US07804095B2

Provided is an image display device comprising, on a TFT substrate: a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of drain lines which intersect with each other; a pixel TFT provided within a pixel which is enclosed by a pair of adjacent gate lines and a pair of adjacent drain lines; a gate driver TFT which is connected to one of the plurality of gate lines to drive the one of the plurality of gate lines, wherein the pixel TFT and the gate driver TFT each include an amorphous semiconductor film as a channel, wherein the pixel TFT has a bottom gate structure, wherein the gate driver TFT has a dual gate structure, and wherein a mobility on a top surface side of the semiconductor film of the gate driver TFT is higher than a mobility on a top surface side of the semiconductor film of the pixel TFT.
US07804088B2

A semiconductor device includes a substrate and a semiconductor layer having a channel region, the channel region is made from an oxide semiconductor which satisfies Vc/Va>4 where Vc is a volume ratio of a crystalline component and Va is a volume ratio of a non-crystalline component.
US07804081B2

A radiation conversion panel allows recorded radiation image information to be read therefrom with high accuracy while reliably avoiding adverse effects of residual past radiation image information that remains in the radiation conversion panel. When a radiation conversion panel storing radiation image information therein is scanned by reading light from a reading light source, the radiation image information is read from first linear electrode layers, and scanned position information is read from a first linear electrode layer of a marker. A corrector corrects presently read radiation image information based on past radiation image information and scanned position information to acquire radiation image information free from the effect of a residue of the past radiation image information.
US07804071B2

An image detection device includes a sensor panel and a light. The sensor panel includes a semiconductor layer, which is formed on a substrate formed of a member having a light transmitting property and generates charges in response to X-rays radiated thereto, two pairs of electrodes each pair disposed in confrontation with each other, and a plurality of accumulating portions formed between the semiconductor layer and the substrate to accumulate the charges generated to the semiconductor layer as the information of the pixels constituting an image. The light radiates light to the surface of the sensor panel on the substrate side thereof. The respective electrodes of the accumulating portions are formed so that light having at least a predetermined intensity is radiated from the light to the regions of the semiconductor layer where the accumulating portions are formed.
US07804070B1

A scanning device processes a multi-point simultaneous acquisition. The acquisition is processed for an infra-red diffuse optical tomography. An intensity modulated light is used with a frequency domain analysis theorem to obtain a reconstructed scanning image. The fibers are capable of a vertical movement and a radial movement. Thus, a precise image showing optical-information data is obtained with a low cost, even through scanning at a minimal angle.
US07804061B2

The invention relates to a method for the machine-reading of markings on/in transparent, especially pane-type, marking carriers, especially glass panes, according to which the marking carrier (2) is illuminated with UV light at least during the period of a machine-reading process of a marking, especially by means of a reading device (4), in order to increase the contrast between a marking (5) and the marking carrier (2). The invention also relates to a device for the machine-reading of markings in transparent, especially pane-type, marking carriers, especially glass panes, comprising at least one reading device (4) for markings arranged on/in a marking carrier, and at least one illumination device (4) is provided for increasing the contrast between a marking (5) and the surrounding transparent marking carrier (2) by illuminating the marking carrier (2) with UV light.
US07804057B2

The invention relates to an optical substance manipulator capable of continuing to apply a continued force of action to moving substances without being limited by the flowing conditions for the substances yet with a wide manipulation margin and with efficiency, thereby continuously carrying out various manipulations such as separation, concentration, mixing, and deflection. Specifically, the invention provides an optical substance manipulator capable of manipulating microscopic particles dispersed in a flowing fluid by means of light pressure, characterized by comprising an optical system that forms multiple linear light-collective areas simultaneously with respect to a fluid that flows on a subject surface (5), and further comprising, in optical paths forming the respective linear light-collective areas, means (CL1), (CL2) adapted to adjust directions of the linear light-collective areas on the subject surface and means (M1), (M2) adapted to adjust positions of the linear light-collective areas.
US07804049B2

An electrical oven has a housing and a plurality of resistors in the housing electrically energizeable to radiate heat. At least one of the resistors subdivides the housing into an upper baking chamber and a lower baking chamber. A support frame in the housing including a pair of bars flanking the one resistor so as to deflect radiant energy therefrom into the upper and lower chambers. This support frame forms seats holding the one resistor.
US07804044B2

A heating device having a layer containing electrically conductive plastic. The layer exhibits adhesive characteristics at least in some sections on at least one side. A heatable object equipped with a heating device of this type. The layer containing electrically conductive plastic is connected to at least one component of an object. A. radiant heating system including a support and a heating layer containing electrically conductive plastic, whereby the heating layer is formed by a flexible film and the support is also flexible. Methods to produce such products and apparatus.
US07804041B2

The laser machining device is provided for drilling holes in components of a fluid injection device, particularly for injecting fuel into a combustion engine. The laser resonator is formed by an optically pumped diode laser solid state active medium. The resonator is arranged for supplying primary pulses in the microsecond range. Modulation means are arranged between the resonator and a machining head for modulating the amplitude of the primary pulses supplied by the resonator, so as to obtain a secondary pulse train of smaller length for each of said pulses.
US07804030B2

A circuit board (1) has a top face (2) for positioning an electronic component and a bottom face (4) used as a support on a heat-dissipating base. A plurality of heat transfer holes (12) provide heat transfer from the top face (2) to the bottom face (4). The heat transfer holes (12) are unevenly or non-uniformly distributed on the top face (2) in such a way that the top face (2) is provided with several free sectors (14) which are free of heat transfer holes (12) in order to connect the electronic component to the circuit board (1). The free sectors (14) are configured as columns or lines. A plurality of heat transfer holes (12) are placed at least along the long sides of the free sectors (14). The circuit board has a low thermal resistance between the electronic component and the heat-dissipating base.
US07804026B2

An enclosure for wiring devices such as switches and receptacles is provided. A housing member has a main front chamber, a main rear chamber and a central dividing wall separating the front chamber from the rear chamber. The housing has an open front leading to the front chamber. The rear chamber is divided into a plurality of electrical feed ports through which electrical power is provided to and may be taken from the enclosure. The feed ports each have an open back providing access to the ports but not to the main front chamber. A front plate member sized to completely cover and seal the open front of said front chamber is permanently attached to the housing to make a fully enclosed factory sealed enclosure in the front chamber. The front chamber contains a wiring device. Hot, neutral and ground busses extend between and interconnect the feed ports. These busses have segments extending through the dividing wall and connected to a wiring device. The present invention is designed primarily for safety but because of the use of fewer components and because of a greater ease of installation, significant labor savings also result from the present invention.
US07804025B2

A compact magnetic cable noise suppressor may be provided for suppressing electromagnetic cable noise. The compact magnetic noise suppressor may be formed from a ferrite material or other magnetic material with a high permeability. The compact magnetic cable noise suppressor may be mounted within a chassis of a cable connector or may otherwise be attached to a cable. The magnetic cable noise suppressor may have portions that define a cable entrance, a cable exit, and a cable path. The cable path contains at least one bend. The cable path may contain multiple bends, may contain loops, may contain spirals, and may contain one or more vertically separated layers. The cable entrance and exit may be aligned or may be at different lateral or vertical positions. The cable entrance and exit may be on opposing sides of the noise suppressor or may be on adjacent sides of the noise suppressor.
US07804022B2

A solar cell includes negative metal contact fingers electrically connected to N-type diffusion regions of the solar cell and positive metal contact fingers electrically connected to P-type diffusion regions of the solar cell. Both the N-type and P-type diffusion regions are on the backside of the solar cell. The solar cell includes a front side that faces the sun during normal operation. The negative and positive metal contact fingers may be interdigitated. For increased solar radiation collection, the metal contact fingers may be arranged to point to and collectively cover portions of a perimeter of a solder pad. For example, the negative metal contact fingers may be arranged to point to and collectively cover two or three sides of a solder pad.
US07804020B2

A photovoltaic module includes a plurality of photovoltaic devices, a first filling material formed by a resin having a first soften temperature which is disposed in an area where the photovoltaic devices are disposed, a second filling material having a second soften temperature which is disposed in an area other than the area where the photovoltaic devices are disposed, a front surface protecting material disposed on the first filling material and the second filling material. The second soften temperature is higher than the first soften temperature.
US07804015B1

A musical instrument assembly including a support frame; at least a first lateral slide bar; a slide shaft and slide sleeve assembly interconnecting the at least first lateral slide bar and the support frame; a cable pull actuator having upwardly extended contact pedal; a “C” channel assembly interconnecting the cable pull actuator and the at least first lateral slide bar; a percussion instrument; an instrument striker; a striker driver operatively interconnecting the instrument striker and the percussion instrument; and a flexible tube and cable combination interconnecting the cable pull actuator and the striker driver for, upon foot driven retraction of the cable pull actuator's contact pedal, actuating the striker driver for percussive contact of the instrument striker against the percussion instrument.
US07804000B2

According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH602914. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH602914, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH602914 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH602914.
US07803994B2

A soybean cultivar designated 6547272 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 6547272, to the plants of soybean 6547272, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 6547272 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 6547272 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from soybean variety 6547272, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 6547272 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 6547272 with another soybean cultivar.
US07803990B2

This invention relates generally to the field of plant molecular biology. More specifically, this invention relates to methods and reagents for the temporally- and/or spatially-regulated expression of genes, particularly in plant seeds and related female reproductive tissue. The present invention also provides compositions and methods for regulating expression of heterologous nucleotide sequences in a plant. Compositions comprise novel nucleotide sequences for a seed-preferred promoter known as eep1. A method for expressing a heterologous nucleotide sequence in a plant using the promoter sequences disclosed herein is provided. The method comprises transforming a plant cell to comprise a heterologous nucleotide sequence operably linked to one of the promoters of the present invention and regenerating a stably transformed plant from the transformed plant cell.
US07803988B2

The invention provides a transformation method comprising inoculation and co-cultivation of a target tissue, from a target plant, with Agrobacterium, at a time when the target tissue is in its natural plant environment, followed by generation of a transgenic plant via dedifferentiation and regeneration of the target tissue.
US07803984B2

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for controlling nematode infestation of plants. In particular, the present invention provides vectors comprising sequences designed to control nematodes by RNA interference (RNAi) and transgenic plants transformed with such vectors.
US07803982B2

The present invention relates to the discovery, identification and characterization of a receptor protein, referred to herein as T1R3, which is expressed in taste receptor cells and associated with the perception of bitter and sweet taste. The invention encompasses transgenic animals and cells that do not express functional T1R3 protein, particularly knock-out animals and cells, and transgenic animals and cells that express a non-native T1R3 protein. Experimental model systems based on these animals and cells can be used to study T1R3-mediated taste transduction and responses of the components of the T1R3 signal transduction pathway to various tastants, furthering our understanding of the molecular biology and biochemistry of taste. Such model systems would also be useful for screening for novel tastants and taste modulators, such as enhancers of desirable flavors, and blockers of undesirable flavors.
US07803973B2

Dehydrohalogenation processes for the preparation of fluoropropenes from corresponding halopropanes, in which the fluoropropenes have the formula CF3CY═CXNHP, wherein X and Y are independently hydrogen or a halogen selected from fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine; and N and P are independently integers equal to 0, 1 or 2, provided that (N+P)=2.
US07803970B2

This invention provides a class of androgen receptor targeting agents (ARTA). The agents define a new subclass of compounds, which are selective androgen receptor modulators (SARM). Several of the SARM compounds have been found to have an unexpected androgenic and anabolic activity of a nonsteroidal ligand for the androgen receptor. Other SARM compounds have been found to have an unexpected antiandrogenic activity of a nonsteroidal ligand for the androgen receptor. The SARM compounds, either alone or as a composition, are useful for a) male contraception; b) treatment of a variety of hormone-related conditions, for example conditions associated with Androgen Decline in Aging Male (ADAM), such as fatigue, depression, decreased libido, sexual dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, hypogonadism, osteoporosis, hair loss, anemia, obesity, sarcopenia, osteopenia, osteoporosis, benign prostate hyperplasia, alterations in mood and cognition and prostate cancer; c) treatment of conditions associated with Androgen Decline in Female (ADIF), such as sexual dysfunction, decreased sexual libido, hypogonadism, sarcopenia, osteopenia, osteoporosis, alterations in cognition and mood, depression, anemia, hair loss, obesity, endometriosis, breast cancer, uterine cancer and ovarian cancer; d) treatment and/or prevention of acute and/or chronic muscular wasting conditions; e) preventing and/or treating dry eye conditions; f) oral androgen replacement therapy; and/or g) decreasing the incidence of, halting or causing a regression of prostate cancer.
US07803959B2

Methods are provided for preparing aromatic silicon-containing compounds. The methods include providing an aromatic starting material; reacting the aromatic starting material with a base to form an aromatic salt; and reacting the aromatic salt with a halo-alkylene-silane to form an aromatic silicon-containing compound. Compositions prepared by these methods, protective layers that include hydrolysis and condensation products of such compositions, electrophotographic photoreceptors that include such protective layers, and image forming apparatuses that include such electrophotographic photoreceptors are also provided. In addition, method for preparing electrophotographic photoreceptors that include protective layers including hydrolysis and condensation products of aromatic silicon-containing compounds prepared by the methods for preparing aromatic silicon-containing compounds are provided.
US07803945B2

Compounds of a certain formula (I), in which Ra and Rb have the meanings indicated in the description, are novel effective compounds with anti-proliferative and/or apoptosis inducing activity.
US07803936B2

The invention provides a novel method of labeling oligonucleotides, with reporter moieties, including but not limited to, quenchers, fluorophores, biotin, digoxigenin, peptides and proteins. In addition, this invention provides a method of detecting hybridization of oligonucleotides. This invention also provides novel azo quenchers having the general formula shown below. The invention further provides compositions comprising labeled oligonucleotides and solid supports. The invention also provides kits comprising at least one composition of the present invention.
US07803935B2

Biscationic organic compounds are disclosed which promote adsorption of nucleic acids from an aqueous solution to a solid phase such as silica. Adsorption takes place under low salt conditions. Further disclosed are methods and kits suitable for nucleic acid isolation from aqueous solutions.
US07803933B2

Efficient sequence specific gene silencing is possible through the use of siRNA technology. By selecting particular siRNAs by rational design, one can maximize the generation of an effective gene silencing reagent, as well as methods for silencing genes. Methods, compositions, and kits generated through rational design of siRNAs are disclosed including those directed to nucleotide sequences for TAF1.
US07803931B2

The invention provides nucleic acid therapeutics and methods for using these nucleic acid therapeutics in the treatment of complement-related disorders.
US07803919B2

A quantitative trait locus (QTL) affecting milk fat and protein concentration was localized to a 4cM confidence interval on chromosome 6 centered on the microsatellite BM143. The genes and sequence variation in this region were characterized, and common haplotypes spanning five polymorphic sites in the genes IBSP, SPP1, PKD2, and ABCG2 for two sires heterozygous for this QTL were localized. Expression of SPP1 and ABCG2 in the bovine mammary gland increased from parturition through lactation. SPP1 was sequenced, and all the coding exons of ABCG2 and PKD2 were sequenced for these two sires. The single nucleotide change capable of encoding a substitution of tyrosine-581 to serine (Y581S) in the ABCG2 transporter was the only polymorphism corresponding to the segregation status of all three heterozygous and 15 homozygous sires for the QTL in the Israeli and US Holstein populations.
US07803915B2

The present invention is directed to compositions of matter useful for the diagnosis and treatment of tumor in mammals and to methods of using those compositions of matter for the same.
US07803913B2

The present invention provides a method of identifying novel broadly crossreactive neutralizing monoclonal antibodies using sequential antigen panning of phage display libraries, antibodies obtained in accordance with such a method, as well as fusion proteins and conjugates comprising same, and related isolated or purified nucleic acid molecules, vectors, host cells, compositions, and methods of use to inhibit an infection, reduce the severity of an infection, treat an infection, and inhibit cancer.
US07803909B2

The present invention provides a mutant oligonucleotide composition encoding a cellular c-Src tyrosine kinase oncogene. Methods for isolating, expressing and characterizing recombinant Src mutant polypeptide are also provided. The invention further relates to methods for utilizing such oligonucleotides, polypeptides, agonists and antagonists for applications, which relate to research, diagnostics, and clinical arts. More specifically, this invention provides methods of diagnosing, treating, immunizing, and creating transgenic animals based on use of such mutant Src.
US07803905B2

The invention is directed to a polypeptide derived from domain IV of the extracellular matrix protein perlecan that can selectively adhere cells, nucleic acids encoding the inventive polypeptide, vectors comprising the nucleic acids, devices comprising a scaffold coated with the inventive polypeptide, and methods of adhering cells to a scaffold using the inventive polypeptide.
US07803892B2

An aqueous emulsion composition comprising (A) an aqueous resin emulsion comprising a fluorine-containing polymer and (B) a surfactant of the formula: R1O—(CH2CH2O)p—(R2O)q—R3  (1) wherein R1 is an alkyl group or an alkenyl group, R2 is an alkylene group, R3 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or an alkenyl group, p is the number of at least 2, q is the number of at least 1, and p and q are such numbers that the weight ratio of the polyoxyethylene block is from 5 to 80% by weight based on whole molecule, is excellent in stability against impurity and mechanical stability.
US07803888B2

A novel olefin-based polymer has excellent thermal resistance, as well as excellent balance among various properties. The olefin-based polymer is an olefin-based polymer comprising 50 to 100% by weight of a constituent unit derived from 4-methyl-1-pentene, and 0 to 50% by weight of a constituent unit derived from at least one olefin selected from olefins having 2 to 20 carbon atoms except 4-methyl-1-pentene, and having the following properties: i) the diad isotacticity is 70% or greater, ii) the ratio (Mw/Mn) of the weight average molecular weight (Mw) to the number average molecular weight (Mn) as measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) is in the range of 1.0 to 3.5, and iii) the intrinsic viscosity [η] is 0.5 (dl/g) or greater.
US07803884B2

A block copolymer comprising at least one segment having an acid group and at least one segment substantially free from acid groups is provided wherein the segment substantially free from acid groups contains a structure of the following general formula (1): Ar1—Z—Ar2—O—Ar3—Om  (1) (wherein, m represents an integer of 10 or more, Ar1, Ar2 and Ar3 represent mutually independently a divalent aromatic group which may be substituted by an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms or an aryloxy group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms, and Z represents —CO— or —SO2—, each Z in the segments representing independently —CO— or —SO2—). The block copolymer exhibits more excellent performances as a polymer electrolyte for fuel cells or the like.
US07803876B2

Processes for producing blends of a first polymer component and a second polymer component are provided. The first polymer component and the second polymer component are blended in an internally agitated mixer such as a devolatizer in the presence of at least one solvent. Blending the polymers in this manner results in an intimate mixing of the first and second polymers, providing beneficial performance characteristics. In one embodiment, the first polymer incorporates at least 75 wt. % of propylene-derived units wherein the propylene-derived units have an isotactic triad fraction of about 65% to about 99% and wherein the first polymer has a heat of fusion of less than 75 J/g. In this embodiment, the second polymer is selected from polypropylenes, low density polyethylenes, high density polyethylenes, polystyrenes, polyamides, polycarbonates, and polyesters. Pellets of such polymer blends exhibit beneficial elasticity properties of the first polymer component while exhibiting a reduced tendency to agglomerate.
US07803868B2

Addition-crosslinkable silicone compositions contain (A) 100 parts by weight of polydiorganosiloxane(s) which has alkenyl groups and whose viscosity is from 5000 to 50,000,000 mPas at 25° C., having at least 2 alkenyl groups per molecule, and at least 0.15 mol % of alkenylsiloxane units, based on all siloxane units, (B) from 1 to 50 parts by weight of polydiorganosiloxane(s) whose viscosity is at least 5,000,000 mPas at 25° C., and having no alkenyl groups, (C) SiH-functional crosslinking agent(s), (D) hydrosilylation catalyst(s), and (E) from 3 to 90 parts by weight of filler(s) whose BET specific surface area is at least 50 m2/g. Vulcanizates of the addition-crosslinkable silicone compositions have low coefficients of friction.
US07803866B2

A rubber composition for a tire tread which improves grip performance on dry pavement and wet pavement and driveability is provided. The rubber composition includes 100 parts by weight of a rubber component comprising from 50 to 95 parts by weight of a copolymer rubber having a glass transition point of −40° C. or higher obtained by copolymerization of 1,3-butadiene with styrene using an organic lithium compound as an initiator, from 5 to 20 parts by weight of an epoxidized natural rubber having a degree of epoxidation of from 5 to 60% by weight, and from 0 to 45 parts by weight of other diene rubber; from 20 to 100 parts by weight of silica; and from 0 to 100 parts by weight of carbon black, the total amount of silica and carbon black being from 70 to 150 parts by weight, and further includes a silane coupling agent in an amount of from 2 to 25 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the silica.
US07803853B2

The present invention refers to a settable mixture comprising (i) a water absorbing composition and (ii) an aqueous emulsion of organic polymer or (iii) dispersible organic polymer, wherein the water absorbing composition (i) contains inorganic ingredients which are capable to react with water and the water absorbing composition (i) contains at least 13 weight % lime and at least 5 weight % of a cementitious composition of which components form ettringite during the absorption of water and wherein the amount of the aqueous emulsion of organic polymer (ii) in relation to (i) is such as to provide a ratio of combined weight of polymer solids to combined weight of ingredients which are capable to react with water of from 0.5:1 to 10:1, preferably 1:1 to 4:1 and wherein the amount of dispersible organic polymer (iii) in relation to (i) is such as to give a ratio of combined weight of polymers to combined weight of ingredients which are capable to react with water of from 0.5:1 to 10:1, preferably 1:1 to 4:1.
US07803850B2

A compound that exhibits excellent color tone stability and physical properties as well as excellent photopolymerization activity over a wide region from near-ultraviolet to visible region, permitting relaxed operation under ambient light, so that wide application can be found in the dental field and photopolymerization industry; and a relevant photopolymerization initiator and hardenable composition. In particular, there is provided a novel camphorquinone derivative having an acylphosphine oxide group [—(C═O)—(P═O)<] in each molecule. Further, there is provided a photopolymerization initiator comprising the camphorquinone derivative having an acrylphosphine oxide group [—(C═O)—(P═O)<] in each molecule as an indispensable component, loaded with at least one member selected from among a polymerization accelerator, a photoacid generator, a photosensitizer and a (bis)acylphosphine oxide, and provided a hardenable composition comprising the initiator. The thus provided photopolymerization initiator and hardenable composition exhibit excellent color tone stability and physical properties as well as excellent photopolymeritzaion activity over an ultraviolet and visible wide wavelength region, permitting relaxed operation under ambient light, so that wide application can be found in the dental field and photopolymerization industry.
US07803846B2

The objective of the invention is to solve the problems of conventional polymer electrolyte membranes, including small ion-exchange capacity and low oxidation and methanol resistance. A polymer film substrate is irradiated with γ-rays, electron beams or other radiations to perform multi-graft polymerization with functional monomers and then the polymer film substrate containing the grafted molecular chains or the graft molecular chains into which sulfonic acid groups have been introduced is crosslinked by irradiation to produce a polymer electrolyte membrane that has outstanding oxidation resistance, dimensional stability, electrical conductivity and methanol resistance and which can be controlled in ion-exchange capacity over a wide range.
US07803845B2

Method and device for cleaning synthesis gas obtained during gasification of biomass are disclosed. The synthesis gas is passed through a saturation device and an absorption device, both of which are fed with oil. In this way, the synthesis gas is scrubbed with oil and tar is substantially removed therefrom. The tar-containing oil which is released in this process is subjected to a cleaning step, as a result of which oil with a high percentage of tar and oil with a relatively low percentage of tar are formed. The first oil can be retuned to the gasification, and the remaining oil can be reused.
US07803840B2

The present invention relates to the use of certain dialkyl fumarates for the preparation of pharmaceutical preparations for use in transplantation medicine or for the therapy of autoimmune diseases and said compositions in the form of micro-tablets or pellets. For this purpose, the dialkyl fumarates may also be used in combination with conventional preparations used in transplantation medicine and immunosuppressive agents, especially cyclosporines.
US07803836B2

The present invention concerns substituted aminophenylsulfonamide compounds and derivatives, their use as protease inhibitors, in particular as broadspectrum HIV protease inhibitors, processes for their preparation as well as pharmaceutical compositions and diagnostic kits comprising them. The present invention also concerns combinations of the present substituted aminophenylsulfonamide compounds and derivatives with another anti-retroviral agent. It further relates to their use in assays as reference compounds or as reagents.
US07803831B2

Compounds of formula (IA) or (IB) or salts, N-oxides, hydrates or solvates thereof are Inhibitors of HSP90, and useful in the treatment of, for example, cancer: formula (IA), formula (IB) wherein Ar is an aryl or heteroaryl radical which is linked via a ring carbon, and which is substituted by a hydroxy group on a carbon in the 2-position, and which is otherwise either unsubstituted or optionally substituted; R1 is hydrogen or optionally substituted C1-C6 alkyl; R2 is hydrogen, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6alkenyl, or C1-C6 alkynyl; or a carboxyl, carboxamide or carboxyl ester group; and R3 is a carboxamide group.
US07803823B2

This invention concerns the use of a compound of formula (I′) a N-oxide, a pharmaceutically acceptable addition salt, a quaternary amine and a stereochemically isomeric form thereof, wherein Z is halo; C1-6alkyl; C1-6alkylcarbonyl; C1-6alkyloxycarbonyl; aminocarbonyl; C1-6alkyl substituted with hydroxy, carboxyl, cyano, amino, amino substituted with piperidinyl, amino substituted with C1-4alkyl substituted piperidinyl, mono- or di(C1-6alkyl)amino, aminocarbonyl, mono- or di(C1-6alkyl)aminocarbonyl, C1-6alkyloxycarbonyl, C1-6alkyloxy, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl; polyhaloC1-4alkyl; cyano; amino; mono- or di(C1-6alkyl)aminocarbonyl; C1-6alkyloxycarbonyl; C1-6alkylcarbonyloxy; aminoS(═O)2—; mono- or di(C1-6alkyl)aminoS(═O)2; —C(═N—Rx)NRyRz; Q is optionally substituted C3-6cycloalkyl, phenyl, pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, benzthiazolyl, benzoxazolyl, benzimidazolyl, indazolyl, or imidazopyridyl, or Q is a radical of formula L is optionally substituted phenyl or an optionally substituted monocyclic 5 or 6-membered partially saturated or aromatic heterocycle or a bicyclic partially saturated or aromatic heterocycle; aryl is optionally substituted phenyl; for the manufacture of a medicament for the prevention or the treatment of inflammatory and/or auto-immune diseases mediated through TNF-α and/or IL-12.
US07803819B2

The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) wherein R1, R2, and X are as defined in the description and claims, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compounds are useful for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases which are associated with DPP IV, such as diabetes, particularly non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, and impaired glucose tolerance.
US07803816B2

Provided herein are compounds of the formula (I): as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein the substituents are as those disclosed in the specification. These compounds, and the pharmaceutical compositions containing them, are useful for the treatment of obesity, hyperphagia, anxiety, depression and related disorders and diseases.
US07803815B2

The present invention relates to Indol-3-yl-carbonyl-piperidin-benzoimidazol derivatives which act as V1a receptor antagonists and which are represented by Formula I: wherein the residues R1 to R7 are as defined herein. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, their use in treating dysmenorrhea, hypertension, chronic heart failure, inappropriate secretion of vasopressin, liver cirrhosis, nephritic syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety and depressive disorders, and methods of preparation thereof.
US07803812B2

This invention provides compounds of formula I: wherein a, b, c, d, m, n, p, s, t, W, Ar1, R1, R2, R3, R4, R6, R7, and R8 are as defined in the specification. The compounds of formula I are muscarinic receptor antagonists. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, processes and intermediates for preparing such compounds and methods of using such compounds to treat pulmonary disorders.
US07803809B2

The present invention comprises a new class of compounds useful for the modulation of Beta-secretase enzyme activity and for the treatment of Beta-secretase mediated diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related conditions. In one embodiment, the compounds have a general Formula I wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, A1, A2, A3, A4, X and Z are defined herein. The invention also includes use of these compounds in pharmaceutical compositions for treatment, prophylactic or therapeutic, of disorders and conditions related to the activity of beta-secretase protein. Such disorders include, for example, Alzheimer's Disease (AD), cognitive deficits and impairment, schizophrenia and other similar central nervous system conditions. The invention also comprises further embodiments of Formula II, intermediates and processes useful for the preparation of compounds of Formulas I and II.
US07803808B2

The present invention relates to production of polyketides and other natural products and to libraries of compounds and individual novel compounds. Therefore in aspect the present invention provides 17-desmethylrapamycin and analogues thereof, methods for their production, including recombinant strains, and isolation and uses of the compounds of the invention. In a further aspect the present invention provides for the use of 17-desmethylrapamycin and analogues thereof in the induction or maintenance of immunosuppression, the stimulation of neuronal regeneration or the treatment of cancer, B-cell malignancies, fungal infections, transplantation rejection, graft vs. host disease, autoimmune disorders, diseases of inflammation vascular disease and fibrotic diseases, and in the regulation of wound healing.
US07803804B2

Disclosed herein are substituted pyrazine compounds and tautomers, stereoisomers, solvates, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof for the treatment of conditions mediated by the blockade of an epithelial sodium channel, particularly an inflammatory or allergic condition, including compounds of formula I:
US07803800B2

New inhibitors of histone deacetylases having antitumor activity, and the process of preparation thereof are herein described. These compounds belong to the structural formula (I) where R1 is a linear or branched chain containing at least two conjugated double bonds, A is an optionally substituted phenyl or pyridyl ring, Ar is an aryl or heteroaryl group, and R3 is hydrogen or alkoxyalkyl. The application also describes the use of said compounds in the treatment of diseases associated to the deregulation of histone deacetylases activity, such as tumors, as well as the relevant pharmaceutical compositions for administration to patients requiring said treatment.
US07803795B2

The present invention provides compounds of formula (I), their use as PARP inhibitors as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds of formula (I) wherein R1, R2 L1, L2, X, Y, Q and Z have defined meanings.
US07803789B2

Compounds of formula IA or IB are provided where X1, X2 and X3 are independently selected from H or hydroxy protecting groups and R1 is selected from straight or branched chain alkyl groups having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; straight or branched chain alkenyl groups having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms; straight or branched chain hydroxy-substituted alkyl groups having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; straight and branched chain hydroxy-substituted alkenyl groups having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms. Such compounds are used in preparing pharmaceutical compositions and are useful in treating a variety of biological conditions.
US07803784B2

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a diverse and abundant class of ˜22-nucleotide (nt) endogenous regulatory RNAs that play a variety of roles in animal cells by controlling gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. Increased miR-181a expression in mature T cells is shown to cause a marked increase in T cell activation and augments T cell sensitivity to peptide antigens. Moreover, T cell blasts with higher miR-181a expression become reactive to antagonists. The effects of miR-181a on antigen discrimination are in part achieved by dampening the expression of multiple negative regulators in the T cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathway, including PTPN22 and the dual specificity phosphatases DUSP5 and DUSP6. This results in a reduction in the TCR signaling threshold, thus quantitatively and qualitatively enhancing T cell sensitivity to antigens.
US07803782B2

An intravenous delivery method is described that enables delivery of polynucleotides to extravascular cells of a mammalian limb. The method involves the injection of polynucleotides into a distal vein of a limb that is transiently occluded. Polynucleotide delivery is facilitated by rapid injection in sufficient volume to enable extravasation of the solution into surrounding tissue.
US07803778B2

