support and establishing a diagnosis in order to find out whether the wooden support is in a state which is suitable for use, in a state requiring a maintenance operation or in a state requiring its elimination includes measuring the hardness of the wooden support and the hygrometricity of the wooden support. The method further includes determining the species of the timber of the wooden support, determining the treatment previously applied to the wooden support, calculating the resulting safety residual stress, comparing the value of the calculated safety residual stress with an observed average safety residual stress and establishing a diagnosis depending on this comparison.
US07640811B2
Improved apparatus, systems, and methods for inspecting a structure are provided that use a pedestal robot mounted on a rail system, a probe extension coupler, and an inspection probe capable of performing pulse echo ultrasonic inspection. A probe may also include sled appendages and an axial braking system to inspect over holes and off edges. A probe may also include an ultrasonic pulse echo transducer array for high rate inspection; the transducer array may be mounted in a bubbler shoe for individually coupling each of the transducers in the array. A rail system may also include an optical encoder for providing location information for the robot and axial braking system. A probe extension coupler presses the inspection probe against the structure for adjusting to changes in surface contours.
US07640810B2
Improved apparatus, systems, and methods for inspecting a structure are provided that use a pedestal robot mounted on a rail system, a probe extension coupler, and an inspection probe capable of performing pulse echo ultrasonic inspection. A probe may also include sled appendages and an axial braking system to inspect over holes and off edges. A probe may also include an ultrasonic pulse echo transducer array for high rate inspection; the transducer array may be mounted in a bubbler shoe for individually coupling each of the transducers in the array. A rail system may also include an optical encoder for providing location information for the robot and axial braking system. A probe extension coupler presses the inspection probe against the structure for adjusting to changes in surface contours.
US07640803B1
A micro-machined MEMS resonator gyroscope and accelerometer is fabricated from an epilayer semiconductor wafer to incorporate a substantially planar, H-shaped resonator mass suspended from a support plate by two opposed elongated springs that couple to the relatively short crossbar member of the H. The masses are harmonically oscillated relative to the support plate and a baseplate portion, and two orthogonal modes of the structure corresponding to the two nearly degenerate fundamental torsional modes thereof are used for sensing angular rate about one axis, and linear acceleration along two axes, of the sensor. The H-shaped mass advantageously incorporates a relatively high length-to-width aspect ratio, and in one embodiment, the springs may advantageously incorporate either a square cross-section, such that the structure can be tuned to substantially match the fundamental frequencies of the two resonance modes of the structure by removing, e.g., by an etching process, a small amount of material from the upper surfaces of the springs.
US07640799B2
For safety reasons the potential of an electrical supply line of a radar sensor may be separated from the potential of the fill level container. A fill level radar with potential separation includes a separation element for insulating the aerial from a feed device. The separation element is arranged directly at the aerial, or forms part of the aerial. In this way insulation of the aerial from the exterior of the container is provided.
US07640798B2
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate; a flow sensor having a first heater for detecting a flow rate of fluid; and a humidity sensor for detecting a humidity of the fluid. The flow sensor and the humidity sensor are disposed on the semiconductor substrate. The flow sensor is disposed around the humidity sensor. The humidity sensor is disposed on an upstream side of the first heater. Since the device includes the humidity sensor, moisture in the fluid is compensated so that detection accuracy of the flow rate is improved.
US07640795B2
An engine starter motor tester applies power to a motor under test at the level normally applied while that motor is installed in a vehicle and monitors the ripple in the driving current. The ripple rate, scaled by the number of windings used in the construction of the motor, provides a direct reading of the shaft speed of the unloaded motor. This number allows a valid inference concerning the state of health of the motor, and is more certain than an estimate for an unloaded motor based on operator experience and motor “sound”. A complete test apparatus includes a stored lookup table, allowing the user to key in a product brand and model number and read directly both the RPM and the test apparatus's rating of the motor under test, expressed in terms such as percentage of life remaining.
US07640791B2
A leak detecting device includes a carrying device attached to a holder to be fastened to the body of an operator. From the carrying device, a flexible capillary line extends to a sniffing probe, which includes a gas inlet at its front end. The carrying device is connected with a basic device that includes a vacuum pump. In the carrying device, a test gas detector is arranged.
US07640789B2
A method for fabricating an ultra-sensitive metal oxide gas sensor is disclosed, which comprises the steps of spinning a mixture solution including a metal oxide precursor and a polymer onto a sensor electrode to form a metal oxide precursor-polymer composite fiber; thermally compressing or thermally pressurizing the composite fiber; and thermally treating the thermally compressed or thermally pressurized composite fiber to remove the polymer from the composite fiber. Since the gas sensor includes a macro pore between nanofibers and a meso pore between nano-rods and/or nano-grains, gas diffusion and surface area can be maximized. Also, the ultra-sensitive sensor having high stability in view of mechanical, thermal, and electrical aspects can be obtained through rapid increase of adhesion between the metal oxide thin layer and the sensor electrode.
US07640776B2
Expanded metal machine includes a fixed blade, a displaceable blade, displaceable in a vertical and a transverse direction and which has a cutting edge with cutting projections interspaced in the transverse direction. Conveying device for conveying a flat material in a direction of conveyance between the blades. Ram for effecting a periodic vertical movement of displaceable blade, and a transverse displacing device for effecting a transverse displacement of displaceable blade that is synchronized with reciprocating motion. To enable a precise fine adjustment of the cutting gap, fixed blade is held in a fixed one-piece or multiple piece blade holding fixture vertically adjustable by a depth of cut adjusting device for adjusting a vertical depth of cut between the blades. Depth of cut adjusting device has at least two oppositely tapering wedges, displaceable in a coupled manner and having parallel sloped surfaces held in blade holding fixture in a sliding manner.
US07640762B2
A refrigeration apparatus includes two sub passages which are branched from a main passage located between a condenser and an expansion part and which are connected to a compressor. On the sub passages are provided supercooling-use expansion parts, and supercooling-use heat exchangers for performing heat exchange between a refrigerant on an outlet side of the supercooling-use expansion part and a refrigerant of the main passage. Therefore, each time the refrigerant of the main passage passes through the two supercooling-use heat exchangers the degree of liquid supercooling of the refrigerant is increased.
US07640755B1
A method and apparatus for defining the processing of an ingredient of a manufactured product, particularly one that is manufactured “one-the-spot” to a consumer's specification, such as ice cream, among other products. A tag encoded on a container for the product carries indicia that, directly or indirectly, define one or more formulations for the product. Apparatus into which the ingredient is loaded sets the processing of ingredients in accordance with the formulations so specified. By connecting the apparatus which is to process the ingredients to a control station, the formulations may be changed at will.
US07640753B2
Conditioned air discharged from a vehicle heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit is further conditioned by a thermoelectric (TE) air conditioning unit and then directed to air passages in a vehicle seat. Activation of the TE air conditioning unit is based on climate control parameters utilized by the HVAC unit, including a set temperature, radiant heating effects, and cabin air temperature. The climate control parameters are utilized to establish a target seat temperature that optimizes occupant comfort and the transient response of the seat cooling effect.
US07640749B2
Contrasted to the prior art, the present invention presents a path for the cycle steam having the fewest possible changes in direction to minimize parasite pressure losses. This invention accommodates proportioning the flow areas of the moisture separator—reheater(s) assembly to optimize performance of extracting the maximum energy from the cycle steam and in view of the economics of first cost and operating cost. The reheater tubes are straight, not U-tubed, and sloped towards the reheat steam condensate discharge. It utilizes an internal baffle in the reheating steam manifold, features which would mitigate tube binding, steam distribution to the tube bundles, flow oscillations, etc. which are expensive and difficult to alleviate.
US07640745B2
A high-pressure system and method utilizing an input fluid. The system includes a reactor treating a material to produce an effluent having an energy content, a plurality of stages compressing the input fluid in a stepwise manner providing a high-pressure reactor input stream to the reactor, and a cascading effluent energy recovery system mechanically communicating with the plurality of stages. The cascading effluent energy recovery system imparts a portion of the energy content of the effluent into each of the plurality of stages powering that stage. The method includes receiving an input fluid, compressing the input fluid over a plurality of stages producing the high-pressure stream, providing the high-pressure stream to the reactor, recovering a portion of the energy content of the effluent at each of the plurality of stages, and using each the portion of the energy in compressing the input fluid at a corresponding respective stage.
US07640744B2
A method for compensating for the torque response of an internal combustion engine having a compressor coupled thereto for boosting cylinder air amount is presented. According to the method, a motor of a hybrid vehicle may assist the internal combustion engine to improve vehicle response. The method may improve driver perception of vehicle response and may reduce lag that can be associated with operating an engine having a compressor.
US07640743B2
A user interface linkage system includes first and second user interfaces that are linked by a single hydraulic circuit. The system is configured to provide compensation for relatively slow changes in hydraulic fluid pressure due, for example, to temperature variations. The system is also configured to allow the user interfaces to be selectively unlinked from each other.
US07640731B2
A reconfigurable exhaust system provides selective positioning of exhaust gas treatment devices either near, or spaced from, the exhaust gas outlet port of a turbine of a turbocharged Diesel engine. In some embodiments, auxiliary air or a heat exchanger are arranged to cool the exhaust gas when required.
US07640723B2
A fuel delivery system for a gas turbine engine that delivers fuel to a combustor of the engine and lubricates bearings of the engine with fuel, comprising: a tank for storing the fuel; a pump for delivering a continuous flow of fuel from the tank to the combustor by way of a combustor inlet stream and the engine bearings by way of a bearing lubrication stream; a pressurized container for storing fuel lubrication additive under pressure; and a flow valve for controlling flow of fuel lubrication additive that flows from the pressurized container into the bearing lubrication inlet stream to mix with the fuel delivered to the engine bearings.
US07640721B2
A tractor comprises a tractor frame, driven ground engaging device, and an electronic tractor controller. A baler comprises a baler frame coupled or connected to the tractor frame, a crop receiving device, a baling chamber, a bale size sensor associated with the baling chamber, and an electronic baler controller. The baler controller is operable to submit a halt signal to the tractor controller when a bale size signal provided by the bale size sensor indicates that a bale has reached a size equal to or exceeding a first predetermined size. The tractor controller is operable to command the ground engaging means to automatically halt the tractor when receiving a halt signal from the baler controller. A steering controller is connected to a swath position sensor and operable to automatically steer the tractor along a swath based upon the signals of the crop swath sensor and of the bale shape sensor such that a uniform bale shape is obtained.
US07640716B2
A device for manufacturing foam cushions in particular for packaging purposes, said device comprising a foil supply station and a foam dispensing station, said foil supply station being provided for supplying to said foam dispensing station a foil material, having a first and a second side wall joining each other at a common first border and positioned so as to delimit an inner space accessible by an opening applied in a second border, said foam dispensing station comprising first retaining means, provided for retaining said second border, said foam dispensing station further comprising a dispensing member, provided for penetrating through said opening and supplying a foaming substance into said inner space, said device further comprising transport means, provided for transporting said foil material through said dispensing station towards a welding station, said foam dispensing station further comprises slot shaping means mounted offset and downwards from said first retaining means in such a manner as to form a slot to be crossed by an upper stroke of said foil material, said dispensing member being oriented with respect to said slot shaping means when applied into said opening, in such a manner, as to output said foaming substance towards an upper surface of said slot shaping means.
US07640696B2
A product server for holding and displaying products. The product server has a front customer side, a rear employee side and a breath guard. The breath guard comprises a panel attached to the product server and moveable between a lowered position preventing access to products held by the product server and a raised position allowing access to the products. The panel being sufficiently transparent to allow viewing of the products held in the product server.
US07640687B2
Disclosed is a unitary sheet-like merchandise labeling article that has a labeling tag flatly conjoined along a unifying flat bond zone with a flexible elastic layer that extends away from the tag and includes an elastic fastening loop. The loop sides that define the loop are wider than the thickness of the elastic layer. Further, the flexible elastic layer that extends away from the tag has a thickness greater than the thickness of the tag and has a dispersion zone adjacent the unifying flat bond zone. The dispersion zone allows dissipation of elastic loop in-line stretching forces sufficiently to reduce transmission of such forces into the bond zone.
US07640684B2
The present invention is directed to a releasable locking assembly for attaching a wear member to a support structure. It may be used with excavating equipment for attaching ground-engaging teeth to adaptors, lip shrouds to bucket lips, or other analogous uses. The wear member includes at least one pin-retainer-receiving opening in one side. The opening is tapered, being narrower at its outer surface and wider at its inner surface. The support structure includes at least one pin-receiving recess which generally aligns with the opening in the wear member when the wear member and the support structure are operatively coupled. The pin retainer is a frustoconically shaped cylinder which is threaded internally. It is inserted into the opening in the wear member. The wear member is slidably mounted onto the support structure. The pin is an elongate body which is externally threaded. It is screwed into the pin retainer by the application of torque force from a standard ratchet tool. The pin extends through the wear member and into the recess in the support structure to lock the wear member to the support structure. The pin may be released using a ratchet tool and removed from the pin retainer. The wear member may then be removed from the support structure.
US07640680B1
The present invention provides improved pedorthic systems for patients having partial foot amputations or foot neuropathies. Custom-molded, custom-made pedorthics with leather linings and molded stiffeners are disclosed, along with methods of manufacture. Custom-molded, custom-made pedorthics and ankle-foot orthoses having solid, molded fillers to replace the volume of missing foot portions are also provided, along with methods of manufacture.
US07640667B2
A pruner has a movable handle/blade assembly pivotally coupled to a static handle/blade assembly by a pivot assembly carried by the static handle. The pivot assembly further has a bush within the static handle and on which the movable handle/blade assembly is pivotally mounted, a spring for pivotally biasing the movable handle/blade assembly to an open position being retained by the pivot assembly within the static handle. Both the movable blade and static blade are mounted on the bush and are clamped laterally between two separate parts of the bush which are assembled together in screw threaded engagement, and the two blades are supported from the bush by a bearing ring of low friction material.
US07640664B1
The present invention provides a wood-based composite panel that is not susceptible to top surface edge swell, and methods of making the panel.
US07640659B2
[Problem] To provide a conductive pattern formation method in which a fine pattern can be formed in a simple way at low cost.[Means for Solving Problem] A flat plate having a convex pattern on its surface is provided so as to oppose a substrate, a fluid body including conductive particles and a gas bubble generating agent is supplied into a gap between the substrate and the flat plate, and thereafter, the fluid body is heated for generating gas bubbles from the gas bubble generating agent included in the fluid body. The fluid body is forced out of the gas bubbles as the gas bubbles generated from the gas bubble generating agent grow, so as to self-assemble between the convex pattern formed on the flat plate and the substrate owing to interfacial force, and an aggregate of the conductive particles included in the fluid body having self-assembled is made into a conductive pattern formed on the substrate.
