US07663291B2
The present invention may provide a accurate drive unit 1 which comprises an electromechanical transducer 10, a drive element 12 fixed on the one end of the electromechanical transducer 10, a movable element 11 engaging with the drive element 12 frictionally and a drive circuit 3 applying a cyclic drive voltage to the electromechanical transducer 10, in which the oscillation of the drive element 12 as the result of the expansion and contraction of the electromechanical transducer 10 due to the drive voltage causes relative displacement of the movable element 11 to the drive element 12. The waveform of drive voltage is varied according to the relative position of the movable element 11 to the drive element 12.
US07663285B2
This brushless motor according to the present invention is provided with: a tubular stator case; a stator core; a rotor; a plurality of teeth which are integrally formed on an inner peripheral surface of the stator core; a coil bobbin mounted between the mutually adjacent teeth, which has a winding portion around which a coil is wound; a lead wire; and a wiring substrate which relays a connection between the lead wire and the coil, wherein: the coil bobbin has flange portions; one of the flange portions which is located on the inward in the radial direction has an enlarged member which protrudes outward from the surface of the flange portion; a pair of terminals which is connected to the wiring substrate is provided on the enlarged portion so as to be located more inward than a tip of the tooth in the radial direction.
US07663282B2
A traction drive for an elevator comprises a sheave for actuating a transmission device of the elevator and a synchronous motor, the synchronous motor comprising a stator with at least one winding for generating a magnetic field rotating around a motor axis and a rotor comprising at least one permanent magnet, the rotor being coupled to the sheave for transmitting a torque. The permanent magnet is longer in the motor axis direction than the stator core and/or the rotor is composed from a plurality of separate permanent magnets and separate magnetic sectors provided alternating in a circumferential direction perpendicular to the motor axis to concentrate the magnetic flux in axial and/or radial direction.
US07663277B2
An inner-rotor-type brushless motor includes a bus bar which connects together U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase windings and connects them to output wires. The bus bar includes, as conductive members, three external terminals connected to first ends of the windings and one Y-connection terminal for connecting second ends of the windings together. The external terminals and the Y-connection terminal are disposed on the body of the bus bar such that the Y-connection terminal and the external terminals are located on one side on the circumference of the bus bar body, whereby the bus bar body has a circumferential region where the conductive members are not present. A sensor bard carrying a position detection sensor is attached the bus bar body such that the position detection sensor is located in the circumferential region where the conductive members are not present.
US07663270B2
In the canned linear motor armature, both the side surfaces of the armature winding (18) are fixed by two winding fixing frames (4) so as to sandwich the armature winding in between them in the longitudinal direction. A refrigerant passage (5) is provided in a space between the can (3) and the winding fixing frame (4). A seal material (24) is provided in a gap between a case (2) and the winding fixing frame (4) to prevent a refrigerant supplied to the refrigerant passage (5) from leaking to the armature winding (18) sandwiched in between the two winding fixing frames (4) to impregnate the armature winding (18) with the refrigerant. A waterproof film is adhered onto a surface of the winding fixing frame (4) where the refrigerant comes into contact.
US07663266B2
An information handling system having a modular DC-DC standby power converter with programmable sequencing. The modular DC-DC standby power converter comprises a plurality of DC inputs and a plurality of DC outputs. The modular DC-DC standby power converter may also be bypassed and/or put into an off-state such that a voltage(s) of at least one output of the converter may then be the same voltage(s) of at least one input. When the modular DC-DC standby power converter is bypassed and/or in the off-state, its outputs may be at a high impedance. The output voltage(s) may be adjusted for specific system requirements. Turn-on and turn-off sequencing of the output voltage(s) may be programmed. The modular DC-DC standby power converter may have short circuit protection.
US07663263B2
The invention relates to a method of constructing a wind energy plant and to a wind energy plant as such. In one aspect, the invention provides a method for constructing wind energy plants at lower expenses and more rapidly. According to one embodiment, a method for constructing a wind energy plant that comprises a tower that is based on a foundation and an electrical power module, the power module is mounted on the tower foundation before the tower itself is constructed. The power module includes a transformer and may optionally an inverter and/or other electrical installations, such as for example switch cabinets, that are provided for controlling the wind energy plant and/or for guiding the electrical power that is provided by the generator of the wind energy plant and that is fed to a network.
US07663258B2
A miniature hydro-power generation system may include a hydro-generator, a control circuit and an energy storage device. A flow of liquid may be used to rotate the hydro-generator to generate electric power. The control circuit may switch the electric power to charge the energy storage device and/or to supply the electric power to an electrical load. The control circuit may also selectively switch the energy storage device to supply electric power to the electrical load. Further, the control circuit may disable both the hydro-generator and the energy storage device from supplying electric power to the load.
US07663256B2
A cogeneration system is disclosed. The system has a cooling water circulation channel for returning cooling water of the engine to the engine after some of the cooling water has been removed. The cooling water circulation channel is provided with a cooling water pump for pressure-feeding the cooling water; electricity supplying means; and a control part for performing a control so that electrical energy is supplied from the electricity supplying means to a motor for driving the cooling water pump when a power outage signal is received.
US07663253B2
A board 1 according to the present invention includes a board main body 3; electronic parts 5 electrically connected to and mounted on the board main body 3; and an under-fill material 19 with which a part between the board main body 3 and a surface of the electronic parts 5 electrically connected to the board main body is filled. A hole 21 passing through a layer 19a of the under-fill material that flows outside from a connecting area of the electronic parts 5 and the board main body 3 is provided for electrically connecting other parts to the board main body.
US07663250B2
A wafer level package and a manufacturing method thereof capable of reducing stress between an under bump metal and a bump. The wafer level package includes a substrate provided with a plurality of chip pads on a top surface; a first passivation layer to expose the chip pads; vias connected to the chip pads by passing through the first passivation layer; a metal wiring layer formed on the first passivation layer and connected to the vias; an under bump metal formed on the first passivation layer to be connected to the metal wiring layer and having a buffer pattern separated through a trench on a center; a second passivation layer formed on the first passivation layer to expose the under bump metal; a first bump formed on the buffer pattern; and a second bump filling the trench and formed on the first bump and the under bump metal.
US07663240B2
Mechanical strength and moisture resistance of a multilayer interconnect structure is to be improved. A semiconductor device includes a circuit region and a seal ring region formed around the circuit region, on a semiconductor substrate. The seal ring region includes a plurality of interconnect layers including interconnect lines and a plurality of via layers including a plurality of slit vias stacked on one another, and a pitch between the slit vias in at least one of the via layers (lower or middle layer) is different from a pitch between the slit vias in other via layers (upper layer).
US07663223B2
A coupling substrate for semiconductor components includes a patterned metal layer on a topside of an insulating carrier. Metal tracks project beyond the insulating carrier, the metal tracks being angled away at the lateral edges of the carrier in the direction of the underside of the carrier and projecting beyond the underside of the carrier. The metal tracks have a metal coating, thereby enlarging each cross section such that the metal tracks form dimensionally stable, flat, conductor external contacts of the coupling substrate.
US07663222B2
The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor body having a first and an opposite second main surface and side faces connecting the main surfaces, a circuit region in the semiconductor body adjacent to the first main surface, having a circuit contact terminal, a metallization region extending from the circuit contact terminal on the first main surface onto a side face of the semiconductor body to provide an exposed contacting region on the side face of the semiconductor body, and an insulation layer arranged between the metallization region and the semiconductor body, the insulation layer having an opening for electrically connecting the circuit contact terminal to the metallization region.
US07663217B2
Provided is a semiconductor device package. The semiconductor device package includes: stacked semiconductor chips having bonding pads; a PCB (printed circuit board) mounting the stacked semiconductor chips thereon, and including bonding electrodes that correspond to the bonding pads; and interposers respectively covering the stacked semiconductor chips and interposed between the stacked semiconductor chips. The interposers comprise wire patterns connecting the bonding pads with the bonding electrodes, and connecting the interposers to each other.
US07663216B2
A semiconductor package is disclosed including a plurality semiconductor die mounted on stacked and bonded layers of substrate, for example polyimide tape used in tape automated bonding processes. The tape may have a plurality of repeating patterns of traces and contact pads formed thereon. The traces each include aligned interconnect pads on the respective top and bottom surfaces of the substrate for bonding the traces of one pattern to the traces of another pattern after the patterns have been singulated from the substrate, aligned and stacked. Semiconductor die such as flash memory and a controller die are mounted on the traces of the respective patterns on the substrate. In order for the controller die to uniquely address a specific flash memory die in the stack, a group of traces on each substrate supporting the memory die are used as address pins and punched in a unique layout relative to the layout of the traces other substrates. By providing each flash memory semiconductor die on a substrate with a unique layout of address traces, each memory die may be selectively addressed by the controller die.
US07663209B2
Provided are an inlet for an electronic tag comprising an insulating film, antennas each made of a conductor layer and formed over one surface of the insulating film, a slit formed in a portion of each of the antennas and having one end extending toward the outer edge of the antenna, a semiconductor chip electrically connected with each of the antennas via a plurality of bump electrodes, and a resin for sealing the semiconductor chip therewith; and a manufacturing process of the inlet. By the present invention, formation of a thin and highly-reliable inlet for a non-contact type electronic tag can be actualized.
US07663207B2
A semiconductor device includes a capacitor with an MIM structure, by which the dimensional accuracy of the device is improved, and a stable capacitance value is given. The semiconductor device 100 includes: a semiconductor substrate 102; a capacitor forming region 130 in which an MIM capacitor is formed, which has an insulating interlayer 104 formed on the semiconductor substrate 102, a first electrode 110, and a second electrode 112, and the first electrode 110 and the second electrode 112 are arranged facing each other through the insulating interlayer 104; and a shielding region 132 which includes a plurality of shielding electrodes 114 formed in the outer edge of the capacitor forming region 130 and, at the same time, set at a predetermined potential in the same layer as that of the MIM capacitor on the semiconductor substrate 102, and shields the capacitor forming region 130 from other regions.
US07663178B2
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory of an aspect of the present invention comprises a memory cell transistor and a resistance element arranged on a semiconductor substrate. The memory cell transistor includes a floating gate electrode constituted of a first conductive material arranged on a gate insulating film on a surface of the semiconductor substrate, an inter-gate insulating film arranged on the floating gate electrode, a control gate electrode arranged on the inter-gate insulating film, and a source/drain diffusion layer provided in the semiconductor substrate. The resistance element includes an element isolation insulating layer arranged in the semiconductor substrate and including a depression, and a resistor constituted of a second conductive material filling up the depression. An impurity concentration of the second conductive material is lower than that of the first conductive material.
US07663170B2
A lower electrode film is formed above a semiconductor substrate first, and then a ferroelectric film is formed on the lower electrode film. After that, an upper electrode film is formed on the ferroelectric film. When forming the upper electrode, an IrOx film containing crystallized small crystals when formed is formed on the ferroelectric film first, and then an IrOx film containing columnar crystals is formed.
US07663162B2
A lower electron supply layer is disposed over a lower electron transport layer made of compound semiconductor. The lower electron supply layer is made of n-type compound semiconductor having an electron affinity smaller than that of the lower electron transport layer. An upper electron transport layer is disposed over the lower electron supply layer. The upper electron transport layer is made of compound semiconductor having a doping concentration lower than that of the lower electron supply layer or non-doped compound semiconductor. An upper electron supply layer is disposed over the upper electron transport layer. The upper electron supply layer is made of n-type compound semiconductor having an electron affinity smaller than that of the upper electron transport layer. A source and drain electrodes are disposed over the upper electron supply layer. A gate electrode is disposed over the upper electron supply layer between the source and drain electrodes.
US07663161B2
A transistor includes: a first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer with a first region and a second region, which are sequentially formed above a substrate; a first p-type semiconductor layer formed on a region of the second semiconductor layer other than the first and second regions; and a second p-type semiconductor layer formed on the first p-type semiconductor layer. The first p-type semiconductor layer is separated from a drain electrode by interposing therebetween a first groove having a bottom composed of the first region, and from a source electrode by interposing therebetween a second groove having a bottom composed of the second region.
US07663160B2
A photodetector including a photodiode formed in a semiconductor substrate and a waveguide element formed of a block of a high-index material extending above the photodiode in a thick layer of a dielectric superposed to the substrate, the thick layer being at least as a majority formed of silicon oxide and the block being formed of a polymer of the general formula R1R2R3SiOSiR1R2R3 where R1, R2, and R3 are any carbonaceous or metal substituents and where one of R1, R2, or R3 is a carbonaceous substituent having at least four carbon atoms and/or at least one oxygen atom.
US07663156B2
A method and apparatus for calibrating a metrology tool are disclosed. The apparatus includes a substrate having at least one calibration site formed thereon. The calibration site includes a pattern of cells that have at least one feature disposed in a surface of the substrate. The feature provided for measurement by a step height metrology tool and a phase metrology tool to calibrate the step height and phase metrology tools.
US07663154B2
A LED package structure including a carrier, LED chips, and a package body is provided. The carrier defines a cave with two opposite first side walls, two opposite second side walls and a rectangular bottom surface. An included angle between the first side wall and the bottom surface differs from that between the second side wall and the bottom surface. The LED chips are disposed in a straight-line arrangement on a center line of the bottom surface and electrically connected to the carrier. The center line is parallel to a long side of the bottom surface. The package body is formed on the carrier to cover the LED chips. Since the included angle between the first side wall and the bottom surface differs from that between the second side wall and the bottom surface, light provided by the LED package structure has different spatial radiation patterns in different directions.
US07663153B2
A light emitting diode (LED) is provided. The LED at least includes a substrate, a saw-toothed multilayer, a first type semiconductor layer, an active emitting layer and a second type semiconductor layer. In the LED, the saw-tooth multilayer is formed opposite the active emitting layer below the first type semiconductor layer by an auto-cloning photonic crystal process. Due to the presence of the saw-tooth multilayer on the substrate of the LED, the scattered light form a back of the active emitting layer can be reused by reflecting and recycling through the saw-tooth multilayer. Thus, all light is focused to radiate forward so as to improve the light extraction efficiency of the LED. Moreover, the saw-tooth multilayer does not peel off or be cracked after any high temperature process because the saw-tooth multilayer has the performance of releasing thermal stress and reducing elastic deformation between it and the substrate.
US07663151B2
A light emitting device chip is obtained by dicing a light emitting device wafer having a light emitting layer section 24 based on a double heterostructure in which a first-conductivity-type cladding layer 6, an active layer 5 and an second-conductivity-type cladding layer 4, each of which being composed of a compound semiconductor having a composition allowing lattice matching with GaAs, out of compound semiconductors expressed by formula (AlxGa1-x)yIn1-yP (where, 0≦x≦1, 0≦y≦1), are stacked in this order, and having the (100) surface appeared on the main surface thereof, and GaP transparent semiconductor layers 20, 90 stacked on the light emitting layer section 24 as being agreed with the crystal orientation thereof, so that the {100} surfaces appear on the side faces of the GaP transparent semiconductor layer. Accordingly, there can be provided a method of fabricating a light emitting device having the AlGaInP light emitting layer section and the GaP transparent semiconductor layers, less causative of failures such as edge chipping during the dicing.
US07663147B2
A display apparatus and method of forming the same comprise an insulating substrate; a thin film transistor formed on the insulating substrate; a first electrode electrically connected to the thin film transistor and having a first maximum roughness; a buffer layer formed on the first electrode and having a second maximum roughness lower than the first maximum roughness; an organic emission layer formed on the buffer layer; and a second electrode formed on the organic emission layer. Accordingly, it is an aspect of the present invention to provide a display apparatus and method of manufacturing the same which reduce the number of defects due to roughness of a pixel electrode.
US07663143B2
A mask containing apertures therein which is used for fabricating a channel of a thin film transistor (TFT), wherein the pixel charging time for a TFT in a high-resolution liquid crystal display (LCD) device is reduced by minimizing the length of the channel in the TFT when the active region is made of amorphous silicon. The length of the channel can be minimized by exposing light through the apertures in an exposure mask when forming the channel.
US07663132B2
A resistance change memory device including a substrate, first and second wiring lines formed above the substrate to be insulated from each other and memory cells disposed between the first and second wiring lines, wherein the memory cell includes: a variable resistance element for storing as information a resistance value; and a Schottky diode connected in series to the variable resistance element. The variable resistance element has a recording layer formed of a first composite compound expressed by AxMyOz (where “A” and “M” are cation elements different from each other; “O” oxygen; and 0.5≦x≦1.5, 0.5≦y≦2.5 and 1.5≦z≦4.5) and a second composite compound containing at least one transition element and a cavity site for housing a cation ion.
US07663128B2
A flexible ionizing radiation shield attached to an X-ray machine by a long retractable cable. An elongated opening adjacent to a top edge is used as a hand hold to manipulate the flexible shield during usage and as a means to hang the flexible shield onto two hooks on the cable housing for storage. Sanitary disposable shield covers are dispensed from a dispenser mounted above the shield hanger.
US07663121B2
An ultraviolet (UV) cure chamber enables curing a dielectric material disposed on a substrate and in situ cleaning thereof. A tandem process chamber provides two separate and adjacent process regions defined by a body covered with a lid having windows aligned respectively above each process region. One or more UV bulbs per process region that are covered by housings coupled to the lid emit UV light directed through the windows onto substrates located within the process regions. The UV bulbs can be an array of light emitting diodes or bulbs utilizing a source such as microwave or radio frequency. The UV light can be pulsed during a cure process. Using oxygen radical/ozone generated remotely and/or in-situ accomplishes cleaning of the chamber. Use of lamp arrays, relative motion of the substrate and lamp head, and real-time modification of lamp reflector shape and/or position can enhance uniformity of substrate illumination.
US07663115B2
The invention relates to a semiconductor device with a semiconductor body comprising a CMOS image sensor with an active region having viewed in projection first sides and second sides perpendicular to the first sides said active region comprising a matrix of active pixels arranged in rows and columns, each pixel having a photosensitive region, the device further comprising a plurality of circuit elements for operating the pixel in the image forming process, the plurality of circuit elements comprising a first set of circuit elements for read-out of the columns and a second set of circuit elements for controlling the rows.According to the invention a first part of the plurality of circuit elements is positioned outside the matrix along one of the first sides and a second part of the plurality of circuit elements is positioned within the matrix of active pixels remote from the second sides. Preferably the first part elements comprises the read-out circuitry of the columns and the second part elements comprises the control circuitry of the rows, the latter preferably being distributed over a number of centrally positioned columns. A device according to the present invention is very suitable for X-ray medical imaging.
US07663112B2
A radiation detecting cassette has a casing including a first flat plate for facing a patient and a second flat panel for facing a surgical table. The first flat plate and the second flat panel are spaced from each other by a predetermined distance. The casing also includes a pair of first and second tapered side members disposed on respective side edges of the first and second flat plates. The first and second tapered side members are progressively tapered toward their distal ends. The first and second tapered side members house therein respective radiation shields, which in turn house therein a battery, a cassette controller, and a transceiver.
US07663107B2
A method of quantitatively analysing a sample, the method comprising: irradiating the sample with radiation having a plurality of frequencies in the range from 25 GHz to 100 THz; detecting radiation reflected from and/or transmitted by said sample to obtain a frequency domain waveform of said sample; identifying at least one section of interest of said frequency domain wave-form containing spectral features due to intermolecular or other non-intramolecular excitations; and obtaining a value related to the concentration of a component of the sample from the said section.
US07663094B2
A probe for a data storage apparatus. The probe includes a coating layer formed on a tip of the probe, wherein a peak of the tip is exposed and the coating layer and the peak form a predetermined contact area with respect to a recording medium. In addition, the probe may also include an insulating layer formed between the coating layer and the tip of the probe. The coating layer, the insulating layer, and the peak of the tip have a predetermined contact area with respect to the recording medium. Consequently, the probe can obtain high resolving ability by using a sharp-type tip and simultaneously can reduce the degree of abrasion of the peak of the tip, thereby resulting in an excellent durability.
US07663093B2
A scale has a first incremental track with first incremental patterns including first light and dark patterns formed at equal intervals in first periods, an absolute track with absolute patterns representing absolute positions, and a second incremental track with second incremental patterns including second light and dark patterns formed at equal intervals in second periods longer than the first periods. A light source emits a measurement light to the scale. A photodetector receives the measurement light reflected at or transmitted through the scale. A signal processing circuit processes the received light signal of the photodetector to detect an absolute position of the scale.
US07663087B2
A dynamically configurable multiple wavelength adapted photodetector (PD) integrated circuit includes a PD array having a center bank of electrically isolated PD sections, and a first and a second side channel bank of electrically isolated PD sections on opposing sides of the center PD bank for receiving light and outputting electrical signals. A dynamically configurable switching matrix having a first plurality of inputs is coupled to outputs of the PD sections and a second plurality of inputs is provided for receiving control signals which select from a plurality of different switch configurations. The switch configurations set which of the PD sections are coupled to particular ones of a plurality of matrix outputs provided by the switching matrix. A structure providing switching matrix configuration information is coupled to the second plurality of inputs of the switching matrix to selects specific ones from the plurality of different switch configurations. An output block comprising a plurality of amplifiers is coupled to the plurality of matrix outputs for providing a plurality of amplified outputs, wherein dynamically adjustable combinations of electrical signals from the PD sections are directed to the plurality of amplifiers based on the switch configuration. The configuration selected effectively centers a location of an incident side beam at a center of the side channel PD banks independent of a wavelength (and resulting position) of the beam.
US07663085B2
An optical sensor able to make a pixel area small without degrading an increase of the speed of detection of the change of light intensity and reduction of the power consumption, therefore able reduce the size of a chip at the time of an increase of pixels and a method of selection of pixels of the same, imparting a function of holding charges corresponding to a light reception intensity of a previous frame and a function for comparing strongness/weakness of the light reception intensity of the previous frame and the light reception intensity of the current frame to each of the pixels composing a pixel array part and configuring both function portions by a capacitor Cs connected between a photodiode PD and a selection transistor T2.
US07663084B2
A solid-state imaging apparatus includes a plurality of unit pixels with associated microlenses arranged in a two-dimensional array. Each microlens includes a distributed index lens with a modulated effective refractive index distribution obtained by including a combination of a plurality of patterns having a concentric structure, the plurality of patterns being divided into line widths equal to or shorter than a wavelength of an incident light. At least one of the plurality of patterns includes a lower light-transmitting film having the concentric structure and a first line width and a first film thickness, and an upper light-transmitting film having the concentric structure configured on the lower light-transmitting film having a second line width and a second film thickness. The distributed index lens has a structure in which a refractive index material is dense at a center and becomes sparse gradually toward an outer side in the concentric structure.
US07663083B2
An image sensor module capable of facilitating an electrical and mechanical connection of an electric component and a fabrication thereof are disclosed. The image sensor module includes a sensor chip; at least one lens disposed above the sensor chip; at least one electric component disposed with respect to the at least one lens to adjust optical characteristics of the at least one lens; a housing accommodating and closing up the sensor chip, the at least one lens and the at least one electric component, and having an opening to expose the at least one lens to an outside thereof; and a wiring part longitudinally disposed on an inner surface of the housing, and including at least one conducting wire having a first connecting terminal exposed to the outside of the housing to allow the at least one conducting wire to electrically connect a terminal pad of the at least one electric component with an external electronic device and a second connecting terminal connected to the terminal pad of the at least one electric component.
US07663072B2
A delivery point packaging system and method of preparing and sorting mail pieces sorts, packages and assembles mail pieces into a predetermined delivery point order.
US07663067B2
A first gate opens obliquely downward, and maintains the posture, rendering the slope angle of the bottom surface thereof steeper than that of the bottom surface of the second gate. Thus, the bottom surface of the second gate forms a gentle slope sliding surface, and the bottom surface of the first gate forms a steep slope sliding surface. Then articles drop following the shape of a parabola toward the bottom surface of the first gate on the steep slope side, with momentum gained from sliding down the bottom surface of the second gate on the gentle slope side, and then change the sliding trajectory inward upon bumping into the bottom surface of the first gate. The articles then drop following the shape of a parabola toward the center area of a dispersal table, with momentum gained from sliding down the bottom surface of the first gate.
US07663066B2
A method for producing a durable electromagnetic and radio frequency interference shield between two or more structural members of a wall or enclosure and a shielded shelter produced using the method. In one embodiment, joints between structural members are preferably filled with an electrically conductive filler. A base coat of a metal spray that adheres well to the filler and structural member is then applied. At least one layer of a metal spray with magnetic field attenuation properties such as steel, and at least one layer of a metal spray that has plane wave attenuation properties such as tin are applied to the base coat. Optionally, a coat of protective or conductive paint is then applied to the top surface of the metal spray layers. An enclosure with shielded joints according to the present invention has superior shielding capability and durability over the art.
US07663053B2
A method and system for using a method of pre-equilibrium ballistic charge carrier refraction comprises fabricating one or more solid-state electric generators. The solid-state electric generators include one or more of a chemically energized solid-state electric generator and a thermionic solid-state electric generator. A first material having a first charge carrier effective mass is used in a solid-state junction. A second material having a second charge carrier effective mass greater than the first charge carrier effective mass is used in the solid-state junction. A charge carrier effective mass ratio between the second effective mass and the first effective mass is greater than or equal to two.
US07663044B2
The apparatus of the present invention improves training efficiency, and monotonous repetition of training is avoided. A unit acceptance judgment section (4) judges whether all performance of the units in the current rank have reached an acceptable standard or not. When all performance is accepted, a unit in an upper rank is designated. The performance data in the designated unit is read from a performance data storage (7) to a key depression instruction generator (8), and a key depression instruction is displayed based on the performance data. When only a part of the unit in the current rank is acceptable, a unit updating instruction is output to a lesson menu display (14), to thereby display that the unit subsequent to the currently designated is the unit to be played next. When the unit is updated, the unit having the same note information as that already accepted is not designated.
US07663043B2
A display device for guitar tuners and a method of displaying the tuned states of guitar strings. The method is performed such that the control unit performs control so that the backlight emits light having a predetermined color by turning on the backlight when a tuner is turned on, and then performs control so that the backlight emits light having a different color when the tuning of guitar strings is completed using the display device, which includes a Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD) panel provided in an equalizer mounted to a guitar body, and configured to display the tuned states of the guitar strings, a backlight mounted behind the LCD panel, and a control unit configured to control the LCD panel and the backlight.
US07663042B1
An adjustable pedal assembly has a base, a beater assembly, and a pedal. The base has a pedal end and a beater end. The beater assembly is mounted on the beater end of the base. The pedal is mounted pivotally on the base and connected to the beater assembly, and has a stationary heel, an adjustment bracket, a moving sole and a rigid link. The stationary heel is mounted securely on the pedal end of the base. The adjustment bracket is mounted pivotally on the stationary heel. The moving sole is connected pivotally on the adjustment bracket and connected to the beater assembly. The rigid link is selectively connected the stationary heel and alternately to the adjustment bracket and the moving sole to change a pivoting point and swinging length of the pedal.
US07663037B1
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV078495. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV078495, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV078495 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV078495 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV078495.
US07663025B2
The invention relates to plant transcription factor polypeptides, polynucleotides that encode them, homologs from a variety of plant species, and methods of using the polynucleotides and polypeptides to produce transgenic plants having improved tolerance to drought, shade, and low nitrogen conditions, as compared to wild-type or reference plants.
US07663023B2
The invention provides methods for decreasing lignin content and improving lignin profiles. Also provided are the plants prepared by the methods of the invention. Such plants may exhibit improved digestibility relative to prior plants.
US07663022B1
Transgenic plants, and a method for making the same, wherein genes encoding the enzyme luciferase and its corresponding substrate luciferin are incorporated into a native plant genome. Once transformed into plant cells, these genes may be regulated such that under certain endogenous or exogenous conditions, their expression in the mature plant results in bioluminescence. Different luciferin/luciferase complexes and/or mechanisms of regulation may be utilized for these transgenic plants, depending on a variety of factors such as plant species and the circumstances under which a bioluminescent reaction is desired. Phototransformation may be utilized to vary the wavelength of light emitted from the mature plant.
US07663021B2
The present invention provides methods of transforming pineapple cells and plants with carotenoid biosynthetic polypeptide expression regulators that control the accumulation of carotenoids in the transformed cells, and in certain embodiments, the coloration of those cells. The invention also provides for the regeneration of pineapple plants from the transformed cells. In addition, the invention provides pineapple cells and plants that include introduced carotenoid biosynthetic polypeptide expression regulators.
US07663008B2
A method of catalytic reaction uses a micro-reactor (1) with a metal catalyst (5) or a metal complex catalyst (5) as a solid phase supported on the inner wall (4c) of a channel (4), a solution (7) dissolving a reactant as a liquid phase and hydrogen (9) as a gas phase are flown through the channel (4) in pipe flow state, and the reaction of the solution (7) and the gas (9) accelerated by the metal catalyst (5) or the metal complex catalyst (5) is conducted by three phase catalytic reaction of solid-liquid-gas phases. The metal catalyst (5) or the metal complex catalyst (5) is incorporated in a polymer, and hydrogenation reaction by three phase catalytic reductive reaction of a substance to be reduced can be conducted in short time at good yield. For hydrogenation reaction of unsaturated organics, the rate of reaction and yield are high when palladium catalyst is used, and carbonylation reaction can be conducted if carbon monoxide is used instead of hydrogen.
US07663005B2
A catalytic process for preparing a monoalkylene glycol from a corresponding alkylene oxide utilizing an ion exchange resin and a reactor in which an upflow process is used is provided. In particular, the process includes reacting water and an alkylene oxide in at least one reactor under conditions to form an alkylene glycol, wherein the at least one reactor includes an ion exchange resin and the reactor is operating in an upflow direction.
US07662999B2
Small molecule polycationic agents are used to modulate or interrupt biological processes by binding to oligosaccharide-based biomolecules. Compounds that inhibit nitric oxide, TNFα or other immunomodulators are provided and are useful for treating immunological disease and disease of an infectious disorder.
US07662985B2
A production process for a silicon compound represented by Formula (6), characterized by reacting a compound represented by Formula (4) with a compound represented by Formula (5): wherein all of the variables are defined in the specification.
US07662982B2
Process of making alkyl-capped alkoxylated esters. More specifically, a process of making alkyl-capped alkoxylated esters that are comprised substantially of triethylene alkoxy ester and substantially free from ethylene glycol monoalkoxy monoester and diethylene glycol monoalkoxy monoester.
US07662980B2
Anbydrous crystalline form of docetaxel and process of making anhydrous docetaxel and docetaxel trihydrate are provided.
US07662977B2
The invention provides novel prodrugs of inhibitors of PI-3 kinase. The novel compounds are LY294002 and analogs thereof comprising a reversibly quaternized amine.
US07662970B2
Oxazolidinium compounds are formed by the reaction of a halohydrin or an epoxide with a secondary amine and an aldehyde or a ketone. The oxazolidinium compounds are formed directly and do not require the reaction of a pre-formed oxazolidine with an alkylating agent. The compounds are useful as gas hydrate inhibitors in oil and gas production and transportation.
US07662968B2
The invention relates to a process for preparing lansoprazole. It is also directed to lansoprazole having a specific surface area and a pharmaceutical composition comprising lansoprazole.
US07662961B2
The invention relates to bis-5-pyrazolyl derivatives of formula (I) or salts thereof: wherein the various symbols are as defined in the description, to processes for their preparation, to compositions thereof, and to their use for the control of pests (including arthropods and helminths).