Provided are compounds having an inhibitory effect on sodium-dependent glucose cotransporter SGLT. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions, methods of preparing the compounds, synthetic intermediates, and methods of using the compounds, independently or in combination with other therapeutic agents, for treating diseases and conditions which are affected by SGLT inhibition.
US07803775B2

A method for managing withdrawal from an addictive substance is described. The method involves administering one or more peptides having specific activity for the ε and/or γ isozyme of protein kinase C (PKC). The peptide(s) can be administered prior to, concurrent with, or subsequent to administration of the addictive substance. Also described is a kit having at least one container containing a peptide having isozyme-specific activity for εPKC or γPKC and instructions for use.
US07803774B2

Compounds that modulate natural β amyloid peptide aggregation are provided. The modulators of the invention comprise a peptide, preferably based on a β amyloid peptide, that is comprised entirely of D-amino acids. Preferably, the peptide comprises 3-5 D-amino acid residues and includes at least two D-amino acid residues independently selected from the group consisting of D-leucine, D-phenylalanine and D-valine. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the peptide is a retro-inverso isomer of a β amyloid peptide, preferably a retro-inverso isomer of Aβ17-21. In certain embodiments, the peptide is modified at the amino-terminus, the carboxy-terminus, or both. Preferred amino-terminal modifying groups alkyl groups. Preferred carboxy-terminal modifying groups include an amide group, an acetate group, an alkyl amide group, an aryl amide group or a hydroxy group. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention, and diagnostic and treatment methods for amyloidogenic diseases using the compounds of the invention, are also disclosed.
US07803768B2

A pharmaceutical for promoting neogenesis or regeneration of pancreatic β cells which produces and secretes insulin and for promoting insulin production in β cells, comprising ghrelin or a derivative thereof as an effective component.
US07803761B2

The present invention relates to viral capsid proteins, as a medicament for the treatment of a pathologic disorder. More particularly, the invention relates to the viral capsid proteins VP1, VP2 and VP3, preferably, the SV40 VP1 or any peptide, fragment, mutant, derivative and mixtures thereof or of virus-like particles (VLP's) comprising the same, as the active ingredient in compositions for the treatment of pathologic disorders, preferably disorders associated with inactivation of cellular proteins involved with quality control processes, particularly, chaperones. The invention further provides methods for the treatment of such disorders and the use of the SV40 capsid proteins for the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions.
US07803758B2

The present invention provides methods and compositions for protecting cells from the toxicity of mutant huntingtin (Htt) protein and for treatment of Huntington's disease (HD). The methods generally involve administering to cells or a patient an effective amount of an IKK inhibitor. In addition, methods are provided for identifying therapeutics for the treatment of HD.
US07803755B2

This disclosure provides a method and a product to treat fungal nail infections and Athlete's foot in a fast and non expensive way. The product contains one or more lytic peptides in water solution.
US07803753B2

The present invention concerns combination of an amount of a GPR119 agonist with an amount of a dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitor such that the combination provides an effect in lowering a blood glucose level or in increasing a blood GLP-1 level in a subject over that provided by the amount of the GPR119 agonist or the amount of the DPP-IV inhibitor alone and the use of such a combination for treating or preventing diabetes and conditions related thereto or conditions ameliorated by increasing a blood GLP-1 level. The present invention also relates to the use of a G protein-coupled receptor to screen for GLP-1 secretagogues.
US07803746B2

An antimicrobial foam hand soap composition includes a glutinous component to promote more thorough hand washing. The glutinous component may be selected from the group consisting of: cocamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate; dimer dilinoleamido-propyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate; sodiumgrapeseedamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate; sodium olivamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate; linoleamidopropyl PG-dimonium chloride phosphate; PEG-8 dimethicone sunfloweramidopropyl PG-dimonium complex; sunfloweramidopropyl phosphate PG-dimonium chloride, inulin, inulin-based surfactants and mixtures thereof. Polysaccharide-based or natural oil-based foaming agents and surfactants are suitably included in the compositions.
US07803744B2

An aqueous viscoelastic surfactant (VES) fluid foamed or energized with carbon dioxide, in which the VES is more compatible with the carbon dioxide, is made by the addition of one or more than one synergistic co-surfactant. The synergist co-surfactant includes quaternary amines and ethoxylated carboxylates having a hydrophobic chain shorter than the hydrophobic chain of the VES. Improved compatibility is evidenced for a given surfactant concentration either by formation and maintenance of a foam under conditions at which the foam could not otherwise have been formed or maintained, or by either higher viscosity of the foamed fluid at a given temperature or longer foam life at a given temperature or a higher temperature at which useful fluid viscosity can be generated or maintained for a useful time. The aqueous carbon dioxide foamed fluids may be used in acidizing, acid fracturing, gravel packing, diversion, and well cleanout.
US07803739B2

The present invention is directed to novel substrates for Hu-Asp. More particularly, the invention provides peptide substrates and fusion polypeptide substrates comprising a β-secretase cleavage site. Methods and compositions for making and using the peptides are disclosed.
US07803736B2

A process for preparing supported, titanized chromium catalysts is disclosed. The process comprises A) bringing a support material into contact with a protic medium comprising a titanium compound and a chromium compound; B) optionally removing the solvent; C) optionally calcining the precatalyst obtained after step B); and D) optionally activating the precatalyst obtained after step B) or C) in an oxygen-containing atmosphere at from 400° C. to 1100° C.
US07803735B2

A catalyst precursor composition and methods for making such catalyst precursor are disclosed. The catalyst precursor comprises at least a metal compound selected from Group VIII, Group IIB, Group IIA, Group IVA and combinations thereof, at least one Group VIB metal, at least one organic, oxygen-containing ligand, and a cellulose-containing material. Catalysts prepared from the sulfidation of such catalyst precursors are used in the hydroprocessing of hydrocarbon feeds. In one embodiment, the sulfidation is carried out by contacting the catalyst precursor with hydrogen and a sulfur containing compound in a “slow” process with the sulfidation taking place over a few days up to two weeks, e.g., for at least over 96 hours. In another embodiment, the sulfidation is in a “quick” process with the sulfidation taking place in less than 72 hours. The catalyst prepared from the slow sulfidation process gives a 700° F.+ conversion rate of at least 25% higher than the 700° F.+ conversion rate of a catalyst prepared from a quick sulfidation process.
US07803724B2

Vehicular air bags formed from multilayer composites. The multilayer composites include a polymeric film and at least one tear resistant fabric attached to the polymeric film, and more particularly include a polymeric film, an open mesh, tear resistant fabric attached to the film and a fabric layer attached to the open mesh, tear resistant fabric. Air bags formed therefrom have low base weight, low elongation and high tear propagation resistance, protecting vehicle occupants from injury during and after air bag deployment.
US07803719B2

A material for passivating a dielectric layer in a semiconductor device has a molecular structure permitting or at least promoting liquid phase metal deposition thereon in a subsequent process step. The contemplated material may be constituted by multiple organic components. A semiconductor device including a layer of the passivating coupling material, and a method of manufacturing such a semiconductor device are also contemplated.
US07803717B2

Epitaxial gallium nitride is grown on a silicon substrate while reducing or suppressing the formation of a buffer layer. The gallium nitride may be grown directly on the silicon substrate, for example using domain epitaxy. Alternatively, less than one complete monolayer of silicon nitride may be formed between the silicon and the gallium nitride. Subsequent to formation of the gallium nitride, an interfacial layer of silicon nitride may be formed between the silicon and the gallium nitride.
US07803713B2

A method for fabricating an interconnect structure in a semiconductor device. A masking layer is formed on a dielectric layer formed on a substrate, having at least one opening. The opening is transferred into the dielectric layer. A Plasma stripping process is performed to remove the masking layer, such that a damaged sidewall portion of the dielectric layer surrounding the opening therein is formed. The opening in the dielectric layer is filled with a conductive element. The damaged sidewall portion of the dielectric layer is removed to form a gap between the dielectric layer and the conductive element, wherein substances from removal of the damaged sidewall portion of the dielectric layer are formed on the conductive element. The substances are removed using a citric acid solution.
US07803703B2

The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a metal silicide electrode (100) for a semiconductor device (110). The method comprises depositing by physical vapor deposition, germanium atoms (120) and transition metal atoms (130) to form a metal-germanium alloy layer (140) on a semiconductor substrate (150). The metal-germanium alloy layer and the semiconductor substrate are reacted to form a metal silicide electrode. Other aspects of the present invention include a method of manufacturing an integrated circuit (400).
US07803687B2

A method for forming a thin film resistor includes providing a substrate having a transistor region and a thin film resistor region defined thereon, sequentially forming a dielectric layer, a metal layer and a first hard mask layer on the substrate, patterning the first hard mask layer to form at least a thin film resistor pattern in the thin film resistor region, sequentially forming a polysilicon layer and a second hard mask layer on the substrate, patterning the second hard mask layer to form at least a gate pattern in the transistor region, and performing an etching process to form a gate and a thin film resistor respectively in the transistor region and the thin film resistor region.
US07803685B2

High frequency performance of (e.g., silicon) bipolar devices (100, 100″) is improved by reducing the extrinsic base resistance Rbx. Emitter (160), base (161) and collector (190) are formed in or on a semiconductor substrate (110). The emitter contact (154) has a portion (154′) that overhangs a portion (1293, 293″) of the extrinsic base contact (129), thereby forming a cave-like cavity (181, 181″) between the overhanging portion (154′) of the emitter contact (154) and the underlying regions (1293, 1293″) of the extrinsic base contact (129). When the emitter contact and the extrinsic base contact are silicided, some of the metal atoms forming the silicide penetrate into the cavity (181, 181″) so that the highly conductive silicided extrinsic base contact extends under the edge of the emitter contact (154′) closer to the base (161, 163) itself, thereby reducing Rbx. Smaller Rbx provides transistors with higher fMAX.
US07803681B2

When a recess of a bulb-type recess gate is formed, the recess formed in a device isolation region is formed to be separated from an edge of an active region. This structure thereby prevents damage of a semiconductor substrate of the edge of the active region and a defect during a Self Alignment Contact (SAC) process. As a result, characteristics and yield of devices improve.
US07803678B2

The invention includes a method of forming a structure over a semiconductor substrate. A silicon dioxide containing layer is formed across at least some of the substrate. Nitrogen is formed within the silicon dioxide containing layer. Substantially all of the nitrogen within the silicon dioxide is at least 10Å above the substrate. After the nitrogen is formed within the silicon dioxide layer, conductively doped silicon is formed on the silicon dioxide layer.
US07803674B2

Silicon on insulator (SOI) devices and methods for fabricating the same are provided. An exemplary embodiment of a SOI device comprises a substrate. A first insulating layer is formed over the substrate. A plurality of semiconductor islands is formed over the first insulating layer, wherein the semiconductor islands are isolated from each other. A second insulating layer is formed over the first insulating layer, protruding over the semiconductor islands and surrounding thereof. At least one recess is formed in a portion of the second insulating layer adjacent to a pair of the semiconductor islands. A first dielectric layer is formed on a portion of each of the semiconductor islands. A conductive layer is formed over the first dielectric layer and over the second insulating layer exposed by the recess. A pair of source/drain regions is oppositely formed in portions of each of the semiconductor islands not covered by the first dielectric layer and the conductive layer.
US07803673B2

A method of manufacturing a thin film transistor (“TFT”) substrate includes forming a gate insulating film and an active layer on a substrate, forming a data metal layer including a first, second, and third metal layers on the active layer, forming a first photoresist pattern on the data metal layer, dry-etching the third metal layer by using the first photoresist pattern, simultaneously dry-etching the second and first metal layers by using the first photoresist pattern, dry-etching the active layer by using the first photoresist pattern, etching the first photoresist pattern to form a second photoresist pattern by which the channel region is removed and forming a source electrode and a drain electrode by dry-etching the channel region of the data metal layer by using the second photoresist pattern.
US07803664B2

The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods for cooling semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) chip package structures. More specifically, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods for thermally coupling semiconductor chips to a heat conducting device (e.g., copper thermal hat or lid) using a compliant thermally conductive material (e.g., thermal paste), wherein a thermal interface is designed to prevent/inhibit the formation of voids in the compliant thermally conductive material due to the flow of such material in and out from between the chips and the heat conducting device due to thermal cycling.
US07803660B2

In the method of manufacturing a semiconductor device that semiconductor chips are mounted facing-up on the printed wiring board on which a protective insulation film is formed by means of a film-like resist and a plurality of the semiconductor chips are collectively molded by a transfer mold technology, when transfer molding is performed, among the adsorption face of the printed wiring board and the lower die to make adsorb the printed wiring board, the through holes reaching the exterior space of the lower die from the vicinity of the end portion opposing the gate to pour mold resin of a mold cavity are formed as many as possible in order to prevent a short circuit and an open circuit by big deformation of a bonding wire connecting an electrode of the semiconductor chip and an conductor pattern of the printed wiring board.
US07803647B2

The present disclosure provides an image sensor semiconductor device. The semiconductor device includes a sensor element disposed in a semiconductor substrate; an inter-level dielectric (ILD) disposed on the semiconductor substrate; and a trench disposed in the ILD, overlying and enclosing the sensor element, and filled with a first dielectric material.
US07803646B2

A method for producing a component having a semiconductor substrate, in which porous semiconductor material is generated for the purpose of developing at least one thermally decoupled pattern. In the material that has been rendered porous, a recess or a plurality of recesses is/are etched to produce at least one region that is defined by the one recess or the plurality of recesses and is thermally decoupled. On the at least one region, the pattern to be thermally decoupled is then formed.
US07803633B2

A screening device for performing an immunoassay test to detect the presence of a compound in a body fluid. The device includes a holder for removably receiving a membrane to which the fluid has been applied. Light is directed to the membrane. A photodetector measures the concentration of the light reflected back from the membrane. Specifically, the concentrations of reflected light from a control zone and a test zone are measured. Signals representative of the measured light concentrations are applied to a processor. If a specified concentration of predetermined light from a control zone on the membrane is detected, the processor considers the test to be successful. In the test is successful, the processor, based upon the measured concentration of reflected light from the test zone, generates data representative of the presence of the compound.
US07803631B2

Process for determination of a water content material, in particular organic carbon content and/or nitrogen, in which an aqueous sample is evaporated and combusted in at least one heating vessel equipped with a heating facility and the combustion product is fed in a transport gas flow to a detector for determination of the concentration of a gaseous compound of the water content material, characterised in that calibration is performed with a predetermined volume of a calibration gas which contains a predetermined concentration of the element corresponding to the water content material, in particular carbon and/or nitrogen.
US07803629B2

The present invention provides several methods of determining values of physical or chemical properties of polymers. In these methods, at least two polymer training samples are provided. Characteristics of the polymer microstructures of the training samples are correlated with values of physical or chemical properties of the training samples. These correlations are subsequently applied to the respective characteristics of polymer test samples in order to determine the values of physical or chemical properties of the test samples.
US07803627B2

Process for evaluating the coke and/or bitumen yield and quality of a plurality of refinery feedstocks, by (i) providing a plurality of refinery feedstocks, (ii) placing a sample of each of the plurality of refinery feedstocks on a heating device, (iii) heating each sample under vacuum to a temperature in the range 300° C. to 420° C. using the respective heating device while measuring the weight loss of the sample, and then (iv) (a) measuring the bitumen quality of the vacuum residues formed, and/or (b)(i) heating the vacuum residues to a temperature in the range 450° C. to 600° C. using the heating device, while measuring the weight loss of the sample, and then (ii) measuring the coke quality of the products formed.
US07803623B2

Through screening of a Zymomonas mutant library the himA gene was found to be involved in the inhibitory effect of acetate on Zymomonas performance. Xylose-utilizing Zymomonas further engineered to reduce activity of the himA gene were found to have increased ethanol production in comparison to a parental strain, when cultured in medium comprising xylose and acetate.
US07803617B2

The present invention is directed to a conditional gene vector system and to a host cell, which has been transfected with such a vector system. The present invention is further directed to a combined preparation comprising the vector system of the invention and an interfering agent. Furthermore, a pharmaceutical composition and its use in the treatment of hemophilia, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, genetic immunodeficiency, and graft versus host disease is provided.
US07803615B1

The present invention relates to novel Death Domain Containing Receptor-5 (DR5) proteins which are members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family, and have now been shown to bind TRAIL. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules are provided encoding the human DR5 proteins. DR5 polypeptides are also provided as are vectors, host cells and recombinant methods for producing the same. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying antagonists and antagonists of DR5 activity.
US07803600B2

The invention provides a compound of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Processes for the isolating of this bafilomycin metabolite from a novel Micromonospora species, pharmaceutical compositions containing this metabolite and methods of treatment using said metabolite are also described.
US07803594B2

The invention relates to enzymes in Trypanosoma brucei, and in particular, protein arginine methyltransferases. A unique, highly active recombinant arginine methyltransferase capable of monomethylation of peptides and proteins is described.
US07803592B2

Substrate specificity for glucose of a glucose dehydrogenase having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13 is improved by substituting another amino acid residue for the amino acid residue at position 472 and/or 475.
US07803586B2

Enzymatic and chemical processes for the preparation of certain of 3-phenyl-2-arylalkylthiopropionic acid derivatives which have utility in treating clinical conditions including lipid disorders (dyslipidemias) whether or not associated with insulin resistance and other manifestations of the metabolic syndrome are described and also certain novel intermediates used in these processes.
US07803584B2

The present invention provides a method for producing an L-amino acid using a bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family, particularly a bacterium belonging to genus Escherichia or Pantoea, which has been modified to attenuate expression of a gene coding for sRNA.
US07803581B2

Method of preparing a biological sample appropriate for use in a subsequent in vitro nucleic acid amplification reaction. The method involves a rapid, transient exposure to alkaline conditions which can be achieved by mixing an alkaline solution with a pH-buffered solution that includes a detergent and the biological sample to be tested for the presence of particular nucleic acid species using in vitro amplification. The invented method advantageously can improve detection of some target nucleic acids without substantially compromising detectability of others. The method is particularly useful for simultaneously preparing RNA and DNA templates that can be used in multiplex amplification reactions.
US07803580B2

An amplification blocker comprising an intercalating nucleic acid (INA) containing two or more internal intercalating pseudonucleotides (IPNs) capable of blocking or reducing nucleic acid amplification. Use of the amplification blocker to block or reduce nucleic acid amplification.
US07803574B2

This invention provides novel nanofiber enhanced surface area substrates and structures comprising such substrates for use in various medical devices, as well as methods and uses for such substrates and medical devices. In one particular embodiment, a method of administering a composition to a patient is disclosed which comprises providing a composition-eluting device, said composition-eluting device comprising at least a first surface and a plurality of nanostructures attached to the first surface, and introducing the composition-eluting device into the body of the patient.
US07803569B2

An arterial thrombosis risk factor comprising one or more of the identified mutants of coagulation factor VII activating protease (FSAP) is described. In addition, diagnostic determination methods for detecting these mutants which are identified as risk factors are described.
US07803553B2

It is an object of the present invention to provide antibodies capable of detecting an active TGF-β generation reaction that is specific to pathogenesis, tissues, or isoforms. The present invention provides antibodies against an LAP fragment (or latent TGF-β) generated as a result of generation of active form of human TGF-β1, human TGOF-β2 and human TGF-β3. The antibodies are able to specifically recognize respective cutting edges within protease cleavage sites existing in the region from the amino acid residue glycine at position 51 to the amino acid residue arginine at position 110 of human TGF-β1, and corresponding regions of human TGF-β2 and human TGF-β3.
US07803547B2

The present application relates to an insect resistant transgenic cotton plant. In particular, it relates to a specific event, designated COT102. The application also relates to polynucleotides which are characteristic of the COT102 event, plants comprising said polynucleotides, and methods of detecting the COT102 event. The COT 102 event exhibits a novel genotype comprising two expression cassettes. The first cassette comprises a suitable promoter for expression in plants operably linked to a gene that encodes a VIP3A insecticidal toxin, useful in controlling a vide spectrum of lepidopteran insect pests, and a suitable polyadenylation signal. The second cassette comprises a gene which, when expressed, can be used as a selectable marker.
US07803539B2

Provided is a method of isolating and purifying nucleic acids using an immobilized hydrogel or polyethylene glycol (PEG)-hydrogel copolymer. The method includes: immobilizing a functional group-containing hydrogel or PEG-hydrogel copolymer on a substrate; adding a mixed sample solution containing a salt and nucleic acids to the hydrogel- or PEG-hydrogel copolymer-immobilized substrate to bind the nucleic acids to the hydrogel or the PEG-hydrogel copolymer; washing the nucleic acid-bound hydrogel or PEG-hydrogel copolymer; and eluting the nucleic acids from the hydrogel or the PEG-hydrogel copolymer using an elution solvent. Therefore, binding and elution of nucleic acids can be performed even with no addition of a separate chemical substance, and an effect on a subsequent process such as PCR can be minimized. Furthermore, the amount and intensity for binding nucleic acids can be adjusted according to PEG concentration, and the presence of a hydrogel compound on a substrate enables patterning.
US07803537B2

The present invention relates to parallel genotyping (or other sample analysis) of multiple patients by direct sample immobilization onto microspheres of an array. The patient beads can then be used in a variety of target analyte analyses.
US07803533B2

An object of the present invention is to provide a novel and clinically useful diagnostic agent for malignant melanoma. The present invention provides a diagnostic agent for malignant melanoma, which comprises an antibody against GPC3, or a probe or a primer capable of detecting GPC3 expression.
US07803531B2

The disclosure describes methods for inducing apoptosis of a selected group of vertebrate cells in vivo by reducing the level of thiamin in the cells. Included are methods for inducing apoptosis of cancer cells. Also described are compounds and compositions for use in methods of thiamin depletion and treating diseases such as cancer, and methods for identifying thiamin-depleting agents and for preparing pharmaceutical compositions.
US07803521B2

A photoresist composition and methods using the photoresist composition in multiple exposure/multiple layer processes. The photoresist composition includes a polymer comprising repeat units having a hydroxyl moiety; a photoacid generator; and a solvent. The polymer when formed on a substrate is substantially insoluble to the solvent after heating to a temperature of about 150° C. or greater. One method includes forming a first photoresist layer on a substrate, patternwise exposing the first photoresist layer, forming a second non photoresist layer on the substrate and patterned first photoresist layer. Another method includes forming a first photoresist layer on a substrate, patternwise exposing the first photoresist layer, forming a second photoresist layer on the substrate and patterned first photoresist layer and patternwise exposing the second photoresist layer.
US07803520B2

The present invention comprises a light modulation optical system having a first element which forms a desired light intensity gradient distribution to an incident light beam and a second element which forms a desired light intensity minimum distribution with an inverse peak shape to the same, and an image formation optical system which is provided between the light modulation optical system and a substrate having a polycrystal semiconductor film or an amorphous semiconductor film, wherein the incident light beam to which the light intensity gradient distribution and the light intensity minimum distribution are formed is applied to the polycrystal semiconductor film or the amorphous semiconductor film through the image formation optical system, thereby crystallizing a non-crystal semiconductor film. The pattern of the first element is opposed to the pattern of the second element.
US07803517B2

A method of forming a contact hole includes forming a plurality of lower patterns on a substrate. An insulation layer is formed on the lower patterns. A self-assemble induction layer is formed on the insulation layer. A recess is formed in the self-assemble induction layer in alignment with the lower patterns. A block copolymer layer is formed in the recess to form a polymer domain at a distance from a sidewall of the recess and a polymer matrix surrounding the polymer domain. The polymer domain is removed. The self-assemble induction layer is etched using the polymer matrix as a mask to form an opening through the self-assemble induction layer to expose the insulation layer. The insulation layer exposed by the opening is etched using the self-assemble induction layer as a mask so as to form a contact hole.
US07803512B2

A positive resist composition that includes a resin component (A) that exhibits increased alkali solubility under the action of acid, and an acid generator component (B) that generates acid on exposure to radiation, wherein the component (A) includes a structural unit (a1) represented by a general formula (a1-2) or (a1-4), a structural unit (a2) derived from an acrylate ester that contains a lactone-containing monocyclic or polycyclic group, and a structural unit (a3), which is different from the structural unit (a1) and the structural unit (a2), and is derived from an acrylate ester that contains an aliphatic cyclic group-containing non-acid-dissociable, dissolution-inhibiting group and contains no polar groups, and the component (B) includes an onium salt (B1) having an anion portion represented by a formula: R41—SO3−.
US07803510B2

A heat resistant positive-working photosensitive PBO precursor composition comprising: (a) at least one polybenzoxazole precursor polymer; (a) at least one plasticizer compound; (b) at least one solvent; wherein the amount of the plasticizer present in the composition is an amount effective to reduce the sidewall angle of imaged and cured features in the coated film on the substrate to prevent stress failures in subsequent metallization of the substrate due to steep angles of the imaged features, and with the proviso that if the polybenzoxazole precursor polymer solely consists of polybenzoxazole precursor polymers that do not contain a photoactive moiety on the polymer, then (c) at least one photoactive compound is also present in the composition.
US07803509B2

The present invention relates to a crystalline polyester for toner, obtained by a process comprising the step of polymerizing raw material monomers in the presence of a wax, wherein the crystalline polyester has a number-average molecular weight of from 3000 to 10000 and a weight-average molecular weight of from 150000 to 8000000. The toner containing the crystalline polyester of the present invention can be used, for example, for developing electrostatic latent images formed in electrophotography, electrostatic recording method, electrostatic printing method, and the like.
US07803494B2

A stress reducing mounting for an electrolyte sheet assembly in a solid electrolyte fuel cell is provided that includes a support frame or manifold having an inner edge portion that supports a peripheral portion of the sheet assembly, a seal that affixes an edge of the peripheral portion to the frame or manifold, and a stress reducer disposed around the peripheral portion of the electrolyte sheet and the frame or manifold that reduces tensile stress in the peripheral portion of the electrolyte sheet when the peripheral portion is bent by pressure differentials or thermal differential expansion. The stress reducer is at least one of a convex curved surface on the inner edge portion of the frame or manifold that makes area contact with the peripheral portion when it bends in response to a pressure differential or thermal differential expansion, and a stiffening structure on the sheet peripheral portion that renders the ceramic sheet material forming the peripheral portion more resistant to bending. The stress reducing mounting reduces cracking in the electrolyte sheet at the peripheral portions due to tensile forces.
US07803481B2

A battery includes a positive electrode having a current collector and a first active material and a negative electrode having a current collector and a second active material. The battery also includes an auxiliary electrode having a current collector and a third active material. The auxiliary electrode is configured for selective electrical connection to one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The first active material, second active material, and third active material are configured to allow doping and undoping of lithium ions. The third active material exhibits charging and discharging capacity below a corrosion potential of the current collector of the negative electrode and above a decomposition potential of the first active material.
US07803479B2

The provided is a prismatic lithium ion battery including an electrode assembly having a wound structure of a stack of a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode. The stack has a first side edge and a second side edge, and the wound structure of the stack is formed by winding the stack around the first side edge. The wound structure of the stack has a side surface that is substantially parallel to the first side edge, and a top surface and a bottom surface, each of which is substantially perpendicular to the first side edge. A first tape is coupled to the second side edge portion of the stack of the electrode assembly, and a second tape covers a part of the bottom surface and a part of the side surface of the wound structure of the stack in a manner that the second tape does not overlap the first tape.
US07803475B2

A fuel cell stack includes a plurality of adjacently stacked fuel cell modules each of which includes a plurality of adjacently aligned fuel cells that are connected in electrical series. The current flow between adjacent fuel cells is achieved across diffusion media of said adjacent fuel cells.
US07803455B2

The present invention provides an optical element including: a substrate; and an antireflection film formed on a surface of the substrate. The antireflection film includes a plurality of lower refractive index layers, and a plurality of higher refractive index layers which are layered alternately. Each of at least two of the plurality of lower refractive index layers comprises a same main component each other and comprises a side component with a different content ratio independently.
US07803434B2

Disclosed is a liquid-crystalline medium based on a mixture of polar compounds having negative dielectric anisotropy, which contains at least one compound of formula I and at least one compound of formula I*, and their use in an electro-optical display.
US07803429B2

Disclosed are fiber coating sizing applicator apparatus having a member to remove unused sizing and foreign objects from the fiber coating element of the applicator on a continuous or intermittent basis. Also disclosed are sizing applicators having as part of the drive, a servo motor for reduced variation in sizing application. Unused sizing is filtered to remove foreign objects and returned the applicator right away, or stored in a temperature controlled area until ready to feed back to a sizing applicator. Also disclosed are methods of using the sizing applicator apparatus to produce sized fibers. The apparatus and methods of the invention produce a substantial reduction in the fiber break rate, sizing usage and applicator maintenance.
US07803425B2

A nanoporous film and fabrication method thereof. The method for fabricating nanoporous film comprising: providing a substrate with a surface; forming a coating of a composition on the surface, curing the coating to polymerize the oxide gel, thereby forming an organic/inorganic hybrid film; and dissolving the template from the organic/inorganic hybrid film by an organic solvent. Specifically, the composition comprises the following components: an oxide gel, a template and an initiator.
US07803421B2

An element forming an electronic component has a first face and a second face facing each other, and a third face adjacent to each of the first face and the second face. A method of forming an external electrode of the electronic component involves a pre-formation step, first to third formation steps, and an electrode formation step. The pre-formation step is to apply a conductive paste onto the third face and to evaporate at least a part of a liquid contained in the applied conductive paste, to form a precoat portion expected to become a part of a third electrode portion. The first formation step is to apply the conductive paste from a direction opposite to the first face, onto the first face to form a first electrode portion. The second formation step is to apply the conductive paste from a direction opposite to the second face, onto the second face to form a second electrode portion. The third formation step is to apply the conductive paste onto the third face so as to cover the precoat portion, to form the third electrode portion. The electrode formation step is to dry the element to form the external electrode consisting of the first electrode portion, the second electrode portion, and the third electrode portion. The first electrode portion, the second electrode portion, and the third electrode portion are formed so as to connect with each other.
US07803413B2

A stabilized emulsion is employed to produce shelf stable, controlled release, discrete, solid particles or pellets which contain an encapsulated and/or embedded component, such as a readily oxidizable component, such as omega-3 fatty acids. An oil encapsulant component which contains an active, sensitive encapsulant, dissolved and/or dispersed in an oil is admixed with an aqueous component and a film-forming component, such as a protein, to form an emulsion. The emulsion is admixed with a matrix material for obtaining a formable mixture or dough. An acidic antioxidant for prevention of oxidation of the active, sensitive encapsulant, and a plasticizer which solubilizes the acidic antioxidant are included in the matrix material which encapsulates film-coated oil droplets containing the readily oxidizable component. The plasticizer, such as glycerol, provides mobility for the acidic antioxidant within the matrix material of the pellets for reaction with any ambient oxygen and malodorous amines.
US07803411B2

A physiologically active substance NK13650P3 having the following physicochemical properties or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof. 1) Appearance: pale yellow powder 2) Molecular formula: C29H37N7O15 3) Molecular weight: 723 4) Hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum: spectrum measured at 600 MHz in heavy water contains the following signals: chemical shift value δ ppm: 7.05 (1H, 3), 7.00 (1H, d), 6.96 (1H, d), 6.83 (1H, s), etc. 5) Carbon nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum: spectrum measured at 150 MHz in heavy water contains the following signals: chemical shift value δ ppm: 181.5(s), 181.4(s), 179.9(s), 179.2(s), 174.5(s), 174.3(s), 171.5(s), 165.4(s), etc. 6) Ultraviolet light spectrum: spectrum measured in aqueous solution contains the following UV absorption bands: λmax (MeOH): 196.5 nm, 224.5 nm, 322.5 nm 7) Solubility: highly soluble in water but insoluble in methanol, acetone, ethyl acetate, chloroform and dimethyl sulfoxide. 8) Coloration reaction: positive to phosphomolybdic acid/sulfuric acid reaction and Rydon-Smith reaction.
US07803399B2