US07640657B2
A component placement machine includes: a transport device for transporting PCBs in an X-direction; first and a second feeder areas; at least one Y-slide beam that is drivable in the X-direction; and at least two placement heads on each Y-slide beam, which placement heads are independently drivable in the Y-direction and dependently drivable in the X-direction. Each feeder area includes at least one feeder for storing components. Such a machine enables a number of actions to be performed simultaneously. For example, within a certain period of time, a plurality of placement heads can simultaneously pick up components from a feeder, while other placement heads, which previously picked up components, may be moved to desired X-Y positions of the PCB which the previously picked up components may be placed, thereby resulting in an improved output.
US07640653B2
A producing method of producing a solid state pickup device is provided. Imaging elements are formed on a wafer in a matrix form. Each of the imaging elements has a light receiving surface and plural contact points. Receiving surface border portions are formed on a glass plate to protrude therefrom in a matrix form by etching. The receiving surface border portions are attached to the wafer to surround the light receiving surface in each of the receiving surface border portions. The light receiving surface is spaced from the glass plate. The glass plate is diced outside respectively the receiving surface border portions, to form shield glass for covering the light receiving surface. The wafer is diced for each of the imaging elements, to obtain the solid state pickup device having the shield glass and one of the imaging elements.
US07640652B2
A method of making a current sensing chip resistor is composed of a resistor manufacturing process which is constituted by a pre-process and a post-process. In addition, a thin-film process is used for the resistor manufacturing process, and the aluminum nitride substrate is used in the thin-film, in association with a technique of flip chip structure of single-side manufacturing process, enabling the resistor to be provided with performances of a high power, a high precision, a high thermal conductivity, a low temperature coefficient, a low noise, and a saving of utilization space of PCB (Printed Circuit Board).
US07640647B2
Projecting elongate stub walls are provided on the planar surfaces of a substrate at positions where bonding of the substrate to a clamping lid or base is to be carried out. On firing of the substrate, the surfaces thereof are mechanically processed but since the stub walls protrude from the substrate, the grinding and polishing tools make contact with the surfaces of these stub walls, rather than with the entire substrate surface. As a result, the area of the substrate to be processed is minimised and problems with dishing and erosion are alleviated. This allows the clamping lid, or frame to be bonded, using conventional conductive adhesive processes, avoiding the cracking and stress problems associated with non-uniformity of the surface of the ceramic substrates.
US07640641B2
Method for producing parts for passive electronic components according to which: a laminated strip (1) is produced which is constituted by at least one stack of a thin metal strip and a layer of adhesive material, and at least one part (6) is cut from the laminated strip (1), the cutting operation being carried out using a method which comprises at least one step for etching by means of sandblasting. Parts produced.
US07640638B2
A fastening system for a wearing article comprising a pair of hook carrying side edge portions with a hook component and a pair of loop carrying side edge portions with a loop component adapted to be detachably engaged with each other. Each of the hook carrying side edge portions comprises a first sheet section extending outward from each of the transversely opposite side edges of the wearing article, a second sheet section being contiguous to an outer side edge of the first sheet section so as to extend toward the transverse side edge, a joining area extending in parallel to and spaced from the outer side edge so as to join the first and second sheet section to each other, and a non-joining area surrounded by the joining area, the first and second sheet sections and the outer side edge, and the hook component has first and second edges extending in parallel to the outer side edge and is secured to the hook carrying side edge portion in such a manner that the first side edge lies in the joining area while the second side edge lies in the non-joining area.
US07640637B2
Methods to modify the fibrous landing layer of a foam based fastener and products made from the same
Methods to modify an engaging surface of a fibrous landing layer of a mechanical fastener are generally disclosed, along with products made from the same. For instance, the engaging surface of the landing layer can be mechanically modified to increase the fuzziness of the layer, which allows more fibers to engage the other surface of the mechanical fastener. For example, the improved engaging surface of the landing layer can increase the shear resistance of a mechanical fastener comprising a foam layer and a landing layer.
US07640621B2
An electrical appliance includes a housing carrying a drive motor, a temperature sensor and a controller. The temperature sensor monitors the operating temperature of the drive motor. The controller is responsive to the temperature sensor. The controller adjusts the current applied to the drive motor in response to a high temperature condition detected by the temperature sensor.
US07640612B2
A drawer guide is provided for a dishwasher or other device through which there is a flow of liquid or gas. The drawer guide has guide rails and at least one rolling member assembly to guide the guide rails in a displaceable manner on another guide rail. A cage is provided for the rolling members. At least one of the guide rails has a rear rail portion with fluid passage openings that allow liquid or gas to flow through the guide rail when the device is in operation. At least one cage for the rolling members of the drawer guide can include a rear cage portion that is provided with fluid passage openings that allow liquid or gas to flow therethrough when the device is in operation.
US07640607B2
A patient support system includes a patient support, and a positioning system for positioning the patient support, wherein the positioning system is capable of placing the patient support such that a point on the patient support is at a location, and rotating the patient support about a vertical axis that intersects the point, wherein the positioning system includes a first arm and a second arm rotatably coupled to the first arm, and the patient support is rotatably coupled to the second arm. A patient support system includes a first base portion rotatable about a first vertical axis, a second base portion rotatably coupled to the first base portion such that the second base portion is rotatable relative to the first base portion about a second vertical axis, a first arm coupled to the second base portion, a second arm rotatably coupled to the first arm, and a patient support rotatably coupled to the second arm.
US07640605B2
That end of a wall-mounting support for a shower head that is coordinated to the wall may be pivoted about a horizontal axis. A holder, into which a shower head may be inserted, is provided on the far end of the wall-mounting arm. That holder may also be pivoted about a horizontal axis.
US07644444B2
A mobile phone receives a program and identification information of a trusted application for the program, specifies data to be used in executing the program, generates a type of object by selecting either an imperfect encapsulated object or a perfect encapsulated object to be generated on the basis of the identification information of a trusted application, and uses the data by using only the generated object when the program is executed.
US07644430B2
In a home network to which a client device and a plurality of server devices are connected, using a web browser in a client device and determining whether the plurality of devices are devices which support protocols required by the client device, respectively. Accessing the plurality of devices and obtaining and receiving a corresponding Internet protocol address through a process for receiving a predetermined Internet protocol address for each of the accessed devices is a device which supports the desired protocols. Receiving an address determined by the client device for each of the accessed devices which does not support the desired protocols. Creating a device page for displaying the plurality of devices, by arranging the addresses on the web browser.
US07644421B2
An optical pickup for disc device has elastic wires 15 reliably connected with a dumping gel box 6. Guide members 18 are provided integrally with the dumping gel box 6 along bottom edges of side surface 6 as of the dumping gel box 6 while portions of the guide members 18 opposing to the grooves 11 are cut out to form air outlet holes 19 for the communication of the grooves 11 with outside atmosphere. The connection wiring 13 in the form of a printed circuit film or strip is folded to have a U-shape and attached to a back surface 6b and the both side surfaces 6a of the dumping gel box 6 and both end portions 13a of the connection wiring 13 are tentatively adhered to the both side surfaces 6a of the dumping gel box 6 by quick drying adhesive 20. Thermosetting adhesive 14 is filled in the grooves 11 and heated to be set and finally adhere the both end portions 13a of the connection wiring 13 to the both side surfaces 6a of the dumping gel box 6. Ends 15b of elastic wires 15 extending from a lens holder 7 are attached against and soldered on lands 12 of the connection wiring 13.
US07644420B2
In an electronic unit loading mechanism, an electronic unit is attachable to or detachable from an electronic unit loading base which is retractable to a housing. The electronic unit loading mechanism comprises a main part fixed to the loading base and a holding part holding the electronic unit. The holding part is vertically movable to the main part between a taken-out position and a loaded position, wherein the holding part at the taken-out position is taken out from the main part so that the electronic unit is attached to or detached from the loading base, and the holding part at the loaded position is contained in the main part so that the electronic unit is loaded to the loading base.
US07644416B2
A system and method provide access to a target object associated with a desired functionality. This is accomplished by creating an instance of a pre-existing object, replacing one or more functions of a table shared by all objects of the object's class, and triggering a call that ultimately causes the replacement functions to be called to allow access to the target object. The system includes software portions for enabling the method.
US07644414B2
An application program interface (API) provides a set of functions for application developers who build Web applications on Microsoft Corporation's .NET™ platform.
US07644413B2
A user mode device driver interface (UMDDI) is disclosed. The UMDDI is preferably implemented in Windows® NT® version 5.0 and similar systems. The UMDDI allows a device driver to execute in user-mode while the graphics engine (GRE) remains in kernel-mode. The UMDDI exists as a layer between the user-mode driver and GRE; from the perspective of GRE, it encapsulates the user-mode driver and makes it appear to be a normal kernel-mode driver. The UMDDI layer handles the kernel-to-user and user-to-kernel transitions, parameter validation, and management of the kernel-mode and user-mode data and objects.
US07644410B1
According to an embodiment, a method of managing resources in a shared computing environment begins with a first step of receiving a resource request object from a client. The resource request object requests resources from a resource pool of the shared computing environment for a time period. The method continues with a second step of assigning the resources to the client, thereby forming assigned resources. In a third step, the method sends a resource access handle to the client. The resource access handle provides the client access to the resources by a start time. The method employs a step of tracking the assigned resources and other state information by amendments to the resource request object. According to another embodiment, a system for managing resources in a shared computing environment employs the method.
US07644403B2
A method and system for automated root-cause analysis for failures in class loading in a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) environment. Specifically, a class loader comprises a class loader for loading classes which comprises an identifier, a search policy object, a configuration policy object, and metadata. The identifier is unique to the JVM environment. The search policy object defines search procedures for discovering and loading a class by the class loader. The configuration policy object manages configuration of the class loader. Metadata describes the interrelationships between the class loader to other class loaders in a class loader tree supporting the JVM environment.
US07644402B1
A method for reducing a usage of main memory by a first class loader and a second class loader is provided. The first class loader and the second class loader are capable of dynamically loading a class having a class file, and translating the class file into a first and a second class type, respectively. The method includes dividing a runtime representation of the first class type into a first loader independent part and a first loader dependent part. Also included is determining whether a runtime representation of the second class type can use the first loader independent part of the runtime representation of the first class type. If the first loader independent part can be used, the method includes generating a second loader dependent part of the runtime representation of the second class type using the first loader independent part of the runtime representation of the first class type.
US07644401B2
The present invention provides a method, apparatus and computer program product for combining a plurality of run units into a single executable file. According the invention each run unit may contain one or more data entities which are designated as being required only once in an executable file. As a result when the executable file is built, if a run unit with a data entity of a given value is to be added to an executable file, if a previous run unit with a data entity with a matching value has previously been added to the executable file, the run unit is added to the executable file but without the data entity.
US07644398B2
A method for generating test cases for software and a test case generator comprising a simulator that drives software under test from one input state to the next. The simulator is constrained by predetermined criteria to visit states that meet the criteria thus preserving computer resources. The states reached by the simulator are tested.
US07644392B2
A system and method for active configuration management of the components of a data repository maintained in memory of a computer system is disclosed herein. The method includes creating a plurality of file system event objects in response to the occurrence of a corresponding plurality of events associated with ones of the components. A plurality of file system event objects are then entered into an event queue. Next, a sequence of configuration management (CM) operations involving identified ones of the components are executed on the basis of corresponding ones of the file system event objects.
US07644381B2
A method and system to efficiently create electromagnetic coupled basis functions for an electronic circuit that is defined by geometry data and topology data. The geometry data for the circuit are read, and a three-dimensional mesh of polygons for the circuit is created. External port geometry and internal port geometry (internal ports occur where vias are attached to conductive layers) are determined from the geometry data. Circuit electromagnetic basis functions are then created as are loop-tree formations that are coupled to the basis functions. The loops include local loops, via loops, and hole loops. The three-dimensional mesh is efficiently created by extruding a two-dimensional mesh for each layer and via in the circuit.
US07644373B2
A method and system for providing a user interface for presenting images of clusters of an image search result is provided. The user interface system displays the search result in a cluster/view form using a cluster panel and a view panel. The cluster panel contains a cluster area for each cluster. The view panel may contain thumbnails of images of the search result in a list view or a mix view. When a user selects a cluster area from the cluster panel, the user interface system displays a list view of thumbnails for that cluster in the view panel. The user interface system may display a thumbnail list near a cluster area of the cluster panel. The thumbnail list contains mini-thumbnails of the images of the selected cluster. The user interface system may also display a detail view of an image in the view panel when a user selects an image.
US07644366B1
A method for managing and displaying related information in a graphical user interface includes storing each of a plurality of related datasets in a discrete file. A compound file is stored linking the discrete data files to each other. A common window for the combined file is displayed in the graphical user interface. A discrete window for each discrete file is displayed within the common window.
US07644365B2
A network security monitor system groups a plurality of security events into network sessions, correlates the network sessions according to a set of predefined network security event correlation rules and generates a security incident for the network sessions that satisfy one of the network security event correlation rules. The system then presents the information of the network sessions and security incidents to a user of the system in an intuitive form. The user is able to not only learn the details of a possible network attack, but also creates new security event correlation rules intuitively, including drop rules for dropping a particular type of events.
US07644363B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a method for generating labels for drawing elements of a computer aided design (CAD) drawing that may include some unknown number of associated or related drawing elements. The method includes receiving a selection of a set of drawing elements in the CAD drawing that are associated with the first drawing element, receiving a selection of fields specifying attributes of the drawing elements in the set of drawing elements to use in generating label content for a label of the first drawing element, and defining a label style based on the selection of the set of drawing elements and the selection of attributes of the of the drawing elements in the set of drawing elements.
US07644361B2
A method of establishing at least one variable of a new view of data, is disclosed where the variable is obtained from at least one data source (150-153). The method identifies at least one display type (1202, FIG. 15, 17 18), each display type having at least one corresponding template of data to be used by the new view of data. The template includes a plurality of data component slots (1250-1254) related according to the semantics of the identified display type. One or more data components to be included in the view of data are then identified, each identified data component being associated (1222) with a slot in the template. A list of recommendations is then formed for one or more unspecified data components of the new view of data, the recommendations being based on the semantics of the display type and the identified data components. Finally at least one data component from the list of recommendations is identified as a variable for said new view of data. Also disclosed is a method of learning unknown relationships among data components across a plurality of heterogeneous data sources, and a method for recommending relevant data components for view creation across a plurality of heterogeneous data sources.
US07644359B2
A parts marking system has memory for storing data indicative of at least one algorithm associated with at least one object material and logic configured to display the at least one algorithm to a display device and receive a user input for at least one part in response to the displayed algorithm.
