US07932701B2
A power tool 1 is connected to a battery pack 5 including an overcurrent detector 533 which detects overcurrent of a battery module 51 and outputs a detection signal, and an overdischarge detector 532 which detects overdischarge of the battery module 51 and outputs a detection signal. The power tool 1 includes a motor 2 which is driven by electric power supplied from the battery pack 5, a trigger switch 31 for setting the power supply from the battery pack 5 to the motor 2 in ON/OFF state, and an FET 410 which sets the power supply to the motor 2 in ON/OFF state on the basis of the detection signal from the overcurrent detector 533 or the overdischarge detector 532.
US07932700B2
A battery that includes an electrochemical cell having an internal bore therethrough is described herein. The battery also includes a voltage converter module electrically coupled to the electrochemical cell and disposed within a portion of the internal bore The voltage converter is configured to convert a first voltage produced by the electrochemical cell into a second, different voltage.
US07932697B2
A power tool 1 is connected to a battery pack 5 including an overcurrent detector 533 which detects overcurrent of a battery module 51 and outputs a detection signal, and an overdischarge detector 532 which detects overdischarge of the battery module 51 and outputs a detection signal. The power tool 1 includes a motor 2 which is driven by electric power supplied from the battery pack 5, a trigger switch 31 for setting the power supply from the battery pack 5 to the motor 2 in ON/OFF state, and an FET 410 which sets the power supply to the motor 2 in ON/OFF state on the basis of the detection signal from the overcurrent detector 533 or the overdischarge detector 532.
US07932692B2
In a system for controlling rotation of a rotor of a multiphase rotary electric machine in relation to a stator thereof, a superimposing unit superimposes a first frequency signal on the input signal to the multiphase rotary electric machine. The first frequency signal has a first phase and a first period, and the first period is different from a period of rotation of the rotor. An amplitude detector detects an amplitude of a second frequency signal. The second frequency signal is actually propagated in the multiphase rotary electric machine with a second phase based on the superimposed first frequency signal. A rotation angle determiner determines a rotation angle of the rotor so as to eliminate a difference between the detected amplitude of the second frequency signal and a predetermined target amplitude thereof.
US07932685B2
The control apparatus for a power conversion apparatus having chopper circuits and a capacitor, each of which includes a switching circuit and a coil, the switching circuit being on/off-controlled in accordance with specific timings determined in accordance with a current flowing through the coil to create required voltage in the capacitor, includes a function of evenly dividing an interval between adjacent specific timings of one of the chopper circuits to produce divided timings to be allocated to the other chopper circuits, and a function of setting, for each of the other chopper circuits, an on-time period of the switching circuit such that, when the interval varies as a result of which the specific timing of each of the other chopper circuits deviates from a corresponding one of the divided timings, an interval between adjacent specific timings of each of the other chopper circuits is varied to reduce the deviation.
US07932676B2
The present invention provides a plasma display panel (PDP) with a protective film improved so as to achieve a lower discharge starting voltage. A surface portion of the protective film 16 substantially is composed of magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O). The protective film 16 is formed so that in the surface portion of the protective film 16, a ratio of the number of atoms of the aluminum to a total of the number of atoms of the magnesium and the number of atoms of the aluminum is at least 2.1% but not more than 66.5%, a ratio of the number of atoms of the nitrogen to a total of the number of atoms of the nitrogen and the number of atoms of the oxygen is at least 1.2% but not more than 17.2%, and a ratio of the total of the number of atoms of the nitrogen and the number of atoms of the oxygen to the total of the number of atoms of the magnesium and the number of atoms of the aluminum is at least 1.0 but not more than 1.35.
US07932671B2
An organic electroluminescent display (OELD) device includes first substrate; a plurality of gate lines and a plurality of data lines crossing each other to define a plurality of pixel regions; a power line parallel to and separated from the gate lines; switching and driving elements connected to each other in each of the plurality of pixel regions on the first substrate; a first electrode on the first substrate and connected to one of the driving element; an injection layer on the first electrode; an organic luminescent layer on the injection layer; a second electrode of a transparent conductive material on the organic luminescent layer; and a second substrate attached to and facing the first substrate.
US07932665B2
A lamp (10), which can be used in rapid thermal processing (RTP), has a lamp envelope (12) arrayed along a longitudinal axis (14) and has a top (16) and a bottom (18). A first coiled-coil filament (20) having a first lead-in (20a) and a second coiled-coil filament (22) having a second lead-in (22a), are parallelly arrayed to each other and to the longitudinal axis (14) within the envelope (12). A serial connector (24) joins the first and second filaments; and an electrically insulating support (26) is positioned near the bottom (18) of the lamp envelope (12). The first lead-in (20a), the second lead-in (22a) and at least a portion (24a) of the serial connector (24) are sealed within the insulating support 26 whereby the first and second lead-ins (20a, 22a) and the at least a portion (24a) of the serial connector (24) provide the only support for the first and second filaments (20, 22). In a preferred embodiment, the first and second filaments (20, 22) have a wire diameter twice the diameter of a nominal CC6 filament.
US07932663B2
Disclosed herein is a piezoelectric transformer having a pinwheel-type electrode. The piezoelectric transformer of the present invention includes a body, an upper electrodes and a lower electrode. The body is formed in a circular planar shape and is made of a piezoelectric material. The upper electrodes are formed to be adjacent to one of first and second planes corresponding to upper and lower surfaces of the body, formed in the same planar shape as that of the body, and formed to be separated in the shape of a pinwheel. In the upper electrodes, input voltage is applied to some of separate electrodes, and output voltage is obtained from the remaining electrodes. The lower electrode is adjacent to a plane opposite the plane on which the upper electrode is formed, the lower electrode being formed in the same planar shape as that of the body.
US07932661B2
In the invention, each piezoelectric element for a vibrator for an ultrasonic motor has electrode regions for exciting stretching vibration and flexural vibration separately. Thus, the invention provides a vibrator for an ultrasonic motor, in which electrodes are provided for applying voltage to each of the polarized region, and further provides a stack-type piezoelectric vibrator for an ultrasonic motor, consisting of a stack of the said vibrators and having an extraction electrode pattern provided for short circuit with an external electrode. The vibrator of the invention has high controllability, especially in a fine movement region and is useful as a driving source in a positioning device, in which enhanced vibration efficiency can be obtained.
US07932658B2
An electric machine includes a stator, and a rotor positioned adjacent the stator and configured to rotate with respect to the stator. The rotor includes a plurality of laminations having an outside diameter and stacked in a stackwise direction. Each lamination includes a plurality of non-linear slots positioned inward of the outside diameter. Each non-linear slot includes an inner portion spaced a first distance from the outside diameter and two end portions disposed a second distance from the outside diameter. The second distance is smaller than the first distance. The rotor also includes a plurality of permanent magnets. Each magnet is disposed in one of the non-linear slots.
US07932656B2
A magnetic bearing device includes a main shaft (13), a flange shaped thrust plate (13a) coaxially mounted on the main shaft so as to extend perpendicular to the main shaft and made of a ferromagnetic material, a rolling bearing unit for supporting a radial load and a magnetic bearing unit for supporting one or both of an axial load and a bearing preload, an electromagnet (17) fitted to a spindle housing (14) so as to confront the thrust plate, without contact, a sensor (18) for detecting an axial force acting on the main shaft, and a controller (19) for controlling the electromagnet in response to an output from the sensor. In this magnetic bearing device, the stiffness of a composite spring formed by the rolling bearing unit and a support system for the rolling bearing unit is so chosen as to be higher than the negative stiffness of the electromagnet.
US07932645B2
A voice coil motor with a surface coil includes a set of magnetic sensing elements, a lens carrier physically connected to the set of magnetic sensing elements, a pedestal, and a set of printed circuit boards fixed onto the pedestal. A patterned metal layer is fabricated on the set of printed circuit boards to form the surface coil, a Hall sensor is installed on one of the printed circuit boards and transmits signals (e.g., operation voltages and feedback sensing signals) via traces fabricated on the set of printed circuit boards, so as to achieve simultaneous fabrication of the surface coil and traces, thereby saving space which is conventionally occupied by copper coils. The Hall sensor can sense a variation in a magnetic field resulting from the motion of the set of magnetic sensing elements to determine a motion status of the lens carrier.
US07932643B2
A lighting control system comprises a plurality of toggle switches, a plurality of pushbuttons, a plurality of timer circuits, a plurality of relays, and a plurality of photocells to control a first plurality of lights, a second plurality of lights, a third plurality of lights and a fourth plurality of lights. The toggle switches and pushbuttons either control the lights directly or activate the timers to control the lights. The relays may be energized to switch on the lights. The photocells may be used to control the lights that are located in an outside setting.
US07932640B2
A high voltage power supply (HVPS) including first and second high voltage output controllers controlling output of a high voltage output signal; and a plurality of transformers transforming an output signal provided from the first and second high voltage output controller, disposed outside of the first and second high voltage controllers on the substrate, wherein output terminals in the secondary sides of the plurality of transformers are disposed along the edge of the substrate. Therefore, the volume of a system can be minimized by arranging circuits in each component for high voltage output in parallel, and spark and discharge can be reduced by minimizing interference between the primary sides and the secondary sides of the components for high voltage output, thereby preventing damage to a product.
US07932617B2
A semiconductor package, a manufacturing method thereof and an encapsulating method thereof are provided. The semiconductor package includes a substrate, a flip chip, a plurality of conductive parts and a sealant. The substrate has a substrate upper surface. The flip chip has an active surface and a chip surface opposite to the active surface. The conductive parts electrically connect the substrate upper surface and the active surface. The sealant envelops the flip chip, and the space between the substrate upper surface and the active surface is filled with a portion of the sealant. The sealant further has a top surface. wherein, the chip surface is spaced apart from the top surface by a first distance, the substrate upper surface is spaced apart from the active surface by a second distance, and the ratio of the first distance to the second distance ranges from 2 to 5.
US07932612B2
An integrated type semiconductor device that is capable of reducing cost or improving the reliability of connecting semiconductor chips together or chips to a circuit board. One embodiment of such an integrated type semiconductor device comprises a first semiconductor device having a semiconductor chip with electrodes, a stress-relieving layer prepared on the semiconductor chip, a wire formed across the electrodes and the stress-relieving layer, and solder balls formed on the wire over the stress-relieving layer; and a bare chip as a second semiconductor device to be electrically connected to the first semiconductor device.
US07932608B2
An integrated circuit structure includes a semiconductor substrate, a through-silicon via (TSV) extending into the semiconductor substrate, a pad formed over the semiconductor substrate and spaced apart from the TSV, and an interconnect structure formed over the semiconductor substrate and electrically connecting the TSV and the pad. The interconnect structure includes an upper portion formed on the pad and a lower portion adjacent to the pad, and the upper portion extends to electrically connect the TSV.
US07932601B2
An enhanced wafer level chip scale packaging (WLCSP) copper electrode post is described having one or more pins that protrude from the top of the electrode post. When the solder ball is soldered onto the post, the pins are encapsulated within the solder material. The pins not only add shear strength to the soldered joint between the solder ball and the electrode post but also create a more reliable electrical connection due to the increased surface area between the electrode post/pin combination and the solder ball. Moreover, creating an irregularly shaped solder joint retards the propagation of cracks that may form in the intermetal compounds (IMC) layer formed at the solder joint.
US07932598B2
A semiconductor module has a housing (2) and a metal base plate (3). A reliable yet easily producible force-transmitting connection between a semiconductor module and an external heat sink is provided by a mechanical pressure-proof counterpart (4) which is incorporated into the housing (2) and forms a firm connection (14) with a pressure-proof connecting element (10) on the base plate side. The connection is provided with a passage opening (12) for fastening the semiconductor module to the heat sink.
US07932587B2
A semiconductor device includes a singulated semiconductor package having a leadframe, a chip electrically coupled to the leadframe, encapsulating material covering the chip and a portion of the leadframe, and a material layer disposed over opposing ends of the leadframe. The leadframe includes a first face and an opposing second face, the first and second faces extending between opposing ends of the leadframe, where the second face configured to electrically couple with a circuit board. The chip is electrically coupled to the first face. The encapsulating material covers the chip and the first face of the leadframe. The material layer is configured to improve solderability of the singulated semiconductor package to the circuit board.
US07932586B2
The invention relates to leadframe semiconductor packages mounted on a heat-sink and fabrication thereof. A system in package (SiP) comprises a leadframe having extension leads, configured with divisional heat sinks serving as power and ground nets. A set of semiconductor dies is attached by adhesive on the central region of the lead frame. Pluralities of wire bonds electrically connect the set of semiconductor dies to the leadframe and to the divisional heat sinks respectively. An encapsulation encloses the leadframe, but leaves the extension leads and the divisional heat sink uncovered, exposing a heat dissipating surface.
US07932580B2
In the substrate and the epitaxial layer, isolation regions are formed to divide the substrate and the epitaxial layer into a plurality of element formation regions. Each of the isolation regions is formed by connecting first and second P type buried diffusion layers with a P type diffusion layer. By disposing the second P type buried diffusion layer between the first P type buried diffusion layer and the P type diffusion layer, a lateral diffusion width of the first P type buried diffusion layer is reduced. This structure allows a formation region of the isolation region to be reduced in size.
US07932572B2
Provided are a semiconductor device having an MTJ element capable of intentionally shifting the variation, at the time of manufacture, of a switching current of an MRAM memory element in one direction; and a manufacturing method of the device. The semiconductor device has a lower electrode having a horizontally-long rectangular planar shape; an MTJ element having a vertically-long oval planar shape formed on the right side of the lower electrode; and an MTJ's upper insulating film having a horizontally-long rectangular planar shape similar to that of the lower electrode and covering the MTJ element therewith. As the MTJ's upper insulating film, a compressive stress insulating film or a tensile stress insulating film for applying a compressive stress or a tensile stress to the MTJ element is employed.
US07932570B1
A Micro-ElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) device having electrical connections (a metallization pattern) available at an edge of the MEMS die. The metallization pattern on the edge of the die allows the die to be mounted on edge with no further packaging, if desired.
US07932563B2
An integrated circuit has a transistor with an active gate structure overlying an active diffusion area formed in a semiconductor substrate. A dummy gate structure is formed over a diffusion area and separated from the active gate structure by a selected distance (d2). A stress layer overlying the transistor array produces stress in a channel region of the transistor.
US07932561B2
A semiconductor apparatus is equipped with an internal circuit (201) including a semiconductor element (202)(203) and a protection circuit (101) including a semiconductor (102)(103) for protecting the internal circuit (201) against damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD). The semiconductor elements (102)(103) (202)(203) constituting the internal circuit (201) and the protection circuit (101) include an impurity diffusion region (7)(8) connected by an external terminal and a guard band region (6)(5) formed near the impurity diffusion region (7)(8), respectively. A shortest distance (102L)(103L) between the impurity diffusion region (7)(8) and the guard band region (6)(5) in the semiconductor element (102)(103) of the protection circuit (101) is set to be shorter than a shortest distance (202L)(203L) between the impurity diffusion region (7)(8) and the guard band region (6)(5) in the semiconductor element (202)(203) of the internal circuit (201).
US07932560B2
A method of forming a substrate contact in a semiconductor device, comprising the steps of providing a semiconductor base substrate (2) having a buried oxide (BOX) layer (4) and a thin active semiconductor layer (103) on the BOX layer (4), forming a trench (104) in the active semiconductor layer (103) and the Box layer (4) to the semiconductor base substrate (2) below, and then depositing another active semiconductor (epitoxial) layer (6) over the remaining active semiconductor layer (103) and in the trench (104) to create the substrate contact. The trench (104) is etched at a location on the wafer corresponding to a scribe lane (106).
US07932545B2
A semiconductor device is disclosed as having a substrate portion that includes a plurality of diffusion regions that include at least one p-type diffusion region and at least one n-type diffusion region. A gate electrode level region is formed above the substrate portion to include a number of conductive features defined to extend in only a first parallel direction. Each of the conductive features within the gate electrode level region is fabricated from a respective originating rectangular-shaped layout feature. Within a five wavelength photolithographic interaction radius within the gate electrode level region, a width size of the conductive features is less than 193 nanometers, which is the wavelength of light used in a photolithography process to fabricate the conductive features. The conductive features within the gate electrode level region form an equal number of PMOS and NMOS transistor devices.