αvβ3 Integrin receptor targeting liposomes comprise a cationic amphiphile such as a cationic lipid, a neutral lipid, and a targeting lipid. The targeting lipid includes a non-peptidic αvβ3 integrin antagonist.
US07803397B2

The present invention provides compositions comprising polytheylyene-dialkyloxypropyl conjugates (PEG-DAA), liposomes, SNALP, and SPLP comprising such compositions, and methods of using such compositions, liposomes, SNALP, and SPLP.
US07803391B2

Compositions and methods for conferring pesticidal activity to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for a delta-endotoxin polypeptide are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants and bacteria. Compositions also comprise transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated delta-endotoxin nucleic acid molecules are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2, 4, 15, 17, or 19, or the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1, 3, 14, 16, or 18, as well as variants and fragments thereof.
US07803386B2

Immunogenic compositions and methods for eliciting an immune response against B. anthracis and other bacilli are provided that include immunogenic conjugates of a poly-γ-glutamic acid (γPGA) polypeptide of B. anthracis, or of another Bacillus that expresses a γPGA polypeptide. The γPGA conjugates elicit an effective immune response against B. anthracis, or against another Bacillus, in mammalian hosts to which the conjugates are administered.
US07803383B2

This invention relates to novel uses of a protein sequence (INSP052EC), herein identified as an immunoglobulin domain-containing cell surface recognition, in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases, in particular those related to the excessive expression and/or secretion of cytokines.
US07803370B2

Methods of detecting synovial sarcoma using differentially expressed genes are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of identifying agents for treating synovial sarcoma. Further, a method for treating or preventing a disease that is associated with Frizzled homologue 10 (FZD10) in a subject is provided.
US07803368B2

Methods of treating or preventing a disorder, or a complication of a disorder, of an eye of a subject, comprising contacting a vitreous and/or aqueous humor with a composition comprising a truncated form of plasmin comprising a catalytic domain of plasmin (TPCD) are disclosed. TPCDs include, but are not limited to, miniplasmin, microplasmin and derivatives and variants thereof. The methods of the invention can be used to reduce the viscosity of the vitreous, liquefy the vitreous, induce posterior vitreous detachment, reduce hemorrhagic blood from the eye, clear or reduce materials toxic to the eye, clear or reduce intraocular foreign substances from the eye, increase diffusion of a composition administered to an eye, reduce extraretinal neovascularization and any combinations thereof. The method can be used in the absence of, or as an adjunct to, vitrectomy.
US07803364B2

An isolated multipotent neural stem cells has a phenotype identified by expression of the protein β-tubulin IV and Olig2 and the absence of the proteins NG2, PLP, and GFAP.
US07803347B2

A technique for bonding an organic group with the surface of fine particles such as nanoparticles through strong linkage is provided, whereas such fine particles are attracting attention as materials essential for development of high-tech products because of various unique excellent characteristics and functions thereof. Organically modified metal oxide fine particles can be obtained by adapting high-temperature, high-pressure water as a reaction field to bond an organic matter with the surface of metal oxide fine particles through strong linkage. The use of the same condition enables not only the formation of metal oxide fine particles but also the organic modification of the formed fine particles. The resulting organically modified metal oxide fine particles exhibit excellent properties, characteristics and functions.
US07803342B2

Highly pure pyrogenic silica is produced in an integrated polycrystalline silicon production plant by separating offgas from polycrystalline silicon production into a high boiler fraction, vaporizing this fraction into a pyrogenic silica burner and reacting with air and/or oxygen and hydrogen to form pyrogenic silica.
US07803327B2

An exhaust gas treatment device for an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle, includes a housing and at least one exhaust gas treatment insert arranged in the housing and sheathed by bearing material on the circumference. To improve the axial fixation of the position of the exhaust gas treatment insert in the housing, at least one frictional structure is provided between the bearing material and the housing.
US07803326B2

One exemplary embodiment can include an apparatus for transferring catalyst from a regeneration zone to a reaction zone in a hydrocarbon conversion unit. The hydrocarbon conversion unit can include a transfer vessel, and first, second, and third lines. The transfer vessel can transfer regenerated catalyst from the regeneration zone at a first pressure to the reaction zone at a second pressure where the second pressure is greater than the first pressure. Generally, the first line communicates the catalyst to the transfer vessel and is coupled to a first valve to allow catalyst into the transfer vessel and the second line communicates the catalyst from the transfer vessel and is coupled to a second valve to allow catalyst out of the transfer vessel. The third line for allowing the passage of gas therethrough may be at a pressure higher than the first pressure having a first portion communicating with the transfer vessel and having a second portion coupled to third and fourth valves. Each of the third and fourth valves can have a first position that is open and a second position that is closed, which may correspond, respectively, to the opening and closing of the first and second valves to allow gas to pass therethrough.
US07803325B2

Integrated Combustion Reactors (ICRs) and methods of making ICRs are described in which combustion chambers (or channels) are in direct thermal contact to reaction chambers for an endothermic reaction. Superior results were achieved for combustion chambers which contained a gap for flee flow through the chamber. Particular reactor designs are also described. Processes of conducting reactions in integrated combustion reactors are described and results presented. Some of these processes are characterized by unexpected and superior results.
US07803320B2

A quality control system for measuring parameters in a pharmaceutical product includes a receiver vessel to receive a pharmaceutical product therein. The quality control system also includes a sample tube having a first end attached to the receiver vessel to remove pharmaceutical product from the receiver vessel and an appendage connected to a second end of the sample tube. The appendage includes at least one chamber therein to receive a quantity of pharmaceutical product from the receiver vessel. A valve positioned within the sample tube controls flow of the pharmaceutical product to the appendage and prevents flow of the pharmaceutical product from the appendage back into the receiver vessel. The system also includes a quality control device configured to measure at least one parameter of the pharmaceutical product in at least one of the receiver vessel and the appendage.
US07803315B2

A surface which carries a material which is infected with prions is cleaned with an alkaline cleaning solution to remove as much proteinaceous material as possible from the surface. The solution contains an alkaline cleaning agent which attacks prions remaining on the surface and which attacks prions removed from the surface during the cleaning step. After the cleaning step, the surface is exposed to a strong gaseous oxidant, preferably hydrogen peroxide vapor. The hydrogen peroxide or other strong oxidant attacks the prions, particularly the unclumped prion strands, deactivating the prions.
US07803312B2

A ceramic honeycomb structural body is manufactured by molding silicon carbide raw powders into a honeycomb pillar shape and then firing it to form a sintered body. The silicon carbide raw powders are comprised of about 60 to about 80% by mass of particles of first particle group having one frequency peak in the particle size distribution and a particle size of 1.0 μm to about 100 μm, and about 20 to about 40% by mass of particles of a second particle group having a particle size of about 0.1 μm or more and less than 1.0 μm.
US07803311B2

A device for molding a container from a thermoplastic material in which a heated parison is pre-blown by supplying low-pressure blowing air from a low-pressure air supply and then the blow molding is completed by subsequent supply of high-pressure blowing air and in which the high-pressure blowing air flowing out of the container that has been completely blow molded is supplied to the low-pressure air supply via a reversing mechanism during a transitional phase. A pressure monitoring is performed in the area of the low-pressure air supply and in which, after the transitional phase, the container is vented with respect to an ambient pressure whereby the pressure in the low-pressure air supply is controlled by varying the duration of the transitional phase.
US07803301B2

A process is provided for casting a mounting which is attachable to a human body and which takes the form of a prosthesis socket or of an orthosis part. The mounting includes a reinforcement in the shape of a grid or frame located in the core region of the mounting and is surrounded by a lower polyurethane sublayer and a superposed polyurethane sublayer. The process includes a) providing a first spacer material to be soaked with a incompletely reacted polyurethane, b) producing a reinforcement thereon, c) removing the reinforcement, d) casting the lower polyurethane sublayer by saturating the first spacer material with the incompletely reacted polyurethane, e) superimposing the reinforcement on the polyurethane surface of the lower polyurethane, f) applying a second spacer material to be soaked with a partially reacted polyurethane and g) casting the superposed polyurethane sublayer by saturating the second spacer material with the incompletely reacted polyurethane. The first spacer material is positioned at the lower polyurethane sublayer. The second spacer material takes the form of the superposed polyurethane sublayer. The polyurethane sublayers come into contact and both sublayers bond reactively and enclose the reinforcement.
US07803296B2

A method for forming a gypsum slurry comprises the steps of combining gypsum and water to form a slurry, combining cellulose ether with at least a second material configured to delay solubilization of the cellulose ether, and adding the combined cellulose ether and at least a second material to the slurry.
US07803291B2

A lens has a flange part at the outer periphery of its surface. A flange surface of the flange part is higher than the lens surface. The flange surface has a marking to identify a production jig, for example.
US07803290B2

An electrode material for a rechargeable lithium battery, characterized in that said electrode material comprises a fine powder of a silicon-based material whose principal component is silicon element, said fine powder having an average particle size (R) in a range of 0.1 μm≦R<0.5 μm. An electrode structural body for a rechargeable lithium battery, having an electrode material layer comprising said silicon-based material fine powder. A rechargeable lithium battery whose anode comprising said electrode structural body.
US07803282B2

There is disclosed a piezoelectric/electrostrictive body in which a polarization direction of a domain indicates reversible conversion in an electric field and a strain ratio increases, a manufacturing method of the same, and a piezoelectric/electrostrictive element. The piezoelectric/electrostrictive body includes a matrix phase represented by a composition formula ABO3, and an additional, material phase included in the matrix phase, having at least a crystal structure of tetragonal system, represented by a composition formula ABO3 and having a composition different from that of the matrix phase. For example, an alkali-niobate-based material of the tetragonal system, BaTiO3, PZT, PbTiO3, or (Bi0.5, Na0.5)TiO3 is added as an additional material forming the additional material phase to an alkali-niobate-based matrix material forming the matrix phase to form the piezoelectric/electrostrictive body. An amount of the additional material to be added has a volume ratio of 5 vol % or more and 30 vol % or less (5 vol % or more and 45 vol % or less in a case where an additional material having a composition to which Mn has been added is used) with respect to the matrix material.
US07803281B2

A method for forming a micromachined device is disclosed that includes providing a first silicon layer and a second silicon layer. A coating is provided on a first portion of the first layer. The first layer and the second layer are bonded to each other to form a micromachined device, the coating being effective to prevent the coated first portion of the first layer from bonding to the second layer.
US07803276B2

This invention relates to a process for recycling acid used to remove nitrogen contaminants from hydrocarbons using polymeric membranes to separate spent acid from the acid extraction of hydrocarbons into acid for recycle and acid for regeneration.
US07803275B2

The present invention pertains to a process for the separation of aromatics from a feed stream, including aromatics and non-aromatics by selectively permeating the aromatics through a membrane comprising feeding a mixed phase vapor-liquid feed to a membrane wherein said liquid phase preferentially wets the surface of the membrane.
US07803274B2

A contained liquid membrane contactor includes a perforated center tube, first and second membrane mats each with a first and a second end both being open, four tube sheets affixing the membrane mats to the center tube, a shell sealed to the tube sheets, and two end caps. The first end of the first mat extends a first distance beyond the second end of the second mat. The first end of the first mat is open at the first tube sheet while the first end of the second mat is open at the second tube sheet. The second end of the first mat is between the second and fourth tube sheets and the second end of the second mat is between the first and third tube sheets.
US07803273B2

A filter comprises at least one filtration unit with a filtration passage having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the filtration unit includes at least one groove formed in an inlet side surface of the filtration unit, said at least one groove extending to the inlet and dimensioned to hold back substances which may clog the filtration passage, by means of upper edges of said at least one groove. According to the present invention, by forming at least one groove in an inlet side surface of the filtration unit, the filtration passages of the filter can be effectively prevented from being clogged.
US07803268B2

The present invention relates to a method and a plant for producing low 15 temperature coke, in which granular coal and possibly further solids are heated to a temperature of 700 to 1050° C. in a fluidized-bed reactor (2) by means of an oxygen-containing gas. To improve the utilization of energy it is proposed to introduce a first gas or gas mixture from below through at least one gas supply tube (3) into a mixing chamber region (8) of the reactor (2), the gas supply tube (3) being at least partly surrounded by a stationary annular fluidized bed (6) which is fluidized by supplying fluidizing gas. The gas velocities of the first gas or gas mixture and of the fluidizing gas for the annular fluidized bed (6) are adjusted such that the Particle-Froude-Numbers in the gas supply tube (3) are between 1 and 100, in the annular fluidized bed (6) between 0.02 and 2 and in the 25 mixing chamber (8) between 0.3 and 30.
US07803267B2

The sulfur content of liquid cracking products, especially the cracked gasoline, of the catalytic cracking process is reduced by the use of a sulfur reduction catalyst composition comprising a porous molecular sieve which contains a metal in an oxidation state above zero within the interior of the pore structure of the sieve as well as a cerium component which enhances the stability and sulfur reduction activity of the catalyst. The molecular sieve is normally a faujasite such as USY. The primary sulfur reduction component is normally a metal of Period 3 of the Periodic Table, preferably vanadium. The sulfur reduction catalyst may be used in the form of a separate particle additive or as a component of an integrated cracking/sulfur reduction catalyst.
US07803264B2

An electro-catalyst for the oxidation of ammonia in alkaline media; the electrocatalyst being a noble metal co-deposited on a support with one or more other metals that are active to ammonia oxidation. In some embodiments, the support is platinum, gold, tantalum, or iridium. In some embodiments, the support has a layer of Raney metal deposited thereon prior to the deposition of the catalyst. Also provided are electrodes having the electro-catalyst deposited thereon, ammonia electrolytic cells, ammonia fuel cells, ammonia sensors, and a method for removing ammonia contaminants from a contaminated effluent.
US07803260B2

Disclosed is an oxygen evolution electrode for formation of only oxygen without formation of chlorine at anode in the performance and the durability of the anode is so high that they are, even in strong acid, at the same level as that in neutral solution. The electrode is prepared by anodic deposition of multiple oxide consisting of Mn—Mo—Sn, Mo—W—Sn or Mn—Mo—W—Sn on an IrO2-coated titanium substrate. The multiple oxide are composed of Mn as the main component, 0.1-3 cationic % of Sn and 0.2-20 cationic % of Mo and/or W.
US07803246B2

An etching system. An etching chamber includes an exhaust port. A gas input pipe is connected to the etching chamber, inputting etching process gas thereinto. A top RF electrode is disposed above the etching chamber. A bottom RF electrode is disposed under the etching chamber and opposite the top RF electrode. The etching process gas is transformed into plasma by operation of the top and bottom RF electrodes. An exhaust pump is connected to the exhaust port, expelling the plasma from the etching chamber. A base is disposed in the etching chamber. A focus ring is disposed on the base, accommodating a wafer. The wafer is etched by the plasma. A barricade is disposed on the focus ring and corresponds to the exhaust port, regulating the plasma flowing through the wafer.
US07803241B2

A pressure vessel and method for producing a pressure vessel is disclosed. The pressure vessel comprises a liner shell fabricated from composite material applied to a soluble mandrel having a body shaped to pattern an interior of the pressure vessel, the liner shell having an opening, a boss having an aperture therethrough, the boss sealingly bonded to the liner shell with the aperture adjacent the opening, and an outer shell fabricated from plies of composite material filament impregnated with matrix material wound over the liner shell and the boss, but not over the aperture.
US07803239B2

Self-adhering flashing cap strip and end lap connector cap sheet assemblies include a reinforcing layer encapsulated within self-adhering bitumen. The bottom major surfaces of the flashing cap strips and the connector end lap cap sheets are formed by the self-adhering bitumen and the top major surfaces of the flashing cap strips and the connector end lap cap sheets have lateral edge portions formed by the self-adhering bitumen and a coated central portion that extends between the lateral edge portions. The flashing cap strips are used to interconnect cap sheets at roof surface intersections in the formation of waterproof roofing layers and the connector end lap sheets are used to connect lengths of cap sheets at the job site.
US07803233B2

A device or arrangement for cleaning a pipe separator (1) in which the separator body (2) includes an extended, tubular body with an inlet (4) and an outlet (5) having essentially the same diameter as the separator body. At the outlet, there is a bend or a loop (3) designed to maintain a fluid level in the separator. Just before the bend, there is an outlet (6) with an outlet pipe (9) for conducting fluid, e.g. water, from the separator. Sand or other particulate materials introduced into the outlet (6) are returned, using a pump (7) arranged on the outlet pipe (9), together with the fluid from the outlet, to the separator after the bend (3) by means of reversal with a valve (8) via a return pipe (11). In connection with the outlet (6), there is a flushing device having a pipe loop (12) connected to the outlet pipe (9) for the return of fluid from the outlet to the nozzles (14) arranged in the outlet. The nozzles are designed to flush, in a direction downstream of the outlet, any particles having accumulated in the outlet chamber.
US07803230B2

In a substrate cleaning method and a substrate cleaning method according to the present invention, a brush 3 is brought into contact with a substrate W while rotating the same, and a cleaning position Sb of the brush 3 is moved relative to the substrate W from a center part of the substrate W toward a peripheral part thereof. A process fluid formed of liquid droplets and a gas is sprayed by a two-fluid nozzle 5 onto the substrate W, and a cleaning position Sn of the two-fluid nozzle 5 is moved relative to the substrate W from a center part of the substrate W toward a peripheral part thereof. During the movement of the cleaning position Sb of the brush 3 from the center part of the substrate W toward the peripheral part thereof, the cleaning position Sb of the two-fluid nozzle is positioned nearer to a center P0 than the cleaning position Sb of the brush 3. Since contaminations of the brush are prevented from adhering again to the wafer, it can be avoided that the wafer W is contaminated.
US07803229B2

An apparatus and a method for compensating uniformity of film thickness are provided. A shielding plate is provided between a vapor deposition object and a evaporation source. During the vapor deposition process, a shielding plate is continuously moved according to film deposition rates, so as to selectively pass or block atoms emitted from the evaporation source to achieve purpose of adjustably depositing.
US07803227B2

A flexible seal for constructions and method of using such seals where the seals include a mixture of soil and a polymeric additive including polymeric methacrylamide, which additive opens a water casing around soil grains, wherein 1 m3 of soil contains up to 0.5% by volume of the additive wherein the additive also contains saponified paraffins or further contains between 15 kg and 25 kg of cement and/or lime per 1 m3 of soil which cement and/or lime in turn contains 1% by weight to 10% by weight of the additive or wherein a proportion of between 20% by weight and 50% by weight of water is added to the mixture to make it capable of flow.
US07803225B2

The invention provides a non-efflorescing cementitious mortar composition, free of reactive silica material, in the form of a dry-mortar composition or an aqueous mortar composition, comprising a) ordinary portland cement, b) calcium aluminate cement, c) calcium sulfate, and d) an aqueous polymer dispersion or a water-redispersible polymer powder of polymers based on one or more monomers from the group consisting of vinyl esters, (meth)acrylates, vinyl aromatics, olefins, 1,3-dienes and vinyl halides and, if required, further monomers copolymerizable therewith.
US07803217B2

A bubble trap for separating and collecting air and bubbles from a high flow rate stream of infusate includes multiple flow chambers to collect air, a sensor support mounted to one of the chambers, an air vent disposed in one of the chambers, and a valve in fluid communication with the chambers to control the flow of infusate therethrough.
US07803211B2

Methods and apparatus for producing large diameter superalloy ingots are disclosed. A material comprising at least one of a metal and a metallic alloy is introduced into a pressure-regulated chamber in a melting assembly. The material is subjected to a wide-area electron field within the pressure-regulated chamber to heat the material to a temperature above the melting temperature of the material to form a molten alloy. At least one stream of molten alloy from the pressure-regulated chamber is provided from the melting assembly and is fed into an atomizing assembly, where particles of the molten alloy are generated by impinging electrons on the molten alloy to atomize the molten alloy. At least one of an electrostatic field and an electromagnetic field are produced to influence the particles of the molten alloy. The particles of the molten alloy are deposited onto a collector in a spray forming operation to form an alloy ingot.
US07803210B2

The present invention provides a method for producing nanometer-size spherical particles. The method includes a first step for producing intermediate spherical particles. The intermediate spherical particles include a polycrystalline or single-crystalline region, having a particle size of 1 to 300 μm. The method of the present invention further includes a second step for producing final spherical particles. The second step uses a swirling plasma gas flow having the central axis thereof, the central axis running through an area between an anode and a cathode of a plasma generator. The intermediate spherical particles are discharged along the axis to subject the intermediate spherical particles to a plasma atmosphere of the area to form the final spherical particles.
US07803206B2

A filter assembly includes a sleeve coupled to an external surface of an electronic device and disposed at least partially over an airflow vent of the electronic device, the sleeve configured to receive insertion of a filter element therein.
US07803190B2

The present invention is an interspinous process implant with a selectably expandable spacer that can be placed between adjacent spinous processes.
US07803188B2

Intravertebral reduction systems are provided to restore a deformed or damaged vertebral body to a desired configuration. The reduction systems can include a plurality of reduction elements sequentially positionable in the intravertebral space for reduction of the same. The reduction systems can also include reduction elements that include a linear insertion configuration and are deformable transversely to the linear insertion configuration in the intravertebral space.
US07803185B2

A method of implanting a heart valve prosthesis is disclosed. A valve is mounted within a support apparatus that is deformable between an expanded and a reduced cross-sectional condition. The prosthesis can be implanted into a patient's heart, such as during a direct vision procedure through a generally tubular implantation apparatus that maintains the prosthesis in its reduced cross-sectional condition until discharged from the tubular apparatus at a desired implantation site.
US07803167B2

Methods and apparatus are provided for closing incisions within biological tissue. In one embodiment, a device and method are provided for suturing biological tissue, such as, for example, an organ or blood vessel. The suturing apparatus is particularly well suited for suturing an incision made in an artery, such as the femoral artery, following a catheterization procedure. The device eliminates the need to apply pressure to a patient's thigh for an extended period of time, and eliminates many of the complications and costs associated with the creation of a thrombus patch. In addition, the device comprises an improved handle portion which enables the physician to quickly and easily apply suture. The handle portion is very reliable and easy to manipulate. The suturing may be used in combination with existing catheter sheath introducers.
US07803166B2

A method for creating a plication within a hollow organ. The method uses an elongated member having an end effector at its distal end. The end effector has an outer cylinder having at least one opening in its cylindrical wall, and an inner cylinder having at least one opening in its cylindrical wall. The inner cylinder is at least partially disposed within the outer cylinder such that the apertures can at least partially overlap. The cylinders are rotatable with respect to each other. The method includes the step of inserting the end effector within an organ of a patient such that it is in contact with tissue. The method also involves applying vacuum through the elongated member so as to dispose tissue within the inner cylinder. The method also involves creating a plication by rotating the cylinders with respect to each other.
US07803159B2

A disc space preparation device that has particular application for removing disc material during spinal fusion surgery. The disc preparation device includes a body portion that houses a motor having a shaft attached thereto that is rotated by the motor. The shaft extends through a chamber in a neck portion of the device and into an open head portion of the device at the end of the neck portion opposite to the housing. The head portion rotates relative to the neck portion. The head portion includes a series of blades that are used to cut-away the disc material. The shaft includes an auger that draws the cut material through the neck portion. A suction port is coupled to the chamber in the neck portion to remove the disc material therefrom.
US07803157B2

An anterior cervical plating system having moveable and modular plate segments that are assembleable to vary the overall length of the plate, moveable to allow and/or cause intersegmental compression of vertebral bodies, and coupled together by a detachable fastener. The plating system includes locking elements, each locking element adapted to lock at least two bone screws to the plate, instrumentation, and method for installation thereof. The plating system is capable of both passive and active dynamization and the ability to produce the former from the latter.
US07803153B2

A method for at least one of preventing myopia and retarding the progression of myopia is provided. The method includes measuring optical aberrations in a human eye (42, 43, 44) and correcting the optical aberrations (46). Measuring optical aberrations (42, 43, 44) may include measuring wavefront aberrations (45) of parallel light rays entering the eye.
US07803152B2

A control switch detecting apparatus aims at detecting a control switch operable by an operator for controlling a medical device. When a position signal for representing a position of at least one of the control switch and the operator is transmitted from at least one of the control switch and the operator, an obtaining unit obtains relative position information indicative of a relative positional relationship between the control switch and the operator based on the transmitted position signal.
US07803151B2

A calibration system for a surgical instrument. The calibration system includes an actuator, such as a motor system and a flexible shaft. The calibration system also includes a surgical instrument actuatable by the actuator. The calibration system also include calibration data corresponding to the surgical instrument. A processor is configured to process the calibration data for determining a position of the surgical instrument. The calibration system may include a sensor configured to provide a signal corresponding to a movement of the actuator, the processor being further configured to process the signal for determining a position of the surgical instrument.
US07803149B2

A coated medical device (10) including a structure (12) adapted for introduction into a passage or vessel of a patient. The structure is formed of preferably a non-porous base material (14) having a bioactive material layer (18) disposed thereon. The medical device is preferably an implantable stent or balloon (26) of which the bioactive material layer is deposited thereon. The stent can be positioned around the balloon and another layer of the bioactive material posited over the entire structure and extending beyond the ends of the positioned stent. The ends of the balloon extend beyond the ends of the stent and include the bioactive material thereon for delivering the bioactive material to the cells of a vessel wall coming in contact therewith. The balloon further includes a layer of hydrophilic material (58) positioned between the base and bioactive material layers of the balloon.
US07803146B2

A sweat-absorbent sheet includes a first surface layer, a second surface layer lying on the opposite side of the first surface layer and an intermediate layer sandwiched between these two layers. Each of the first and second surface layers comprises a mixture layer of first and second hydrophobic fibers made of thermoplastic synthetic resin as main constituent and first and second hydrophilic fibers. The intermediate layer comprises third hydrophilic fibers extending into at least one of the first and second hydrophobic fibers. The first and second hydrophobic fibers are bonded to the crimped to hydrophobic composite fibers mixed in the respective layers. The first, second and third hydrophilic fibers are impregnated with antibacterial or bactericidal medicinal ingredient and such medicinal ingredient is left behind on these hydrophilic fibers after these hydrophilic fibers have been dried.
US07803143B2

An implantable hemodialysis port includes a housing and a septum, the housing being formed from a flexible material and including a plurality of chambers. The chambers are fluidly interconnected with one another by integrated outlet passageways. Each of the chambers includes a sidewall portion and a funnel portion tapering from the sidewall portion. The septum encloses each of the chambers.
US07803138B2

A safety needle assembly has a needle hub and a needle cannula projecting from the hub. Wings project transversely from the hub to facilitate manipulation and positioning of the needle assembly. A shield is hingedly attached to the needle hub and can be rotated from a first position where the needle cannula is exposed to a second position where the needle cannula is shielded. At least one latch may be disposed on the shield for secure locked engagement with the hub, the wings and/or the tubing extending from the hub. A spring may also be provided for propelling the shield into the second position.
US07803135B2

An insertion device configured for providing access to a treatment site within a body cavity is provided herein. In general, the device includes an elongate cannula configured to receive and allow passage therethrough of a surgical instrument to a treatment site. Additionally, a proximal end of the cannula is movably coupled to a housing thereby facilitating delivery of the instrument therethrough. Additionally, various embodiments of a method for delivering (e.g., laprascopically, endoscopically, etc.) various surgical instruments to various treatment sites via an elongate cannula wherein the cannula includes a proximal end movably coupled to a housing are provided herein.
US07803129B2

Described are a method and device for needleless injection of a liquid substance in the skin or other target tissue of a patient, in which droplets of the liquid substance are produced, and the droplets of liquid substance are directed toward the surface of the patient's skin or other target tissue at a velocity sufficiently high to inject the droplets of liquid substance in the patient's skin or other target tissue. The droplets of the liquid substance are accelerated toward the surface of the patient's skin or other target tissue in order to inject the accelerated droplets of liquid substance in the patient's skin or other target tissue. A high velocity jet of gas is produced, droplets of the liquid substance are produced and supplied in the high velocity jet of gas, the droplets of liquid substance are conveyed within the high velocity jet of gas, and the high velocity jet of gas is guided toward the surface of the patient's skin or other target tissue in order to inject the conveyed droplets of liquid substance in the patient's skin or other target tissue.
US07803115B2

A method for measuring a non-linear response from a target using an imaging apparatus includes transmitting a signal towards a region of interest from a transducer at a first amplitude and measuring a first response thereto, and transmitting, from the transducer towards the region of interest, at least one additional signal of the same phase as the first amplitude signal but at one or more different, lower amplitudes and measuring at least one additional response thereto. A difference of a function of the measured additional response or responses from the first response is determined, thereby obtaining a non-linear response of the object of interest, and a representation of the non-linear response is displayed.
US07803112B2

An apparatus for displaying sectional planes of a target object utilizing 3 dimensional (3D) ultrasound data. The apparatus is capable of scanning the target object in real time by improving a scan conversion speed and virtually scans the target object by storing previously acquired 3D data. The apparatus, which displays a target object by using 3D ultrasound data, includes 1) a scan conversion unit for performing scan conversion to convert Cartesian coordinates for display on a screen of a display device to conical coordinates of 3D data, and 2) a rendering unit for rendering multiple sectional plane images, based on the 3D scan conversion, parallel with a reference sectional plane.
US07803108B2

An object of the present invention is to enable a receiving side to easily recognize which of imaging devices has picked up received image data. A capsule endoscope (one example of the in-vivo image acquiring apparatus) of the present invention is swallowed by a subject, and picks up images of the inside of organs of the subject. The capsule endoscope has a plurality of LEDs, a plurality of CCDs, and a transmission module. The CCDs paired with the LEDs pick up images of the inside of a body cavity illuminated by the LEDs. The transmission module adds identification data for identifying the CCDs to image data in front and rear directions of the capsule endoscope picked up by the CCDS, and transmit the image data together with the identification data to the receiving side.
US07803102B2

A method for performing intraocular brachytherapy and an apparatus for performing the same is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a hand-held delivery device that advances a radiation source into an associated cannula or probe that is positioned adjacent the target tissue. The handpiece provides for shielded storage of the radiation source when retracted from the cannula and includes a slider mechanism for advancing and retracting the radiation source. The radiation source is mounted to a wire that has a flexible distal end and a relatively stiffer proximal end. A positioning system for the cannula is also disclosed.
US07803095B1

An exercise machine that enables a user to perform a variety of repetitive exercises in reclined, sitting and standing positions. The machine permits a user to perform exercises not possible on a traditional Pilates Reformer machine. The machine includes a frame with parallel side rails formed of extrusions, with a carriage that is mounted for rolling movement along the frame. A plurality of tension springs are selectively detachable/attachable to the end of the frame, to allow the user to decrease/increase the tension on the carriage. Angularly adjustable crossbars are mounted at both the head and foot ends of the frame, as are stationary platforms for the user's feet and/or hands; in addition, a raised transverse bar is mounted at the head end of the rolling platform. The combination of platforms and bars enables the user to perform a variety of exercises in standing positions. The frame includes legs that raise the side rails above the floor. A barbell rack and storage tray are mounted between the rails so as to be positioned generally beneath the frame, and are accessible vertically through the open space between the rails when the rolling platform is retracted by the springs to the foot end of the assembly.
US07803088B2