US07644358B2
The present system in one embodiment provides a conversion module that receives and converts webpage documents to an Adobe Acrobat compatible format for further processing. In some embodiments the present system provides and enacts a plurality of conversion rules to convert the webpage so that it may be stored, printed or emailed. In other embodiments the user is further able to customize the conversion rules and select between the plurality of conversion rules used in the document conversion process.
US07644357B2
A worker defines a first conversion rule to convert data in a data format of a cooperative operation objective system as an input into data in a data format of first common data, a second conversion rule to convert data in the format of the first common data into data in a data format of a second common data, and a third conversion rule to convert data in the data format of the second common data into data in a data format of a cooperative operation objective system as an output. According to the rules, conversion processing is executed to convert data in the data format of the input system into data in the data format of the output system.
US07644343B2
Transport stream (TS) packets containing sections of IP datagrams for an application level process are received and correct ones of said sections are stored into an MPE-FEC frame buffer of a receiver. Stored ones of said sections are reorganized within the frame buffer so as to leave appropriate positions, marked for erasure, within the frame buffer available for corrected data. Data bytes stored at the appropriate positions may be corrected using Reed-Solomon parity data stored in the frame buffer and then subsequently written back thereto.
US07644341B2
A method and a system for correcting a soft error in a memory circuit operates during a stand-by mode. After reading data from at least one memory cell without outputting the read data through an input/output module of the memory circuit in the stand-by mode, it is determined whether the read data is a soft error. If so, a correct value is written to the memory cell if the read data is the soft error.
US07644333B2
A method and apparatus for testing an integrated circuit using built-in self-test (BIST) techniques is described. In one aspect, a BIST circuit comprises a scan monitor with hold logic and a signature generation element. The hold logic is operable to suspend signature generation in the signature generation element at any desired point in the test sequence. In some embodiments, the hold logic comprises a scan-loadable signature hold flip-flop which allows the logic BIST controller to be restarted from any selected pattern within a pattern range and to run to any subsequent pattern. The BIST session can be run incrementally, testing and reporting intermediate MISR signatures. External automatic testing equipment can suspend signature generation at selected times during a BIST session to prevent tainting of the signature generation element. The hold logic also may comprise a rotating hold ring to suspend signature generation during predetermined shift cycles.
US07644332B2
An integrated circuit is disclosed. In one embodiment, for each clock domain there is at least one clock driver which is situated in the integrated circuit and which drives circuits situated in the clock domain. Each clock driver in the clock domain contains a clock input and an enable input, and its output outputs the clock received at the clock input if an enable signal is applied to the enable input. The clock driver receives a clock derived from the signal at the functional clock input, and the enable signal is connected in line with the values stored in the signal sequence registers if there is a signal change at the scan clock input when the scan chain shift mode has been switched off.
US07644329B2
A chip with an integrated circuit testing function includes a selecting unit positioned before a flip-flop of a scan chain, where the scan chain connects a scan-in pad, a scan-out pad and the flip-flop. When the chip is packaged and the scan-in pad does not connect to a pin of a package, the selecting unit selects a scan-in signal from another scan chain and transmits the scan-in signal from the another scan chain to the flip-flop; and when the chip is packaged and the scan-in pad connects to a pin of the package, the selecting unit selects a scan-in signal from the scan-in pad and transmits the scan-in signal from the scan-in pad to the flip-flop.
US07644326B2
A testing system includes a plurality of test applying portions and a plurality of testing portions, each test applying portion having a test device that generates an output signal and each testing portion tests the output signal of the test device, in response to the test applying portion. The testing system further includes a switch portion that switches the output signal of the test device between the test applying portions and the testing portions. The switch portion includes, a first switch having an input port and a plurality of output ports, which selects the output port for connecting the input port, a second switch having a plurality of input ports and an output port, which selects the input port for connecting the output port, and a connecting portion that has a plurality of transmission parts that connect the output ports of the first switch and the input ports of the second switch.
US07644316B2
System, method and program for managing a script program sent from a first computer to a second computer. The first computer embeds in the script program an identity of a program module within the first computer that generated the script program. The first computer sends to the second computer the script program with the embedded identity. The second computer attempts to execute the script program and encounters a problem with execution of the script program. In response, the second computer reads the identity of the program module from the script program and notifies the first computer of the problem and the identify of the script program based on the reading of the identity of the program module from the script program. By way of example, the identity of the program module which generated the script program comprises a name of the program module which generated the script program and a name of another program module which called the program module which generated the script program.
US07644314B2
Retroactive verbose error logging may be provided. Loggable event entries associated with software installation during installation may be saved. Each of the loggable event entries may have a first level or a second level. In addition, the loggable event entries associated with the first level and the second level may be saved to a log file if an error occurs during the software installation. Furthermore, the loggable event entries associated only with the first level may be saved to the log file if a milestone occurs during the software installation and the error has not occurred before the milestone occurs. The software installation may be stopped if the error occurs during the software installation and the software installation may continue if the milestone occurs during the software installation.
US07644308B2
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to digitally encoded hierarchical timestamps that are stored in computer readable mediums. The hierarchical timestamps of the present invention include a first field that stores a timestamp value and a second field that stores a processing-level indication that indicates the scope of the timestamp within a hierarchical processing system.
US07644302B2
The active server A101 notifies its own operating status to the administration server 106, and the administration server 106 acquires a snapshot and copies a disk according to the policy established by a user. When the active server A101 or the active disk 113 fails, the administration server 106 chooses a backup server A104 and a status storage disk A114 to be booted and restarts them by using the snapshot according to the policy.
US07644299B2
A security system comprises a host system, a plurality of master controllers and a plurality of sub-controllers, wherein each sub-controller is assigned a specific master controller as well as alternate master controllers for communication access upon failure of the primary master controller. The host, master controller and sub-controllers are all coupled by a series of primary communication networks and paths and have multiple alternative communication network paths which function should there be a failure of the primary communication network. The host system comprises system and application software, data storage devices and communication ports to support the application requirements of the master controller, sub-controller network and access control devices attached thereto necessary to support a fault tolerant network. The system is configured with backup communication networks between the components so that upon failure of one or more components or communication paths the function of the failed component or path is assumed by alternative predesignated components or paths such that the operations of the system is not interrupted.
US07644297B2
A processor comprises a clock signal generator generating clock signals; an operational processing part performing data processing which is divided into a plurality of execution units, in accordance with the clock signals; a storage storing data used when each execution unit is executed by the operational processing part; a data amount detector detecting amounts of the data stored in the storage per each execution unit; a clock frequency determining part determining a new clock frequency of the clock signals by using the amounts of the data, said clock signals being supplied newly to the operational processing part.
US07644294B2
A power management method and mechanism for dynamically determining which of a plurality of blocks of an electrical device may be powered on or off. A device is contemplated which includes one or more power manageable groups. A power management unit associated with the apparatus is configured to detect instructions which are scheduled for execution, identify particular power group(s) which may be required for execution of the instruction, and convey an indication which prevents the particular power group(s) from entering a powered off state, in response to detecting said instruction. If the power management unit does not detect an incoming or pending instructions, for a predetermined period of time, which requires a particular power group(s) for execution, the power management unit may convey an indication which causes or permits the corresponding power group(s) to enter a powered off state. A power group may automatically decay to a powered off state in the absence of a detected instruction requiring the power group. Instructions may be encoded to identify required power groups.
US07644285B1
A security mechanism affords data recovery engineers the ability to access and recover secure data from user files without knowledge of the user's password. The mechanism uses a launcher application to access the database by establishing a temporary, restricted user session. The launcher application also passes a handle to an industry standard database tool, allowing the data recovery engineer to recover the user file data. The recovered data then can be accessed by the software application.
US07644284B1
A recent secure authentication service enforcing revocation in distributed systems is provided. Authenticity entities impose freshness constraints, derived from initial policy assumptions and authentic statements made by trusted intermediaries, in authenticated statements made by intermediaries. If freshness constraints are not presented, authentication is questionable. The freshness constraints can be adjusted. The delay for revocation can be arbitrarily bounded. The freshness constraints within certificates results in a secure and highly available revocation service such that less trust is required of the service.
US07644283B2
A method and system for surreptitiously detecting and analyzing sites suspected of transferring steganographic communications, is accomplished by analyzing a targeted site for steganographic communications via a server that directs a plurality of clients to analyze the targeted site. The clients are dispatched according to the objectives of the server and the data retrieved by previous clients, which have been directed to scan the site. The client's data is aggregated and analyzed to determine if a steganographic communication is present.
US07644276B2
In a first aspect the present invention provides a method for verifying that a secure association has been formed between a first device and a second device. The method includes, enabling a user of the first device to select a verification indicator, and encrypting the verification indicator using an encryption key of the first device to form cipher text. The cipher text is then communication to the second device using a multi-part communication protocol, and decrypted using an encryption key of the second device to obtain a received verification indicator. The method includes verifying the association is secure if the received verification indicator is the same as the selected verification indicator.
US07644272B2
Methods and systems are provided that use smartcards, such as subscriber identity module (SIM) cards to provide secure functions for a mobile client. One embodiment of the invention provides a mobile communication network system that includes a mobile network, a mobile terminal, a server coupled to the mobile terminal via the mobile network, and a subscriber identity module (SIM) card coupled to the mobile terminal. The SIM card includes a first key and a second key. The first key is used to authenticate an intended user of the mobile terminal to the mobile network. Upon successful authentication of the intended user to the mobile network, the mobile terminal downloads a function offered from the server through the mobile network. The second key is then used by the mobile terminal to authenticate the intended user to the downloaded function so that the intended user can utilize the function.
US07644270B1
A system to validate a request for web services which includes a digital certificate is provided. The system includes a first certification authority that provides a public encryption key and a certificate revocation list in response to requests. The system also includes a certification revocation list component that determines whether a digital certificate is named in the certification revocation list, a certificate verification component that determines whether a digital certificate is valid, a plurality of verifier components that determine the validity of a request for web services and each of which operates in accordance with a different one of a plurality of OASIS Web Services Security versions. The system also includes a management component to determine the version of the OASIS Web Service Security version of the web services request and to select an appropriate verifier component.
US07644266B2
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for selective, end-to-end message level security. The apparatus includes a message class definition module, a security module, and a messaging module. The message class definition module identifies a predetermined message class of an internode message. The security module applies security to the message at an application layer. The security that is applied to the message corresponds to a security level, which depends on the message class of the message. The security may include encryption, authentication, and/or other security features. The messaging module communicates the message between a first node and a second node. A third node, such as a broker, may be interposed between the first and second nodes, in which case the security of the message is preserved at the third node.
US07644265B2
Before content transmission, the content transmitting device and the content receiving device mutually authenticate each other to verify that the other device respects copyright and rightfully handles content, and then content is encrypted by shared key data and transmitted. It is arranged that in an authentication process, a time from transmission of an authentication request or a time from transmission of an authentication response until arrival of receipt acknowledgement data is measured and only when a measured time is less than a fixed upper-limit value, content is transmitted.
US07644264B1
An exemplary computerized method is disclosed, comprising booting a destination computer in a pre-boot mode after a disk image comprising a first operating system is downloaded to the destination computer, initiating an identification module in the pre-boot mode to identify a device of the destination computer, receiving a device identifier of the device of the destination computer, identifying, using the device identifier, a driver compatible with the device, and downloading the driver to the destination computer before the destination computer is booted into the first operating system of the disk image for the first time. The method may also comprise receiving a hardware-abstraction-layer identifier of a hardware-abstraction layer of the destination computer, identifying a hardware-abstraction-layer file compatible with the hardware-abstraction layer of the destination computer, and downloading the hardware-abstraction-layer file to the destination computer. Corresponding computer-readable mediums and systems for deploying a disk image are also disclosed.
US07644261B2
A reset device for a computer system is provided. The reset device includes a hardware-reset signal generating circuit for outputting a hardware-reset signal to reset the computer system, a first switch, and a second switch having a first contact, a second contact, and a third contact. The third contact can be selectively electrically connected to the first contact to enable the hardware-reset signal generating circuit to output the hardware-reset signal when the first switch is turned on, or the second contact to output a software-reset signal to a central processing unit of the computer system when the first switch is turned on.
US07644260B2
Disclosed are a file update system of a mobile communication terminal which is capable of recovering Same Owner ID Error caused by damage of a file header in an EFS (Embedded File System) area of the mobile communication terminal, a boot management system of a mobile communication terminal which is capable of preventing a fatal error caused by damage of a file header in an EFS area of the mobile communication terminal, a method of updating a file in the mobile communication terminal, and a method of booting the mobile communication terminal which is capable of preventing a fatal error caused by damage of a file header in an EFS area of the mobile communication terminal.
US07644259B2
A customizable option ROM image that allows a user to modify certain features of a ROM image is described. In one embodiment, a plurality of configuration ROM image modules is provided to a user. These modules may be bundled in a single file along with a software interface application that allows the user to customize one or more of the modules. In particular, the software application provides a simple interface so that a user may identify and change particular ROM image features. Thereafter, a ROM image is built using the modules, some of which may have been modified, so that it may be installed within the customer's system.
US07644246B2
A data storage resource is identifiable by physical addresses, and optionally by a virtual address. A policy defines which resources are accessible and which resources are not accessible. A request to access a resource is allowed if access to the resource is permitted by the policy, and if carrying out the access will not cause virtual addresses to be assigned to resources to which the policy disallows access. Since resources to which access is disallowed do not have virtual addresses, certain types of access requests that identify a resource by a virtual address can be allowed without consulting the policy.
US07644238B2
A hardware implemented transactional memory system includes a mechanism to allow multiple processors to access the same memory system. A set of timestamps are stored that each correspond to a region of memory. A time stamp is updated when any memory in its associated region is updated. For each memory transaction, the time at which the transaction begins is recorded. Write operations that are part of a transaction are performed by writing the data to temporary memory. When a transaction is to be recorded, the hardware automatically commits the transaction by determining whether the timestamps associated with data read for the transaction are all prior to the start time for the transaction. In this manner, the software need not check the data for all other processes or otherwise manage collision of data with respect to different processes. The software need only identify which reads and writes are part of a transaction.
US07644236B2
A memory cache bank prediction unit is provided for use in a processor having a plurality of memory cache banks. The memory cache bank prediction unit has an input port that receives an instruction. The memory cache bank prediction unit also has an evaluation unit, coupled to the input port, that predicts which of the plurality of memory cache banks is associated with the instruction.