US07932543B2
Provided are a wire structure and a semiconductor device having the wire structure. The wire structure includes a first wire that has a first region having a width of several to tens of nanometers and a second region having a width wider than that of the first region.
US07932542B2
A method of fabricating an integrated circuit including arranging a plurality of cells to form a desired floor plan of the integrated circuit, wherein each cell comprises at least one transistor, forming a plurality of circuit constituents from the plurality of cells of the floor plan, wherein each circuit constituent comprises at least one cell and belongs to one of a plurality circuit constituent types, and applying mechanical stress to channel regions of the at least one transistor of each cell based on the circuit constituent type of the circuit constituent to which the cell belongs.
US07932537B2
Process variation-tolerant diodes and diode-connected thin film transistors (TFTs), printed or patterned structures (e.g., circuitry) containing such diodes and TFTs, methods of making the same, and applications of the same for identification tags and sensors are disclosed. A patterned structure comprising a complementary pair of diodes or diode-connected TFTs in series can stabilize the threshold voltage (Vt) of a diode manufactured using printing or laser writing techniques. The present invention advantageously utilizes the separation between the Vt of an NMOS TFT (Vtn) and the Vt of a PMOS TFT (Vtp) to establish and/or improve stability of a forward voltage drop across a printed or laser-written diode. Further applications of the present invention relate to reference voltage generators, voltage clamp circuits, methods of controlling voltages on related or differential signal transmission lines, and RFID and EAS tags and sensors.
US07932536B2
In one embodiment the present invention includes a semiconductor rectifier device comprising a first, second, and third semiconductor regions and a gate. The first semiconductor region is of a first conductivity type. The second semiconductor region is adjacent to the first semiconductor region which has a second conductivity type. The third semiconductor region is adjacent to the second semiconductor region which has the second conductivity type. The gate is proximate to but insulated from the second semiconductor region and electrically coupled to the third semiconductor region. When the first semiconductor region is biased in a first direction, an inversion region forms in the second semiconductor region. The inversion region forms a forward-biased tunnel diode junction with the third semiconductor region. When the first semiconductor region is biased a second direction, the semiconductor rectifier device functions as a reverse-biased PIN diode.
US07932531B2
A chip package includes a thermal enhanced plate, contacts around the thermal enhanced plate and electrically insulated from the thermal enhanced plate, a film-like circuit layer disposed on the contacts and the thermal enhanced plate, a conductive adhesive layer, a first molding, and at least one chip disposed on the film-like circuit layer. The conductive adhesive layer is disposed between the contacts and the film-like circuit layer electrically connected to the contacts through the conductive adhesive layer. The chip has a back surface, an active surface and many bumps disposed thereon, and the chip is electrically connected to the film-like circuit layer via the bumps. The first molding at least encapsulates a portion of the thermal enhanced plate, the conductive adhesive layer, parts of the contacts and at least a portion of the film-like circuit layer. Therefore, heat dissipation efficiency of the light emitting chip package is improved.
US07932527B2
A light-emitting device, having high light extraction efficiency, capable of obtaining diffused light is obtained. This light-emitting device comprises a light-emitting diode, a portion, formed on a plane substantially parallel to a light-emitting surface of the light-emitting diode, having a dielectric constant periodically modulated with respect to the in-plane direction of the plane substantially parallel to the light-emitting surface and a member provided on the side of the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting diode for diffusing light emitted from the light-emitting diode.
US07932525B2
A semiconductor light-emitting device includes: a light-emitting semiconductor element arranged on a lead frame; a transparent resin mold covering the light-emitting semiconductor element and the lead frame except a terminal portion of the lead frame; and a reflective surface formed on a bent portion of part of the lead frame. The terminal portion of the lead frame has a terminal structure, which can serve as a combination of a top-view type and a side-view type.
US07932520B2
An organic light emitting device is formed by assembling a first substrate and a second substrate. The second substrate includes several sub-pixels. The first substrate includes several transistors and, for each subpixel, a first connecting electrode. The transistors are electrically connected to each other, and the first connecting electrode is electrically connected to the respective one of the transistors. Each sub-pixel includes a light-emitting region and a non light-emitting region. A second connecting electrode is formed within the non light-emitting region and projects toward the first substrate. The first and second substrates are electrically connected via the connection of the first and second connecting electrodes.
US07932507B2
A layer of nanoparticles having a dimension on the order of 10 nm is employed to form a current constricting layer or as a hardmask for forming a current constricting layer from an underlying insulator layer. The nanoparticles are preferably self-aligning and/or self-planarizing on the underlying surface. The current constricting layer may be formed within a bottom conductive plate, within a phase change material layer, within a top conductive plate, or within a tapered liner between a tapered via sidewall and a via plug contains either a phase change material or a top conductive material. The current density of the local structure around the current constricting layer is higher than the surrounding area, thus allowing local temperature to rise higher than surrounding material. The total current required to program the phase change memory device, and consequently the size of a programming transistor, is reduced due to the current constricting layer.
US07932505B2
Provided is a material composition which allows a nonvolatile memory element made of a perovskite-type transition metal oxide having the CER effect to be formed of three elements, which comprises an electric conductor having a shallow work function or a small electronegativity, such as Ti, as an electrode and a rare earth-copper oxide comprising one type of rare earth element, copper and oxygen, such as La2CuO4, as a material constituting a heterojunction with the electric conductor.
US07932494B2
A method of characterizing the vibrational performance of a charged particle beam microscope system having at least one encoder is disclosed. The encoder is part of a control system for controlling the speed of a stage whereupon a sample is secured for imaging. A plurality of images each corresponding to a specific encoder working frequency are analyzed to generate imaged pattern vibration amplitude information over an imaging time period. The generated imaged pattern vibration amplitude information is then transformed to generate an imaged pattern vibration amplitude information over a range of encoder working frequencies. Information of system vibrational performance is then derived from the encoder working frequency-based vibration amplitude information. As a result, the vibrational performance of the system is characterized to describe the system vibrational behavior in terms of imaged pattern vibration amplitudes at varying working frequencies of the encoder.
US07932491B2
A mass spectrometer includes a pulsed ion source that generates an ion beam comprising a plurality of ions. A first timed ion selector passes a first group of ions. A first ion mirror generates a reflected ion beam comprising the first group of ions that at least partially compensates for an initial kinetic energy distribution of the first group of ions. A second timed ion selector passes a second group of ions. A second ion mirror generates a reflected ion beam comprising the second group of ions that at least partially compensates for an initial kinetic energy distribution of the second group of ions. A timed ion deflector deflects the second group of ions to a detector assembly comprising at least two ion detectors which detects the deflected ion beam.
US07932489B2
An ion mobility spectrometer has a pair of electrodes (13A) and (13B) midway along the drift chamber (7). A high field is applied between the electrodes (13A) and (13B) sufficient to modify (e.g. fragment) ions in the region of the electrodes such that they move at a different rate towards the collector plate (8) . This is used to modify the time of flight of selected ions or ion clusters and enable identification of ambiguous peaks on the IMS spectrum.
US07932482B2
An electrically operated diffuser has a fragrance-emitting element (8) for facilitating diffusion of an active material, and at least one light emitting diode (7). The at least one light emitting diode (7) serves as a nightlight and has a luminous intensity rating of at least about 5000 mcd at 20 mA. Also, the at least one light emitting diode (7) may be positioned at a back surface of the diffuser, such that when an active material is received in the compartment the at least one light emitting diode (7) shines through the active material. The diffuser may include a remote-use assembly to supply power to the diffuser from a wall socket remote from the diffuser. The diffuser may also include a light controller to change one or more of the color and the intensity of the at least one light emitting diode (7).
US07932476B2
An electrical circuit breaker includes a first contact piece with a first consumable contact; a second contact piece with a second consumable contact; a drive for moving the first contact piece along a switching movement axis; and a transmission for transmitting the movement of the first contact piece to a movement of the second contact piece. The transmission has a first lever, a pivoting element which can pivot about a pivoting shaft, and a transmission mechanism for transmitting a pivoting movement of the pivoting element to a movement of the second contact piece.
US07932467B2
A transparent conductor includes a film-shaped or plate-shaped support and a transparent conductive layer that is disposed on the support and has a surface formed as a rough surface. The surface of the transparent conductive layer is formed so that a maximum peak height that shows a surface roughness of the surface is in a range of 0.35 μm to 0.43 μm, inclusive.
US07932460B2
Improved thermoelectric assemblies are disclosed, wherein layers of heterostructure thermoelectric materials or thin layers of thermoelectric material form thermoelectric elements. The layers are bound together with agents that improve structural strengths, allow electrical current to pass in a preferred direction, and minimize or reduce adverse affects, such a shear stresses, that might occur to the thermoelectric properties and materials of the assembly by their inclusion.
US07932446B1
A novel maize variety designated X7W906 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing maize variety X7W906 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X7W906 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X7W906, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X7W906. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X7W906.
US07932437B2
A designer proton-channel transgenic alga for photobiological hydrogen production that is specifically designed for production of molecular hydrogen (H2) through photosynthetic water splitting. The designer transgenic alga includes proton-conductive channels that are expressed to produce such uncoupler proteins in an amount sufficient to increase the algal H2 productivity. In one embodiment the designer proton-channel transgene is a nucleic acid construct (300) including a PCR forward primer (302), an externally inducible promoter (304), a transit targeting sequence (306), a designer proton-channel encoding sequence (308), a transcription and translation terminator (310), and a PCR reverse primer (312). In various embodiments, the designer proton-channel transgenic algae are used with a gas-separation system (500) and a gas-products-separation and utilization system (600) for photobiological H2 production.
US07932428B2
The invention relates to a process for preparing 1-butene from technical mixtures which comprise at least 1-butene, isobutene, n-butane and 2-butenes by partial conversion of the isobutene present, distillative removal of a fraction comprising 1-butene and isobutene, and conversion of the isobutene present therein to tert-butyl ethers.
US07932427B2
The present invention provides a process for the preparation of propylene from a hydrocarbon feed containing one or more C5 and/or C6 cycloalkanes, wherein the hydrocarbon feed containing one or more C5 and/or C6 cycloalkanes is contacted under cracking conditions with a one-dimensional zeolite having 10-membered ring channels and a silica to alumina ratio in the range from 1 to 500 wherein at least 50% w/w of the total amount of zeolite used is zeolite in the hydrogen form.
US07932426B2
One exemplary embodiment can be a process for the isomerization of a non-equilibrium alkylaromatic feed mixture. The process can include contacting the non-equilibrium alkylaromatic feed mixture in a C8 isomerization zone. The C8 isomerization zone may include a first isomerization stage and a second isomerization stage. At the first isomerization stage, at least a portion of the non-equilibrium alkylaromatic feed mixture can be contacted at a first isomerization condition in a liquid phase in the substantial absence of hydrogen to obtain an intermediate stream. At the second isomerization stage, at least part of the intermediate stream and at least a part of a stream rich in at least one naphthene can be contacted at a second isomerization condition to obtain a concentration of at least one alkylaromatic isomer that is higher than a concentration of that at least one alkylaromatic isomer in the non-equilibrium alkylaromatic feed mixture.
US07932425B2
A hydrocarbon aromatization process comprising adding a nitrogenate, an oxygenate, or both to a hydrocarbon stream to produce an enhanced hydrocarbon stream, and contacting the enhanced hydrocarbon stream with an aromatization catalyst, thereby producing an aromatization reactor effluent comprising aromatic hydrocarbons, wherein the catalyst comprises a non-acidic zeolite support, a group VIII metal, and one or more halides. Also disclosed is a hydrocarbon aromatization process comprising monitoring the presence of an oxygenate, a nitrogenate, or both in an aromatization reactor, monitoring at least one process parameter that indicates the activity of the aromatization catalyst, modifying the amount of the oxygenate, the nitrogenate, or both in the aromatization reactor, thereby affecting the parameter.
US07932421B2
N-cyclohexyl benzamides and benzeneacetamides as inhibitors of 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases
The present invention provides N-cyclohexyl benzamide and benzeneacetamide compounds according to formula (I): where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12, R13, m, n, p, and q are as defined in the description; as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, methods of use of the compounds and compositions of the invention for the treatment of conditions associated with hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (e.g., 11β-HSD1), and the use of the compounds of the invention in the preparation of medicaments for the treatment of hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-associated conditions.
US07932420B2
The present invention provides wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of C1-C10 alkoxy, OH and NR4R5; R2 is selected from the group consisting of C1-C10 alkyl and (CH2)nOH; R3 is selected from the group consisting of C1-C10 alkyl, heteroaryl, e.g. thienyl, furanyl and pyridyl, phenyl, mono, -di-, tri-substituted phenyl and heteroaryl; R4 and R5 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-C10 alkyl, C1-C10 alkyl hydroxyl; m is 0 or an integer from 1 to 3 and n is an integer of from 1 to 4. These compounds are useful in lowering intraocular pressure and/or treating glaucoma or providing neuroprotection to the eye of a human patient.
US07932416B2
Pentafluorosulfanyl-benzenes according to Formula (I): a process for their preparation and their use as valuable synthetic intermediates for preparing, for example, medicaments, diagnostic aids, liquid crystals, polymers, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, nematicides, parasiticides, insecticides, acaricides and arthropodicides.
US07932415B2
New processes for manufacturing entacapone are provided.
US07932414B2
The invention relates to silane of formula (Ia), wherein the radicals and indices have the following meaning: R is an alkylene, arylene or alkylenearylene group that can be interrupted by one or more oxygen or sulfur atoms or carboxyl or amino groups or can carry said atoms/groups on their ends opposite the silicon atom; R1 is a Z′-substituted alkylene, arylene or alkylenearylene group, which can be interrupted by one or more oxygen or sulfur atoms or carboxyl or amino groups or can carry said atoms/groups on one of their ends; R′ is an alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkylaryl or arylalkyl group; B and B′ can be identical or different, both radicals can have the meaning of a straight-chained or branched organic group with at least one C═C double bond and at least 2 carbon atoms; B′ can mean instead thereof but also —R2aSi(OR3)4-a or —R2aR′bSi(OR3)4-a-b, wherein R2 is an alkylene group and R′ has the meaning defined above; X represents a group that can enter into a hydrolytic while forming Si—O—Si bridges; Z′ means —NH—C(O)O—, —NH—C(O)— or —CO(O)—, wherein the first two radicals are bonded to radical B′ by means of the NH group, whereas the carboxylate group can point in both directions except for a minor exception; a represents 1 or 2, and b is 0 or 1. The invention also relates to silicic acid poly (partial) condensates which can be produced by hydrolysis and condensation of said silane, and to the polymer materials with or without filling materials produced therefrom. The invention further relates to a method for the production of the inventive silane.
US07932402B2
The invention provides an efficient method for preparing 3-endo-(8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)benzamide by hydrogenation, under controlled conditions, of an amino-protected 3-(8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-2-en-3-yl)benzamide intermediate in which the amino-protecting group is removable by catalytic hydrogenation.
US07932401B2
Novel 1,5 diphenylpyrazole derivatives of the formula (I), in which R1-R6 have the meanings indicated in Claim 1, are HSP90 inhibitors and can be used for the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of diseases in which the inhibition, regulation and/or modulation of HSP90 plays a role.
US07932396B2
A compound of general formula (I): A process for preparing this compound. A compound of general formula (II): A fungicide composition comprising a compound of general formula (I). A method for treating plants by applying a compound of general formula (I) or a composition comprising it.
US07932390B2
There are provided compounds of the formula wherein R1, R2, R3, X, ring A and ring B are as described. The compounds exhibit anticancer properties.
US07932388B2
In some embodiments, this invention pertains to isotopically enriched N-substituted piperazines. In some embodiments, this invention pertains to methods for the preparation of isotopically enriched N-substituted piperazines.