A system and method of operation for golf cars or the like employing electrically operated fuel injected engines for that can be operated in substantially the same manner as electrically powered cars to effect rapid restarting of the engine after stopped and with the main switch left on without excessively depleting the battery power.
US07803085B2

An electrically powered driveline assembly includes a first electric motor and a second electric motor that drive corresponding input shafts to drive an output shaft. The first and second electric motors are selectively coupled to facilitate constant torque and speed output of the output shaft during shifting and also in the event of failure of one of the electric motors.
US07803068B2

A golf club head having a cavity back design with a cavity therein for placement of lightweight dual-durometer silicone. The club head is prepared by brushing an adhesive onto the interior wall, but omitting a pre-selected area of the wall to allow silicone to shrink away at the omitted area to allow for control of the shrinkage. A first shot of 80 Shore A silicone is placed into the cavity and disposed against the interior wall. Next, a softer 50 Shore A silicone is juxtaposed against the first shot of silicone and it is pressed using a hot mold finishing tool wherein a substantial portion of the cavity is filled. A polycarbonate insert is attached to an outer surface of the second silicone to provide a zero gap appearance. A tan delta ratio of the first silicone to the second silicone is greater than 1.6. A storage modulus of the first silicone is at least three times greater than the second silicone. And, a loss modulus of the first silicone is at least ten times the second silicone.
US07803063B2

A golf club shaft (10) having a weight not less than 30 g nor more than 60 g. The golf club shaft (10) includes a bias layer (B1) composed of a prepreg whose reinforcing fibers have an orientation angle of not less than ±10° nor more than 80° to an axis of the golf club shaft (10) and a straight layers (A1 through A6) each composed of a prepreg whose reinforcing fibers have an orientation angle within 0°±10° to the axis of the golf club shaft (10). At least one partial reinforcing hoop layer whose reinforcing fibers have an orientation angle of within 90°±10° to the axis of the golf club shaft (10) is disposed in only an important reinforcing region in a range from a point (P) spaced at 15% of a full length (L) of the golf club shaft (10) from a grip-side butt (12) thereof to a point (Q) spaced at 45% of the full length (L) of the golf club shaft (10) from the grip-side butt (12) thereof.
US07803058B2

A scented article of manufacture, such as a bowling ball, including a mass of polymeric material. The mass of polymeric material is substantially nonporous and may be substantially rigid. Polyurethane may be used as the polymeric material. A method by which the article of manufacture is formed includes blending fragrance with a liquid or liquified material, substantially removing gas and gas bubbles from the mixture of fragrance and liquid or liquified material, introducing the mixture into a cavity of a mold, and permitting or causing at least the liquid or liquified material within the cavity to cure.
US07803057B2

The expansible amusement device is a compressed package formed from paper goods, plastic goods or the like, which, under selective decompression, disperses confetti and generates acoustic effects. A plurality of elastically expandable members are stacked together and compressed between a pair of bases. A plurality of confetti strips are positioned between adjacent elastically expandable members when the expansible amusement device is in the compressed configuration, and a deployment strip is peripherally wrapped about the compressed device. The deployment strip has a free end and a fixed end, and at least one retaining member releasably secures the fixed end of the deployment strip to the pair of bases when the expansible amusement device is in the compressed configuration.
US07803053B2

A data presentation system that allows a user to view information from a game network in real-time is disclosed. Information is collected from a game network and stored in a data repository. Data is gathered from the data repository, filtered, formatted, and displayed on a viewer of a user machine connected to the data presentation system. The user machine may be wired or wireless, and can include handheld devices as well. A user can select from a number of data views and customize the views, thus ensuring that the desired information is available to the user. Information is updated at a pre-selected rate, or as the network allows. Pre-filtering of data can provide notice to a user when predetermined network events occur.
US07803051B2

Systems and methods for playing live casino games. The systems have casino tables with changeable displays which portray virtual playing cards or symbols to live participants. The displays can be controlled to show hidden cards or symbols only to the player at that player position by depressing a manual button or touching a touch screen display. Viewing by others can be prevented by using the player's hands or other means. Shuffling, cutting, dealing, betting and return of playing cards are accomplished using data processing functions within an electronic game processor or processors which enable these functions to be performed quickly and without manual manipulation of playing cards.
US07803050B2

A tracking device for use in obtaining information for controlling an execution of a game program by a processor for enabling an interactive game to be played by a user and related apparatus are disclosed.
US07803048B2

Methods and systems for deceiving other characters in a video game are disclosed. A video game may include a simulated environment in which player and computer controlled characters can monitor each other's positions using radar, e.g., an acoustic radar that detects noise (such as the firing of various weapons) associated with other characters. A character may fire a decoy bullet, which creates noise at the location of impact rather than the location of firing. A character may temporarily jam another character's radar so that the other character's radar does not display character locations. A first character may mimic an enemy character so that the first character appears as a friend to enemy characters on each enemy characters' radar. A special weapon may make all visible characters visually appear as enemies to a first character, thereby confusing the first character. Another special weapon may create a duplicate image of a character, thereby confusing others.
US07803046B2

An gaming machine for and method of par-mutuel wagering that allows individuals to continuously place multiple casino and lottery styled pari-mutuel wagers on simulcast live and/or recorded pari-mutuel race events. The gaming machine includes a display screen to provide a graphic display of a plurality of pari-mutuel gaming options to a player, and a selection device operable by the player to select at least one of the pari-mutuel gaming options displayed on the screen, the selection device operable by the player to input a wager corresponding to the selected at least one pari-mutuel gaming option. The gaming machine has the ability to be linked to a network of gaming machines in pari-mutuel and/or other wagering venues.
US07803045B2

A communication feature or a plurality of communication features allows a player to know that he or she has selected a special event to be conducted in the wagering game. Generally, the player must meet certain criteria (e.g., play the maximum number of paylines) or, perhaps, make an additional wager to be eligible for the special event. The communication features may include (i) an indicator within the player-input device that is used to allow the player to select the special event, (ii) a banner that is displayed prior to and during the wagering game that indicates that the special event is activated, (iii) a placard that is displayed prior to the wagering game that indicates that the special event is activated, and/or (iv) the altering of one or more symbols that are used to indicate the randomly selected outcome of the wagering game.
US07803042B2

A method of managing a card game, a computer implementation thereof, and a card game kit, according to which a hand of cards is dealt to each of a plurality of players. Each hand includes one or more cards, and each card bears a designated value and suit. A plurality of common cards are dealt into a common card zone, and all players know the designated value and suit of each common card. The players then have the option of placing a wager or withdrawing from the game, after the hands and common cards have been dealt. For those players remaining in the game, at least one common card is removed from the common card zone and wagering or withdrawing continues until a winner is determined based at lest in part on remaining cards in the common card zone.
US07803038B2

A knife maintenance apparatus has a substantially rectangular hone body, a length with an open end and a base end, a width, a top surface covered with an abrasive material, and a bottom surface. There is a first hone edge extending along the length of the hone body and has a first radius. The opposite edge has a second radius and is parallel to and approximately the length of the first hone edge. The first hone edge and the second hone edge are approximately the hone body width apart. There is also a rectangular base portion that has a base top surface, a base bottom surface, a base width approximate the width of the hone body. The base portion has a sliding portion adjacent to and parallel to the base top surface. The base portion is hingably attached to the hone body along the base end and has at least one adjustment hole disposed through both the base portion and the sliding portion. There is at least one adjustment pin that extends through the adjustment hole. There is an adjustment arm hingably attached at one end to the open end of the hone body and hingably attached at a second end to the sliding portion. There is at least one knife maintenance tool removeably fixed on the adjustment arm. When the knife sharpening apparatus is in a closed position, the hone body, the base portion, and the sliding portion are substantially parallel. When the hone body is opened, the sliding portion slides along and parallel to the base top surface and can be latched in position by placing the adjustment pin through one of the adjustment holes to lock the hone body at an angle appropriate for sharpening a knife.
US07803032B2

A remote-control toy is provided that includes: a controller that transmits a control signal containing an operating instruction based on an operation instruction by a user; a driving device that is driven and controlled based on the control signal; and an extension unit that is capable of receiving the control signal. The extension unit includes: a unit main body and a signal processing device that can be detachably connected to the unit main body. In the unit main body, the received control signal is output to the signal processing device, and processing according to an instruction signal output from the signal processing device is performed. In the signal processing device, the contents of the operating instruction contained in the control signal that is output from the unit main body are discriminated, and an instruction signal based on the operation corresponding to the contents is output to the unit main body.
US07803029B2

An organic electroluminescent display device includes an array element layer formed on a substrate, the array element layer including a switching element, a driving element, a first electrode, an organic luminescent layer, and a second electrode, and a ground line formed on the substrate, the ground line directly contacting the second electrode.
US07803016B2

An electronic accessory (715) for an MP3 player comprising: (a) a body (705) having a neck (707) extending from the body, the neck having a cross-sectional dimension that is substantially less than a corresponding cross-sectional dimension of the body; (b) an electrical connector (763) located at least partially within the neck and configured to electrically connect the accessory to the MP3 player; (c) at least one electrical components (701) located at least partially within the body; and (d) a at least two electrical conductors (790) electrically coupling the electrical components to the electrical connector.
US07803013B2

According to some embodiments of the invention, a connectivity apparatus is provided. The connectivity apparatus may comprise signal-terminals associated with respective sockets. These signal-terminals may form a portion of a connectivity path for transmission of scanning signals. Accordingly, the connectivity apparatus may enable central mapping of interconnections of the ports.
US07803012B2

A cable collector of a power supply apparatus is provided. The power supply apparatus includes a power adaptor, a cable, and a cable collector. One side of the cable is connected with the power adaptor. The cable collector includes a first board, a first power connector, and two first blocking boards. The first board is connected with a first surface of the power adaptor. The first power connector is formed on the first board. The first board is connected with the power adaptor via the first power connector. The two first blocking boards are formed on two sides of the first board.
US07803007B1

A cable connecting terminal has a conductive column in a terminal box, a plurality of plurality of steel elastic sheets around the conductive column, and arc slots on the conductive column corresponding to the plurality of steel elastic sheets. A conductive end of the cable inserted into the terminal box through the first or second cable hole, the conductive end of the cable is pressed by the pressing portions of the plurality of steel elastic sheets and tightly contacts the arc slot of the conductive column and is secured by the one-way securing portions of the plurality of steel elastic sheets.
US07803006B2

A burn-in includes a base, a number of contacts received in the base, and a cover pivotally mounted to the base and rotatably moving between an open position and a closed position. The base defines a receiving space and a plurality of recesses adjacent to and communicating with the receiving space. Two hard stoppers are mounted to the recesses of the base and support upwardly the cover.
US07803003B2

An electrical connector for connecting to an electrical apparatus within a high power circuit includes an electrical contact and an enclosure. The electrical contact is configured to connect to a bushing of an electrical apparatus within a high power circuit. The electrical contact extends along a first direction from a coupling region. The enclosure extends from the coupling region in a second direction that is nonparallel to the first direction. The enclosure includes two or more electrical devices, with each electrical device being connected to the electrical contact within the coupling region and providing a current path from the electrical apparatus to at least one external coupling device within the high power circuit.
US07802993B2

A disclosed coaxial connector can be surface-mounted on a circuit board without degradation in signal transmission characteristics. The coaxial connector includes a center conductor, a surrounding conductor by which the center conductor is surrounded, and an insulating housing. The center conductor has a leg portion at its base end. The surrounding conductor has six lugs at its base end that extend radially. The leg portion and the lugs are exposed on a bottom surface of the housing. The coaxial connector is mounted on the circuit board with the leg portion pressed against a signal pad on the circuit board for electrical connection and the lugs pressed against a ground pad for electrical connection.
US07802986B2

A thermal processing apparatus for thermally processing a substrate in a processing chamber includes a heating plate for mounting and thermally processing the substrate thereon, and a lid body covering the heating plate from above to constitute a portion of the processing chamber. The lid body has a ceiling plate and a peripheral side portion vertically provided at a peripheral end portion of the ceiling plate. The ceiling plate is provided with a supply port for supplying a gas into the processing chamber, and a side portion of the ceiling plate is provided with a plurality of exhaust ports for exhausting the gas in the processing chamber. An exhaust pipe communicating with the exhaust ports and having an outlet at a point at equal distances from the exhaust ports is provided to be attachable and detachable to/from the lid body. According to the present invention, the maintenance work against clogging due to the impurities such as a sublimate and the like generated by the thermal processing can be easily performed.
US07802975B2

Loading apparatus and method for positioning a green tire and core assembly into a toroidally shaped mold includes a stand assembly having a support surface operatively receiving a first mold sidewall forming segment thereon, the surface having a central opening. A spindle engagement assembly projects upwardly through the support surface central opening and includes a coupling mechanism at a forward end operatively mating with a first spindle end of a tire building core. The coupling mechanism operatively suspends a sidewall of a green tire on the tire building core a distance above a first mold sidewall forming segment positioned on the stand support surface. The spindle engagement assembly moves axially between a raised position and a lowered position and, in the lowered position operatively places the sidewall surface of the green tire on the first mold sidewall forming segment.
US07802971B2

The disclosure relates to a feed pump for hydraulic media having an input and an output. A pressure-reducing element is connected to the output, at the output of the element the system pressure being present and the output being connected to a consumer, wherein the output is connected to the first input of a pump controller, the second input being connected to the output of the pressure-reducing element, and wherein the pump controller adjusts the feed pump toward maximum delivery if the system pressure is smaller than a minimum pressure or if the system pressure is smaller than the feed pressure, and wherein parallel to the pump controller a pressure limiter is switched such that at the first input thereof the feed pressure is present and at the control input the system pressure is present, wherein the pressure limiter opens if the feed pressure is greater than a desired value.
US07802968B2

A blade includes a plurality of first fibers, wherein each of the plurality of first fibers is angled between about 5° and about 35° with respect to a pitch axis of the blade, and a plurality of second fibers, wherein each of the plurality of second fibers is angled between about 95° and about 125° with respect to the pitch axis of the blade.
US07802955B2

A dowel for insertion into an opening (12) of a wall (14), in particular on a vehicle body, has a shank section (16) which extends through the opening (12) in an inserted state and a flange (18) adjoined thereto and made of a first material component, and a sealing section (20) made of a second material component. The second material component is a plastic material which expands at an elevated temperature and tightly closes the opening (12) in the expanded state.
US07802953B2

An inset panel fastener is provided primarily for honeycomb substrates, such as those employed in the aircraft industry. The inset panel fastener includes a plastic body portion and a metal female threaded nut positioned within the body. The body includes a cylindrical barrel shape having a top and a bottom. A bore extends through the body from the top to form an opening for receipt of a male fastener. The metal nut has locking threads and is positioned in body's bore at the body's top proximal extremity. The body further includes non-locking plastic female threads integrally formed into said body's bore. The plastic female threads have the same diameter as the metal threads and are immediately adjacent to the metal threads so as to form continuous threads for permitting receipt of a male threaded fastener. The metal female threads are locking threads to provide a locking action for locking a male fastener to the inset panel fastener. Meanwhile, the plastic female threads provide primary load bearing capabilities for the inset panel fastener.
US07802940B2

A ball and socket joint assembly comprises a housing having an interior socket and an exterior surface at least partially knurled for press fit into a mating first suspension part, such as a control arm. A ball is rotatably seated within the socket to provide an articulating joint. A mounting shank extends from the ball, outwardly from the housing, for attaching to a second suspension component, such as a suspended wheel. The housing, together with its knurls, is formed in a forging tool. As distinguished from the prior art technique of machining, knurls formed in the forging process allow economical, high-volume production. In addition, the forging technique allows greater design flexibility to place knurls in surface configurations and with longitudinal profiles and non-uniform shapes previously unattainable or impractical with conventional machining techniques.
US07802937B1

A method for filling a personal care product applicator comprises flowing an amount of said personal care product into a one piece body of the applicator through a first end thereof. The flowing leaves the product in a first location within the body atop a transverse web. A closure is secured to the body at the first end. The web is displaced to shift the product from the first location.
US07802927B2

A bent optical fiber coupler (100) that employs at least one optical fiber (10) is disclosed. The coupler includes a curved optical fiber guide channel (200) having a strong curve. The optical fiber(s) held within the optical fiber guide channel have a bend corresponding to the guide channel curve. The fiber end portions are optionally disposed within a straight fiber guide (160) at a coupler input/output end, which is preferably configured to have a standard connector geometry. Use of nanostructured fibers for the at least one optical fiber allows for strong bends having tight radii of curvature without imparting significant attenuation. Coupler assemblies that include the coupler optically coupled to at least one opto-electronic device (310) are also disclosed.
US07802923B2

A junction is made between a first microfluidic substrate (12) having an elongate component (303) protruding from it and a second microfluidic substrate (22) having a corresponding conduit (261). Each of the substrates has a pair of alignment features, for example planar orthogonal surfaces (13,15; 23,25) or grooves (141,151; 241, 251) in opposite sides of the substrate. The substrates are placed on an alignment jig 6 having location features (63, 65) corresponding to the alignment features. The elongate component can be surrounded by a compressible gasket 40). The substrates are pushed towards each other so that the elongate component enters the conduit and the gasket, if any, is compressed. A fluid-tight junction results so long as the substrates are maintained in the necessary position, either by permanent means, or, if a junction which can be disassembled is needed, by maintaining pressure between the substrates. Novel apparatus and novel microfluidic assemblies, including microfluidic chips having grooves in their sides, are described.
US07802919B2

A device for representing the direction of action (9) of a working mechanism (3), in particular a tool or a radiation source and/or a radiation emitter, for example, of X-rays is provided. The device includes a first light source (4) which is used to produce a first beam (5). In order to represent the direction of action in a continuous manner, at least one additional light source (4′) which is used to produce an additional beam (5′) is provided. The light sources (4, 4′) and the working device (3) can be oriented in such a manner that the first beam (5) and the additional beam (5′) have a flat extension and cut in the direction of action (9) of the working mechanism (3). The invention also relates to a corresponding method.
US07802916B2

There is provided a differential scanning calorimeter for exactly measuring a calorie variation of the measured sample on the basis of the temperature difference between sample container and the reference container without the influence of the heat irregularity incoming from the surroundings and the noise components. The differential scanning calorimeter includes a heating furnace of an approximately H-shaped section having an approximately drum-shaped wall part and an approximately plate-shaped heat inflow part, a heater disposed outside the wall part so as to heat the heating furnace, a approximately bar-shaped heat-resistance member that is arranged along the center axis L of the wall part, that protrudes from both sides of the heat inflow part by an approximately equal length, that is made of a material heat conductivity lower than that of the material of the heating furnace, a sample container disposed at one end of the heat-resistance member, a reference container disposed at the other end of the heat-resistance member, and a differential heat flow detector measuring a difference between the temperature of the sample container and the temperature of the reference container as a measured value.
US07802915B2

The device for adjusting the degree of mixing according to the present invention is installed in mixing equipment equipped with a kneading/mixing screw for mixing material while feeding the material to a downstream side, wherein a gate member is moved relative to a portion of a circular section provided for the kneading/mixing screw so as to cause a change in the area of a flow path formed between the gate member and the portion of a circular section, thereby adjusting the degree of mixing of the material. A drive quantity changing device; is disposed between the gate member and a drive member. The drive quantity changing device; is constructed so as to change the drive quantity, x, into the movement quantity, Δδ, in accordance with a profile such that a change rate of the movement quantity, Δδ, relative to the drive quantity, x, is made smaller when the degree of opening, δ, of the gate member is smaller and the change rage of the movement quantity, Δδ, relative to the drive quantity, x, is made larger when the degree of opening, δ, of the gate member is larger. Through such construction, it is possible to let the degree of mixing change at a constant change rate relative to the drive quantity of the drive member.
US07802912B2

A display device includes a plurality of cold cathode tubes that define linear light sources and are arranged in an aligned state in a backlight device. A direction that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a surface S along the direction of alignment of the cold cathode tubes is set as the illumination direction. The cold cathode tubes are supported in two kinds of postures whose axes intersect with each other. A first inclined cold cathode tube and a second inclined cold cathode tube are arranged in postures that incline the axis of each relative to the direction of illumination. The overall distribution of light intensity can be expanded by the amount of the relative inclination angles of the first inclined cold cathode tube and the second inclined cold cathode tube.
US07802904B2

An electronic stroboscope including a generally longitudinal light discharge tube and a reflector comprising a first reflecting part which reflects light radiated from the light discharge tube and a second reflecting part which reflects light directly radiated from the light discharge tube and light reflected from the first reflecting part to exit out of an opening. The first reflecting part includes first curved parts formed on an opposite side of the light discharge tube from the opening, planar parts connected to the first curved parts and disposed closer to the opening than the first curved parts, and circular parts connected to the planar parts and disposed closer to the opening than the planar parts, and the second reflecting part includes second curved parts connected to the circular parts of the first reflecting parts and disposed closer to the opening than the first curved parts.
US07802903B1

Light emitting diode (LED) modules useable in festoon-type lighting applications and lighting systems incorporating such modules. The LED module generally includes a circuit board having one or more LEDs mounted in a heat sink member. Contact members are attached to opposing ends of device. The heat sink is not required to conduct electrical current when the LED(s) is/are illuminated. High powered LEDs (greater than ½ Watt) may be employed.
US07802890B2

A light source device includes a microwave generating section for generating a microwave, a reflector connected to the microwave generating section, and a microwave electrodeless lamp disposed inside a cavity, the cavity including the reflector and a metallic chamber covering an opening section of the reflector. The chamber includes a tube member having an opening section for communicating the inside and the outside of the cavity to lead a light flux out of the chamber, and a bore diameter, D of the opening section, a length L of the tube member, a wavelength λ of the microwave, and a wavelength Λ of the light flux satisfy Λ
US07802883B2

The invention provides sparkle additives useful in producing cosmetic lenses, and lenses produced using the sparkle additives that produce a sparkle-effect when the lens is viewed on-eye. The sparkle effect is produced while, at the same time, maintaining the natural appearance of the eye.
US07802877B2

The ink cartridge includes an ink supply port formed at a position, offset to one side, of a wall configuring an ink container body; a positioning projecting portion, formed on one wall out of two opposing walls adjacent the wall, whose upper surface and side portion are regulated in position when the cartridge has been mounted on a recording apparatus; a lever, formed on the other wall out of the two walls, maintaining a normal hinged-open state and having a projection that is forcibly displaced outward when the cartridge is mounted on the recording apparatus; and electrodes that are connected to a memory unit storing information on the ink in an ink container and formed on the positioning projecting portion.
US07802870B2

A scalable expandable spray ink printer machine for use with paper roll stock is disclosed. A series of three or four print heads are place serially in proximity to paper stock. The configuration of the cylindrical print head allows the heads to be expanded for printing on wider paper stock. The print heads include a combination of fixed, turning and sliding components to align or block ink flow from the print ink reservoir. The printer is in fixed position perpendicular to the travel direction and rotates internally on an axis parallel to the paper or media to be printed. The print head is sectional and lengthwise expandable in fixed unit lengths. The printing machine is ideally suited for advertising or other elongated print media. Due to the use of standard paper, roll stock and speed of the printing, signs can be printed on demand and displayed in real-time.
US07802868B2

The nozzle plate has: a first metal layer in which a hole section corresponding to a nozzle hole is formed; a liquid-repellent layer formed on a front surface of the first metal layer, an inner surface of the hole section in the first metal layer, and an opening perimeter region of the hole section on a rear surface of the first metal layer; and a second metal layer formed on a rear surface side of the first metal layer, wherein the liquid-repellent layer on the rear surface of the first metal layer is sandwiched between the first metal layer and the second metal layer.
US07802862B2

A printhead is provided having an integrated circuit having at least one row including a plurality of sets of n adjacent nozzles, each of the nozzles being configured to expel ink in response to fire signals, and a controller for supplying the fire signals to the integrated circuit such that (a) a fire signal is provided to nozzles at a first and nth position in each set of nozzles, then (b) a fire signal is provided to the next inward pair of nozzles in each set, then in the event n is an even number, (b) is repeated until all of the nozzles in each set has been fired, or in the event n is an odd number, (b) is repeated until all of the nozzles but a central nozzle in each set have been fired, and then the central nozzle is fired.
US07802855B2

A front face for an appliance that is one of a washing machine and a clothes dryer includes a door panel having a transparent window defined thereon, a door handle including a handle body having an inner surface, an outer surface, and two end portions. The handle is coupled to the door panel and is configured such that a portion of the handle does not contact the door panel and defines an opening between the inner surface of the handle body and the door panel.
US07802846B2

The present invention relates to a chassis for a reclining chair comprising at least two contiguous deformable quadrilateral segments, pivot points and at least two force-developing elements. Each quadrilateral segment has four rigid side members and four vertices. Each quadrilateral segment shares one of its side members with at least one other contiguous quadrilateral segment. The pivot points are located at each vertex of each quadrilateral segment. All pivot points have their pivot axis parallel to the pivot axis of the other pivot points. Each force-developing element independently provides a force to a corresponding one of the at least two quadrilateral segments. The invention also relates to a frame for a reclining chair made of two parallel chassis. A reclining chair made of this chassis and a kit for such a reclining chair are also described.
US07802844B1

An integrated inclement weather garment and chair having a removably mounted garment system designed so as to provide the user improved protection from the elements while providing a lightweight, portable, and stable resting platform. Embodiments of the garment system envelop at least a portion of the user in a protective material, the present invention providing comfort and warmth while allowing freedom of movement necessary to accommodate a variety of outdoor activities including sports spectating, concert events and demonstrations, hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, and other activities.
US07802832B2

A reconfigurable vehicle console having a plurality of interchangeable tongue-and-groove blank and equipment mounting panels and quick disconnect clamps associated with each panel.
US07802823B2

The present invention relates to a holding back device for holding a hose to a fixed abutment and also relates to a mounting assembly.
US07802821B2

A device includes a clamping collar having a belt that has two substantially cylindrical faces and that is suitable for being tightened around an article to be clamped; and at least one positioning including a securing plate that is disposed facing a first face of the belt while being retained relative to the belt; and a positioning portion that is suitable for positioning the device relative to the article to be clamped. When the collar is in its initial, non-tightened state, the securing plate is braced against the first face of the belt, wherein at the beginning of tightening, the plate deforming causes the bracing effect to cease, thereby allowing the belt and the plate to move relative to each other. The plate is suitable for being deformed while the collar is being tightened onto the article so as to present curvature that matches the curvature of the belt.
US07802817B1

A building truss transport trailer device adapted for transporting upright or inverted building trusses. The base of the transport trailer device comprises a horizontal bed frame section, having top and bottom sides and a longitudinal axis. The bed frame section is supported on a set of wheels attached to the bottom side thereof. The bed frame section includes a tongue and hitch member adapted for attachment to a towing vehicle. A vertical support frame section extends from the top side of the bed frame section and is positioned along the longitudinal axis thereof. A fastening system is attached to the bed frame and adapted for fastening a plurality of upright or inverted building trusses, positioned on the bed frame section and against the vertical support frame section, to the trailer device for transport thereof.
US07802815B2

A working machine has a main frame structure which includes a pair of endless tracks; each track is entrained about track supporting devices mounted by a track sub-frame. The sub-frame includes inner and outer members interconnected by cross members. The inner and outer members are arranged side by side and mounting at or adjacent upper edges thereof, at least one upper track support device between the members. The inner and outer members mount at or adjacent lower edges thereof, at least one lower track supporting device between the members. The inner and outer members and cross members of at least one of the track sub-frames is a monolithic casting.
US07802814B2

A stabilizer pad construction is shown in which a pair of resilient laminated pad assemblies are mounted outboard on a weldment that is pivotally supported from a stabilizer arm of a vehicle. A latch device is also illustrated in two different embodiments that prevent self-flipping of the pad, particularly from the grouser side to the resilient pad side. The latch device uses either a capture recess or a capture tab for preventing rotation and includes a handle to permit the user to manually rotate the pad.
US07802808B2

A binding is used for coupling a boot to a sport board. The binding includes a base plate, an instep support, and at least one fixation strap that couples the base plate to the instep support. An adjustment mechanism such as a buckle actuates to move the instep support toward the base plate. The adjustment mechanism can be transitioned into a first locked position wherein the instep support is prevented from moving toward the base plate.
US07802806B2

A foot rest and foot holding apparatus is disclosed that protects a users foot from ground obstructions. The foot holding apparatus has multiple friction points to reduce movement of a foot in the apparatus. The structure includes serrated inserts that grip the bottom of a shoe to maintain the foot in position. The inserts are replaceable or changeable to accommodate foot placement preference. The foot peg inserts have a serrated top structure for gripping the underside of a shoe and have an inner and an outer component that can be used individually or in combination. The nerf structure is a combination fabric and welded metal brush guard where the foot pegs are mounted.
US07802805B2

A steering damper mounting structure of a vehicle includes a head pipe, a front fork, a fork bridge, and a steering damper. The front fork, which suspends a front wheel, is steerably disposed on the head pipe. The fork bridge connects left and right members of the front fork. The steering damper is mounted on the fork bridge and the head pipe. The steering damper dampens a steering directional movement transmitted from a road surface to a handlebar via the front wheel and the front fork. A lower mounting portion on a side of the head pipe is disposed on a side of an axis as a center of pivotal motion of the front fork relative to the fork bridge, more specifically, an upper mounting portion on a side of the top bridge. The resulting configuration reduces the size of a front portion of a vehicle and a steering damper.
US07802795B2

A portable horseshoe game suitable for use in connection with an existing bags game. The game includes a rod which may be secured within the opening of the bags game. More specifically, the rod may be secured in a generally perpendicular position with respect to the target surface of the bags game. In an alternative embodiment, the rod may be secured in a generally perpendicular position with respect to the ground. The game has a first plate and a second plate secured to the rod wherein the first plate covers the top side of the opening of the target surface of the bags game and the second plate covers the bottom side of the opening of the target surface of the bags game. Once the rod is secured within the opening, users may play horseshoes on the existing bags target surface. The game may be played indoors or outdoors.
US07802785B2

In an apparatus, a pile of sheets is mounted on a support base, and is brought into contact with a guide. A high-frequency vibration is applied to the sheets from a vibrating part which is pressed to the pile. A sheet on the uppermost surface of the pile is transferred by a feed roller. The guide has a guide end defining a guide entrance between the guide end and the feed roller, through which the sheets is passed. The guide end is arranged substantially in a virtual plane including a contact position at which the vibrating part is in contact with the uppermost surface of the pile, and substantially parallel with the sheets. A separation section for separating sheets from each other is arranged behind the entrance, and an air blow-off section for blowing air into the side of the pile is provided in the vicinity of the entrance.
US07802784B2

A sheet feeding apparatus has a liftable stacking member on which a sheet is stacked, a feeding member which feeds the sheet in abutment against the uppermost one of the sheets placed on the stacking member, the feeding member moving from a separation position to an abutment position, a driving portion which lifts the stacking member, a sensor to detect that an uppermost sheet is below a predetermined position, and a control portion configured to control the driving portion so as to lift the stacking member when a signal from the sensor is received in sequence a plurality of times, which the control portion receives from a sensor due to the feeding member moving from the separation position to the abutment position repeatedly, indicate that the uppermost one of the sheets placed on the stacking member is located below a predetermined position.
US07802782B2