US07644231B2
A non-mechanical persistent storage is provided for a mechanical storage device. The operating system instructs the mechanical storage device to cache ranges of data stored in the mechanical storage device in the non-mechanical persistent storage. The mechanical storage device then transfers the data to the non-mechanical persistent storage. When the operating system makes a write to a range that is tracked in the non-mechanical persistent storage, the data is written to the mechanical storage and mirrored to the non-mechanical persistent storage. When the operating system makes a read to a range that is tracked in the non-mechanical persistent storage, such as when the system is in startup, the data is read from the non-mechanical persistent cache.
US07644230B1
A system for managing network memory comprises a communication interface and a processor. The communication interface receives a status message from another appliance. The status message indicates an activity level of a faster memory and a slower memory associated with the other appliance. The communication interface also receives a data packet. The processor processes the status message to determine the activity level of the faster memory and the slower memory. The processor also processes the data packet to identify any matching data in the other appliance and estimate whether the matching data is stored in the faster memory based on the activity level. Based on the estimate, the processor determines whether to generate an instruction to retrieve the matching data.
US07644221B1
A processor including an integrated system interface unit configured to manage multiple I/O interfaces and multiple protocols. A processor includes a plurality of processing cores, a cache comprising a plurality of banks, and a system interface unit coupled to the processing cores and the cache. The system interface unit includes an inbound unit configured to receive inbound transactions from a first I/O unit and a second I/O unit, and an outbound unit configured to convey outbound transactions to either the first I/O unit or the second I/O unit. Each of the first and second I/O units is configured to support different protocols. Prior to conveying transaction data to the system interface, the first I/O unit and second I/O units reformat transaction data to conform to a common format. The system interface receives and stores transaction data in either queues dedicated for cacheable transactions or queues dedicated for non-cacheable transactions. In addition, each of the I/O units may also indicate in the common format whether a given transaction is to be ordered with respect to other transactions. The system interface may separately store ordered transactions from those which are non-ordered.
US07644217B2
A low power Universal Serial Bus (USB) capable device uses a weak pull-up resistance that is coupled to at least one data line of the USB for detection of when the USB capable device is connected to a USB host or hub. When the USB capable device is not connected to the USB host or hub, USB peripheral, including the USB transceiver, USB voltage regulator, serial interface and/or USB logic circuits required for USB operation may be powered down to conserve power drawn by the USB capable device. When the USB capable device is connected to the USB host or hub, a voltage from the weak pull-up will be significantly reduced, thus signaling that the USB peripheral and associated circuits should be powered up for normal USB operation.
US07644211B2
A solution is provided for controlling universal serial bus (USB) messages between a plurality of host computers and a USB device. First and second USB servers may communicate with first and second host computers, respectively. A USB client may then communicate with the USB device. A first control path between the USB client and the first USB server and a second control path between the USB client and the second USB server may be established. Then a first data transfer path may be established between the USB client and the first USB server, the first data transfer path enabling the sending of data between the USB client and the first USB server over a data network. Then a busy message may be sent from the USB client to the second USB server over the second control path when the first data transfer path is established with the first USB server.
US07644209B2
A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software. The device provides output in the form of a default output and a number of variants. The output is based largely upon frequency of use, but some variants are provided by various logic structures resident on the device. The device enables editing during text entry and also provides a learning function that allows the disambiguation function to adapt. The disambiguation function can be selectively disabled and an alternate keystroke interpretation system provided. Additionally, the device can facilitate the selection of variants by displaying a graphic of a special
US07644203B2
A supplementary power supply for a peripheral device is provided. The supplementary power supply comprises a first connector, a second connector, a power source, and a path. The first connector is operable to couple to a host device. The second connector is operable to couple to the peripheral device. The power source is operable to provide electrical power to the peripheral device via the second connector. The path is operable to allow data to pass between the host device and the peripheral device. A method for providing electrical power to a peripheral device is also provided.
US07644195B2
A host connectable device for enabling a user to select a mode using a menu screen automatically provided upon connecting to a host device, and a mode selection method thereof. The host connectable device, that is capable of being connected to a host device and operating in one of a plurality of modes relating to the host device when the host connectable device is connected to the host device, is provided and includes a communication interface unit, a display unit, and a control unit for providing a mode selection menu screen on the display unit when the communication interface receives the connection signal of the host device.
US07644194B2
Certain embodiments of the invention may include receiving at least one message via a single bus interface to which each integrated Ethernet controller may be coupled. A bus identifier, bus device identifier and bus function identifier corresponding to the received message and which identifies a particular one of the integrated Ethernet controllers may be determined. The received message may be transferred to the particular integrated Ethernet controller based on the determined bus identifier, bus device identifier and bus function identifier, which were previously generated. The method may further include associating a bus function with the particular integrated Ethernet controller and mapping the associated bus function identifier to the bus function. A bus function process may be associated with the particular integrated Ethernet controller. The bus identifier may be associated with the single bus interface and the device identifier may be associated with the plurality of integrated Ethernet controllers.
US07644188B2
A capability of a device may be registered to an adapter. This capability may characterize the device in terms of tasks performing abilities that may be available or associated therewith. When a packet of data including a task to be handled is received at the adapter, based on the capability registered earlier for the device, the adapter may determine whether to assign the task to the device. An indication, such as packet processing information may be derived from the packet to assist in distribution of the task. By comparing the indication with the capability, the task may be offloaded to the device based on the comparison. Using the device for a networked device, in one embodiment, one or more network communication tasks associated with data communications may be distributed and optionally performed within an adapter. In this way, the networked device may be spared of undertaking network communication tasks that are conventionally performed within the networked device.
US07644181B2
A method for routing a service request in a telecommunication system in cases where the identifier received for the destination of the service is not (or can not be) suitable for routing the service, such as when a E.164 number is received in IP based multimedia telecommunication systems. Upon reception of a service request in a telecommunications node of the telecommunication system in charge of serving control for services, a query comprising the received identifier is made to a translation database. As a result, a plurality of identifiers related to the received identifier are received that can have different formats and imply different service types. The service is further routed from said telecommunications node according to an identifier selected among said plurality of identifiers that contains the primarily received identifier in the user name portion.
US07644176B2
A method for a client to receive streaming media over a network includes receiving data having the streaming media encoded therein and storing the received data in a de-jitter buffer thereby increasing a fullness of the de-jitter buffer. The method further includes, when the fullness reaches a fill level, initiating play out of the stored data from the de-jitter buffer, and changing the fill level while playing out the stored data.
US07644167B2
A request is received from a first node in a network. The request includes a request for a service node operable to provide a desired service. At least one service node is identified that is operable to provide the desired service based at least on location information for the first node.
US07644158B2
A method for Internet Protocol (IP) charging and rating gateway within a system having a proxy server for connection to an Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) server, an access gateway, an IP classification engine for connection between a data network and the access gateway and a gateway controller connected to the proxy server and the IP classification engine, including the steps of receiving IP packets at the IP classification engine, the IP packets originating from the data network and destined for a subscriber device via the access gateway, classifying the IP packets according to the protocol of each of the packets at the IP classification engine and selectively instructing the IP classification engine to permit or deny the flow of IP packets between the data network and the access gateway at the gateway controller. Preferably, the proxy server is configured to emulate the access gateway and the AAA server.
US07644156B2
The invention can enable monitoring of the display of content by a computer system. Moreover, the invention can enable monitoring of the displayed content to produce monitoring information from which conclusions may be deduced regarding the observation of the displayed content by an observer. The invention can also enable monitoring of the display at a content display site of content that is provided by a content provider site over a network to the content display site. Additionally, the invention can enable the expeditious provision of updated and/or tailored content over a network from a content provider site to a content display site so that the content provider's current and appropriately tailored content is always displayed at the content display site. Aspects of the invention related to transfer of content over a network are generally applicable to any type of network. However, it is contemplated that the invention can be particularly useful with a computer network, including private computer networks (e.g., America Online™) and public computer networks (e.g., the Internet). In particular, the invention can be advantageously used with computer networks or portions of computer networks over which video and/or audio content are transferred from one network site to another network site for observation, such as the World Wide Web portion of the Internet.
US07644127B2
Translation of text or messages provides a message that is more reliably or efficiently analyzed for purposes as, for example, to detect spam in email messages. One translation process takes into account statistics of erroneous and intentional misspellings. Another process identifies and removes characters or character codes that do not generate visible symbols in a message displayed to a user. Another process detects symbols such as periods, commas, dashes, etc., interspersed in text such that the symbols do not unduly interfere with, or prevent, a user from perceiving a spam message. Another process can detect use of foreign language symbols and terms. Still other processes and techniques are presented to counter obfuscating spammer tactics and to provide for efficient and accurate analysis of message content. Groups of similar content items (e.g., words, phrases, images, ASCII text, etc.) are correlated and analysis can proceed after substitution of items in the group with other items in the group so that a more accurate detection of “sameness” of content can be achieved. Dictionaries are used for spam or ham words or phrases. Other features are described.
US07644125B2
The invention is directed to a method, system, and computer program product for the synchronization of similar data objects by exchanging event information to provide new and/or updated data objects to a mobile device or application for use on a device. The invention includes a method, system, computer program product, and combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for enabling similar data objects to be made available to users of mobile devices, and for the users of mobile devices to operate with such objects on their mobile devices in an interactive manner while in an off-line mode, i.e., while not actively connected to a network or external data source.
US07644113B2
The invention provides systems and methods for continuous back up of data stored on a computer network. To this end the systems of the invention include a synchronization process that replicates selected source data files data stored on the network and to create a corresponding set of replicated data files, called the target data files, that are stored on a back up server. This synchronization process builds a baseline data structure of target data files. In parallel to this synchronization process, the system includes a dynamic replication process that includes a plurality of agents, each of which monitors a portion of the source data files to detect and capture, at the byte-level, changes to the source data files. Each agent may record the changes to a respective journal file, and as the dynamic replication process detects that the journal files contain data, the journal files are transferred or copied to the back up server so that the captured changes can be written to the appropriate ones of the target data files.
US07644111B2
In a content delivery scheme for target files, one or more recipes for each of the target files are encoded in an index. The index uses a framework that is able to represent content delivery schemes involving static containers, dynamic containers, self-contained containers, containers that are not self-contained, containers with internal delta dependency and containers with no internal delta dependency.
US07644106B2
Techniques for avoiding lock contention when processing data definition language (DDL) statements are provided. Some DDL statements modify metadata of a table and then require access to the table. After such a DDL statement modifies the metadata of a table and the updated metadata is made available (i.e., published) to other database statements, execution of the DDL statement is suspended. Data manipulation language (DML) statements acquire locks on the table. In one approach, the locks, of any DML statement, that are granted after the DDL statement is issued are timestamped. The DDL statement uses the timestamps to determine when to access the table. The timestamps are used to determine when the last DML statement (that was pending at the time the modified metadata was published) commits and releases its lock on the table.
US07644099B2
A method and apparatus for automatically and dynamically generating a user interface for a client based upon a database model. An application server creates a user interface description in accordance with the database model. The description is then distributed to the client, which interprets the description and creates the user interface therefrom.
US07644090B2
A method and apparatus for fast similarity-based query, self-join, and join for massive, high-dimension datasets have been disclosed.
US07644089B2
An organization asset database (ADb) is described that contains a complete, up-to-date, secure, and easily accessible inventory of the organization's assets. Each asset is mapped onto a structure that represents the organizational hierarchy of the organization, which provides for multiple levels of accountability for each asset. Each asset has one or more roles in relation to other assets in the ADb and has one or more entitlements in relation to other assets in the ADb. The relationship between assets ensures that the ADb is complete and up-to-date and allows for easy filtering and retrieval of the information contained in the ADb.
US07644088B2
This invention relates to a computer-based method and system for facilitating the retrieval, classification, and distribution of information. In one embodiment, a method for providing information comprises providing a plurality of entities, each having an entity type, providing a plurality of relationships among the entities, each relationship having a relationship type and direction, and constructing an entity-relationship network comprising the entities and relationships. The method further includes receiving a plurality of information items, facilitating the association of the information items with at least one corresponding entity, receiving a request for information items associated with a selected one of the entities, determining a subset of the entities based on the selected entity, the relationships, the relationship types and the relationship directions, and providing the information items associated with the subset of the entities.
US07644080B2
A content search system for determining whether a plurality of input strings each belonging to any one of a number of different process flows matches one or more of a plurality of regular expressions, including a search circuit for searching the input strings for the regular expressions and a data management unit including a control circuit having an input to receive the plurality of input strings, wherein each input string has an associated flow identification (ID) value, a packet queue having a number of storage locations for storing the input strings, and a flow engine that forwards a selected input string from the packet queue to the search circuit.
US07644076B1
A method and computer program for clustering a string are described. The string includes a plurality of characters. R unique n-grams T1 . . . R are identified in the string. For every unique n-gram TS, if the frequency of TS in a set of n-gram statistics is not greater than a first threshold, the string is associated with a cluster associated with TS. Otherwise, for every other n-gram TV in the string T1 . . . R, except S, if the frequency of n-gram TV is greater than the first threshold, and if the frequency of n-gram pair TS-TV is not greater than a second threshold, the string is associated with a cluster associated with the n-gram pair TS-TV. Otherwise, for every other n-gram TX in the string T1 . . . R, except S and V, the string is associated with a cluster associated with the n-gram triple TS-TV-TX. Otherwise, nothing is done.
US07644068B2
A user wishes to view a record, such as one that includes a person's medical history, located in a record storage area. In order to prevent the user from viewing records other than the specific record in which the user is interested, a record selection manager iteratively requests attribute information from the user to disambiguate which record to provide until the record selection manager identifies a reduction completion result, which the record selection manager then provides to the user. Using the invention described herein, the record selection manager conceals records included in the records storage area until it identifies a reduction completion result and, at that point, the record selection manager provides only the reduction completion result to the user to view.
US07644058B2
A method for analyzing system-problems, comprising the steps of: accepting from a user an input describing a system having a problem; parsing the user input to create a boolean representation of the system, the boolean representation comprising a series of equations; determining that the boolean representation comprises an unsatisfiable series of equations; for each equation in the series of equations, performing the steps of: creating a modified series of equations by removing the equation from the series of equations; and determining if the modified series of equations is satisfiable, and, if the modified series of equations is satisfiable, deriving a solution wording from the removed equation.
US07644057B2
A system and method for classifying text includes a pre-processor, a knowledge base, and a statistical engine. The pre-processor identifies concepts in the text and creates a structured text object that contains the concepts. The structured text object is then passed to a statistical engine, which applies statistical information provided in nodes of a knowledge base to the structured text object in order to calculate a set of match scores, each match score representing the relevance of the text to an associated one of a plurality of predefined categories. The pre-processor may be implemented in the form of an interpreter which selects and executes a script that includes language- and scenario-specific instructions for performing linguistic and semantic analysis of the text.