US07932385B2
A compound of formula (7.2) or an acid addition salt thereof. The compound can be used as a reference standard for monitoring the presence thereof in a paliperidone sample, including monitoring the completion of a paliperidone reaction. Reduction in the amount of the compound in paliperidone can be achieved by crystallization in the presence of a hydride reductant.
US07932382B2
The invention relates to conformationally constrained mimetics of Smac which function as inhibitors of Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins. The invention also relates to the use of these mimetics for inducing apoptotic cell death and for sensitizing cells to inducers of apoptosis.
US07932360B2
The invention provides methods for producing mixtures of antibodies from a single host cell clone, wherein, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a light chain and nucleic acid sequences encoding different heavy chains are expressed in a recombinant host cell. The recombinantly produced antibodies in the mixtures according to the invention suitably comprise identical light chains paired to different heavy chains capable of pairing to the light chain, thereby forming functional antigen-binding domains. Mixtures of the recombinantly produced antibodies are also provided by the invention. Such mixtures can be used in a variety of fields.
US07932357B2
Nucleic acids encoding various monocyte-derived proteins and related compositions, including purified proteins and specific antibodies are described. Methods of using such composition are also provided.
US07932352B2
The present invention provides a novel Semaphorin having neurite-outgrowth inhibition activity or proteins analogous thereto, peptide fragments of, or antibodies against, such proteins, genes encoding such proteins, expression vectors for said genes, transformed cells into which said expression vectors have been introduced, methods for producing a recombinant protein which employ said transformed cells, antisense nucleotides against the above genes, transgenic animals involving insertion or deletion of the above genes, and screening methods for antagonists of the above proteins, all of which are useful mainly in diagnoses, treatments, or studies relating to neurological diseases. The present invention further provides use of such proteins, peptides, antibodies, genes, or antisense nucleotides as pharmaceutical or diagnostic agents or laboratory reagents.
US07932350B2
Viral material, in the isolated or purified state, in which the genome comprises a nucleotide sequence chosen from the group including sequences SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO:51, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO:53 and SEQ ID NO:56, their complementary sequences and their equivalent sequences, in particular nucleotide sequences displaying, for any succession of 100 contiguous monomers, at least 50% and preferably at least 70% homology with the said sequences SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO:51, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO:53 and SEQ ID NO:56, respectively, and their complementary sequences.
US07932341B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a polypropylene polymer film superior in convenience in handling that does not generate troubles such as wrinkling, elongation or breakage during processing at a high temperature of 80° C. to 120° C., independently of the conveying method used in the drying step, and an adhesive film having the polypropylene polymer film as its carrier. Provided are a polypropylene polymer film, characterized by having a tensile modulus of 300 MPa to 1,000 MPa under an atmosphere at 23° C. and 60 MPa to 120 MPa under an atmosphere at 120° C. and an adhesive film containing it as the carrier.
US07932340B2
The invention provides a radical generator, although being a self-cleavage type initiator, which is capable of suppressing volatilization of low molecular weight decomposition materials at the time of light radiation and post-baking, and leaving no low molecular weight decomposition materials in the final product, a photosensitive resin composition and an article using the radical generator. The photoradical generator provided according to the invention contains a compound (a) having one or more self-cleavage type radical-generating parts and one or more ethylenic unsaturated groups in one molecule.
US07932339B2
Method for producing a comb-shaped copolymer whose skeleton is of an acrylamide, acrylic acid, acryloyl aminoethanol or dimethyl acrylamide type and on which poly(N-alkyl acrylamide) or poly(N,N-5 dialkyl acrylamide lateral segments are grafted, includes (a) producing a telomer poly(N-alkyl acrylamide) or poly(N,N-dialkyl acrylamide) of formula (I) H2N—R1-Z-{CH2—C(R2) [C(═O)N(R3) (R4)]—}n—H (I) 10 by reacting in water a compound of formula (II) CH2═C(R2)—C(═O)—N(R3) (R4) (II) with a chain limiting compound of formula (III) Z-R1—NH2; (b) isolating the telomer of formula (I) obtained at a stage (a); (c) reacting in water the telomer of formula (I) obtained at stage (b) with an acid chloride of formula (IV) CH2═C(R5)—C(═O)—C1 at a molar ratio (IV)/(III) equal to or less than 10 and equal to or greater than 1 so that a macro monomer of formula (V) 20 CH2═C(R5)—C(═O)NH—R1-Z-{CH2—C(R2) [C(═O)N(R3) (R4)]—}n—H (V) is obtained; (d) isolating the macro monomer of formula (V) obtained at stage (c); (e) copolymerizing in water the macro monomer of formula (V) isolated at stage (d) with a monomer selected from acrylamide, acrylic acid, acryloyl-aminoethanol or dimethyl-acrylamide and, if necessary, (f) purifying the thus obtained copolymer.
US07932331B2
The present invention discloses active oligomerization or polymerization catalyst systems based on imino-quinolinol complexes.
US07932322B2
The invention relates to viscosifiers, especially terminated polymers that have functional terminal groups, said polymers being pre-extended by polyamines, polymercaptans, (poly)aminoalcohols, (poly)mercaptoalcohols or (poly)aminomercaptans and being reacted to give polymers that are terminated by other functional groups. The viscosifiers have a low content in educts or educt descendants that deteriorate the properties of compositions. They are also charaterized in that the formation of high-molecular addition products is considerably reduced or even excluded so that products obtained have low viscosity and good storage stability. The epoxy-terminated polymer of formula (I) is especially preferred.
US07932316B2
A composition that includes functionalized polymers and one or more types of particulate filler exhibits both an increased gum Mooney viscosity and a decreased compound Mooney viscosity relative to a comparable composition that includes only one such functionalized polymer. The functionalized polymers include first and second types of functionalities which exhibit a non-covalent interaction that has a bond energy of from about 0.1 to about 20 kJ/mol.
US07932309B2
A water-borne coating composition containing an ether derivative of raw cotton linters (RCL), a latex polymer, and water in which the ether derivative RCL provides improved rheological properties when compared to analogous cellulose ether compounds produced from more refined cellulose sources while not substantially degrading the coating composition's aesthetic qualities.
US07932303B2
A material contains at least a polymerizable N,O-functionalized acrylic acid hydroxyamide of the Formula (I) in which A is an n+m-valent linear or branched aliphatic C1 to C50 radical, in which the carbon chain can be interrupted by O, S, —CO—O—, CO—NH, O—CO—NH or NH—CO—NH, an n+m-valent aromatic C6 to C18 radical or an n+m-valent cycloaliphatic or heterocyclic C3 to C18 radical, wherein the radicals can carry one or more substituents, Y is not present, or is O, S, an ester, amide or urethane group, R1 is hydrogen, an aliphatic C1 to C20 alkyl or C3 to C8 cycloalkyl radical which can carry one or more substituents, R2 is H or a C1 to C10 alkyl radical, R3 is not present or is a C1 to C16 alkylene radical which can be interrupted by O, HG is not present, is —COOH, —P═O(OH)2; —P═O(OH)(OR4); —O—P═O(OH)2, —SO2OH or —O—P═O(OH)(OR4), R4 is a C1 to C15 alkyl radical, phenyl or benzyl radical and n is a number from 1 to 5 and m a number from 0 to 3.
US07932298B2
Method and apparatus for reducing CO2 in a stream by conversion to a syngas for production of energy
A system and method for producing syngas from the CO2 in a gaseous stream, such as an exhaust stream, from a power plant or industrial plant, like a cement kiln, is disclosed. A preferred embodiment includes providing the gaseous stream to pyrolysis reactor along with a carbon source such as coke. The CO2 and carbon are heated to about 1330° C. and at about one atmosphere with reactants such as steam such that a reaction takes place that produces syngas, carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2). The Syngas is then cleaned and provided to a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis reactor to produce Ethanol or Bio-catalytic synthesis reactor.
US07932297B2
A method and system for the production of valuable chemicals or alternative liquid fuels via an integrated biomass conversion and upgrading process is disclosed. The process integrates three subcomponent processes, capturing the desirable attributes of each: zoned partial oxidation, alcohol production, and gas-to-liquids reformation. The method and system may include reacting gasification intermediates—e.g., syngas from zoned partial oxidation, with bioprocessing intermediates—e.g., aqueous ethanol from alcohol production in a reactive separation to produce a product(s) of higher alcohols, liquid hydrocarbons, or a combination of these. The product(s) can be split into two (or more) boiling point fractions by the same reactive separations unit operation. The resulting product(s) are valuable for a variety of applications, including potentially as alternative (non-fossil-based) liquid transportation fuels.
US07932294B2
The invention provides the compounds of formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more compounds of formula I or intermediates thereof and one more of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, vehicles or diluents. The invention further provides methods of preparation and methods of use of prodrugs including NO-releasing prodrugs, double prodrugs and mutual prodrugs comprising the compounds of formula I.
US07932289B2
The present invention relates to a therapeutic agent for diabetes with sulfonylurea secondary failure, which contains a GPR40 agonist. According to the present invention, a therapeutic agent for diabetes with sulfonylurea secondary failure that affords a superior insulin secretion effect and a superior hypoglycemic effect even in diabetic patients for whom a sulfonylurea compound or a fast-acting insulin secretagogue fails to provide an insulin secretion effect and therefore, fails to provide a sufficient hypoglycemic effect can be provided.
US07932288B2
There has been a demand in the marketplace for medicines, functional foods and so on which can relieve subjective symptoms of fatigue in persons having these subjective symptoms, and enabling the persons to have productive days. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a composition for relieving subjective symptoms of fatigue. According to the present invention, a safe and effective composition for relieving subjective symptoms of fatigue which contains ornithine or a salt thereof as an active ingredient can be provided.
US07932283B2
The present invention relates to N-cyclopropyl-sulfonylamide derivatives of formula (I) wherein the substituents are cyclic groups, their process of preparation, their use as fungicide active agents, particularly in the form of fungicide compositions, and methods for the control of phytopathogenic fungi, notably of plants, using these compounds or compositions:
US07932279B2
The present invention provides tetrazole compounds, and methods of preparation of these compounds. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the tetrazole compounds. The present invention provides methods of treating a cell proliferative disorder, such as a cancer, by administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the present invention.
US07932277B2
The embodiments provide compounds of the general Formula I, as well as compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, comprising a subject compound. The embodiments provide compounds of the general Formula II, as well as compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, comprising a subject compound. The embodiments further provide treatment methods, including methods of treating a hepatitis C virus infection and methods of treating liver fibrosis, the methods generally involving administering to an individual in need thereof an effective amount of a subject compound or composition.
US07932275B2
The present invention is directed to 2-aminopyridine compounds which are inhibitors of the beta-secretase enzyme and that are useful in the treatment of diseases in which the beta-secretase enzyme is involved, such as Alzheimer's disease. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the treatment of such diseases in which the beta-secretase enzyme is involved.
US07932265B2
Medical devices, and in particular implantable medical devices, may be coated to minimize or substantially eliminate a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. The medical devices may be coated with any number of biocompatible materials. Therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may be mixed with the biocompatible materials and affixed to at least a portion of the medical device. These therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may also further reduce a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. In addition, these therapeutic drugs, agents and/or compounds may be utilized to promote healing, including the formation of blood clots. Therapeutic agents may also be delivered to the region of a disease site. In regional delivery, liquid formulations may be desirable to increase the efficacy and deliverability of the particular drug. Also, the devices may be modified to promote endothelialization. Various materials and coating methodologies may be utilized to maintain the drugs, agents or compounds on the medical device until delivered and positioned. In addition, the devices utilized to deliver the implantable medical devices may be modified to reduce the potential for damaging the implantable medical device during deployment. Medical devices include stents, grafts, anastomotic devices, perivascular wraps, sutures and staples. In addition, various polymer combinations may be utilized to control the elution rates of the therapeutic drugs, agents and/or compounds from the implantable medical devices.
US07932264B2
The present invention relates to the preparation and pharmacological use of sinomenine derivatives of formula I. The approach disclosed herein is the modification of D ring by-substituting for R. Additional substitutions in the other rings are also provided herein. Several of the sinomenine derivatives have significantly greater anti-inflammation activity when compared with the parent compound.
US07932263B2
A combination comprising candesartan and rosuvastatin for the prevention or treatment of arteriosclerosis and for the prevention of cardiovascular events is described.
US07932260B2
The invention provides a class of substituted quinazolinone compounds and methods of treating diseases mediated by PI3Kδ activity. The disclosed compounds are useful in treating diseases such as bone-resorption disorders; and cancer, especially hematopoietic cancers, lymphomas, multiple myelomas and leukemia. The compounds are also useful in disrupting or inhibiting cellular processes such as leukocyte function or accumulation, neutrophils function, lymphocyte proliferation, and endogenous immune responses.
US07932257B2
The present invention provides compounds having the formula: wherein A-B together represent one of the following structures: wherein one of is a double bond, as valency permits; and R2, R4, X1A, X2A, X1B, X2B, L1, L2, Y and Z are as defined in classes and subclasses herein, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, as described generally and in subclasses herein, which compounds are useful as inhibitors of protein kinase (e.g., Aurora), and thus are useful, for example, for the treatment of Aurora mediated diseases.
US07932256B2
The invention relates to the compound (S)-4-(1-cyclopropyl-2-methoxyethyl)-6-(6-(difluoromethoxy)-2,5-dimethylpyridin-3-ylamino)-5-oxo-4,5-dihydropyrazine-2-carbonitrile, pharmaceutical compositions of the compound, and methods of using the compound for the treatment of psychiatric disorders and neurological diseases including depression, anxiety related disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, addiction and negative aspects of drug and alcohol withdrawal, and other conditions associated with CRF.
US07932247B2
Muscarinic Acetylcholine receptor antagonists and methods of using them are provided.
US07932230B2
Antifungal and antibacterial peptides, polypeptides and proteins as antifungal additives for paint and other coatings are disclosed, along with antifungal compositions, and coated surfaces with antifungal properties. Methods of using the coatings for treating and/or inhibiting growth of mold, mildew and other fungi and bacteria on objects such as building materials that are susceptible to such infestation are also disclosed.
US07932227B1
The present invention relates to methods and compositions useful for the regulation of lacritin, syndecan, and lacritin-syndecan interactions and the signaling pathway downstream of lacritin-syndecan interactions. The invention also relates to regulating lacritin-syndecan interaction to regulate ocular cell survival in response to an insult or injury, in protecting against ocular inflammation, and in promoting ocular wound repair.
US07932223B2
A heat activated fabric treatment composition comprising: a) at least 1% by weight of one or more quaternary ammonium fabric softening materials, b) at least 1% by weight of a non-ionic surfactant, such that components a) and b) comprise at least 30% by weight of the composition, c) at least 20% by weight of a fatty component selected from fatty acids having a melting point of at least 40° C., fatty alcohols having a melting point of at least 40° C. and mixtures thereof, d) from 5 to 30% by weight water. The composition is provided in a dispensing device which, in use, is attached to the internal panel of a tumble dryer.
US07932219B2
The present invention provides a grease composition which prevents frictional wear of a lubricating surface in a high load-applied state or in a state in which sliding motion is generated and is durable for a long time, a method of manufacturing capable of easily determining an addition ratio of an extreme-pressure agent of the grease composition, and a rolling bearing in which the grease composition is enclosed. A grease composition is composed by adding a thickener and an extreme-pressure agent containing sulfur in a molecular structure thereof to base oil. The extreme-pressure agent is added to the base oil so that a product of an amount (mgS/g) of active sulfur contained in the extreme-pressure agent and an addition amount (wt %) of the extreme-pressure agent with respect to an entire amount of the grease composition is in a range of 3 to 13.