US07662956B2
The present application relates to novel tetrahydrobenzo[d]azepin-2-one derivatives, processes for their preparation, their use for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, and their use for producing medicaments for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, preferably for the treatment and/or prevention of cardiovascular disorders, especially of dyslipidaemias, arteriosclerosis, restenosis and ischaemias.
US07662955B2
A process for the preparation of cefoxitin of formula (I) The process includes treating the compound of formula (II) with a halogenating agent in an organic solvent, followed by treatment with alkali/alkaline earth metal methoxide at a temperature in the range of −100° C. to 0° C. The product formed is then isolated as an organic amine salt of the formula (III), The salt of formula (III) is treated with a base in the presence of solvent at a temperature in the range of −75 to 10° C., the product formed is isolated as an organic amine salt of the formula (IV) The compound of formula (IV) is carbamoylated with isocyanate of formula (V) RNCO (V) in the presence of a solvent at a temperature in the range of −60° C. to 10° C., and isolating to get cefoxitin of the formula (I).
US07662951B2
The present invention concerns methods and reagents useful in modulating BACE gene expression in a variety of applications, including use in therapeutic, diagnostic, target validation, and genomic discovery applications. Specifically, the invention relates to small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules capable of mediating RNA interference (RNAi) against beta-secretase (BACE), amyloid precursor protein (APP), pin-1, presenillin 1 (PS-1) and/or presenillin 2 (PS-2) gene expression and/or activity. The small nucleic acid molecules are useful in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and any other condition that responds to modulation of BACE, APP, pin-1, PS-1 and/or PS-2 expression or activity.
US07662946B2
The present invention relates to a disintegrin and metalloproteinase containing thrombospondin 1-like domains (ADAMTS) and in particular to a novel ADAMTS13 protease and to nucleic acids encoding ADAMTS13 proteases. The present invention encompasses both native and recombinant wild-type forms of ADAMTS13, as well as mutant and variant forms including fragments, some of which posses altered characteristics relative to the wild-type ADAMTS13. The present invention also relates to methods of using ADAMTS13, including for treatment of TTP. The present invention also relates to methods for screening for the presence of TTP. The present invention further relates to methods for developing anticoagulant drugs based upon ADAMTS13.
US07662943B2
Provided are a promoter including at least one polynucleotide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 7, an expression cassette including the same, a vector including the expression cassette, a host cell including the vector, and a method of expressing a gene using the host cell.
US07662941B2
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for assaying embryonic stem cell maintenance. In particular, the present invention provides reporter constructs for stem cell pluripotency and differentiation and cells and organisms containing such constructs.
US07662940B1
Nucleic acid sequences and insecticidal proteins encoded from these sequences are provided. Insecticidal proteins encoded by large operons situated within the primary sequence of large extrachromosomal plasmids present in Bacillus thuringiensis are disclosed. Methods for making transgenic plants resistant to insect infestation as a result of expression of one or more of these proteins is disclosed. Bacillus thuringiensis strains exhibiting broad host range insecticidal specificity are also disclosed.
US07662939B1
Recombinant enteroviruses for use as vaccines or vectors, which are modified in tropism or virulence, are disclosed. Also disclosed are DNA constructs comprising enterovirus-derived molecular determinants of tropism or virulence for use in targeting genes of interest to specific cells or tissues. The recombinant enteroviruses and DNA constructs comprise molecular determinants of tropism and virulence localized in specific domains of the 5′NTR of the enteroviral genome.
US07662936B2
Methods to detect, screen, and quantitate biological samples after administration of antibody conjugates, antibody-drug conjugates of Formula I, antibodies, and fragments and metabolites thereof, by affinity separation, chromatography, and mass spectrometry are disclosed. Ab-(L-D)p I wherein Ab is an antibody; D is a drug moiety; L is a linker covalently attached to Ab, and covalently attached to D; and p is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8.
US07662933B2
Provided herein are methods and compositions relating to the attachment of water soluble polymers to proteins. Provided are novel methods for N-terminally modifying proteins or analogs thereof, and resultant compositions, including novel N-terminally chemically modified G-CSF compositions and related methods of preparation. Also provided is chemically modified consensus interferon.
US07662916B2
Polynucleotide encoding modified HIV Env polypeptides are disclosed. The Env polypeptides are modified so as to expose at least part of the CD4 binding region. Methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention using the polynucleotides and polypeptides are also provided.
US07662894B2
A catalyst composition for polymerizing olefins to polymers having bimodal molecular weight distribution comprises two transition metal-containing metallocene compounds, a magnesium compound, an alcohol, an aluminum containing co-catalyst and a polymeric support. The transition metal in one of the metallocene compounds is zirconium and the transition metal in the second metallocene compound is selected from the group consisting of titanium, vanadium and hafnium. Polyolefin polymers made using the catalyst composition have broad molecular weight distributions and are useful in film and blow molding applications.
US07662888B2
A polypropylene based heat shrinkable film obtained by using a propylene-ethylene block copolymer (A) which satisfies the following requirements (A-i) to (A-iv), and having heat shrinkability imparted by orientation in at least one direction: (A-i) it is a propylene-ethylene block copolymer obtained through sequential polymerization catalyzed by a metallocene catalyst which is composed of 30 to 95 wt % of a propylene homopolymer or propylene-ethylene random copolymer component (A1) having an ethylene content of at most 7 wt % produced in a first step and 70 to 5 wt % of a propylene-ethylene random copolymer component (A2) produced in a second step having an ethylene content higher by 3 to 20 wt % than that of the component (A1); (A-ii) it has a melt flow rate (MFR: 2.16 kg, 230° C.) within a range of 0.1 to 30 g/10 min; (A-iii) a temperature-loss tangent (tan δ) curve obtained by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) has a single peak at a temperature of at most 0° C.; (A-iv) in a temperature rising elution fractionation (TREF) curve obtained as a plot of an elution amount (dwt %/dT) to a temperature by means of temperature rising elution fractionation (TREF) using an o-dichlorobenzene solvent in a temperature range of −15° C. to 140° C., a peak temperature T(A1) observed at a high temperature side is within a range of 60° C. to 88° C., a peak temperature T(A2) observed at a low temperature side is at most 40° C. or a peak temperature T(A2) is not observed, and a temperature T(A4) at which 99 wt % of the total amount of the propylene-ethylene block copolymer is eluted is less than 90° C.
US07662884B2
It is an object of the present invention, which has been made in view of the above-mentioned state of the art, to provide a cement admixture capable of improving the water-reducing ability of cement compositions and the like and enhancing the strength and durability of hardened products produced therefrom and further capable of adjusting the viscosity of such compositions so as to facilitate the works at the sites of handling the same, as well as a method of producing such cement additive.A cement admixture comprising a polycarboxylic acid polymer and a nitrogen atom-containing compound having non-amide bond, wherein the mass ratio (A/B) between the mass (A) of said polycarboxylic acid polymer and the mass (B) of said nitrogen atom-containing compound having non-amide bond satisfies the relation 200>(A/B)>1.
US07662883B2
The present invention is directed to rubbery block polymers containing a polylactone, such as polycaprolactone, methods of making the same, and to rubber compounds containing those block polymers. The rubbery block polymer is an anionically polymerized block polymer defined by A-B, wherein A includes at least one type of polymerized conjugated diene monomer, a polymerized vinyl aromatic monomer, or a mixture thereof and wherein B is a polylactone, such as polycaprolactone, which is hydroxy terminated. The rubbery block polymer may be compounded so to provide, for example, a tire tread with desirable properties for use in an automobile tire. Such rubber compound, for example, can include the rubbery block polymer, an organosilane coupling agent, such as a bis(trialkoxysilyl) alkane, bis(trialkoxysilylalkyl) polysulfide, or mixtures thereof, and silica filler in specified amounts.
US07662877B2
A polyester resin composition comprising alkylene terephthalate, fast reheat (FRH) additives, nucleating additives, aliphatic dicarboxylic acid comonomers or their mixed composition to impart clarity and transparency to the CPET and a process for the preparation of said thermoplastic composition of clear CPET.
US07662875B2
The invention is directed to aqueous coating compositions with improved rheology performance, comprising A) at least one water-dilutable binder, optionally, at least one cross-linking agent B), at least one sagging control agent C) obtainable by reacting a polyisocyanate with an amine, water and optionally usual coating additives, pigments and/or organic solvents, wherein the sagging control agent is obtained by reacting in an aqueous phase in presence of a water-dilutable binder C1) at least one polyisocyanate with C2) at least one amine having at least one primary amino group and at least one hydroxyl group.
US07662868B2
The present invention relates to an ink-jet ink composition, which comprises (A) a polybutadiene; (B) a radical polymerizable compound having a (meth)acryloyl group; (C) a radical polymerization initiator; and (D) a colorant. The ink composition is highly sensitive to activated radiant rays and can accordingly be cured in a high sensitivity when irradiated with the same, can maintain its flexibility even after the cure thereof and can accordingly be used suitably in the ink-jet recording method and a method for the preparation of a lithographic printing plate, to thus form printed matters and a lithographic printing plate having high printing durability.
US07662858B2
A method is provided for treating pain in patients recovering from post-surgical trauma by administering between about 13 to about 30 mg of diclofenac potassium in a liquid dispersible formulation over a period of at least 24 hours, wherein the daily total amount of diclofenac potassium administered is less than or equal to about 100 mg. The method is particularly useful in treating acute pain in bunionectomy patients.
US07662850B2
Disclosed herein is a compound having a formula therapeutic methods, compositions, and medicaments related thereto are also disclosed.
US07662845B2
The invention provides compounds of formula in which L, X, Y, Z1, Z2, R1, R2, R3 and G2 have the meanings defined in the specification; processes for their preparation; pharmaceutical compositions containing them; a process for preparing the pharmaceutical compositions; and their use in therapy.
US07662825B2
The invention provides N-pyrazinyl-phenyl-sulphonamides of formula (I) for use in the treatment of chemokine mediated diseases. Particularly inflammatory diseases, such as asthma.
US07662824B2
The invention is directed to acylhydrazones compounds of Formula I: where R1, R2 and A are as defined herein, the use of such compounds as protein tyrosine kinase modulators, particularly inhibitors of c-Met, and the use of such compounds to reduce or inhibit kinase activity of c-Met in a cell or a subject, and modulate c-Met expression in a cell or subject, and the use of such compounds for preventing or treating in a subject a cell proliferative disorder and/or disorders related to c-Met. The present invention is further directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the present invention and to methods for treating conditions such as cancers and other cell proliferative disorders.
US07662822B2
This invention relates to substituted azaquinazolines, to a process for their preparation, to pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and to their use for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, especially for use as antiviral agents, in particular against cytomegaloviruses.
US07662819B2
The present invention discloses pteridinone derivatives for use as inhibitors of stearoyl-CoA desaturase having the structure of Formula I: The compounds are useful in treating and/or preventing various human diseases, mediated by stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) enzymes, especially diseases related to abnormal lipid levels, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome and the like.
US07662813B2
The present invention relates to substituted triazole compounds and compositions comprising substituted triazole compounds. The invention further relates to methods of inhibiting the activity of Hsp90 in a subject in need thereof and methods for preventing or treating hyperproliferative disorders, such as cancer, in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject a substituted triazole compound of the invention, or a composition comprising such a compound.
US07662794B2
The present invention provides DNAzymes and ribozymes that specifically cleave PAI-1-encoding mRNA. The present invention also provides antisense oligonucleotides that specifically inhibit translation of PAI-1-encoding mRNA. The invention also provides various methods of inhibiting the expression of PAI-1, and methods of treating diseases by such. Finally the invention provides pharmaceutical compositions containing the instant DNAzymes, ribozymes, antisense oligonucleotides, or other inhibitors of PAI-1 expression as active ingredients.
US07662777B2
A method for the treatment and/or prevention of mucositis due to an antitumour treatment which comprises the administration of a composition containing suiglicotide to a patient in needs of said antitumour treatment.
US07662775B2
The invention relates to a convenient screening tool for identifying an agent for treating diabetes. The screening tool is a G protein-coupled receptor, a variant of the G protein-coupled receptor, or a homolog of the G protein-coupled receptor, which promotes insulin secretion under a high glucose concentration by activation. The invention also relates to cells transformed with an expression vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding and expressing the screening tool. The invention provides a convenient screening method for identifying an agent for treating diabetes, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the agent, and a process for manufacturing the pharmaceutical composition.
US07662774B2
A method for prophylactically or therapeutically treating sepsis or septic shock is described, wherein an inhibitor to tissue factor is administered to septic patients. Additionally, a method for treating inflammation is described wherein the inhibitor is administered to patients. This inhibitor is termed lipoprotein associated coagulation inhibitor, or commonly LACI. It is 38 kD and has 276 amino acids. LACI has now been shown to be useful for the treatment of sepsis, septic shock and inflammation.
US07662753B2
The present invention relates to compositions for treating subterranean formations. A treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous liquid, and a degradable surfactant derived from a degradable polymer is provided. Also provided are emulsified treatment fluids and foamed treatment fluids that comprise degradable surfactants derived from degradable polymers.
US07662752B2
Chemical wash compositions comprising a sulfonated lignin and a taurate are provided. In one embodiment, a chemical wash composition is provided comprising water, a sulfonated lignin, and a taurate.
US07662739B2
A catalyst body including a catalytic material containing an alkali metal and/or an alkaline earth metal, a carrier carrying the catalytic material, and a method of manufacturing the catalyst body are provided. The carrier has a cordierite binder phase and aggregate phases dispersed in the cordierite binder phase.
US07662734B2
In a woven belt and a seat belt apparatus using the same, it is an object to improve the abrasion resistance thereof. A woven belt 101 is made by weaving warp thread 102 extending in substantially the longitudinal direction of webbing and weft thread 103 extending in substantially the width direction of the webbing. Employed as at least either of the warp thread 102 and the weft thread 103 is fiber bundle containing thermal adhesion yarns (for example, each comprising a low melting point filament component 206 having a relatively low melting point and a high melting point filament component 207 having a relatively high melting point), thereby improving the strength of the fiber bundle and thus improving the entire abrasion resistance of the woven belt 101.
US07662729B2
Electronic apparatus and methods of forming the electronic apparatus include a conductive layer having a layer of ruthenium in contact with a lanthanide oxide dielectric layer for use in a variety of electronic systems. The lanthanide oxide dielectric layer and the layer of ruthenium may be structured as one or more monolayers. The lanthanide oxide dielectric layer and the layer of ruthenium may be formed by atomic layer deposition.
US07662726B2
An integrated circuit device includes a semiconductor device having an integrated circuit. A gas-phase deposited insulation layer is disposed on the semiconductor device, and a conducting line is disposed over the gas-phase deposited insulation layer.
US07662725B2
A composition for etching a double metal layer, a method of fabricating an array substrate using the composition, and a method of forming a double metal line using the composition are provided. The composition includes about 63.5% to about 64.5% by weight of a phosphoric acid; about 8% to about 9% by weight of a nitric acid; about 8% to about 12% by weight of an acetic acid; and an anionic additive.
US07662723B2
A plasma processing system for processing a substrate is disclosed. The plasma processing system includes a gas distribution system. The plasma processing system also includes a gas flow control assembly coupled to the gas distribution system and configured to control a set of input gases provided by the gas distribution system. The plasma processing system further includes a first set of nozzles coupled to the gas flow control assembly and configured to supply a first set of gases for processing a first portion of the substrate. The plasma processing system further includes a second set of nozzles coupled to the gas flow control assembly and configured to supply a second set of gases for processing a second portion of the substrate.
US07662717B2
A method of forming a metal layer on the conductive region of a semiconductor device includes concurrently supplying a mixture gas including a hydrogen gas and a metal chloride compound gas, and a purge gas into a chamber having a sealed space for a predetermined time, thereby forming a first metal layer on the semiconductor substrate, using a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method. The hydrogen gas and metal chloride gases are thereafter alternately supplied for a predetermined time while the purge gas is continuously supplied into the chamber, thereby forming a second metal layer on the first metal layer, using a PECVD method. Deterioration of semiconductor devices due to high heat by a conventional CVD method can be prevented using a PECVD method as a low temperature process, thereby improving a production yield.
US07662716B2
Contacts having different characteristics may be created by forming a first silicide layer over a first device region of a substrate, and then forming a second silicide layer over a second device region while simultaneously further forming the first silicide layer. A first contact hole may be formed in a dielectric layer over a first device region of a substrate. A silicide layer may then be formed in the first contact hole. A second contact hole may be formed after the first contact hole and silicide layer is formed. A second silicidation may then be performed in the first and second contact holes.
US07662708B2
A method of forming a self-assembled interconnect structure is described. In the method, a contact pad surface and particles in a solution are brought together. The particles are selected such that they the particles adhere to the contact pad surface. Formation of a contact is completed by pressing an opposite contact into the particles such that an electrical connection is formed via the particles between the opposite contact pad and the substrate surface contact pad. The described self-assembled interconnect structure is particularly useful in display device fabrication.
US07662697B2
A method of forming a semiconductor device includes etching a semiconductor substrate to form a first trench having a first width and a first depth; etching the semiconductor substrate to form a second trench having a second width and a second depth, the second trench overlapping the first trench, the second width being greater than the first width, the second depth being less than the first depth, whereby a trench having a dual structure is formed; and forming a first isolation structure within the trench having the dual structure. An embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of forming an isolation structure of a semiconductor device.
US07662696B2
According to the present invention, an oxide film with the film quality almost equivalent to that of the thermal oxide can be formed by the low-temperature treatment. After removing an insulator on the active region of the substrate which constitutes a semiconductor wafer, an insulator made of, for example, silicon oxide is deposited on the main surface of the semiconductor wafer by the low pressure CVD method. This insulator is a film to form a gate insulator of MISFET in a later step. Subsequently, a plasma treatment is performed in an atmosphere containing oxygen (oxygen plasma treatment) to the insulator in the manner as schematically shown by the arrows. By so doing, the film quality of the insulator formed by the CVD method can be improved to the extent almost equivalent to that of the insulator formed of the thermal oxide.
US07662695B2
Disclosed are a vertical-type capacitor and a formation method thereof. The capacitor includes a first electrode wall and a second electrode wall perpendicular to a semiconductor substrate, and at least one dielectric layer on the substrate to insulate the first electrode wall from the second electrode wall. The first electrode wall includes a plurality of first conductive layers and a plurality of first contacts, the plurality of first conductive layers being interconnected with each other by each of the plurality of first contacts. The second electrode wall includes a plurality of second conductive layers and a plurality of second contacts, the plurality of second conductive layers being interconnected with each other by each of the plurality of second contacts.
US07662693B2
Methods and devices for a dielectric are provided. One method embodiment includes forming a passivation layer on a substrate, wherein the passivation layer contains a composition of silicon, oxygen, and nitrogen. The method also includes forming a lanthanide dielectric film on the passivation layer, and forming an encapsulation layer on the lanthanide dielectric film.
US07662691B2
A semiconductor device comprises an active region including a first active area to be a source/drain and a second active area to be a gate, and a device isolation region defining the active region. The first active area is obtained by growing a semiconductor substrate located between the gates as a seed layer, and formed to have a larger line-width than that of the second active area in a longitudinal direction of the gate.
US07662688B2
The present invention facilitates semiconductor device fabrication by providing mechanisms for utilizing different isolation schemes within embedded memory and other logic portions of a device. The isolation mechanism of the embedded memory portion is improved relative to other portions of the device by increasing dopant concentrations or reducing the depth of the dopant profiles within well regions of the embedded memory array. As a result, smaller isolation spacing can be employed thereby permitting a more compact array. The isolation mechanism of the logic portion is relatively less than that of the embedded memory portion, which permits greater operational speed for the logic.
US07662682B2
A method for epitaxial growth of Group III nitrides on a substrate using source gases consistent with metal organic chemical vapor deposition is provided. A heterostructure formed from two Group III nitride epitaxial layers is grown on a substrate in an atmosphere containing minimal hydrogen. The two Group III nitride epitaxial layers differ sufficiently in composition from one another in order to generate a two-dimensional electron gas at their interface. The substrate upon which the heterostructure is grown has a diameter of at least 100 mm.
US07662680B2
A method of producing a semiconductor element in a substrate includes forming a plurality of micro-cavities and carbide precipitates in the substrate, creating an amorphization of the substrate to form crystallographic defects and a doping of the substrate with doping atoms, annealing the substrate such that at least a part of the crystallographic defects are eliminated using the micro-cavities and the carbide precipitates, and wherein the semiconductor element is formed using the doping atoms.
US07662669B2
A method for fabricating wafer-level packages including lateral interconnects. The method includes precutting a cover wafer at the locations where the cover wafer will be completely cut through to separate the wafer-level packages. The cover wafer is bonded to the substrate wafer using bonding rings so as to seal the integrated circuit within a cavity between the cover wafer and the substrate wafer, where the precuts face the substrate wafer. The cover wafer is then cut at the precut locations to remove the unwanted portions of the cover wafer between the packages and expose contacts or probe pads for the lateral interconnects. The substrate wafer is then cut between the wafer-level packages to separate the packages.
US07662663B2
A method of patterning a substrate according to several steps, including: a) mechanically locating a first masking film over the substrate; and b) segmenting the first masking film into a first masking portion and one or more first opening portions in first locations. Next, mechanically locate a first removal film over the first masking portion and first opening portions. Afterwards, one or more of the first opening portions are adhered to the first removal film. The first removal film and one or more of the first opening portions adhered to the first removal film are mechanically removed to form one or more first openings in the first masking film. Finally, materials are deposited over the substrate through the first openings in the first masking film.
US07662659B2
The invention is a method of producing an array, or multiple arrays of quantum dots. Single dots, as well as two or three-dimensional groupings may be created. The invention involves the transfer of quantum dots from a receptor site on a substrate where they are originally created to a separate substrate or layer, with a repetition of the process and a variation in the original pattern to create different structures.
US07662643B2
A membrane-based assay device for detecting the presence or quantity of an analyte residing in a test sample is provided. The device utilizes a chromatographic zone on which is disposed a plurality of microporous particles. The chromatographic zone can effectively reduce the “hook effect” in a simple, efficient, and relatively inexpensive manner. In particular, the plurality of microporous particles allows larger-sized analyte/probe complexes to reach the detection zone before the uncomplexed analyte. Because the uncomplexed analyte is substantially inhibited from competing with the complexes for the binding sites at the detection zone, the incidence of “false negatives” may be limited, even at relatively high analyte concentrations.
US07662641B2
The present invention provides novel uses two members of a new family of human proteins, designated as “Zven,” as agents that stimulate gastrointestinal contractility, gastric emptying, intestinal transit, and treating gastroparesis The Zven1 gene, which resides in human chromosome 3p21.1-3p14.3, is expressed in testicular tissue and peripheral blood lymphocytes. The invention also provides methods for using the antibodies to detect the presence of the protein with antibodies and methods for using the polynucleotides to detect the presence of Zven RNA.
US07662635B2
A device and method in which the gas specimen to be investigated is exposed to one or more indicators for qualitative or quantitative detection of methylisothiocyanate, characterized in that at least one indicator is palladium sulfate.
US07662626B2
The invention provides neuron-derived cells obtained by transfecting a receptor-expressing nucleic acid having an aryl hydrocarbon receptor gene, wherein outgrowth of neurites is not observed without adding a substance for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, and outgrowth of neurites is observed by adding the substance for the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. The invention also provides a method for determining the presence of neurotoxicity of a test substance, a method for acquiring a marker for determining the presence of neurotoxicity of the test substance, a method for acquiring a marker for neurological dysfunction, and a method for determining the effect of the test substance on neurological dysfunction using such cells.
US07662616B2
A system for processing oil from algae is disclosed. Specifically, the system recycles byproducts of the process for use as nutrients during algae growth and oil production. The system includes a conduit for growing algae and an algae separator that removes the algae from the conduit. Also, the system includes a device for lysing the algae and an oil separator to remove the oil from the lysed matter. Further, the system includes a biofuel reactor that receives oil from the oil separator and synthesizes biofuel and glycerin. Moreover, the algae separator, oil separator and biofuel reactor all recycle byproducts back to the conduit to support further algae growth.
US07662615B2
The present invention discloses a system for cultivating cells, wherein the system comprises a bioreactor, a pump, and an electromagnetic module comprising a coil and an electromagnetic stimulator. The cells are disposed within the bioreactor. The pump, connected to the bioreactor, is used to drive gas into the bioreactor, so as to ensure a sufficient gas supply for the cells. Additionally, the electromagnetic stimulator, connected to the coil, is used to provide a plurality of first signals, and the first signals are transported to the coil. Then the induced electromagnetic field is produced by the coil, whereby the induced electromagnetic field is applied on the cells within the bioreactor. Moreover, this invention also discloses the method for cultivating cells.
US07662610B2
A process for the preparation of an acid of formula (I), as the individual (R) enantiomer or (S), or a salt thereof wherein R is a protected amino group; and the asterisk * denotes the stereogenic carbon atom, comprising contacting an ester of formula (II), as mixture of (R,S) enantiomers, or a salt thereof, wherein R1 is straight or branched C1-C6 alkyl, optionally substituted with phenyl; (the asterisk * and R defined above), with a lipase from Candida antarctica, under conditions effective to obtain a mixture comprising an acid of formula (I), as the individual (R) enantiomer, and an ester of formula (II), as the individual (S) enantiomer; the subsequent hydrolysis of the latter to obtain an acid of formula (I), as the individual (S) enantiomer; and, if desired, the conversion of an acid of formula (I), either as the (R) or (S) enantiomer, to a salt thereof.
US07662608B2
This application provides a method to establish and construct cell lines expressing pathogens without destruction of the host cells. The invention allows for the formation of cell lines for the purpose of continuous expression, release, and harvesting of the pathogen and maintain the consistency of the final biological pro duct. Although the invention is intended for pathogen antigen expression, the invention allows for the production of any antigen by the described methods. The establishment of a chronically infected celline can be used for reagent, diagnostic, quantification, or vaccine purposes. We have used the procedure to select for a host cell line that naturally adapts to HIV-1 replication without affecting the host cell's ability to survive. This allowed for the establishment of a chronic HIV-1 expressing cell line that continuously expresses HIV-1 particles.
US07662607B2
A Chalaropsis lysozyme (Lysozyme Ch) is provided which has a corrected amino acid sequence and which can be utilized to prepare recombinant proteins having higher activity than those proteins using the incorrect sequence. Methods are also provided to reduce immunogenicity or increase half-life of the lysozyme. The lysozyme Ch of the present invention will be extremely useful in killing bacteria, particularly resistance strains such as MRSA and VISA, and the enzyme can be utilized in a variety of settings wherein bacterial infection has been a particular problem such as the hospital setting or in veterinary applications, and can also be used as an effective means of combating bioterror agents.
US07662604B2
The invention relates to chondroitinase ABC I and uses thereof. In particular, the invention relates to recombinant and modified chondroitinase ABC I, their production and their uses. The chondroitinase ABC I enzymes of the invention are useful for a variety of purposes, including degrading and analyzing polysaccharides such as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). These GAGs can include chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, unsulfated chondroitin and hyaluronan. The chondroitinase ABC I enzymes can also be used in therapeutic methods such as promoting nerve regeneration, promoting stroke recovery, treating spinal cord injury, treating epithelial disease, treating infections and treating cancer.
US07662598B2
The present invention provides a method for extracting lipids from microorganisms without using organic solvent as an extraction solvent. In particular, the present invention provides a method for extracting lipids from microorganisms by lysing cells and removing water soluble compound and/or materials by washing the lysed cell mixtures with aqueous washing solutions until a substantially non-emulsified lipid is obtained.
US07662596B2
The present invention relates to a method for producing optically active IHOG, which can in turn be used for the production of monatin. The present invention further relates to a method for producing optically active monatin, and aldolase used for these methods. As such, the present invention enables the synthesis of 4-(Indole-3-ylmethyl)-4-hydroxy-2-oxoglutaric acid with high optical purity, which is useful as an intermediate in the synthesis of optically active monatin, from indole pyruvic acid and pyruvic acid (or oxaloacetic acid).
US07662593B2
The present invention is to provide a method which makes it possible to activate RecA, and maintain its biological function in all the PCR cycles. Also, the invention is to provide a nucleic acid amplification method, and a kit for amplifying a nucleic acid which makes it possible to suppress non-specific amplification more specifically and efficiently to amplify only the desired nucleic acid. A method of activating a RecA protein derived from an extremely thermophilic bacterium in a polymerase chain reaction carried out in the presence of the RecA protein derived from the extremely thermophilic bacterium, wherein the RecA protein is activated by carrying out the reaction with the addition of nucleotide 5′-triphosphate (provided that the nucleotide 5′-triphosphate is neither deoxynucleotide 5′-triphosphate nor nucleotide 5′-O-3-thiotriphosphate).
US07662574B2
The polypeptides in the present invention possess the effects of promoting and inhibiting the secretion of prolactin, and are thus useful as drugs for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, in terms of prolactin secretion stimulants, which are associated with the secretion of prolactin, such as hypoovarianism, spermatic underdevelopment, menopausal symptoms, hypothyroidism, etc. The polypeptides are useful as drugs for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, in terms of prolactin secretion inhibitors, which are associated with the secretion of prolactin, such as pituitary tumor, diencephalon tumor, menstrual disorder, autoimmune diseases, prolactinoma, sterility, impotence, amenorrhea, lactorrhea, acromegaly, Chiari-Frommel syndrome, Argonz-del Castilo syndrome, Forbes-Albright syndrome, lymphoma, Sheehan's syndrome, spermatogenesis disorder, etc.
US07662572B2
The present invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods in the field of detection of analytes. In particular to detection of viruses, cells, bacteria, lipid-membrane containing organisms, proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and other biomolecules, organic molecules and inorganic molecules using a liquid crystal assay format.
US07662569B2
The invention provides a method of diagnosing or predicting susceptibility to a clinical subtype of Crohn's disease in a subject having Crohn's disease by determining the presence or absence of IgA anti-I2 antibodies in the subject, where the presence of the IgA anti-I2 antibodies indicates that the subject has a clinical subtype of Crohn's disease. In one embodiment, a method of the invention is practiced by further determining the presence or absence in the subject of a NOD2 variant, anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA), IgA anti-OmpC antibodies, or perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (pANCA). The methods of the invention can be used to diagnose or predict susceptibility to a clinical subtype of Crohn's disease, for example, a fibrostenotic subtype, a subtype characterized by the need for small bowel surgery, or a subtype characterized by the absence of features of ulcerative colitis.
US07662567B2
Aspects of the present invention also provide methods based on novel UCN3 nucleotide polymorphisms selected from the group consisting of AAFC03043460.1:g.8272-8281AATAATAAAT(SEQ ID NO: 9)>GGAGC, g.8208C>T, g.8265C>T, g.8287T>C, g.8412A>G, g.8426T>A, c.8786C>T, g.9074T>C, c.12609C>T, c.12621T>C, c.12667T>G and c.12669C>A , which may provide novel markers for marbling and/or subcutaneous fat. Additional aspects provide for novel methods which may comprise marker-assisted selection or marker-assisted management to improve marbling and/or subcutaneous fat depth in cattle.
US07662565B2
Aspects of the invention concern methods for detecting, identifying and evaluating tobacco and tobacco products to determine the potential that these compositions have to contribute to a tobacco-related disease. It is based, at least in part; on the discovery that exposure of pulmonary cells to smoke or smoke condensate obtained from tobacco or tobacco products induces double stranded breaks in cellular DNA, which were efficiently detected using assays that measure the presence, absence, or amount of phosphorylation of the histone, H2AX.