US07644034B2
An auction server node is described for a computer network having user nodes for conducting an auction run by an auction adviser for awarding securities from an issuer to bidders of the auction. There is real-time monitoring of the auction as it occurs, a bid mechanism for receiving competitive bids from the bidders at the user nodes, including a quantity of securities to be purchased, an initial price revealed to the other bidders, and a firm price not revealed to the other bidders and within a predetermined range of the initial price. A single market clearing price is determined that allocates to the bidders all of the securities in the auction. An incremental adjustment of the market clearing price may be made by at least one of the auction advisor and the issuer, and an allocation made of the securities to the bidders at the adjusted clearing price.
US07644032B2
The adaptive computerized bidding method matches hospitality facility (HF) data and meeting requirement data, permits the posting of offers and responsive bidding by both HF vendors and meeting planners (MPs), analysis of the initial search results by an MP supervisor (an adaptive input), analysis of the vendor search results by a vendor promoter (adaptive output) and facilitates the exchange of data by the posting MP and the selected HF vendors. MP requirement or request for quote RFQ data (at least MP contact data, facilities requirements, date range and price) is matched to HF hotel data (at least vendor contact data, location, room quantity, date range, and meeting room data), and after adaptive and output analysis and supplemental communications to supervisors, and the system sends MP RFQ data to matching vendors after processing by the adaptive filters. Vendors respond to the MP RFQ.
US07644030B2
A system and associated methods are provided for intelligent placement and movement of orders in an electronic trading environment. According to one example method, in addition to submitting a leg order at a calculated price level, additional orders, queue holder orders, are submitted for the leg order at prices either below or above the calculated price level. Based on this configuration, if the conditions change such that it is necessary to re-price the leg order, there will be already an order resting in the exchange order book at the re-calculated price that can be used in the strategy. Upon re-pricing the leg order, one or more additional queue holder orders will be placed in the market. Other tools are provided as well.
US07644021B2
A method for processing accounting data of an enterprise includes entering accounting data entries associated with one or more accounts in memory of an interactive system, the interactive system capable of communicating with a batch system. At least some of the accounting data entries are copied to the batch system. The batch system includes a processor configured for rejecting certain ones of the accounting data entries copied to the batch system based on predetermined rules stored in memory of the batch system and associating reject information with rejected accounting data entries for use in correcting the rejected accounting data entries. The rejected accounting data entries are copied including the associated reject information to the interactive system.
US07644019B2
A method and system is provided for safe online commercial transaction. When a safe transaction service provider receives a request from a first party for obtaining a transaction performance guaranty service, the safe transaction service provider processes the request by underwriting the first party. If the underwriting is successful, the transaction performance guaranty service is provided to the first party which binds a transaction performance guaranty to an online commercial transaction involving the first party and guarantees the first party's performance when the first party and a second party enter the online transaction.
US07644018B1
A system and method for vending digitized content over an Internet network path, at least a portion of which is wireless, such as an SDMA high data rate directional wireless path. Content in the form of IP packets is provided to a user terminal via a connect server in response to user requests, which can be real-time requests or which can be requests embodied in a user-defined or system-defined user profile. The user is billed using one or more of several billing paradigms, including by the content piece, by the number of IP packets sent to the user, by the length of time the user accesses the system, by the subscription, and so on.
US07644008B1
A method and system for assigning a role within an enterprise. The method and system can include a requester selecting a role to which he wishes to be assigned, selecting an administrator authorized to grant the selected role, and submitting a request for the selected role to the selected administrator. The administrator can then approve or deny the request. These actions can be done in a web-based computer program. The selection of the role or the administrator can be made from a list of one or more roles or administrators available to the requester. The submittal of the request can be done by the interaction of the web-based computer program with an e-mail program. Records of the submittal of the request and of the approval or denial of the request can be maintained in an archive data store coupled to the web-based computer program.
US07643999B2
A system and method for positioning a software User Interface (UI) window on a display screen is provided, wherein the method includes displaying the software UI window on the display screen and identifying at least one suitable location on the display screen responsive to an active target window area of a target application UI window. The method further includes determining whether the software UI window is disposed at the at least one suitable location on the display screen and if the software UI window is disposed in a location other than the at least one suitable location on the display screen, positioning the software UI window at the at least one suitable location on the display screen.
US07643998B2
A vocabulary management system for constraining speech recognition processing associated with text-to-speech and speech-to-text rendering associated with use of a voice application in progress between a user accessing a data source through a voice portal has a vocabulary management server connected to a voice application server and to a telephony server, and an instance of vocabulary management software running on the management server for enabling vocabulary establishment and management for speech recognition software. The system is characterized in that an administrator accessing the vocabulary management server uses the software to create unique vocabulary sets that are specific to selected portions of vocabulary associated with target data sources the vocabulary sets differing in content according to administrator direction.
US07643995B2
A method of identifying problems in a speech recognition application is provided and includes the step of obtaining a speech application call log containing log data on question-answer (QA) states and transitions. Then, in accordance with the method, for each of a multiple transitions between states, a parameter is generated which is indicative of a gain in a success rate of the speech recognition application if all calls passing through the transition passed instead through other transitions. In exemplary embodiments, the parameter is an Arc Cut Gain in Success Rate (ACGSR) parameter. Methods of generating the ACGSR, as well as systems and tools for aiding developers are also disclosed.
US07643987B2
An improved method and apparatus for controlling the voice channels in sound processors includes: programming a first voice channel to instruct a second voice channel to execute an event when a trigger condition occurs; determining by the first voice channel that the trigger condition has occurred; and instructing the second voice channel to execute the event by the first voice channel. Thus, the need for the CPU to properly time the programmer's desired voice processing events is reduced by having the voice channels themselves be pre-instructed to control another voice channel(s) upon meeting a certain trigger condition. Chains of voice channels are possible and can be as simple or complex as desired. Accurate channel-to-channel event timing is thus possible. Since no interrupts or the polling of status registers is needed, the demands on CPU resources are reduced. System bus bandwidth is also freed for the use of other system components.
US07643972B2
Computer-implemented systems and methods for estimating confidence intervals for output generated from a computer simulation program that simulates a physical stochastic process. A plurality of statistical tests is performed upon the physical stochastic simulated output so that a confidence interval can be determined.
US07643964B2
In a method, system and apparatus for measuring an idle value of a Central Processing Unit (CPU) in an embedded system, the CPU increments a hardware counter in accordance with clock signals. The CPU also increments an idle counter during a predetermined period of time in accordance with the clock signals while an idle task is running. The CPU calculates the idle value as a ratio of total increments of the idle counter to total increments of the hardware counter after the predetermined period of time has expired.
US07643963B2
An apparatus for measuring surface texture causes a probe to trace a surface of a workpiece to detect contact between a tip provided on the tip of the probe and the surface of the workpiece and measures surface texture of the workpiece. The apparatus for measuring surface texture includes: a path division unit dividing a path along which the tip is moved into a plurality of sections between the starting point and the ending point of the path; a moving velocity calculation unit calculating a moving velocity of the tip in sequence from the starting point to the ending point for each of the plurality of sections, based on the path information for each of the plurality of sections; and a stylus movement control unit moving the tip in a section for which a moving velocity has been calculated at the moving velocity calculation unit.
US07643957B2
Techniques for bisecting a symmetric, substantially transmissive two-port network (a THRU structure) through an optimization solution of the relevant equations defined by transmission matrix mathematics are described. Bisect de-embedding may be performed using a single substantially symmetric THRU structure, a first half of a first substantially symmetric THRU structure and a second half of a second substantially symmetric THRU structure, and by combining bisect de-embedding with conventionally known de-embedding techniques.
US07643954B2
A master station includes a group of circuits for performing an optimization method. In such a system, the optimization is achieved by adjusting the pull-up resistance and by setting the best possible clock frequency to ensure that data/clock high and low voltage levels are within predetermined specifications. An optimization procedure is performed in a calibration phase invoked by a user or a system whenever a change is introduced to the system, such as addition or deletion of slave stations, a change of data/clock lines, or a change that may affect on the electrical and timing characteristics of the two-wire communication system.
US07643952B2
A method processes an optical image. The method includes providing a measured magnitude of the Fourier transform of a two-dimensional complex transmission function. The method further includes providing an estimated phase term of the Fourier transform of the two-dimensional complex transmission function. The method further includes multiplying the measured magnitude and the estimated phase term to generate an estimated Fourier transform of the two-dimensional complex transmission function. The method further includes calculating an inverse Fourier transform of the estimated Fourier transform, wherein the inverse Fourier transform is a spatial function. The method further includes calculating an estimated two-dimensional complex transmission function by applying at least one constraint to the inverse Fourier transform.
US07643948B2
A system for tracking resource parameters includes a resource having an associated memory tag; a parameter sensing element sensing a parameter of the resource; and a memory tag reader/writer. The system is configured to store information gathered from the parameter sensing element on the memory tag.
US07643947B2
A method for calibrating a flowmeter, comprising choosing a pipe configuration from a list of pipe configurations, defining a number of diameters downstream from the pipe configuration where a transducer is to be installed, determining an initial curve number for the chosen pipe configuration, wherein the initial curve number corresponds to a predetermined flow profile correction curve, determining a swirl factor for the chosen pipe configuration, and computing a calibration factor for a given Reynolds number.
US07643946B2
A method determines the wear of axles of a robot arm of an industrial robot. A torque profile of at least one axle taken during at least one working cycle of the industrial robot is used as a basis for an analysis. The torque profile is analyzed for portions of the torque profile that exceed a previously fixed torque band, and current axial wear is determined by assessing the frequency and/or the curve profile of the portions of the torque profile. A system is provided for determining the wear.
US07643941B2
A system and method for providing a statistical measure of the size of liquid water droplets in a cloud, as well as a system and method for the detection and/or measurement of the presence of a cloud, liquid water content in the cloud and ice water content in the cloud, among other parameters.
US07643935B2
Parking assist systems, methods and programs identify a position of a vehicle and obtain image data of an area around the vehicle from a camera on the vehicle. The systems, methods, and programs associate the obtained image data with a position of the vehicle where the image data was obtained and store the obtained image data and the associated position of the vehicle as past image data in a memory. The systems, methods, and programs determine whether the vehicle has at least entered a target parking area and display, based on the determination, an image on a display unit, the displayed image based on the past image data and image data taken at a current position of the vehicle.
US07643929B2
A torque adaptation system is provided. The system includes: a torque error estimator module that estimates a torque error based on an error propagation model and a plurality of torque model parameters; and an adapt torque module that adapts a model torque based on the torque error.
US07643924B2
An ECU executes a program that includes the steps of setting an abnormality flag when a hydraulic pressure switch is on even though a lock-up clutch is in a lock-up OFF state, forcing an SLU off when the lock-up clutch is on and the abnormality flag is on, determining that there is an SLU failure when the lock-up clutch is still in a lock-up ON state after a predetermined period of time has passed, and determining that there is a hydraulic pressure switch failure when the lock-up clutch is not in the lock-up ON state after the predetermined period of time has passed.
US07643906B2
An obstacle and cliff avoiding system is disclosed, which is substantially a movable chassis having at least a displacement sensor arranged thereon. In a preferred embodiment, each displacement sensor is tilted by a specific angle with respect to a surface detected thereby while being driven to move in circle by a rotating apparatus for enabling the same to scan a defined fan-like area or the circular area around the chassis in a circulating manner. As each displacement sensor is tilted by the specific angle and is initiated to issue a working signal, the paths of signal emission and reception of each sensor are defined by the specific angle, whereas the reflected working signal received by the sensor is sent to a control unit to be compared with the working signal so that the control unit is able to evaluate whether there is an obstacle or a drop in front of the moving direction of the movable chassis and thus control the chassis to maneuver around the obstacle or the drop.
US07643905B2
A robot program correcting apparatus, which displays three-dimensional models of a robot and a workpiece simultaneously on the screen of a display apparatus, and corrects an operation program for the robot, includes: a unit retrieving a robot operation program and a working position based on at least either a line or a surface computed from touchup points and on a touchup position or points representing a working position specified on the screen; a difference computing unit computing a difference between at least either the line or surface computed from the touchup points and at least either a line or a surface computed from the plurality of points as position information representing the retrieved working position; and a correcting unit correcting the robot operation program by computing the amount of correction based on the difference, thereby reducing the number of steps required when correcting the robot operation program.
US07643895B2
Improved techniques and systems for utilizing a portable electronic device to monitor, process, present and manage data captured by a remote sensor are disclosed. The portable electronic device offers a convenient user interface that can be visual and/or audio based customized to a particular application, user-friendly and/or dynamic. The portable electronic device can pertain to a portable media player and thus also provide media playback.
US07643891B2
An arrangement includes a first computer having a first operating system, the first computer having a memory containing software derived from field controller software executed on physical field controllers of a building control system. The physical field controllers employ a second operating system. The software further contains an operating system abstraction layer operable to convert at least some operating system calls of the field controller software to corresponding calls in the first operating system.
US07643889B2
A circuit for outputting temperature data of a semiconductor memory apparatus includes a temperature detecting circuit that generates a temperature voltage corresponding to a change in temperature and outputs the temperature voltage, an A/D converter that converts the temperature voltage into a first temperature code and outputs it, and a temperature data correcting unit that outputs a second temperature code obtained by correcting an error of the first temperature code using a correction code.
US07643885B2
An intravenous pacemaker electrode has an electrode tip designed to release a drug, where the drug contains at least one of the active substances sirolimus, paclitaxel, everolimus, fibrin, rapamycin, and tacrolimus.
US07643883B2
A system and method for heating a tissue volume under a skin surface of an individual from an initial temperature to a predetermined treatment temperature in the range of 42°-60° C. The method comprises applying electrodes to the skin surface and providing from the electrodes a continuous wave RF energy or a quasi-continuous wave RF energy, where the RF energy has a power selected to heat the tissue volume to the final temperature in an amount of time exceeding 0.5 sec. The system of the invention comprises electrodes and an RF generator configured to provide a continuous wave RF voltage energy or a quasi-continuous wave RF voltage across the electrodes where the RF energy has a power selected to heat the tissue volume to the final temperature in an amount of time exceeding 0.5 sec.
US07643868B2
In order to establish an optimum position on the upper side of the tibia for the exit point of an anterior cruciate ligament replacement, it is proposed that, with the leg bent, the position of a number of points along the front edge of the notch is detected and in this way their position and progression on the femur are also determined, that, with the leg straight, the course of this front edge of the notch is projected onto a projection plane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tibia in the region of the upper side of the tibia, and that, within the region enclosed by this projected curve, the exit point is selected such that it maintains at least a distance corresponding to the radius of the implant from the projected curve. Furthermore, an apparatus for carrying out such a method is proposed.
US07643865B2
The present invention may provide a system, method and device containing a motor. The motor may propel an in-vivo device by rotating a propeller situated for example outside of an outer shell of such device with an electromagnetic field generated by for example a plurality of electrical coils situated for example within such device.