An image forming system which is capable of preventing paper jam from occurring in a sheet processing apparatus to thereby maintain the stability of the system. An alignment plates of an alignment unit movable in a lateral direction each sheet are brought into abutment with opposite side edges of sheets stacked on the sheet stack unit to laterally align the sheets. A lateral registration sensor unit detects a lateral position of the sheet being conveyed. When the detected lateral position of the sheet is beyond a predetermined position, the CPU of the apparatus changes the standby positions of the alignment plates such that spacing therebetween in the lateral direction the sheet is widened by a predetermined amount, and extends the conveying interval of sheets in the image forming apparatus by a predetermined time period.
US07802772B2

The invention relates to a valve, in particular a pendulum or slide gate valve, for essentially gastight closing of a flow path (F). The valve includes a valve housing (1) having a first wall (2) which has a first opening (3) and a first valve seat (4), a valve plate (5) having a closing side (6) with a first sealing ring (7) and at least one drive (8). By action of the drive (8), the valve plate (5) is pivotable or displaceable from an opened position (A) essentially parallel to the first valve seat (4), and the perpendicular distance between the valve plate (5), and the first valve seat (4) can be reduced so that, in the closed position (C), the flow path (F) is closed essentially gastight by an axially sealing contact between the first sealing ring (7) and the first valve seat (4). The valve plate (5) includes support part (9), which is connected to the drive (8) and fixes the first sealing ring (7) in the perpendicular direction to the first valve seat (4), and a sealing part (10) which has an inner circumferential area (11) and which is mounted so as to be movable relative to the support part (9) in a direction (Z) essentially perpendicular to the first valve seat (4). The inner circumferential area (11) encloses the first sealing ring (7) in an essentially gastight way with an inner seal. Thus, in the closed position (C), a pressure difference at the valve plate (5) acts essentially on the sealing part (10) so that sealing part (10), decoupled from the support part (9), is supported perpendicularly on a section of the valve housing (1), in particular the first valve seat (4) or a lateral groove (27).
US07802768B2

A telescoping pole mount formed of an elongated male tube member that is slidable within an elongated female tube member. An internal locking mechanism for securing the telescoping pole at a selected elevation is provided as first and second cooperating wedges that are each structured to slide along a plane of mutual contact that is inclined relative to a longitudinal axis of the female tube member, the wedges are sized to slide within the female tube member with the first wedge being positioned within the female tube member exterior to a portion of the male tube member that is positioned within the female tube member. A lengthwise drive mechanism is coupled for driving the second wedge against the first wedge along the plane of contact and into an interlocked relationship therewith. A disengaging mechanism is provided for disengaging the wedges from their interlocked relationship.
US07802749B2

A creel magazine for delivering packaged stranded material to a creel. The magazine includes magazine frame having guides for directing stranded materials to a creel or manufacturing process. Movable magazine cartridges rotatably support packages of stranded materials and are positioned on either side of the magazine frame. The apparatus and method provide for sequential delivery of stranded materials by alternating delivery sources between cartridges, intermediate replenishment of spent packages by rotation of a full package to a delivery position, and replenishment of spent cartridges.
US07802737B2

The object of the present invention is to provide a high volume, low cost, sealant spray control system for the asphalt industry, accomplished particularly through a self contained vehicle mounted spray system utilizing a digital positioning receiver consisting of a global positioning system (GPS) or horn radar for vehicle speed sensing and a motor RPM sensor and a program logic CAN micro controller for adjusting output flow of a material pump to achieve a target application spray rate of a spray bar.
US07802732B2

A device for temperature regulation of sections of the interior of an aircraft includes a controlled mixer valve for the mixing of engine bleed air and air that is cooler than the engine bleed air in order to obtain pre-tempered mixed air flowing out of the mixer valve; a distribution line connected to the outlet of the mixer valve which is connected to the respective sections by at least two supply lines; individual heating units assigned to the respective sections; sensors assigned to the individual sections for the respective actual temperatures; transmitters for the respective nominal temperatures; and a regulator unit which controls the mixer valve dependent upon the respective nominal temperatures and the respective actual temperatures in the individual areas.
US07802730B2

In an optically readable information carrier, an information symbol has a predetermined area and includes an optically readable mark. The optically readable mark indicates at least part of the predetermined area. The information symbol is optically readable by an information reader after the predetermined area has been identified thereby. A mask member is arranged to abut on the information symbol. The mask member is also arranged to mask at least part of the optically readable mark while keeping presence of the information symbol externally visible to change the predetermined area of the information symbol to be unidentifiable.
US07802717B2

Monitoring an electronic check processing status of an image cash letter (“ICL”) and items in the ICL includes processing each ICL item by performing at least one electronic check processing event in connection with the item. For each electronic check processing event and for each item, a record comprising information related to a status of the electronic check processing event is created. Each record is associated with the corresponding item and the ICL. A status of each item can be determined based on the information stored in the records corresponding to that item. A status of the ICL can be determined based on the status of the items from the ICL.
US07802713B2

There is provided a friction stir spot joining device wherein stirring-related members are unitized to form a unitized stirring unit and an opening is formed in a friction stir spot joining device body for housing the unitized stirring unit therein. A stirring motor, a stirring shaft and a power transmission mechanism are unitized to form a stirring unit, and bearings of a linear motion guide are fixed to the stirring unit immediately under the stirring unit, and a ball nut is fixed to the back face of the stirring unit, wherein the friction stir spot joining device body is opened to form the opening at a rear upper portion through which the stirring unit is caused to move inside thereof.
US07802708B2

A panel truck provides a material carrier made up of a fixed frame clamped the a rain gutter of the truck and a movable frame that is able to be drawn toward the fixed frame to clamp panels between the frames. The fixed frame is further secured to the truck by a clamp leg that may be drawn toward an interior panel of the truck so as to apply clamping action between the fixed frame against the exterior panel of the truck and the clamp leg against the interior panel. Therefore, the material carrier is easily mounted on the truck and easily removed therefrom without any modification to the truck.
US07802700B2

A product discharge and delivery system for a vending machine includes a product delivery cup including a carriage portion and a shroud portion having an open bottom section and a discharge element. After receiving a selected product, the product delivery cup is shifted toward a dispensing chamber causing the discharge element to engage with a discharge member mounted within the vending machine. Engagement of the discharge element and discharge member causes the shroud portion to pivot relative to the carrier portion exposing the open bottom section allowing a selected product to release into a dispensing chamber. A delivery port is mounted in the dispensing chamber that rotated between a product receiving position and a product delivery position.
US07802695B2

An improved lidded container includes a receptacle portion with a brim having a plurality of lateral substantially straight brim wall segments provided with medial sealing beads extending between corners of the brim. The medial sealing beads are characterized in that they project away from the respective walls upon which they are disposed a maximum distance at a central portion of the wall and the medial sealing beads extend over a major portion of the length of the lateral sealing wall upon which they are disposed. Most preferably, the beads are tangent with and terminate at rounded corners between the wall segments.
US07802693B2

The invention relates to a system for holding food item(s) and a beverage container(s) with one hand. Stable handling of an integral somewhat planar support (1) with one hand may be enabled by an elliptical negative space (26) where the operator inserts either thumb to comfortably rest the device with equal weight perhaps on the first metacarpal bone, the phalanges, and radius of the same hand. An integral somewhat planar support may include a containment structure (4) having a noncircular yawning void (5) which may allow for retention of a variety of beverage containers and perhaps even a pedestal mounted object. Regions (14) may be provided for the retention of food items on an integral somewhat planar support.
US07802692B2

A device and method for fastening two component members. The device includes a first component member including at least two protruded portions each having a predetermined lead angle, and a second component member which keeps predetermined positional relationship with the first component member and has at least two protruded portions which are engaged with the protruded portions of the first component member, among at least two of which protruded portions, at least one of the protruded portion has a different lead angle from the lead angle of the protruded portions of the first component member, and the first and second component members can be moved closer opposite each other, the protruded portions are engaged with each other after moving opposite each other by a certain distance, and the first and second component members are integrally fixed by frictional engagement of the protruded portions differing in the lead angle.
US07802691B2

The bottle has accordion-like collapsible bellows ridges (1) with upper and lower arched shape surfaces (1′,1″), always only one of the surfaces (1′,1″) is provided with a system of ridge embossed or stamped stiffenings (2) without horizontal continuity. System of vertical stamped stiffenings (3) is present as well, creating recesses (4) of the bellows ridges (1) with angle greater than 90°, having arched shape haunches (5) at the top and bottom. Stacking depression (6) is created in the bottom of the bottle, the bottle is preferably provided with removable label leaving no residue and it has completely detachable cap (7).
US07802687B2

The invention relates to a coating powder sieving device, specifically for a powder paint coating installation, having a screen surface for sieving a coating powder. The screen surface is angular. An ultrasonic probe excites vibrations in the screen surface wherein the vibrations in the screen surface occur substantially in a direction perpendicular to the screen surface. A powder fluidization hopper incorporating the coating powder sieving device and a powder coating installation including plural powder fluidization hoppers are also disclosed.
US07802686B2

The present invention provides a method for classifying fine particles, the method comprising: introducing a fine particle dispersion in which fine particles are dispersed in a liquid medium into an inlet of a microchannel having the inlet and a recovery portion; and delivering the fine particle dispersion, which has been introduced through the inlet, to the recovery portion in laminar flow, wherein delivering the fine particle dispersion includes classifying the fine particles using the difference in sedimentation speed or floatation speed among the fine particles in the fine particle dispersion. The present invention also provides a device used in the method for classifying fine particles.
US07802685B2

Multistep recycling processes for preparing recycled plastic materials. The processes feature a sequence of operations selected from the group consisting of preprocessing operations, size reduction operations, gravity concentration operations, color sorting, sorting by thickness, friction, or differential terminal velocity or drag in air, surface to mass control operations, separation processes enhanced by narrow surface to mass distributions, blending operations, and extrusion and compounding operations. Plastic-rich mixtures are subjected to the process, and one or more recycled plastic materials are collected as outputs of the sequence of processes.
US07802680B2

According to the invention, a tool holder system having a tool holder with an extension and retraction device, in particular a reel, by means of which a cable, to which a tool can be fastened, is extendable and automatically retractive, is characterized by the fact that the tool holder can be detachably fastened by means of an attaching device.
US07802674B1

The present invention is a system for applying tension to vertical conveyor belts. A combination of force stabilizing devices, force adjusting devices, movable plates and pivoting levers allows adjustment of the tension applied to the vertical conveyor belt. The levered tensioning allows the vertical conveyor belt to positioned in closed proximity with another conveyor or object.
US07802673B2

A conveying mechanism includes: a first belt roller; a second belt roller provided substantially parallel to the first belt roller downstream in the conveying direction of the recording medium; a conveying belt looped over at least the first belt roller and the second belt roller; a belt drive unit conveying the conveying belt; a resist roller pair configured by a first resist roller and a second resist roller contacting the first resist roller; and a resist roller drive unit driving the rotation of the first resist roller or the second resist roller. The first belt roller and the first resist roller are coaxially arranged, and the first belt roller rotates independent of the first resist roller.
US07802667B2

An assembly and method is provided for reducing clutch wear due to centrifugal apply pressure within a clutch-apply cavity. The assembly comprises a rotatable clutch housing, a clutch-apply piston disposed within a clutch-apply cavity, and a balance piston. The balance and apply pistons define a balance cavity including a liquid fill channel and a dedicated air exhaust channel having a control radius configured to at least partially offset or compensate for the centrifugal apply force generated within the clutch-apply cavity when the clutch assembly rotates. The method includes configuring the balance cavity with an exhaust channel for exhausting fluid, and providing the exhaust channel with a control radius determined by the innermost radius of rotating fluid within the balance cavity as measured with respect to the centerline of rotation of the clutch assembly, the control radius being suitable for exhausting any excess of centrifugal balance force over centrifugal apply force.
US07802662B2

The present invention teaches a double-acting compression actuatable slack adjuster to adjust the slack in the brake rigging of a railway vehicle which includes a pair of elongated members movable with respect to each other in a longitudinal direction. A positioning device carrying a pair of opposed abutting surfaces is threadedly engaged with a threaded portion of the elongated rod. Pair of opposite facing abutment surfaces are positioned within the hollow housing. A first urging device is positioned to urge the positioning device into a disengaged position. A second urging device overcomes the force of the first urging device and urges an abutting surface on the positioning device into engagement with an adjacent abutment surface. A first overtravel control device is provided which is activated by a trigger device. A second overtravel control device is provided to prevent jamming condition of the positioning device with one of the abutment surfaces when the elongated rod is fully extended.
US07802659B2

A brake control device has a handle, a controlling lever, a driving member and a swing lever. The controlling lever is designed for manipulating by hand and fingers that can be shifted between a braked position, a temporary braked position, and a released position. The swing lever has one end pivotally connected to the handle, and another end pivotally connected with the controlling lever and the driving member. The driving member has a portion slidably abutting an upper wall formed within the handle, and drives braking mechanism by pulling a connecting element via a rotation while the controlling lever moves the driving member either downwardly or upwardly. Preferably, the controlling lever is formed with a stop or protrusion at the lower edge thereof for self-keeping in the braked position for parking the wheeled walker.
US07802654B2

A climbing tree stand platform includes a platform member having a back member and a front member separated by a first side member and a second side member, a first arm and a second arm that each extend angularly upward from the platform toward the back member, and a securing member connected between the first arm and the second arm. A first elasticized member having a first end is connected to the platform member toward the first side member and a second elasticized member having a first end is connected to the platform member toward the second side member. The back member of the platform member may selectively engage an upright support or tree while the securing member selectively surrounds it, thereby providing cantilevered support for the platform member. The first elasticized member and the second elasticized member are operatively attachable to a second platform member. A climbing tree stand system is also provided.
US07802653B2

A tree stand is provided, having a frame. The tree stand may be a standing tree stand in which case the frame includes a platform on which a user may stand; alternatively, the tree stand may be a seating tree stand in which case the frame includes a seat on which a user may sit. The tree stand includes a cable dimensioned to be wrapped around a tree. The tree stand is configured so that tension in the cable may be adjusted while the tree stand supports the weight of the user. In one aspect, the tree stand employs a rotatable sleeve in one arm for adjusting the length of the cable by adjusting the tension in the cable.
US07802650B2

A middle frequency horn and high frequency horn assembly having a straight pathway with a shared unitary terminus defined by shared side walls which approach a perpendicular angle compared to the horn axis. The two air columns are separated and partially defined by an internal horizontal baffle in which the top and bottom surfaces are angled to decrease in vertical separation in both upward and downward directions starting from the vertical distance between the respective throat openings and decreasing in separation while progressing toward the mouth, where the angled surfaces intersect and terminate the baffle substantially proximate to the horn mouth.
US07802649B2

A steering lock device has a steering catch mechanism including a handlebar attached to a steering stem, and a locking arm attached to this handlebar and being equipped with a lock pin for engagement on the tip end portion thereof. The steering catch mechanism also includes a locking claw as an engaging portion that is engagable with the lock pin. The locking claw is usually biased in the unlocking direction. In this catch mechanism, the locking claw is disposed on a rotation track of the lock pin. Accordingly, when an external force is applied to the lock pin such that the lock pin is in contact with the locking claw of the catch mechanism, the locking claw is moved in the locking direction so that the locking claw can be engaged with the lock pin. Therefore, a steering-lock stand-by state is accomplished.
US07802648B2

A vehicle including an engine, a fuel tank configured to store a fuel supplied to the engine, a fuel gauge configured to detect a fuel level of the fuel inside the fuel tank, and a tilting detector configured to determine whether or not a body of the vehicle is tilted, based on a signal output from the fuel gauge.
US07802644B2

A snowmobile having a hood releasably secured to the snowmobile via interlocking male-female members, the hood being manually releasable from the snowmobile without the use of tools. A snowmobile having a hood releasably secured to the snowmobile via a hook and elastic connector, and having fairings with a moveable section constructed and arranged to conceal or cover the hook and elastic connector.
US07802639B2

A drive apparatus for a drill stem, in particular for de-coking systems, has a feeder (4) connected to a water supply (8) via a first interface (6) and connected to a drill stem (12) via a second interface (10), as well as a drive (14) and a gearbox (16) for rotatably driving said feeder (4) and said drill stem (6), characterized in that said feeder (4) has a first section (20) connected to the water supply (8) and a second section (40) connected to the drill stem (12) and the first (20) and second (40) sections are releasably connected to each other.
US07802617B2

A heat dissipation apparatus (10) includes a centrifugal blower (12) and a fin assembly (11) having a plurality of fins (111) disposed at an air outlet (129) of the centrifugal blower. The centrifugal blower includes a first tongue (130) distant from the fin assembly, and a second tongue (131) located between the first tongue and the air outlet of the blower. The second tongue has an end (132) substantially parallel to the fins of the fin assembly to guide an airflow smoothly flowing through the fins.
US07802607B2

A combination garage door and roll-up curtain system that allows a flexible curtain to be lowered when the garage door is in a raised position. The system preferably comprises an automated garage door assembly wherein the drive mechanism is mounted to a bracket mounted in turn to the inside wall above the garage opening upper margin. The system preferably further comprises an automated roll-up curtain assembly having a rotatable rod mounted above the garage opening upper margin between the bracket and the inside wall. The rotatable rod has a flexible curtain wound thereabout wherein the first end of the curtain is affixed to the rod and the second end of the curtain is secured along its lateral margins within tracks mounted adjacent the garage opening lateral margins. The second end of the curtain preferably has a weighted member attached thereto to urge the curtain toward the garage opening lower margin and to keep the curtain taut.
US07802601B2

A joining press for joining the ends particularly of a conveyor belt, comprising lower and upper heating plates which can be engaged by pusher pads in order to apply the necessary pressure, the plates being supported by reaction beams to contain a load applied by the pusher pads, the reaction beams having seats for detachably accommodating reinforcement elements.
US07802599B2

A printing method comprising a process of forming an ink pattern on a silicone rubber blanket having a plate function, or a process of forming an ink pattern from a uniform ink on a silicone rubber blanket having no plate function, a process of transferring the pattern to a substrate, and a process of forming a uniform ink on a silicone rubber blanket having no plate function, pressing the uniform ink against on the ink pattern formed on the substrate, and laminating a uniform ink on a portion thus pressed, only on the ink pattern.
US07802594B1

Apparatus and method for trimming pine trees. The device comprises an enclosure having a pair of cutter heads mounted thereon each cutter head a pair of jaws having cutting blades thereon which jaws surround the trunk of the pine tree and then delimb the pine tree as the enclosure is moved up and down the pine tree by being placed on the front of a motorized skid steer loader/lift. The enclosure contains an air compressor driven by an internal combustion engine which supplies air for conveyance to air cylinders operated by a solenoid which cause the cutter head blades to operate. The enclosure can be moved about easily and conveniently by being mounted on the front of the motorized lift such as a caterpillar or forklift-type device.
US07802590B1

A switch valve includes a valve seat, a valve body, a ceramic plate unit, a control shaft, and a control handle. Thus, the ceramic plate unit is rotatable in the valve body to open or close the water flow so that the valve body will not rub the valve seat constantly to prevent the valve body and the valve seat from being worn out due to the friction, thereby enhancing the lifetime of the switch valve. In addition, the ceramic plate unit has a wear resisting function to prevent a gap from being formed between the ceramic plate unit and the valve body during a long-term utilization, so that the ceramic plate unit has a leakproof function, thereby enhancing the working efficiency of the switch valve.
US07802589B2

A flow control valve includes a stem extending into an interior bore defined by a wall of a flow control member of the valve, the stem and the wall defining therebetween a cylindrical space allowing fluid communication between apertures formed in differing planes of the flow control member.
US07802588B2

A three-way poppet valve that can restrict or eliminate backflow without the use of an external check valve. Unlike conventional three-way poppet valves wherein both inlets can be open to the outlet at the same time during movement of the poppet, the valve according to the present invention can be configured to close both inlets prior to opening one of the inlets to the outlet. The valve features a poppet valve assembly that is operable to prevent both inlets from being open to the outlet at the same time. The valve assembly also reduces the force needed to close the valve against at least one of the inlets thereby allowing the use of a smaller actuator. A unique seal including a valve seat that is configured to conform to a valve member under sufficient pressure.
US07802583B2

A flow controller adapted to control a flow of fluid within the flow controller, the flow controller having a flow path adapted to convey said fluid, wherein the cross-sectional area of the flow path varies along the flow path and wherein in at least a portion of its length the flow controller comprises an active surface capable of influencing the fluid flow through the flow path to cause vortical motion of the fluid within the fluid pathway.
US07802581B2

The invention describes a buffer (2) for a stick (1), in particular for a walking stick or a trekking or Nordic-Walking pole. The buffer (2) has means (10) for being attached to a stick tube (Ia), in particular in the form of a recess, at its upper end (4) and a rolling surface (5) at its lower end. In this case, the rolling surface (5) is of substantially flat or only slightly convex design in a transverse direction (22) in relation to the rolling motion but in a longitudinal direction (21) which is perpendicular thereto is convexly curved in such a way that it forms a rolling surface on a base surface (3) during the pushing-off movement with the stick when the user of the stick (1) moves. In the case of a buffer (2) of this type, an excellent degree of suitability and adhesive action for a very wide variety of base surfaces and at the same time quiet and problem-free use on hard base surfaces can be achieved by the buffer (2) being formed from an elastomeric material at least in the region of the rolling surface (5), and by at least one elastically mounted, hard, inelastic retaining element (9) being arranged in the elastomeric material.
US07802565B2

A charcoal fired barbecue grill is described and shown herein. In one embodiment, a charcoal grate is disclosed which is formed from a sheet metal material. The charcoal grate includes a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls, The bottom wall includes a plurality of apertures to allow combustion air to reach the charcoal and a plurality of embossments to increase the structural rigidity of the charcoal tray. At least some of the side walls include side wall extensions which are configured to engage with the barbecue grill firebox to support the charcoal grate underneath the cooking grate. In a second embodiment, a charcoal grill firebox is disclosed which includes a dual purpose nesting target on an inside surface. The nesting target is not only configured to support a grate, it is also configured to nest with a corresponding nesting feature which is positioned on an outside surface of the firebox.
US07802559B2

The hold-down device for a fuel injection device is distinguished by a particularly simple design that nonetheless permits a very effective holding down of a fuel injection valve. The fuel injection device includes at least one fuel injection valve, a receptacle bore for the fuel injection valve, and a connecting fitting of a fuel distributor line, the hold-down device being clamped between a shoulder of the fuel injection valve and an end surface of the connecting fitting. The hold-down device has a partially annular base element from which there extends, in a bent-away fashion, an axially flexible hold-down clip that has at least two webs, two oblique segments, and two support segments. The fuel injection valve is particularly suitable for use in fuel injection systems of mixture-compressing externally ignited internal combustion engines.
US07802550B2

A cylinder head arrangement is provided. The arrangement may include a cylinder head having at least one valve chamber defined therein. The arrangement may also include at least one rotary valve, accommodated in the valve chamber, the rotary valve having a curved portion, two side portions and at least one flow passage intersecting the curved portion and at least one of the side portions, and thereby defining flow openings in the curved portion and two side portions. In addition, the arrangement may also include at least one deflector arranged adjacent at least one side portion of the rotary valve in which a flow opening is defined.
US07802547B2

To effectively arrange actuators for control by individually controlling an intake valve and an exhaust valve in an internal combustion engine which includes a variable valve operating device for controlling valve operating characteristics. An internal combustion engine includes a variable valve operating device having a valve characteristic variable mechanism for controlling valve operating characteristics of engine valves consisting of an intake valve and an exhaust valve. The valve characteristic variable mechanism includes electrically operated motors for changing operational timings and lift quantities of the above-mentioned engine valves. The electrically operated motors are arranged outside a valve operating chamber. At the same time, the electrically operated motors are arranged close to the throttle body on a cylinder intake side.
US07802541B2

An apparatus for providing multiple vaccinations of poultry simultaneously is described. A neck injection, breast injection, two wing injections, and an eye mist or drop may be performed in one operation. The apparatus holds the bird in position for precise location of injections, thereby reducing wasted vaccine. The risk of injury to the bird during the process is minimized by greatly reducing the manual handling of the bird during vaccination. Vaccination costs are also reduced by the reduction of labor otherwise required in this process.
US07802540B2

A collapsible soft crate comprising a frame having at least one top member, at least one bottom member, and at least two side members. The at least one top and bottom members are hinged along a length thereof. The at least one top member and the at least one bottom member are connected to the at least two side members. At least four panels are connected together and surround at least a portion of the frame. This configuration allows the crate to collapse more compactly than those in the art.
US07802533B1

A marine vehicle includes a hull, a rudder, a propeller, a swirl generator mounting region provided on an outer surface of the hull and located on a port side or a starboard side where a rotation direction of the propeller is downward, and a pre-swirl generator having a swirl creating wedge disposed in the swirl generator mounting region. The swirl generator mounting region is disposed in front of a central axis of the rudder and behind a vertical line spaced from the central axis by a distance that is 0.2 times the length of the vehicle. The swirl creating wedge is inclined with respect to a waterline by an angle (θ1) of 13°-45°. The pre-swirl generator can produce a flow guiding effect that enhances propulsive efficiency of the marine vehicle.
US07802523B2

A cable railway system has two or more stations and at least one carrying cable and a conveying cable extending between the stations and guided in the stations by way of deflection pulleys. At least one of the pulleys is driven. Vehicles, such as cable cars or chairs, may be boarded or disembarked from in the stations by the passengers. The system may also have one or more fixed carrying cables along which the cars are moved by way of one or more hauling cables. At least one device is associated with the vehicles along the section of the cable railway system, by way of which device the pendulum movements that the vehicles are subject to transversely relative to the direction of movement of the vehicles are detectable and its output signals are conducted to a device that controls the drive of the cable railway system. The drive is thereby controllable in dependence on the extent of the pendulum movements.
US07802515B2

A drawer-type heating cooker capable of preventing, during an opening/closing operation of an automatic opening and closing door, a danger, such as being hit by the opening and closing door that is opening, or a hand or finger being get stuck in the opening and closing door that is closing, by calling attention to the opening and closing door movement, is provided. A drawer body allowing a heated object to be placed therein can be pulled out together with a door from a cooker body. In a state in which the drawer body is housed in the cooker body, an opening of a heating chamber is closed by the door. During opening/closing of the door, a warning sound is generated from a speaker provided in the cooker body or the door. For the warning sound, various settings such as the pitch, the tone and the volume can be made according to, for example, the open distance of the door detected by sensors. The warning sound calls attention from a person operating the heating cooker and people around the heating cooker so as to avoid a person or thing from being hit by the door that is opening, and from being get stuck in the door that is closing.
US07802510B2

An ammunition loading assembly (10) is disclosed for loading a projectile (12) into a barrel (14) of a gun. The assembly includes an urging member (16) for urging the projectile (12) into the barrel (14) and a drive means (18) for driving the urging member (16) between a projectile receiving position outside the barrel (14) and a projectile delivery position inside the chamber (20) of the gun. The drive means (18) includes a drive chain assembly (22) that moves the urging member (16) between the projectile receiving position and the projectile delivery position, so that the projectile is released just before the barrel engraving and engraves on it's own momentum. The assembly further includes first and second chain-retaining devices (42, 44) for limiting curving of the chain assembly and guiding the chain when moving out of the magazine.
US07802507B2

To fabricate automatically a high quality sliced piece by preventing a temperature change of a surface of an enveloped block, there is provided an automatic sliced piece fabricating apparatus including a fixed base for mounting to fix an enveloped block, cutting means including a cut blade arranged on the fixed base for cutting out a sliced piece from the enveloped block by moving the cut blade and the fixed base relative to each other, a cabinet for containing the fixed base and the cutting means at inside thereof, sliced piece carrying means for carrying the cut-out sliced piece to outside of the cabinet, and temperature adjusting means for adjusting at least a surrounding temperature of the enveloped block to a predetermined temperature by supplying cold wind a temperature of which is controlled from outside at inside of the cabinet.
US07802494B2

An electrically driven power system includes a carrier structure rotatably supporting a power output. A plurality of individually electrically powered primary drive units are also mounted in the carrier structure. Each of the power units are in driving engagement with the power output for driving said power output in a rotating manner. The electric motors driving the power units are interchangeable thus eliminating a single point motor failure and their smaller size facilitates ease of replacement and repair.
US07802493B2

A connecting rod includes a rod main body, a small end located at one end of the rod main body and a big end located at another end of the rod main body, the big end including a curved section which is curved so as to become narrower toward the rod main body. The big end is formed of a metal material whose composition is different from that of the rod main body, and is bonded to the rod main body. A joint between the big end and the rod main body is located closer to the small end than is an end of the curved section facing the rod main body.
US07802473B2

An angular velocity sensor includes a tuning-fork oscillator that includes a base portion, arm portions extending from the base portion, and a pair of driving electrodes that are provided to extend from the front face and the back face to a side face of at least one of the arm portions.
US07802469B2

A method for testing the brakes of a wind energy system is provided, wherein the method comprising determining the brake torque by an indirect measurement. The method contains a comparison to defined threshold values for time and generator torque as well as time and actual power. Further, a computer-readable medium is provided that provides instructions which when executed by a computing platform cause the computing platform to perform operations wherein the operations include the method according to embodiments described herein. Further, a wind energy system is provided that has a rotor with a rotor brake and a calculation unit adapted for comparing two threshold values for time and torque to the actual values of time and torque, alternatively for comparing two threshold values for time and actual power to the actual values of time and actual power.
US07802467B2

Analyte sensors for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample. The sensors have a sample chamber having an inlet with a projection extending from an edge of the sensor for facilitating flow of sample into the sample chamber.
US07802459B2

A bender for conduit which may make ninety degree bends in a length of conduit. The bender includes a bending frame, a bending deck, a rising shoe assembly and a traveling shoe assembly. A length of conduit is oriented parallel to the bending deck and then a desired portion of the conduit inserted into the traveling shoe assembly and a corresponding portion of the conduit is inserted into the rising shoe assembly. The rising shoe assembly is translated along an axis substantially perpendicular to the bending deck. The traveling shoe assembly is then translated along an axis substantially parallel to the bending deck. The complimentary translations of the rising shoe assembly and traveling shoe assembly cooperatively make a ninety degree bend in the conduit.
US07802458B2

A process for forming a large-surface metal plate into a shaped part includes using a molding tool. The tool includes a reservoir filled with incompressible fluid work medium, clamping jaws and a shaping die movable towards the reservoir. Profiling elements, corresponding to each other, are configured in the interior of the reservoir and on the outer edge of the shaping die. The external high pressure punching by means of the shaping die moved forward against the high pressure of the fluid work medium is ended, when the shaping die has reached the profiling elements in the reservoir, by the pressure of the fluid work medium in the reservoir being reduced. The boundary sections of the metal plate are then formed between the profiling elements, pressed against each other, of the shaping die and the reservoir, at low pressure of the fluid work medium or at zero pressure.
US07802453B2

A washing machine includes: a steam generator for generating steam; a circulation pump for pumping circulation water discharged from a tub and re-supplying it into a drum; a spray nozzle for spraying steam generated from the steam generator and the circulation water pumped from the circulation pump into the drum; and a back-current preventing branch unit connected to the steam generator by a steam supply line, connected to the circulation pump by a circulation line, and connected to the spray nozzle. With this structure, circulation water circulated by the circulation unit and steam generated from the steam generator are sprayed to the laundry through one spray nozzle, so that a system can be simplified and a fabrication cost can be reduced.
US07802450B2

In a production process of an organic-inorganic hybrid glassy material, the invention relates to a process for producing an organic-inorganic hybrid glassy material, characterized in that the process comprises at least the three steps of producing a gel body by a sol-gel method; melting by heating; and aging, and it relates to an organic-inorganic hybrid glassy material produced by this process.
US07802448B2