US07932210B2
An image-forming method, containing the steps of: superposing a heat-sensitive transfer sheet on a heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet so that the following at least one receptor layer of the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet can be contacted with the following thermal transfer layer of the heat-sensitive transfer sheet; and providing thermal energy in accordance with image signals, thereby to form a thermal transfer image; in which the heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet comprises, on a support, at least one receptor layer containing a polymer latex, and at least one heat insulation layer containing hollow polymer particles but free of any resins having poor resistance to an organic solvent except for the hollow polymer particles, and the heat-sensitive transfer sheet comprises, on a support, a thermal transfer layer containing at least any one of a compound represented by formula (Y), a compound represented by formula (M) and a compound represented by formula (C): in which, in formulas (Y), (M) and (C), X, Y and Z each independently represents ═C(D13)- or a nitrogen atom, and D1 to D23 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a substituent, such as an alkyl group.
US07932190B2
This invention provides methods and systems, e.g., to control the flow of photo-polymerizable resins. In the method, e.g., flow of a photo-polymerizable resin is restricted from illuminated resin exclusion regions on a substrate surface by precisely situated flow barriers. A system to control photo-polymerizable resin flow includes, e.g., a light source, a mask and a substrate.
US07932189B2
An electronic device can include a layer of discontinuous storage elements. A dielectric layer overlying the discontinuous storage elements can be substantially hydrogen-free. A process of forming the electronic device can include forming a layer including silicon over the discontinuous storage elements. In one embodiment, the process includes oxidizing at least substantially all of the layer. In another embodiment, the process includes forming the layer using a substantially hydrogen-free silicon precursor material and oxidizing at least substantially all of the layer.
US07932185B2
A laser annealing process capable of suppressing a variation in sheet resistance. A surface layer formed shallower than 100 nm in a substrate of semiconductor material is added with impurities. The substrate is irradiated with a laser beam or its harmonic beam emitted from a laser diode pumped to solid-state laser to activate the impurities.
US07932182B2
A potassium hydroxide (KOH) etch process can produce deep high aspect ratio trenches in (110) oriented silicon substrates. The trenches, however, are perpendicular to the (111) direction of the silicon substrate's crystal lattice. The trenches are used to produce thermally isolating areas and through the wafer electrical connections. These structures can be produced in a cost effective manner because of the nearly ideal capabilities of the KOH etch process when it is applied to appropriate materials at appropriate orientations.
US07932167B2
A memory cell in an integrated circuit is fabricated in part by forming a lower electrode feature, an island, a sacrificial feature, a gate feature, and a phase change feature. The island is formed on the lower electrode feature and has one or more sidewalls. It comprises a lower doped feature, a middle doped feature formed above the lower doped feature, and an upper doped feature formed above the middle doped feature. The sacrificial feature is formed above the island, while the gate feature is formed along each sidewall of the island. The gate feature overlies at least a portion of the middle doped feature of the island and is operative to control an electrical resistance therein. Finally, the phase feature is formed above the island at least in part by replacing at least a portion of the sacrificial feature with a phase change material. The phase change material is operative to switch between lower and higher electrical resistance states in response to an application of an electrical signal.
US07932161B2
Materials, and methods that use such materials, that are useful for forming chip stacks, chip and wafer bonding and wafer thinning are disclosed. Such methods and materials provide strong bonds while also being readily removed with little or no residues.
US07932156B2
The invention relates to a semiconductor device (10) with a substrate (12) and a semiconductor body (11) of silicon comprising a bipolar transistor with an emitter region, a base region and a collector region (1,2,3) first conductivity type, a second conductivity type opposite to said first conductivity type and the first conductivity type, respectively, with a first semiconductor region (3) comprising the collector region or the emitter region being formed in the semiconductor body (11), on top of which a second semiconductor region (2) comprising the base region is present, on top of which a third semiconductor region (1) comprising the other of said collector region and said emitter region is present, said semiconductor body (11) being provided with a constriction at the location of the transition between the first and the second semiconductor region (3, 2), which constriction has been formed by means of an electrically insulating region (26, 27) buried in the semiconductor body (11). According to the invention a part of the semiconductor body that is formed above the buried electrically insulating region (26,27) is monocrystalline. This enables a strong lateral miniaturization of the device and results in excellent high frequency properties of the transistor. Such a device (10) is possible thanks to its manufacture with a method of manufacturing according to the invention.
US07932154B2
In a non-volatile flash memory device, and a method of fabricating the same, the device includes a semiconductor substrate, a source region and a drain region disposed in the semiconductor substrate to be spaced apart from each other, a tunneling layer pattern, a charge trap layer pattern and a shielding layer pattern, which are sequentially stacked on the semiconductor substrate between the source region and the drain region, adjacent to the source region, a first channel region disposed in the semiconductor substrate below the tunneling layer pattern, a gate insulating layer disposed on the semiconductor substrate between the drain region and the first channel region, a second channel region disposed in the semiconductor substrate below the gate insulating layer, a concentration of the second channel region being different from that of the first channel region, and a gate electrode covering the shielding layer pattern and the gate insulating layer.
US07932131B2
A method and structure for reducing the size of semiconductor package is disclosed. In one example embodiment, a method for stacking dies of a semiconductor package includes forming a set of insulated bonding wires between respective bonding pads of a first semiconductor integrated circuit die and a conductive layer electrically detached from the respective bonding pads, applying an adhesive material on a top surface of the first semiconductor integrated circuit die, and securing a second semiconductor integrated circuit die one the top surface of the first semiconductor integrated circuit die with the adhesive material.
US07932129B2
A programmable resistor memory, such as a phase change memory, with a memory element comprising narrow vertical side wall active pins is described. The side wall active pins comprise a programmable resistive material, such as a phase change material. In a first aspect of the invention, a method of forming a memory cell is described which comprises forming a stack comprising a first electrode having a principal surface with a perimeter, an insulating layer overlying a portion of the principal surface of the first electrode, and a second electrode vertically separated from the first electrode and overlying the insulating layer. Side walls on the insulating layer and on the second electrode are positioned over the principle surface of the first electrode with a lateral offset from the perimeter of the first electrode.
US07932119B2
A method is provided for detecting laser optical paths in integrated circuit (IC) packages. The method provides an IC die encapsulated as a package in a compound of glass spheres and epoxy. Power is supplied to the IC. The IC is scanned with a laser. Typically, a laser wavelength is used that is minimally absorbed by the glass spheres in the epoxy compound of the IC package, and changes in current to the IC are detected. A detected current change is cross-referenced against a scanned IC package surface region. This process identifies an optical pathway underlying the scanned IC package surface region. In some aspects, this process leads to the identification of a glass sphere-collecting package structure underlying the optical pathway. Examples of a glass sphere-collecting structure might include an inner lead wire, lead frame edge, or die edge.
US07932116B2
A manufacturing method for a hollow sealing structure, includes, a process for filling a recessed portion in a principal surface of a substrate with a first sacrificial layer, a process for forming a functional element portion on the principal surface of the substrate, a process for forming a second sacrificial layer on the functional element portion so as to be connected to a part of the first sacrificial layer, a process for forming a covering portion over respective surfaces of the first and second sacrificial layers, a process for circulating a fluid for sacrificial layer removal through an opening in the covering portion in contact with the first sacrificial layer, thereby removing the first and second sacrificial layers, and a process for closing the opening.
US07932112B2
The deposition substrate of the present invention includes a light-transmitting substrate having a first region and a second region. In the first region, a first heat-insulating layer transmitting light is provided over the light-transmitting substrate, a light absorption layer is provided over the first heat-insulating layer, and a first organic compound-containing layer is provided over the light absorption layer. In the second region, a reflective layer is provided over the light-transmitting substrate, a second heat-insulating layer is provided over the reflective layer, and a second organic compound-containing layer is provided over the second heat-insulating layer. The edge of the second heat-insulating layer is placed inside the edge of the reflective layer, and there is a space between the first heat-insulating layer and the second heat-insulating layer.
US07932099B2
The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for detection of one or more analytes. Analytes include agents or components of infectious agents such as pathogenic virus, as well as enzymes, proteins and biomarkers.
US07932094B2
The stability of an electroless plating bath for depositing a metal (e.g., nickel) is determined by titrating a sample of the plating bath with a titrant comprising ions of a catalytic metal (e.g., palladium) and detecting hydrogen released at the titration endpoint. The quantity of titrant required to attain the endpoint provides a measure of the stability of the electroless plating bath.
US07932093B2
The present invention relates to methods and devices for detecting one or more analytes in a biological sample, preferably a clean liquid sample. This invention in particular relates to improved rapid tests such as “dipsticks”, “lateral flow” devices and “flow-through” devices. The invention in particular relates to oligochromatographic devices that make use of a peptide- or hapten-coupled oligonucleotide and a reagent specifically recognizing the hapten or peptide and a conjugated probe that hybridizes specifically to a target sequence. It allows to detect specifically the presence of a polynucleotides directly or after molecular amplification steps with the use of a specific genuine internal control and a chromatographic control.
US07932088B1
The present invention provides molecular methods for efficiently transforming the genome of common disease-transmitting parasites, such as Plasmodium falciparum. The transformation efficiencies are improved up to 100 times over those conventionally known. The methods provide high saturation of the target parasite genome, of 50% or greater, and target non-specifically TTAA-rich sites in the parasite genome. The invention also discloses a model that may be used to functionally annotate the genome of the Plasmodium falciparum, thus permitting the design and screening of compounds that may be useful in the control and inhibiting of diseases caused and transmitted by these parasites, including malaria. Highly efficient and multi-site integrating transposons, particularly piggyBac transposons, which provide for random and multi-site integration into parasite genomes in the presence of a helper plasmid, are also presented.
US07932086B2
The present invention relates to a commercially viable process for in vitro mass culture of Jatropha curcas. The process for in vitro mass culture of Jatropha curcas is simple, faster, and suitable for production of disease-free root tubers of uniform quality and employs media with a reduced concentration of phytohormones.
US07932085B2
The present invention provides nucleic acid sequences encoding a modified leukotoxin protein, wherein the modification comprises the removal of nucleic acid sequences encoding amino acids within hydrophobic transmembrane domains of full length leukotoxin protein, preferably from Mannheimia haemolytica. The modified leukotoxin proteins are useful in vaccine compositions effective against Mannheimia haemolytica in animals.
US07932084B2
The present invention relates to adipose tissue-derived stem cells and to methods and compositions for enhancing growth and differentiation of such cells. The invention further relates to growing such cells in serum-free or low serum growth medium, and formulations thereof.
US07932083B2
The present invention provides a DNA participating in biological transformation of a macrolide compound 11107B. The present invention provides, particularly, a DNA participating in biological transformation of a macrolide compound 11107B represented by the formula (I) into a 16-position hydroxy macrolide compound 11107D represented by the formula (II), the DNA encoding a protein having 16-position hydroxylating enzymatic activity or ferredoxin, to a method of isolating the DNA, to a protein encoded by the DNA, a plasmid carrying the DNA, a transformant obtained by transforming using the plasmid and a method of producing a 16-position hydroxy compound by using the transformant.
US07932066B2
This invention provides an isolated peptide encoded by a nucleic acid which is at least 30 nucleotides in length and has a sequence which uniquely defines a herpesvirus associated with Kaposis' sarcoma, which herpesvirus is present in and recoverable from the HBL-6 cell line (ATCC Accession No. CRL 11762).
US07932064B2
The invention provides novel processes for making ethyl-4-cyano-3-hydroxybutyrate, e.g., (R)-ethyl 4-cyano-3-hydroxybutyric acid, and 4-cyano-3-hydroxybutyric acid. The invention provides protocols for making and 4-cyano-3-hydroxybutyric acid and ethyl-4-cyano-3-hydroxybutyrate by whole cell processes, cell lysate processes, “one pot processes” and “multi-pot” processes using a variety of parameters.
US07932055B2
Soluble versions of heterodimeric receptors, e.g., CD94/NKG2 receptors, and methods of producing and using such constructs, are described. The constructs comprise soluble fragments of, each receptor monomer, and some constructs further comprise at least one immunoglobulin Fc domain. Exemplary constructs are those wherein (1) each soluble fragment is linked to an immunoglobulin Fc domain, which are then allowed to dimerize, (2) each soluble fragment is linked to an immunoglobulin Fc domain mutated to promote forced dimerization with the correct counterpart, and (3) single-chain constructs where the monomeric receptor fragments are linked, and the C-terminal fragment is linked to an Fc domain.
US07932054B2
The invention provides a thermal tolerant (thermostable) cellulase, AviIII, that is a member of the glycoside hydrolase (GH) family. AviIII was isolated and characterized from Acidothermus cellulolyticus, and, like many cellulases, the disclosed polypeptide and/or its derivatives may be useful for the conversion of biomass into biofuels and chemicals.
US07932053B2
The present invention relates to a method for preparing a modified folded protein, comprising modifying unfolded a-chains comprising a collagenous amino acid sequence and thereafter folding at least part of the modified a-chains into a quaternary protein structure, in particular a helical protein structure. The invention allows for an attractive alternative for making recombinant proteins, such as recombinant collagens and the like, which may be used in a variety of biomedical and other applications.
US07932048B2
The invention relates to a method for the in vitro diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease using a monoclonal antibody. Said antibody can bind at least to amino acids 12-16 of the β-amyloid peptide, specifically detecting the neuritic plaques which are characteristic of Alzheimer's disease, without detecting diffuse plaques which are not defining characteristics of the disease. Within the neuritic plaques, the monoclonal antibody can detect a different sub-group in the composition of the different deposited isoforms of the β-amyloid peptide, which is associated with the disease progression stage. In addition, the antibody can bind to isoforms of the β-amyloid peptide in biological fluids such as urine. As a result, the inventive monoclonal antibody, the cell lines that produce said antibody and compositions containing same can be used in the in vitro diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and in determining the disease progression stage.
US07932047B2
The present invention relates to a method for the early diagnosis of neoplastic disorders such as cancers as well as their precursor stages, particularly cancers of the respiratory tract, the urinary system, the reproductive tract, cancer associated with HPV infection or cancer of the anogenital tract, from solubilized body samples. The invention is also directed to test kits usable for this purpose as well as in-vitro diagnostic devices. The development of the kits and in-vitro diagnostic devices for the above purpose is also one aspect of the present invention.
US07932038B2
The present invention relates a sticker for DNA collection and a method for isolating DNAs using the same. Particularly, the sticker for DNA collection is covered with a paint solution comprising EDTA, Tris, SDS and peyonine to isolate keratins exclusively when attached onto human skin and detached. Further, the specific sticker for DNA collection separates DNAs efficiently to amplify genes by using a PCR technique. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to identify a real child and investigate a crime with a fingerprint and to screen genetic diseases.
US07932036B1
We analyzed bone marrow from 67 patients from a phase 2 study of farnesyltransferase inhibition with tipifarnib (R115777, ZARNESTRA®), in older adults with previously untreated, poor-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) for N-Ras mutations, global gene expression, and/or quantitative PCR (qPCR) of specific genes. Microarray profiling identified a two-gene expression ratio (RASGRP1:APTX) which provided the greatest accuracy for predicting response to tipifarnib. We demonstrated that this classifier could predict response to tipifarnib in an independent set of 54 samples from relapsed or refractory AML, with a NPV and PPV of 92% and 28%, respectively (odds ratio of 4.4). Therefore, in both newly diagnosed and relapsed or refractory AML, this classifier improves the overall response rate by approximately 50% while maintaining a high NPV, and significantly improves patient overall survival. The two-gene classifier was also validated by qPCR in thirty AML samples from the same clinical study demonstrating a negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive value (PPV) of 81% and 50%, respectively (odds ratio of 4.3). These data indicate that a simple two-gene expression assay may have utility in diagnosing a population of AML patients who are more likely to respond to tipifarnib.
US07932029B1
The invention disclosed herein describes methods for the mapping and identification of fine-structural variations in nucleic acids.
US07932022B2
The present invention relates to molecular constructs and methods of their use in detecting biochemical reactions. In particular, the invention relates to a molecular construct having a capture portion and a substrate portion, where the capture portion isolates the construct from a sample medium, and the substrate portion enables the construct to be acted upon and undergo a physical change which can be detected and measured. These molecular constructs may be used in diagnostic assays, genetic screening for potential risks of certain diseases in individuals, and drug discovery and toxicogenomics, using high throughput screening of compounds.