US07662564B2
The physiological regulation of intake, growth and energy partitioning in animals is under the control of multiple genes, which may be important candidates for unraveling the genetic variation in economically relevant traits in beef production. The present invention relates to the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the bovine gene encoding mitochondrial transcription factor A (“TFAM”) and their associations with economically relevant traits in beef production. The invention further encompasses methods and systems, including network-based processes, to manage the SNP data and other data relating to specific animals and herds of animals, veterinarian care, diagnostic and quality control data and management of livestock which, based on genotyping, have predictable meat quality traits, husbandry conditions, animal welfare, food safety information, audit of existing processes and data from field locations.
US07662535B2
The present invention is a method for the preparation of electrostatographic toner that includes the following steps. A polymer material is dissolved in an organic solvent to form an organic phase that includes a metal complex of zinc dimethyldithiocarbamate; zinc diethyldithiocarbamate; dibenzyldithiocarbamate, zinc di-n-butyldithiocarbamate. The organic phase is dispersed in an aqueous phase that includes a particulate stabilizer to form a dispersion and the resultant dispersion is homogenized. The organic solvent is evaporated and the resultant product is recovered, washed and dried.
US07662533B2
An image forming method including: forming an electrostatic latent image on an image bearing member; developing the latent image with a toner; transferring the toner image onto a receiving material; and fixing the toner image. The image bearing member includes a substrate, and a charge generation layer, a charge transport layer and a crosslinked charge transport layer, wherein the crosslinked charge transport layer includes a compound obtained from radical polymerizable monomers including a monomer having three or more functional groups and no charge transport structure and a monomer having one functional group and a charge transport structure. The toner includes a binder resin, a colorant, and a release agent, wherein tetrahydrofuran-soluble components of the binder resin have a molecular weight distribution such that at least one peak is observed in a range of from 1,000 to 10,000 and the half-width of the molecular weight distribution curve is not greater than 15,000.
US07662532B2
An image forming method including forming an image of a toner on a receiving material; and fixing the toner image on the receiving upon application of heat and pressure thereto, wherein the weight average particle diameter (D4) of the toner is from 2.0 to 4.5 μm, the pressure (P) is not greater than 15 N/cm2, P×D4 is not less than 30 N/cm2·μm, the melt viscosity (Gw110) of the toner at 110° C. is from 3,000 to 40,000 Pa·s, the melt viscosity (Gw140) of the toner at 140° C. is from 100 to 1,000 Pa·s, and the ratio Gw110/Gw140 is not less than 30.
US07662528B2
A charge generating composition including at least one charge generating material, at least one polymer binder, and at least one styrene-containing copolymer is disclosed.
US07662521B2
The formation of a chrome-less phase shifting mask includes preparing a mask substrate with a chrome metal layer, forming main and complementary pattern portions in the chrome metal layer, removing a remaining layer of radiation sensitive material, forming a layer of radiation sensitive material over the complementary pattern portion, etching the main pattern portion of the mask substrate using the patterned chrome metal layer as an etch mask, removing remaining portions of the chrome layer from the main pattern portion and removing the layer of radiation sensitive material over the complementary pattern portion. The fabrication of a chrome-less phase shifting mask includes combining writing a phase layer and a chrome layer into a single write step in a chrome-less phase shifting mask fabrication process, wherein an overlay shift is prevented between the phase layer and the chrome layer. A phase edge is not formed between a juncture of a main pattern region and a scribe region of the mask during fabrication of the mask.
US07662520B2
The present invention discloses a HT-AttPSM (high-transmittance attenuated phase-shift mask) blank with phase-shifters composed of the (Al2O3)x/(TiO2)1-x superlattice film stacks, wherein x preferably ranges 79˜84%. Particularly, the four-stacked superlattice films of the present invention perform superior optical properties including transmittance of 19.9% and a reflectance of 3.2% at the wavelength of 193 nm and an inspection transmittance less than 20% at the wavelength of 257 nm.
US07662519B2
The present invention provides a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery having excellent properties such as energy density and electromotive force and being excellent in cycle life, storage property and safety. In the present invention, the non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery comprises a substance having a peak from 162.9 to 164.0 eV by XPS analysis on the anode surface.
US07662518B1
A microporous polyolefin battery separator membrane is extremely high in porosity, high in puncture strength, very low in shrinkage and with shutdown temperature of 130-140 degrees C. and melt integrity greater than 165 degrees C. It consists of 20-30% by weight of a UHMW polyethylene having Mw of 1×106 or higher, 60-70% by weight of a HDPE having average Mw of between 200,000-500,000 and 5-15% by weight of TiO2 with an average particle size of less than 0.2 microns.
US07662514B2
A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery including a positive electrode capable of reversibly absorbing and desorbing lithium, a negative electrode including an alloy material as an active material, and a non-aqueous electrolyte, wherein the alloy material includes a phase (phase A) containing at least Si and a phase (phase B) containing an intermetallic compound composed of Si and at least one selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Ni and Cu, and the alloy material contains 0.0006 to 1.0 wt % of Fe in a metallic state.
US07662505B2
The primary object of the present invention is to provide an electrode with which an efficient electrode reaction will occur. The present invention relates to a porous electrode which is an electrode composed of a porous material having electron conductivity, wherein (1) the porous material comprises a three-dimensional skeleton, (2) a substance having one or more proton affinity groups is present on all or part of the three-dimensional skeleton surface, and (3) a catalyst for separating hydrogen into protons and electrons is further included, with the catalyst being supported on the substance.
US07662496B2
A cooling system for a fuel cell is provided with a cooling apparatus that regulates the temperature of the fuel cell by supplying the fuel cell with a cooling liquid via a cooling liquid passage by means of a water pump; an impurity-removing device which is provided in the cooling liquid passage and which removes impurities from within the cooling liquid; and flow generating means for causing the cooling liquid in the cooling liquid passage to flow through the impurity-removing device when the fuel cell is not operating.
US07662492B2
Perpendicular magnetic recording media and methods of fabricating perpendicular magnetic recording media are described. The perpendicular magnetic recording medium of one embodiment includes a soft magnetic underlayer (SUL), an interlayer, and a perpendicular magnetic recording layer. The interlayer comprises a layer formed from a first material (e.g., NiWCr) having a face-centered-cubic (FCC) structure, a layer formed from a second material (e.g., Cr) having a body-centered-cubic (BCC) structure, and a layer formed from a third material (e.g., Ru) having a hexagonal-close-packed (HCP) structure.
US07662491B2
Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a template for a high-density patterned medium and a high-density magnetic storage medium using the same. In the method, magnetic particles are used as a mask and no lithographic process is required.
US07662486B2
An organic electroluminescent device including a substrate, an anode, a cathode, a hole transport layer, an electron transport layer and an emission layer is provided. The anode and the cathode are disposed on the substrate. The hole transport layer is disposed between the anode and the cathode. The electron transport layer is disposed between the hole transport layer and the cathode. The emission layer is disposed between the hole transport layer and the electron transport layer. The chemical structure of the dopant is represented by formula [I]: “M” represents a metal atom, m is smaller than or equal to the ligand number of “M”, n is smaller than m. “Y1” is selected from aryl or heteroaryl. “Y2” and “Y3” are respectively selected from nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring. “X”, “R1”, “R2” and “R3” are respectively selected from any substituent group or hydrogen. “A” is selected from aryl, heteroaryl or nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group.
US07662469B2
The present invention relates to a composite element composed of rigid polyurethane foam and of two outer layers, wherein at least one outer layer is a molding modified with microcapsules, and the microcapsules comprise a polymer as capsule wall and a capsule core composed mainly of latent-heat-accumulator material.
US07662449B2
A liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal display includes a color filter substrate and an array substrate, wherein at least one of the color filter substrate and the array substrate comprises polyimide having formula (I): wherein A and A′ are the same or different and comprise cycloaliphatic compounds or aromatic compounds, B and B′ are the same or different and comprise cycloaliphatic compounds or aromatic compounds, and x and y are 10˜10000, wherein at least one of A and A′ is a cycloaliphatic compound.
US07662443B2
The invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium comprising at least one compound of the formula I in which Z1, Z2, Z3, a, b and c are as defined in claim 1, and to electro-optical displays containing a liquid-crystalline medium of this type.
US07662442B2
The present invention was realized in order to provide a liquid crystal composition which is negative in dielectric constant anisotropy and having a large absolute value and a display element, and also to provide a compound which is negative in dielectric constant anisotropy and having a large absolute value.The present invention was realized in order to provide a trifluoronaphthalene derivative expressed by the general formula (I) a liquid crystal composition containing the above compound and a display element in which the liquid crystal composition is used. The liquid crystal composition of the present invention has features in which the dielectric constant anisotropy is great in absolute value, and a liquid crystal display element in which the liquid crystal composition is used as a constituting member is useful as a liquid crystal display element based on vertical alignment mode, IPS or others.
US07662441B2
Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a diamond film of electronic quality at a high rate using a pulsed microwave plasma. The plasma that has a finite volume is formed near a substrate (in a vacuum chamber) by subjecting a gas containing at least hydrogen and carbon to a pulsed discharge. The pulsed discharge has a succession of low-power states and of high-power states and a peak absorbed power PC, in order to obtain carbon-containing radicals in the plasma. These carbon-containing radicals are deposited on the substrate in order to form a diamond film. Power is injected into the volume of the plasma with a peak power density of at least 100 W/cm3, while maintaining the substrate to a substrate temperature of between 700° C. and 1000 ° C.
US07662438B2
The invention relates to a method for hot-dip coating a metal strand (1), especially a steel strip, according to which the metal strand (1) is vertically guided through a container (3) accommodating the molten coating metal (2) and through a guide channel (4) disposed upstream thereof. An electromagnetic field is generated in the area of the guide channel (4) by means of at least two inductors (5) disposed at both sides of the metal strand (1) to retain the coating material (2) in the container (3). In order to stabilize the metal strand (1) in a center position in the guide channel (4), an electromagnetic field, superimposing the electromagnetic field of the inductors (5), is generated by means of at least two additional coils (6) disposed at both sides of the metal strand (1). In order to improve efficiency of the control of the metal strand in the guide channel, the center position of the metal strand (1) in the guide channel (4) is stabilized in a closed control loop by carrying out the following steps: a) detecting the position (s, s′, s″) of the metal strand (1) in the guide channel (4); b) measuring the induced current (IInd) in the inductors (5); c) measuring the induced current (ICorr) in the additional coils (6); d) influencing the induced current (ICorr) in the additional coils (6) depending on the parameters (s, IInd, ICorr) measured in steps a) to c), in order to maintain the metal strand (1) in a center position in the guide channel (4). The invention further relates to a device for hot-dip coating a metal strand.
US07662435B2
A method of applying a coating the inner surface of a metal reactor chamber whereby coking resulting from the production of hydrogen from reforming hydrocarbons is reduced.
US07662432B2
A pattern formation method includes forming a plurality of concave parts adjacent to each other on a substrate, and discharging droplets including a functional liquid material on the substrate to form a prescribed pattern of the functional liquid material that straddles over the concave parts on the substrate.
US07662406B1
A chewable softgel capsule configured for encasing orally ingestible articles. The chewable soft capsule is provided with an outer shell composition which comprises at least one gelatin in a range of 20% to 60% of the total weight of the shell composition, at least one plasticizer in an amount selected to render flexible the outer shell composition, an anti-tacking agent in an amount selected to render the outer shell composition non-sticky, and water. In one embodiment the chewable soft capsule further comprises at least one starch in a range of 0.1% to 35% of the total weight of the shell composition. The chewable softgel capsule is suitable for encasing therein medicines, pharmaceutical compositions, nutraceuticals, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and the like.
US07662393B2
The invention relates to a liquid formulation comprising a growth hormone or a substance, which stimulates release or potentiates the activity of endogenous hGH; a polyethylene-polypropylene glycol; a citrate/phosphate buffer, an alkali metal salt and an alkaline earth metal salt or a pseudo alkaline earth metal salt, and to a process of preparation thereof.
US07662388B2
The present invention relates to a substantially pure biologically active consecutive anti-angiogenic polypeptide comprising the central region of human Histidine Rich Glycoprotein (HRGP). Said polypeptide is shown to comprise a potential endogenous, naturally occurring subfragment of human HRGP, comprising similar anti-angiogenic activities as the mature protein. The present invention also relates to one or more new biologically active subfragments of human HRGP, derived from said central region. Said subfragments are all characterized by having anti-angiogenic activity. One of the active subfragments is referred to as Pep2. Enscoped by the present invention are also anti-angiogenic subfragments derived from Pep2, one of them comprising a newly identified presently minimal functional entity.
US07662387B2
Disclosed are anti-CD70 antibodies and derivatives thereof conjugated to cytotoxic, immunosuppressive, or other therapeutic agents, as well as pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising the antibody- and antibody derivative-drug conjugates. Also disclosed are methods, for the treatment of CD70-expressing cancers and immunological disorders, comprising administering to a subject the disclosed pharmaceutical compositions.
US07662376B2
The present invention provides nucleic acids encoding a novel ABC family cholesterol transporter, SSG. The herein-disclosed sequences can be used for any of a number of purposes, including for the diagnosis and treatment of cholesterol-associated disorders, including sitosterolemia, and for the identification of molecules that associate with and/or modulate the activity of SSG.
US07662363B2
An amorphous silica suitable for use in a dental composition has a weight mean particle size in the range 3 to 15 μm with at least 90 per cent by weight of particles having a size below 20 μm, a Radioactive Dentine Abrasion (RDA) determined on an aqueous slurry of the silica powder of 100 to 220, a Pellicle Cleaning Ratio (PCR), when incorporated in a dental composition at 10 per cent by weight, greater than 85, the ratio of PCR to RDA being in the range 0.4:1 to less than 1:1 and having a Plastics Abrasion Value (PAV) in the range 11 to 19. A silica having the above properties is prepared by a precipitation route. The silica made available by the invention is also useful as an anti-blocking agent in plastics.
US07662361B2
The invention provides methods and compositions for modulating the activity of therapeutic agents for the treatment of a cancer by administering one or more agents that (either alone or in combination) induces telomere damage and inhibits telomerase activity in the cancer cell. The method initially uses, e.g., a telomere damage-inducing agent such as paclitaxel, and a telomerase inhibitory agent such as AZT. The invention also provides methods for identifying other agents with telomere damage-inducing activity and/or telomerase inhibitory activity (as well as and compositions having such activity), for use in the treatment of cancer.
US07662360B2
The present invention relates to new anti-cancer compounds and in particular to new compounds for use in nuclide activation therapy, such as neutron capture therapy. Specifically this invention provides a conjugate having the general formula P-(L-NAT)n wherein P represents an N-hydroxypropylmethacrylamide-methacrylate copolymer having a molecular weight of 5-6,000 kDa; NAT represents a nuclide activation therapy agent; L represents a linker moiety capable of linking the polymer to the neutron capture therapy agent; and n represents an integer from 1-1,000.
US07662358B2
The invention relates to fine-particled alkaline-earth titanates and to a method for the production thereof by reacting alkaline-earth metal compounds with titanium dioxide particles. The titanium dioxide particles have a BET-surface greater than 50 m2/g. The titanium dioxide particles can have a very low sulphate, chloride and carbon content. The reaction can take place at a temperature below 700° C. The alkaline-earth titanate can have a BET-surface of 5-100 m2/g. Advantageously, it does not contain any hydroxyl groups in the crystal lattice. The alkaline-earth titanate can be used in the production of microelectronic components.
US07662339B2
An assembly suitable for use in a laboratory instrument is set forth. The assembly comprises a plurality of guide rods that are disposed generally parallel with one another and a plurality of carriage assemblies connected for movement along the plurality of guide rods. A sub-carriage assembly is disposed on at least one of the carriage assemblies and is connected to the carriage assembly for movement in a direction transverse to the plurality of guide rods. A plurality of carriage drive mechanisms are employed to move the plurality of carriage assemblies independently along said plurality of guide rods and a sub-carriage drive mechanism is provided to move the sub-carriage assembly in a direction transverse to said plurality of guide rods.
US07662338B2
A sintering compound containing a sinterable powder and a binder removable in a debinding step is injected into a metal mold set provided with a sintering compound injecting mold, in a sintering compound molding step (S104). An add-on forming compound which becomes removable or separable from the sintering compound injection molded body in the debinding step or the sintering step is injected into the metal mold set provided with an add-on mold in an add-on forming step (S102). The sintering compound injection molded body and the add-on are formed integrally with each other in the metal mold set. The integral formation of the add-on and the sintering compound injection molded body enables to prevent damage during release from the mold and make easy to handle the injection molded body.
US07662337B2
A hoisting mechanism for raising a ladle filled with liquid steel from a transfer vehicle to immersion pipes of a vacuum treatment tank of an RH degasser. Two lifting arms are provided, one end of which can be brought into engagement with a support device formed on the ladle, and a bearing end of the arms is supported in a stationary saddle support comprised in such a way of a runway, disposed on the bearing ends of the lifting arms and having the shape of a circular arc, and of a path of rolling contact, adapted to axially fixedly guide the runway during pivoting of the lifting arms, that due to shifting of the point of load introduction in the saddle support occurring during a raising movement, reduction of a horizontal movement of the ladle occurs.
US07662331B2
The present invention relates to apparatus and methods of vibration. In particular, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods of vibration for tooling in a structure, such as, for example, a fuselage. In one implementation, the tooling comprises at least two conductors that create a force to vibrate the media in the tooling, which improves the compaction of the media in the tooling and the extraction of the media from the tooling. Other implementations may be used for compaction and/or extraction of the media in the tooling.
US07662330B2
The present invention is directed towards the use of low levels of a desiccant material in a rubber compound, such as for use as a tire tread, that allows for reduced cure times of tires cured under pressure, thereby increasing tire production. The low level of desiccant material reduces the blow point of the rubber compound by substantially eliminating blows earlier in the pressure curing process, thereby allowing for the reduced cure time of the tire under pressure. In one embodiment, low levels of no greater than about 9 phr of desiccant material, which may include generally a metal oxide (e.g. calcium oxide or magnesium oxide), are provided in the rubber compound. The rubber compound including the low levels of desiccant material may be cured, under pressure, at less than 30% of full cure of the rubber compound.
US07662315B2
The present invention discloses composite materials for distant laser sensing in the infrared spectral region. The composites are disclosed to consist of the conductive polymer, the infrared active compound and the thermoplastic matrix polymer.
US07662313B2
This invention provides compositions and devices having structurally ordered nanostructures, as well as methods for producing structurally ordered nanostructures.
US07662301B2
A method of producing a free standing structure, the method comprising: providing a substrate having a raised pattern formed on a surface of said substrate, said raised pattern comprising at least one material which forms said surface; depositing material over said raised pattern; and dissolving said substrate to release said deposited material to form said free standing structure from said released deposited material.
US07662300B1
Disclosed herein is a method for preparing a porous material using nanostructures. The method comprises the steps of producing nanostructures using a porous template, dispersing the nanostructures in a source or precursor material for the porous material, aligning the nanostructures in a particular direction, and removing the nanostructures by etching. According to the method, the size, shape, orientation and regularity of pores of the porous material can be easily controlled, and the preparation of the porous material is simplified, leading to a reduction in preparation costs.Further disclosed is a porous material prepared by the method.
US07662298B2
The separation of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), by chirality and/or diameter, using centrifugation of compositions of SWNTs in and surface active components in density gradient media.
US07662293B2
The present invention relates to a method for treating liquids, comprising the steps of irradiating a flow of air and a flow of the liquid to be treated at the same time in order to create ozone in both the air and the liquid, mixing the ozone-containing air with the liquid to be treated up-streams the liquid irradiating point, irradiating the flow of liquid containing the in-mixed ozone in order to break down the ozone in the liquid for producing free radicals.
US07662279B2
A filtering device, in particular for fish basins, having a housing (10) encompassing a filter chamber (20) and a filter drum (30), which is rotatably disposed in the filter chamber (20) and is loadable with water to be purified, about which a filter belt (40) is guided along part of its circumference from a dispensing roller (42) to a receiving roller (41) that is driven by a paddle wheel (5) disposed outside the filter chamber (20). The paddles (51) of the filter wheel are activated by unpurified water in such a way that the filter belt (40) is wound from the dispensing roller (42) onto the receiving roller (41).
US07662275B2
The present disclosure relates to a system and method of providing water management and utilization during the process of dewatering and retorting of oil shale. More specifically, the process described relates to co-producing potable and non-potable water, for various uses, during the extraction of petroleum from shale oil deposits. Generally, the process allows the production of multiple streams of waters or varying salinity and pressures at least one of which is of high enough pressure for reinsertion into geological formations or reservoirs, and another which may supply a potable water source. In one embodiment, the high pressure required for reinserting the non-potable water into geological formation or reservoirs may be utilized for producing the potable water supply. In another embodiment, the non-potable water supply may also be used for entraining and sequestering undesired emissions, such as CO2.
US07662257B2
A multi-ply absorbent sheet of cellulosic fiber with continuous outer surfaces is provided an absorbent core between the outer surfaces. The absorbent core includes a non-woven fiber network having: (i) a plurality of pileated fiber enriched of relatively high local basis weight interconnected by way of (ii) a plurality of lower local basis weight linking whose fiber orientation is biased along the direction between pileated interconnected thereby, and (iii) a plurality of fiber-deprived cellules between the fiber enriched and linking regions, also being characterized by a local basis weight lower than the fiber enriched regions. The cellules provide a sponge-like internal structure of low fiber density regions.
US07662228B2
Concrete with coarse aggregate defined as enriched limestone waste of grading intermediate between the coarse and fine aggregates is characterized by specified compressive strength and modulus of rupture up to 5,000 psi and more than 750 psi, respectively, and is an enriched by-product of the manufacture of crushed limestone of regular sizes finer than 9.5 mm. and includes and amount of aggregate finer than 4.75 mm. which is close to, but not exceeding, two-thirds of the total weight of aggregate most of which is coarser than 2.36 mm., the amount of aggregate finer than 0.3 mm. not exceeding about three percent of the total weight of aggregate, concrete with this specified aggregate mixture requiring less consumption of cement and admixture than that of concrete of the same compressive strength and less flexural strength with crushed granite of regular sizes of as coarse aggregate and is much less expensive.
US07662207B2
The invention provides a super hard and tough, nano-crystal austenite steel bulk material having an improved corrosion resistance, and its preparation process.The austenite steel bulk material comprises an aggregate of austenite nano-crystal grains containing 0.1 to 2.0% (by mass) of a solid solution type nitrogen, wherein an oxide, nitride, carbide or the like of a metal or semimetal exists as a crystal grain growth inhibitor between and/or in said nano-crystal grains.For preparation, fine powders of austenite steel-forming components, i.e., iron and chromium, nickel, manganese, carbon or the like are mixed with a substance that becomes a nitrogen source. Mechanical alloying (MA) is applied to the mixture, thereby preparing nano-crystal austenite steel powders having a high nitrogen concentration. Finally, the austenite steel powders are consolidated by sintering by means of spark plasma sintering, rolling or the like.
US07662206B2
This invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for treating organic-containing sludges and converting such sludges to high value fertilizers containing both inorganic and organic fertilizer components, which creates an inorganically-augmented bioorganic fertilizer. The invention describes methods to create a thixotrophic or paste-like material via the application of mixing energy to the organic sludge followed by an alkaline treatment and a subsequent ammoniation. The invention further describes a method to increase the plant nutrient content in the organic containing product to a level which permits the finished granular fertilizer product to compete in the commercial agricultural fertilizer marketplace. Further, the invention reduces odors associated with said organic-containing sludges.
US07662204B2
A vehicle exhaust gas purification device has a multipart outer housing (10) including a tube (12) and end walls (14) that have been reshaped into funnels. The tube (12) and the end walls (14) are fitted into each other and brazed, soldered or welded to each other.
US07662199B2
A filter system for a surface maintenance machine having a hopper assembly for receiving brush-thrown debris including a cyclonic separator for separating dust and debris from air drawn through the hopper via vacuum action. The cyclonic separator may include multiple cyclone and may be in fluid communication with the hopper assembly so as to periodically receive dust and debris exiting the filter system.
US07662194B2
The present invention relates to a binder composition for a fuel cell including a proton conductor and one or more binders selected from the group consisting of poly[2,2′-(m-phenylene)-5,5′-bibenzimidazole] (PBI), poly[2,5-benzimidazole] (ABPBI), polybenzoxazole (PBO), and polybenzothiazole (PBT).
US07662189B2
The specification discloses a modular system for the formation of a prosthesis for the replacement of a long bone in a human or animal body. The system provides a prosthesis comprising a proximal or distal end component such as a trochanter or condylar head, forming one component of a prosthetic joint, a shaft for assembly with the distal or proximal end component and a stem for engagement in a resected bone. The system allows the assembly of a custom fitted prosthesis from a limited range of components.
US07662187B2
Systems and method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention can includes an implant comprising a first wing, a spacer extending from the first wing, and a distraction guide. The distraction guide is arranged in a first configuration to pierce and/or distract tissue associated with adjacent spinous processes extending from vertebrae of a targeted motion segment. The implant can be positioned between the adjacent spinous processes and once positioned, the implant can be arranged in a second configuration. When arranged in a second configuration, the distraction guide can act as a second wing. The first wing and the second wing can limit or block movement of the implant along a longitudinal axis of the implant.
US07662186B2
This present invention relates to interbody spinal implants and methods of using such implants. Certain embodiments of the present invention are particularly suitable for placement using an anterior surgical approach. Certain embodiments of the present invention include a body having a top surface, a bottom surface, opposing lateral sides, and opposing anterior and posterior portions. Interbody spinal implants, as now taught, further include roughened surface topography on at least a portion of its top surface and/or bottom surface. Preferred embodiments of the interbody spinal implant are substantially hollow and have a generally oval-shaped transverse cross-sectional area. Preferred embodiments of further include at least one aperture that extends the entire height of the implant body. This vertical aperture also defines a transverse rim having greater posterior thickness than anterior thickness. Certain embodiments also preferably include at least one aperture that extends the entire transverse length of the implant body.
US07662183B2
A dynamic spinal implant utilizes cartilage bearing graft material in dynamic disc replacement and/or facet arthroplasty. Methods and apparatus for dynamic spinal implants incorporate bulk articular graft tissues derived from donor joint sources in human (allograft or autograft) or non-human (xenograft) tissue. The donor joint is preferably prepared as a biological dynamic spinal implant with articular cartilage as a bearing interface between adjacent bone surfaces that naturally articulate with respect to one another.
US07662181B2
Systems, methods and devices for performing pulmonary procedures, and in particular treating lung disease. A flow control element includes a valve that prevents airflow in the inhalation direction but permits airflow in the exhalation direction. The flow control element is guided to and positioned at the site by a bronchoscope that is introduced into the patient's trachea and used to view the lungs during delivery of the flow control element. The valve may include one, two or more valve elements, and it may be collapsible for easier delivery. A source of vacuum or suction may be used to increase the amount of fluid withdrawn from the lung tissue. A device for measuring hollow structures, such as bronchioles, and a device for removing a previously-placed flow control element are disclosed as well.
US07662179B2
An open chamber, accommodative, intraocular lens system operable to be positioned within the interior of an evacuated capsular bag of a human eye. The present invention provides new haptic cross-sections, novel complex lens structures by introduction of the concept of a lens ledge, fixation of haptics to lenses at a lens ledge, structural solutions to provide customized fitted correction, and accordion structural solutions to ease the insertion of complex lenses into the capsular bag of the eye.
US07662177B2
The method and device of the present invention for pain relief using ultrasound waves in combination with cryogenic energy includes a generator and a transducer to produce ultrasonic waves and a cryogenic source to produce cryogenic energy. Ultrasound waves are delivered to the target in combination with cryogenic energy. Ultrasound waves and cryogenic energy can be delivered to the target from the radial side of the ultrasound horn and/or tip or can be delivered from the distal end of the ultrasound tip. Cryogenic energy can also be delivered directly to the target through a central orifice. Ultrasound energy can also be delivered through a cryogenic spray at the distal end. The use of ultrasound waves in combination with cryogenic energy can provide an analgesic effect.
US07662176B2
A footwear apparatus includes multiple first reservoirs and multiple second reservoirs joined with a substrate. Selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs include a reducing agent, and first reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs are proximate to a first substrate surface. Selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs include an oxidizing agent, and second reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs are proximate to the first substrate surface.
US07662172B2
The pedicle screw system may be used for fixation of spinal segments and may be advantageous when minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques are employed. The pedicle screw system includes a tulip assembly comprising of a tulip body, a inner member, and an expansion member. Installation of the pedicle screw system into pedicles of the spine, for example, includes inserting the pedicle screw into a portion of the spine and then coupling the tulip assembly to the pedicle screw. The tulip assembly may be locked onto the pedicle screw before a distraction rod is placed in the tulip assembly. After the rod is placed in the tulip assembly, the tulip body and the inner member can be rotated relative to one another to lock the rod into the tulip assembly. In addition, the relative rotation may also provide additional locking of the tulip assembly to the pedicle screw.
US07662170B2
A medical needle and the like that has small resistance when piercing, scraping or incising the body tissue, that is not easily bent and that reduces the reflection of the illumination as much as possible when in surgery performed under scope is provided. The medical needle and the like has a hardened layer, in which a carbon atom is penetrated, of a depth of 5 micrometers to 70 micrometers provided on a parent material surface of a fiber shape structure having an austenite stainless steel containing 1% to 6% of molybdenum or 13% to 25% of chromium. Further, after the hardened layer is provided, one part of the hardened layer is removed. Further, the dark layer is formed on the outer most surface of the hardened layer to provide a non-reflective surface.
US07662156B2
According to one embodiment, a method for determining a joint line position includes: providing a femoral trial component, the femoral trial component comprising an anterior flange and at least one mark on the anterior flange of the femoral trial component to indicate a desired patellofemoral contact point in extension; referencing the mark on the femoral trial component during a surgical procedure to assist in determining a proper superior-inferior joint line position between a tibial prosthetic component and a femoral prosthetic component; installing the femoral prosthetic component based at least in part on the determination of the proper superior-inferior joint line position between the tibial component and the femoral component; installing the tibial prosthetic component based at least in part on the determination of the proper superior-inferior joint line position; and completing the surgical procedure with the femoral component and tibial component in proper position is described.
US07662153B2
A blood vessel in a patient is severed by inserting a shaft through an incision in the patient, the shaft carrying first and second clamps. The first and second clamps are closed against the vessel in closely adjacent relationship to one another. Thereafter, the clamps are moved in generally opposing directions to sever the vessel at a location between the clamps. Each clamp carries a cauterizing pad for cauterizing the severed ends of the vessel.
US07662152B2
A catheter is adapted to ablate tissue and provide optically-based lesion qualitative and quantitative monitoring, comprising a catheter body and a tip electrode distal the catheter body adapted for ablating tissue, the tip electrode having a shell and an alignment member defining a hollow distal portion therebetween. In accordance with the invention, the catheter further includes a plurality of optical waveguides adapted to transmit optical energy to and from the tip electrode. A distal portion of each waveguide extends through the hollow distal portion and terminates in openings formed in the shell. Advantageously, the alignment member fixedly secures the distal portion of each waveguide against movement relative to the alignment member and the shell.