A jewelry assembly incorporating a body portion, the body portion being halved, each half of the body portion including a magnetic fastener half; a strand anchoring pin and socket joint fixedly attached to one of the clasp's halves; a helically threaded void extending into the other of the clasp's halves; a helically threaded lug fitted for threaded engagement with the helically threaded void, and a flexible bead supporting strand spanning between and interconnecting the body portion's halves.
US07802445B2

An insulated and refrigerated beverage transport line provides enhanced temperature control of one or more beverages conveyed through the transport line. A plurality of coolant lines carrying a re-circulated coolant makes contact with the one or more product lines. One or more empty lines, referred to as packers, may be placed between the coolant lines and the product lines to provide a dimensionally stable and tight group of lines that are bundled together. An external insulation is provided over the bundle of lines to further enhance insulation for the beverage being transported through the product lines. At least one dedicated coolant return line may be placed remote from the other lines. The dedicated coolant return line carries the highest temperature coolant found in a beverage transport system. Independent and separate insulation of this dedicated coolant return line prevents inadvertent heat transfer to the one or more product lines.
US07802436B2

A method for removing heat from a heat generating component using a low profile extrusion with a plurality of micro tubes extended there through. The low profile extrusion is placed into thermal connection with heat producing components. A heat transfer fluid removes heat via an adiabatic process.
US07802433B2

A method for operating a gas turbine engine including a compressor is provided. The method includes defining a predetermined concentration, placing at least one sensor in an inlet of the gas turbine engine, detecting a sand and dust concentration value using the at least one sensor; and deploying a boot to facilitate preventing particles from entering the compressor when the sand and dust concentration value equals or exceeds the predetermined concentration. The boot includes a plurality of fluid exit slots such that clean air is facilitated to be adhered to a flow path surface downstream from the boot.
US07802424B2

An exhaust device for adjusting an exhaust gas cross sectional area of an exhaust passage in a combustion engine includes a valve body arranged in the exhaust passage communicating to an exhaust port of the combustion engine; a valve shaft fixed or integrally formed to the valve body and arranged so as to transverse the exhaust passage, the valve shaft changing the opening of the valve body by turning with the valve body about an axis of the valve shaft; a pair of bearing members for supporting rotatably the valve shaft at both ends thereof in a axial direction of the valve shaft; and a stopper arranged on the valve shaft so as to face an end face on the inward side of the exhaust passage of each bearing member in the axial direction. The stopper is restricted in the axial direction by the end face of each of the bearing members so that the valve body and the valve shaft do not move in the axial direction.
US07802416B2

A method of bagging an article into a bag comprising: providing a web of stretchable film folded in two so as to provide first and second superposed bag panels, selecting a length of stretchable film as a function of the article to be bagged, cutting the film at the selected length, sealing the bag panels at the length to form a bag having an opening for receiving the article, stretching the bag in a taut open state, and lowering the bag in the taut open state thereof over the article.
US07802411B2

A tongue adapted for being received in a sidewardly open groove of a floor panel, wherein in the tongue, which is of an elongated shape, when received in the groove is displaceable in a plane substantially parallel with a front face of the floor panel.
US07802410B2

The invention relates to modular elements made of insulating materials for constructions, provided with at least one network element in the interior; to a network obtained by connecting modular elements; to a supporting structure achieved by casting a hardening material in the network achieved by connecting the modular elements and joining them through the supporting structure, as well as to the process for obtaining thereof. The modular element has an interior network element made up of at least two main half joints and optionally it may have one or more secondary half-joints, connected through vertical and oblique channels. The network obtained by assembling the modular elements is made up of main and secondary joints, connected trough vertical, horizontal and oblique channels. The unitary supporting structure is obtained by casting a material that will be harden in the unitary network for the entire construction. The process for obtaining the construction according to the invention consists of the following: connection of modular elements and the casting of material that hardens in the network defined through the connection of modular elements and the creation of a unitary supporting structure.
US07802407B2

A multi-media workstation having a master rail system for permitting horizontal adjustment of the various components of the workstation. The workstation generally includes a console having a work surface and a master rail system for supporting various audiovisual equipment. The master rail system includes a rail extrusion connecting at least two frames and having a longitudinal slot formed in at least one of its surfaces. The various components of the workstation each include a finger engaged in the longitudinal slot of the rail extrusion, wherein the component is able to be horizontally translated along a length of the rail extrusion.
US07802403B2

Commercial meat and perishable product refrigeration buildings commonly suffer from infiltration of moisture which normally occurs at the roof/wall junction where the roof meets the walls. Warm moist outside air is drawn into the cooler because of the lower pressure therein and once inside, forms ice which lowers the cooler temperature and causes freezer burn. By removing the building roof, and installing a moisture proof 40-50 mil thick sheet polymer membrane onto the cooler wall panels, over the top sill plate and the top header ledger board then welding it at the roof perimeter to the roofing membrane, an impermeable seal can be formed. To ensure the unitary integrity of the system, a flexible polymer mastic is trawled onto the wall panels before the membrane is affixed and a double sealing strip is screwed into the membrane though the mastic and into the wall panels.
US07802377B2

The invention relates to a drying cylinder which is used to dry a paper, cardboard, tissue or other web of fibrous material in a machine for the production and/or for the transformation thereof. The drying cylinder includes a support body and an external cover layer which is heated by a hot fluid. The thermal flow passing through the external cover layer is increased such that at least one cavity is provided between the support body and the external cover layer through which the fluid flows. The external cover layer is predominately so thin that the ratio formed by the thermal conductivity of the material and the thickness of the external cover layer is greater than a threshold value of 3.2 kW/m2K for steel, 30 kW/m2K for aluminum, 18 kW/m2K for bronze alloys, 3.4 kW/m2K for copper and 6.1 kW/m2K for magnesium.
US07802376B2

An apparatus for treating particulate material has a process chamber for receiving and treating the material. A bottom is composed of a plurality of overlapping guide plates which are placed one above the other and between which annular slots for process air to pass through are formed. An annular-gap nozzle is arranged centrally in the bottom, the orifice of this annular-gap nozzle being designed in such a way that a planar spray pancake which runs approximately parallel to the bottom plane can be sprayed.
US07802362B2

A method of making a heat pipe includes the steps of: providing a mandrel, a capillary wick and a straight tubular shell; inserting the mandrel and the capillary wick into the shell; cramming powder into the shell, wherein the powder can be sintered between the shell and the mandrel; sintering the shell having the mandrel, the capillary wick and the powder therein; and drawing the mandrel out of the shell and filling working media into the pipe, and vacuuming and sealing the pipe. The mandrel defines a longitudinal slot therein, and the capillary wick is positioned in the slot.
US07802360B2

The invention comprises methods for filling holes in printed wiring boards and printed wiring boards produced by these methods. The methods involve plating metal conductors inside the holes of the printed wiring boards while protecting the conducting surfaces of the printed wiring boards from being plated using photoresist film. The side surfaces of a printed wiring board are covered with photoresist. The photoresist is exposed to developing light, except the photoresist covering the holes on one side of the board is masked to prevent exposure of the holes to the developing light. The undeveloped photoresist covering the holes is removed. The board is subjected to a plating process, which deposits conductive materials in the holes, but the photoresist on the conducting surfaces of the board prevents conductive materials to be plated on the surfaces of the board.
US07802359B2

A method is described for manufacturing electronic assemblies (52). Electronic die (36) held in a plastic matrix (43) form a partially completed panel (35) of electronic assemblies (52). The panel (35) is adhesively mounted to a ceramic carrier (20) having multiple holes (22) there through. Conductive interconnects (38-1, 38-2, etc.) and other layers are applied to the panel, coupled to electrical contacts on the die (36) and external electrical contacts (39-1) for the panel (50). The panel (50) and the carrier (20) are separated and the panel singulated to release the finished electronic assemblies (52). Silicone is a preferred adhesive (27) and is dissolved using a non-polar solvent (70) that penetrates through the holes (22) in the carrier (20) to the adhesive (27). The adhesive (27) is preferentially applied using a transfer adhesive sandwich (24), that is, an adhesive layer (27) with removable plastic sheets (25, 26) on either side that can be peeled away from the adhesive (27). This facilitates handling and properly locating the adhesive (27) on the carrier (20) for efficient low cost manufacture of the assemblies (52).
US07802357B2

A method of forming a plating film capable of improving magnetic properties is provided. A photoresist pattern, having a first opening with an aspect ratio greater than 1 and a second opening with an aspect ratio smaller than that of the first opening, is formed on a surface of a substrate. A seed film is formed to cover an exposed surface of the substrate in the openings and an inner wall of the photoresist pattern in the openings. On the seed film in the openings, the plating film of magnetic material is deposited such that the first opening is filled under application of a magnetic field in the direction intersecting the surface of the substrate, and the second opening is filled under application of the magnetic field in the direction along the surface of the substrate.
US07802355B2

Vibration equipment includes a vibration table with rotating shafts for producing vibrations and used in casting concrete blocks for e.g. paving and erection of walls. These vibration tables are normally made of cut-out, welded steel parts that after welding constitute the main part of the vibration table, making such vibration tables costly and resulting in relatively great waste of material. This method solves the above problems by providing vibration equipment in which individual parts for the vibration table are cast in one piece or are welded and are finally fastened to each other by bolts or by welding, thereby avoid several work operations and saving material in the form of steel. Simultaneously, the vibration table is designed such that force and stress flow in the vibration table is optimized.
US07802352B2

A rivet setting tool having a motor driven hydraulic pump is disclosed. The rivet setting tool incorporates a fastener setting verification system configured to monitor changes pump drive motor current to determine if a particular fastener set is acceptable.
US07802349B2

Method for fabricating an acoustical resonator on a substrate having a top surface. First, a depression in said top surface is generated. Next, the depression is filled with a sacrificial material. The filled depression has an upper surface level with said top surface of said substrate. Next, a first electrode is deposited on said upper surface. Then, a layer of piezoelectric material is deposited on said first electrode. A second electrode is deposited on the layer of piezoelectric material using a mass load lift-off process.
US07802347B2

A slide fastener slider, in which a pair of projecting portions are formed such that they project from shoulder mouth side end portions of a pair of flanges to a shoulder mouth side, the flanges being erected on both right and left sides of a lower plate. Each projecting portion is constituted of a stepped portion formed by extending from the shoulder mouth side end portion of each flange to the shoulder mouth side, and a downward slope formed from the stepped portion up to a top face of the lower plate. The pair of projecting portions allow an inclination of a leg portion of a fastener element to be returned to a substantially horizontal state, thereby preventing contact between a fastener tape and each flange to block breaking of threads in the fastener tape.
US07802346B2

In a device for identifying undesirable particles in textile fibre material, especially on spinning preparation machines, in which the detection of the undesirable particles is effected by optoelectronic means, the fibre material can be detected by a recognition device and the measurement results can be supplied to an image-processing device. In order substantially to improve evaluation of the measurement of the undesirable particles, there is a combing-out element for at least one fibre sliver, with which a fibre tuft having open ends in the working direction and a fibre tuft having open ends opposite to the working direction can be produced. The measured values of undesirable particles at both fibre tufts can be supplied to a comparison device and the comparison values can be used for optimising setting parameters and/or structural elements of the spinning preparation machines.
US07802345B2

A four-bar linkage hinge having a restraining catch arranged to prevent the hinge from opening and translating rearward when said hinge is subjected to an external force causing a transverse deflection of its linkage.
US07802341B2

A wiper system including a wiper arm having a pivot end, attachment member and an elongate body. The attachment member includes a deck, a tab, wall plate, and a pin that extends transversely relative to the tab. The tab and the wall plate depend from the deck to define a channel. The deck extends along an inclined plane to maximize downward force of air current applied to the deck to reduce wind lift. The system further includes a wiper assembly having a wiping element, an elongated beam and a carrier. The carrier has sidewalls that define a track to receive the elongated beam and further includes a coupler to releasably engage the attachment member. The coupler includes a bore to receive the pin and a saddle to engage the channel. The saddle includes first and second guide surfaces to limit the rotational movement of the wiper assembly about the pin.
US07802337B2

A ramp assembly includes an elongated frame sized and shaped to extend between a first door and a second door aligned opposite each other on opposed sides of a vehicle; a first sectional ramp section having a first end and a second end; and a second sectional ramp having a first end and a second end. The first sectional ramp is slidably moveable along the frame from a stored position to a deployed position on either of the opposed sides of the vehicle. The second sectional ramp is positioned adjacent the first sectional ramp and is slidably moveable along the frame from a stored position to a deployed position on either of the opposed sides of the vehicle. The ramp assembly also includes a first locking mechanism coupled to the first end of each of the first sectional ramp and the second sectional ramp; and a second locking mechanism coupled to the second end of each of the first sectional ramp and the second sectional ramp. The first locking mechanism is placed in a locked position and the second locking mechanism is placed in an unlocked position to allow the first and second sectional ramps to be coupled together and moved from the stored position to the deployed position through the first door. The second locking mechanism is placed in a locked position and the first locking mechanism is placed in an unlocked position to allow the first and second sectional ramps to be coupled together and moved from the stored position to the deployed position through the second door.
US07802333B2

A surgical positioning aid includes a n inflatable pillow with a non-inflatable sleeve. The non-inflatable sleeve has two substantially parallel attachment regions secured to a panel of the inflatable pillow and two open end portions to provide access between the non-inflatable sleeve and the inflatable pillow. The space between the non-inflatable sleeve and the inflatable pillow can be telescoped onto a surgical support post in proximity to an operating table. Air then can be directed into the inflatable pillow so that a patient can be supported relative to the post without creating pressure points on the patient.
US07802331B2

A piece of furniture includes a deck or seat assembly that is supported by a base assembly. The base assembly includes a tilting actuator assembly. The base assembly is coupled to the deck or seat assembly so that the deck or seat assembly can be tilted from a prone or sitting position to an upright position. The base assembly and the deck or seat assembly are coupled so that there are no easily accessible pinch points therebetween.
US07805765B2

Executable files are extended with a file signature containing a header containing validation data. This header may be added to an existing executable and linking format (ELF) header, added as a new section, or placed in a file's extended attribute store. The header contains results of all previous validation checks that have been performed. The file signature is inserted, with a date stamp, into the file attributes. On execution, the system checks the previously-created file signature against a current file signature, instead of creating the file signature for every file during the execution process. Checks to ensure that the file signature is secure, and is valid and up to date, are also implemented. Only if the file signature is not valid and up-to-date does the execution program create a new file signature at the time of execution.
US07805762B2

According to one embodiment of the invention, a computerized method for reducing the false alarm rate of network intrusion detection systems includes receiving, from a network intrusion detection sensor, one or more data packets associated with an alarm indicative of a potential attack on a target host and identifying characteristics of the alarm from the data packets. The characteristics include at least an attack type and an operating system fingerprint of the target host. The method further includes identifying the operating system type from the operating system fingerprint, comparing the attack type to the operating system type, and indicating whether the target host is vulnerable to the attack based on the comparison.
US07805748B1

A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc. At receiver stations, signals in received transmissions and from local inputs (225, 218, 22) cause control processors (200) and computers (205) to automate connection and operation of converters (201), tuners (215), decryptors (224), recorder/players (217), computers (205), furnaces (206), etc. Processors (71, 200) meter and monitor availability and usage of programming.
US07805747B2

A system for providing an interactive look-and-feel in a digital video broadcast via an X-Y protocol is provided. At a head-end, video information is digitized and associated with private data, such as event identifications, X-Y coordinates, link event identification and synchronization data. This information is then transmitted to a receiving end and is input into a set-top box. The set-top box receives the broadcast digital signal and includes a member for receiving the broadcast digital signal and generating a playable signal including indicia of the link data. The playable signal is then played on a playing device. The user is provided with a remote control or similar input device for selecting from the indicia. Upon selection of a desired indicia, the user may exercise the predetermined link associated with the selected indicia in order to obtain the desired playable signal.
US07805743B2

When a channel of a digital TV broadcasting is selected, a direction information of the channel, which is stored in a channel setting table, is set in a smart antenna and then, in a case of a signal absence state of a broadcasting signal or when a reduction of receiving signal intensity is detected, an optimal directivity direction, in which the broadcasting signal is reproducible and the receiving state of the wave is optimal, is determined by switching (scanning) the directivity direction of the smart antenna. And, the determined directivity direction is stored in the channel setting table as the direction information of a current channel and the directivity direction is set in the smart antenna.
US07805742B2

A program guide system is provided that supports a program guide application and multiple non-guide applications. The program guide system has a program guide application interface that allows the non-guide applications to use both device resources and program guide resources. The application interface maintains a list of registered applications and directs control requests from various applications to the current primary application. The application interface also has a user interface input director that directs keystrokes and other user input commands to the appropriate application. If a keystroke for the program guide application is detected while a non-guide application is running, the program guide application is invoked.
US07805734B2

Software for platform management of high-availability computer systems is provided. A management database can be configured for storing the data about the set of management instruments and the set of management capabilities that are required for the platform management. Further, an application program interface (API) and a command line interface (CLI) are provided for administering of the hardware platform by reading and updating the state of set of management instruments, and the set of management capabilities. Execution of a policy in the occurrence of a pre-defined trigger event can be enabled by a policy execution module.
US07805732B2

A system is implementable in a network including a plurality of coupled electronic devices. The system includes a first mobile agent object executable on an electronic device and operable to perform a first operation on a data set. A second mobile agent object is executable on an electronic device and operable to perform a second operation on a data set. A composition object is operable to enable the first mobile agent object to provide the data set to the second mobile agent object if the first mobile agent object and second mobile agent object are executing on the same electronic device. At least one bridging object can enable the first mobile agent object to provide the data set to the second mobile agent object if the first mobile agent object and second mobile agent object are executing on different electronic devices.
US07805728B2

Techniques for configuring direct communicating between browser elements running in a browser and for direct communication between a browser element and an external application are described. Browser elements communicate with each other by referencing unique identifiers associated with the browser elements. External applications communicate directly with browser elements by referencing unique identifiers associated with the browser elements.Browser elements are configurable as web services and communicate using various communication architectures and protocols. Application programming interfaces associated with browser elements configured as web services are accessible to web browsers through web scripting modules.
US07805725B2

A method and system is provided for automatically reassigning an interface card and devices associated with the interface card in a programmable logic controller system from a non-deterministic operating environment to a deterministic operating environment so that the change is performed essentially instantaneously to avoid disruption of operations of the PLC devices associated with the interface involved in the reassignment. All operating system registries and configurations are automatically performed. The move provides for an improved response time for devices associated with and controlled by the card.
US07805720B2

Autorun functionality is incorporated into an integrated circuit memory device such as any USB peripheral, which has a memory component interfaced to a USB microcontroller. This provides autorun of one or more executables or application installers from a memory component with a USB interface without an intermediate hardware-based autorun feature. USB peripheral devices internally include a USB microcontroller that performs the functionality associated with identifying the device to a host computing device, such as a personal computer. Autorun firmware is embedded into the USB microcontroller. The autorun firmware enables autorun of an installable or executable application stored on the memory component of the USB device. The firmware acts as bridge component translating all commands and interactions between a host PC and the memory component.
US07805717B1

A system and method for instrumenting program instructions. A processing system includes a compiler and a profiler. The compiler is configured to notify the profiler of a compilation event corresponding to first program instructions. In response to detecting the event, the profiler is configured to intercept compilation of the first program instructions, determine whether an instrumented version of the first program instructions is currently available, instruct the compiler to compile the instrumented version of the first program instructions if available, and retrieve and instrument the first program instructions if not available. The profiler may maintain an instrumentation cache for storing instrumented versions of program instructions. The instrumentation cache may further include metadata which identifies portions of program code which have been instrumented and their location. The profiler may generally instrument program instructions once during the resident life of a corresponding application.
US07805703B2

The invention relates to a system and method for visually representing the interactions of input variables and output variables using a visualization field. The method comprises generating a visualization field on a display device, generating input variable indicators representative of the input variables, positioning the input variable indicators relative to the visualization field, generating interaction indicators, which are indicators of the input variables, positioning the interaction indicators relative to the visualization field, and adjusting the appearance of the interaction indicators to reflect the values of the output variables. The interaction indicators may also comprise association indicators that identify the input variables associated with the interaction indicators.
US07805694B2

An apparatus and method are disclosed which determine locations where verification data should exist in a circuit representation and then propagates verification or circuit properties within a circuit representation. For a hierarchical representation of a circuit, a minimum number of modified circuit entities are created and added to the hierarchical representation such that pertinent critical net and property information is represented at each hierarchical level.
US07805679B2

When slide show image data sets are generated from a plurality of image data sets, the image data sets, DVD-Video files representing the slide shows generated from the image data sets, and information representing reproduction order are stored in a manner that allows a user to access them so that pleasure of the slide shows for the user is not ruined. The user changes the images to be included in the DVD-Video files and the reproduction order, while referring to the image data sets, the DVD-Video files, and the information. A digitalization center newly generates DVD-Video files according to the changed images and the changed reproduction order.
US07805668B2

A work specification correcting apparatus comprises: a keeping section that keeps a correction rule to a work specification representative of a work content in a predetermined form, which is to be applied to a work apparatus for performing a work in accordance with the work specification, the correction rule being associated with a making source where the work specification is made; an obtaining section that obtains the work specification created by the making source; and a correcting section that applies a correction to the work specification obtained by the obtaining section in accordance with the correction rule kept in the keeping section in an association with the making source of the work specification, and transmits the corrected work specification to the work apparatus.
US07805667B2

A system and method to identify target node graphs from predetermined seed node subsets are described. A one-sided constrained spectral embedding of a graph using a predetermined set of seed nodes within the graph is computed. Next, a threshold boundary is identified to define a target area for a target subgraph within the embedded graph using predetermined network-flow calculations, the target subgraph including the predetermined set of seed nodes. Finally, the target subgraph is identified based on the calculated threshold boundary.
US07805663B2

In a nonvolatile memory system a Soft-Input Soft-Output (SISO) decoder corrects errors in data that is read from a memory and a statistical unit connected to the SISO decoder collects data regarding corrections. The statistical unit generates at least one output based on the collected data and at least one operating parameter of the memory is modified in response to the output.
US07805660B2

A semiconductor device has multilevel memory cells, each cell storing at least three levels of data each. At least a first data composed of first data bits and a second data composed of second data bits are arranged in order that at least a bit of an N-order of the first bits and a bit of the N-order of the second bits are stored in one of the cells, the N being an integral number. A voltage corresponding to the N-order bits is generated and applied to the one of the cells in response to an address information corresponding thereto. Another semiconductor device has multilevel memory cells arranged so as to correspond to a physical address space, each cell storing 2n levels of data each expressed by n (n≧2) number of bits (X1, X2, . . . , Xn). A logical address is converted into a physical address of the physical address space. Judging is made whether a logical address space including the logical address matches the physical address space. When matched, the most significant bit X1 is specified once using a reference value. The specified bit is output from one of the cells corresponding to the physical address. If not matched, the bits (X2, . . . , Xn) are specified by n—time specifying operation maximum using maximum n number of different reference values. The data writing/reading operations to/from the semiconductor devices can be stored in a computer readable medium as program codes for causing a computer to execute these operations.
US07805657B2

Techniques are described that can be used to identify a defective communication channel in a communications network. A decoder in a receiver may decode a signal received from a network. The decoded signal may be re-encoded and compared with the signal received from the network. A count of differences between the re-encoded signal and the signal received from a network may be provided. An indication of errors remaining after the decoding may also be provided. Based on the count and the indication, a defect in the communication channel may be identified. A user may be notified and/or actions may take place.
US07805655B2

A turbo stream processing device and method. A turbo stream processing device includes a turbo stream detector to receive a dual transmission stream in which a turbo stream and a normal stream are multiplexed, and to detect the turbo stream; an outer encoder to encode the turbo stream; an outer encoder to interleave the turbo stream which is encoded at the outer encoder; and a turbo stream stuffer to reconstruct the dual transmission stream by stuffing the interleaved turbo stream into the dual transmission stream. Accordingly, the reception performance can be enhanced by more robustly processing the turbo stream in the dual transmission stream.
US07805652B1

A device includes a supernode generator module, a supernode splitting module, and a control module. The supernode generator module generates S supernodes each comprising d symbol nodes, where S and d are integers greater than 1. The supernode splitting module splits each of the S supernodes into d derived symbols, wherein a total number of symbol edges of the d derived symbols is equal to a predetermined number of symbol edges of each of the S supernodes. The control module generates a quasi-cyclic irregular low density parity check (LDPC) code based on S*d derived symbols, wherein S equals the S supernodes and d equals the d derived symbols.
US07805650B2

A semiconductor integrated circuit has a terminal to input a debug signal which specifies a debug mode, a reset circuit to generate a reset signal when a power is turned ON, and a debug mode control circuit to output a control signal which causes a shift to the debug mode based on the debug signal and the reset signal. The debug mode control circuit includes a latch circuit to generate a first signal by latching the debug signal, and a register circuit to generate a second signal when written with a permit code, and the control signal is generated based on the first signal and the second signal.
US07805647B2

A system for, and method of, testing a plurality of circuits, which may be unsingulated die on a wafer. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a test data interconnect that connects a test data output of a first circuit directly to a test data input of a second circuit located adjacent to the first circuit, (2) a test clock interconnect that connects a test clock output of the first circuit directly to a test clock input of the second circuit, (3) a test mode select interconnect that connects a test mode select output of the first circuit directly to a test mode select input of the second circuit and (4) a contact region coupled to provide test data, a test clock signal and a test mode select signal respectively to the test data interconnect, the test clock interconnect and the test mode select interconnect.
US07805644B2

A system on a single integrated circuit chip (SoC) includes a plurality of operational circuits to be tested. A plurality of programmable built-in self-test (pBIST) controllers is connected to respective ones of the plurality of operational circuits in a manner that allows the pBIST controllers to test the respective operation circuits in parallel. An interface is connected to each of the plurality of pBIST controllers for connection to an external tester to facilitate programming of each of the plurality of pBIST controllers by the external tester, such that the plurality of pBIST controllers are operable to test the plurality of operational circuits in parallel and report the results of the parallel tests to the external tester, thereby reducing test time.
US07805632B1

A method and apparatus for delaying the process of freeing data blocks during the processing of a non-volatile transactions log are disclosed. Accordingly, after a system failure, when a storage system is replaying transactions in a non-volatile transactions log, the storage system flushes the data generated from the transactions to disk storage without freeing and data blocks which, as a result of processing the transactions log, are no longer storing data that is part of the active file system. Consequently, the replay of the transactions log takes less time, and the storage system is brought online more quickly.
US07805624B2

The present invention realizes lower power consumption of an entire system in a case in which a battery operated electronic device such as an image pickup apparatus is used as a USB host machine. When a battery powered electronic device is connected via a cable to an external device that receives a supply of power from a host machine, which is the electronic device, the present invention provides a function to switch the external device to a low power consumption state under a predetermined condition, and a function to allow the external device to recover to an ordinary state. Also, a function is provided to check whether or not the low power consumption state of the external device satisfies the predetermined condition.
US07805621B2

Methods and apparatus for providing a bus interface are disclosed. An example method for providing a bus interface includes operating first circuitry using a first power supply voltage in a normal operating mode, where the first circuitry includes at least a portion of datapath circuitry of the bus interface. The example method further includes powering down the first circuitry in a low power operating mode and operating second circuitry using the first power supply voltage in the normal operating mode. The example method also includes operating the second circuitry using a second power supply voltage in the low power operating mode. The second circuitry includes a power management control circuit adapted to receive a power management event indication signal. Responsive to the power management event indication signal, the control circuit provides at least one of an in-band power management indication and an out-of-band power management indication to one or more devices in a computing system. In the example method, the first and second power supply voltages may be provided by a single power supply or, alternatively, by multiple power supplies.
US07805620B2

Provided is a highly energy-efficient processor architecture. The architecture employs 2-stage dynamic voltage scaling (DVS) and a sleep mode for high energy efficiency, dynamically controls the power supply voltage and activation of an embedded processor with instructions, and thus can prevent performance deterioration while reducing power consumption.A highly energy-efficient processor employing the processor architecture includes: a function unit block for performing an operation according to instructions input from the outside; at least one peripheral unit block for performing data communication with an external device; an instruction decoder for interpreting the input instructions and determining operation modes of the function unit block and peripheral unit block required for executing the interpreted instructions; a function unit block driver for applying a different power supply voltage according to the operation mode of the function unit block to the function unit block; and a peripheral unit block driver for applying a different power supply voltage according to the operation mode of the peripheral unit block to the peripheral unit block.
US07805611B1

A method and system is provided to secure a data transmission from a chip card to an off-card entity. A transport key is generated at the off-card entity. The transport key is transmitted in a secure manner from the off-card entity to the chip card. At the chip card, the transport key is used to encrypt data to be sent from the chip card to the off-card entity. The data having been encrypted at the chip card using the transport key is then transmitted from the chip card to the off-card entity. The off-card entity is capable of decrypting the data received from the chip card through use of the transport key previously generated at the off-card entity.
US07805608B2

Techniques for ensuring privacy of users are provided. In one approach, a Web server receives a request from a Web browser. The Web browser generates an encryption key and sends the encryption key to the Web browser in a cookie. The Web server later encrypts the request (or any portion thereof) using the encryption key and deletes the encryption key so that the Web server is unable to determine the actual contents of the encrypted data. If the user does not delete the cookie (which would delete the encryption key), then a later request from the Web browser includes the cookie and the encryption key. The Web server is then able to decrypt the previously encrypted data and perform substantive analysis on the decrypted data.
US07805607B2

The invention relates to a method to verify that data received by a receiver has been sent by a transmitter authorized by a trusted third party, the transmitter and the receiver being connected to a digital network. An identifier is associated with the data sent by the transmitter and, on receipt of the data by the receiver, the receiver generates a random number and diffuses the same on the network. The transmitter that receives the random number calculates a response by applying a first function to the random number and to the identifier, and sends the response to the receiver which verifies the response received by applying a second function to the response received, the random number and the identifier. The first function is delivered first to the transmitter by the trusted third party. The second function is a function for checking the result of the first function which is delivered first to the receiver by the trusted third party.
US07805606B2

A computer architecture for enterprise device applications provides a real-time, bi-directional communication layer for device communication. An identity-based communications layer provides for secure, end-to-end telemetry and control communications by enabling mutual authentication and encryption between the devices and the enterprise. A unique identity is assigned to each device, user and application to provide security services. A communications session is established between two devices using an authentication service that authenticates the device that is initiating the establishment of the communications session with another device. After authenticating the initiating device, the authentication service provides to the initiating device the network address of the other device and an authentication credential for use in the communications session between the initiating device and the other device.
US07805604B2

A network interface and storage medium that, in an embodiment, filter packets received from a network based on rules. The filtering discards a subset of the packets based on the rules and keeps a remaining subset of the packets. The remaining subset is copied to a destination. The rules are created offline in a lower priority process from the filtering and copying by detecting whether symptoms exist in a sample of the remaining subset. In an embodiment, the order that the symptoms are detected is changed based on the frequency of the existence of the symptoms in the sample. In various embodiments, the symptoms may include receiving a threshold number of ping packets within a time period, receiving a threshold number of broadcast packets within a time period, receiving a packet with an invalid source address, and receiving a packet with an invalid header flag.
US07805599B2