US07643864B2
Systems, methodologies, media, and other embodiments associated with automatically adapting MRI controlling parameters are described. One exemplary method embodiment includes configuring an MRI apparatus to acquire MR signal data using a non-rectilinear trajectory. The example method may also include acquiring MR signals, transforming the MR signals into image data, and selectively adapting the MRI controlling parameters based, at least in part, on information associated with the MR signals.
US07643858B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method of detecting or monitoring brain edema in a patient. One embodiment of the present invention includes emitting a first light into the patient's brain tissue at a first wavelength, emitting a second light into the patient's brain tissue at a second wavelength, detecting the first and second lights after dispersion by the brain tissue at a detector, and determining an amount of water proximate the brain tissue based on the detected first and second lights.
US07643850B2
A cellular communication terminal is configured to function as a mouse for a proximately located computer. The cellular communication terminal includes a cellular transceiver, a communication interface, an accelerometer, and a controller. The cellular transceiver is configured to communicate over a wireless cellular interface with a cellular network. The communication interface is configured to be communicatively coupled to the proximately located computer. The accelerometer is configured to generate acceleration information that is indicative of movement of the terminal. The controller is configured to communicate through the cellular transceiver with the cellular network according to a cellular communication protocol, and to selectively operate in a mouse mode during which the controller generates terminal movement information based on the acceleration information from the accelerometer and communicates the terminal movement information through the communication interface to the proximately located computer. The communication interface may be a short-range wireless communication transceiver and/or a wired interface, such as a USB interface. Related terminals and methods are disclosed for using the terminal to provide mouse type functions for a user application in the terminal and/or an application on a remotely located communication device.
US07643849B2
A data communication system comprises a radio frequency module, a baseband module, a memory unit, a parallel/serial module, a multimedia module, an image sensor module and a display module. The parallel/serial module performs digital signal processing and converts parallel bus data into serial bus data, and vice versa. The present invention provides an improved data communication method and system featuring a parallel/serial module that enables a serial data communication within cellular phone modules. The present invention will also reduce the cost of manufacturing and improve the performance of the cellular phone.
US07643846B2
A WAP-enabled device can request text-based and/or voice based content from a WAP Server. The WAP device communicates over a conventional wireless service provider network. This network provides a connection between the WAP device and a WAP Gateway. The WAP Gateway operates as a gateway between the wireless service provider network and the TCP/IP-based Internet. Content requests are sent from the WAP gateway to the WAP Server. When a request for voice-based content delivery is received, the WAP Server responds by sending a TCP/IP instruction to a Voice Portal Node. The Voice Portal Node is operative to establish a voice-based communication session with the WAP device. The WAP Server will transmit voice-based content to the Voice Portal Node. An audible transmission is then played over the telephone connection established between the Voice Portal Node and the WAP device in response to the request initiated by the WAP device.
US07643840B2
A system and method for changing a talk group of a mobile communication terminal, which includes a PTT (Push To Talk) server and a mobile communication terminal is described. The PTT server is configured to transmit a message requesting the mobile communication terminal to change a talk group based on a location of the mobile communication terminal. The mobile communication terminal is configured to transmit a message approving change of the talk group.
US07643836B2
Methods, apparatus, and computer program products for determining approximate locations of network devices. Information is received concerning last known locations of portable network devices that attach to a network, and used to compute an approximate location of an obscured network device attached to the network. In some embodiments, the last known locations of the portable network devices may be determined using information from GPS satellites. The approximate location of the obscured network device may be used as the approximate location of other stationary network devices connected to the same network.
US07643823B2
A thermostat control system for monitoring and controlling environmental characteristics of a building includes a base station unit and a remote access unit continuously interfacing through instant wireless private direct connectivity. The system also includes a plurality of sensors that measure the environmental characteristics and provide the thermostat unit with the measurements.
US07643822B2
In one embodiment, a method for processing queries initiated by users of mobile devices includes receiving an incoming message containing a query initiated be a user of a mobile device, and extracting the query from the received message. The message further includes obtaining a result of the query and creating an outgoing message with the result of the query for delivery to the mobile device.
US07643816B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a messaging system for managing communications resources and are particularly suitable for providing a means for subscribers of a telecommunications network to continue participating in a communications service that would otherwise be ended due to the calling party having a low or zero balance. Embodiments of the invention are generally applicable to users of a mobile network.Embodiments of the invention provide a messaging system for use by the telecommunications network to transmit a message to a remote party, where the remote party is identified by means of a telephone calling identifier associated with a call setup request for a telecommunications session received from a user of the telecommunications network. The messaging system comprises a storage system for storing data providing a predetermined definition of message content to be sent to the remote party. In response to trigger event such as determining that the account balance available for said user participating in the requested communications session is below a predetermined threshold, the messaging system is arranged to initiate the transmission of a message to said remote party. The transmitted message contains message content that is defined at least in part by said definition of message content and can comprise a “call me message.” This thereby ensures that a “call me” message reaches the remote party.
US07643815B2
Disclosed is an apparatus and method for automatically detecting the presence of a strobo in an earphone jack port of a mobile terminal wherein the strobo is automatically enabled without the additional operation of the mobile terminal when the strobo is plugged into an earphone jack while a user uses a built-in digital camera. The present invention safeguards the mobile terminal against severe damage being done thereto by mistakenly choosing options to enable a strobo without knowing that an earphone/microphone set is plugged in the earphone jack of a mobile terminal.
US07643814B2
The invention relates to a preamplifier circuit with at least one transistor that couples a signal input to a signal output. The signal input is supplied with a radio-frequency signal. In addition, the preamplifier circuit includes a switch that switchably couples the input to a reference potential and which, when the preamplifier is inactive, is closed. Hence, when the preamplifier is inactive, the input is put into a low-impedance state and the amplifier and downstream assemblies are protected from unwanted high-power interference signals. It is thus also possible to use other, fully integratable filter types in a transceiver's reception signal processing chain instead of external surface acoustic wave filters with a low level of complexity and without drawbacks.
US07643807B2
Methods of displaying broadcast media content information to a user include receiving at a first receiver first content from a first channel of a multi-channel broadcast media system while receiving at a second receiver information regarding the content on a second off-channel of the multi-channel broadcast media system. Then, at least some of the received information regarding the content on the second channel is displayed to the user. A database of information may also be provided that includes, for example, information regarding listening/viewing preferences of the user. This database of information may be used, for example, to select the off-channels that are scanned for content information and/or to select what information is displayed to the user.
US07643803B2
Embodiments of power estimation of a transmission are presented herein.
US07643800B2
A voice data and RF integrated circuit (IC) includes a memory module that stores a least one application as a plurality of operational instructions, the at least one application having a plurality of power modes that each correspond to one of a plurality of use characteristics. A processing module executes the plurality of operational instructions, determines a selected one of the plurality of power modes based on current use characteristics of the at least one application, and generates a power mode signal based on the selected one of the plurality of power modes. An on-chip power management circuit receives the power mode signal and generates a plurality of power supply signals based on the power mode signal.
US07643794B2
Methods and systems for constructing multi-sector antenna for packet-by-packet transmission. The transmission of each packet can be performed by a different antenna sector. The system can consist of a plurality of various antenna types: flat panel, parabolic dish, slotted, omni, planar, micro-strip, Yagi, beam-forming, adaptive, and electro-mechanical moveable. The direction of transmission is selected responsive to the direction in which the best signal reception was received. Switching logic is coupling the out going transmission signal to selected ones from the plurality of the antenna sectors. The antenna design in this invention is aimed at increasing the gain and minimizing the interfering signals with respect large number of users who are concurrently and continuously tracking and communicating with their access points, and consequently, increasing the bit rate of each transmission and the aggregate capacity of the wireless system.
US07643790B2
Local communication system in wireless communication system includes a main wireless terminal negotiating with each of the peripheral wireless terminals during a time period for which a frame will be transmitted, generating a schedule map including negotiated time information and a transmission sequence of each of the peripheral wireless terminals, and transmitting the generated schedule map to all peripheral wireless terminals; and the peripheral wireless terminals storing the schedule map received from the main wireless terminal, and performing communication with the main wireless terminal according to the sequence determined in the schedule map for the negotiated time period.
US07643788B2
The invention provides systems and methods for targeting broadcast messages to particular vehicles or classes of vehicles. In one embodiment, the system comprises an information center for creating and sending a broadcast data message, and a relay section that receives the broadcast data message and relays the message to a plurality of vehicles. The information center typically comprises a one-to-many communication system for sending the message from one source to a plurality of receivers, such as a satellite radio network or the like. The message can be deleted or modified in response to commands received by the receiver.
US07643784B2
A fixing apparatus including at least one transfer and fixing member which is placed in contact with an image carrier and a recording medium and configured to transfer and fix an image on the image carrier to the recording medium, at least detection mechanism configured to detect a jam generated on the recording medium, a separation mechanism configured to contact the transfer and fixing member with and separate from the transfer and fixing member from the image carrier or recording medium, the separation mechanism being configured to separate the transfer and fixing member from the image carrier or recording medium when the jam on the recording medium is detected by the detection mechanism.
US07643779B2
A developer transporting amount controlling member that is used in a developing apparatus is disclosed. The developing apparatus includes a recording unit having a surface that sustains an electrostatic latent image and attracts a developer, a developer transporting unit that transports the developer, and a developing unit that guides the developer to the recording unit. The recording unit, the developer transporting unit, and the developing unit have rotational center axes that are parallel to each other. The developer transporting amount controlling member includes a magnetic part and a nonmagnetic part that is harder than the magnetic part and is fixed to the developing apparatus such that a portion of the nonmagnetic part is disposed closest to the developing unit.
US07643760B1
Efficient apparatus, methods, systems and devices to generate, transmit and detect optical differential polarization-phase-shift keying signals are disclosed for high spectral efficiency optical communication systems. It includes an electrical encoder and an optical encoder for generation of differentially encoded polarization-phase modulated optical signals and optical demodulators and balanced detectors for detection of the optical signals. The optical signals are transmitted through optical fiber links or free space. The electrical encoder maps independent data channels into differentially-encoded data sequences. In the optical encoder, the encoded data sequences from the electrical encoder drive optical modulators to generate differentially-encoded polarization-phase modulated optical signals at a symbol rate equal to the bit rate of each input data channel. After transmission through a transmission medium, the optical signals are demodulated optically and the original data are recovered by multilevel detection, without recovering the polarization state of received signals.
US07643756B2
Transceivers, networks, and methods for providing data communication to electrical devices in a vehicle, and a vehicle comprising the transceiver and network. A transceiver of the network can include a receive optical subassembly including an opto-electronic transducer configured to receive a first incoming optical signal from an optical fiber having a silica based core. Signal extraction circuitry is configured to extract data intended for an electrical device from of the incoming optical signal and provide the extracted data to the electrical device, and a transmit optical subassembly comprising a laser, such as a VCSEL, configured to transmit an outgoing optical signal to a second optical fiber having a silica based core.
US07643752B2
A transmitter for a communications link is tested by using a (software) simulation of a reference channel and/or a reference receiver to test the transmitter. In one embodiment for optical fiber communications links, a data test pattern is applied to the transmitter under test and the resulting optical output is captured, for example by a sampling oscilloscope. The captured waveform is subsequently processed by the software simulation, in order to simulate propagation of the optical signal through the reference channel and/or reference receiver. A performance metric for the transmitter is calculated based on the processed waveform.
US07643727B2
The present invention relates to method and apparatus of recording a multi-channel data stream on a recording medium in such a manner that substreams of digital channels constituting the multi-channel data stream can be distinguished each other in reproduction. The present recording method separates a multi-channel stream composed of substreams belonging to a plurality of channels into individual substreams, records the individual substreams separately by channel in a single or plural stream objects allocated in a recording medium, and creates as many files as the number of channels for the single or plural stream objects. The present method makes it possible to selectively search and reproduce each substream among a recorded multi-channel stream through file selection, thereby improving use convenience of a recording machine such as a digital video recorder.
US07643725B2
In the data structure, a data area of the recording medium stores a transport stream of at least video data. The transport stream is divided into transport packets, and each of the transport packets is associated with one of the multiple reproduction paths. Also, the transport packets of each reproduction path is stored in separate physical domains of the data area from one another.
US07643724B2
The invention concerns a method and system for performing a trick mode on a video signal containing a plurality of original pictures. The method includes the steps of selectively skipping at least one of the original pictures to convert the video signal to a trick mode video signal in response to a trick mode command and selectively inserting at least one dummy predictive picture in the trick mode video signal using field-based prediction. The method can also include the steps of monitoring the trick mode video signal in which the step of selectively inserting at least one dummy predictive picture in the trick mode video signal can be done if the bit rate of the trick mode video signal exceeds a predetermined threshold.
US07643717B2
Waveguides are disclosed (and other devices and materials including but not limited to hybrid organic-inorganic coatings, passivation materials, glob top materials, underfill materials, materials for IC and other applications, microlenses and any of a wide variety of optical devices) that benefit by being formed of a novel hybrid organic-inorganic material. In one embodiment of the invention, a method for making a waveguide includes: forming a lower cladding layer on a substrate; forming a core layer after the lower cladding layer; and forming an upper cladding layer after the core layer; wherein the lower cladding layer, core layer and/or upper cladding layer comprises a hybrid organic-inorganic material—that has many desirable properties relating to stability, hydrophobicity, roughness, optical absorbance, polarization dependent loss, among others.
US07643704B2
A method of cropping a digital image and preserving a reserve for subsequent use includes cropping the digital image to produce a first cropped digital image, the first cropped digital image having a first size and a first aspect ratio; determining, based on the location of the cropping, at least one reserve portion of the image adjacent to at least one edge of the first cropped digital image; and storing, in an image file, the first cropped digital image and the reserve(s).
US07643699B2
Processing of a digital image includes applying a function to a plurality of pixels in the image, the function relating a noise statistic to pixel intensity values. By applying the noise statistic function, a noise statistic value is produced for each of the pixels. Each of the pixels is processed with respect to its noise statistic value.
US07643681B2
Color correction is performed on a first set of three pixel values by determining a color phase of the pixel values. The determined color phase is used to determine a phase difference, and the phase difference is used to control an amount of color phase rotation applied to the chrominance pixel values of the first set. The color phase is also used to determine a first gain, and the first gain is used to control a scaling of the rotated chrominance pixel values, thereby generating color corrected chrominance pixel values. The color phase is also used to determine a second gain, and the second gain is used to control an amount of scaling applied to the luminance pixel value of the first set, thereby generating the color corrected luminance pixel value. How color phase determines phase difference, the first gain and the second gain is changed depending on lighting conditions.