US07662150B2
A probe that facilitates the creation of circumferential lesions in body structures that may vary in size.
US07662149B2
A method and system for customizing a flap created from a transparent material compensates for aberrations, particularly higher order aberrations, which are pre-existing or otherwise induced during creation of the flap. Before flap creation, the distorted wavefront of the transparent material is determined and the topology of the transparent material is defined in order to predict contributions likely to be encountered or induced by the stress distribution during creation of the flap. In view of the topology of the transparent material, a prototypic dissection path based on the distorted wavefront is refined to establish a refined dissection path. As a result, the flap is created along the refined dissection path to correct and minimize or eliminate the formation of higher order aberrations.
US07662147B2
A device and method for steering a laser beam to a focal point in target tissue requires generating a laser beam. Diversions of the laser beam from a central beam path are minimized by a sequential arrangement of optical steering components. In order, the beam is first directed to the center of a z-scanning apparatus which will move the focal point in the medium in a z-direction. The beam is then passed to the center of a first galvanometric mirror which introduces focal point movements in the x-direction. A second galvanometric mirror then compensates for the x-direction movement by redirecting the beam to the center of a third galvanometric mirror where focal point movements in the y-direction are introduced.
US07662139B2
An apparatus for use in a fluid processing system having a pump. The apparatus includes a pump cassette for use with the pump. The pump cassette includes at least one pump chamber and a first port in selective fluid communication with the at least one pump chamber. A spiking assembly includes at least one hollow spike having a piercing end for piercing a first container. The at least one hollow spike includes a first spike in fluid communication with the first port of the pump cassette.
US07662125B2
The subject invention provides novel, inexpensive, and highly effective methods and devices for convenient and effective wound irrigation. In one embodiment the subject invention provides a discharge means for a reservoir housing containing irrigation solution wherein the discharge means has one or more specifically designed nozzles through which a sufficient volume of the irrigation solution can pass at an appropriate pressure.
US07662117B2
The invention relates to a splint for a joint connecting two parts of a human body or of an animal, such as the ankle, knee or elbow for example, comprising at least one rigid shell (1,2), globally concave, for positioning around the joint in order to support said joint. The splint comprises, on the internal face thereof, in other words the concave face, a chamber (3,4) made from a flexible plastic material which may be placed under pressure by any suitable means, and positioned on the internal face of the shell (1,2) to provide a supportive cushion between said shell (1, 2) and the joint and covering at least a part of the internal face of the shell (1,2). The splint comprises means (6) for holding said shell (1,2) in position about the joint, characterized in that the shell (1,2) is made from a single element comprising at least one flexible zone (7, 8;12, 13) made from a styrene ethylene butylene styrene block copolymer (SEBS), chemically bonded to the rigid part of the shell (1,2) to avoid any injury to the oedematic tissue which appears after a sprain or strain of said joint.
US07662112B2
A subsurface wound measuring device and method are provided for measuring a subsurface wound or cavity of a patient, the device including a flexible strip having first and second sections, the sections having first and second ends respectively with an intermediate bend being located between the first and second ends. The first end is adapted for being located internally to a patient, the second end being adapted for being located externally to the patient. The first and second sections have generally concave-shaped cross-sections with measuring indicia being located along at least one of the sections. The device also optionally includes a measuring strip and a receiver mounted on the second end for receiving the measuring strip, where the measuring strip and the flexible strip form complementary structure for measuring a subsurface wound or cavity.
US07662111B2
Disclosed herein is a vacuum assisted auto-lancing device. The device includes a housing (200) having a body (210) which has a lever hole. An actuating lever (300) includes an actuating switch (310) seated on the lever hole and having first and second actuating steps, a switch cap (320), and a switch cover (330). The device also includes a holding unit (400) having a first stem (410), a second stem (430), and a stem cap (450). A trigger (500) has a first trigger unit activated by the first actuating step, and a second trigger unit activated by the second actuating step. A lancet holder (524) holding a lancet (522) is secured to an end of the first trigger unit. The device includes a blood collecting unit (600) having an adjusting screw, an adjusting slider, and an end cap, and a vacuum unit (700) having a plunger and a body cap.
US07662110B2
Novel devices which can be used to both collect blood samples from and administer medical fluids to a patient on a repeated and continual basis using one rather than multiple needle insertions. The device typically includes a main tubing segment confluently connected to a cannula for insertion in the patient's vein. A syringe port and a volumeter for collecting blood branch separately from the main tubing segment. The device is used to collect blood by attaching an empty blood collection syringe to the syringe port, inserting the cannula in the patient's vein, allowing passive flow of blood from the main tubing segment into the volumeter under intrinsic venous blood pressure and capillary action, and then facilitating active flow of blood from the volumeter into the blood collection syringe by extending the syringe plunger. The device may be used to administer medical fluids to the patient through the main tubing segment from a medical fluid syringe or catheter attached to the syringe port.
US07662097B2
Methods and systems for assessing the effects of therapy on a patient include obtaining baseline and treatment ultrasound scans of a treatment area of a patient where the treatment ultrasound scans are taken subsequent to the baseline scan and at various times during a course of radiotherapy treatment sessions. The baseline and treatment ultrasounds are compared, and as a result a damage map representing cell death within the treatment area can be constructed.
US07662088B2
An adult sexual novelty device for those physically challenged which comprises a handle. A first stimulating component is provided. A mechanism is for attaching the first stimulating component at a right angle and in an adjustable manner near to a first end of the handle for insertion into an orifice of a person. A second stimulating component is also provided. Another mechanism is for attaching the second stimulating component at a right angle and in an adjustable manner near to a second end of said handle for insertion into an orifice of a person. The first stimulating component and the second stimulating component are in a parallel relationship to each other, to be used as prescribed by a physician, therapist and persons having special expert professional knowledge in the field.
US07662079B2
A motorized roller is provided, in which processing of the power transmission section thereof can be performed simply and with good productivity, and the processing precision can also be improved. The motorized roller includes a motor and a reducer which are disposed inside a roller body. Rotations of the motor are reduced by the reducer and transmitted to the roller body. In this motorized roller, a rotor connected to the roller body so as to transmit power of the reducer to the roller body is disposed inside the roller body, and the roller body is configured to be divided at a power transmission section thereof between the rotor and the roller body.
US07662070B1
A recumbent bicycle for use by disabled users. The bicycle includes a seat unit that is adjustable in both the horizontal direction and in the vertical direction as well as a pedal unit that has a motor for controlling both the time and rotational speed of pedals. Straps are located to hold the user in the seat unit. The pedals are oversized with respect to the user's feet and have a heel-engaging ledge as well as straps to hold the user's feet on the pedals.
US07662057B2
An eccentric tensioning device is provided for tensioning a power-transmission means constructed, for example, as a flat belt or toothed belt in a power-transmission means drive. The tensioning device can be brought into a pretensioned mounting state in an advantageous way. The eccentric tensioning device has a free roller device that includes a running disk and a roller bearing provided for supporting this disk, a working eccentric for supporting the free roller device, that can be displaced in the radial direction relative to the rotating axis of the roller bearing according to the magnitude of the pivoting of the working eccentric, a bearing journal device for supporting the working eccentric, a torsion spring for pretensioning the working eccentric, a fixing device for securing the working eccentric in a mounting position, in which the torsion spring is located in a pretensioned state, and an adjustment for supporting the bearing journal device. The adjustment eccentric has a rim encompassing the bearing journal device on an end facing away from a flange side and a passage device, through which an end region of the bearing journal device is accessible, is constructed in the region of this rim. In this way, it becomes possible in an advantageous way to create a tensioning device, in which the bearing journal device can be loaded on the end with an axial force used for the axial displacement of the working eccentric relative to the guide journal. It thus becomes possible to bring a tensioning device detached by unlocking the fixing device in an advantageous way into a pretensioned mounting state and in this way to reconfigure it into a mounting-ready state.
US07662056B1
A racket stringing machine comprises includes a horizontal adjustment device and a brake device. The adjustment device is fixed to a base by a horizontal mounting seat which includes a horizontal rail and a base plate with one end slidably mounted to the rail. Thus, the string pulling device can be horizontally moved to adjust the angle of the string relative to the racket, so as to eliminate the friction between the string and the racket, improving the stringing quality and extending life of the racket frame. The brake device includes a disc and a clamping device disposed on a rotary shaft of the base. The clamping device is connected to hand and foot switches by two brake cables. When the operator leaves or stops the machine for a while during a stringing operation, he can stop the stringing operation conveniently by using the hand or foot switch.
US07662050B2
A set of iron-type golf clubs includes long irons with channel back configurations and short irons with cavity back configurations. The rear face configurations transition from channel backs through to pure cavity backs for increased performance continuum for the set. Additional design parameters for the set may also be systematically varied through the set, such as groove type and depth, loft angle, cavity volume, hitting face roughness, and sole width. At least one of the clubs of the set includes a sandwich-type construction for the hitting face having a dampening element disposed between a hitting face insert and a lightweight reinforcing core. In one embodiment, at least one club head is oversized.
US07662049B2
A method for surface treating a golf club head, includes: (a) forming a depression unit in the golf club head, the depression unit being indented inwardly from an outer surface of the golf club head, the outer surface being divided into a working area and a non-working area, the depression unit being formed in the working area; (b) filling the depression unit with a shielding material and covering the non-working area with a covering material; and (c) sandblasting the golf club head after step (b) and removing subsequently the shielding material from the depression unit and the covering material from the non-working area so as to form the working area into sandblasted and non-sandblasted regions that differ in gloss intensity.
US07662048B2
The present invention is a golf swing training device which guides the golfer's leading leg in an arc around the trailing heel, maintaining a minimum distance between the leading leg and trailing heel. This device guides the golfer's leg action in a 3-dimensional manner to produce a coiling motion on the backswing, which maintains a consistent spine angle as recommended by modern golf instructors. This device comprises a leg brace with flexible cuff which attaches to a golfer's leading leg above the knee, an adjustable strut, and a heel base for the golfer's trailing foot which tilts slightly in the leading direction. For left-handed golfers, this device substitutes a heel base with opposite swivel placement and tilt. This invention resets automatically to the correct position during practice sessions. The benefit for a golfer of using this invention is increased consistency, accuracy, and power.
US07662039B2
The present invention provides a multi-player gaming machine that enables players waiting for players now playing a game to end it, to enjoy another game during waiting. The multi-player gaming machine includes a main game section providing a main game which can be played by a plurality of main players at the same time for coins or the like and in which awards based on the bet coins or the like are paid out to the main players in accordance with an outcome of the game, and a sub-game section providing a sub-game in which sub-players bet playing values on the game outcome for the main players and in which awards based on the coins obtained or the like are paid out to the sub-players in accordance with an outcome of the game. The main game section sends main game status information indicating a status of the main game to the sub-game section. The sub-game section determines a bet acceptance period of the sub-game on the basis of the main game status information.
US07662038B2
The invention is a system and method for hosting a multi-matrix game where a player makes selection from two matrices and the winning numbers are also drawn from these two matrices. Matches are allowed between the player's selection from one matrix and the winning numbers selected from a different matrix.
US07662034B2
An apparatus for severing a drumstick and a thigh that are part of a leg of poultry from each other includes an overhead conveyor for supplying the suspended leg, a supporting member for supporting the leg while the drumstick and thigh are being severed, and a cutting device for severing the drumstick from the thigh at the height of a knee joint A clamping device is provided for holding fast the thigh at least while it passes the cutting device.
US07662030B2
The present disclosure generally relates to a method for humanely stunning and slaughtering poultry, and more particularly to a method for stunning and slaughtering poultry using a low atmospheric pressure system. In particular, the birds are placed into a sealed chamber and the pressure in the chamber is reduced at a continuous rate to a target decompression pressure and maintained at the decompression pressure for a period of time until a state of death is obtained. The low atmospheric pressure slaughter is more humane than traditional slaughter techniques and results in excellent meat quality.
US07662028B2
A groove structure for avoiding stripping of a polishing surface of a polishing pad, the polishing pad including a base material and a grinding layer. The base material has a surface. The grinding layer is disposed on the surface, and part of the surface around the edge of the base material is exposed. The grinding layer has a plurality of first grooves and second grooves, and the first grooves cross the second grooves to define a plurality of grinding areas. The exposed part of the surface around the edge of the base material is located between the first grooves, the second grooves and the edge of the polishing pad. The polishing pad contains more grinding liquid, to clean the small grinded pieces. The grinding layer does not have an acute structure and is not easily peeled to form the small grinded pieces. Therefore, grinding quality and grinding effect are improved.
US07662019B2
A circular knit garment blank is provided. The blank has an internal dimension defined by a series of courses, a length defined by a series of wales, and a first cut line. The length is sufficient to encircle a torso of a wearer. The first cut line is defined in the blank for severing the series of courses along the length.
US07662014B2
A joint system for joining polyhedric facet elements together. Polyhedrons have a plurality of facets. The polyhedric facet elements have facet planes that are generally congruent with the facets of the polyhedrons in which they are found. Various facet elements occupy angular relationships such that they can be joined in rigid stable joints by means of key elements where the planes of the key elements extend generally perpendicular to the planes of each of the facet elements. The joint system is suitable for inter-polyhedron joint systems where the joints include four joint elements, three of which are in the respective polyhedrons that are to be joined, and the fourth is a key element perpendicularly disposed between the other three joint elements. The joint system is likewise suitable for intra-polyhedron joint systems where there are three joint elements, two of which are in the polyhedron (in-polyhedron) and the other is a key element that extends in perpendicular relationship inter-facet between the two in-polyhedron facet elements. The intra-polyhedron embodiment of the joint system is particularly well suited to permitting polyhedron structures to be formed with alternating open and closed facets for aesthetic, structural, and other utilitarian purposes.
US07662009B2
An organic electronic device is provided that utilizes a conductive organic thin film having a conductive network in the channel region. The conductive network comprises an organic molecular group made up of organic molecules each having a light-responsive group or a polar group bonded together by conjugated bonds. Thus, high integration and high-speed response is made possible. In addition, a method of producing a functional organic thin film fixed to a specified portion of a substrate surface by covalent bonds is provided. This method comprises preliminarily treating the substrate by performing an active hydrogen exposure treatment on the specified portion (or an active hydrogen removing treatment on the portion other than the specified portion) and reacting the active hydrogens of the specified portion with organic molecules. Thus, a high precision functional organic thin film, even one formed to the micron pattern level, can be provided.
US07662007B2
A sealing substrate has first and second substrates. A hollow portion is formed in a first surface of the first substrate. The first substrate has a plate portion that forms a bottom surface of a hollow portion and a frame portion that forms an inner wall surface of the hollow portion. The second substrate is affixed to a second surface of the first substrate. The second substrate is formed of a material having a lower specific gravity than that of the first substrate.
US07662004B1
A pair of foils are pivotably coupled to a nacelle. The nacelle is pivotably coupled to a mast extending down from to a frame and below a water surface. A push rod oscillates, causing the nacelle to experience a heaving motion, in turn causing the foils to flap up and down. The push rod is driven by a power plant such as a human rider. Angles of attack for the foils are actively controlled to optimize lift and propulsion forces provided by the foils to cause the water craft to move over the water. A steering fin is also provided for heading control of the water craft. A control system for separate angles of attack for the foil sends appropriate information to servo motors which cause the foils to rotate relative to the nacelle to achieve optimal angles of attack relative to the particular position of the nacelle at any given moment.
US07662002B2
Discrete portions of a carbon fiber tow, selected from a group of tows, ranging in number of fibers from about 1,000 to about 150,000, and terminated by discrete contact portions of a metal conductor within a non-metallic termination assembly formed by the joinder of a cradle and a cap defining opposing parallel clamping surfaces receiving the tow portions and the contact portions in crossing engagement therebetween. Opposing energy directors on the cradle and cap serve as temporary guide rails for positioning the carbon fiber portions before and during assembly. Meltdown of the energy directors during a pressure and ultrasonic welding cycle enable self-leveling of the carbon fiber portions whereby uniform distribution of carbon fiber over the entire cross section of each of the carbon fiber portions of the assembly may be attained. The clamping surfaces remain intact after welding and retain clamping integrity.
US07661998B1
An electrical contact configured to engage an electrical component. The contact includes a compressive body that is configured to be press-fit into a hole of the electrical component. The body includes a center portion and a pair of opposing arcuate arms that extend along a central axis. The arcuate arms project from the center portion to respective end portions and are configured to bend toward each other when inserted into the hole. The arcuate arms form a transition region and a compliant region of the body where the transition region engages the hole before the compliant region. The end portions of the transition region have a first arcuate path and the end portions of the compliant region have a second arcuate path. The second arcuate path has a greater radius of curvature than the first arcuate path before the body is inserted into the hole.
US07661996B2
An electrical connection terminal for a connection hole includes: a base-side end portion (310) having a predetermined width; a retaining portion (313) having an increasing width wider than the predetermined width of the base-side end portion (310), the retaining portion (313) being formed integrally with the base-side end portion (310); and an insertion taper portion (315) having a taper width narrower than the increasing width of the retaining portion (313) to reach a leading end portion, the insertion taper portion (315) being formed integrally with the retaining portion (313); in which the insertion taper portion (315) is composed of a plurality of taper portions taper angles of which change so as to increase along an insertion direction.
US07661994B2
An advanced modular plug connector assembly incorporating an insert assembly disposed in the rear portion of the connector housing. In one embodiment, the connector has a plurality of ports in multi-row configuration, and the insert assembly includes a substrate adapted to receive one or more electronic components such as choke coils, transformers, or other signal conditioning elements or magnetics. The substrate also interfaces with the conductors of two modular ports of the connector, and is removable from the housing such that an insert assembly of a different electronics or terminal configuration can be substituted therefor. In this fashion, the connector can be configured to a plurality of different standards (e.g., Gigabit Ethernet and 10/100). In yet another embodiment, the connector assembly comprises a plurality of light sources (e.g., LEDs) received within the housing. Methods for manufacturing the aforementioned embodiments are also disclosed.
US07661989B1
A memory card connector adapted for receiving a memory card includes an insulating housing, a plurality of terminals, a first shielding shell and a second shielding shell. The insulating housing has a bottom wall, a rear wall, two opposite first and second sidewalls, all of which together define a receiving space therebetween for receiving the memory card. Two resisting portions are respectively positioned at two opposite sides of the receiving space adjacent to the first and second sidewalls and spaced from the bottom wall for respectively pressing against two opposite sides of the memory card. Each of the terminals has a contact portion projecting into the receiving space for being electrically connected with the memory card. The first shielding shell is mounted to the first sidewall and the second shielding shell is mounted to the second sidewall to be spaced away from the first shielding shell.
US07661988B1
A card connector adapted for accommodating a memory card includes a dielectric housing, a plurality of terminals received in the dielectric housing, and a shell. The dielectric housing defines a plurality of terminal grooves for receiving the terminals. The shell shielding the dielectric housing has a top board and two sideboards extending downward from two opposite sides of the top board. The junction of the top board and at least one of the two sideboards is depressed inward to form a connecting board of substantially L-shaped cross-section. The top board, the two sideboards and the connecting board of the shell and the dielectric housing define a space therebetween for receiving the memory card therein.
US07661986B2
First terminal fitting accommodating chambers (61A) are arranged in a width direction in a housing (41) of a connector (40) for receiving first terminal fittings (42). A second terminal fitting accommodating chamber (61B) for receiving a second terminal fitting (42) is adjacent the first terminal fitting accommodating chambers (61A) in a height direction and between the first terminal fitting accommodating chambers (61A) in the width direction. First lances (64A) are in the first terminal fitting accommodating chambers (61A) for engaging the inserted terminal fittings (42) and are deformable into first deformation spaces (65A) lateral to the second terminal fitting accommodating chamber (61B). A second lance (64B) is in the second terminal fitting accommodating chamber (61B) for engaging the second terminal fitting (42) and is deformable into a second deformation space (65B) between the first terminal fitting accommodating chambers (61A).
US07661983B2
A lighting connector including a terminal enclosure, an adapter circuit board and an insulating layer. Multiple terminals are enclosed in the terminal enclosure. A first side of the adapter circuit board is provided with multiple terminal contacts with which the terminals are respectively soldered. A second side of the adapter circuit board is provided with multiple wire contacts with which multiple signal wires are respectively soldered. The insulating layer encloses the terminal enclosure, the adapter circuit board and the signal wires. The insulating layer is made of a transparent material. At least one light-emitting element is arranged on the adapter circuit board. Two electrode pins of the light-emitting element are connected to a set of printed power circuits of the adapter circuit board. After turned on, the light-emitting element emits light which goes through the transparent insulating layer to outer side.
US07661978B2
A connector (10) has a housing (20) that is connectable with a mating connector (90). A sliding force multiplying mechanism can slide relative to the housing (20) in a direction intersecting a connecting direction for proceeding with a first part of a connecting operation. A rotating force multiplying mechanism then can be rotated relative to the housing (20) for proceeding with a second part of the connecting operation. The sliding force multiplying mechanism and the rotating force multiplying mechanism operate separately and are formed on a single lever (40).
US07661976B2
The present invention provides an electrical connector for electrical connecting an IC package having a plurality of pins to a PCB. The electrical connector comprises a base defining a plurality of passageways, a plurality of contacts received in the passageways, and a cover moveable relative to the base from a first position to a second position. The cover defines a plurality of through holes corresponding the passageway. The contacts each have a resilient arm. During movement of the cover from the first position to the second position, pins of the IC package will compress the resilient arms of the contacts along a direction and the resilient will exert a normal force on the pins, thus ensuring proper connection between the resilient arm and the pins; wherein direction of the normal force is opposite to the direction of the pins moving.
US07661972B2
An electrical connector for connecting a flat conductive member includes a plurality of terminals formed of a flat metal plate arranged on a housing in a direction perpendicular to a plate direction. Each of the terminals has a contact portion disposed at a position for receiving the flat conductive member to be inserted into a receptacle portion of the housing. A metal member having an engaging portion is attached to the housing for engaging an engagement portion of the flat conductive member, so that the flat conductive member does not come off backward. A pressing member is supported on at least one of the housing and the terminals to be rotatable. The metal member further includes an attaching portion attached to the housing. The metal member is attached to the housing such that the attaching portion is situated in parallel to a plate surface of the terminals.
US07661971B1
A card connector has a housing, a sliding member that is designed to receive a card, and a latching member that is connected to the housing. The sliding member is slidable relative to the housing. The latching member is designed to engage the card to prevent the card from being removed from the housing.
US07661967B2
A retractable memory drive in accordance with the present invention comprises a top casing, a middle carrier, an electronic device such as a USB thumb drive, and a bottom casing. A positioning device on the middle carrier has a portion that protrudes outside the casing and operates like a button. The location of the positioning device where the button is located has two key attributes. First, there is a protrusion that acts as a lock with the casing. Second, the area below the button is not rigid and so it gives way when pressure is applied to the button. The top and bottom casings provide a casing structure which includes two detents. One detent is for locking the device with the connector in the extended position, and one detent for locking the device with the connector retracted in the in position. This allows for just one press of the extended portion of the positioning device to unlock it from its present position. When the device reaches its new position it will automatically lock. There are also guide rails that allow the middle carrier to remain in an appropriate position.
US07661962B2
A socket for an electric component may have a socket main body, a plurality of contact pins disposed within the socket main body, a socket cover, a slide plate disposed inside the socket main body to be movable up and down, and drive levers which are provided between the socket main body and the bottom face of the socket cover. The drive levers press both end portions of two opposing sides of the slide plate by a down-movement-operation of the socket cover to lower the slide plate. The socket may also include sub-levers provided between the socket main body and the bottom face of the socket cover for pressing one or plural positions of other opposing two sides of the slide plate, which oppose to each other in a direction perpendicular to the two opposing sides pressed by the drive levers to lower the slide plate.
US07661959B2
An interior design system of the present disclosure can comprise a user interface configured to display a plurality of interior design components. The system may further comprise logic configured to receive a user selection of one of the components and display the selected component in the user interface. The logic may further be configured to receive a plurality of user inputs, via the user interface, the inputs related to characteristics of the selected component.
US07661951B2
An injection molding apparatus for injection molding a component includes a first mold half, a second mold half, an eject pin, a receiving container and a blocking device. The second mold half is placed opposite to the first mold half. The eject pin penetrates through the first mold half. The receiving container is placed below the first mold half and the second half. The receiving container is configured for receiving the molding component. The blocking device is movable relative to the first mold half to face toward the first mold half. The blocking device is configured for blocking the molding component when the eject pin ejects the component out from the first mold half.
US07661948B2
An application device (27) for applying a layer of a building material in powder form in a device (1) for manufacturing a three-dimensional object by a layer-wise solidification of a building material at positions in the respective layers that correspond to the object is provided. An application element (61) that applies the building material in powder form in the form of a layer and a drive mechanism (59) that moves the application element (61) across a building plane (11) in order to apply the layer of the building material are provided. The drive mechanism (59) comprises an actuation piston cylinder system (69) and a brake piston cylinder system (70).
US07661947B2
A molding apparatus is configured with a distribution channel configured to deliver a blended feed composition directly into an article molding region such that a molded article is formed with gating on the bottom surface of the article. The article molding regions are formed into front sides of opposed “A” and “B” surface mold tools that, when moved into a mating relationship with one another, form closed molding cavities within which molded articles are generated from molding material feed. The article molding regions each generally have a body bounded by a perimeter that establishes an outer edge for an article molded in the one of the closed molding cavities. Additionally, the body of each article molding region of the “A” surface mold tool is adapted for molding a bottom surface for the composite article, and the body of the article molding region of the “B” surface mold tool is adapted for molding a top surface for the composite article. The distribution channel is formed in at least the second surface mold tool, and has a main portion and a downstream terminus for each article molding region of the “A” surface mold tool. The main portion of the distribution channel is formed outside of each article molding region. The downstream terminus, to which the main portion extends, is in communication with the body of the respective article molding region of the “A” surface mold tool.
US07661945B2
Cylindrical extrusions having multiple colors, capable of serving as parisons for subsequent blow molding operation, are formed in an apparatus in which plastics of each color to be incorporated in the finished product are fed by separate extruders to an extruding head having a stack of cylindrical spools each formed with a number of apertures around their periphery. The apertures in each spool are interleaved with corresponding apertures in the other spool or spools. The interiors of the apertures are fed into a conduit which extends coaxially with the axes of each of the spools so that the outputted plastic has multicolored stripes along its length. In an embodiment in which the spool is rotated in timed relation to the feed from the extruders, the output is twisted along the central axis to form a “barber pole” stripe arrangement. In an alternate embodiment a programming plate is disposed beneath the output. The plate has apertures which align with certain of the feeds from the spool and block others, and the plate may be rotated between a number of alternating positions to provide extrusions with horizontal stripes or checkerboard patterns. By blow molding the resulting parisons, multicolored containers with interesting patterns may be produced.
US07661944B2
A tire vulcanizer is provided in which upper and lower clamp rings can be positioned at a shaping position easily and smoothly with a simple engagement structure. The tier vulcanizer with a vulcanizer body (A) and a shaping unit (B) is configured that the upper and lower clamp rings (5, 6) are connected by an extendable shaft (5a) having an inner shaft (51) and an outer tubular shaft (61) so that the inner shaft is slidably fitted into an inside of the outer tubular shaft. A latch member (53) on the inner shaft is engaged with a step portion (63) on an inner surface of the outer tubular shaft, thereby positioning the upper and lower clamp rings at the shaping position.
US07661936B2
The invention relates to a piston pump for delivering hydraulic fluid, including a cylinder element, a piston that is able to move back and forth in the cylinder element, a piston chamber in which the piston is able to exert pressure on the hydraulic fluid, an outlet valve, and a slot-controlled inlet valve; the inlet valve has at least one slot that is oriented in the movement direction (X-X) of the piston.
US07661926B2
A turbomachine blade presenting a free end having an end wall from which there projects a rim, the rim including a first fraction starting from the trailing edge of the blade and running along the suction side of the blade to a connection zone, and a second fraction of closed outline connected to the first fraction at the region of the connection zone. The second fraction extends the first fraction, running along the suction side of the blade, along the leading edge of the blade, and then returning to the connection zone.
US07661910B2
The hydraulic elevation apparatus and method of the present invention incorporate a multiple chamber framework internally disposed preferably within at least one single shaft structure, which facilitates movement of object transport containers within the multiple chamber framework. Preferably, fluid elevation is employed to elevate object transport containers and their contents within the multiple chamber framework. Each single shaft structure may be constructed from an existing rehabilitated shaft, or a newly drilled shaft. The present invention may be utilized in vertical or incline lifting environments, and an auxiliary hoist chamber may be incorporated into the multiple chamber framework for use as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, elevating objects by employing fluid elevation. The present invention may be employed in a variety of heavy lifting scenarios, including underground mining or in above ground lifting environments.
US07661905B2
Suction pile installation method comprising the steps of lowering a suction pile to the sea bed, while keeping a top end substantially closed providing openings in the suction pile near a lower end, the interior of the suction pile being in open fluid communication with the exterior via the openings, dropping the pile onto the sea bed, while allowing air to escape from the pile via said openings, and allowing the suction pile to penetrate into the sea bed driven substantially by its weight over such a distance that the openings become closed from the exterior, and pumping air from the suction pile for driving the pile further into the sea bed.
US07661893B2
A lens barrel includes a light amount adjuster capable of adjusting a light amount of a lens system and which can be moved in the optical axis direction of the lens system, an adjacent member adjacent to the light amount adjuster and which can be moved relatively in the optical axis direction and a flexible wiring board one end of which is fixed to the light amount adjuster and of which the other end is led out through the adjacent member, wherein a fixed portion of one end of the flexible wiring board is fixed to the light amount adjuster in a two-dimensional fashion and an intermediate portion of the flexible wiring board is bent like a U shape at a space portion formed between the light amount adjuster and the adjacent member, inverted approximately 180 degrees and opposed to the fixed portion.
US07661891B2
A disc shaped, unitary body with a flat top surface mates against a tripod head. An upper side annular surface defines a fanned array of threaded bores on radial axes for receiving and supporting extension rods leading to suction cup fasteners. A lower side surface of frusto-conical contour, converging downwardly, depends from the upper side surface and defines a fanned array of threaded bores on axes angled outwardly and downwardly. A bottom face is a planar ring that defines vertical bores distributed around the ring. A central cavity wall is configured as an upwardly tapering conic frustum, connected at its lower end to an inside edge of the bottom wall. The cavity wall defines a fanned array of threaded bores on axes angled inwardly and downwardly. The top of the cavity wall defines a countersink.
US07661882B2
A fluid dynamic pressure bearing device includes a shaft member (5) and a bearing member (41), at least one of the shaft member or the bearing member being rotatable with respect to the other. A shaft member-side annular member (13) is fixed with respect to the shaft member. The shaft member-side annular member includes a large-diameter rim portion and a small-diameter outer circumferential surface portion. A bearing member-side annular member (14) is fixed with respect to the bearing member. The bearing member-side annular member includes an inner circumferential large-diameter step portion, and a small-diameter inner circumferential surface portion. A plurality of convex surface portions are formed either on a surface of the inner circumferential large-diameter step portion facing the large-diameter rim portion of the shaft member-side annular member, or on a surface of the large-diameter rim portion of the shaft member-side annular member facing a surface of the inner circumferential large-diameter step portion. A reflux groove (17) surrounds the convex surface portions.
US07661879B2
An apparatus for detecting a temperature using transistors includes a plurality of temperature detecting units that become selectively active according to predetermined temperature intervals; and a detection signal output unit that generates detection signals according to the signals transmitted by the plurality of temperature detecting units, and outputs the detection signals.