A BIOS chip expansion card for starting a computer when the computer needs to be tested, includes a BIOS chip for starting the computer a first connector configured for connecting with a motherboard of the computer, and a switch member connected to the BIOS chip and the first connector for controlling communication therebetween, thereby controlling communication between the BIOS chip and the motherboard of the computer. Wherein when the BIOS chip communicates with the motherboard, the computer is started via the BIOS chip so that the computer can be tested.
US07805596B2

In a multi-processor system (100), when a first processor interrupt generation unit (24) has executed a call command or a jump command in a main routine being executed, it generates an interrupt to a second processor. Upon reception of the interrupt from the interrupt generation unit (24), the second processor saves the return address for returning to the main routing upon completion of the subroutine processing called by the call command in a main memory area (54) other than the first processor or generates a call destination address and a jump destination address and reports it to the first processor. Thus, the first processor can be a small-size circuit capable of flexibly performing processing.
US07805591B2

This invention describes a baseband dual-core signal processing in mobile communication systems operating according to GSM, GPRS, or EDGE comprising a first digital signal processor adapted to perform tasks on a first time basis and a second digital signal processor adapted to perform tasks on a second time basis. The second time basis is an integer multiple of the first time basis.
US07805589B2

Techniques to efficiently handle relative addressing are described. In one design, a processor includes an address generator and a storage unit. The address generator receives a relative address comprised of a base address and an offset, obtains a base value for the base address, sums the base value with the offset, and provides an absolute address corresponding to the relative address. The storage unit receives the base address and provides the base value to the address generator. The storage unit also receives the absolute address and provides data at this address. The address generator may derive the absolute address in a first clock cycle of a memory access. The storage unit may provide the data in a second clock cycle of the memory access. The storage unit may have multiple (e.g., two) read ports to support concurrent address generation and data retrieval.
US07805567B2

A Northbridge providing RAID access is coupled among a central processing unit, a system memory, and a Southbridge. Furthermore, the Northbridge further couples to a RAID through a Southbridge. The Northbridge include a RAID accelerator for performing RAID operations according to RAID control commands which are stored in a register.
US07805566B2

Embodiments include methods, apparatus, and systems for replication in storage systems. One embodiment includes a method that uses a target port on a storage array to function as an initiator port on a host in a storage area network (SAN). The target port discovers storage arrays in the SAN and mimics an initiator port to transmit input/output (I/O) requests.
US07805563B2

The present disclosure provides embodiments of tape drive systems and methods. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of a tape drive apparatus includes an interface for receiving a media access request and a unique identifier of a requestor. The tape drive apparatus also includes a data transfer apparatus for transferring data between a loaded tape cartridge and the tape drive apparatus. The data transfer apparatus is adapted to write a log entry to a log stored in a non-volatile memory of the tape cartridge, where the log entry includes at least the unique identifier. Other systems and methods are also provided.
US07805559B1

A USB repeater assembly is provided for connecting a vehicle passenger entertainment system to a seat electronics box that may be at some distance from the entertainment system. The assembly comprises a host connector that connects with the seat electronics box and a device connector that connects with the passenger entertainment system. The passenger entertainment system comprises a USB personal control unit. The repeater assembly is housed within a shell, preferably a hardened one, enclosing a portion of the connectors as well as USB repeater circuitry and through-connects for connections associated with other components of the passenger entertainment system.
US07805553B2

An integrated circuit device includes a common transceiver macrocell including a circuit necessary for host operation and a circuit necessary for device operation. The common transceiver macrocell includes an analog front-end circuit and a high-speed logic circuit. The high-speed logic circuit includes a parallel/serial conversion circuit, a first parallel interface which serves as an interface between an external circuit and the parallel/serial conversion circuit, a sampling clock generation circuit, a serial/parallel conversion circuit, and a second parallel interface which serves as an interface between the serial/parallel conversion circuit and the external circuit.
US07805552B2

A multi-queue memory system is configured to operate in a packet mode. Each packet includes a SOP (start of packet) marker and an EOP (end of packet) marker. A packet status bit (PSB), is used to implement the packet mode. The packet status bit enables partial packet write and partial packet read operations, such that a queue switch can be performed in the middle of packet write or packet read operations. The packet status bit also enables data filtering to be performed between an activated EOP marker and a subsequently received SOP marker (i.e., between the end of one packet and the start of the next packet). Packet mark and re-write and packet mark and re-read operations are also enabled.
US07805550B2

A data processing apparatus and method are provided for managing polling loops. The data processing apparatus comprises a main processing unit and a subsidiary processing unit operable to perform a task on behalf of the main processing unit. The subsidiary processing unit is operable to set a completion field when the task has been completed and the main processing unit is operable to poll the completion field in order to determine whether the task has been completed. If on polling the completion field a threshold number of times the main processing unit determines that the task has not been completed, the main processing unit is operable to enter a power saving mode. The subsidiary processing unit is operable, when the task has been completed, to cause a notification to be issued on a path interconnecting the main processing unit and the subsidiary processing unit. The main processing unit is arranged, upon receipt of the notification to exit the power saving mode. This provides a particularly efficient technique for managing a polling loop within the data processing apparatus.
US07805543B2

Methods and apparatus for host-side Serial ATA Native Command Queuing (NCQ) tag management are disclosed. In one aspect, an exemplary apparatus may include a memory and an NCQ tag selection circuit in communication with the memory. The memory may store information for each of a plurality of different NCQ tag values. The information for each NCQ tag value may indicate whether or not a command having the NCQ tag value has been issued. The NCQ tag selection circuit may examine the information in the memory, and may select an NCQ tag value having information that indicates that a command having the NCQ tag value has not been issued. Systems and architectures including such apparatus are also disclosed.
US07805541B2

A modular, numerical control having low-jitter synchronization includes a main computer and at least one controller unit which, starting from the main computer, are interconnected by serial data-transmission channels in the form of a series circuit. The at least one controller unit includes a first receiver unit for receiving a serial data stream arriving from the direction of the main computer, and a first transmitter unit for outputting a serial data stream. Also provided in the at least one controller unit is a clock recovery unit which derives a synchronous clock signal from the serial data stream arriving at the first receiver unit, and supplies it to the first transmitter unit which uses it as a transmission clock signal, so that the serial data stream arriving at the first receiver unit and the serial data stream output by the first transmitter unit are coupled to each other in phase-locked manner.
US07805530B2

A user participation type game is provided that keeps a user interested in the game, or provides the user with an adequate sense of enjoyment while playing the game by changing content to be delivered on a game in which a scene is shifted in accordance with a predetermined scenario, and increasing variation of a story on the game. Multiple kinds of access related information relating to access by a user terminal (for example, positional information of the user terminal, a number of accesses by the user terminal, an access frequency, and an access time) are specified when the interactive content delivery server is accessed from the user terminal. Content corresponding to the multiple kinds of access related information thus specified is selected on the basis of scenario definition information in which the multiple kinds of access related information respectively correspond to multiple contents that can be delivered on the game so that content to be delivered is selected in accordance with the scenario. The content thus selected is delivered to the user terminal.
US07805523B2

A method and apparatus for partial updating of client interfaces in a client-server environment. The client updates the corresponding server-side through a middleware “engine.” Individual interface element change requests may be queued. Programmatically defined events may trigger processing of the change request queue on the client, resulting in partial updating of an interface container, such as a Web page or XML document, in the client interface context. Processing may occur on the server, where resultant client update requests are likewise queued. Alternative programmatically defined events may trigger the return of the server change queue to the client. Only those elements of the interface container affected by changes in the queue are updated. This partial updating method replaces the need for refreshing an entire interface, thus affording a more desktop-like look and feel.
US07805490B2

A method of deleting an item from a user account in a SIP multimedia environment. When an item such as an instant message is to be deleted, a SIP REFER message is transmitted from a user device to delete the item from the user account, with the message including a unique identifier for the item. In response to the transmitted request, an SIP INVITE session is established between a virtual agent and a network-based deleted items location. After the SIP INVITE session is established, the item is transferred from the user account to the network-based deleted items location and is deleted from the user account.
US07805489B2

An electronic mail (email) communications system may include a mobile wireless communications device, a wireless communications network connected to the Internet, and an Internet Service Provider (ISP) server connected to the Internet for receiving emails for a given user. The system may further include an email proxy server connected to the Internet for pushing emails from the ISP server to the mobile wireless communications device via the wireless communications network. A user computer may be connected to the Internet and may include a client email application for periodically polling the ISP server to detect new emails. The client email application may also send new email notifications to the email proxy server upon detection of new emails to cause the email proxy server to push the new emails to the mobile wireless communications device.
US07805488B2

Determining the extent of a personal network and/or social activity of a participant in a communication network. On method includes: representing contacts between the participant and communication partners of the participant as a time sequence order; determining an instant strength value over time using the representation of contacts as a time sequence order; and charting a direction of the extent of the personal network and/or social activity of the participant by monitoring a change in the instant strength value over time.
US07805480B2

A cryptographically secure, computer hardware-implemented binary finite-field polynomial modular reduction method estimates and randomizes a polynomial quotient used for computation of a polynomial remainder. The randomizing error injected into the approximate polynomial quotient is limited to a few bits, e.g. less than half a word. The computed polynomial remainder is congruent with but a small random multiple of the residue, which can be found by a final strict binary field reduction by the modulus. In addition to a computational unit and operations sequencer, the computing hardware also includes a random or pseudo-random number generator for producing the random polynomial error. The modular reduction method thus resists hardware cryptoanalysis attacks, such as timing and power analysis attacks.
US07805472B2

Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture for applying multiple disposition schedules to documents. A file plan includes a plurality of containers, wherein each container is capable of providing management information for documents. A plurality of disposition schedules are defined, wherein each disposition schedule provides rules to use to determine documents in the file plan to dispose. At least two of the plurality of disposition schedules in the file plan are applied to one document in the file plan to determine whether to dispose of the document.
US07805471B2

The present invention provides a computer implemented method for truncating a file in a file system. The file system receives a request to truncate a file to a target size, the file having a first inode. The file system creates a second inode to a transient directory, wherein the second inode holds a plurality of in-progress entries. The file system sets a target size in the first inode. The file system writes a truncate entry to a journal, the truncate entry comprising a predetermined size. The file system truncates the file by up to the predetermined size. The file system determines that the file is above the target size. Responsive to a determination that the file is above the target size, the file system repeats the truncating step and the determining step. Responsive to a determination that the file is not above the target size, the file system applies the in-progress entries from the transient directory.
US07805470B2

One embodiment of the invention is directed to the containerization of content units that are accessed using an identifier. Applicants have appreciated that file systems sometimes impose limits on the number of files that may be stored therein that are too restrictive. Thus, in one embodiment, multiple content units may be stored in a single file, called a container file, in a file system. Each content unit may have an identifier associated with it. When an accessing entity requests access to a previously-stored content unit and provides the identifier for the content unit, the identifier may be used to locate the container file in which the content unit is stored.
US07805466B2

A schema that enables a user to store data generated in an array-based computing environment in a scientific data file is disclosed. The schema may provide a mapping between the data types of the array-based computing environment and the data types of the scientific data file format. The schema may also apply when data is loaded from the scientific data file into the array-based computing environment. When the data is stored in the scientific data file, the file contains descriptions of the data as the variables of the array-based computing environment so that the data in the file can be loaded into the array-based computing environment without additional user input. The loaded variables (name and value) are identical to their state before the data is stored in the file.
US07805457B1

System and method for monitoring activity of detainees comprising identifying a detainee who is affiliated with a gang, searching one or more databases for information associated with the detainee, and correlating the information to identify individuals who may be affiliated with the gang. The databases may include call record databases, and the information associated with the detainee may include individuals called by the detainee, individuals who visit the detainee, telephone numbers called by the detainee, and sources of funding for the detainee's calls voice and/or facial biometric identifiers. An alert may be triggered when the detainee calls a specified individual or telephone number.
US07805455B2

Problem analysis system, given either half of a cause-effect relationship, automatically formulates a natural language or Boolean query that is automatically submitted via a knowledge search tool to a database of cause-effect relationships, and responses to this query from the database are automatically provided.
US07805449B1

Disclosed are systems, methods and apparatuses for managing objects in an enterprise environment according to policies. According to the invention, each policy rule ties a condition that conceptually lives in a repository to an appropriate action(s). Since each condition can be expressed in terms of metadata, policies can be applied and enforced over managed objects (files and directories) by allowing users to program appropriate corresponding action(s) via manipulating metadata stored in a metadata repository, e.g., a policy could prohibit storing MP3 files in corporate storage. In one embodiment, a user can specify a policy rule that ties the condition “no MP3 files in volumes A-Z” to an action “delete MP3 files from volumes A-Z” via a Web-based user interface. A harvester is disclosed for harvesting metadata across file systems.
US07805448B2

A system comprises a plurality of computing resource. Attribute values for the computing resources are stored in a peer-to-peer network in the system. A method for storing an attribute value comprises receiving an attribute value for a resource in the system, identifying a node in the peer-to-peer network for storing the attribute value, wherein the node stores a range of attribute values encompassing the received attribute value, and storing the attribute value at the identified node.
US07805444B2

A method for processing user input includes the step of receiving, during a first session between a user and an interaction environment, via one of a plurality of media gateways, from the user, a resource including a plurality of predefined markers and at least one expression. An expression type is identified, responsive to an evaluation of the semantic structure and to one of the predefined markers. A determination is made as to whether to store at least one of: an identification of the user and the at least one expression. The resource is displayed in a viewable display format, responsive to a second predefined marker. A second expression is received. An expression type is identified, responsive to an evaluation of a semantic structure of the second expression. Based on the expression type and on the resource received during the first session, a response to the second expression is generated.
US07805435B2

Embodiments of the invention provide methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for transforming a physical query (e.g., written in SQL) into an abstract query than can be run against an abstract database described by a database abstraction model. In one embodiment, the transformation occurs as a multiple step process: first, transformation of the physical query into an intermediate representation, such as an abstract query plan, and second, transformation of the intermediate representation into an abstract query. There are thousands upon thousands of existing physical (e.g., SQL) queries. Rather than just abandon these existing queries in favor of an abstract database, embodiments of the present invention provide for reverse query processing, that is, for creating an abstract query of the abstract database from a physical query (e.g., an SQL query) of the physical database underlying the abstraction.
US07805422B2

In order to efficiently handle change notification requests to a storage system based on a database data store and a database engine, the change notification requests are multiplexed. This can be done by issuing a query which refers, for information about what changes are being tracked, to a data structure. The information about what changes to track for each request to be multiplexed is stored in the data structure. Additionally, information about the request can be stored in the data structure. By adding information to the data structure, the query can be altered without needing to directly modify or reissue the query.
US07805418B2

A data-processing apparatus for processing form data including predetermined layout information and image-forming data formed by merging variable data in the form data includes a history table for storing a corresponding relationship of each form data, between the image-forming data and the variable data used in the image-forming data; and a registering unit for registering the corresponding relationship in order to generate image-forming data.
US07805417B2

A data storage system and method for operating the data storage system. The data storage system includes an active data store that contains stored data, a rules engine, and a unified container layer. The rules engine receives a first portion of the stored data from the active data store and apply at least one rule to modify the received first portion of the stored data, resulting in a generation of modified data by the rules engine. The unified container layer: receives and validates the modified data generated by the rules engine, transmits the validated modified data to the active data store, validates external data received from an external source that is external to the data storage system, and transmits the validated external data to the active data store.
US07805414B2

A branding sub-file is associated with one or more SSID's. A user interface which displays available networks takes the available branding sub-files into account when displaying the names of networks within range. If branding is available for a given SSID, it shows a rich view of the network, using the branding information, allowing the user to make a more informed choice. A sign-up sub-file is also provided. The sign-up sub-file includes information, such as a list of items, that a network desires from a user to allow the user to access the network.
US07805411B2

Auto-tuning can be performed by receiving a database query language statement and performance information related to the statement, determining whether one or more performance statistics of the statement are available or missing in the performance information, and determining an auto-tuning hint for each missing statistic.
US07805381B2

A method, system, and computer-readable medium for using competency-related information for individuals to provide a variety of benefits is described. In some situations, individuals may propose self-assessments of competencies that they believe that they possess, such as specified skill levels of specified skills. Various techniques to independently approve proposed self-assessed competencies can be provided, such as by defining groups of appropriate reviewers (e.g., supervisors, peers and/or subordinates) for self-assessed competencies and by automatically retrieving and processing validation information from such reviewers upon receipt of a competency self-assessment in order to determine whether to approve the self-assessed competency. Various approval criteria for a proposed competency self-assessment can also be specified, such as agreement of a majority of reviewers, unanimous validation by some or all of the specified reviewers, and/or a threshold for a weighted average of reviewers' assessed skill levels for the proposing individual.
US07805367B2

A system for managing merchant payment transaction processing accounts is provided. The system includes a merchant initialization system that receives merchant account data from a user, such as to provide a quote to the merchant for payment processing. A transaction pricing system receives the merchant account data and provides transaction pricing data for payment transaction processing in response to the merchant account information. User access to one or more merchant account pricing algorithms that are used generate the merchant account pricing data in response to the merchant account data is restricted to a predetermined set of users, so as to prevent unauthorized users from obtaining access to the merchant account pricing algorithms.
US07805360B2

Systems and methods for matching orders are provided. One or more trade templates are created. The trade templates define groups of orders for financial instruments that may be combined such that all of the orders are matched. New orders and resting orders are analyzed using one or more trade templates to determine whether a combination of orders satisfies all of the elements of a trade template. When all of the elements of a trade template are satisfied, the corresponding orders may be matched contemporaneously.
US07805359B2

A method and apparatus for generating a tradable security includes confirming a vendor's compliance with predefined terms of a commercial transaction, such that a buyer is obligated to make a due payment. The method and apparatus further includes electronically rating a financial commitment relating to a receivable account for the commercial transaction. This receivable account is rated based on conditions and factors known to a system facilitating the commercial transaction. Based on the ability for the financial commitment to be rated, a financial exchange is operative to transfer entitlement rights to monies due under the receivable account where the terms for the transfer of the entitlement rights are based at least in part on the electronic rating. Thereby, receivable accounts to commercial transactions may be tradable by one or more investors as properly rated investment.
US07805346B1

A method comprising issuing, buying and/or selling pass-through certificates issued by an issuer. The pass-though rate payments on the certificates may be funded by payments to the issuer by one or more borrowers on a mortgage loan. The certificates may have a legal maturity and an expected maturity that is before the legal maturity. The payments owed by the borrowers on the mortgage loan may be interest only until the expected maturity. The one or more borrowers have a revolving credit facility with a liquidity provider, pursuant to which the liquidity provider commits to make advances to the one or more borrowers from time to time as necessary in order for the one or more borrowers to make timely payments of interest on the mortgage. The mortgaged property may comprise timberlands.
US07805342B2

Systems and methods for management and processing a plurality of types of telecommunication invoices at a user's site involving importiog the plurality of types of telecommunication invoices to identify and process telecommunications billing exceptions by performing an automated reasonability test on comparable telecommunication billing elements are provided.
US07805341B2

An extraction, transformation and loading (ETL) designer module of a computerized financial system that is used to configure an ETL package for loading data elements from a financial table of a financial database into a reporter table in accordance with a predefined format. The ETL designer module includes a transformation class that defines transformation objects. Each transformation object is responsible for a transformation of the source data elements of a source column of the financial table into a reporter format of an associated destination column of the reporter table.
US07805336B2

Processes and systems are disclosed for enabling a user to purchase a digital product from a first computer system (e.g., a merchant web site), and to then initiate electronic delivery of the digital product from a second computer system without revealing personal information to the second computer system or its operator. In one embodiment, the user initiates the anonymous delivery from the second computer system using a link received from the first computer system. The first and second computer systems communicate with each other to track fulfillment/delivery statuses of orders, and to limit the number of times the user can download the purchased digital product from the second computer system.
US07805334B1

A system for communicating retail data from a point of sale system to a data warehouse independent of a merchandising system. The system includes an inbound data interface configured to receive the retail data from the point of sale system, an inbound processing engine configured to apply one or more retail data processing rules to the retail data to generate processed retail data, and an outbound data interface configured to send the processed retail data to the data warehouse.
US07805331B2

A method for valuating an advertiser considered for acquisition includes capturing click-related data by users with reference to a plurality of advertisements owned by a plurality of advertisers in a keyword market; calculating a marginal value of each of the plurality of advertisers as a function of a plurality of averaged market factors, wherein the marginal value of an additional advertiser is also calculated to result in at least an estimated displaced revenue if at least one advertisement of the additional advertiser for at least one keyword were competitively included in the keyword market; and deciding whether to pursue the additional advertiser based on the marginal value of the additional advertiser as associated with the at least one keyword.
US07805329B2

An evaluation is performed for a device, an application and/or a method, in particular a method for establishing a technical system such as a power plant for instance, the assessment being carried out on the basis of costs for risks. In accordance with the method, the costs for specific risks are to be assessed. A risk costs interval is to be determined, which contains the actual risk costs with high probability. This is achieved by a regression of intuitive assignments to a straight line by an indirect linear regression by a non-linear regression in an intermediate diagram.
US07805327B1

Techniques for making transformations between combined and individual workflows are described. For example, a first party, such as a first enterprise, may have a pre-determined workflow designed to implement a plurality of tasks. Similarly, a second party may have its own pre-determined workflow designed to implement a separate plurality of tasks. All of the tasks associated with the first workflow and the second workflow may be combined into a combined workflow having a task order that, when executed, provides a desired result of a business collaboration between the first party and the second party. Ordering tasks operable to implement the order of the combined workflow also may be added to achieve the desired result. Conversely, a workflow, such as a combined workflow associated with the first party and the second party, may be split into separate workflows that are individually associated with the first party and the second party, to thereby better allocate resources for completion of the combined workflow.
US07805323B2

A system and method for planning trips and for processing trip requests that utilizes a centralized network for facilitating travel reservations and/or services. The system includes multi-purpose point of service terminals that provide a plurality of modules for various travel related applications such as an integrated e-mail booking module, a computer telephony integration module, a super passenger name record database, a customer database, a trip planning module, a customer relationship management module, a workflow module, and a low fare search module.
US07805322B2

A healthcare eligibility and benefits system provides efficient processing and exchanging of eligibility and benefits data with clearinghouses and payers, such as insurance companies, federal and state health plans, and the such. Certain data from responses is stored and used by future requests. As such, the system captures member data such that the member data does not have to be keyed in a second time.
US07805321B2

Computer-implemented methods and systems for estimating liability for a vehicle accident are provided. In one embodiment, a question may be generated on one or more topics relating to the accident. A set of answers corresponding to the question may be provided to the computer system. In an embodiment, the set of answers may include one or more answers obtained from one or more sources. An answer from the set of answers may be selected for use in estimating liability in the accident. The effect of the selected answer on liability may be estimated.
US07805304B2

A speech recognition apparatus and a method are provided in which even when a speech recognition grammar is employed independently or alternatively, speech recognition response is improved. Voice data is received. Then, an output suspended state for a speech recognition result is maintained until the duration of a silence interval that follows the utterance part reaches a criterion time. Information indicating whether a last word of a word sequence is a final word is stored. On the basis of the language model, a recognition candidate word sequence is extracted. When the last word of the extracted word sequence is determined as being a final word, the speech recognition result is output in a time shorter than the criterion time, while when determined as not being a final word, the speech recognition result is output at the time that the criterion time has elapsed.
US07805303B2

A question answering system includes a question input unit, a search unit, an answer candidate extraction unit, an answer candidate inspection unit and an answer output unit. The search unit executes search processing based on an input question. The answer candidate extraction unit extracts an initial answer candidate based on a result of the search processing. The answer candidate inspection unit inspects the initial answer candidate. The answer candidate inspection unit executes search processing with using a query including the initial answer candidate. The answer candidate inspection unit determines whether each word of a sentence obtained as a result of the search processing has a similar lexical meaning to that of each word of the input question. The answer candidate inspection unit selects an initial answer candidate contained in a query determined to have the similar lexical meaning, as a secondary answer candidate.
US07805297B2

A system and method for performing frame loss concealment (FLC) when portions of a bit stream representing an audio signal are lost within the context of a digital communication system. The system and method utilizes a plurality of different FLC techniques, wherein each technique is tuned or designed for a different kind of audio signal. When a frame is lost, a previously-decoded audio signal corresponding to one or more previously-received good frames is analyzed. Based on the result of the analysis, the FLC technique that is most likely to perform well for the previously-decoded audio signal is chosen to perform the FLC operation for the current lost frame. In one implementation, the plurality of different FLC techniques include an FLC technique designed for music, such as a frame repeat FLC technique, and an FLC technique designed for speech, such as a periodic waveform extrapolation (PWE) technique.
US07805288B2

A system and method for expanding new sample seeds to automatically expand corpora, in which sample seeds are used to collect corpus is provided. The new sample seeds are generated based on the already existed sample seeds and collected corpora; The corpus expansion strategy is determined based on all the sample seeds having been used and new sample seeds: The new sample seeds are refined based on the corpus expansion strategy, and the refined new sample seeds are used to further collect corpus. The above steps are repeatedly executed until predefined condition is satisfied. According to the invention, corpus may be automatically expanded from the web or other resources with low cost and in convenient way to improve the coverage of corpora.
US07805282B2

The present invention relates to a method, system and software arrangement for determining the co-associations of allele types across consecutive loci and hence for reconstructing two haplotypes of a diploid individual from genotype data generated by mapping experiments with single molecules, families or populations. The haplotype reconstruction system, method and software arrangement of the present invention can utilize a procedure that is nearly linear in the number of polymorphic markers examined, and is therefore quicker, more accurate, and more efficient than other population-based approaches. The system, method, and software arrangement of the present invention may be useful to assist with the diagnosis and treatment of any disease, which has a genetic component.
US07805280B2

A method for analyzing technical processes is disclosed, which is characterized in that measuring data of the technical process is generated by at least one decentralized measuring unit, image data associated with a mechanical course of the technical process is produced by at least one decentralized image detection unit, the measuring data stored in the at least one decentralized measuring unit and the image data stored in the at least one image detection unit is provided with a time stamp available to all systems, the measuring and image data are transmitted to a central detection unit where said data is displayed and/or processed in a time-synchronous manner using the time stamp function. Since time stamping is carried out directly in situ, i.e. decentrally in the respective measuring and image detection units, data transmission time required to transmit data to the central detection unit is not critical, so that a time-synchronized display and/or further processing of the measuring and image data can be carried out in the central detection unit with a high degree of accuracy.
US07805278B1

A system and method for generating and implementing a sampling plan on populations of collectives involve implementing a 2-stage sampling process. Based on an analysis of at least one of historical data and user-defined data, the system generates a sampling plan by determining the number n of collectives to sample from a population of collectives and an optimal number m of members to sample from each collective of the n sampled collectives. The system then in two stages randomly samples n collectives and then randomly samples m members from each randomly sampled collectives.
US07805255B2

Fixed bond information is derived. A fixed bond representation of a chemical structure is derived from a delocalized representation. A path is conceptually traced through the represented structure and an examination is conducted, for each atom, of each possible electronic and bonding state that is consistent with what has come before along the path. A result is found by extensively or exhaustively examining all possible states and orders in a semi-recursive procedure that is directed early towards likely answers. If there is more than one possible solution, the best solution is chosen by use of a rating function.
US07805254B2

A system and method for performing non-binary comparison of biological sequences includes a new measure ω0, which is a non-binary counting measure that is used in a stand alone module called VaSSA-1. This measure obtains substantially more information about sequences and comparisons between them than is gathered by conventional bioinformatics techniques.
US07805251B2

A method including receiving a first line and a second line to be joined at a junction location to provide a reference curve. A corresponding system and computer program product.
US07805250B2

Methods and apparatus are provided for generating velocity models for pre-stack depth migration (“PSDM”). Seismic, gravity and electromagnetic joint inversion input data are generated based on observed seismic, gravity and electromagnetic data (e.g., magnetotelluric and/or controlled source electromagnetic), and velocity, density and resistivity models. A joint inversion is performed to produce a multiparametric model that is a function of velocity, density and resistivity parameter distributions. The separate parameter distributions are extracted from the multiparametric model, and the extracted velocity model is used to perform a PSDM. A migration velocity analysis is performed on PSDM output to generate seismic image residuals. If the seismic image residuals meet predetermined quality objectives, the extracted velocity model is output as the final velocity model for PSDM. Otherwise, updated seismic, gravity and electromagnetic joint inversion input data are generated, and the process repeats in an iterative fashion until the seismic image residuals meet the predetermined quality objectives.
US07805248B2

A system and method is provided for estimating an occurrence of a water breakthrough in a production well that includes estimating, at least periodically, a measure of water in the fluid produced from one or more production zones and estimating the occurrence of the water breakthrough utilizing at least in part a trend of the estimated measures of the produced fluid. A controller determines one or more actions to be taken to mitigate an effect of the water breakthrough and may automatically initiate one or more such actions.
US07805242B2

A control circuit detects a current position of a subject vehicle on a map. Before executing a driving assistance application, the control circuit computes a map reliability degree by using a positioning accuracy coefficient, a time-based change coefficient, and an information accuracy coefficient. The positioning accuracy coefficient indicates a positioning accuracy of map data with respect to a target spot. The time-based change coefficient indicates a time-based change of the map data from the latest investigation for the target spot. The information accuracy coefficient indicates an accordance ratio of the map data relative to actual data with respect to multiple information items related to the target spot. The map data can be used for executing the driving assistance application when the product of (i) a required accuracy designated to the application and (ii) the computed map reliability degree is equal to or more than a predetermined value.
US07805241B2

A route setting device includes a current location detecting section, a transit point setting section, a recommended route calculating section and a transit point determining section. The transit point determining section is configured to determine whether the user selected transit point is a disposable type of transit point and whether the transit point set is a substitutable type of transit point based on the user setting instruction. The recommended route calculating section is configured to calculate a non transit point recommended route without requiring the user selected transit point to be along the non transit point recommended route when the user selected transit point is the disposable type, and an alternative transit point recommended route with the alternative transit point located along the alternative transit point recommended route when the user selected transit point is the substitutable type.
US07805235B2

A system and method are provided for controlling a flow of intake air entering an internal combustion engine. At least some of the intake air is diverted away from the engine in response to detection of a first operating condition that is indicative of a minimum engine fueling rate. A second operating condition that is indicative of a flow rate of the intake air entering the engine is monitored, and diverting at least some of the intake air away from the engine is discontinued if the second operating condition indicates that the flow rate of the intake air entering the engine is within a threshold value of a target flow rate.
US07805233B2

A wheel speed transducer including a magnetic device associated with a wheel and a sensor device associated with the axle of the wheel provides data indicative of the velocity of the wheel. A processor located at the axle receives the wheel speed data and processes it to perform antiskid control functions. The velocity data is stored in a data concentrator also associated with the axle. A tire pressure sensor, a brake temperature sensor and a brake torque sensor, each associated with the wheel, send data to the processor at the axle, for storage in the data concentrator. A transmitting antenna associated with the axle and in communication with the data concentrator transmits stored data to a receiving antenna associated with the wheel. A data port at the wheel and in communication with the receiving antenna provides an interface to an external device for receiving the data.
US07805232B2

A vehicle has a controller with a threshold brake pedal apply force and an algorithm for determining a first braking torque request corresponding to a pedal apply force, a second braking torque request corresponding to a pedal travel position, and a calculated third braking torque request. The third torque request is calculated by multiplying the first torque request by an average percentage variance of the second to the first torque request. An adaptive electronic brake system (EBS) includes force and travel sensors connected to a brake pedal for determining a force-based and travel position braking torque request, and an algorithm for adapting one of the force-based and travel position-based braking torque requests to the other despite variances over time in a force/travel relationship therebetween.
US07805225B2