US07643680B2
A method of calibrating image luminance values is provided. At first, a calibration chart is scanned, and a dark actual luminance value and a white actual luminance value are obtained accordingly. Next, a document is scanned, and a scan luminance value is obtained accordingly. Then, a white ideal luminance value, a dark ideal luminance value, an ideal luminance value and a predetermined calibrated luminance value are provided. Next, a calibrated luminance value is determined according to the dark actual luminance value, the white actual luminance value, the white ideal luminance value, the dark ideal luminance value, the ideal luminance value, the predetermined calibrated luminance value and the scan luminance value.
US07643679B2
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and apparatus for block based image compression with multiple non-uniform block encodings. In one embodiment, an image is divided into blocks of pixels. In one embodiment the blocks are four pixels by four pixels, but other block sizes are used in other embodiments. In one embodiment, a block of pixels in the original image is compressed using two different methods to produce a first and second compressed block. Thus, each block in the original image is represented by two, typically different, compressed blocks. In one embodiment, color associated with a pixel is determined by combining the compressed information about the pixel in the first compressed block with information about the pixel in the second compressed block. In another embodiment, global information about the image is combined with the information in the first and second compressed blocks.
US07643669B2
An image generation system for developing three-dimensional electronic models of objects includes a scanner and a computing system. The scanner may be selectively positioned adjacent to an object in different geographic positions. The scanner may provide scanner position information and image data representative of the object to the computing system. The computing system may generate a three-dimensional electronic model of the object from the image data and the scanner position information. The three-dimensional electronic model may be stored and utilized in other applications, such as an electronic navigational map.
US07643668B2
A workpiece inspection apparatus includes a search unit for finding from an input reference image a first pixel group which contains a certain pixel and a second pixel group having grayscale values within a threshold, and a probability acquisition unit responsive to receipt of an optical image of a workpiece being tested and the reference image, for obtaining a probability value based on a grayscale value of the certain pixel, a grayscale value of its corresponding pixel in the second pixel group, a grayscale value of an optical image pixel corresponding to the certain pixel, and a grayscale value of an optical image pixel corresponding to a pixel in the second pixel group corresponding to the certain pixel. The probability value is used to determine whether a defect exists at the optical image pixel corresponding to the certain pixel.
US07643666B2
Reconstruction of an object by which radiation is diffracted is disclosed. Specifically, the reconstruction includes: estimating the object shape; deriving a model diffraction pattern from the estimated shape; illuminating the object with radiation; detecting a diffraction pattern of radiation diffracted by the object; comparing the model diffraction pattern and the detected diffraction pattern; and determining the actual object shape from the difference between the model diffraction pattern and the detected diffraction pattern, wherein the model diffraction pattern is determined using Bloch Mode Expansion.
US07643662B2
Systems and methods are provided for accessing three dimensional representation of an anatomical surface and flattening the anatomical surface so as to produce a two dimensional representation of an anatomical surface. The two dimensional surface can be augmented with computed properties such as thickness, curvature, thickness and curvature, or user defined properties. The rendered two dimensional representation of an anatomical surface can be interacted by user so as to deriving quantitative measurements such as diameter, area, volume, and number of voxels.
US07643658B2
A display arrangement comprises an image display device having a first camera directed towards positions adopted by users viewing the display; one or more further cameras directed towards other respective locations; a face detector for detecting human faces in images captured by the cameras; and means for detecting those faces which appear in images captured by both the first camera and at least one of the further cameras.
US07643652B2
Methods and apparatus for embedding a watermark are disclosed. An example method to embed media identification information in a compressed media data stream disclosed herein comprises reconstructing an uncompressed media data stream from the compressed media data stream, the uncompressed media data stream separate from the compressed media data stream, embedding the media identification information in the uncompressed media data stream to determine a watermarked uncompressed media data stream, and modifying a first mantissa value corresponding to a first transform coefficient associated with the compressed media stream to embed the media identification information in the compressed media data stream without uncompressing the compressed media data stream, the modification of the first mantissa value based on a difference between the first transform coefficient and a corresponding second transform coefficient generated from the watermarked uncompressed media data stream.
US07643651B2
There is provided an information processing device, which comprises a determination unit to analyze a main image and a watermark image to be added to the main image to determine an overlap part of the main image and the watermark image, a transparency adjustment unit to adjust transparency of the overlap part in the watermark image to first transparency, and an overlap processing unit to obtain an overlap image of the main image and the watermark image of which transparency is adjusted by the transparency adjustment unit by overlaying the watermark image of which transparency is adjusted on the main image.
US07643641B2
The invention is directed to a method comprising receiving input signals emanating from at least two microphone arrays each comprising at least two microphones, processing the input signals of each microphone array by a beamformer to determine temporal and spatial information about the input signals of each microphone array.
US07643639B2
A process automation system in which process devices (1-6) execute predetermined functions as part of the process automation and exchange data (23, 24) relevant to functions and/or devices with the process automation system. Some but not all of the data (23, 24) are exchanged in encrypted form.
US07643630B2
Hands-free phones with voice activity detection using a comparison of frame power estimate with an adaptive frame noise power estimate, automatic gain control with fast adaptation and minimal speech distortion, echo cancellation updated in the frequency domain with stepsize optimization and smoothed spectral whitening, and echo suppression with adaptive talking-state transitions.
US07643629B2
A subscriber line interface circuit apparatus includes tip/ring sense circuitry generating a tip sense signal and a ring sense signal from three sensed currents, wherein the tip sense signal and the ring sense signal correspond to subscriber loop tip and ring currents, respectively. In one embodiment, the tip/ring sense circuitry includes a current mirror generating first and second mirrored sense currents from a first sense current proportional to a battery feed node voltage of a subscriber loop. Current differencing circuitry provides the tip sense signal from a difference between the first mirrored sense current and a second sense current associated with a tip line of the subscriber loop. The current differencing circuitry provides the ring sense signal from a difference between the second mirrored sense current and a third sense current associated with a ring line of the subscriber loop.
US07643628B2
A communication system having a conference server device, a conference control unit, a plurality of moderator units, and a plurality of telecommunication devices. The moderator units are used to control allocation of a communication right. The decisions of the moderator units regarding the allocation of the communication right are combined to form an unambiguous overall decision, and overall decision is made using a majority decision.
US07643618B2
A method of routing a telephone call includes receiving an indication, at a handset device 112, to initiate a telephone call. It is then determined, preferably by the handset device 112, whether the telephone call is an emergency services telephone call. If the telephone call is not an emergency services telephone call, it is routed to a proxy server 134. On the other hand, if the telephone call is an emergency services telephone call, it is routed to a local gateway 116 without first accessing the proxy server 134.
US07643616B1
A method for testing an assigned Location Routing Number (LRN) that is assigned to a first switch is provided according to the invention. The method includes in the first switch generating a LRN test telephone call to a second switch. The LRN test telephone call is targeted to the LRN assigned to the first switch. The method further includes indicating that the LRN is being incorrectly routed in the second switch if the first switch does not receive the LRN test telephone call back from the second switch. The method further includes indicating that the LRN is being correctly routed in the second switch if the first switch receives the LRN test telephone call back from the second switch.
US07643609B2
A beam of electronic charges and a standing wave laser beam are generated. The beam of charges is collided with the standing wave laser beam at a substantial angle to generate a burst cone of high energy x-rays. The x-ray cone is split, collimated and steered to a collapse point of diagnosis within a patient's body. A selected volume of the patient's body is scanned for diagnosis by directing subsequent burst cones at an array of points within the volume. The fluorescence spectra are detected from each of the points resulting from the high energy x-ray scanning. A chart is generated distinguishing fluorescence spectra emitted from various points within the volume.
US07643606B2
An x-ray computed tomography apparatus has a stationary x-ray detector that at least partially surrounds the examination volume in one plane and a stationary device for generation of x-ray radiation. The device for generation of x-ray radiation is composed of an x-ray source that extends annularly around the examination volume over an angle of at least 180° as well as one or more light scanning units with which an x-ray focus moving along the x-ray source can be generated on the x-ray target by scanning of the x-ray source with a light beam, from which x-ray target an x-ray beam is directed through the examination volume onto respective, momentarily opposite detector elements of the stationary x-ray detector. The computed tomography apparatus has one or more light scanning units are arranged and fashioned outside of a central ring axis of the x-ray source such that only an angle range <360° is respectively scanned with each light scanning unit without crossing the ring axis.
US07643596B2
In a method for synchronization of a mobile radio receiver to a base station, in which a verification step or a plurality of verification steps is or are also carried out in addition to the synchronization steps and one or more identification step or steps which may be present, at least one of the verification steps is carried out in parallel with a synchronization step and/or with an identification step.
US07643575B2
The present invention relates to receiver equipment with AC-coupled receiver circuits and AC coupling filters. A switch connected between a first stage and a second stage among the receiver circuits is adapted to switch from a high coupling corner frequency, for rapid settling of a signal during preparation of data reception, to a low corner frequency, for low signal distortion during data reception. The receiver circuits are adapted to use known properties in the signal to perform the switch at a time when the short term DC-components of the signal are as low as possible.
US07643566B2
An apparatus and method for estimating a frequency offset in an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) system are provided. Two time domain signals are generated from one received OFDM symbol through two observation windows with different delay times. The two time domain signals are compensated for a candidate frequency offset. A discrete Fourier transform process and a phase compensation process in a frequency domain are performed. A difference between two frequency domain signals compensated for a phase difference is computed with respect to each candidate frequency offset. For all candidate frequency offsets, difference values are compared with each other. A candidate frequency offset mapped to a minimum difference value is detected as an optimal frequency offset. The frequency offset can be more exactly estimated without consuming a bandwidth and increasing hardware complexity of a receiver.
US07643560B2
Systems and methods for scalable video coding using special inter-layer prediction modes (called telescopic modes) are provided. These modes facilitate accelerated operation of encoders with improved coding efficiency.
US07643537B1
A method and apparatus for detecting a spread spectrum signal is described. Signals can be detected using correlation techniques. When a signal is detected, declaring of signal presence is inhibited for offsets of signal parameters from the parameters of the detected signal, where the offset corresponds to a known sidelobe of the spreading code. This helps to reduce false detections caused by sidelobes of the spreading code.
US07643534B2
A clock signal generating section generates a clock signal of a predetermined frequency. A frequency spreading section spreads the frequency of the clock signal generated by the clock signal generating section based on a predetermined spread ratio. A controlling section sets the spread ratio of the frequency spreading section in accordance with a used state of a serial communication device and a parallel communication device. The clock signal controlling device having the above arrangement enables to suppress an electromagnetic wave emitted from an electronic device, and to keep a computation processing speed in the electronic device, and an operation speed of the electronic device from unduly lowering.
US07643532B2
The present invention relates to the tailoring the reflectivity spectrum of a sampled-grating distributed Bragg reflector (SGDBR) by applying digital sampling theory to choose the way each reflector is sampled. The resulting mirror covers a larger wavelength span and has peaks with a larger, more uniform, coupling constant (κ) than the mirrors produced using conventional approaches. The improved mirror also retains the benefits of the sample grating approach. Additionally, most of the embodiments are relatively simple to manufacture.
US07643520B2
A collimator lens converts light beams emitted from a low reflectance facet of a semiconductor laser into parallel light beams. A diffraction grating receives and diffracts the light beams at a predetermined incident position and a predetermined angle of a diffraction face. A turnable mirror has a mirror surface which is positioned opposite the diffractance facet of the diffraction grating, makes the diffracted light beams incident in a reverse optical path to the diffraction face, and returns the incident light beams to the laser. A stationary mirror makes the light beams from the collimator lens incident from a predetermined direction to a predetermined position of the diffraction grating at the side of the mirror surface of a virtual plane extending from the mirror surface of the mirror and at the side of the diffraction face of a virtual plane extending from the diffraction face of the diffraction grating.
US07643513B2
Aspects of a method and system for processing audio and video transport may comprise synchronizing streams with associated program content based on 24-bit presentation time stamps (PTSs) and 32-bit system clock samples (SCSs) field without using decoding time stamps (DTSs). A PTS field may be provided as part of a packetized elementary stream (PES) packet syntax. An SCS field may be provided as part of a transport stream (TS) syntax. A system clock (STC) may be determined from received SCS values. Video and/or audio data may be decoded as soon as they arrive and when there is at least one display and/or presentation frame buffer available. The video and/or audio data may be presented for display and/or play based on a comparison of the PTS and STC values. When a frame does not have an associated PTS, a PTS extrapolation operation may generate an extrapolated PTS value from previously received PTSs.
US07643509B2
Provided is a distributed and asynchronous implicit token carrier sense multiple access/collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) protocol guaranteeing quality of service for both real time and non-real time traffic. The implicit token CSMA/CA protocol allocates a band in an entire bandwidth to voice traffic and allows the remaining bands to be used for data traffic. The implicit token CSMA/CA protocol includes applying a token passing protocol to transmit voice traffic in real time by having a band in an entire bandwidth allocated using a predetermined data frame and applying a CSMA/CA mechanism to transmit data traffic in non-real time by employing remaining bands not allocated to the voice traffic using another predetermined data frame.
US07643506B2
A method for broadcasting extensive multicast from a multicast exchange having a first address of a site of origin. A query of extensive multicast broadcasting containing the first address and an identification code of a mobile terminal is transmitted from the mobile terminal toward the site. A message offering access containing a second global multicast broadcasting address, whose source is situated in the site of origin, is transmitted from the site toward the mobile terminal. A message accepting access is transmitted from the mobile terminal toward the site upon the broadcasting to the second address. Information to be diffused is transferred from the first to the second address, and global multicast is transmitted by broadcasting to the second address. The mobile terminal receives, at the distinct site, the information diffused under the first address diffused under the second address.
US07643504B2
A system and method are provided for controlling information flow from a channel service module (CSM) in an asymmetric channel environment. The method provides information for transmission to an OSI model PHY (physical) layer device with a channel buffer. The PHY device channel buffer current capacity is estimated. Information is sent to the channel buffer responsive to estimating the channel buffer capacity, prior to receiving a Polling Result message from the PHY device. Initially, Polling Request messages are sent to the PHY device, and Polling Result messages received from the PHY device, as is conventional. In response to analyzing the Polling messages, a transmission pattern is determined, which includes the amount of information to transmit and a period between transmissions.
US07643496B1
A data plane architecture enables IP applications, hosted on any processor within a network element, to define steering policies that may be implemented in the data plane. The steering policies enable the applications to define steering policies containing both attributes and actions. The attributes are used to identify the packets and the actions are used to define how the data plane of the network element should handle the packets. The steering policies are implemented in the data plane of the network element by a data path policy steering process. The data path policy steering process operates to implement steering policies defined by applications to cause IP termination to occur at any processor on the network element or optionally at a processor off the network element.