US07661873B2
A homogeniser (1) for the continuous treatment of fluids at very high pressure comprises at least one reciprocating plunger (5) in a compression chamber (6) and a guide chamber (11) from a fluid intake position to a delivery position. Said compression chamber (6) opens into a manifold (27), inside a block (26) from which a delivery pipe (32) and an intake pipe (31) branch off. A first seal unit (21) is housed in the guide chamber (11), a second seal unit (24) is located close to the intersection between the compression chamber (6) and the guide chamber (11) and a third seal unit (35) is positioned upstream and downstream of each valve (28, 29) and the intersection between the manifold (27) and the compression chamber (6).
US07661867B2
A spread illuminating apparatus is provided which includes: a light conductor plate having a light inlet surface and two major surfaces; a light source unit disposed at the light inlet surface of the light conductor plate; and a light diffuser pattern disposed at the lower major surfaces of the two major surfaces of the light conductor plate, wherein the light source unit includes first and second white light sources which have respective different light emitting principles, are arranged in the width direction of the light conductor plate with their respective ends set close to one another, and which can be turned on and off independently of each other.
US07661865B2
To provide a liquid crystal display backlight and a liquid crystal display device, which can improve the heat dissipating effect, can reduce the thickness and weight of the device. The liquid crystal display backlight includes: an emission light guide plate for emitting illuminating light for a liquid crystal display panel from one face; one and other mixed-color light guides mounted on a same plane of other face of the emission light guide plate via a spacer; a heat-dissipating spatial area provided between the mixed-color light guide plates; light-emitting devices disposed within the heat-dissipating spatial area; and reflectors for guiding output light, propagated inside each mixed-color light guide plate, towards corresponding end faces of the emission light guide plate from outside end face of each mixed-color light guide plate. A holding plate for holding the light-emitting devices is provided, facing each mixed-color light guide plate with an airing gap provided therebetween.
US07661860B2
The invention relates to a lighting and/or signalling device for a motor vehicle for lighting in a longitudinal emission direction. The lighting and/or signalling device has: at least one light source emitting light rays; and at least one light guiding sheet in which the light rays issuing from the light source spread by successive reflections, such that the guide sheet comprises at one end a reflective layer so as to redirect the light rays into the at least one sheet, and in that an output contour the sheet, at the end remote from the reflective layer, comprises a reflective profile, in particular inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of said sheet, so as to reflect the light rays reflected generally in an emission direction which is substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis.
US07661848B2
An installation light for a vehicle or aircraft comprises a multitude of lighting elements. These lighting elements may be activated individually or in groups, in a manner such that the radiation direction and/or emittance angle of the light emitted by the installation light may be adjusted.
US07661846B2
A fixing structure and a backlight module using the same are provided. The fixing structure is used for fixing a circuit board. The circuit board with several openings has an upper surface and a lower surface. The fixing structure includes a back plate and several hooks. The back plate has a contact surface. These hooks are disposed on the contact surface. The hooks go through the openings so that the contact surface contacts the lower surface. The hooks move toward the walls of the openings and press against the upper surface so as to fix the circuit board onto the back plate.
US07661844B2
An illuminating device capable of being produced at low costs and irradiating rays of light uniformly to a liquid crystal panel. The illuminating device has a plurality of LED packages each having LED's and a lens, the LED packages being congregated on a plane in a large area. Each of the LED packages includes at least four LED's corresponding to LED's for emitting at least red, green and blue, and at least two of the LED's in each LED package are positioned symmetrically to the center of the lens and emit the same color.
US07661839B2
A light includes a light-producing inner tube, and an outer tube positioned around the light-producing inner tube; the light-producing inner tube has electrical terminals at two ends thereof, which sticks out of the outer tube; the outer tube has a light reflecting film on an outer side of a first portion thereof; an inner side of the first portion of the outer tube is processed so as to have a rough and lumpy surface, which can cause light produce by the light-producing inner tube to travel in all directions; the outer tube has a fluorescent layer on each of inner and outer sides of a second portion thereof, which make the second portion of the outer tube more pervious to light.
US07661834B2
Lighting unit for producing linearly polarized light directed onto a target surface comprising a source unit producing light in the visible spectral range, and an optically translucent polarizing front unit (4) providing protection against external effects. The source unit and the polarizing front unit (4) are placed in a housing (8) in which an electric cable passes through. The source unit (1) contains at least one panel (2) having a number of high intensity LED devices (3) arranged in a predetermined pattern on one of its sides. The polarizing front unit (4) contains at least one optically transparent rigid carrier and a polarizing filter foil applied onto the carrier. The housing (8) keeps the polarizing front unit (4) in a fixed position so that they confine a hermetically closed inner space. The panel (2) is positioned parallel with the polarizing unit (4) within the inner space so that the LED devices (3) face towards the polarizing front unit (4).
US07661831B2
The rubber foot mounting structure has a base 20b equipped with a boss hole 30 in the shape of substantially a cylinder and a rubber foot 40 that is formed on an outer side face of a body section 40d in the shape of substantially a column and is made capable of being press-fit to the boss hole 30 by means of flanges 40a1 to 40a4 formed on the outer side face of the body section 40d. Four flanges 40a1 to 40a4 formed on the outer side face of the rubber foot 40 contact the boss hole 30 and the rubber foot 40 gets inserted into the boss hole 30 while the four flanges 40a1 to 40a4 are being compressed.
US07661829B2
A projection display apparatus is provided which offers improved contrast while smoothly controlling the amount of light, with a simple structure and without deterioration of lifetime due to the heat of the light from a light source. This projection display apparatus includes a light valve, a light source for emitting light to the light valve, an integrator lens disposed on the optical path of the light propagating from the light source to the light valve, for making uniform the illuminance distribution of the light from the light source, and a shutter mechanism disposed on the light path, for controlling the amount of light that illuminates the light valve. The shutter mechanism has a pair of light-blocking members having cuts formed in their respective protruding sides to regulate the passage of light, and the pair of light-blocking members are moved straight to protrude/retract on the optical path, perpendicularly to the optical path from both sides of the optical path, so as to control the amount of the light according to the extent of their protrusion on the optical path.
US07661828B2
In embodiments, an intensity of light is adjusted according to data indicating the states for elements.
US07661816B2
An eyeglasses assembly comprises a primary lens frame combined with lenses having a primary function, a protective strip, and a secondary lens frame combined with lenses having a secondary function. The protective strip and the secondary lens frame each have a middle section formed with a forwardly protruding, resilient clamp having an opening which is constantly kept closed. The protective strip or the secondary lens frame can be selectively assembled as needed with the primary lens frame by engaging the opening of the resilient clamp of the protective strip or the secondary lens frame with a perimeter of a supporting portion on a middle section of the primary lens frame, wherein the supporting portion has a rear end formed as a bulged segment. Alternatively, the protective strip and the secondary lens frame can both be assembled with the primary lens frame to form the eyeglasses assembly.
US07661813B2
A mobile device including: a printer for printing onto a print medium; and a stylus having a printhead tip for allowing a user to use the mobile device as a writing or drawing device; the stylus and the printer sharing at least one common ink reservoir.
US07661812B2
A printer unit is provided having a body with a media input assembly for supporting media to be printed, and securing means for releasable engagement with complementary securing means on an image reader unit, and a print engine with a printhead and a control system to control the operation of the printhead. The body is shaped for nesting with the image reader unit such that the securing means are positioned for releasable engagement with the complementary securing means.
US07661811B2
An ink jet printer for discharging ink drips to a printing medium mounted on a conveying belt and conveyed from a plurality of nozzles, in which the printing quality is improved and the printed speed is raised. A printing medium conveying section has first and second conveying portions connected in the conveying direction of the printing medium and a plurality of conveying belts are arranged by mutually keeping a predetermined interval, in which the conveying belts of the first and second conveying portions are set so that an other-hand conveying belt is located between one-hand conveying belts, and a printing head is constituted of first head set to a position facing the gap between the conveying belts of the first conveying portion and a second head set to a position facing the gap between the conveying belts of the second conveying portion.
US07661809B2
A method and apparatus for forming an image which can form a high-quality image on a great variety of print media regardless of the surface roughness or ink absorptivity of the print medium, without sacrificing the high degree of freedom of the ink jet printing system are provided. An ink jet printing section ejects ink to an intermediate transfer body to form an ink image on the intermediate transfer body. Before the ink image thus obtained is transferred to a print medium, an ink transfer adjuvant is applied to the print medium. Then, the ink image formed on the intermediate transfer body is transferred to the print medium to which the ink transfer adjuvant has been applied.
US07661800B2
An inkjet printhead having: an array of ink chambers, each having a nozzle and a plurality of heater elements for generating vapour bubbles to eject ink through the nozzle, the heater elements being suspended for immersion in the ink; and, a cross bracing structure for maintaining the spacing between the heater elements.
US07661795B2
A nozzle device is provided for an inkjet printer. The nozzle device includes a support structure defining an ink inlet chamber connected to a source of ink. An elongate actuating arm is cantilevered relative to the support structure. A nozzle chamber structure defines a nozzle chamber for receiving ink from the ink inlet chamber. The nozzle chamber structure includes a static portion extending from the support structure and defines a nozzle opening through which ink in the nozzle chamber can be ejected. The nozzle chamber structure further includes a movable wall portion mounted to the actuating arm, between its ends, so that the actuating arm terminates in a free end within the nozzle chamber. Upon actuation of the actuating arm, the free end of the actuating arm moves within the nozzle chamber and ejects ink therein through the nozzle opening.
US07661794B2
To provide an electrostatic actuator capable of attaining a large diaphragm displacement by low voltage drive. Furthermore, a droplet discharge head provided with this electrostatic actuator, a method for driving a droplet discharge head, and a method for manufacturing an electrostatic actuator are provided. A diaphragm, an individual electrode facing the diaphragm with a gap therebetween, while a voltage is applied between the diaphragm and the individual electrode, and an insulating film which is disposed on a surface of the diaphragm, the surface facing the individual electrode, are included, wherein the insulating film is converted to an electret.
US07661782B2
Current control circuit for micro-fluid ejection heaters. In one embodiment, the current through a heater in a micro-fluid ejection device may be monitored and regulated to maintain a particular value or range of values. In such an embodiment, the heater current may be monitored and compared to a reference value. A signal may be induced based upon the divergence of the heater current from the value and the signal may be applied to the logic switch for the monitored heater. The logic switch may regulate the current through the heater based upon the induced signal. As a result of the regulation of the current, the induced signal may dynamically change thereby allowing fast regulation of the heater current.
US07661767B2
A wheel quick release system for a bicycle or other wheeled vehicle where the wheel can be easily removed by a manual operation on only one side of the wheel hub but is prevented from unexpected separation at all times while engaged with the wheel. A laterally moving skewer mounted concentrically inside a hollow axle is equipped with a “non-touch” nut on one end and is spring loaded toward a quick release cam on the other end thereby always urging the nut against the adjacent dropout. To remove the wheel, the quick release cam is operated and the quick release side assembly is pushed axially inward and a safety mechanism is operated and held in this position while the wheel is removed from the fork dropouts. When the wheel is again inserted into the wheel fork, the skewer automatically locks onto the dropouts, and subsequently if the quick release cam is inadvertently left open by the user, the wheel will be somewhat loose but will remain safely inserted in the wheel mounts. In this way, if the bicycle or wheeled vehicle looks safe to ride, it is safe to ride.
US07661765B2
In one aspect of the present invention, a degradation assembly comprises an inverted conical face formed in a top end of a metal body tapering towards a central axis of the metal body. A base end of a carbide bolster is adapted to be brazed to the top end of the metal body within the inverted conical face. At least one protrusion is formed in the inverted conical face and is adapted to control a braze thickness between the face and the base end.
US07661754B2
A skeleton or frame for building an enclosed structure with a load bearing support system for supporting one or more levels of accessories to provide one or more additional levels of load bearing surfaces. The frame comprises at least two side portions comprising a plurality of longitudinally spaced sidewall posts and at least one transverse member connecting the two side frames for mounting various panels (e.g., a roof, floor, wall, door, window, sunroof, refrigerator unit, air conditioner unit, etc.) and accessories (e.g., a shelf, drawer, bin, cabinet, platform, cot, sliding rack, bucket, bench and the like).
US07661749B2
An interior trim assembly for a vehicle includes a trim component having a first panel; a second panel opposite the first panel; and one or more side panels joining the first and second panels. The first, second and one or more side panels define a cavity; and an acoustic transducer is disposed within the cavity. The acoustic transducer is located adjacent an interior surface of one of the first, second and side panels. Also, the assembly is movable relative to a static headliner.
US07661745B2
A supporting device supports a cockpit, in particular a control panel, on a central tunnel of a motor vehicle. The supporting device has an X-shaped configuration with two arms which carry the cockpit and two legs which are supported on the central tunnel. The tendency of the cockpit to vibrate is minimized precisely because the central tunnel is connected to the cockpit by the X-shaped support.
US07661744B2
A pair of seat backs are arranged in a vehicle width direction. A pair of floor brackets attach outer end portions of the seat backs in the vehicle width direction to a floor of the vehicle. A pair of center hinge brackets attach inner end portions of the seat backs in the vehicle width direction to the floor. A supporting bar is separated from the floor, is extended in the vehicle width direction and is disposed behind the seat backs. The seat backs are independently pivotably attached to the floor. Both end portions of the supporting bar in the vehicle width direction are attached to the floor brackets. A center portion of the supporting bar in the vehicle width direction is attached to the center hinge brackets.
US07661740B2
A core, a flexible pad covering the core and a synthetic resinous skin covering the pad are layered each other. A thread is arranged on a surface side of the skin and has portions inserted in grooves of the pad through through-holes of the skin. Stoppers engage a rear side of the skin for stopping the portions of the thread from coming off from the skin. A sewing line is formed along the though-holes.
US07661733B1
A door reinforcing device includes a pair of first and second spaced-apart plates. A locking device has a center lock, a main lock rod extending from the center lock and engaging the first plate and a retractable lock rod selectively extendable from the center lock and engaging the second plate.
US07661732B2
A switch assembly (40) and a portable electronic device (100) are provided. The portable electronic device includes a body section (20), a cover section (10) rotatably connecting to the body section, and the switch assembly. The switch assembly includes a first magnetic component (43), a second magnetic component (45), and a movable magnetic component (47). The first magnetic component is mounted on the cover section. The second magnetic component is mounted on the body section, and attracts to the first magnetic component to maintain the portable electronic device at a closed position. The movable magnetic component is movably mounted on the body section, and repels both to the first and second magnetic. The movable magnetic component provides a repulsive force to repel the cover rotates outwards from the body section, when the magnetic component is driven to move close to the first and second magnetic components.
US07661730B2
An open clamping ring (11) is provided for connecting tubes (1) that are provided with terminal flanges (2). The clamping ring is drawn together with the aid of a clamping lock that is provided at the open ends of the clamping ring. The clamping (10) substantially has the shape of a U whose legs that are composed of an inner leg section (12) and an outer leg section (14) are bent such that a clamping edge (13) is formed in the central area between the leg sections (12 and 14). The inventive clamping ring (10) thus approximately has the shape of an X. The clamping edges (13) rest more or less linearly on the outside of the final flange sections (2a) such that the friction between the clamping ring (10) and the terminal flanges (2) is reduced when the clamping ring is assembled while force is transmitted and distributed in an optimal manner.
US07661729B2
A connector used for connecting the plastic metallic pipe includes a body, a cap, and three washers. The body has a section of thread in its outer wall for coupling with the cap which has a section thread in its inner wall. In operation, first insert the pipe into the cap, then insert the rubber washer, the metallic washer, and spring washer into the body, and then screw the cap into the body, such that the pipe is locked with the body.
US07661721B2
A joint assembly, including a piping, comprises a joint end sleeve, a tightening ring and a nut. The ring has an external truncated-cone shaped surface and an internal cylindrical surface with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the piping, and an internal cylindrical surface with at least one annular edge to cooperate with at least one annular groove in the sleeve in such a way that an inside diameter of the annular edge is substantially equal to the outside diameter of the piping. The nut has an internal cylindrical surface with a diameter slightly larger than the outside diameter of the piping and is disposed opposite a cylindrical portion of the sleeve when the nut is installed. The smaller outside diameter end of the tightening ring is adjacent the internal cylindrical surface of the nut when the nut is installed. An internal truncated-cone shaped surface of the nut has a larger diameter end a size slightly larger than a smaller outside diameter end of the ring.
US07661720B2
A structure connecting dissimilar metal tubes is a bellows tube and a metal tube made of stainless steel and aluminum respectively. The bellows tube has a reinforcement portion on its outer surface. The structure includes a nipple, the reinforcement portion, and a crimp collar fitted in that order to the outside of a straight tube portion of the bellows tube. The nipple is joined to the reinforcement portion and the metal tube. A sleeve is joined to the metal tube and the crimp collar. The nipple is bonded to the inner surface of the metal tube with a resin. End faces of the reinforcement portion and the crimp collar are in contact with or located close to an end face of the metal tube.
US07661719B1
A fluid port for alternately interfacing a fluid conduit with a fluid container or with a fluid hose. The fluid container is of the type having a container wall. The port comprises a back plate having a back aperture therethrough for receiving the fluid hose therein. The back plate includes a wall attachment mechanism. A front plate is held away from and substantially parallel to the back plate by a plurality of standoffs. The front plate includes a front aperture coaxially aligned with the back aperture of the back plate. The front aperture is adapted to receive the fluid hose therein. The fluid hose may be inserted into the front aperture for substantially connecting the fluid hose to the fluid conduit. With the fluid hose removed from the front aperture the fluid conduit is connected to the fluid container through the front aperture and between each standoff.
US07661714B2
A vehicle, such as an all terrain vehicle, includes a saddle type seat for the rider to sit on, and a fuel tank arranged below the seat. The fuel tank includes a fuel inlet positioned in front of the seat, in a traveling direction of the vehicle. The all terrain vehicle provides a comfortable ride to a rider by providing the fuel tank in the center of the vehicle, while mounting a fuel tank that is convenient to access.
US07661713B2
The invention is a unit for coupling and releasing the wrist strap to/from the handgrip of a pole for sporting activities, e.g. skiing, trekking and the like, comprising: a buckle with which the wrist strap is associated; a housing obtained in the handgrip housing the buckle; coupling means comprising an elastic tab projecting from the body of the buckle and cooperating with a corresponding support surface obtained in the housing to fix the buckle to the handgrip; releasing means that can be reached by the user and are inserted in the housing, suitable for cooperating with the elastic tab to release the buckle from the handgrip.
US07661703B2
A cut that widens a through hole of an end portion of a headliner interior material breaks when an airbag is deployed, and is formed on an exterior-side of the end portion. The end portion of the headliner interior material is in close contact with a surrounding member provided around the end portion. In addition, an accessory is passed through the through hole and fixed to a body, while the end portion of the headliner interior material is held to the accessory around the through hole. When the airbag installed folded on the exterior side of the headliner interior material is deployed, the airbag deploys into a cabin from between the end portion and the surrounding member.
US07661702B2
Airbag apparatus includes an airbag having at least two bag body sections superposed on each other. Gas flow-in portion for connection to an inflator is formed in one of the bag body sections adjacent to one edge of the one bag body section. Communicating hole is formed in the plurality of bag body sections adjacent to the other edge of the one bag body section. Upon activation of the inflator, gas is supplied into the one bag body section, through the gas flow-in portion, to develop the one bag body section. After that, the other bag body section superposed on the one bag body section is developed by the gas supplied through the communicating hole.
US07661696B1
A wheeled chair for assisting a user in changing a disposition. The chair comprises: a base member, a substantially planar seat member, a leg bracing member, a back bracing member, a bracing motor, and an actuator module. The base member includes a plurality of wheels and a lift device. The seat member is oriented substantially orthogonal to the direction of motion of the lift device. The leg bracing member includes a first mode wherein it extends downwardly from the seat member and a second mode wherein it extends substantially collinearly from the seat member. The back bracing member includes a first mode wherein it extends upwardly from the seat member and a second mode wherein it extends substantially collinearly from the seat member. The bracing motor changes between the two modes. The lift device includes a lift device motor. The actuator module activates the bracing and lift device motors simultaneously.
US07661687B2
In the rough-terrain traveling vehicle in which rear wheels as left and right wheels are independently suspended via left and right lower arms respectively, and an anti-roll bar device is extended between the left and right lower arms, the left and right rear wheels are driven from an engine side via a chain, and the anti-roll bar device is disposed so as to extend across the inside of the circle of the chain.
US07661685B2
The invention is a combination mobile tool caddy and seat for performing work adapted for use by a tradesman such as an electrician, plumber, carpenter and the like. The wheeled mobile caddy includes a rigid frame having a lower and an upper support member vertically separated by upright corner members. The lower support member extends beyond the upper support member to form a platform area upon which a cylindrical vessel or bucket can be stored. The bucket is equipped with a liner having pockets for storing hand tools. Four caster wheels are appropriately attached to the lower support member so that the caddy can be wheeled from a service vehicle to a specific job site having stored therein the tradesman's tools, as well as necessary material supplies to perform daily job functions.
US07661683B2
An apparatus for draining and transporting large diameter hoses includes a frame that is movable by virtue of a pair of wheels. The center of gravity of the frame, and of the frame and a coiled hose situated on it, is located directly above the wheels. The frame includes a front toe for facilitating the rolling of a coiled segment of hose up and onto the frame. The frame includes horizontally disposed rollers that facilitate removal of the coil from the frame. The frame also includes a guide bar to assist in maintaining the coil in an upright position during transport. An attachment is removably secured to the frame to allow a portion of the hose to drape over an attachment roller to extract water from the hose and to allow a power-driven winding rod to wind the hose into a coil.
US07661671B2
In a sheet stacking apparatus, a pair of side members includes a pair of lower side members which is provided with an approximately same distance therebetween as a width of a planographic printing plate and limits a movement in the planographic printing plate width direction; and a pair of upper side members which are provided above the pair of lower side members, each of which is provided with a movable section movable in the planographic printing plate width direction, and on which tapered surfaces are formed facing each other in a generally V shape. The distance between the pair of upper side members is controlled by driving the movable sections of the pair of upper side members so as to prevent quality degradation caused by a thrown-in sheet scratching a stacked sheet.
US07661645B2
A rack has a first shelf and a second shelf disposed upwardly of said first shelf, and a display unit is placed on the first shelf and disposed between the first shelf and the second shelf. The display unit is fixed to the second shelf by a display unit fixture. The display unit fixture has a display unit fixing member fixed to said display unit, i.e., a first fixing member, and a second fixing member having a magnet which can be attracted to a lower surface of the second shelf. The second fixing member can removably be fixed selectively to a desired position on the lower surface of said second shelf. The first fixing member and said second fixing member are connected by shafts to respective opposite ends of a connector for rotation about the shafts and are also rotatable with respect to the connector within a plane or planes perpendicular to the display screen of the display unit and a horizontal plane.
US07661626B2
A window assembly and method for its installation is provided. The window assembly may include multiple transparent panels covering an opening of an aircraft fuselage. One or more retainer members and a flexible clip member may be utilized to secure the window assembly over the opening of the fuselage.
US07661622B2
A reel for winding a paper roll including: a frame supporting a reel drum and a pair of rails; a reel spool supported for translation by the rails and upon which a paper roll is wound; an endless flexible belt wrapping a portion of the periphery of the reel drum and a portion of the periphery of the paper roll; and a loading member for loading the paper roll against the reel drum and the endless flexible belt.
US07661619B2
An apparatus includes a holder for a drive leader of a tape drive. The drive leader is for coupling with a buckle attached to tape spooled in a tape cartridge. The holder may rotate about a tower attached to a housing of the tape drive. The apparatus further includes a restraining member for restraining the buckle during coupling with the drive leader. The member may include an elongate body disposed with the post to rotate into a restraining position with respect to the buckle during a buckling operation. The tape drive may include a motor for pulling the tape from the tape cartridge. A method includes restraining a buckle attached to the tape while coupling the drive leader with the buckle. Firmware in the tape drive may coordinate the movements of the holder and the restraining member with operation of the motor and other drive components.
US07661604B1
A system and method are provided for selectively dosing and dispensing a predetermined liquid material in and from a pre-dispensing measuring sight glass container vessel, wherein a housing is disposed to receive a pressurized fluid stream, to provide an intermediate measurement and storage vessel for the liquid material and to provide a selectively operable valve assembly that is disposed in a flow path defined in the housing. The housing includes an inlet, an outlet, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween, which is formed with an admission port for admitting the predetermined liquid material. The valve assembly is disposed between the housing's inlet and outlet, and may be selectively operated to fill the sight glass container from the source container; or, to dispense the liquid material from the sight glass container; or, to clean the sight glass container; or, to just provide a flow of the pressurized fluid without any liquid material. At no selection or operating condition can liquid material from the source container be dispensed without first being measured into the sight glass container.
US07661601B2
There is provided a two-dimensional code capable of performing accurate recognition. The two-dimensional code includes: a code data portion (102) where a plurality of square cells (106) are two-dimensionally arranged to constitute code data; and a plurality of corner cells (104) arranged so as to surround the code data portion (102). The corner cells (104) are configured with a greater area than the square cells (106). When the two-dimensional code is imaged by an imaging device, the corner cells (104) can be recognized in a large scale, thereby improving the two-dimensional code read accuracy.
US07661595B2
An automatic digital image capturing and processing system for use in point of sale (POS) environments. The system comprising a system housing having an imaging window, a plurality of coextensive area-type illumination and imaging stations disposed in the system housing, for projecting a plurality of coextensive area-type illumination and imaging zones through the imaging window and into the 3D imaging volume, for capturing a series of area-type digital images of an object intersecting therewith during system operation. An object motion detection subsystem automatically detects the motion of objects passing through the 3D imaging volume, and generates velocity data in response to the detection of the objects moving through the 3D imaging volume during system operation, while a control subsystem, responsive to the velocity data, generates control data for controlling at least one exposure control parameter associated with the operation of the area-type imaging arrays within the coextensive area-type illumination and imaging stations, and also controlling and/or coordinating other operations of the subsystems during system operation.
US07661592B1
An interactive apparatus that is used in a game. The interactive apparatus is in the form of a stylus and contain a stylus housing and a processor coupled to the stylus housing and a memory unit comprising computer code for playing a game involving a plurality of printed cards and an audio output device and an optical emitter and an optical detector and wherein the audio output device, the memory unit, the optical emitter, and the optical detector are operatively coupled to the processor. The apparatus may scan the cards to enhance an interactive game play.
US07661589B2
A security management software is executed in print control device connectable via a network to an information processing device that sends an instruction and data thereto. The software includes: a step of relating a fingerprint of a user of the print control device to information registered for security authentication system on the print control device, wherein the information is to log into the print control device; and a step of allowing the user to log into the print control device, in case that a fingerprint of the user inputted for logging into the print control device is authenticated based on the related fingerprint.
US07661586B2
A credit card transaction processing system that, in various embodiments, is configured for: (1) receiving transaction data related to a reimbursable charge made on the credit card by a credit card holder; (2) analyzing the transaction data to determine whether the charge may be auto-substantiated; (3) in response to determining that the charge may be auto-substantiated, auto-substantiating the charge; and (4) in response to the charge being auto-substantiated, reimbursing the credit card holder for at least a portion of the charge at least substantially without human intervention.
US07661584B1
Method of assembling components of an automatic banking machine or ATM. The ATM includes a top housing cover having a forward region and an upper fascia having a rearwardly extending portion that selectively overlays the forward region. The ATM includes a lower fascia having first and second side extensions that selectively overlay first and second forward regions of a safe or secure enclosure. The ATM may include a pivotal processor case for ease of installation and/or servicing of banking components. The safe housing may include dual openings for use in either a front-load or rear-load ATM. Banking machine components such as displays, card readers, receipt printers, and keypads may be installed or serviced by extending a rollout mounting tray or by rearwardly sliding the top housing.
US07661583B2
An automated banking machine includes a cash dispenser. Servicing the machine is facilitated through use of a portable diagnostic article which enables the controller to access diagnostic data stored in memory and which provides data indicative of the significance of the diagnostic data. A portable article of computer readable and writable media is also operative to cause the computer to gather data concerning the banking machine and record it on the media through a drive. The data gathered is then analyzed by a separate analysis computer.
US07661581B2
A multifunctional box organizer includes a hollow main body provided with at least one slit, via which magnetic bookmarks may be extended and then bent to magnetically attach to the main body, and a coin slot located at a distance from the slit; an open bottomed enclosure fitly received in a lower part of the main body; and a bottom cover closed to a lower open end of the main body to define a closed storage space in the enclosure. The enclosure is provided with an opening corresponding to the coin slot, so that coins may be inserted through the coin slot and collected in the storage space. Coins collected in the enclosure may be taken out by opening a cap on the bottom cover. A space in the main body above the enclosure is divided by a partition into several subspaces for holding and sorting pens and different articles.
US07661574B1
A clamping means support for use with orbital tube welding that resists the outward flexure of abutting tubes is provided. The invention generally is comprised of a left clasp and a right clasp, being congruent. The right clasp is generally square cornered J-shaped, having a mounting leg, and an engaging leg, an engagement notch formed between the long leg and the short leg. The right clasp is fastened upright, at the mounting leg, to a right top side of a clamping means. The left clasp is fastened invertible, at the mounting leg, to a left top side of a clamping means. Wherein, in the closed position, the engagement leg of the right clasp interlocks within the engagement notch of the left clasp, effectively preventing outward movement of the right top side and the left top side of the clamping means, relative one to the other.
US07661571B2
A desktop stapler has a base member including a restricting unit; a magazine including a plunger disposed on the head thereof; two linkage devices; a press member; and a guide member. Each linkage device includes a first hole, a third hole, a second hole formed on a bend between the first and third holes, and a pivot hole. Each pivot hole connects with the base member via the restricting unit. The press member includes a press portion defined on the bottom of an end thereof, a grip portion defined on another end thereof and connecting to the plunger of the magazine, and two pivot holes formed on two sidewalls thereof and connected to the third holes of the linkage devices respectively via a coupler unit. The guide member includes a first end inserted via a coupler unit, a second end defining a press end, and two second pivot holes formed on two sidewalls thereof and opposite to each other.
US07661567B2
A button provides an adhesive flat bottom surface for attachment to a cell phone or similar hand held device. A leash extends from the button and terminates with a finger ring. When the device is held in a hand with one finger secured in the ring, the device is secured in the hand so that it is less likely to fall. The ring may be an extension of the leash, both a part of an elastic cord loop where the leash is secured within the button and the ring extends away from the button. The leash may be retractable.
US07661560B2
A tamper-evident outer cap for a tube spout fitment with push-pull cap for a flexible pouch is provided. The tube spout fitment is sealed to the pouch body, and includes a base portion having a seal-engaging surface disposed within the pouch body and a centrally located passageway. An internal tubular spout projects upwardly from the base portion and has a centrally located passageway. A push-pull cap is slidably retained on the internal tube spout, and is a generally cylindrical member having an outer wall, an inner wall parallel to the outer wall, and an upper wall having a central opening formed therein interconnecting the outer wall to the inner wall. A tamper-evident outer cap is disposed over the push-pull cap, and includes an openable portion, a collar portion permanently retained on the tube spout fitment, and a first connecting member interconnecting the openable portion and the collar portion.