US07932018B2
The invention relates to an antireflective coating composition comprising a polymer, a crosslinker and a thermal acid generator, where the polymer comprises at least one unit of structure (1), at least one unit of structure (2) and at least one structure of structure (3), where R1 to R9 is independently selected from H and C1-C6 alkyl, R′ and R″ is independently selected from H and C1-C6 alkyl, X is C1-C6 alkylene, Y is C1-C6 alkylene. The invention further relates to a process for imaging a photoresist coated over the antireflective coating composition.
US07932016B2
Photoresist compositions and methods suitable for depositing a thick photoresist layer in a single coating application are provided. Such photoresist layers are particularly suitable for use in chip scale packaging, for example, in the formation of metal bumps.
US07932010B2
There are provided a toner, a method of manufacturing the toner, a two-component developer, a developing device, and an image forming apparatus, which are excellent in a charge rising property, environmental stability, and life stability during printing and which cause less fogging. The toner contains a core particle containing binder resin and colorant, and a coating layer which contains resin and a charge control agent and is formed on a surface of the core particle. At least a part of the resin contained in the coating layer is melt-bonded to the core particle, and the charge control agent is dispersed and immobilized in the coating layer. The dispersed charge control agent has a dispersion diameter of less than 1 μm.
US07932009B2
A liquid developer includes toner particles formed of a resin material and a coloring agent, and an insulation liquid in which the toner particles are dispersed, the insulation liquid containing ester-exchange oil obtained by an ester-exchange reaction of linseed oil and at least one of semidrying oil and nondrying oil. It is preferred that the insulation liquid further contains fatty acid monoester. Further, it is preferred that the amount of the fatty acid monoester contained in the insulation liquid is in the range of 5 to 50 wt %.
US07932007B2
There are provided: a method for producing a toner containing to granulate a toner and to subjecting the granulated toner to at least washing with an alkali washing solution, in which the total organic carbon amount extractable from the alkali-washed toner is 200 ppm/g or less; a toner comprising polyester in which the total organic carbon amount extractable from the toner is 200 ppm/g or less, under the condition that the toner is subjected to washing with the alkali washing solution before extracting; and an image-forming method using such a toner.
US07932000B2
The present invention provides a hologram recording medium which can attain high refractive index change, flexibility, high sensitivity, low scattering, environment resistance, durability, low dimension change (low shrinkage) and high multiplicity in holographic memory record using a blue laser. A hologram recording medium (11) comprising at least a hologram recording material layer, wherein the hologram recording material layer (21) comprises at least: an organometallic compound having at least a Ti—O bond, and a photopolymerizable compound; and said medium has a light transmittance is 50% or more at a wavelength of 405 nm, or a light reflectance is 25% or more at a wavelength of 405 nm. The organometallic compound is favorably obtained by subjecting an alkoxide compound of the corresponding metal(s) to hydrolysis and polymerization reaction in an organic solvent which neither contains cyclic ether skeleton nor carbonyl oxygen.
US07931998B2
A catalyst for a fuel cell includes platinum. The catalyst has an oxide reduction potential (ORP) that is not less than 430 mV. The ORP is estimated by a cyclic voltammetry test using a saturation calomel electrode.
US07931997B2
A fuel cell stack includes a plurality of fuel cells, a plurality of interconnects and a multi-material seal comprising a first seal material and a second seal material, where the second seal material first forms an effective seal at a higher temperature than the first seal material.
US07931993B2
Described herein are processes for fabricating microfluidic fuel cell systems with embedded components in which micron-scale features are formed by bonding layers of DuPont Kapton™ polyimide laminate. A microfluidic fuel cell system fabricated using this process is also described.
US07931990B2
The present disclosure is directed to a fuel cell component having a cathode that includes a lanthanum manganate material as well as channels for receiving a flow of oxygen, and a buffer layer extending along the channels through which oxygen flows. The fuel cell component also includes an anode having channels for receiving a flow of fuel and an electrolyte layer disposed between the cathode and the anode.
US07931987B2
A lithium-ion battery includes a positive electrode comprising a current collector and a first active material comprising LiCoO2 and a negative electrode comprising a current collector, a second active material, and a third active material. The second active material comprises a lithium titanate material and the third active material is V2O5. 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.
US07931984B2
A negative electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery and a rechargeable lithium battery including the same are provided. The negative electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery includes a current collector, and a negative active material layer on the current collector. The negative active material layer includes an interpenetrating network network, and a negative active material in the interpenetrating network network. The interpenetrating network is formed by cross-linking a first polymer having a hydroxyl or amine group and a second polymer having a carboxylic acid group. The negative electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery minimizes volume expansion and imparts good cycle-life characteristics and initial formation efficiency.
US07931969B2
A molecular fan for dissipating heat, the fan having a chemically functionalized molecular fan thin film coating affixed to a surface in need of heat dissipation. A nanocoating for dissipating heat, the coating having a thin film coating affixed to a surface in need of heat dissipation. A molecular fan thin film coating affixed to a surface in need of heat dissipation for dissipating heat.
US07931966B2
A proppant material is provided that is in the form of generally rigid, elastic plate-like particles having a maximum to minimum dimension ratio of more than about 5. The proppant may be formed from a corrosion resistant material or having a corrosion resistant material formed thereon. The plate-like particles may be substantially non-deformable and may be formed from stainless steel or carbon steel provided with a corrosion resistant coating. The particles may have a thickness of from about 100 to about 300 μm and may be in the form of a grating. A method of hydraulic fracturing in a formation penetrated by a wellbore is also provided wherein proppant material in the form of generally rigid, elastic plate-like particles having a maximum to minimum dimension ratio of more than about 5 are introduced into the wellbore. The particles may be formed from a corrosion resistant material or having a corrosion resistant material formed thereon. Non-plate-like proppant may be introduced into the wellbore in conjunction with the plate-like proppant.
US07931964B2
A microporous layer comprising a microporous xerogel comprising pores that are substantially continuously interconnected from a first outermost surface of the microporous xerogel through to a second outermost surface of the microporous xerogel; and a crosslinked polymer binder comprising a polymer having a glass transition temperature of about 50° C. or higher, wherein the polymer binder is water soluble prior to crosslinking.
US07931961B1
A composite exhaust flue which may be used to shield an area or object from convective, conductive, or radiated heat transfer from hot exhaust combustion gases is described. In certain embodiments, the composite exhaust flue may be used to protect structures from hot exhaust gases and particles such as those produced by cars, trucks, ships, boats, jets, rockets, as well as other vehicles with internal combustion engines, turbines, or rocket motors. In some embodiments, a composite exhaust flue may comprise a ceramic fiber reinforced ceramic composite high temperature face sheet positioned over an insulating layer and a structural support layer comprising a rigid, porous foam material.
US07931960B2
The present invention relates to shaped bodies containing a metal-organic framework material (MOF) as well as a process for the preparation thereof and their use especially as catalyst or storage medium.
US07931957B2
Described are fiber materials having improved malodor scavenger properties and a process for the manufacture of said materials. In particular, described are fiber materials usable in the manufacture of disposable or washable diapers, incontinent products, sanitary napkins and other such hygiene and personal care articles with improved malodor scavenger properties, and to methods of manufacturing such materials. It has been found that the incorporation of, especially nanosized, metal particles and/or a cyclodextrin material into fibers creates a “reactive” material having excellent malodor scavenging properties. More specifically, it has been found that the presence of nanosized metal or metal alloy particles and/or a cyclodextrin material in a fiber material, preferably a synthetic polymer material and more preferably a synthetic thermoplastic polymer fiber material leads to fiber materials or nonwovens having odor-controlling properties. The fiber material especially is useful in the manufacture of hygienic products like disposable diapers.
US07931949B2
Disclosed is a biodegradable starch bowl prepared by heating and pressurizing a composition for the biodegradable starch bowl comprising unmodified starch of 20˜60 wt. %; pulp fiber powder of 5˜30 wt. %; solvent of 30˜60 wt. %; photo catalyst of 0.1˜2.0 wt. %; preservative of 0.01˜1 wt. %; and releasing agent of 0.5˜5 wt. % to have a desired shape, and a biodegradable film being attached on the inner surface of the bowl. The biodegradable starch bowl according to the present invention has an improved sterilizing property, deodorizing property, preservative property, releasing property, water-resistance and strength.
US07931941B1
A process is described for the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles by chemical reduction of metal salts in the presence of organic ligands capable of binding to the metal particle surfaces and stabilizing them against agglomeration. The resultant nanoparticles or dispersions of the particles can be sintered into highly conductive films or traces at temperatures as low as 80° C. in 10 minutes or less.
US07931940B2
A method for producing a silica aerogel film by hydrolyzing and polymerizing alkoxysilane in the presence of a base catalyst to prepare an alkaline sol, adding an acid catalyst to the alkaline sol to carry out further hydrolysis and polymerization to prepare a first acidic sol, hydrolyzing and polymerizing alkoxysilane in the presence of an acid catalyst to prepare a second acidic sol, applying a mixture of the first and second acidic sols to a substrate, and drying it.
US07931938B2
This present invention describes a method of coating a polymer surface with diamond-like carbon (DLC) to render it useful as a carrier for cells derived from neural crest origin, preferable neuronal cells that form dendrites. The biopolymer to be coated with the DLC will include biodegradable polymers and other implantable biopolymers to act as a carrier system for cell transplantation into the various parts of the body, including the brain, the eye, the central and peripheral nervous system, the lung, the liver, the spleen, the kidney, and the bone and cartilage. The biopolymer can be in sheet form or microparticle form, and can be imbedded with, or incorporated into during its synthesis, attachment or growth promoting reagents to enhance and support neuraonal call attachment and growth. This coating method can also augment other coating agents such as extracellular matrix (ECM) secreted by cultured bovine corneal endothelial cells, as well as adhesive molecules such as fibronectin, laminin, and RGDS. The coating step can be a sequential process where the DLC layer will be added on top of an ECM coated surface or an attachment factor coated surface.
US07931935B2
This invention provides a process for producing a membrane electrode assembly which has high and stable catalytic activity, and suppressed deterioration in catalytic activity during operation, and can prevent a deterioration in performance attributable to a structural factor of the membrane electrode assembly. The process comprises the step of, after the washing/removing step, drying the catalyst electrode in an atmosphere having a lower oxygen partial pressure than the air. The anode/cathode is a covered catalyst electrode having a structure formed by supporting/depositing a catalytically active material composed mainly of platinum/ruthenium subjected to the potential holding step, the washing/removing step, and the drying step, on a porous electroconductive carrier to cover at least a part of the porous electroconductive carrier with the ion conductive material.
US07931927B2
The present invention relates to a method for preparing cooked rice with barley in an aseptic packing process, comprising mixing barley, which had been sterilization-treated and then dried, with non-glutinous rice. The method for preparing cooked rice with barley in an aseptic packing system according to the present invention is characterized in that by using barley that has been first gelatinized and then retrogradated, the cooked rice with barley has a reduced initial level of microorganisms in the barley, leading to excellent stability against microorganisms, a long storage life, of 6 months or longer at ambient temperature, excellent appearance, pleasant flavor, and soft, flexible, and sticky texture.
US07931925B2
The present invention relates to a process for producing cheese from enzyme-treated cheese milk, and the use of the resulting produced cheese as ingredient in food products. More particularly, the present invention relates to a process for producing cheese from cheese milk treated with a enzyme selected from the group of phospholipases, in particular phospholipase A1, A2 and B. Also, the present invention relates to a process for stabilizing the fat emulsion of a milk composition, e.g. cream, and the use of such stabilized milk composition, e.g. for the manufacturing of UHT-cream or cream liquor.
US07931920B2
A composition suitable for the isolation of a nucleic acid from a material containing the nucleic acid contains at least one buffer with a chaotropic component; at least one proteolytic enzyme; at least one buffer with an non-chaotropic component; at least one alcoholic component; and a detergent.
US07931911B2
A pesticidal/ovicidal composition comprising: (a) 50-97.9 parts by mass of a triglyceride containing not less than 50% of oleic acid as a fatty acid component; (b) 0.1-20 parts by mass of a cationic surface active agent; and (c) 2-30 parts by mass of a glycerin derivative, and a pesticidal/ovicidal method using the same. The composition according to the invention has not only a pesticidal activity but also an ovicidal activity on crop pests, and provides a safe and high pesticidal/ovicidal effect.
US07931906B2
The present invention relates to isolated influenza virus strains suitable for increased vaccine production for mammals. The influenza virus strains contain at least one modified influenza protein that results in increased production of the influenza virus from a mammalian host cell, such as a vero cell. The present invention also relates to the vaccines produced from the influenza virus strains. The present invention further relates to isolated modified influenza proteins and isolated nucleic acid molecules that encode for the modified influenza proteins.
US07931900B2
The present invention provides a method for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of multiple sclerosis (MS) comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an inhibitor of IL-17 activity.
US07931891B2
The present invention provides an isolated myeloid-like cell population comprising a majority of cells that are lineage negative, and which express both CD44 antigen, CD11b antigen, and hypoxia inducible factor 1 α (HIF-1 α). These cells have beneficial vasculotrophic and neurotrophic activity when intraocularly administered to the eye of a mammal, particularly a mammal suffering from an ocular degenerative disease. The myeloid-like cells are isolated by treating bone marrow cells, peripheral blood cells or umbilical cord cells with an antibody against CD44 (hyaluronic acid receptor), against CD11b, CD14, CD33, or against a combination thereof and using flow cytometry to positively select CD44 and/or CD11b expressing cells therefrom. The isolated myeloid-like bone marrow cells of the invention can be transfected with a gene encoding a therapeutically useful protein, for delivering the gene to the retina.
US07931880B2
An aqueous precipitation process for the preparation of particles comprising primarily silver sulfate, comprising reacting an aqueous soluble silver salt and an aqueous soluble source of inorganic sulfate ion in an agitated precipitation reactor vessel and precipitating particles comprising primarily silver sulfate, wherein the reaction and precipitation are performed in the presence of an aqueous soluble inorganic additive compound containing a cation capable of forming a sulfate salt that is less soluble than silver sulfate or a halide anion or an oxyanion capable of forming a silver salt that is less soluble than silver sulfate, the amount of additive being a minor molar percentage, relative to the molar amount of silver sulfate precipitated, and effective to result in precipitation of particles comprising primarily silver sulfate having a mean grain-size of less than 70 micrometers.
US07931878B2
Disinfection of waste can be carried out by first cutting the waste into small pieces to expose surfaces in the waste and then simultaneously spraying the waste pieces with disinfectant and agitating them. The waste pieces are agitated by applying sufficient vacuum to suck the waste pieces through a processing system, the vacuum creating a wind inside the system that sweeps up the waste pieces, suspends them in air, and keeps them separate from one another, thereby exposing substantially all surfaces of the waste pieces to the sprayed disinfectant.
US07931869B2
A device for dosage of substances having a substance intake portion, which included at least one substance compartment for the intake of substance to be dosed, an emptying portion for the emptying the substance compartment and a weighing balance for the determination of the quantity of dosed substance, wherein the substance intake portion includes a plurality of substance compartments, which are able to be individually emptied. The device further includes a control means, which control the emptying of the substance compartments in a manner dependent on the quantity of dosed substance, which is determined by means of the weighing balance.
US07931867B2
Devices, systems and methods of using same where hybrid substrate materials are provided with a substantially uniform surface to provide uniformity of properties, including interaction with their environments. Uniform surfaces are applied as coatings over, e.g., hybrid metal/silica, metal/polymer, metal/metal surfaces to mask different chemical properties of differing regions of the surface and to afford a protective surface for the hybrid structure.
US07931861B2
The present invention is to present a sample analyzer which can conduct a stable feeding of container used for preparing a measuring sample. The sample analyzer comprises: a first storage section for storing a plurality of containers, the container used for preparing a measurement sample; a first transport section for transporting the containers stored in the first storage section; a second storage section for storing the containers transported by the first transport section; a second transport section for transporting one by one the containers stored in the second storage section; a detector for detecting a state of transporting containers by the second transport section; a controller for controlling an operation of the first transport section based on a detection result of the detector; a sample preparing section for preparing a measurement sample in the container transported by the second transport section; and an analyzing section for analyzing the measurement sample prepared by the sample preparing section.