A remote control apparatus for controlling multiple propulsion units of a boat is provided. The remote control apparatus, in one embodiment, comprises a body having a first control lever and a second control lever. An electronic control unit is disposed within the body of the remote control apparatus and comprises a storage device and a contact member. The storage device can store a correction value for calibrating the control levers, while the contact member determines when correction values can be entered into the storage device when the contact member is in an enabled state. The remote control apparatus can be calibrated before the apparatus is installed on the boat, thereby eliminating the need for an operator to calibrate the remote control apparatus. A boat having the remote control apparatus described herein and a method for storing a calibration value for the control lever are also provided.
US07805223B2

A dialogue system that provides a driver with driving advice includes driving performance evaluation means for evaluating a driving performance of the driver estimated based on driving performance information using a normative driving performance as a reference; response evaluation means for evaluating a driver's response to the provided driving advice based on a change in the driving performance of the driver after provision of the driving advice; and output control means for adjusting contents of the driving advice provided to the driver based on the result of evaluation of the driving performance of the driver and setting a mode of expressing the driving advice based on the result of evaluation of the driver's response to the provided driving advice.
US07805218B2

A locomotion control system is constructed to input the quantity of materials in the real world, such as the quantity of motion state of a robot, external force and external moment, and environmental shapes, measured with sensors or the like. By integrating all calculations for maintaining a balance of the body into a single walking-pattern calculating operation, both a locomotion generating function and an adaptive control function are effectively served, the consistency of dynamic models is ensured, and interference between the dynamic models is eliminated. Calculations for generating a walking pattern of the robot can be performed in an actual apparatus and in real time in a manner in which parameters, such as a boundary condition concerning the quantity of motion state, external force and external moment, and the trajectory of the sole, are settable.
US07805212B2

An assembly machine includes a support structure having a plurality of selectively moveable support members that facilitate manually manipulating a tool relative to a work piece. A controller continuously gathers position information regarding the support members to determine every position of the tool. The controller includes a teach mode that allows for storing selected tool activation positions in particular sequences for subsequent control of the tool according to necessary procedures for completing a variety of assembly processes. One example machine designed according to this invention includes selectively controlled biasing members that maintain a zero balance on the tool, provide an operator assist to moving the tool or both.
US07805184B2

A portable body fat measurement device includes: a light source unit having at least two top view light sources and a guide unit perpendicularly guiding an optical signal generated in the top view light sources to determine a measurement point where body fat is measured; an optical detection unit detecting a scattered optical signal to transform into an electrical signal, the scattered optical signal being generated by a scattering of the optical signal irradiated to the measurement point; and a signal processing unit processing the electrical signal and calculating body fat information, wherein the at least two top view light sources and the optical detection unit are horizontally arranged.
US07805183B2

The present invention provides methods and systems for evaluating biological materials for the diagnosis of disease, such as gland abnormalities, and the cancerous and precancerous conditions. Nonlinear optical microscopy techniques, such as MP microscopy and harmonic generation microscopy, are used to generate high resolution, three dimensional images of a test tissue, such as a biopsy tissue sample and tissue in whole organisms, that are analyzed, optionally in combination, to detect, identify and characterize tumor-associated collagen signatures. The presence, abundance and extent of histological features and structural motifs comprising tumor-associated collagen signatures may be directly and accurately correlated with the onset and progression of cancer, such as breast cancer. The present methods are capable of providing an accurate and selective diagnosis of cancer, and provide diagnostic information complementary to conventional diagnostic methods.
US07805181B2

In a computer-readable medium, device and method for quantitative assessment of cardiac perfusion, a myocardium is depicted on a series of cardiac images and is divided into image segments. A cardiac perfusion parameter is determined for each of the image segments. At least one image segment with a normal perfusion parameter value is selected. The cardiac perfusion parameters of the remaining image segments are normalized based on the normal perfusion parameter value of said image segment with normal perfusion. The perfusion parameter can be a maximum upslope of a time-intensity profile for distribution of a contrast agent in said myocardium. A normal maximum upslope is derived for at least one image segment with normal perfusion and a relative maximum upslope is calculated for each other segment with relation to the normal maximum upslope.
US07805158B2

The present invention teaches an economical disposable emergency cellular telephone. A major object of this invention is a shocking self-defense capability. A further object is a cell phone which launches projectiles to deliver the shocking voltage. A further object of the invention is a new technique for having a large number of cellular phones share the same small group of access numbers and serial numbers in order to reduce the monthly charges to zero for the end consumer. This makes it more practical to use cellular phones for data transmission and monitoring applications.
US07805156B1

Systems and methods are presented for the dynamic aggregation of communications network bandwidth. Communication devices are bonded in a community in which the communication resources of a bonded device can be used to transfer data on behalf of another bonded device. In an exemplary embodiment, communication devices are bonded wirelessly to share wireless wide area network communication channels. Bandwidth aggregation is performed dynamically based on user communication requirements and the current states of the bonded communication devices. Methods are presented by which communication devices can be automatically bonded when a predetermined bonding condition is satisfied. The methods and systems of the invention optimize utilization of communication resources in a cost-effective manner that provides a user high quality service as well as location mobility.
US07805149B2

A portable fitness device includes a global positioning system (GPS) receiver that receives GPS signals, a wireless wide-area network transmitter supporting communication over-the-air to a wireless communication network, and a processing unit coupled to the GPS receiver and the wireless wide-area network transmitter. The processing unit receives the time-stamped waypoints from the GPS receiver and determines athletic performance information and route information from the time-stamped waypoints. The processing unit further outputs at least one of the athletic performance information and the route information to the wireless communication network during a human fitness activity via the wireless wide-area network transmitter.
US07805145B2

Information search system includes terminal having speech communication function and packet communication function and center for selectively performing speech communication and packet communication with the terminal. Center includes speech control section, speech recognition section, information search section, speech conversion section, and packet control section. Speech control section performs speech communication with the terminal packet communication. Speech recognition section recognizes speech signal received by speech control section and sent from the terminal. Information search section searches for information on the basis of speech information recognized by speech recognition section. Speech conversion section converts speech information of the information searched out by information search section into speech signal and outputs it to speech control section. Speech signal from speech conversion section is transmitted to the terminal by speech control section. Packet control section transmits image/character information of the information searched by information search section to the terminal by packet communication.
US07805143B2

Mobile video internet, cellular and location finder system for receiving and processing a Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexed (OFDM) signal into a processed video baseband signal and a processor and transmit filter for processing and filtering a video signal for providing a processed and filtered Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) video or a video Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) signal for transmission in a mobile cellular system.A receiver, and demodulator for receiving demodulating and processing a location finder signal into demodulated processed location finder baseband signal and a modulator and a transmitter for modulation and transmission of provided location finder and TDMA signal comprising two distinct amplifiers, one amplifier is operated in a linearly amplified mode and the other amplifier is operated in a non-linearly amplified mode. A receiver for receiving an OFDM or a TDMA transmitted signal having a receiver filter for filtering of the TDMA signal and providing received baseband cross-correlated in-phase and quadrature-phase TDMA signal.
US07805140B2

A preemptive roaming mechanism in wireless network environments. In one implementation, the present invention provides a wireless client that implements a preemptive roaming mode that, when an attribute of the signal (e.g., Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR), etc.) between the access point with which the client is currently associated crosses a threshold, scans for other access points with which to associate. In one implementation, the client switches between the scanning mode and a traffic mode to allow data to be transferred between the client and the current access point. The pre-emptive roaming functionality can be configured to support desired data rates or other QoS levels.
US07805139B2

A wireless communication system facilitates communication with subscribing units within a respective service area that supports at least one communication protocol revision. The system communicates with a subscribing unit operating within a respective service area to determine the communication protocol revisions supported by the subscribing unit. Subsequently, the subscribing unit and base station communicate according to a supported communication protocol revision. The base station and subscribing unit further communicate to indicate extended services supported by the subscribing unit and the methods of delivering the extended services to the subscribing unit. The extended services include caller line ID, message waiting indications and short message services among other extended services. In addition to a base station, the wireless communication system may include a mobile switching center that is in communication with the base station. The mobile switching center includes a visitor location register that records communication protocol revisions of the subscribing unit.
US07805131B2

Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for personal service integration on a network. A personal service monitors and stores user requests for services. The stored user requests are processed to determine usage patterns. The personal service processes the usage patterns to determine future requests and/or to determine how to fulfill a request. The personal service processes the request.
US07805113B2

A method of communication between a first transceiver having a first local oscillator set at a first frequency and a second transceiver having a second local oscillator set at a second frequency disclosed. The method includes transmitting a first signal at a first frequency from the first transceiver to the second transceiver, transmitting a second signal at the second frequency from the second transceiver to the first transceiver, and receiving the second signal at the first transceiver. The method further includes maintaining the first local oscillator at the first frequency and the second local oscillator at the second frequency during the transmitting of the first signal, during the receiving of the first signal, during the transmitting of the second signal, and during the receiving of the second signal.
US07805108B2

The present invention decreases the time required to determine whether a call connection between a base station and a mobile station in a wireless network has failed during a call set up procedure. A preamble frame detector in the base station detects preamble frames transmitted by the mobile station. When the base station detects missing preamble frames the base station increases the power level of null frames that the base station transmits to the mobile station. The more powerful null frames increase the likelihood of a successful call connection. The base station releases the call if a connection is not made in less than five seconds. The mobile station similarly releases unsuccessful call connections.
US07805107B2

A method of determining student demand for academic courses during a variety of time periods and a method of scheduling the student demand for academic courses for academic programs of study is provided, the method being operated on a computer system.
US07805106B2

A sheet cutting apparatus including: an information obtaining device, which obtains information on the thickness of a sheet bundle to be cut; a sheet presser movable between a standby position for receiving the sheet bundle at a predetermined position and a pressing position for pressing the sheet bundle at the predetermined position to fix the sheet bundle; a cutting knife, which cuts the sheet bundle fixed by the sheet presser; and a control device, which moves the sheet presser to another standby position between the standby position and the pressing position before the sheet bundle is conveyed to the predetermined position.
US07805100B2

A misregistration amount detector in a tandem image forming apparatus having a conveying body configured to convey paper on which a color image is to be printed is disclosed. The misregistration amount detector includes an image creating part configured to create, on the conveying body, a first pattern for detecting the amount of misregistration of an image position related to a first color relative to an image position related to a second color other than the first color and a second pattern for measuring the conveyance speed of the conveying body, the first pattern and the second pattern being side by side in the conveyance direction of the conveying body, and a reading part configured to read the first pattern and the second pattern created on the conveying body by the image creating part.
US07805095B2

A charging device comprises first and second electrodes forming a charging zone. A plurality of nanostructures adhere to at least one of the first and second electrodes. A charging voltage supply couples to the electrodes to support the formation of gaseous ions in the charging zone. An aperture electrode or grid proximate to the first and second electrodes is coupled to a grid control voltage supply which grid control voltage supply, in turn, controls a flow of gaseous ions from the charging zone to thereby charge a proximately-located receptor. In one embodiment, the charging voltage supply is arranged to provide a pulsed-voltage waveform. In one variation of this embodiment, the pulsed-voltage waveform comprises a pulsed-DC waveform. In another embodiment, the charging voltage supply is arranged to provide an alternating-current waveform. In one embodiment, the charging device itself is comprised in an image forming device.
US07805091B2

A message display portion is provided on each of a plurality of faces of an image forming apparatus. A state of the image forming apparatus is detected, and a message is displayed on a message display portion facing in the direction of a user to whom a notification should be given. Therefore, the state of the apparatus can be shown to each user in a user-friendly manner.
US07805075B2

A method includes receiving a restoration indicator associated with a path that includes an optical cross-connect (OXC). The OXC is reconfigured from a standby configuration to a restoration configuration in response to the restoration indicator. An optical signal received in a first direction at a first wavelength is optically regenerated to produce an optical signal in the first direction at a second wavelength. An optical signal received in a second direction at the second wavelength is optically regenerated to produce an optical signal in the second direction at the first wavelength.
US07805065B2

A radiator apparatus for concentrating or dispersing energy. In one embodiment, the radiator includes a thermal conductive layer, a radiation layer, and a thermal insulation layer. The radiation layer is powered by an energy source and includes at least one radiation element embedded in at least a portion of the thermal conductive layer. The thermal insulation layer faces the thermal conductive layer. In another embodiment, the radiator includes a generally helical dome-shaped radiation member powered by an energy source and a generally dome-shaped reflection member including a reflective surface facing the radiation member. In yet another embodiment, the radiator includes a radiation member powered by an energy source and a reflection member having an at least partially ring-shaped concave reflective surface facing the radiation member for distributing energy to an at least partially hat-shaped or ring-shaped area or zone.
US07805064B2

Isolation IR heat lamp module and method of firing multi-zone IR furnaces for solar cell processing comprising lamps disposed in individual parallel channels in a reflector/insulator body to provide a cooling air channel surrounding each tube; the channels are covered with IR-transmissive plate material to isolate each lamp from adjacent lamps and the process zone. Cooling air is exhausted and recycled upstream for energy conservation. Lamp spacing can be varied and power to each lamp individually controlled to provide infinite control of temperature profile in each heating zone. For a spike zone, and in combination with downstream quench control and annealing zones, steep heating and cooling curves with very short dwell (sharp) peak temperature profiles permit faster throughput due to operation of the lampsm at essentially 100% rated capacity, at a 2× or greater heating and throughput rate without compromising lamp life, while producing solar cells with improved output efficiency.
US07805062B2

A method of reproducing data from a recording medium, each of the data including reference time information indicating a reference time and including packet data, the method including: reproducing the data from the recording medium; obtaining a difference between respective reference times indicated by the reference time information of the reproduced adjacent data; rearranging the data on a time axis such that a time interval between adjacent data is equal to the obtained reference time difference; and outputting the rearranged data.
US07805057B1

A record carrier (1) of the invention stores at least video-related user data and control data in digital form. The control data enables playback control of the user data, which control data comprises at least play control data which defines user data items which are playable, at least selection control data for enabling the user to select and control reproduction of user data and at least variable control data for operating on user and system variables. The record carrier (1) is characterized in that the variable control data comprises at least one instruction for a conditional arithmetical operation.
US07805055B2

In order to record a program provided by a program broadcasting device, a recorder (5) that receives program identifying information provided by a program information providing device to record the program includes: a program identifying information detector (10) for detecting the program identifying information at least at one timing of start, duration, and end of the broadcasted program; and a recording operation controller (20) for controlling recording operation based on a detection result of the program identifying information detector (10). The recording operation controller (20) includes: a recording start/end determining section (21) for staring and/or ending the recording operation based on the detected program identifying information; and a recorded program determining section (22) for determining the program being recorded based on the program identifying information detected while the program is recorded.
US07805053B2

A system and a method for modifying a stream of multimedia content to implement trick mode playback functions in MPEG receivers that do not follow general MPEG trick mode implementation recommendations. The system can include a processor that sets a discontinuity indicator in an adaptation field associated with a video frame. A substitute program clock reference (PCR) value also can be set in the adaptation field. The substitute PCR value can be set to a value approximately equal to a presentation time stamp (PTS) of the video frame with which the adaptation field is associated. The processor also can insert an adaptation field with at least one video frame with which an adaptation field was not already associated. The processor also can remove at least one video frame from the stream of multimedia content. Adaptation fields associated with the removed video frame also can be removed.
US07805051B2

A low-cost portable digital video player receives proprietary compressed data from a source such as a personal video recorder (PVR), and displays the data on an integral display. A rewritable non-volatile memory of the player stores the data and a media decoder of the player transforms and decompresses the data. According to one embodiment the decoder transforms the data to a non-proprietary format, prior to storing the data. According to a second embodiment, the memory stores the data in the proprietary format, and decoder transforms and decompresses the data in response to an instruction from a user input device, and transfers the decoded data to a display. A cradle for the player provides communications to the PVR, a power supply and optionally further storage capacity.
US07805050B2

A mobile video system comprising a video player having a hinge and a display pivotally attached on the hinge. The video player and the display are contained by a bag which is preferably suspended from and fastened to seats with adjustable straps for viewing by a user, the bag having extensible mesh side panels to facilitate air circulation around the video player and a flap cover that can be opened to access the display.The video player includes a display pivotally attached to a video player that can be flipped up and adjusted to a desired angle for viewing by the user and flipped down when not in use.
US07805047B2

An optical transmission system (1) alters quantity of incident light by reflecting an optical signal by a micro mirror (11) to enter an optical fiber (13) and by controlling an angle of the micro mirror (11), so that attenuation of the optical signal is controlled. An optical filter (14) is disposed between the micro mirror (11) and the optical fiber (13), for correcting a relationship between a control angle or control voltage of the micro mirror (11) and attenuation of the optical signal to be close to a linear relationship.
US07805044B2

A drop terminal includes an enclosure having a housing and a base attached to the housing. The housing includes an outer surface containing a plurality of receptacles and cooperatively defines an inner cavity with the base. The drop terminal further includes a splitter incorporated into the enclosure.
US07805042B2

A flexible optical interconnection structure has a plurality of layers including an optical waveguide made of a core and a clad. The core is disposed to include a neutral surface that is not affected by expansion or contraction by bending. Alternatively, when the neutral surface is position outside the core, the core is disposed to satisfy Δy≦0.03×R, in which Δy is a distance between the neutral surface and a surface of the core at a side near the neutral surface, and R is a curvature radius of an innermost surface of the flexible optical interconnection structure in the bent state.
US07805028B2

An optical sensor, sensing system and method of sensing employ a half-core hollow optical waveguide adjacent to a surface of an optical waveguide layer of a substrate. The half-core hollow optical waveguide and the adjacent optical waveguide layer cooperatively provide both an optical path that confines and guides an optical signal and an internal hollow channel. The optical path and channel extend longitudinally along a hollow core of the half-core hollow optical waveguide. The system further includes an optical source at an input of the optical path and an optical detector at an output of the optical path. A spectroscopic interaction between an analyte material that is introduced into the channel and an optical signal propagating along the optical path determines a characteristic of the analyte material.
US07805025B2

A system and method synthesizing images of a locale to generate a composite image that provide a panoramic view of the locale. A video camera moves along a street recording images of objects along the street. A GPS receiver and inertial navigation system provide the position of the camera as the images are being recorded. The images are indexed with the position data provided by the GPS receiver and inertial navigation system. The composite image is created on a column-by-column basis by determining which of the acquired images contains the desired pixel column, extracting the pixels associated with the column, and stacking the columns side by side. The composite images are stored in an image database and associated with a street name and number range of the street being depicted in the image. The image database covers a substantial amount of a geographic area allowing a user to visually navigate the area from a user terminal.
US07805013B2

A method and apparatus for encoding and/or decoding depth image-based representation (DIBR) data are provided. The encoding method includes: converting 3-dimensional (3D) volume data into adjustable octree data with predetermined labels given to nodes; by referring to the labels, encoding nodes of the adjustable octree from the root node to leaf nodes by a modified breadth-first search (BFS) method allocating priorities among children nodes; and generating a bitstream with predetermined header information and encoded node data. The decoding method includes: extracting header information containing at least resolution information of an object, from a bitstream and decoding the header information; calculating the number of nodes by using the resolution information of the header, and by a modified BFS method allocating priorities among children nodes, decoding each node of a tree from the root node to leaf nodes; and restoring an adjustable tree by using decoded nodes. According to the method and apparatus, a huge amount of 3D volume data can be encoded with a high efficiency, and volume data with an arbitrary resolution as well as volume data with a fixed resolution can be encoded with a high efficiency. Accordingly, with a small amount of data, 3D volume data with a high picture quality can be restored. In addition, since a progressive bitstream is generated, 3D volume data can be shown progressively when decoding is performed.
US07805012B2

Methods and systems are disclosed for signal processing. A method includes receiving a plurality of digitized coefficients determining a best-fit distribution of a general family of distributions for the plurality of digitized coefficients, and providing a characterization of the digitized coefficients based upon the determined best-fit distribution. The system includes a memory for storing computer program instructions and a processor in communication with the memory. The processor is operable to execute the computer program instructions to receive a plurality of digitized coefficients, determine a best-fit distribution of a general family of distributions for the plurality of digitized coefficients, and provide a characterization of the digitized coefficients based upon the determined best-fit distribution.
US07805006B2

An image processing apparatus is made up of a processing target area specification section for specifying a processing target area; a circumferential direction specification section for specifying the circumferential direction of a contour circle in the processing target area; an edge detection region specification section for specifying three or more regions made different in position in the circumferential direction in the processing target area as edge detection regions based on the processing target area and the circumferential direction; an edge position identification section for identifying edge positions with respect to the radial direction based on the intensity distribution in the edge detection regions; and a contour circle determination section for determining a contour circle based on the edge positions identified relative to the edge detection regions.
US07805005B2

A wavelet-based band difference-sum ratio method reduces the computation cost of classification and feature extraction (identification) tasks. A Generalized Difference Feature Index (GDFI), computed using wavelets such as Daubechies wavelets, is employed in a method to automatically generate a large sequence of generalized band ratio images. In select embodiments of the present invention, judicious data mining of the large set of GDFI bands produces a small subset of GDFI bands suitable to identify specific Terrain Category/Classification (TERCAT) features. Other wavelets, such as Vaidyanathan, Coiflet, Beylkin, and Symmlet and the like may be employed in select embodiments. The classification and feature extraction (identification) performance of the band ratio method of the present invention is comparable to that obtained with the same or similar data sets using much more sophisticated methods such as discriminants, neural net classification, endmember Gibbs-based partitioning, and genetic algorithms.
US07804997B2

A computer automated 3D sketch artist process for generating a computer 3D image of an individual includes the steps of generating a morphable head model as a starting point to develop a composite 3D like picture of the individual by analysis of a prerecorded data base of 3D face pictures, selecting a lighting model to best depict the individual, selecting a mouth model from a prerecorded data base of mouth shapes to best depict the individual's mouth and teeth, selecting an expression model for the individual's composite 3D sketch from a prerecorded data base of facial expressions, and manipulating the generated composite 3D sketch with various morphing tools to selectively modify the composite sketch to best conform to the individual's characteristics.
US07804992B2

Methods and systems for computer assisted detection of arterial calcification, for example in the abdominal artery, by using measurements such as those conventionally taken with a dual x-ray energy bone densitometers at single energy or dual energy, and for using the calcification assessment either alone or with other information to assess and report a risk of a cardiovascular event.
US07804990B2

A method for assigning a lymph node in a medical image with an anatomical name, the method including: identifying landmarks in a medical image; computing features relative to the landmarks given a location of a lymph node in the medical image; and assigning an anatomical name to the location of the lymph node by using a classifier that compares the computed features with classification rules.
US07804983B2

An unsatisfactory scene is disqualified as an image acquisition control for a camera. An image is acquired. One or more mouth regions are determined. The mouth regions are analyzed to determined whether they are frowning, and if so, then the scene is disqualified as a candidate for a processed, permanent image while the mouth is completing the frowning.
US07804982B2

We provide a system for issuing identification documents to a plurality of individuals, comprising a first database, a first server, and a workstation. The first database stores a plurality of digitized images, each digitized image comprising a biometric image of an individual seeking an identification document. The first server is in operable communication with the first database and is programmed to send, at a predetermined time, one or more digitized images from the first database to a biometric recognition system, the biometric recognition system in operable communication with a second database, the second database containing biometric templates associated with individuals whose images have been previously captured, and to receive from the biometric recognition system, for each digitized image sent, an indicator, based on the biometric searching of the second database, as to whether the second database contains any images of individuals who may at least partially resemble the digitized image that was sent. The a workstation is in operable communication with the first server and is configured to permit a user to review the indicator and to make a determination as to whether the individual is authorized to be issued an identification document or to keep an identification document in the individual's possession.
US07804977B2

We propose methods for generating a halftone image, in which each pixel takes one of two tone values. The generated image contains hidden data, which is present at data storage pixels chosen using a pseudo-random number generator. In a first case, the data is hidden within an existing halftone image by reversing the tone value at certain of the data storage pixels, and at pixels neighboring the data storage pixels. In a second case, the halftone image is generated from a grey-scale image, and data is hidden during this conversion process.
US07804975B2

A housing inserted in to the ear of a user is disclosed, said housing comprising a lateral end defined by being a part of the housing which is directed towards surroundings if the housing is inserted into the ear, a medial end defined by being a part of the housing which is directed towards the inner ear of the user if the housing is inserted into the ear, said medial end comprising at least a medial opening, wherein at least the lateral end of the housing is covered by a cover element. The cover element is acoustically transparent and made of open porous foam. The inventive in-ear device can be used as hearing device to improve the hearing of a hearing impaired person or as a communication device for natural as well as for remote communication.
US07804972B2

A method and apparatus system for calibrating a sound beam-forming system provides calibration of low cost alternatives to present array beam-forming systems. A test signal is supplied to multiple speaker drivers and is detected from a microphone signal supplied from a microphone positioned at a listening position. A signal relationship between surround channel information supplied to the multiple speaker drivers is adjusted in conformity with the detected signal so that the surround channel information is substantially attenuated along a direct path toward the listening position. The result is that the surround channel information is propagated in a directivity pattern having at least one primary lobe directed away from the listening position so that the surround channel information is diffused by reflection before reaching the listening position. The signal relationship may be controlled by multiple digital filters that maximize late vs. early response of the surround channel information.
US07804968B2

The occurrence of noise caused by external electromagnetic waves is prevented and a high voltage is prevented in a microphone case, so that the possibility of an electrical shock is eliminated. A condenser microphone, comprising a microphone case (shield case) 10 including a circuit board 11 having a ground circuit 13 and an electronic circuit 12 for a condenser microphone unit MU, and a 3-pin output connector 20 which is mounted on the microphone case 10 and connected to a microphone cable 30 from an external power unit (for example, a phantom power source), the output connector 20 including a first grounding pin connected to the ground circuit 13 and the microphone case 10, wherein the ground circuit 13 and the microphone case 10 are electrically connected at multiple points via conductive connecting means 40, which can be brought into surface contact, to prevent a ground loop current path caused by a stray capacitance between the ground circuit 13 and the microphone case 10.
US07804963B2

A method of comparison between pieces of information characterizing reference values and pieces of information characterizing current values of sound-reproducing systems of a system of (n) microphones mi and (p) speakers hpj for the control of said sound-reproducing systems characterized in that: A: for each speaker hpj, at least one sound signal S is sent on the speaker hpj, for each microphone mi, a piece of information hpjmi is retrieved, this piece of information characterizing the sound-reproducing system comprising the speaker hpj and the microphone mi, B: a reference matrix Qr is saved, this reference matrix being constituted by all the pieces of reference information hpjmi obtained following the sending of the sound signal S, C: as soon as a comparison is to be made, the step A is run with a sound signal S′ to obtain current information on a matrix Q, D: the matrices Q and Qr are compared.
US07804960B2

A system for the encryption and decryption of data employing dual ported RAM for key storage to accelerate data processing operations. The on-chip key storage includes a dual-ported memory device which allows keys to be loaded into memory simultaneous with keys being read out of memory. Thus, an encryption or decryption algorithm can proceed while keys are being loaded into memory.
US07804956B2

The present invention provides a biometrics-based cryptographic key generation system and method. A user-dependent distinguishable feature transform unit provides a feature transformation for each authentic user, which receives N-dimensional biometric features and performs a feature transformation to produce M-dimensional feature signals, such that the transformed feature signals of the authentic user are compact in the transformed feature space while those of other users presumed as imposters are either diverse or far away from those of the authentic user. A stable key generation unit receives the transformed feature signals to produce a cryptographic key based on bit information respectively provided by the M-dimensional feature signals, wherein the length of the bit information provided by the feature signal of each dimension is proportional to the degree of distinguishability in the dimension.
US07804948B2

The present invention is a system and method for initiating conference calls via an instant messaging system to reduce the effort required to initiate and manage the call. The system uses an IM connection between a requesting party and a conference call server to inform the conference call server of the desire to initiate the conference call. The conference call server may initiate the conference call by having involved parties called by a conference bridge, thus reducing the effort required by the parties to join the call.
US07804939B2

Methods and systems are configured to provide information associated with a communication network. The information is useful when maintaining data associated with one or more segments that define a communication path in the communication network. Moreover, the information can be used to correct one or more records associated with one or more segments in a record keeping system, such as a Loop Facility Assignment Control System (LFACS).
US07804938B2

An X-ray imaging apparatus and a fluoroscopic image display apparatus are provided for displaying postural information of a subject on a fluoroscopic image. The X-ray imaging apparatus detects an X-ray irradiated from an X-ray irradiator and passing through a subject and takes a fluoroscopic image. The X-ray detector includes a visible indicator at a corner of an X-ray incidence plane, a display device that displays a fluoroscopic image based on a detection signal from the X-ray detector together with an orient mark corresponding to the indicator, and a writing device that enables a mark indicating the posture of a subject on the displayed fluoroscopic image.
US07804935B2

A fuzzy inference system for use in modulating radiation treatment includes a fuzzifer for inputting imaging data, and inference device operatively to the fuzzifer for analyzing the imaging data and determining radiation treatment target from non-treatment target, and a defuzzifier for modulating radiation treatment pursuant to the analysis from the inference device.
US07804933B2

This invention directed to a computer tomography imaging apparatus designed for dental use as well as to methods realizable by it, especially to a method for relative positioning of the imaging means and the patient for imaging. A relevant feature of the computer tomography imaging device according to the invention is an arm construction consisting of turnable arm parts. The use of the construction enables implementation of, particularly, a so-called Cone Beam computer tomography apparatus (CBCT) as lighter, and more inexpensive realization of it, than has been the case regarding CT devices of prior art, especially when thinking of their use in odontology.
US07804932B2

An embodiment of this invention combines feed-forward and feedback frequency division circuits in a such a way, to provide greater flexibility in choosing the non-integer division ratios at the output, with little added complexity. Alternate embodiments include additional divider(s) in signal or feedback paths providing additional flexibility and design simplification. An embodiment uses in-phase/quadrature signals to select the desired modes at feedback-path and signal-path mixers. Various alternatives are also described.
US07804926B2

A Phase Locked Loop (1) used in a data and clock recovery comprising a frequency detector (10) including a quadricorrelator (2), the quadricorrelator (2) comprising a frequency detector including double edge clocked bi-stable circuits (21, 22, 23, 24) coupled to a first multiplexer (31) and to a second multiplexer (32) being controlled by a signal having a same bitrate as the incoming signal (D), and a phase detector (DFF) controlled by a first signal pair (PQ, PQ provided by the first multiplexer (31) and by a second signal pair (PI, PI) provided by the second multiplexer (32).
US07804923B2

An apparatus for locking out a source synchronous strobe receiver, including a delay-locked loop (DLL) and one or more receivers. The DLL receives a reference clock, and generates a select vector and an encoded select vector that both indicate a lockout time. The select vector is employed to select a delayed version of the reference clock that lags the reference clock by the lockout time. The lockout time is slightly less than a number of cycles of the reference clock. The one or more receivers are each coupled to the delay-locked loop. Each of the one or more receivers receives the encoded select vector and a corresponding strobe, and locks out reception of the corresponding strobe for the lockout time following transition of the corresponding strobe. The encoded select vector is employed to determine the lockout time by selecting a delayed version of the corresponding strobe.
US07804922B2

A system for detecting and minimizing interference in a radio receiver includes a plurality of bandpass filters having different response characteristics, a power detector configured to compare a power output of a first bandpass filter and a second bandpass filter, and logic to cascade a third bandpass filter when the difference in power output between the power output of the first bandpass filter and the power output of the second bandpass filter exceeds a threshold amount.
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