US07661559B1
An apparatus for securing squeezable tubes therein includes a plurality of vertical compartments that are each adapted to hold one squeezable tube. A plurality of moveable front members are adapted to move up or down between an opposite pair of sidewalls to retain an upper portion of the tube in position. An open top allows easy tube insertion or removal while a lower shelf retains the bottom of each tube. A bottom strip ensures that each tube will remain in position. According to a first modification, the interior sidewalls are adjustable to accommodate a variable spacing between them. Modified moveable front members include a variable width to accommodate the variable spacing between the adjustable interior sidewalls. According to a second modification, each tube is retained by a pair of curved side members that narrow toward the bottom of each compartment. An apparatus to secure a tube in an inverted position and to dispense a substance from a bottom opening is described.
US07661558B2
A sachet may include at least two sealed compartments. The sachet may include first and second opposite main walls, a partition separating an inside of the sachet into two compartments, and first and second foldable side walls situated on respective sides of the partition.
US07661556B2
A tapping device (1) for beverage, including a cooling device and a tapping rod (8) with a tapping cock (14), the tapping rod including a first (50) and a second (52) channel, which channels are in fluid communication with each other adjacent the tapping cock (14), while at least during use a tapping line (48) extends through the second channel, which tapping line is coupled at one end with a container (6) for beverage and at the other end can cooperate with the tapping cock.
US07661555B1
Moving a lid dispenses single thin films from a container. A pad coated with TPE, rubber or silicone rotates downward and contacts the top thin film strip. The pad moves the strip toward a front opening. When the lid is fully opened, the strip has been ejected far enough for the user to remove it. A sliding top and lever dispense a strip. The user slides back the top of the container, causing lever with a living hinges and links to flex downward. A pad rotates downward towards the top strip and outward towards an opening exposed in the front of the container and the strip is ejected out this opening. The pad is connected to a lever on a gear. Sliding the top of the container rotates the gear. The pad contacts the strip and moves the strip through the uncovered front dispensing opening.
US07661554B2
A dispenser, and associated method for producing such dispenser, for interfolded disposable sheets includes a dispensing container defining an interior volume sufficient for receipt of a clip of interfolded disposable sheets, the container including a first wall with a dispensing opening defined by a removable panel. At least a portion of an adhesive material is disposed at a location on the removable panel such that the adhesive is not exposed to the interior volume of the container in an adhesive state. A clip of interfolded disposable sheets is inserted into the interior volume of the container. After insertion of the clip, the adhesive material is exposed in an adhesive state to the interior volume of the container and contact is made between the adhesive and the uppermost sheet of the clip of interfolded sheets such that the removable panel is attached to the uppermost sheet.
US07661551B2
A method for automatically determining whether a reagent container is new and unused or whether the reagent container has been previously used whenever reagent containers are initially placed onto an analyzer. Unused containers have a flag or lock-out member that can be dislodged or relocated by a moveable sensor probe when containers are placed onto the analyzer.
US07661549B2
A pair of containers, provide complimentary outer surface contours so as to be mutually engagable in intimate nesting contact. Each of the containers provides an outwardly extending embossment and an inwardly extending groove. The embossment of each of containers is positioned and sized for frictional engagement with the groove on the other of the pair of containers for mutual securement of the containers when the containers are nested, thereby enabling the containers to be engaged and handled as a unit while dispensing different materials.
US07661544B2
A boat is provided for stacking semiconductor wafers vertically in processes in which low friction deposits may coat wafer supporting surfaces. In carbon processes, for example, low friction coatings can form that allow the wafers to slip sideways in the boat, leaving them sufficiently out of alignment to cause wafer breakage in handling. Typical boats for these processes having vertical legs, typically three or four in number, in which aligned notches support each of the wafers. The slots provide enough clearance around the edge of the wafer to facilitate loading and unloading of the wafers without wafer damage, as long as the wafers remain centered. For low friction process environments, each notch is provided with a shallow recess on which the edge of a wafer can rest. The recess adds a low step close to the wafer edge that resists horizontal sliding movement of the wafer. Wafers are loaded by inserting them into the boat in a plane spaced above the steps, then lowered onto the recesses.
US07661542B2
The present invention relates to a proton-conducting polymer membrane which comprises polyazoles and is coated with a catalyst layer and is obtainable by a process comprising the steps A) preparation of a mixture comprising polyphosphoric acid, at least one polyazole (polymer A) and/or one or more compounds which are suitable for forming polyazoles under the action of heat according to step B), B) heating of the mixture obtainable according to step A) under inert gas to temperatures of up to 400° C., C) application of a layer using the mixture obtained according to step A) and/or B) to a support, D) treatment of the membrane formed in step C) until it is self-supporting, E) application of at least one catalyst-containing coating to the membrane formed in step C) and/or in step D).
US07661536B2
A gift box that includes a detachable gift support for insertion into a gift box after construction from a one-piece sheet of material. Gift restraints are provided for restraining the gift on the gift support. Preferably, the gift is in the shape of a card, such as the shape of a credit card, and is preferably what is known as a giftcard, similar to a gift certificate.
US07661532B2
In one embodiment, the invention comprises a tray insert for a medication dispenser, the dispenser permitting access to a medication dose after a minimum dosing interval has elapsed since presentation of an immediately previous dose. The dispenser comprises a dispenser cover having an opening through which a patient accesses the medication dose presented through the opening and a carousel for receiving the tray insert. The tray insert comprises a substrate, a plurality of medication retention areas in the substrate each for holding at least one medication dose, each medication retention area received within a depression of the carousel and a cover removably affixed to an upper surface of the substrate for retaining the medication doses in the medication retention areas prior to use, wherein after the tray insert is mated with the carousel the cover.
US07661529B2
An improved stackable storage tray has a flat bottom wall with a generally U-shaped recess formed therein, a pair of end walls with a bar extending therebetween for manually transporting the tray, a pair of outwardly sloped side walls, and a plurality of dividers extending between the side walls and upwardly extending divider walls forming a plurality of sub-compartments. The improvements include a pair of spaced generally right angled ledges on the end walls which lie in a horizontal plane with top edges of the side wall, sub-compartment dividers, and a divider edge formed by the upstanding divider walls for supporting an upper tray stacked thereon; a plurality of bosses on the bottom wall providing support feet for the tray; and drain holes in the bosses and in the sub-compartments dividers for removing any liquid trapped in the sub-compartments.
US07661524B2
An endless side-flexing conveyor is described comprising a conveyor belt made from a number of rows of hinged interconnected belt links, where each row comprises at least one link, where each link has a front end, a back end, a top surface, a bottom surface and two sides, where hinge parts separated by apertures are arranged along the front end and the back end such that front hinge parts on the front end will fit inside apertures on the back end of an adjacent belt link, and where the front end and back end are substantially parallel to a first axis parallel to the width direction of the link, wherein the hinge parts of each link are defined by a top and bottom which are substantially flush with the top and bottom surfaces respectively, and two side surfaces and a free front surface, and that the front hinge parts on one end of each link are provided with a protrusion on each side surface, where the protrusions fit inside elongated apertures provided in the side surfaces of the rear hinge parts on the opposite end of the link; and further that the protrusions on more than one of the front hinge parts arranged centrally on the link are arranged on an axis parallel to the first axis, and that at least the protrusions on one or more of the outermost front hinge parts on one side of each link are arranged parallel to an axis angled +x° in relation to the first axis and that one or more protrusions on the opposite side of each link are arranged parallel to an axis angled −x° in relation to the first axis.
US07661519B2
A roller device mountable rotatably on a spindle includes a roller body having a tubular wall with two opposite open-end portions. Each open-end portion is provided with a retaining member formed on an inner peripheral surface of the tubular wall. Two covers are inserted respectively into the open-end portions of the tubular wall, and are adapted to be sleeved rotatably around the spindle. Each cover has an annular end wall transverse to the corresponding open-end portion, a surrounding wall extending inwardly and axially from an outer periphery of the end wall and abutting against the inner peripheral surface of the tubular wall, and an engaging member formed on an outer peripheral surface of the surrounding wall and interlocking the retaining member. The retaining and engaging members have recess-and-protrusion interlocking surfaces.
US07661517B2
A clutch assembly having a drive shaft operably connected to a first hub or clutch plate. A second hub or clutch plate adjacent to the first clutch plate and operably connected to a second drive shaft. A release ring positioned to selectively release both clutch plates. Positioned to engage the release ring is a pneumatic actuating member that is operably connected to a source of compressed air.
US07661512B2
A pump jack for a scaffold in a system to support a work platform and move the platform up and down a pole to access a vertical work surface. The pump jack includes an L-shaped framework having a horizontal frame member which supports the work platform and a vertical frame member. The vertical frame member having laterally opposing Z-shaped channels, each having a leg that bends about the pole and extends inward toward the pole. The pump jack includes an upper shackle supported by the framework. The pump jack includes a lower shackle supported by the framework, which with the upper shackle applies a coupling force for gripping the pole. The pump jack includes a pump arm lever pivotably coupled to the vertical frame member to step upwardly the pump jack relative to the pole. The pump jack includes a crank mechanism coupled to the vertical frame member. A method for supporting and moving a work platform up and down a pole to access a vertical work surface.
US07661507B2
In a control method for a motor 10 for generating a reaction force when a driver operates a steering wheel, as a behavior of a vehicle increases, a larger reaction force to the behavior is generated. When an anti-lock brake system is operated, the reaction force to the behavior is corrected so as to be large.
US07661498B2
A fluid-cushion supporting arrangement for horizontal conveyance comprises a supporting platform having a center and a distal portion; a flexible angular sealing element arranged under the platform in the region of the distal portion and forming a sealing piston. The sealing piston has a substantially horizontal leg which extends toward the center and forms together with the supporting platform a fluid chamber, and a substantially vertical leg which forms together with the supporting platform a control pressure chamber. The vertical leg is vertically and adjustably inserted in the control pressure chamber. An inlet valve is provided for supplying fluid into the fluid chamber. A pressure-regulating arrangement in fluid communication with the fluid chamber and the control pressure chamber regulates the fluid pressure. The vertical leg comprises a plurality of reinforcement elements including at least one metallic strip.
US07661478B2
A downhole tool can perform a series of operations with balls of the same size where movement caused by pressuring up on the first ball positions the next seat to accept another ball just like it. In a preferred embodiment a circulation sub is run in with a port closed and a first seat comprising of collets pushed together and preferably lined with a sleeve are in position to accept a first ball to perform a downhole operation and thereafter pass the ball and open the port. The act of opening the port gives support, by reducing their dimension, to the next assembly of collets also preferably lined with a sleeve so that they are energized to accept the same size ball. Pressuring up on the second ball can shift another sleeve to close the circulation port. The tool is modular and more than one module can be deployed in a given bottom hole assembly.
US07661473B2
Nested articulated split rings move relatively to each other to enlarge their outer dimension for a grip on a surrounding tubular or the wellbore. The rings can be articulated to enlarge their outside dimension with relative movement that can be initiated by dimensional expansion from within the tubular or manipulation of the tubular that creates the desired relative movement. The relative movement can be locked in after it is made to secure the grip. Different shape profiles that magnify the radial outer dimension in excess of the percentage dimensional change in the underlying tubular are contemplated.
US07661471B2
Preformed ribs are held closely to the swelling element and then are allowed to assume an expanded position to capture the ends of the swelling element. Many variations are possible one of which is retaining the ribs in a run in position with a band that releases by interaction with well fluid. In another embodiment the ribs are of a shape memory material and go to the enlarged state after a time and exposure to well fluids. The swelling action of the element could urge the ribs to the expanded position. Alternatively, a retractable sleeve can be actuated after a delay using a piston and a sealed compartment where a material must dissolve or otherwise go away before the piston can stroke to remove a retainer from ribs that can then move out.
US07661464B2
An evaporator includes a cylindrical barrier wall and a cap that fits at an end of the cylindrical barrier wall. The cylindrical barrier wall defines a central axial opening and an outer cylindrical surface. The cap includes an outer surface that is external to the central axial opening and an inner surface that abuts the central axial opening. A portion of the outer cylindrical surface is configured to define a liquid port extending through the outer cylindrical surface of the cylindrical barrier wall.
US07661463B2
A cooling device includes a boiling chamber containing working fluid therein. The chamber includes a bottom wall for contacting with a heat generating component and a cover hermetically connected with the bottom wall. The cover includes a top wall and a bulge formed at a periphery thereof. The bulge includes a pair of spaced side walls, one of the side walls connecting with the top wall and the other of the side walls connecting with the bottom wall. A buffering region is formed between the side walls, which is capable of absorbing agitation wave generated by boiling fluid to thereby allow the boiling fluid to be capabling of continuously and stably contacting with and exchanging heat from the top wall of the boiling chamber when the fluid boils. A heat sink is arranged on the cover of the boiling chamber for transferring heat from the boiling chamber to environment.
US07661453B2
A tire for a vehicle wheel includes a carcass structure, a tread band extending circumferentially around the carcass structure, a belt structure circumferentially located between the carcass structure and the tread band, and at least one pair of sidewalls applied to the carcass structure in axially opposite positions. The carcass structure includes at least one carcass ply. Ends of the carcass structure are fastened to a pair of annular reinforcing elements, wherein each annular reinforcing element is incorporated in a respective bead of the tire includes at least one cord. The at least one cord includes at least one preformed metallic thread element.
US07661449B2
A filling valve apparatus for filling a container with a fluid. The apparatus includes a body portion and a stem. A sleeve is disposed over the stem and is removable from the stem and the body portion when the filling valve apparatus is serviced. A seal is mounted to the bottom of the sleeve. At least one component is movably connected to the sleeve and remains connected to the sleeve when the sleeve is removed from the stem and the body portion during the servicing of the filling valve apparatus. Similarly, a valve assembly, having a housing and a movable plunger is removable from the body portion. At least one member is mechanically connected to one of the housing and plunger for creating a unitary valve assembly that remains intact when the valve assembly is removed from the body portion during servicing of the filling valve apparatus.
US07661438B2
An improved fill valve has a pivot valve body that is pivotally suspended immediately below a float housing and is movable between two positions. In a first position, the pivot valve body blocks the flow of water from the float housing. In a second position, the pivot body allows the flow of water from the float housing. The pivot valve body has two top compartments, each separated from the other by a wall. The first compartment retains an amount of water in it. The second compartment functions as a water flow restriction apparatus and includes an upwardly-extending member for sealing off a check valve that is disposed within the bottom of the float housing. The fill valve also includes structural elements that allow the water to trickle into the float housing at a very slow rate. The fill valve can be re-set for normal toilet tank operation.
US07661434B2
The hair-on-hair extension system has hair extensions that include a generally continuous span of natural and/or synthetic attachment hair strands extending from the weft base or edge of the attachment. The attachment hair strands are braided or intertwined directly into braids formed in the native hair of the wearer as those braids are being formed, without the need for additional attachment apparatus. The weft base may include a relatively narrow, linear weft edge having the hair extension and attachment strands extending in the opposite or same direction therefrom, or may include a two-dimensional crown sheet having the hair extension strands extending from a series of wefts from one surface of the sheet and the hair attachment strands extending from the opposite surface. The hair extension may include a separator sheet between the hair extension and hair attachment strands to facilitate manipulation of the hair attachment strands during installation.
US07661416B2
In an engine 10, oxygen, hydrogen serving as fuel, and argon gas serving as a working gas are supplied to a combustion chamber 21. An upstream condenser section 70 condenses water vapor contained in an exhaust gas to yield primary condensed water, through heat exchange of the exhaust gas from the combustion chamber with the ambient air, and discharges, as a primary-condensed-water-separated gas, a gas obtained by separating the primary condensed water from the exhaust gas. The primary condensed water is stored in a water storage tank 100. A downstream condenser section 80 further condenses water vapor contained in the primary-condensed-water-separated gas to yield secondary condensed water, through utilization of latent heat of vaporization of condensed water stored in the storage tank 100, and discharges a gas obtained by separating the secondary condensed water from the primary-condensed-water-separated gas. This avoids a significant drop in ratio of specific heats of the working gas.
US07661407B2
A control system for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of enhancing the accuracy of fuel control and ignition timing control even when there is a possibility that the reliability of a calculated intake air amount lowers, and enables reduction of manufacturing costs. An ECU of the control system calculates a first estimated intake air amount according to a valve lift, a cam phase, and a compression ratio, calculates a second estimated intake air amount according to the flow rate of air detected by an air flow sensor. The ECU determines a fuel injection amount according to the first estimated intake air amount when an estimated flow rate Gin_vt calculated based on an engine speed, the valve lift, the cam phase, and the compression ratio is within the range of Gin_vt≦Gin1, and according to the second estimated intake air amount when Gin2≦Gin_vt.
US07661402B2
A multipoint ignition engine (1) includes a central electrode pair (9), disposed in the center of a combustion chamber (2), for forming a central spark gap (10), and a plurality of peripheral electrode pairs (12) held in a head gasket (15), which has an opening portion having a substantially identical diameter to an opening portion of a cylinder (5) in a position corresponding to the opening portion of the cylinder (5), for forming a plurality of peripheral spark gaps (13) around the inner periphery of the opening portion in the cylinder (5). An air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber (2), which is obtained by mixing together fuel and air evenly to the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio or a richer/leaner air-fuel ratio than the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, is ignited using both the central spark gap (10) and the plurality of peripheral spark gaps (13).
US07661397B2
In a hydraulic camshaft adjuster for a camshaft of an internal combustion engine and a method of assembling the camshaft adjuster including an inner body, which is connected to the camshaft in a rotationally fixed manner and has outwardly extending blades and an outer body which has inwardly projecting blades which form, together with the outwardly extending blades, at least one hydraulic medium chamber between two housing side covers connected to the outer body and operatively connected to a crankshaft of an engine so as to be driven thereby, a locking bolt is provided for locking the inner body in relation to the outer body with a predetermined play.
US07661392B2
Provided are animal containment systems and components, including single-use animal containment cages and modular rack units. Also provided are methods for assembling and using components of the animal containment systems.
US07661390B2
A system for culture and storage of benthic organisms in an aquatic environment including at least two containers for storing organisms, releasably interconnected and forming a stack in the height direction, at least two lines attached to the stack and connected to at least the upper portion of the stack, and a suspension device connected to the lines. The system may also include a working platform and raising/lowering device(s) for raising and lowering stacks. A method for handling containers for storage of benthic organisms in an aquatic environment is also disclosed.
US07661387B2
An apparatus for applying and fusing a powder coating to substrates of various composition uses two lasers to accurately heat the coating to the optimum temperature. A second laser has less power and heats a smaller area than the first laser. Temperature control is enhanced by the ability to superheterodyne two lasers at separate frequencies. This allows for better absorption of certain materials being fused by the laser. Another common problem associated with laser processing occurs as the polymer heats up. During the heating process the spectral lines are Doppler broadened and slightly shifted. This can affect the absorption of a laser of a fixed wavelength. With the present invention, the optimum laser frequency can be turned to a more optimum frequency for absorption still with sufficient power for fast efficient thermal processing.
US07661379B2
The invention relates to a steering and propulsion arrangement for a ship. The inventive steering and propulsion arrangement comprises a screw propeller 3 and a rudder 6. A streamlined propulsion bulb 10 is made integral with or fixedly connected to the rudder. The invention also relates to a ship 2 provided with the inventive arrangement.
US07661378B2
The invention discloses a wastewater ballast method that includes the steps of collecting wastewater, treating the collected wastewater, storing the treated wastewater, and discharging the treated wastewater during ballast operations.
US07661375B2
A door for a secured enclosure includes a door panel and a generally L-shaped flange extending along one edge of the panel. The L-shaped flange is adapted to engage a corresponding flange of the enclosure, whereby the L-shaped flange and the corresponding flange overlap. The structure prevents access to the secured enclosure between the flanges.
US07661372B2
An adjustable, articulable platform, changeable to and from a “U” shape to an “H” shape, is attachable to the distal end of an articulable support arm of a transport vehicle. The platform is arranged to adjustably surround an elevated chimney on at least three sides thereof. The platform comprises: a lower anchor plate centrally disposed within an elongated lower support frame; a rear anchor plate connected perpendicularly to the lower anchor plate, the rear anchor plate centrally and connectively disposed within an elongated rear wall frame, comprising bridging portions of the platform. A right sidewall frame and a left sidewall frame is connected to respective end portions of the elongated rear wall frame. A right slidable sidewall is slidably disposed within the right sidewall frame, and a left slidable sidewall is slidably disposed within the left sidewall frame, to permit forward and rearward adjustability to side rail and floor portions thereof around an elevated structure for supporting personnel and equipment therefor. Those side rail and floor panel portions are also adjustable transversely to squeeze closed together or slightly further apart according to the width of any chimney or the like. Such sideways adjustment is accomplished by supportive engagement of the mid portion of the rear wall frame and floor panel of its adjacent wall and floor panels.
US07661365B2
The present invention provides for a connector block for retaining at least one shock tube in signal transmission relationship with the percussion-actuation end of a detonator. The connector blocks of the present invention comprise a slot (7, 26, 46, 64, 87) for the retention of shock tubes therein, wherein the slot is configured to induce a bend (8a, 27a, 47a, 91a) in the shock tube(s). In this way, the position of the shock tube(s) relative to the detonator is significantly improved. Air gaps between the shock tubes and the detonator, resulting from manufacturing tolerances, can be substantially eliminated. Moreover, the connector blocks of the present invention provide an increased security of shock tube retention, thereby reducing the risk of accidental shock tube removal or displacement.
US07661363B2
An impact fuse includes a body containing a piezoelectric generator positioned on a bracket integral with the body. The piezoelectric generator serving as an anvil. The fuse includes a piston intended to mechanically contact the generator upon impact. The piston receives the impact forces transmitted by a cap. The fuse being characterized in that the piston is slidably fitted within the body and in that it includes plastically deformable means that are interposed between the cap and the body. The means are deformed by cap movement upon impact with a target via piston movement. The plastically deformable means is configured to be deformed in a manner that causes the piston to more gradually exert force on the piezoelectric generator.
US07661362B2
An igniter assembly that includes a housing, a secondary explosive input charge, a pyrotechnic output charge and a barrier system that is disposed between the input charge and the pyrotechnic output charge. The barrier system shields the pyrotechnic output charge from energy released by the input charge to prevent the output charge from being cooked-off or initiated unless the input charge is detonated.
US07661359B2
A printing machine includes a printing cylinder that is fitted with plates for printing the width of N pages. A web of material is printed and is then cut longitudinally, by an elongate cutting device, into printed webs. The number N of pages is a whole number that is divisible by three and the total width of N pages is less than the width of the printing cylinder. A width of N+1 pages is greater than the width of the printing cylinder. The elongate cutting device can be arranged, on one boundary, between a Kth and a Kth+1 page, wherein k is one third or two thirds of N. At least one of the resulting partial webs is guided through a former. The former is oriented so that the direction of travel of the web entering the former is transverse to the direction of web travel in the elongated cutting device. The former has a width that is equal to, or greater than two thirds of the width of the printing cylinder, but is less than the entire width of the printing cylinder.
US07661348B2
A method and apparatus are described for an exchangeable barrel module for a firearm equipped with the same. An example firearm includes an exchangeable barrel module, which includes a barrel and a barrel jacket. The barrel module also includes a range finder, control electronics, a transmitter to transfer the result of the control electronics to a projectile, an operating element, and a power supply. Further, the barrel jacket holds the barrel and at least a portion of the range finder, the control electronics, the transmitter, the operating elements, or the power supply.
US07661345B2
A device (10) for clamping and separating a length of tubing. The device (10) comprises first and second subassemblies (12,14) for, in their closed positions, clamping the tubing at first and second locations, respectively, and at least weakening the tubing for subsequent separation. The subassemblies (12,14) face each other and are connected by a breakable connection. Each subassembly (12,14) includes clamping elements (26,34) for clamping the tubing, a perforating or cutting element (28) for perforating or otherwise weakening or cutting the tubing, and locking elements (24,32) for locking the subassembly (12,14) in the closed position. The perforating element (28) may be at least one hard plastic or metal spike. Once each subassembly (12,14) is locked in the closed position, the breakable connection is broken to result in respective lengths of clamped tubing.
US07661338B2
A socket assembly for a gate valve wrench includes a socket, a support member adapted to mount on the wrench and a fastener for connecting the socket to the support member in such a manner so as to retain the socket fixed in place on the gate valve wrench. The socket includes a cylindrical piece with an inner surface shaped to include twelve inwardly protruding ridges that together define an interior cavity. In use, the socket assembly can be used in conjunction with the wrench to turn a rounded gate valve operating nut. Specifically, with the socket assembly attached to the wrench, the socket is forcibly driven down over the rounded nut such that each ridge digs into the rounded nut. Firmly engaged by the socket, the rounded nut can then be operated using the wrench.
US07661337B2
A fixing structure of direction switch buttons for a reversible wrench, in which the wrench is equipped with two direction switch buttons on a driving portion of the wrench. The wrench includes button-restricting portions and location-restricting portions relative to the driving portion. The two direction switch buttons can be inserted and arranged inside the driving portion. Moreover, a button-fixing device is provided between the two direction switch buttons, the button-fixing device includes an actuating member and a restoring member. The two ends of the actuating member are wedged into the two direction switch buttons respectively so that the two direction switch buttons are driven simultaneously. The actuating member is able to move elastically between the two direction switch buttons by the restoring member so as to connect the two direction switch buttons elastically.
US07661333B2
A rotation transmission member is composed of a shaft-like metal insert member having a first gear section on the external surface thereof and a resin gear resin-molded on the external surface of one end of the metal insert member and having a second gear section on the external surface thereof. The first gear section is formed almost over the entire length of the metal insert member and provides one end thereof as an insert portion on which the resin gear is to be resin-molded. Thus, it becomes unnecessary to provide a joint portion (the insert portion) between the metal insert member and the resin gear with the machining of any particular shape for preventing the coming-off therebetween.
US07661332B2
In a worm reducer for reducing the rotation transmitted to a worm and transmitting the reduced rotation to a worm wheel, the worm reducer being composed of the worm with screw faces formed on its outer periphery and the worm wheel with worm wheel teeth formed on its peripheral surface, the worm wheel teeth being in mesh with the screw faces of the worm, the worm wheel teeth are formed so that the lead angle of the worm wheel is smaller than that of the worm.
US07661328B2
A probe holder system for fixing a probe to a housing wall, wherein it is possible to provide a simple structure and position the probe as accurately and easily as possible in relation to a measuring object. According to the invention, a housing bushing provided with an inner thread and a carrier rod for the probe, which can be screwed into the threaded bushing, are provided. The threaded bushing can be placed in a reference position in an associated recess of the housing wall and can be arrested by means of a locking element.
US07661318B2
The invention concerns a pressure sensing die to be mounted on a base, comprising: a diaphragm structure with a deflectable pressure sensing diaphragm whose deflection is representative of the pressure and sensing elements for detecting the deflection of the sensing diaphragm; a pedestal supporting the diaphragm structure; wherein the pedestal is a composite pedestal comprising top and bottom platforms connected by at least one small link having a mean cross-section smaller than the cross-section of the top platform, said small link isolating at least some of the stresses, produced by the mounting of the pressure sensing die on the base, from said deflectable pressure sensing diaphragm.
US07661307B1
First and second elongated flexible insulated substrates have patterns of resistive liquid level sensor sections along the substrate lengths, each pattern comprising printable resistive ink of the same resistivity (ohms-squared), wherein the patterns can be simultaneously printed upon each substrate to save manufacturing costs. The substrates can be separated by an elongated spacer that couples longitudinal edges of the facing substrates together with an appropriate adhesive. Alternatively, the facing substrates can be folded along a central fold line to form a first longitudinal edge and adhesively joined along a second longitudinal edge opposite the first longitudinal edge. The flexibility of the substrates enables the low manufacturing cost liquid level sensors to be positioned in for example in a highly irregularly shaped vehicle fuel tank. Also, sections of varying lengths to be cut from the rolls on demand by users to form customized lengths of liquid level sensors for numerous applications.
US07661303B2
An airflow measuring device includes a sensing portion provided in a bypass passage, which perpendicularly deflects part of air from a main passage to therethrough bypass the part of air. The sensing portion includes a heating resistor energized and dissipate heat to airflow. The sensing portion is configured to measure airflow in the bypass passage based on the heat radiation. The sensing portion further includes a pair of support members erected in the bypass passage to support the heating resistor. The heating resistor of the sensing portion is inclined at a first inclination angle with respect to a direction, which is perpendicular to a flow direction of air in the bypass passage. The heating resistor is inclined toward downstream at an outer streamline of the airflow in the bypass passage.
US07661300B2
Disclosed is a methodology for deriving data related to various selected tire (10) conditions. One or more sensors are analyzed in a manner similar to that of analyzing an electro-cardiogram taken from a human patient in order to determine selected operational characteristics of the monitored tires (10). Analysis of the signal waveforms may involve analysis of a single waveform and/or comparison of paired waveforms originating for sensors associated with a single tire or paired tires (10).
US07661299B2
A tire pressure monitoring system, that includes a plurality of the wheel state detection unit, provided at wheel of a vehicle, and that transmits detected wheel state information. A request signal transmitter transmits a request signal to request transmission of the detected wheel state information. When each wheel state detection unit receives the request signal, it transmits the detected wheel state together with the indication information indicating that the wheel state is detected in response to the transmission request signal. The ECU sets a determination threshold value for triggering an alert regarding tire pressure based on the detected wheel state information transmitted from the plurality of wheel state detection units.
US07661296B2
A method and apparatus for measuring isotherms and determining solid state phase changes comprising a humidity generator having a temperature controlled internal chamber, a microbalance mounted externally to the internal chamber and a near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) probe or Raman spectrometer probe mounted internally in the internal chamber, such that the mass of a sample suspended within the chamber and its solid state phase can be determined without disturbing the controlled environment surrounding the sample. The humidity generator includes means for controlling humidity and temperature within the internal chamber, an access port that extends into the internal chamber. The balance is situated near the port such that the balance mechanism extends within the internal chamber. The balance mechanism utilizes a means for holding a sample within the chamber such that the mass of the sample can be determined as it equilibrates to the temperature and relative humidity maintained within the internal cavity. The NIRS probe extends from a NIR spectrometer. Similarly, the Raman probe extends from a Raman spectrometer.
US07661289B1
The present invention comprises a method for calibrating a droplet dispensing apparatus using acoustic energy to dispense a plurality of droplet sets of a liquid from a source container into a plurality of target containers, with each droplet set being comprised of one or more individual droplets of the liquid, and with a liquid level of the liquid in the source container being measured before each of the droplet sets are dispensed. The average droplet volume for the individual droplets in each of the droplet sets is then calculated by detecting the presence of an indicator, such as a fluorescent chemical. Once the average droplet volume has been calculated, it is determined if the average droplet volume for each droplet set is acceptable or not acceptable. Where the average droplet volume is determined to be not acceptable, an existing droplet dispensing parameter is changed to a new droplet dispensing parameter that will cause the average droplet volume for that droplet set to change. A burst curve is then generated that will cause the new droplet dispensing parameter for each droplet set to be used if a subsequent plurality of droplet sets are dispensed.
US07661285B2
A drawing machine includes a plate unit, a clamping device, a transmit member, a driving device and a cam. The transmit member includes a following roller. The driving device includes a main linkage inserted through the plate unit and having first and second ends. The cam includes first and second cam paths, with the first cam path disposed between two sides of the second cam path. When the cam is in a first position, the distances between the first cam path and two sides of the second cam path are different. When the cam is in a second position, the distances between the first cam path and two sides of the second cam path are equal. The following roller drives the main linkage to pivot, with the clamping device driven to clamp a rod or pipe. The plate unit is driven by the second cam path and reciprocates along the cam axially.