US07931855B2
A method of reducing the oxygen content of a powder is provided. A canister is prepared with a getter, filled with the powder to be densified, sealed and evacuated. The canister is subjected to a hydrogen atmosphere at an elevated temperature whereby hydrogen diffuses into the canister through the walls thereof. The hydrogen forms moisture when reacted with the oxygen of the powder and the moisture in the reacted with the getter in order to remove oxygen from the powder to the getter. The atmosphere outside the canister is then altered to an inert atmosphere or vacuum, whereby hydrogen diffuses out of the canister. A dense body having a controlled amount of oxygen can thereafter be produced by conventional powder metallurgy techniques.
US07931852B2
A method for structurally reinforcing a part is disclosed. The method comprising forming a part into a desired shape; placing the part on a holding fixture; introducing a substrate lay-up of a reinforcing material onto at least a portion of the part; placing a flexible sheet impermeable to a resin of the reinforcing material over a portion of the part having the substrate lay-up of said reinforcing material placed on the part, wherein the flexible sheet includes at least one injection port; evacuating all air and vapor from a pocket between the flexible sheet and the part; introducing the resin of the reinforcing material into the pocket through the at least one injection port; allowing the substrate and the resin of the reinforcing material to cure at least partially; and, removing the flexible sheet from the part.
US07931851B2
A method and an apparatus includes using a planar plotting mask which can continuously change a mask image; continuously moving the planar plotting mask with reference to the surface of the photocurable resin composition and exposing the surface of a photocurable resin composition to light by way of the planar plotting mask while continuously changing a mask image of the planar plotting mask in accordance with a cross-sectional profile pattern of an optically-cured resin layer to be formed and in synchronism with movement of the planar plotting mask, to thus form an optically-cured resin layer having a predetermined cross-sectional profile pattern; and performing building operation such that boundary areas among adjacent plotted areas in the optically-cured resin layer become unnoticeable in a finally-obtained stereolithographic three-dimensional object.
US07931841B2
A microreplicated article is disclosed. The article includes an opaque web having first and second opposed surfaces. The first surface includes a first microreplicated structure having a plurality of first features. The second surface includes a second microreplicated structure having a plurality of second features. The first microreplicated structure and the second microreplicated structure retain registration within 100 micrometers.
US07931839B2
A method of manufacturing a structure using a single, hollow primary tube, preferably of a composite material, wherein ports are bonded to the walls of the hollow tube through aligned holes on opposite sides of the hollow tube. The ports improve the stiffness, strength, aerodynamics, and aesthetics of the structure.
US07931826B2
The invention provides a white light illumination device including an ultraviolet excitation light source and an ultraviolet excitable aluminosilicate phosphor. The ultraviolet excitable aluminosilicate phosphor has a formula as (M1-x,Rex)aAlbSicOd:D, wherein M is Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba or combination thereof. In addition, Re is Y, La, Pr, Nd, Eu, Gd, Tb, Ce, Dy, Yb, Er, Sc, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Lu or combination thereof, while 0
US07931824B2
A modular surfactant architecture based on room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) has been developed that affords non-polymerizable and polymerizable amphiphiles that form lamellar (L), hexagonal (H) or bicontinuous cubic (Q) LLC phases when mixed with water or RTILs serving as the polar solvent. The amphiphiles are imidazolium salts having two or more imidazolium head groups joined by one or more spacers. Polymerization of the LLC assembly can produce polymeric materials having ordered nanopores, with the ordering of the pores determined by the LLC phase.
US07931823B2
A stabilized cyclic alkene composition comprising one or more cyclic alkenes, and at least one antioxidant compound having the formula (I), wherein R1 through R5 can each independently be H, OH, C1-C8 linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl, C1-C8 linear, branched, or cyclic alkoxy or substituted or unsubstituted aryl, and wherein the antioxidant compound is present in an amount between 1 ppm and 200 ppm and has a boiling point lower than 265° C. A method for forming a layer of carbon-doped silicon oxide on a substrate, which uses the stabilized alkene composition and a silicon containing compound.
US07931822B2
Methods and compositions utilizing aluminum, magnesium, and calcium-based additives for the treatment and neutralization of wastewater are described for removing contaminants from wastewater, including reducing phosphorous-containing compounds, total suspended solids (TSS), biological oxygen demand (BOD), fats, oils, and greases (FOG), and total Kjedahl nitrogen (TKN) are described. Methods and compositions to control pH, sulfur and sodium loads present in wastewater and precipitatable solids are described. Concentrations of aluminum, magnesium, and calcium-based additives are maintained at mass action concentrations to the wastewater component levels present in the wastewater and bracketed approximately +/−0.5 pH units about the pK value of the soluble, buffering species.
US07931818B2
A process of an embedded circuit structure is provided. A complex metal layer, a prepreg, a supporting board, another prepreg and another complex metal layer are laminated together, wherein each of the complex metal layers has an inner metal layer and an outer metal layer stacked on the inner metal layer, the roughness of the outer surfaces of the inner metal layers is less than the roughness of the second outer surfaces of the outer metal layers, and the outer surfaces of the outer metal layers after laminating are exposed outwards. Each of two patterned photoresist layers is respectively formed on the outer surfaces of the outer metal layers. A metal material is created on portions of the outer surfaces of the outer metal layers not covered by the patterned photoresist layers to form two patterned circuit layers. The patterned photoresist layers are then removed to form a laminating structure.
US07931817B2
An additive dispensing device is provided. The additive dispensing device includes a reservoir configured to contain a supply of an additive. The reservoir is in fluid communication with a dispensing chamber of a metering valve device by a first one-way valve. The metering valve device is configured to dispense a portion of the additive from the dispensing chamber into a housing by a second one-way valve. The additive dispensing device further includes a thermal expanding member disposed in the dispensing chamber. The thermal expanding member is configured to expand and contract between expanded and contracted positions, respectively, in response to temperature. The thermal expanding member decreases a pressure in the dispensing chamber as the thermal expanding member moves toward the contracted position, such that additive is drawn from the reservoir into the dispensing chamber through the first one-way valve. The thermal expanding member increases the pressure in the dispensing chamber as the thermal expanding member moves toward the expanded position, such that additive previously drawn from the reservoir chamber into the dispensing chamber is dispensed through the second one-way valve.
US07931814B2
An alloy is created by melting aluminum, zinc, rare earth metals such as erbium and/or tellurium, and optionally vanadium. During cooling, the molten alloy is exposed to ultrasonic waves in order to prevent separation of the alloy into layers. The alloy is used for one electrode and a separate conductive element such as stainless steel or carbon is used for the other electrode in a water filter. A constant potential difference and electrical current is created between the two electrodes across the water. In an embodiment where carbon or zeolite is used as the filtration medium, the constant voltage and current increase bonding of ions in the filtration medium with pollutants in the water. In an embodiment wherein a mixed bed resin containing sodium ions and potassium ions is used as the filtration medium, the constant voltage and current increase the bonding of the sodium and potassium ions with residual chlorine ions in the water. The resulting sodium chloride salts and the potassium chloride salts also assist in regenerating the mixed bed resin.
US07931804B2
A filter assembly is provided. Embodiments of the filter assembly allow for the continuous filtering of the frying oil, while the fryer is on-line. The filter assembly may include a dirty chamber, a clean chamber, a pump configured to suck the frying oil through the chambers, and a toggle clamp configured to move the filter assembly between a closed configuration and an opened configuration. In the opened configuration, the filter assembly is configured to seal a filter media portion between the two chambers. The pump is configured to suck oil into the dirty chamber and through the filter media and into the clean chamber in order to filter dirt from the oil. In the opened configuration, the filter assembly is configured to allow the removal of now dirty filter media portion from between the chambers and the insertion of a new clean filter media portion.
US07931782B2
A method of recovering a liquid medium from a mixture containing the liquid medium, the method including: (a) blowing a first gas into the mixture containing the liquid medium to vaporize the liquid medium, in a first vaporizing means, thereby to form a second gas containing which is a mixture of the first gas and vaporized liquid medium; (b) continuously dropwise feeding the mixture containing the liquid medium into a second vaporizing means and counter-flowingly contacting the mixture containing the liquid medium, with the second gas to vaporize additional liquid medium to form a third gas which is a mixture of the second gas and additional vaporized liquid medium; and (c) feeding the third gas into a condensing means to condense the vaporized liquid medium into a liquid and separate the first gas, which is then blown into the first vaporizing means in step (a).
US07931777B2
A multi-layer web formation section has two successive wire units (300, 310) with a common wire (11). A first headbox (100) supplies fiber pulp to the first wire unit (300) forming a first partial web (W1). A second headbox (110) supplies a new fiber pulp layer to the forward end of the second wire unit (310) atop the first partial web. A first non-pulsating dewatering zone (Z1b) in the forward end of a two-wire stretch of the second wire unit (310) has a first formation shoe (200b) with a curved cap (201) placed on the side of the new layer having openings (202) extending through the cap (201) with an under-pressure (P) affecting therethrough. A two-wire stretch of the second wire unit (310) has a second pulsating dewatering zone (Z2b) formed by fixed dewatering lists (210b), between which there are gaps (220b) and an under-pressure (Pb) affecting in these.
US07931775B2
A surface treatment device (10) is provided for applying a surface treatment medium to an article (60). The device comprises an application member (12, 14) for holding and applying the surface treatment medium to the article. The device has a securing arrangement (40) for securing the application member to the article.
US07931761B2
Disclosed is a gas generating polymer compound that when irradiated with light or other radiation sources makes a solid to gas phase transition due to chemically catylized degradation, irradiative degradation or both. This provides a low cost, stable and easily manufactured means of gas production. Also disclosed are possible uses for the gas generator such as a low cost micro thruster.
US07931756B2
A method of making a rare-earth alloy granulated powder according to the present invention includes the steps of: preparing a rare-earth alloy powder; generating remnant magnetization in the powder; and granulating the powder by utilizing agglomeration force produced by the remnant magnetization of the powder. Since the agglomeration force produced by the remnant magnetization is utilized, the addition of a granulating agent may be omitted.
US07931755B2
In a method for removing deposit that has attached to a main surface of a substrate from the main surface of the substrate using air knife units where a slit portion is formed so that a fluid can be discharged in band form, a fluid introduction path having an approximately uniform form in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which a number of air knife units move relative to the substrate is formed between the air knife units and the main surface of the substrate while the air knife units move relative to the substrate, a fluid is discharged toward the fluid introduction path from a slit that is formed in the rear portion of the above described air knife units, and then, passes through the fluid introduction path so as to be led to a wall surface that is formed so as to face the front portion of the air knife units or the fluid which has the appearance of a wall surface, and furthermore, deposit on the substrate that has attached to the substrate is led away from the main surface of the substrate, together with said fluid, via a fluid lead-out path of which the cross sectional area of the low path is greater than that of the fluid introduction path, and which is formed between the air knife units and the wall surface.
US07931747B2
The present invention relates to cement-containing compositions which are characterized in that they have a proportion of organosilicon compounds of greater than 0.15% by weight, based on the proportion of cement, the organosilicon compounds being based on at least one organosilicon compound selected from the group consisting of the alkoxysilanes and at least one selected from the group consisting of the alkoxysiloxanes, to a process for the preparation thereof and to the use thereof.
US07931744B2
The present invention relates to a bituminous mastic, in other words a mixture comprising on the one hand at least one bitumen-based hydrocarbon binder, More particularly a blown bitumen, and on the other hand fines, including an ultrafines fraction. The invention also relates to poured asphalts and bituminous coatings comprising a bituminous mastic. A method of producing such bituminuous materials is described, as are the road-building and industrial applications of these materials.
US07931742B2
A biocidal structural barrier of a raw concrete or a structure made of concrete is provided containing a specific insecticidal biocide product and/or a repellent that has been incorporated throughout the mass. The invention is particularly suitable for the building and construction sector and more particularly for concrete structures located close to the soil or in the soil (slab, foundations, buried walls, prefabricated concrete blocks, etc.). The preferred insecticide for protection against termites is chlorfenapyr.
US07931741B2
A gas tank is hermetically filled with an insulating gas. A gas filling opening is provided on the gas tank, which includes a flange at its end. A gas filter device is fixed to the gas flange of the gas filling opening. The gas filter device includes a gas filter formed with a porous insulating material having pores with a diameter in a range from tens of micrometers to hundreds of micrometers. The gas filter has stability against the insulating gas and a decomposition product of the insulating gas.
US07931737B2
Systems, methods and apparatus for restricting scale build-up in gas scrubbers and piping are disclosed. The scrubbers and/or pipes may have a coating disposed on internal surfaces thereof. The coating restricts formation of scale within the pipe, especially scale that would normally accumulate due to fluoride-enriched absorbents, such as fluoride-enriched alumina.
US07931735B2
The invention relates to an oxycombustion method with capture of the CO2 produced. Mixer M supplies chamber CC with a mixture of oxygen from unit O and of recycled fumes from storage drum SG. Chamber CC is supplied with oxidizer from mixer M and with fuel flowing in through line 8. All of the combustion fumes are sent to water condensation unit CT, then fed into storage drum SG. Part of the fumes containing all the CO2 produced by combustion is compressed to about 60 bars, then cooled and partly liquefied to about 15° C. in liquefaction unit L1, and stored in drum SM. According to the invention, the partly liquefied CO2 is compressed by means of a multiphase pump in order to be discharged through line 16 and stored in an underground reservoir.
US07931731B2
A process to prepare elemental iron by contacting an iron ore feed with a reducing gas at a pressure of between 1 and 10 bar to obtain iron and an off-gas includes preparing the reducing gas by performing the following steps: (a) partially oxidizing a mixture comprising a solid or liquid carbonaceous fuel and oxygen at a pressure of between 10 and 80 bar, thereby obtaining a gas comprising H2 and CO; (b) removing CO2 and H2S from the gas obtained in step (a) to obtain an intermediate gas comprising H2 and CO; (c) supplying the intermediate gas obtained in step (b) to a H2-selective membrane to obtain a H2-rich permeate gas and a CO-rich retentate; and (d) heating H2-rich permeate to obtain a heated H2-rich permeate as the reducing gas.
US07931730B2
The present invention provides a method for manufacturing metal nanoparticles, comprising: dissociating at least one metal precursor selected from the group consisting of silver, gold and palladium; reducing the dissociated metal precursor; and isolating the capped metal nanoparticles with an alkyl amine. The present invention provides a method for manufacturing metal nanoparticles which can be performed with simpler equipment compared to the gas phase method, can provide metal nanoparticles in high yield by only using alkyl amine without using any surfactant in high concentration which further allows mass production, and can provide metal nanoparticles having high dispersion stability and uniform size of 1-40 nm.
US07931721B2
The invention relates to a droplet separating system for gas washers and similar, comprising at least one droplet separating layer and a rectifier layer which is arranged upstream in the direction of the flow of gas. The rectifier elements of the rectifier layer are arranged in the form of a V or an upturned V having opposite inclinations to the droplet separating profiles of the droplet separating layer. As a result, the rectifier layer is contaminated in a slow manner due to the increased performance of the droplet separating system.
US07931716B2
A cleaning appliance includes a main body, a filter and an interlock. The main body includes an airflow generator, a separating apparatus separating dirt and dust from an airflow, and a flowpath between the separating apparatus and the airflow generator delimited by a wall. The interlock has a first part located on the filter and a second part located on the main body outside the flowpath, arranged to communicate remotely when the filter is correctly located in the pre-determined position. The interlock is arranged selectively to allow or prevent operation of the airflow generator depending upon the relative separation between the first and second parts. By providing an interlock which has first and second parts which communicate remotely, the second part located on the main body can be isolated from the airflow path so that the second part is not subject to dirt and dust carried by the airflow.