US07643490B2
A live content switching method, a source device, and a sink device are provided. The method includes switching from first content to second content by using a dummy connection, the second content using the same resource of the source device as the first content. Accordingly, by using dummy connections set between a source device and a sink device, it is possible to switch the sink device from one live content to another live content without the need to cut off existing connections set between the source device and the sink device.
US07643486B2
A pipelined linecard architecture for receiving, modifying, switching, buffering, queuing and dequeuing packets for transmission in a communications network. The linecard has two paths: the receive path, which carries packets into the switch device from the network, and the transmit path, which carries packets from the switch to the network. In the receive path, received packets are processed and switched in a multi-stage pipeline utilizing programmable data structures for fast table lookup and linked list traversal. The pipelined switch operates on several packets in parallel while determining each packet's routing destination. Once that determination is made, each packet is modified to contain new routing information as well as additional header data to help speed it through the switch. Using bandwidth management techniques, each packet is then buffered and enqueued for transmission over the switching fabric to the linecard attached to the proper destination port. The destination linecard may be the same physical linecard as that receiving the inbound packet or a different physical linecard. The transmit path includes a buffer/queuing circuit similar to that used in the receive path and can include another pipelined switch. Both enqueuing and dequeuing of packets is accomplished using CoS-based decision making apparatus, congestion avoidance, and bandwidth management hardware.
US07643482B2
A system including a plurality of virtual network interface cards (VNICs); and a Vswitch table associated with a virtual switch, wherein each entry in the Vswitch table is associated with one of the plurality of VNICs, wherein each of the plurality of VNICs is located on the host, and wherein each of the plurality of VNICs is associated with the virtual switch. The first VNIC in the plurality of VNICs is configured to receive a packet associated with a hardware address (HA), determine, using the HA, whether one of the plurality of entries in the Vswitch table is associated with the HA, send the packet to a VNIC associated with HA if one of the plurality of entries in the Vswitch table is associated with the HA, wherein the VNIC is one of the plurality of VNICs.
US07643480B2
A data transport system for transporting data between a server (21) and a client receiver (27) over a network (23) includes a receiving proxy cache (25) coupled to a client receiver (27) via a reliable connection (29), such as a cable connection. The majority of data is transported from the server (21) to the receiving proxy cache (25) over an efficient data transmission channel (41). The receiving proxy cache (25) verifies the status of the data transmitted over the efficient channel (41). If there is an error in the data transmission, a portion of the data associated with the error is retransmitted from the server (21) to the receiving proxy cache (25) over a reliable data transmission channel (43). The complete data at the receiving proxy cache (25) is delivered to a client receiver (27) over a reliable connection (29).
US07643479B2
A communication transfer apparatus and a communication transfer method can transfer communications at low cost without the need of requesting a global IP network to switch any port number. The local internet protocol address of the origin terminal of transfer described in a record relating to a transfer out of the records of the masquerade table that is utilized for an internet protocol masquerade is rewritten as the local internal protocol address of the destination terminal of transfer, while maintaining the global port number of the record.
US07643477B2
In one embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus that has multiple buffers, including a first buffer dedicated to a first virtual channel of a first virtual network and a second buffer shared among virtual channels of a second virtual network. The shared buffer may be implemented as a shared adaptive buffer, and the buffers can be controlled using different flow control schemes, such as on a packet and flit basis. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07643474B2
Provided are an implementing method and a communication system for a traditional terminal user accessing an IMS domain. The method allocates an IMS domain user identification including a public identification and a private identification to a traditional terminal user on an AGF entity controlled by an AGCF entity, and establishes a mapping relation between the IMS domain user identification and the line identification of the user. When receiving a command or message for a certain user terminal sent from the AGF entity, the AGCF entity determines the IMS domain user identification of the user according to the mapping relation and sends a corresponding SIP message to the IMS domain.
US07643472B2
Methods and apparatus for authorizing and allocating outdial communication services are disclosed. A disclosed system comprises an application server to initiate an outdial communication service, a gateway to transport the outdial communication service from the application server to an access network via a shared communication facility, and a policy server to selectively authorize the initiated outdial service and, if the outdial service is authorized, to allocate a portion of the shared communication facility to the authorized outdial service.
US07643465B2
A system for adding a time stamp to transmission traffic on a wireless network comprises a front end processor that receives a packet from the network and generates a Start Of Frame pulse and a LENGTH field corresponding to a length of the packet. A time stamp generator generates a time stamp by sampling the system master time counter. A synchronizer receives the SOF pulse and the LENGTH field from the front end processor, and generates a control signal. A multiplexer inputs the packet from the front end processor, the control signal and the time stamp, and outputs a modified packet with a field in the packet replaced by the time stamp.
US07643463B1
The present invention is a novel method and apparatus for a dual-mode radio (DMR) in a wireless communication system. The present invention allows Bluetooth™ protocol and 802.11 protocol devices to co-exist. The present inventive method classifies Bluetooth™ protocol and 802.11 protocol events according to importance. In the basic dual-mode radio method, the present invention assigns two levels of importance or priority Bluetooth™ events: “high” and “low”. In the enhanced dual-mode radio method, the present invention assigns three levels of importance or priority to Bluetooth™ events: “high”, “low” and “promotable”. The present inventive apparatus provides a means for disabling 802.11 transmissions when high-priority Bluetooth™ events are detected.
US07643461B2
A telecommunication system for appointing a frequency assignment mode and ratio for providing a broadcast/multicast service includes at least one access terminal (AT) for receiving a 1xEV-DO service or the BCMCS through a 1xEV-DO system, a base station manager (BSM) for receiving BCMCS control information containing the FA mode and/or the BCMCS assignment ratio and transmitting the received BCMCS control information to a 1xEV-DO access network controller (ANC), and an access network including a 1xEV-DO access network transceiver subsystem (ANTS) and the 1xEV-DO access network controller for temporarily storing the received BCMCS control information and controlling a sort and/or a ratio of a message, which is transmitted to each access terminal, according to the FA mode and/or the BCMCS assignment ratio contained in the BCMCS control information.
US07643457B2
A management device (D) for radio access points (AP), of a wireless communications network (WLAN), comprises processing means (PM) responsible for dynamically determining the transmission power level of each access point (AP) that it manages depending on the presence and/or respective locations of communication terminals (UEj) in relation to the said access points and to at least one criterion selected, so that said access points establish said levels.
US07643456B2
The invention relates to transfer of packet data from a first subsystem via a network node in a second subsystem to a terminal in the second subsystem. The method includes negotiating identifiers identifying a data flow of the first subsystem via a separate signalling element during the set-up of an application-plane logical connection of the terminal. The identifiers are transmitted from the signalling element to the network node. In the method, a filter is generated at least on the basis of the identifiers for directing the mapping of at least one data flow of the first subsystem to at least one data flow of the second subsystem. The filter is bound to at least one data flow of the second subsystem, and at least one data flow of the first subsystem is mapped to at least one data flow of the second subsystem on the basis of the filter.
US07643440B1
An integrated airborne broadband data and television system is disclosed. The integrated system includes an aircraft mounted pointable antenna unit. Further, the integrated system includes pointing command electronics providing pointing commands to the antenna unit. The pointing commands are based on requested access to one of data services and television services. Further, the disclosed integrated system includes a processing unit directing signal information to one of a data transmitter receiver and a television signal receiver decoder unit.
US07643437B2
A half-duplex terminal for displaying a holding time and a communication method therefor are provided. In the half-duplex terminal, a transmitter/receiver transmits/receives data and an acknowledgement (ACK) signal, a push-to-X (PTX) key is activated for data transmission/reception, a timer counts time upon pressing of the PTX key, a display displays a total holding time and a controller controls calculation of the total holding time based on the time count, display and counting down of the total holding time.
US07643435B1
A method and a system for establishing a self-owned and self-managed network-based voice communication solution (VCS) for supporting business transactions and commerce applications over the communications network(s) including the Internet and PSTN. The voice communication solution is requested by a merchant or business entity at a computer connected to the Internet by providing (i) information needed for approval and (ii) system configuration for accepting the solution. Through a friendly interactive process with a web server and a solution server, the necessary software for voice communication is downloaded to a merchant's designated computer host, turning it to be a VCS server. Upon activation, the VCS server can support voice over IP (VOIP) communication and connect an incoming call to a telephone via PSTN or a PBX network. The VCS server can receive a VOIP call from anyone at anyplace via an Internet connected voice enabled computer. The caller launches a call agent via the merchant's web page(s) or via a computer desktop interface or via a VOIP phone interface to reach the 15 privately held voice communication server. The server connects the caller to a receiver according to the caller or merchant designated phone number. These phone numbers are designated as e800 numbers and are listed in various e800 directories for public use. Hence the VCS system can convert any local phone number into an e800 number with ‘800’ like properties, serving as a self-owned, self-activated and self-managed network-based voice communication system and solution.
US07643429B2
Interference levels occurring at one or more stations in a wireless network, where each of said one or more stations is a base station or a relay station. The measured interference levels are mapped by building a first matrix including noise plus interference occurring at each of the one or more stations, respectively, and scheduled transmissions at predetermined times by each relay station respectively are mapped by building a second matrix. The first matrix and the second matrix are multiplied in order to determine the noise plus interference impact upon each base station by each relay station so that a network schedule can be generated in order to increase bandwidth efficiency in the network.
US07643412B1
A media proxy receive a first message from a near end of a path of a communications session, and before receiving a corresponding message from a far end, the media proxy is arranged to detect a blocking situation where another device in the path is awaiting the first message before forwarding the corresponding message. Detecting such a blocking situation enables it to be overcome, and enables the communication session to proceed. The media proxy can send a probe message to discover if there is another media proxy along the path causing the blocking. This is useful where the only information about the far end is the media path which is in the call set up, e.g. IP address and port. Sending the probe message can be under the control of a call server.
US07643407B2
Protection transmission unit allocation, such as STS# in a SONET/SDH network utilizing time slot interchange on the working path, may be determined by disseminating connection information, connection identification information, and a prioritization scheme, to nodes on the network and allowing them to deterministically allocate protection transmission units to connections on the protection cycle. Network elements forming physical or logical rings may thus ascertain the location on protection for a given connection without requiring protection unit allocation to be disseminated from a central controller. Since each node is starting with the same connection information and running the same priority determination, each will end up with the same result and will know where to place and find connections on protection. Aspects of the invention may be employed for example in a SONET/SDH based network, a mesh network, or other type of network with dedicated protection paths and transmission allocation on those protection paths.
US07643403B2
Plural grooves or lands formed in an information recording carrier include at least a wobbling region and data is recorded wobblingly in this wobbling region by frequency shift modulation while recorded digitally with a single or multiple waves as a channel bit.
US07643388B2
A light beam is emitted to an optical disc from an optical pickup. The optical pickup is moved over the optical disc so that a light spot of the light beam crosses tracks formed on the optical disc. Detected are tracking error signals carried by a light beam reflected from the optical disc. Each tracking error signal is detected when the light spot crosses a corresponding track among the tracks formed on the optical disc. Track crossing pulses are generated based on the tracking error signals. Each track crossing pulse is generated for the corresponding track. Measured next is a half period of each track crossing pulse. It is determined whether a defect occurs to each track crossing pulse, based on a latest half period measured at present and an anterior half period measured one half-period before the latest half period. Generated when determined that no defect occurs is an average half period of the latest and the anterior half periods. Generated when determined that the defect occurs is a corrected average half period based on the latest half period and a plurality of anterior half periods measured before the latest half period. A reference half period is generated that indicates a predetermined speed for the optical pickup to move over the optical disc. The optical pickup is then moved at the predetermined speed based on the reference half period and the average half period or the corrected average half period.
US07643379B2
The mechanism includes a display member (10) fitted with a toothing (14) mounted so as to move in rotation, a drive wheel set (39) mounted so as to move in rotation, including a cam (40) and a finger (24), wherein the finger is secured in rotation to the cam to make a finger-cam assembly and the finger cooperate with the toothing to drive the display member by steps, and a spring (38) cooperating at least indirectly with the cam, wherein the cam is arranged for pivoting, the finger-cam assembly, via the slackening action of the spring, so as to drive the display member through one step. The cam is further arranged for pivoting the finger assembly, via the slackening action of the spring, so as to release the finger from the toothing after the finger cam assembly has driven the display member through one step.
US07643371B2
A semiconductor device and a method of controlling the semiconductor device, the semiconductor device including: a memory cell array; a terminal that inputs or outputs storage data stored in the memory cell array, and inputs address data indicating an address in the memory cell array at which the storage data is input or output, the terminal including: a first terminal that inputs a first part of the address data; and a second terminal that inputs a second part of the address data, wherein the second part of the address data is included of the entire remaining portion of the address data not including the first part of the address data; a first internal address line and a second internal address line to which the address data is supplied; and a switch that couples the first part of the address data to one of the first internal address line or the second internal address line in accordance with predetermined switch information, while coupling the second part of the address data to the other one of the first internal address line or the second internal address line, when the address data is input to the terminal.
US07643370B2
Some embodiments of the invention include a memory device having a memory array for storing memory data, a conditioning data storage unit for storing conditioning data, and data lines for transferring data. During a memory operation, the memory device transfers both the condition data and the memory data to the data lines at different time intervals. The condition data is transferred at one time interval. The memory data is transferred at another time interval. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07643366B2
A plurality of memory macros, to which first power is supplied, and a logic circuit block, to which second power is supplied, are provided. The memory macros are collectively disposed as a memory block on a semiconductor chip, and memory power wires for supplying the first power to the memory macros that form the memory block are provided over the memory block.
US07643364B2
A semiconductor memory device including a bit line sense amplifier for amplifying a voltage corresponding to a charge stored in a capacitor of a memory cell and outputting an amplified voltage and an I/O sense amplifier for receiving the output of the bit line sense amplifier, amplifying a voltage level of the output and outputting an amplified voltage level is disclosed. The semiconductor memory device includes a sense amplification enable signal control portion which receives an initial sense amplification enable signal, sequentially delays the initial sense amplification enable signal by a plurality of predetermined time periods and selectively outputs a plurality of delayed sense amplification enable signals in view of both an operation speed and a manufacturing yield of a semiconductor memory device; a plurality of clocked sense amplifiers which each receive an output signal of the I/O sense amplifier, amplify the output signal of the I/O sense amplifier in response to each of the plurality of delayed sense amplification enable signals, and sequentially output an output signal of a power voltage level or a ground voltage level in response; and a previous-step output driving circuit which sequentially receives the output signals of the plurality of clocked sense amplifiers, delays the output signals of the plurality of clocked sense amplifiers by a predetermined time period, and then intercepts an output of the clocked sense amplifier of a previous step.