US07661284B2
The present invention provides an application method of a Cr-plated mandrel bar repeatedly used in mandrel mill rolling by the Mannesmann tube making process. A regeneration treatment is performed to use the mandrel bar again as a tool of like size when an opening width H of a surface defect generated on the mandrel bar by its use in the mandrel mill rolling is not less than 1.5 mm and a depth of the surface defect is in the range of 0.3 mm to less than 2.0 mm. Alternatively, a downsizing treatment is performed to use the mandrel bar again as a tool of a smaller size when the depth of the surface defect generated on the mandrel bar by its use in the mandrel mill rolling is not less than 2.0 mm. The regeneration treatment or downsizing treatment is performed according to conditions or a configuration of the surface defect to achieve repeated application to the mandrel mill rolling, allowing life-extension of the mandrel bar and improvement of cost performance thereof.
US07661283B2
A bulging apparatus has a heating station, a tube expanding station, a preforming station, and a main forming station. A straight tube as a workpiece is gripped by first holding mechanisms or second holding mechanisms, and delivered between the stations as the first holding mechanisms or second holding mechanisms are displaced. During a preforming process and a main holding process, both the first holding mechanisms and second holding mechanisms can be lifted and lowered vertically and can be moved horizontally.
US07661280B1
One embodiment of a locking device of the type for motorcycle helmets having a cable (50) which is fastened at one end to the device, and which passes though the face of the helmet and is detachably secured in the locking device to releasably secure the helmet. The active locking element of the lock (44), when in locked position, secures the cable (50) and acts to deny access to the fastener (36) securing the device to the motorcycle handlebars, so as to resist removal of the device from the handlebars. The cable (50) is flexible, has permanently formed spiral convolutions and is partially held in place by the concave shape of the device. The device can be used to secure helmets, jackets or other items, and, in various embodiments, it can be used to lock a vehicle or item to a fixed object to deter theft of the vehicle or item. Other embodiments are described and shown.
US07661279B2
A lock assembly has a body, a locking cylinder, a latching device, a linking device and a locking mechanism. The locking cylinder has a pushing lug. The linking device is connected to and driven by the latching device. The locking mechanism is driven by the pushing lug of the locking cylinder and has a bolt base, a pushing arm and a locking bolt. The bolt base is mounted slidably in the body and has an edge pushed by the pushing lug on the locking cylinder and a limiting tab. The locking bolt is slidably mounted on the bolt base and abuts with the limiting tab on the bolt base when the locking bolt retracts completely into or extends out from the body. The locking bolt has a blocking tab selectively blocks the linking device.
US07661277B2
As a jig material to use under plasma reaction for producing semiconductors, the present invention provides a quartz glass having resistance against plasma corrosion, particularly corrosion resistance against fluorine-based plasma gases, and which is usable without causing anomalies to silicon wafers; the present invention furthermore provides a quartz glass jig, and a method for producing the same. A quartz glass containing 0.1 to 20 wt % in total of two or more types of metallic elements, said metallic elements comprising at least one type of metallic element selected from Group 3B of the periodic table as a first metallic element and at least one type of metallic element selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Sc, Y, Ti, Zr, Hf, lanthanoids, and actinoids as a second metallic element, provided that the maximum concentration of each of the second metallic elements is 1.0 wt % or less.
US07661275B2
An ice making has an ice making mold with a plurality of ice making cells opened at the bottom, a water tank, water spray nozzles adapted for spraying the water contained in the water tank towards the ice making cells, an ice bin adapted for storage of ice cubes formed in and harvested from the ice making cells, and an inclined plate having water spray openings and recovery openings and mounted between the ice making mold and the water spray nozzles. The ice making cells are each attached to a serpentine evaporator tube, which is cooled by a refrigeration system and also heated by way of electrical pulse energy. The electrical pulse heating of the ice making cells allows ice to be quickly and efficiently harvested from the cells.
US07661268B2
During operation of a power plant, which basically comprises a gas turbogroup, a compressed air accumulator, an air turbine which is equipped with at least one generator, the compressed air which is extracted from the compressed air accumulator is directed through a heat exchanger which operates on the downstream side of the gas turbogroup, and is thermally conditioned there. This thermally conditioned compressed air then charges the air turbine for producing a quantity of electricity.Furthermore, the power plant is extended by a steam turbine, which in combined operation is operated with steam which is produced from the exhaust gases of the gas turbogroup.
US07661263B2
A method of operating an internal combustion engine includes operating the engine in a first combustion mode. The method also includes switching operation of the engine to a second combustion mode. The method includes directing an exhaust stream of the engine into contact with a NOx adsorber substantially only during the operation in the second combustion mode.
US07661259B2
The invention relates to a slubbing machine, the use of a twist application means, and a method for the manufacture of a roving yarn (9). The roving yarn (9) is manufactured according to the invention from a fiber assembly (3), which undergoes a true twist application (rotation) by mean of one or more air flows.
US07661254B2
A lawn mower having selectively drivable wheels, includes steerable front wheels, rear wheels, a body frame, an engine supported by the body frame, a mower unit supported by the body frame, a change speed device, a front wheel driving device for transmitting drive from the change speed device to the front wheels, left rear and right rear wheel driving devices, and rear wheel clutches for selectively connecting and disconnecting drive. The rear wheel clutches are operable by an interlocking mechanism to disconnect drive transmission to one of the rear drive wheels moving along an inner track while turning the vehicle body. The interlocking mechanism has a link mechanism operatively connecting a steering mechanism for steering the front wheels to each of the rear wheel clutches.
US07661247B2
A system for packaging resin bonded molded abrasive articles having a flexible package comprising at least one sidewall defining an enclosed volume and at least one resin bonded abrasive article positioned within the enclosed volume. The sidewall comprises a multilayer barrier composite having a water vapor transmission rate that is less than 0.5 grams per 645 square centimeters (100 square inches) per 24 hours.
US07661246B2
The invention relates to a packaging machine for packing food products in a plastic packaging, said machine comprising a device for applying a transponder to the plastic packaging, and a system for data exchange between the transponder and a computer unit and/or a regulating unit, by which means data can be transmitted to the transponder or called therefrom.
US07661238B2
Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.
US07661234B2
A roof or wall panel system that includes a first panel having a first longitudinal seam a second panel having a second longitudinal seam, and a clip assembly that includes a vertical web or webs having a first exterior side and a second exterior side. The t vertical web or webs and is/are provided between the first and second longitudinal seams. Also included is at least one spacer element that is provided between the first and second longitudinal seams. The at least one spacer element has at least one portion having a thickness that is greater than a distance between the first exterior side and the second exterior side of the vertical web or webs.
US07661233B2
A device (1) in glass wall claddings for mounting insulating-glass sheets (12), each glass sheet (12) comprising at least two glass slabs (13, 14), which are joined together by means of a jointing substance (16), said device (1) having a first position, wherein said device (1), upon mounting of said insulating-glass sheet (12), allows the insulating-glass sheet to be placed in the desired position, and a second position, wherein the device (1) grips at least one (13) glass slab of said insulating-glass sheet (12). The device (1) comprises a retainer member (3) and an anchoring member (2). A portion of one part (4) of the anchoring member (2), which part upon mounting of an insulating-glass sheet (12), i.e. as the anchoring member (2) of the device is guided from said first position to said second position, is arranged to penetrate into said jointing substance (16) of an insulating-glass sheet (12) in response to the anchoring member (2) being tilted to said second position.
US07661225B2
A method for securing seeds in an automatic seeding process includes the steps of placing individual seeds in pellets in a tray on a conveyor belt and then securing the seeds on each pellet by placing a gel film over each seed so that the pellets can be transported to a greenhouse. The gel film is provided by contacting a gel precursor with a gelling agent in the presence of the seed.
US07661215B2
A structure for mounting a marking plate is disclosed hereinafter as follows. A stem of a marking plate is inserted through a plate, and a spring member is provided at the tip end of the stem. Elastic portions of the spring member are elastically deformed so that a projection of each elastic portion is in elastic contact with the back surface of the plate. Accordingly, the engagement of the engaging portions of the marking plate side and the plate side and the engagement of the lock pawls and the engaging recesses are maintained by the elastic force of the elastic portions, thereby maintaining the mounted condition of the marking plate. When the marking plate is pulled away from the front surface of the plate in the mounted condition, the elastic portions are further elastically deformed to allow the disengagement.
US07661214B2
A retail display article based upon an original photograph of a subject including at least one item of clothing and having visible portions of skin. The display article includes a back panel and a display photograph. The back panel defines a flat surface. The display photograph depicts an edited version of the original photograph such that the visible portions of skin depicted in the display photograph is configured to imitate a general appearance of a mannequin. The display photograph is disposed on the flat surface of the back panel. The display photograph and the back panel are collectively cut about the perimeter of the subject. Retail display systems and methods of construction provide additional advantages.
US07661209B2
The invention relates to a foundation construction device for producing trenches in the soil comprising a frame, at least one soil-removing device arranged on the frame and a control device for controlling the foundation construction device in the trench, wherein the control device has at least one control body which can be adjusted between an inoperative position and a projecting control position in order to rest on a wall of the trench. Provision is made for the control body to be adjusted into a first projecting control position on a first side of the frame or into a second projecting control position on a second side of the frame that lies opposite the first side of the frame.
US07661204B2
An insole according to the present invention includes an upper layer defining at least one well containing a chemical indicator that gradually changes colors upon exposure to salt or sulfur. The insole includes a lower layer connected to the upper layer that includes an adhesive for stacking multiple insoles together in packaging and for holding the insole in place in a shoe. The insole includes an absorbent material for absorbing perspiration. Perspiration produces salt and bacterial and fungal degradation of keratin skin cells produces sulfur, leading to foot odor. The insole includes fungicide and deodorant for controlling this odor and the color change of the chemical in the well provides a visual indication of when a new insole (with it fungicide and deodorant) needs to be replenished through replacement.
US07661201B1
A system for locating a junction box installed within the framework of a structure and behind a wall includes a hidden magnetic assembly removably mounted on a junction box, and a second magnetic assembly located outside of the wall used to identify the location of the first magnetic assembly and thereby the junction box behind the wall.
US07661199B2
The invention relates to the use of one or more targets to measure surfaces. The target may comprise a first portion adapted to reflect a laser beam towards a laser tracking device, a second portion adapted to reflect a light beam towards a photogrammetry device, and a third portion adapted to identify to a computer a unique identifier of the target.
US07661198B2
A toe angle measuring instrument comprising a measurement unit having a seating table seating a hub of a vehicle on a seating stand and movable in the lateral direction of the vehicle and in a rotating direction in plan view relative to a second base member. The toe angle measuring instrument further comprising a measured member having a vertical measurement surface extending from the seating table to the outside and non-contact distance sensors installed oppositely to the measurement surface with reference to the second base member and measuring distances (x1) and (x2) up to the measurement surface from two positions apart a distance (y1) from each other. The measurement surface is set to face in a direction forming an acute angle relative to a lateral direction of the vehicle.
US07661196B1
An ergonomic, self contained hand-held thread inspection tool is power driven, which uses current draw as a surrogate for torque to initiate automatic reversal and gage withdrawal in case of jamming. The distal end carries the thread gage attached to a motor-driven spindle. A thread depth collar sleeve, adjustable by manual turning, concentrically surrounds the thread gage. When threaded into a blind hole or onto a protruding stud and operated, the distal end of the thread depth collar sleeve comes in contact with a part, pushing it against spring force. This movement is internally sensed, causing an indicator to flash, signaling “test OK”, while automatically reversing the spindle to withdraw the thread gage. If during the forward excursion of the thread gage a torque exceeding the pre-set torque limit is encountered, a buzzer is sounded signaling an over-torque problem and the spindle is simultaneously reversed for automatic gage withdrawal.
US07661191B2
A manufacturing method of a multilayer substrate that suppresses relative displacement of layers and forms interconnecting portions electrically connecting layers having an accurate positioning. A manufacturing method of a multilayer substrate for laminating, via an insulating film, a wiring layer formed by patterning a conductive film comprises providing a positioning hole in a conductive film laminated at the beginning and patterning a second and/or any subsequent wiring layers after identifying a position of an identification section. Interconnecting sections for interconnecting wiring layers are formed using the identification section.
US07661175B2
A snap-together wet nozzle for use with a vacuum assembly is described, as well as a removable squeegee assembly for use in combination with a wet nozzle for a vacuum assembly. The snap-together wet nozzle includes an elongated, generally U-shaped nozzle housing having outwardly tapering walls, spaced apart closed ends, and a connecting tube passageway for association with a vacuum-producing means, such as a wet/dry vacuum, and further includes a squeegee assembly capable of being insertably mounted within the elongated, generally U-shaped nozzle housing. The squeegee assembly generally includes a squeegee element comprising a plurality of openings extending through the squeegee element; a first, elongated squeegee bar having spaced apart end grooves at each of its ends; and a second, elongated squeegee bar having spaced apart locking end tabs at each of its ends and a plurality of vanes spaced across the interior face of the bar, wherein when the squeegee assembly is assembled and ready for insertion into the nozzle, the squeegee element is located intermediate between the first and second squeegee bars, and wherein the first and second squeegee bars interlock by the engagement of the end tabs of the second squeegee bar with the end grooves of the first squeegee bar.
US07661173B2
An apparatus (1) and method for restoration of hook/loop attachment materials (8) which apparatus (1) includes a rake with a set of teeth (2) that match the separation widths of rows of the hooks of the attachment materials. There is also disclosed a second set of teeth (3) that are aligned behind the first set (2) to typically pick up debris lifted but not removed by the first set of teeth (2)
US07661170B2
The present invention relates to the production of lower extremity supportive products, including boot, shoes, sandals, leg braces, etc. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for providing a three-dimensionally customized lower extremity product. The method includes measuring and recording data related to a three-dimensional representation of a customer's lower extremities in an activity-specific optimal stance. The three-dimensional representation includes specific anatomical position information including extensions, flexions, rotations, inversions, eversions, etc. The three-dimensional representation also includes surface information including foot shape, ankle shape, sole shape, etc. The measurement and recordation is performed at a convenient location such as in close proximity to the customer's residence or at an airport terminal. The customized lower extremity product is then manufactured at an independent location. The manufactured customized lower extremity product is customized according to the data so as to support the customer's lower extremity in the activity-specific optimal stance. In addition, the customized lower extremity product may be delivered to a location that facilitates customer pickup.
US07661169B2
Disclosed herein is a drum washing machine which is capable of lifting clothes to a predetermined height and then dropping the lifted clothes so that the clothes can be washed by means of friction and impact. The drum washing machine is capable of heating wash water and spraying the heated wash water into a tub and a drum of the washing machine in a phase of high-temperature and high-pressure steam, thereby rapidly soaking clothes in the wash water, improving sterilizing and washing efficiencies of the drum washing machine, and saving wash water and electric energy.
US07661166B1
An adjustable firmness mattress assembly is disclosed which comprises a duvet, a first section of foam material having a top surface and a bottom surface with the surfaces capable of supporting a user, a second section of foam material having a top surface and a bottom surface with the surfaces capable of supporting a user, and a cover for enclosing the first and second sections with the cover having a top surface and the duvet adapted for being positioned on the top surface of the cover.
US07661160B1
A beach blanket that remains in an unfolded position while on a flat surface. The beach blanket has a pair of incorporated polyvinyl chloride (PVC) straps to provide internal, structural strength when the beach blanket is in an extended position. Also, the beach blanket has at least one internal wire loop that provides extra structural support when the beach blanket is open.
US07661155B2
A lateral driving faucet water outlet seat comprises a water input outer tube placed; a surface of the water input outer tube being formed with a confining portion; a lower clamping stop having a polygonal outer sides; a limiting unit having a hexagonal engaging portion extended from a lower side of the limiting unit for engaging with the outer side of the lower clamping stop; a top of the engaging portion being enlarged with a resisting ring; an inner edge being formed with a limiting portion at a position corresponding to the confining portion of the water input outer tube for confining the rotation of the water input outer tube; an upper clamping stop having a polygonal outer side; and a water outlet base placed upon an upper side of the combining object; the water outlet base having a water outlet hole for receiving the combining section.
US07665146B2
Systems and methods for operation upon a mobile device to handle a duress situation caused by another person. An input password is received from a user. The input password is decoded by the device. Responsive to the input password being a duress indication, a duress operation is performed to protect data on the mobile device.
US07665142B2
An image processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus can easily handle various kinds of documents including a special document and a normal document without problems of counterfeit by copy. The image processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus have a circuit for processing image data. A signal generating circuit generates a signal to prevent an image formation of a specified document. The signal generating circuit is detachably attached to the circuit for processing image data.
US07665141B2
A method of authenticating a copy of a multi-page document, which includes digitizing a said multi-page document to generate one or more digitized files that together comprise a digitized transcript. A mark that is unique to the preparer of the document, such as a signature, is prepared and digitized. The preparer of the document is allowed to deposit the digitized transcript on an online repository. The operator of the online repository immediately establishes a verification process for the deposited digitized transcript. This verification process includes associating the digitized preparer mark with the deposited digitized transcript, and freezing the transcript, by encrypting it and deriving a checksum. The verification process also include associating a repository mark with the transcript. The operator of the online repository defines, under the direction of at least the preparer of the document, security rights to limit or otherwise control access to the deposited digitized transcript. The digitized preparer mark and the digitized repository mark are allowed to appear on substantially all copies of the pages of the document only if the pages have not been altered. If carrying out the verification process verifies that the deposited digitized transcript has not been changed since the verification process was established the marks are displayed with the unaltered page. This display whether the pages are displayed on a monitor or printed in paper form. Each page with this display is thus authenticated as to origin and custody apart from the other pages or the transcript as a whole.
US07665137B1
A system, method and computer program product are provided for scanning data. Initially, a request is received from a central processing unit for reading data saved in storage. The requested data is then scanned. If malicious code is not found in the data during the scanning, the data is transmitted from the storage to the central processing unit. In a similar manner, a request is received for data to be written in storage. In response to the request, the requested data is scanned. If malicious code is not found in the data during the scanning, data is written to the storage.
US07665129B2
In order to control the authorisation of a user during an attempt to access an IP transport network (5) by means of an access network (1, 2), a user terminal (11, 12, 13) emits an access request to an access supplier (6, 7, 8), containing data for authenticating the user to the access supplier, and said request is then transmitted to an access server (9) of the access network (1, 2) in view of being addressed to a remote authentication server (15) of the access supplier. On reception of the access request, the access server (9) emits a RADIUS request to a proxy server (10) of the access network (1, 2) which determines whether the user must be locally authenticated, and if this is the case, the proxy server transmits, to the access server (9), a request for authentication data to be addressed to the terminal of the user, and carries out a local procedure to authenticate the user, on the basis of the authentication data supplied by the user.
US07665127B1
A method and a system for allowing computer-executable applications to efficiently and securely obtain credentials required to access data from a protected Web service utilizes an ID token. The ID token is associated with an IP address of a user's computer, and is validated before providing the credentials to the user's computer.
US07665121B1
A method includes running a set of policies simultaneously using two levels of optimizations. After selecting the policies to be run, the number of technical controls performed is minimized by coalescing (unioning) the technical controls of the policies in the first level of optimization. Further, the number of queries performed is minimized by coalescing (unioning) the queries of the technical controls in the second level of optimization. The technical controls and queries performed are determined by the set of polices that are to be run, in a policy driven manner.
US07665120B2
Example embodiments provide for a rule-based wizard type tool for generating secure policy documents. Wizard pages present a user with general Web Service security options or questions at a user interface, which abstracts the user from any specific code, e.g., XML code, used for creating a Web Service policy document. Based on user input selecting general criteria, security rules are accessed and evaluated for automatically making choices on behalf of the user for creating a secure policy document. Other embodiments also provide for presenting the user with an easily understandable visual representation of selected criteria of a policy document in, e.g., a tree like structure that shows relationships between various elements of the criteria.
US07665117B2
A system and method for associating and controlling multimedia supporting events with a primary event. The events are translated into tasks and sent to media servers for execution at a predetermined time by being further translated into media specific tasks to control a bit-pump.
US07665100B2
There is provided a disk drive including first and second sliding members (69, 71) made to slide in synchronization with each other, a sliding-member movement driving mechanism (70) to move the first sliding member (69) and have the second sliding member (71) slide in synchronization with the sliding of the first sliding member (69), and a shock absorbing mechanism (83) interposed between the first and second sliding members (69, 71). The shock absorbing mechanism (83) includes a shock absorbing member (84) to absorb a difference in movement between the first and second sliding members (69, 71), caused by an external force to the optical disk brought into or to outside a housing (3) through a disk slot (21) in a direction opposite to the direction in which the optical disk (2) is loaded or ejected when the first sliding member (69) is moved by the sliding-member movement driving mechanism (70).
US07665094B2
A mobile communication system uses a runtime environment program which can communicate with a server. Applications are used with their own corresponding application data store. The application data store is persistent even when the applications are not running. The runtime environment program can obtain data from the server to update the application data store. The application can use the application data store. Messages can be cached at the mobile device and the server to allow for possible downtimes in the communication in the mobile unit and the server.
US07665083B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for supporting text-based context links for application programs. In some embodiments, an application executing on a first computer system may receive a request to open a context link to a text element in a document. The application may determine, based on a list of context links, whether more than one data object is associated with the text element. If so, a list of data objects associated with the text element and distinguishing information may be displayed, a selection of a data object from the displayed list may be received, and a selection of an action relating to a context link for the selected data object may be received. In some embodiments, the context link list is created by parsing a document into text elements at the first computer, storing entries representing a plurality of text elements on a list, and transmitting the list to a second computer to determine in the second computer if the text elements are associated with data objects. In some embodiments, before transmitting a data element to a second computer to determine an association with a data object, a software cache is checked to determine if the text element has already been transmitted, with text elements removed from the software cache if the software cache is larger than a threshold amount.
US07665081B1
A system, method and computer program product for software updates includes (a) generating a set of differences between a latest version of a file and a plurality of prior versions of the file, wherein the differences convert any of the plurality of prior versions into the latest version, but not to any other version; (b) publishing the set of differences; and (c) providing, to the client, in response to a client requesting an update to a client's version of the file and the client providing an identifier corresponding to the client's version of the file, a difference between the client's version of the file and one of (i) the latest version of the file, and (ii) a version of the file prior to the latest version.
US07665076B2
Provided is a JIT compiler that changes the status of run-time determined software routines between being activated and deactivated in an application program. Conditional statements which are used at run-time to determine whether such a routine has been activated or deactivated are presented as discrete conditions that always evaluate to a known result by using an invariant flag in the compiled bytecode. The JIT compiler optimises an application program by excluding discrete condition checks. Consequently, if the branch of the discrete condition that will never execute includes a run-time determined software routine, then the routine will be excluded from the JIT compilation and will not form part of the JIT compiled native machine code. A run-time class or code replacement facility is used as a means of activating or deactivating a run-time determined software routine at run-time by changing the value of the invariant flag of said routine.
US07665068B2
Embodiments of the invention provide systems, methods, software products and/or data structures for testing software programs. One exemplary set of embodiments provides a method for testing a software program. The method can be used in an object-oriented environment, and the software application can comprise a plurality of components.
US07665063B1
The present invention provides methods and systems for integrating a procedural computational model with a declarative computational model. For example, in one aspect, the present invention provides a method for integrating a plurality of procedural instructions in a procedural computational system with a plurality of declarative rules in a declarative computational system. In such a method, for each of the procedural instructions operating on one or more variables, a hash table indexed by variable names is utilized to determine whether any of these variables participate in at least one of the declarative rules. Upon execution of a procedural instruction that changes a variable participating in a declarative rule, other variables associated with the rule are updated so as to maintain a relationship imposed by the rule among the variables. The updating of the other variables is performed prior to execution of other procedural instructions.
US07665062B1
A system and methodology for design-time dynamic class type construction is described. In one embodiment, for example, in a form-based development system, a method is described for dynamically constructing a form under an object framework during development of an application by a user, the method comprises steps of: providing an ancestor class under an object framework, the ancestor class for representing a form in the development system; in response to user input, creating a descendant class inheriting from the ancestor class for representing a particular form to be included in the application; generating instructions for creating methods of the descendant class under the object framework; creating a type delegator for the descendant class, thereby enabling the descendant class to track changes made to the particular form during development of the application; creating an instance of the descendant class; and constructing the particular form in the development system based on the instance of the descendant class.
US07665061B2
Code builders can be used to generate code segments that are customized in response to user input. An integrated development environment provides links to one or more code builders that are configured for developing specific types of code. Once a code builder is selected or dragged and dropped on a code editor, a code builder interface is launched that prompts the user for input that will be applied to a document object model describing the basic attributes of the code segment. The code builder then generates the customized code and inserts it into a desired location within the integrated development environment.
US07665060B2
To provide fast mask defect scoring, approximated wafer simulations (e.g. using one convolution) are performed on the defect inspection image and its corresponding reference inspection image. Using the approximated defect wafer image and the approximated reference wafer image generated by these approximated wafer simulations, a defect maximum intensity difference (MID) is computed by subtracting one approximated wafer image from the other approximated wafer image to generate a difference image. After a defect region of the difference image is clearly defined, a simulation at the centroid (i.e. a single point) of the defect region is performed. After the defect MID is computed (represented by an intensity) it can be compared to a prototype MID, which can represent a generic nuisance defect.
US07665055B2
A design method places a dummy line in floating state in a line layer of a semiconductor apparatus by using a computer. The method includes a first step of reading layout data and placing a dummy line with a longitudinal side lying in parallel with a signal line in an area where a pattern density of the signal line in a prescribed area is equal to or lower than a density lower limit, and a second step of dividing a dummy line placed in an area where a distance from the signal line is equal to or shorter than a dummy dividing distance.
US07665045B1
A method and mechanism is disclosed for identifying and tracking nets in an electrical design. A hierarchical design does not have to be flattened to perform the operation of identifying and tracking nets. To identify sets of connected shapes, instead of having to unfold the entire design hierarchy, only the specific instances of shapes falling within the geometric bounds of shapes identified as being part of a net needs to be unfolded to perform the search. When composing the list of nets for a hierarchical design, the unfolded shapes at other hierarchical levels of the design can be derived based upon virtual terminal structures that implicitly references nets and objects at other levels.
US07665039B2
Method and apparatus for controlling a display of a data processing system. According to one embodiment of the invention, a method of controlling a display of a data processing system includes: displaying a first list as a scrollable view of items in a first mode; receiving an input to switch from the first mode to a second mode; and displaying, in the second mode, a representation of a command which when activated causes a display of a second list of the items. The first list is displayed within a window and the representation is displayed within the window. According to another embodiment of the invention, a method of controlling a display of a data processing system includes: displaying, in a first mode, a slider control having a slider which can be positioned in one of a plurality of positions to select a corresponding one of a plurality of parameters; receiving an input to switch from the first mode to a second mode; and displaying, in the second mode, a representation of a command which when activated causes a display of a list of items corresponding to at least a subset of the plurality of parameters.
US07665038B1
Method and apparatus for controlling a display of a data processing system. According to one embodiment of the invention, a method of controlling a display of a data processing system includes: displaying a first list as a scrollable view of items in a first mode; receiving an input to switch from the first mode to a second mode; and displaying, in the second mode, a representation of a command which when activated causes a display of a second list of the items. The first list is displayed within a window and the representation is displayed within the window. According to another embodiment of the invention, a method of controlling a display of a data processing system includes: displaying, in a first mode, a slider control having a slider which can be positioned in one of a plurality of positions to select a corresponding one of a plurality of parameters; receiving an input to switch from the first mode to a second mode; and displaying, in the second mode, a representation of a command which when activated causes a display of a list of items corresponding to at least a subset of the plurality of parameters.
US07665025B2
A system and method that includes line connection navigation in a block diagram by highlighting connections through navigable blocks in the diagram, edit-time label propagation along connections and through navigable blocks that can propagate labels through their ports, API to define navigability between block ports, and displaying implied connections between blocks.
US07665013B2
A spreadsheet package allows a base formula to be copied to at least one adjacent cell to form a referencing array. The package maintains a list of bound arrays, at least one cell of a bound array being referred to from a referencing array formula. If a formula within a referencing array cell includes a reference to a cell outside a bound array, the package indicates an error in the formula.
US07665007B2
A method of reading a data block from a sector of a recording media is described. The data block from the sector of the recording channel is decoded with an ECC decoder (first trial). The data block is re-decoded (second trial) using an adjusted timing recovery block that is adjusted based on the decoded data block, if the number of errors exceeded an error correction capability of the ECC decoder on the first trial. In one embodiment, the data block is reread from the same sector of the recording channel using the adjusted timing recovery block that is adjusted based on the re-decoded data block. The data block is subsequently jointly decoded with the waveforms obtained from the second trial by a possibly modified sequence detector, if the number of errors exceeded the error correction capability of the ECC decoder during the second trial.
US07665005B2
Embodiments of apparatuses, methods, and systems for in situ processor margin testing are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes virtual machine control logic and operating point control logic. The virtual machine control logic is to transfer control of the apparatus between a virtual machine monitor and a guest. The operating point control logic is to set the operating point of the apparatus in connection with a transfer of control of the apparatus to the virtual machine monitor.
US07664996B2
A visible diagnostic component for an electronic device having a form factor is described. The electronic component comprises a hardware interface component and a processor. The hardware interface component is configured to physically interface with a computer hardware interface associated with a computing device having an operating system. The processor is configured to perform a first operation that tests the communications with a device driver that is related to the electronic device. The first operation generates a first signal that indicates the result of the first operation. The second operation performed by the processor tests the communications between the wireless device and the operating system of the computing device. The second operation is configured to generate a second signal that indicates the result of the second operation.
US07664991B1
Embodiments of a system and method for distributed file system I/O recovery in storage networks. Embodiments may detect loss of access to a server in the storage network and recover application I/O requests in real-time once access to the server is restored. Embodiments may detect server and/or network failures and store failed and new I/O requests. Recovery from the failure (e.g. network reconnect, server node reboot, or failover, if this is a clustered environment) may be detected and, after recovery is detected, any stored failed and new I/O requests may be sent to the server. In one embodiment, to detect recovery from the failure, a failed I/O request may be repeatedly re-issued until the I/O request succeeds. Embodiments may be implemented in a variety of storage environments, including environments where clients issue direct I/O over a storage network to storage and control I/O over a network to a server.
US07664984B2
A method and system for updating or recovering a computer device's software image using a single portable operating system image stored on a bootable, secure partition on local storage (hard drive); a method and system utilizing delta image patching technology to allow the single image to work on a large number of diverse computer device platforms; and a method for distributing software patches and updates via a, secure local partition to ensure patches and updates are applied to well known software images that have not been modified to include malicious software and do not include any other undesirable changes that have been made to the primary, running operating system image.
US07664976B2
A controlling circuit for controlling an operating clock of a logic circuit in an electronic device and the method thereof are disclosed. The controlling circuit includes a storage device, a detector, at least one comparator, and a controller. The storage device stores a first threshold value and a first return value. The detector detects a system load of the electronic device to generate a detection value. The comparator compares the detection value with the first threshold value or the first return value. When the detection value decreases to reach the first threshold value, the comparator generates a first indication signal. When the detection value increase to reach the first return value, the comparator generates a second indication signal. The controller enables underclocking of the logic circuit when receiving the first indication signal, and disables underclocking of the logic circuit when receiving the second indication signal.