US07931712B2
The present invention is a natural gas steam reforming method for generating an output gas mixture of carbon dioxide and hydrogen, including the following steps. (1) Combusting a portion of the natural gas with an oxidizing agent to generate heat, superheated steam, and a gas mixture of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen. (2) Steam reforming the gas mixture with additional superheated steam under steam-rich conditions to transform a remaining portion of the natural gas into carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen. (3) Water-gas-shifting any residual carbon monoxide into additional carbon dioxide and additional hydrogen by utilizing a water-gas-shift catalyst downstream of the steam reforming step, thereby producing an effluent gas mixture that is predominantly carbon dioxide and hydrogen. (4) Boiling water in a top-to-bottom linear countercurrent heat exchanger to generate the superheated steam by transferring heat released in the water-gas-shifting step, where as the water is gravitationally and thermally stratified from top to bottom with a top portion boiling into steam, the steam continues to rise and is additionally heated in the top-to-bottom linear countercurrent heat exchanger. (5) And, utilizing the superheated steam produced as a reactant in the steam reforming step and the water-gas-shifting step to assist in reformation of the natural gas into carbon dioxide and hydrogen.
US07931711B2
Methods for using supercritical water to convert hydrocarbons, particularly hydrocarbon fuels such as diesel fuel, jet fuel, or gasoline, into carbonaceous gases and hydrogen. The synthesis gas stream generated by the fuel reforming reaction can then be further refined to increase hydrogen content, and the resultant hydrogen can be utilized to power fuel cells.
US07931710B2
A steam generator used to contain and cool the synthesis gas produced by coal gasification processes employs radiant and convection surfaces, and an integral gasifier, in a specific arrangement to achieve a cost-effective, compact design.
US07931704B2
A process of producing a universal synthetic based gasoline fuel additive that cleans the fuel system including valves surface, lubricates the fuel pump, injectors and valves while allowing for a clean and more efficient burn. A major portion will consist of (a) Alfa-Olefins, (b) 2-propanol (c) Hydroisomerized High VI HT Base Oils, (d) Dimethyl Ketones, (e) Low Flash Mineral Spirits, (f) Low Aromatic Solvent, (g) Isomer Reformate, (h) Solvent Activated Dye. In a preferred embodiment, this universal synthetic gasoline conditioner additive for improving lubrication comprises: alpha-olefins comprising from 5 to 30 percent thereof, by weight; low odor aromatic solvents comprising from 3 to 27 percent thereof, by weight; 2-Propanol comprising of 3 to 30 percent thereof, by weight; and at least one a base oil comprising from 0.50 to 15 percent thereof, by weight; wherein: the percentages by weight are specified in relative proportion to one another.
US07931701B2
The present invention provides a composition that permits spray dyeing of a cellulosic, such as cotton, fabric or garment. The composition includes a wetter, an alkali, a reactive dye, and water, and preferably a thickener. The present compositions are made by first mixing together the wetter, reactive dye and water to form a first solution, then mixing the thickener into the first solution to form a second solution, and thereafter mixing or merging the alkali to the second solution within five minutes prior to spray application onto the cellulosic fabric or garment.
US07931700B2
The composition that permits spray dyeing of a cellulosic, such as cotton, fabric or garment. The composition includes a wetter, an alkali, a reactive dye, a thickener, and water. The present compositions are made by first mixing together the wetter, reactive dye and water to form a first solution, then mixing the thickener into the first solution to form a second solution, and thereafter mixing or merging the alkali to the second solution within thirty minutes prior to spray application onto the cellulosic fabric or garment.
US07931692B2
An implant which is particularly suitable for the repair and/or replacement of a skeletal joint, e.g., a vertebral joint, includes a unit of monolithic bone possessing at least one demineralized region exhibiting properties of flexibility and resilience, the demineralized region having diminished or insignificant capacity for promoting new bone growth.
US07931689B2
An implantable container is used to stabilize or restore height in a vertebral body. After insertion the container is filled with a bone filler material such as bone cement.
US07931683B2
According to an aspect of the invention, articles are provided which comprise a substrate and a ceramic coating which covers at least a portion of the substrate surface. The ceramic coating includes raised ceramic shells connected by a ceramic layer that is conformal with the substrate. According to another aspect of the present invention, carbon nanotubes are provided, which comprise a ceramic coating covering at least a portion of the carbon nanotubes.
US07931677B2
A method of operating a rod reducer includes connecting a cam coupling rod reducer to a screw head of a pedicle screw assembly, wherein spaces in between prongs at a second end of an inner tube of the rod reducer are positioned parallel to a rod of the pedicle screw assembly, and wherein the connection of the cam coupling rod reducer to the screw head indicates a first position of operation; rotating a lever cam of the cam coupling rod reducer until an indication line marked on an outer body of the cam coupling rod reducer moves to a second position of operation; and rotating the lever cam to a third position of operation, wherein the third position of operation indicates that the rod is optimally seated in the pedicle screw assembly, and that the pedicle screw assembly is ready to accept a blocker screw.
US07931676B2
A bio-compatible stabilization system includes one or more inserters and a spinal stabilization connector for traversing a space between one or more bony structures. The stabilization system is designed to reduce or eliminate stress shielding effects while functioning as a tension band. The stabilization rod is shaped to define a fixed number of discrete positions of orientation.
US07931673B2
A spinal fixation access system includes a vertebral anchor with selectively attached extension members to extend percutaneously from the spine. The surgical procedure associated with this invention involves making small, discrete incisions for the placement of select vertebral anchors. The extension members retract soft tissue, muscle and the like to thereby provide visibility and access to the head of the anchor. Through the extension members, instrumentation such as a spine rod, set screw and other required hardware may be delivered to the anchors. Once a spine rod or other components are secured to the pedicle screws, the extension members are disengaged from the anchors and removed from the patient.
US07931669B2
Apparatus and methods are provided for use in sealing a vascular puncture site. The invention comprises an integrated vascular device having a sheath with a closure component and puncture sealant. The closure component is disposed on and advanceable over the exterior of the sheath and may comprise any of a variety of apparatus suited for closing a vascular puncture. Once the closure component has been actuated to close the puncture, sealant is introduced to seal the puncture. The sheath and closure component are then removed from the patient.
US07931665B2
A filter system for temporary placement of a filter in an artery or vein is disclosed. The filter system includes a guidewire that is first positioned across a lesion within a vessel. The guidewire may include a distal stop. A slideable filter is then advanced along the guidewire using an advancing mechanism, typically an elongate member slideable over the guidewire and contacting the filter. A capture sheath may be disposed about the filter during advancement. Once the filter is positioned downstream of the lesion, the capture sheath is withdrawn, allowing the filter to expand. Further distal advancement of the filter is prohibited by the stop. After expansion of the filter, the capture sheath and the advancing mechanism are withdrawn from the region of interest, and removed from the patient's vessel. The filter may then be retrieved using a capture sheath or exchanged for a second filter after removing the first filter.
US07931663B2
An angioplasty balloon including a non-deployable stent to prevent or reduce the potential for slippage of the inflated balloon with respect to the vessel wall being treated. The balloon includes a non-deployable stent that is adapted to be secured to the balloon or angioplasty balloon catheter. The stent has a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one extension section, at least one set of serpentine rings and at least one set of elongation links that allow expansion of the strut to accommodate the inflation of the balloon. The stent is made of a material so that the stent collapses upon deflation of the balloon.
US07931655B2
Tools for resecting the femur include an anchoring device, a three-way alignment guide and a six way alignment guide attachable to the anchoring device, a resection guide attachable to the three-way alignment guide and equipped with couplings for trackers, an A-P sizer, a femoral sizing block bushing attachable to the six-way alignment guide, a 4-in-i femoral cutting block, a 5-in-i positional alignment guide attachable to the six-way alignment guide, a pair of diodes, and a 5-in-one cutting block. Methods of utilizing the apparatus are also disclosed.
US07931642B2
Infusion pump for the delivery of a quantity of a medicament to the body of a patient determinable by means of an electronic control device, the pump being provided with a computer for calculating the maximum permitted administration quantity for each case as a function of the previously delivered quantity and with a blocking device for preventing further administration of the medicament on exceeding a predetermined, permitted maximum value, in which the computer determines the quantity or concentration of the active substance in the body of the patient resulting from the delivered medicament quantity and its breaking down in the body and compares it with the predetermined maximum value.
US07931627B2
A check valve for use in a Y-site in an infusion system comprises a fixation portion configured to retain the check valve in a common lumen of the Y-site, and a flap member extending axially from the fixation portion. The flap member has an outer surface, at least a portion of which is configured to engage an internal wall of the common lumen overlying an inlet from a main lumen. In one embodiment, the flap member comprises a pocket, which surrounds surrounding the hole and any burr extending from the wall adjacent the hole. In some embodiments, the flap member is resiliently biased towards a sealed position, and can flex to allow fluid flow from the main lumen to the common lumen.
US07931611B2
An ultrasonic medical probe comprises an elongate shaft formed integrally with a head portion having a distal end face oriented at least partially transversely to a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The shaft is provided with an internal longitudinal channel or bore extending to the end face. The end face is formed with an indentation communicating with the channel or bore at a distal end thereof, whereby liquid is guided over an extended surface of the end face relative to the channel or bore. The head portion also has a lateral surface extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the probe. The lateral surface is provided with at least one outwardly or radially extending projection. The projection enables the application of ultrasonic cavitation energy to a tissue surface that is in contact with the lateral or side surface of the probe head.
US07931609B2
An extremity support apparatus having a second cuff, a first cuff, a bridge rod attached to the second cuff, and a tension rod attached to the first cuff and to the bridge rod is provided. The extremity support apparatus can place the support a first cuff in a cantilevered manner when a distal portion and a proximal portion of an extremity are supported in respective first and second cuffs. A method of supporting an extremity in a non-weight-bearing manner is also provided.
US07931607B2
A vest apparatus comprises a vest having a rear panel, left rear and right rear air bladders supported by the rear panel, and a controller operable to inflate one of the left rear and right rear air bladders and simultaneously deflate the other of the left rear and right rear air bladders to cause lateral rotation of the patient.
US07931601B2
A monitoring system for cardiac operations with cardiopulmonary bypass comprising: a processor operatively connected to a heart-lung machine; a pump flow detecting device connected to a pump of the heart-lung machine to continuously measure the pump flow value and send it to the processor; a hematocrit reading device inserted inside the arterial or venous line of the heart-lung machine to continuously measure the blood hematocrit value and to send it to the processor; a data input device to allow the operator to manually input data regarding the arterial oxygen saturation and the arterial oxygen tension; computing means integrated in the processor to compute the oxygen delivery value on the basis of the measured pump flow, the measured hematocrit value, the preset value of arterial oxygen saturation, and the preset value of arterial oxygen tension; and a display connected to the processor to display in real-time the computed oxygen delivery value.
US07931586B2
A medical instrument assembly and robotic medical system are provided. The instrument assembly comprises coaxially disposed shafts, and a mechanically drivable interface to which the proximal ends of the shafts are mounted. The drivable interface has first and second actuating elements configured for independently axially rotating the shafts relative to each other, and a third actuating element configured for deflecting the distal end of one of the shafts. The robotic medical system comprises the instrument assembly, a user interface configured for generating at least one command, and a drive unit coupled to the drivable interface. The robotic medical system further comprises an electrical controller configured, in response to the at least one command, for directing the drive unit to drive the first and second actuating elements to independently axially rotate the shafts relative to each other, and to drive the third actuating element to deflect one of the shafts.
US07931585B2
A transmitting apparatus which externally transmits a radio signal containing at least a main information portion, includes a main information output unit that outputs a signal containing the main information portion; a dummy component output unit that outputs a dummy component including one or more alternating-current signals having a predetermined frequency component; a dummy inserting unit that inserts the dummy component into at least a part of a gap portion in the signal containing the main information portion, the gap portion being a portion where the main information portion does not exist; and a radio transmitting unit that externally transmits the signal which contains the main information portion and the dummy component inserted, by radio.
US07931584B2
A medical capsule housing includes first and second outer members made of a resin material, both having an opening at one end. The first and second outer members are thermally welded by ultrasonic welding at an abutting portion. The abutting portion includes a sharp edged line portion which forms the opening end portion of the first outer member and an inclined surface portion which forms the opening end portion of the second outer member. The sharp edged line portion is provided in a closed space formed by the first outer member and the second outer member before the ultrasonic welding.
US07931575B2
A method of using a self-contained portable exercise apparatus for performing upper and/or lower body exercises. The method includes performing a body exercise without weights using an elastic cord, a stability ball, and/or a stretch cord with an apparatus having a ground-engaging base plate which rigidly supports first and second vertical members, where each vertical member has aligned clearance openings. Holding members are attached to the base plate for removably holding stretch cords and a support bar is removably received by two aligned clearance openings in the first and second vertical members.
US07931572B1
A resistance exercise device includes at least one stretchable resistance loop, a pair of handles having openings extending longitudinally therethrough, and a support portion having a pair of openings extending therethrough along opposing edges of the support portion. The support portion is located between the first and second handles.
US07931568B1
A ski exercising apparatus includes a ski unit including two ski members each having a wavy slide rail extending in a front-to-rear direction, two pedal units mounted slidably and respectively on the slide rails of the ski members, at least one pull rope mounted movably to the ski members and having two opposite ends connected respectively to the pedal units, two handle units connected pivotally and respectively to the ski members, and at least one connection unit disposed between and interconnecting the ski members and adjustable to change the position and orientation of one of the ski members relative to that of the other ski member.
US07931563B2
A system, apparatus and method for managing health of different individuals by means of a virtual trainer over a network. Reference training data is made available to at least one individual. The exercise motion of the individual or end-user is recorded by using a plurality of sensing elements. The exercise motion of the end-user is processed into a user data. The user data is forwarded to a remote server via a user communication device. A virtual coach application is provided in the remote server that compares the reference training data with the user data and provides a corrective feedback to the end-user. The corrective feedback to the end-user may be provided on the user communication device such as a personal computer, digital assistant, or mobile phone.
US07931560B2
Method and arrangement for adjusting shift characteristics of a transmission of a heavy vehicle. A heavy vehicle is operated and that is powered by an internal combustion engine equipped with an automated manual transmission and a power take off. The power take off, when operating, imposes a torque-consuming load on the engine. Operation of the power take off is detected when the engine of the vehicle is in a power mode. At least one gear-shift event is adapted to occur at a higher engine speed when power take off operation is detected than when power take off operation is not detected. The gear-shift event is affected at an engine speed that is approximately five to twenty-five percent higher than when power take off operation is not detected. The gear-shift event may be an up-shift to a lower ratio gear engagement or a down-shift to a higher ratio gear engagement.
US07931558B2
An automatic transmission which can establish properly separated gear ratios of forward ten gears or eleven gears and reverse two gears, which is simple and compact and can comfortably change gears. A fourth sun gear of a speed-changing dual planetary gear is connected to a speed-reducing common ring gear of a speed-reducing dual planetary gear through a first clutch, a speed-changing common carrier is connected to an input shaft through a second clutch and is selectively fixed by a second brake. A third sun gear of the speed-changing dual planetary gear is connected to the speed-reducing common ring gear of the speed-reducing dual planetary gear through a third clutch, connected to the speed-changing common carrier through a fourth clutch, and selectively to a first sun gear through a fifth clutch, and is selectively fixed through a first brake. A speed-changing common ring gear is directly connected to an output shaft.
US07931550B2
The present invention generally relates to a lighted archery nock. The lighted archery nock generally includes an accelerometer, a replaceable battery, a light, a housing, and a microprocessor that controls illumination of the light. The microprocessor can control the timing of the light to save battery life and respond to user input transmitted by tapping the nock to re-set the light. The housing is configured with a plurality of fingers that interact with the replaceable battery to hold it in place.
US07931540B2
An inflatable playland for a child is disclosed, as are different embodiments relating to same. The playland may be designed to emulate different objects, and preferably allows for a child to play on or within same. A module or other device is also included to allow the playland to play a sound and/or display a visual upon detection of a child or other object.