US07664968B2
A power-managed server data processing system comprises a bus configured to communicatively couple a power-managed server with a data processing system resource and a bus controller coupled to the bus. The bus controller comprises bus control logic configured to process a plurality of access requests associated with the bus, and power management logic configured to inhibit processing of a current access request of the plurality of access requests by the bus control logic for a power management delay time period. The power management delay time period is determined utilizing a processing latency time period associated with a prior access request of the plurality of access requests.
US07664967B2
A development system providing a method for information hiding in executable programs is described. In one embodiment, for example, a method of the present invention is described for hiding information in computer programs, the method comprises steps of: receiving first input comprising program modules for a computer program being created, the program modules including data and code; receiving second input comprising information to be hidden in the computer program; linking together the program modules to form an executable computer program, including determining pads necessary for aligning data and code; and hiding the second input in the executable computer program by storing portions of the second input at locations in the executable computer program intended for pads.
US07664961B2
The invention is directed to a wireless handheld device that securely accesses one or more remote devices subject to locally authenticating a user via biometrics. The device may be implemented as a wireless mouse with a biometric sensor incorporated with a scroll wheel that captures a biometric from the user and authenticates the user to the device using the captured biometric. More specifically, the captured biometric is compared to a template stored in memory. The device transmits a wireless signal, such as a command stream including the user's user name and password, to access the remote devices when the captured biometric matches the template. However, the device does not operate when the user is not authenticated. Accordingly, the invention may be particularly useful to log-on and log-off a user who frequently leaves and returns to a personal computer or various remote devices during the course of a day.
US07664957B2
Methods and systems are provided that allow multiple identity-based digital signatures to be merged into a single identity-based “aggregate” digital signature. This identity-based aggregate signature has a shorter bit-length than the concatenation of the original unaggregated identity-based signatures. The identity-based aggregate signature can be verified by anyone who obtains the public keys of one or more Private Key Generators (PKGs), along with a description of which signer signed which message. The verifier does not need to obtain a different public key for each signer, since the signature scheme is “identity-based”; the number of PKGs may be fewer than the number of signers. Consequently, the total information needed to verify the identity-based aggregate signature—namely, a description of who signed what, the PKGs' public keys, and the identity-based aggregate signature itself—may be less than the information needed to verify separate digital signatures—namely, a description of who signed what, the public verification keys for all of the signers, and the concatenation of the signers' signatures. In some embodiments, the identity-based aggregate signature scheme has essentially the minimum-possible Kolmogorov complexity.
US07664948B2
A certificate validation framework allows for the use of plug-ins for a certificate path builder and certificate path validator. Clients can include a web server clients, SSL certificate validation or application code.
US07664944B2
Accessing files within a compressed image to boot from the compressed image. In one embodiment, the compressed image includes a boot environment and a software image combined to reduce file redundancy. The invention boots into the boot environment within the compressed image to install the software image on a computer.
US07664941B2
A branch prediction method, capable of predicting a first taken branch instruction within a plurality of fetched instructions, includes: determining whether one of the fetched instructions is the first taken branch instruction to be predicted according to hint instruction(s) or according to latest statistics of whether respective fetched instructions have been taken. The branch prediction method further includes: if one of the fetched instructions is determined to be the first taken branch instruction, performing branch prediction on the first taken branch instruction.
US07664936B2
An apparatus for scheduling dispatch of instructions among a plurality of threads being concurrently executed in a multithreading processor is provided. The apparatus includes an instruction decoder that generate register usage information for an instruction from each of the threads, a priority generator that generates a priority for each instruction based on the register usage information and state information of instructions currently executing in an execution pipeline, and selection logic that dispatches at least one instruction from at least one thread based on the priority of the instructions. The priority indicates the likelihood the instruction will execute in the execution pipeline without stalling. For example, an instruction may have a high priority if it has little or no register dependencies or its data is known to be available; or may have a low priority if it has strong register dependencies or is an uncacheable or synchronized storage space load instruction.
US07664931B2
A scalable and fully configurable computing architecture for a mobile multimedia architecture used in a vehicle includes a head unit having a processor, a field programmable gate array and a memory. The processor and the memory are configured to communicate over a first bus that is a dedicated memory bus, and the processor and the field programmable gate array are configured to communicate over a separate second bus. The field programmable gate array is configured to be loaded from memory with part of a multimedia vehicle-related application-specific functionality that is executable by the field programmable gate array, and the processor is cooperatively operable with the field programmable gate array to execute another portion of the multimedia vehicle-related application-specific functionality. The multimedia vehicle-related application-specific functionality in the field programmable gate array may be changed with software and downloaded to the field programmable gate array in the field. In addition, due to the first and second busses being recognized industry standard busses, any of the processor, the field programmable gate array and the memory are fully scaleable and configurable.
US07664918B2
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that handles instruction fetch requests that return out-of-order at an IFU of a processor. During operation, the system sends a request to obtain a cache line to an instruction cache, wherein the request can be serviced and the cache line can be sent to a fetch buffer before a preceding cache line for a preceding request has returned from the instruction cache. In response to the request, the system receives the cache line from the instruction cache. Next, the system determines whether the cache line was returned out-of-order with respect to the preceding cache line. If so, the system performs an action to handle the out-of-order return.
US07664915B2
An acceleration unit offloads computationally intensive tasks from a processor. The acceleration unit includes two data processing paths each having an Arithmetic Logical Unit and sharing a single multiplier unit. Each data processing path may perform configurable operations in parallel on a same data. Special multiplexer paths and instructions are provided to allow P and Q type syndromes to be computed on a stripe in a single-pass of the data through the acceleration unit.
US07664912B2
Disclosed herein is a data recording apparatus which may include a recording data acquisition section, a data recording section, a file management section, a recording control section, and a file updating control section.
US07664909B2
An apparatus and method is provided for allowing one or more processing complexes to share a disk controller, particularly a serial ATA (SATA) controller. Each processing complex utilizes its own load-store domain to couple to the shared SATA controller, either directly, or indirectly through a shared I/O switch. Ultimately, requests from the processing complexes are presented to the switch with operating system domain header (OSD header) information so that the shared SATA controller can determine which request came from which processing complex, and allocate resources accordingly. Upstream responses from the shared SATA controller include the OSD header so that the shared I/O switch can accurately route the responses to their respective processing complexes. The shared SATA controller includes OSD ID logic to determine the source/result of packets, one or more task files to support multiple processing complexes, and one or more DMA engines to improve performance for requests from multiple processing complexes.
US07664897B2
A resource interconnect architecture and associated descriptor protocol provides more efficient communication between different resources in a data processing system. One embodiment uses a backdoor interconnect that allows some resources to communicate without using a central resource interconnect. Another embodiment uses nested descriptors that allow operations by different resources to be chained together without having to communicate back to an originating descriptor resource. In another embodiment, the descriptors are generated in hardware or in software. Other embodiments assign priority or privilege values to the descriptors that optimize processing and error handling performance.
US07664888B2
A multi-port SERDES transceiver includes multiple parallel and serial ports, and the flexibility to connect any one of the parallel or serial ports to another parallel or serial port. The ports include programmable pads that are capable of supporting multiple different data protocols, timing protocols, electrical specifications, and input-output functions. A management data IO pad also enables the transceiver to support different electrical requirements and data protocols at the same time. The substrate layout of the transceiver is configured so that the parallel ports and the serial ports are on the outer perimeter. A logic core is at the center, where the logic core operates the serial and parallel data ports, and the bus that connects the data ports. The bus can be described as a “ring” structure (or donut “structure”) around the logic core, and is configured between the logic core and the data ports.
US07664885B2
The present invention provides a communication system comprising a Master unit (1) and at least one Client unit (3), means to automatically establish a wireless bi-directional connection between said Client unit and said Master unit when they are close together; and means to automatically configure a communication interface (5) between said Master unit and said Client unit after connection is established. The invention thus enables systems with different protocols to find and communicate via said configured communication interface (5).
US07664878B2
A communication system includes a relay apparatus which offers an access link to a mobile terminal, a layer 2 switch which relays data between the relay apparatus and a router on a next hop from a communication destination terminal of the mobile terminal, and a route information notification unit. The route information notification unit notifies, to the relay apparatus and the layer 2 switch in a subnet where the mobile terminal is present, route information including a data link layer unicast address of a packet addressed to the mobile terminal, and a data link layer multicast address thereof in a case where the mobile terminal is activated and in a case where the mobile terminal switches a connection.
US07664877B1
Methods and apparatus for allowing routers in an autonomous system to implement LDP and RSVP at the same time. RSVP can be used in the network core with LDP being used in network regions surrounding the core. LDP LSPs are tunneled through the RSVP network core using RSVP LSPs and label stacking techniques. During route selection LDP LSPs which use an RSVP LSP tunnel are preferred over alternative LDP LSPs having an equal cost associated with them to create a preference for traffic engineered routes.
US07664876B2
A communication protocol includes one or more messages passed between Web routers over a reliable transmission protocol used for inter-Web router communication. These messages include information that allows the Web routers to dynamically update mappings of client addresses or address ranges to information object repository addresses based on client-to-server distance and server load. The mappings are preferably optimal mappings of the client addresses or address ranges to the information object repository addresses and the messages report updated distances from these information object repository addresses to the client addresses or address ranges. For example, the messages may report, for each updated distance, an associated client address or address range and/or an associated anchor address of a Web router co-located with an information object repository that is the subject of the message.
US07664875B1
Communication occurs between a source and a destination over plural communications paths by first identifying content to be sent to a destination via a communications system. After discovering that plural communications paths connecting directly to the destination are available, the content is divided into plural different portions and is transmitted to the destination such that each of the plural different portions is routed via a different one of the plural communications paths.
US07664871B2
A method for employing a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP protocol) for transmitting streamed digital media data from a server. The server is configured for coupling to a client computer via a computer network. The method includes receiving at the server from the client an HTTP POST request. The POST request requests a first portion of the digital media data and includes a request header and a request entity-body. The request entity body includes a media command for causing the first portion of the digital media data to be sent from the server to the client. The method further includes sending an HTTP response to the client from the server. The HTTP response includes a response header and a response entity body. The response entity body includes at least a portion of the fast portion of the digital media data.
US07664866B2
A logical network directory database compliant with the X.500 standard for a directory data system is disclosed. The network directory database provides a source of subscriber and service data accessible by various control and management processes that require subscriber information. The network directory database may be extensible across various communications service providers and IT domain. Further, the disclosed network directory database may be applied to new and existing services, such as, IP Multimedia Subsystem, Unlicensed Mobile Access (UMA) and other IP services.
US07664861B2
A system and method for managed peer-to-peer (p2p) file sharing. The peer nodes can include a web browser and a p2p agent. The web browser can connect to the Internet and can interface with the p2p agent. The p2p agent provides the file sharing utilities for implementing the p2p network. A web server connected to the Internet can monitor and manage p2p activity, including providing persistent storage for the p2p networks. The web server can interface with a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to provide access to the p2p network for PSTN peer nodes that do not have web browsing capabilities. A method of implementing managed p2p file sharing includes registering users; providing login and logout functions; creating p2p sessions; preparing, forwarding, receiving, accepting and/or rejecting invitations to join p2p sessions; quitting p2p sessions; deleting p2p sessions or selected members of p2p sessions; and sharing and transferring files.
US07664860B2
A method includes, in a network, representing a first request from a first user as a first ClientUser, assigning the first ClientUser to a ServerSession, the ServerSession having one or more ClientSessions, each of the ClientSessions allowing a server to have a single session for all first user requests from the server. The method includes, in a client/server network, providing a session that can be common to all connections to a web server by a user.
US07664859B2
In a system which divides requests to an application, into computers on which the application is operating, computers are managed so as to prevent the lowering of the service level of each application. The resource assigning management apparatus 1 subtracts a total number of request counts (receive request count) received per unit tame by each server computer which is assigned to the application, from the total number of requests processible per unit time by each server computer 3 which is assigned to the application (request processible count), and calculates a resource amount available from the application to another application. Then, allocation of at least one server computer 3 that is assigned to the resource-excessive application is changed to an application which is lacking resources.
US07664855B1
Techniques are described for mitigating adverse effects of port scanning within a network device. For example, an apparatus, such as a router, responds to all network connection request packets received from a client for all ports on an attached server as if all of the server's ports are open. Once a network connection is established between the router and the client, a network connection request is transmitted to the server for a requested port. Using the router to establish a full network connection with the client eliminates a unscrupulous client from sending numerous decoy network connection request messages in an effort to hide the identity of the client. By responding to all network connection requests by establishing a TCP full connection before a network connection request is forwarded to a server, a client receives no useful information regarding the state of a port on the server before providing a valid and detectable IP address. Stealth port scanning is rendered ineffective. Only connect scan-type port scanning, which is both detectible and defendable, may be used to identify open ports on a server.
US07664848B2
A system and method are provided for monitoring networked devices using RSS. Status information from the one or more networked devices may be collected by an RSS aggregator. The status information may be assembled into one or more RSS feeds, enabling a user such as an administrator to monitor the status of the network from any network accessible location.
US07664847B2
Approaches for manage and measuring workload on computer resources by measuring workload in ways that are independent of physical hardware and that correlate to ways in which it is desirable to measure and manage workload for applications and clients. Specifically, logical abstractions of workload, referred to as services, are defined for a cluster of nodes running a multi-node database server of a database. A service is a category of work hosted on a subset of multi-node database servers, such as work that is performed for an online order entry application. The workload is measured and demarcated by the service no matter which node in a single or multi-node system performs the service, providing a global view of performance realized by the system.
US07664845B2
A system and method provide comprehensive and highly automated testing of vulnerabilities to intrusion on a target network, including identification of operating system, identification of target network topology and target computers, identification of open target ports, assessment of vulnerabilities on target ports, active assessment of vulnerabilities based on information acquired from target computers, quantitative assessment of target network security and vulnerability, and hierarchical graphical representation of the target network, target computers, and vulnerabilities in a test report. The system and method employ minimally obtrusive techniques to avoid interference with or damage to the target network during or after testing.
US07664844B2
A method, system, and program for managing network errors communicated in a message transaction with error information using a troubleshooting agent. A network facilitates message transactions between a requester and a responder for facilitating web services. When a non-application specific error occurs in relation to a particular message transaction, such as a network error, a protocol layer assigns an error code and either the requester or responder encodes the error code in the body of an envelope added to the particular message transaction. In particular, the message transaction is an XML message with a Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) envelope encoded with the error code to which the XML message is then attached. The error encoded message transaction is forwarded to a troubleshooting agent. The troubleshooting agent facilitates resolution of the non-application specific error and returns a descriptive message indicating the resolution of the non-application specific error to at least one of the requester and the responder.
US07664843B2
A system and method for providing a technique by which currently available MCUs can handle the large amounts of information present in a large GPON network, without adding expense and complexity to the network elements. A system for managing a telecommunications network comprises a control unit controlling a plurality of components of an optical telecommunications network, a plurality of components of the optical telecommunications network, each component comprising at least one managed entity of the optical telecommunications network, and a database comprising information relating to the managed entities, wherein the database is distributed across the control unit and the plurality of components of the optical telecommunications network.
US07664836B2
System, device, method, computer, computer program and computer program product for computer booting devices not coupled to an internal local bus of the computer to be booted. Boot device may be network-attached device directly coupled to computer over network and not through another computer or server process. Method for redirecting booting process to look away from storage devices coupled to internal computer bus, and to look for external devices on network. Method of booting computer with operating system from storage device including executing a boot block loader program in the processor and memory of computer to be booted that before loading an operating system, loads device driver for accessing storage device; loading the operating system from storage device that is not directly coupled to internal local bus of computer using the device driver, to processor accessible memory; and booting computer from loaded operating system. Computer program and computer program product.
US07664828B2
Implementations are described and claimed herein to detect an invalid policy that may reside in a cache at a client. An expired policy is removed from cache and a current policy is requested. Otherwise the cached policy may be used. The client indicates which policy it is using by generating a policy digest, including, in compressed form, one or more assertions. If the host determines the policy digest is invalid, the host issues an invalid digest fault. If the policy digest is valid, but the assertions included in the policy digest are invalid, the host issues an invalid policy fault. In either case, the client is notified that the cached policy is no longer valid and that a current policy should be requested.
US07664823B1
A packet processing system includes multiple processors and a set of code partitions that implement a feature set for packet processing. Each of the processors is capable of loading and executing one or more of the code partitions. A context manager enables packet processing operations to migrate between code partitions executing on one or more of the processors.
US07664822B2
A protocol management system is capable of detecting certain message protocols and applying policy rules to the detected message protocols that prevent intrusion, or abuse, of a network's resources. In one aspect, a protocol message gateway is configured to apply policy rules to high level message protocols, such as those that reside at layer 7 of the ISO protocol stack.
US07664801B2
A system and apparatus to provide remote interactive access to multiple databases and, specifically, related to a system and apparatus to provide remote interactive access to real estate information related databases using a portable, voice interactive computing device with GPS capabilities and “smart” computer features. The system combines access to search engines configured to retrieve real estate listings, publicly available statistics about a specific geographic area, and retrieval of stored forms specific to completing an offer for real estate. The device can have several components in various combinations including a touch sensitive screen, a keyboard, a processor, GPS circuitry, a microphone, an audio device, wireless circuitry, cellular circuitry, a data jack, a wireless remote, and a camera. Software utilizing those components maximizes efficiency for a real estate agent in the field.
US07664796B2
A system and method using hardware and software components enable a storage module to maintain information about an associated storage device and its content such that the information is accessible when the storage device is offline or in a low power configuration. A general-computing host system connects to the storage module via a pluggable interface to provide information to a nonvolatile memory cache on the storage module. The storage module includes a separate power source, an output display, input buttons, and a module controller. The host system includes an application and host platform for processing file-system related events to send records to the module controller to automatically update a catalog representing storage device information in the nonvolatile memory. When offline, the user may display the catalog information and use the buttons to navigate among it. The host system may also allow the user to interactively review and modify the catalog.
US07664795B2
Systems and methods consistent with concepts of the present embodiment of the inventive concept provide mechanisms for database migration from one database (source database platform) platform to another (target database platform). The target and source databases can be any relational databases including, without limitation, Oracle, SQL Server (Microsoft), DB2 UDB (IBM), Sybase, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and the like. The inventive methodology will work well for migration of any relational database that implements SQL language from one platform to another. A feature of the invention is the provision of a virtual engine enabling the running of an original application on a migrated database.
US07664789B2
The present invention provides a method of determining whether database located on a first router is synchronized with the database located on a second router by performing a hash function on the values contained in a link state database to derive a SHA-1 digest value. In an embodiment, the digest value is based on LSA type. The digest value is exchanged initially during a database description packet swap between the first router and second router. If the digest values are the same, the databases are already synchronized. The routers thus skip the database description packet exchange of LSAs in the database and go directly to FULL state, indicating full synchronization between databases on the first and second router and announcing adjacency to each other. If the digest differs, normal database description packet exchange is performed as specified in OSPF.
US07664784B2
A High-Performance, Scalable, Adaptive and Multi-dimensional Event Repository is described and utilized in a method for publishing an event in a database. The present method includes transparently intercepting a request to a database to publish an event. A messaging system operable with the database intercepts the request. The present method further includes examining an event repository for a template of the event. The event repository is operable with the database and the messaging system. The present method additionally includes retrieving the event template from the event repository. The present method also includes marshalling the event template to create the event. The present method also includes publishing the event in an event queue.
US07664783B2
A file management program for managing a file or a directory by means of a long filename of a file system that corresponds to a long filename for retrieval and a short filename of the file system that corresponds to a short filename for retrieval, includes having a computer perform a naming function for naming the short filename including at least one part of file management information in the file system that corresponds to the long filename for retrieval.
US07664777B2
A Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) having any arbitrary structure is translated into a multi-dimensional data model suitable for performing OLAP operations upon. If a relational table defining the relational model includes any tables with cardinality of 1,1 or 0,1, the tables are merged into a single table. If the relational table is not normalized, then normalization is performed and a relationship between the original table and the normalized table is created. If the relational table is normalized, but not by dependence between columns, such as in the dimension table in a snowflake schema, the normalization process is performed using the foreign key in order to generate the normalized table. Once the normalized table is generated, OLAP measures are derived from the normalized relational table by an automated method. In addition, OLAP dimensions are derived from the normalized relational table and the results of the OLAP measures derivation by an automated method according to the present invention. According to an aspect, it is possible to associate a member of a dimension to another member of the same or another dimension. According to another aspect, it is possible to create a new dimension of analysis, the members of which are all the different values that a scalar expression can take on. According to yet another aspect, it is possible to access the various instances of a Reporting Object as members in an OLAP dimension. According to the yet another aspect, it is possible to apply opaque filters or a combination of them to the data that underlies analysis.
US07664774B2
The subject disclosure pertains to exploitation of sequence information in a workload for the purpose of performance tuning. An optimal or exhaustive approach to tune sequences by mapping to a shortest path problem is provided as well as powerful techniques that result in optimal or nearly optimal solutions. Also disclosed is greedy approach that is much more efficient than the optimal approach and yet also generates solutions of comparable quality. Further yet, systems and methods are provided that facilitate extraction of sequence information and implementation of recommendations.
US07664759B2
A method and system for storing and retrieving alphanumeric (83) and binary data values (78) includes storing in a tabular data archive (60) an open tabular format XML file (62) containing a plurality of alphanumeric data values (83) and meta-information (84). Meta-information (84 and 80) describes a predetermined set of characteristics of the alphanumeric data values (83) and binary data values (78). The method and system store in the tabular data archive (60) a plurality of individual binary files (64) each comprising exactly one binary data value (163, 164, 165, 166) and further describe the binary files (64) using the predetermined set of characteristics (80). The method further includes storing in the open tabular format XML file (62) a plurality of references (90) to the individual binary files (64). Thereafter, the open tabular format XML file (62) may be parsed for selectably retrieving at least one predetermined subset of the plurality of alphanumeric data values (83) and of the plurality of binary data values stored in individual binary files (64).
US07664749B1
A method and apparatus for ranked join indices includes a solution providing performance guarantees for top-k join queries over two relations, when preprocessing to construct a ranked join index for a specific join condition is permitted. The concepts of ranking join indices presented herein are also applicable in the case of a single relation. In this case, the concepts herein provide a solution to the top-k selection problem with monotone linear functions, having guaranteed worst case search performance for the case of two ranked attributes and arbitrary preference vectors.
US07664744B2
In response to a user's submission of a set of query terms through an Internet search engine's user interface, the Internet search engine automatically ranks multiple verticals based on the estimated probabilities that those verticals will contain relevant content. After the verticals have been ranked, a set of the highest-ranked verticals is selected. Search results from each of the verticals in the selected set are presented to the user. Thus, the user may obtain a sample from verticals that are the most likely to contain relevant content. The search engine may rank a set of verticals based on historical search result selection data for similar sets of query terms. The historical search result selection data for a set of query terms indicates, for each vertical, the number of times that any user selected a search result from that vertical after conducting a search based on that set of query terms.
US07664736B2
An apparatus, device, method, computer program product, and system that searches a plurality of end user assistances respectively corresponding to a plurality of items for an end user assistance correlating with a user-selected item. Each end user assistance of the plurality of end user assistances respectively having been obtained in response to the prior presence within a geographic locale of the corresponding item.
US07664732B2
The present invention relates to a search engine that provides information on a predetermined website on the Internet. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of managing websites registered in a search engine in a search engine administration system, comprising the steps of allowing a predetermined interface module to receive information on a website and allowing a website registration module to sort the received website information by the predetermined field and then to record the sorted information in a database means; extracting a HTML file constituting web pages of the website; detecting a predetermined function that generates a pop-up window by analyzing the extracted HTML file; increasing a predetermined counter value as much as a given value depending on the number of pop-up windows generated due to the detected function; determining whether the counter value exceeds a predetermined value; and if it is determined that the counter value exceeds the predetermined value, controlling a predetermined process to be performed for the registered website.
US07664726B2
Systems and/or methods are presented that facilitate determining the contextual influence of a user in referrals of products or services, and determining an amount of compensation for successful referrals based on the contextual influence of the user. A central service component can track activity and receive data associated with referrals, including data related to the number and type of referrals, and the number of successful referrals. An evaluation component can analyze referral data associated with the user and can determine a conversion ratio as the number of successful referrals compared to the total number of referrals. The evaluation component can utilize the conversion ratio to facilitate determining an amount of compensation that can be awarded and distributed to the user based on the influence of the user within the context of the product or service referred by the user.
US07664725B2
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that transparently maps a request to open a data file. First, the system receives a request from a user or client application to open the data file. Next, the system determines from file meta information that the file is a relational data file, and proceeds to transparently map the file open operation to a corresponding relational database operation by discovering a database service configured to manage the relational data file and then sending a request to open the relational data file to this database service. By transparently mapping the file open operation to the corresponding relational database operation, the system allows an underlying data file to be changed to a relational data file without changing the way the user interacts with the client application and/or data file.
US07664723B2
The transformation of a symbolic representation using an inverted match that represents an inverted form of a specific kind of non-linear match. The match is inverted around a particular reaction variable and merged on that variable after determining that the match represents a specific kind of non-linear identity that has at least one associative commutative operator, and in which each variable has one instance, except for the reaction variable, which has multiple instances in the match, at least one of the instances not being a direct argument of an associative commutative operator. The inverted match may then be applied to the symbolic expression to thereby transform the symbolic expression.
US07664720B1
In one embodiment, a method of providing a graphical user interface (GUI) for a plurality of optimization solvers is provided. The method includes providing the GUI for the plurality of optimization solvers, the GUI including a control to select a solver from the plurality of solvers; receiving a selection of a first solver from the plurality of optimization solvers; and displaying in the GUI contents tailored to the first solver, the GUI contents including an objective function, wherein the objective function is in an expression in an array-based language.
US07664711B2
Apparatus, methods and computer programs provided for metering and accounting in a commercial e-services infrastructure address the requirement for handling composite services in which higher-level services are built using simpler underlying services, each of which may be autonomously owned and operated. Metering records for each service underlying a composite service are correlated, enabling accounting which takes account of the usage and charges associated with the underlying services, on a per-request basis or on an aggregated basis for each customer-provider pair over a given billing period.
US07664710B2
An indicia authentication system includes a franking device for embedding identification and encrypted authentication data into indicia and applying the indicia to an article, and a computing device for utilizing the identification data to retrieve a key for deciphering the encrypted authentication data, where the computing device is adapted to utilize the deciphered authentication data to determine the validity of the indicia.
US07664701B2
A method and apparatus for shielding a user's private billing data, such as credit card information, or other billing arrangements, but distributing different billing data to businesses during commerce therewith. Also disclosed is assigning the different billing data through real-time and advance distribution of the different billing data to a user, as well. Also disclosed is validating the correctness of a charge through confirmation of the charge with a financial institution, such as a bank, and by comparing itemized charges against expected charges identified by the user.
US07664700B1
A system for and method of administering payouts under an individual annuity contract is provided. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a computer system is provided which includes a memory for storing individual annuity contract data relating to a individual annuity contract which provides the contract owner with the option to withdraw principal from the annuity during the payout phase, and a processor programmed to process and issue principal payouts as selected by the annuitant.
US07664699B1
Temporary credit card information is automatically obtained and input to online credit card purchases allowing users to protect their actual credit card information from interception while shopping online.
US07664698B2
The Simplified Internet Payment, Security, & Tax Administration Protocol (SIPSTAP) is designed to simplify the payment procedure on the World Wide Web to enable uniform, easier, and secured access to buying and selling on the web. The invention overcomes the limitations of geographical location, currency and, non- possession of credit cards which deter most would- be users, by involving a third party whose major role is to generate Internet System of Values which can be purchased anywhere on the globe. It envisages that user access to the web may be through their email address, and by attaching electronic accounts to email addresses, Internet users will be able to purchase as many units as desired to credit their accounts while, online purchases are debited. The third party playing the role of an intermediary transfers the transaction sums to the merchants on the buyer's behalf.
US07664695B2
A method, system and computer program to monitor securities market activity to seek out imbalances in market activity that could lead to a price change in a particular security. Level 2 data is analyzed to track the activity of market makers and to derive an indicator of momentary upward or downward price pressure. The indicator associated with each selected security is displayed to a user.
US07664677B2
Multiple simultaneous auctions can be monitored and participated in using a single bidding device operated by a single remote bidder. A multi-windowed environment allows for the display of active bidding windows and docked bidding windows. The active bidding windows are fully functional bidding windows and include auction status, product information and the like. The docked bidding windows provide a subset of the information but, nonetheless provide real-time auction status information and allows for bidders to enter bids into the auctioning process without having to move the bidding window into an active status. A customer-identifier selector of identifier allows the remote bidder to associate a customer with a particular bidding window. The customer-identifier advantageously helps the remote bidder to track who purchased items are associated with, as well as providing control structure over the bidding process.
US07664675B2
The present invention relates to a distribution aiding system, a distribution aiding server, a distribution aiding method, and a distribution aiding program capable of selling articles without individual trading conditions being known to a maker, other users or other dealers, and is so configurated that a user retrieves or selects a necessary article, the user registers order information according to the selected article, and a dealer in charge of the user registers order-acceptance condition information to be added to the order information, and notifies the user of the order-acceptance condition information.
US07664674B2
A system and method for supply chain and inventory risk management that supplies inventory from a manufacturer to a plurality of customers. An owner entity of the system is transferred a plurality of customer agreements which describe requirements for the distribution of the inventory to the customers in agreed-upon amounts in exchange for agreed-upon payments. Transfer of the customer agreements allows an electronic system of the owner entity to forecast and place orders purchasing from the manufacturer the amount of inventory that will be needed by the customers. Further, the transfer of the agreements increases the certainty that inventory purchased by the owner will be sold to the customer. The electronic owner system may also commission the services of a logistics agent that is capable of providing shipping and handling services customized to high-risk inventory, such as electronic components, increasing the owner's profit on the sale of the inventory.
US07664672B1
A conditional purchase offer (CPO) management system is disclosed for receiving CPOs from one or more customers, such as airline passengers, and for evaluating the received CPOs against a number of CPO rules defined by a plurality of sellers, such as airlines, to determine whether any seller is willing to accept a given CPO. A CPO is a binding offer containing one or more conditions submitted by a customer for purchase of an item, such as airline travel, at a customer-defined price. A CPO rule is a set of restrictions defined by a given seller, such as an airline, to define a combination of restrictions for which the seller is willing to accept a predefined price. The CPO rules may be securely stored by one or more servers. The CPO management system permits a seller to correct for forecasting errors, if necessary, or other competitive forces which have produced excess capacity, by providing inventory for sale to CPO customers.
US07664671B2
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for profile-based forecasting with dynamic profile selection. Some method embodiments may comprise determining a reference set of profiles from a source set of profiles, and using the reference set of profiles to generate a forecast. The reference set determination comprises at least comparing a current, partial profile to each profile in the source set to obtain a similarity measurement for each profile in the source set.
US07664659B2
A computerized system method for displaying a predicted length of stay and actual length of stay in an inpatient healthcare facility for a patient is provided. A predicted length of stay and an actual length of inpatient stay in a healthcare facility for a patient are accessed. The predicted length of stay and the actual length of inpatient stay for the patient are displayed concurrently.