US07931539B2
An elevating mechanism includes a cage, a connecting element, a balancing weight body, a sheave and a power output unit. The cage includes an outer box and an inner box. The outer box for containing a fluid has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is for the fluid flowing into the outer box. The outlet is for the fluid flowing out of the outer box. The inner box is placed inside the outer box for containing a loading body, and suspended in the fluid. The connecting element is wound around the sheave. The power output unit is for driving the sheave. One end of the connecting element is connected to the outer box, and the other end connected to the balancing weight body. The weight of the balancing weight body is equal to the total weight of the outer box, the fluid, the inner box and the loading body.
US07931538B2
A torque dampening compensator for a vehicle including an isolator member disposed between an input member and an output member. The isolator member includes isolator elements disposed between corresponding lugs of the respective input and output members. The lugs of the output member have a draft angle, and the isolator elements have contact faces corresponding to the respective lugs with unequal axial depths to induce a moment on each isolator element that counteracts a thrust load between the input and output members initiated by the draft angle. One isolator element of the isolator member is formed to have a size corresponding to the space provided between adjacent lugs of the input and output members and a shape that is dissimilar from the space. The one isolator element is resiliently deformable into the space.
US07931529B2
The present invention relates to a system and a method for facilitating governmental lottery games with a screening, a verification, and a subscription play function. A lottery agent system of the present invention includes a plurality of player terminals on which lottery players can play lottery games, including purchasing and receiving lottery tickets, an agent server for facilitating the purchase and screening of players and winning tickets, and a governmental lottery administrator for providing security or serial numbers for verification. The present invention further discloses a method for claiming awards for the winning tickets upon a drawing of winning numbers. Upon receiving information of the winning tickets, the state provides the agent server with claim validation numbers associated with the winning tickets for claims on lottery awards by winning players.
US07931501B1
An electrical connector includes an insulating housing, a plurality of terminals and a shielding shell. The insulating housing has a base body and a tongue. Two sides of the front surface of the base body define two inserting slots. A propping portion is perpendicularly connected between two face-to-face insides of the inserting slot. The terminals are disposed in the insulating housing respectively. The shielding shell is mounted to the insulating housing, and has a tongue sheath with two side plates. A rear edge of each side plate extends rearward to form a fastening piece with a clipping opening. Two opposite edges of the clipping opening are further concaved oppositely to form a locating opening. The tongue sheath is sleeved around the tongue. The fastening piece is inserted rearward into the corresponding inserting slot, and the propping portion slides along the clipping opening until being buckled into the locating opening.
US07931499B2
A coaxial cable connector is to be attached to a coaxial cable including an inner conductor, an outer conductor, and a dielectric therebetween. The coaxial cable connector includes a connector housing defining a ramp to receive an outer conductor thereagainst. A back nut has a ring base and a plurality of flexible fingers carried thereby to clamp against the outer conductor opposite the ramp. The connector housing and the back nut include respective portions defining a positive stop when fully engaged. A center contact is to be coupled to the inner conductor. There is at least one insulator member in the connector housing for carrying the center contact and comprising a radially outer support portion to radially support the outer conductor opposite the compressible ring.
US07931497B2
An electrical connector (100) for being mounted onto a PCB includes an insulative housing (1); a set of electrical contacts (2) retained in the insulative housing (1); and a metal shell (3) coupled to the insulative housing. the metal shell (3) has a pair of nuts (310) integrally protruding therefrom and defining threaded holes (3101) for screws of a complementary plug screwed into, and a pair of board locks (5) integrally extending therefrom for being mounted onto the PCB.
US07931496B2
A connector includes a housing to be attached to a front face of a panel. A panel has a mounting opening through which a rear portion of the housing is inserted. The rear portion of the housing has a lance extending in a direction parallel to the front face of the panel. The mounting opening has a concave portion through which the lance is inserted. When the housing is moved in a first direction along the front face of the panel, a locking piece that continues to a concave portion locks the tip of the lance such that the housing is difficult to move in a second direction.
US07931492B1
An electrical connector includes a housing, a conductive terminal, and a pressing member. The conductive terminal is received and fixed in the housing. The conductive terminal includes a fixing arm and a depressed arm extending in the same direction and substantially parallel to each other. The depressed arm has an end forming a depressed portion. The fixing arm is fixed with respect to the housing. The fixing arm has a side forming an engaging portion for electrically engaging an electrical cable and an opposite side forming at least one abutment portion positioned against an inner wall of the housing. The pressing member includes a pivot, which is extended in a given direction to form a depressing portion that is operable to depress the depressed arm. The pressing member is movable to switch between an open condition and a clamped condition.
US07931491B2
A cable connector comprising having a housing with an opening for receiving an end of a flat cable therein. The housing also has a plurality of terminal recesses, and a plurality of conductive terminals disposed in the recesses for connecting to conductive leads of the flat cable. The terminals are provided with solder connecting portions for adhering to conductive pads by soldering, and contact portions for contacting the flat cable conductive leads. The terminals recesses are at least partly defined by terminal holding walls confronting external surfaces of the terminals received therein, by broad width portions, and a cut-away portions formed between parts in the terminals holding walls, the parts facing the terminal solder connecting portions and contact portions, respectively.
US07931480B2
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing; an upper row of contacts and a lower row of contacts parallel to each other. Each contact includes a retention portion, a mating portion and a pressing arm extending from two opposite ends of the retention portion. Each pressing arm includes a bending portion and a contact tail extending from an end of the contact tail. An imaginary central plane defined in the insulative housing about which the mating portions and the retention portions of contacts of the upper row and the lower row are symmetrical. Wherein each pressing arm includes a bending portion extending to the central plane and a pressing portion extending from the bending portion, the pressing portions are overlapped seen from a direction along which the contacts are arranged.
US07931478B2
An electrical junction box comprising: a casing containing a circuit assembly therein; a connector housing disposed on a bottom of the casing and adapted to be coupled to a mating connector; a plurality of terminal metals connected to the circuit assembly and passing through a wall of the connector housing to be drawn into the connector housing; and a waterproof cover formed individually from the casing and disposed in the casing. The waterproof cover includes a first waterproof wall for covering a space above adjacent terminal metals, a second waterproof front wall and second waterproof side walls for partitioning a space between the adjacent terminal metals and a side wall of the casing.
US07931477B2
An electrical connector comprises a generally rectangular dielectric housing with a mating face and a mounting face. A plurality of terminal support posts extend in a direction from the mounting face towards the mating face and each support post has oppositely facing first and second sidewalls and a connecting surface. A plurality of terminal receiving cavities are spaced along a longitudinal axis of the housing for receiving terminals therein. A plurality of terminals are provided with each including a solder tail portion and a generally U-shaped contact portion. The solder tail portion is positioned along the mounting face and the contact portion includes a first, distal contact leg, a second, proximal contact leg spaced from and generally parallel to the first contact leg and a connecting portion extending between the first and second contact legs. The first contact leg extends along the first sidewall, the second contact leg extending along the second sidewall, and the connecting portion extending along the connecting surface.
US07931476B2
An electrical connector using an isotropic conductive elastomer as the interconnect medium.
US07931473B2
A device for interfacing power from an electrical supply having power terminals, that permits implementation of a wide range of power cord lengths and voltage connection combinations. The device includes a body having a cord side and an appliance side. The body has four or more terminals located on the cord side of the body, with one terminal being a ground terminal. At least one electrical connecting device is adapted to connect terminals. In a first configuration, the device is used at a lower voltage. In a second configuration, the device is used at a higher voltage.
US07931472B2
An apparatus and method for transferring power from a stationary unit to a mobile unit are introduced in order to improve on the existing methods of supplying power to appliances and mobile devices.The stationary unit is comprised of multiple magnetic and electromagnetic switches, which are activated only when in close proximity to a mobile unit comprising of a set of magnets of opposite polarity to the magnetic and electromagnetic switches in the stationary unit thus ensuring a safe and easy to use system for supplying power from the stationary unit to the mobile unit.The stationary unit may be large enough to allow the connection of multiple mobile units on a single stationary unit. Each mobile unit can then adjust the voltage supplied by the stationary unit to fit the requirements of its own appliance or mobile device thus allowing different types of devices to connect to the same source (the stationary unit).
US07931469B1
An orthodontic anchor having a stem with a connecting portion and an emerging portion secured respectively to the ends thereof. The connecting portion is connected to bone by screws disposed in angled apertures and a cap envelops the emerging portion. A first transverse rib secured to the lower edge of the cap and a second transverse rib secured to the anchor between the connecting and emerging portions and an elastic band enveloping both transverse ribs.
US07931460B2
A disposable liquid build material feed cartridge for use in a solid imaging apparatus and a method of dispensing build material for use in such an apparatus with a radiation transparent build material carrier. The disposable liquid build material feed cartridge recovers unused liquid material from the radiation transparent build material carrier and recycles it through a filter into a supply reservoir for reuse. A dispersing roller is employed to express any entrapping air bubbles in the solidifiable liquid build material that is dispensed onto the radiation transparent build material carrier prior to its being imaged.
US07931459B2
A tool for manufacturing a casting core, for a turbomachine blade with a leading edge and a trailing edge, the core includes a thick part on the leading edge side and a thin part on the trailing edge side is disclosed. The tool includes first and second dies of the core that are moveable in a direction with respect to each other between a molding position and a demolding position, sub-components that are moveable relative to the dies, and mechanical ejectors that are provided on the first and second dies. The parts of the dies corresponding to the thin part of the core do not include a movable sub-component. The thin part of the core is demolded along the main direction of opening of the first and second dies.
US07931448B2
A system and method for manufacturing a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor fluid pump is disclosed. The system includes an electromagnetic forming device, an upper fixture, a lower fixture, and a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. The electromagnetic forming device has a central cavity. The central cavity has a predefined depth from an outer surface of the electromagnetic forming device. The upper fixture is disposed in the central cavity. The upper fixture has a pump stop surface that contacts the BLDC motor fuel pump, and the pump stop surface is selectively spaced from the outer surface of the electromagnetic forming device. A lower fixture having a central cavity for receiving the housing of the BLDC motor fluid pump is provided. A cylinder is configured to move the lower fixture towards the upper fixture until the pump stop surface of the upper fixture contacts the BLDC motor fluid pump. The electromagnetic forming device is activated to seal the housing of the pump assembly once the pump assembly is properly positioned within the magneforming device.
US07931447B2
A drain protection device and pump controller for pools, spas, fountains and other fluid containment and circulation systems has a vacuum sensor for sensing a level of vacuum present in the suction conduit leading to the pump(s). The vacuum level is monitored by a computer that controls a vent valve that can vent to atmosphere to reduce the vacuum exerted at a drain. In applications with a flooded pump, e.g., above-ground pools, the vent valve may control the discharge of an accumulator that injects fluid pressurized by the return line into the suction conduit to reduce the vacuum therein. The computer also controls the pump(s) present in the circulation system, viz., turns them off to relieve vacuum when a drain is occluded and also runs them at the selected speed based upon a schedule. The vacuum criteria for vacuum reduction may include progressively sensitive values, some of which may be empirically based. Vacuum criteria may be maintained based upon the operational state of the circulation system, e.g., priming, stabilized running or cleaning. Low vacuum limits protect the pump(s) from dry running. A clogged vacuum conduit leading to the vacuum sensor is sensed based upon the presence of vacuum levels that are atypically constant and error processing invoked.
US07931445B2
An active flow control (AFC) system for use with a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine includes at least one rotor blade. The AFC system includes at least two manifolds at least partially defined within the at least one rotor blade, at least one aperture in flow communication with each manifold of the at least two manifolds, a gas supply coupled in flow communication with the at least two manifolds, and a valve system operatively coupled to the gas supply. The valve system is configured to block a gas flow to a first manifold of the at least two manifolds to redistribute the gas flow to a second manifold of the at least two manifolds.
US07931439B2
An improved coaxial rotor assembly for a helicopter includes an upper rotor system having a multiple of upper rotor blades each having outer tips and mounted on and extending outwards from a central rotor shaft and a lower rotor system having a multiple of lower rotor blades each having outer tips and mounted on and extending outwards from the central rotor shaft with the upper rotor system spaced an axial distance from the lower rotor system on the central rotor shaft. A rotor blade support ring extends circumferentially around each of the upper and lower rotor systems which movably engages and supports the outer tips of the upper and lower rotor blades in spaced apart relation such that the upper and lower rotor systems rotate in opposite directions and the rotor blade support ring means prevents contact between the upper and lower rotor systems during operation thereof.
US07931438B2
A damper system for damping vibrations of a wind turbine having a tower, a nacelle, and at least one rotor blade is provided. The damper system includes a mass for damping vibrations of a wind turbine and at least one actuator adapted for actively controlling the mass, wherein the at least one actuator is connected to a portion of the wind turbine and to the mass.
US07931436B2
Roller bearings, and struts and gas turbine engines using such bearings are provided. In this regard, a representative roller bearing for a gas turbine engine includes: a roller having a rolling surface and an end; a race having a flange and defining a raceway, the raceway terminating at the flange, the raceway being operative to receive the roller such that the rolling surface of the roller engages in rolling contact with the raceway; and a hard coating applied to the flange such that the end of the roller engages in sliding contact with the coating.
US07931435B1
A bamboo wind power megawatts producer is provided in which the surfaces of rotor blades capture and compress the laminar flowing wind through the turbulent rotor vortex wherein great amounts of energy are extracted from the wind in volumetric quantities within the confines of the housing assembly for rotating the power generators to produce great quantities of megawatts of electric currents after which the exhausted wind is dumped to the low pressure area leeward of the operating rotor assembly.
US07931431B2
A material handling system for use in storing and moving goods within multi-level storage warehouses, ocean going vessels and the like wherein storage areas are provided on at least one of the levels and wherein goods are automatically transferred to and from the storage areas and between the various levels by self-propelled load transfer vehicles. The load transfer vehicles move across the surface of the various levels and are also movable under their own power within open vertical trunks between the levels to thereby move goods to any desired area within the system, warehouse or vessel.
US07931430B2
A locking device for a rotational based fastener for fastening an object to a substrate, the device including a washer for placement between the fastener head and the object a locking plate for removable engagement to the fastener head to prevent relative rotation of the locking plate and the fastener head, and a flexible, substantially non-elastic integral folded tab connecting the locking plate and washer, the locking plate has a first aperture to receive the the fastener shank such that the fastener head will upon tightening draw the washer into tight contact with the substrate, the locking plate is larger than the fastener head and has a second aperture of smaller or equal size than the fastener head, and the locking plate includes a swagable portion near the perimeter of the second aperture to bridge the fastener head when the locking plate is swaged over the fastener.
US07931424B2
A method and apparatus for constructing soil columns in-situ in the ground are disclosed for the purpose of improving the structure supporting capability of surface soils to support loads from buildings and other structures. Some embodiments use a surcharge ring or load to apply a stress to soil surrounding a construction site for a soil column. Methods according to the present disclosure may reduce impact on the environment because they may be performed with only one piece of normal construction equipment. In addition, gravel, crushed stone, cement or chemicals may not be required.
US07931420B2
A section element for constructing frames, supporting structures and the like made up of a section body (10) having one or more flat surfaces (11) and one or more rounded sectors (12) as parts of a circumference with a preset diameter. In correspondence with each flat surface (11) a longitudinal groove (13) is provided with parallel borders defining undercuts (15). The section body can be connected to other elements by means of clamps (16) each one delimiting at least one cylindrical in diameter housing matching that of the cylindrical surface defined by the rounded sectors of the section body and having at least one additional centering member designed to fit in the groove along at least one of the flat surfaces.
US07931416B2
A slide type writing tool having a dryness prevention unit. The writing tool includes a hollow shaft having at a first end thereof a nib hole. A knock part is inserted into an insert hole formed in a second end of the shaft. A cartridge is inserted into the shaft and is integrated with the knock part. A control module is made of an elastic material, such as rubber, and includes an O-ring part coming into close contact with the nib hole, a spherical door having a spherical surface, a tubular holder secured to the cartridge, a first hinge coupling the O-ring part with the spherical door, and a second hinge integrally coupling the spherical door with the holder. First and second springs are provided in the shaft to act elastic restoring force between the control module and the cartridge.
US07931412B2
A support system used to orient and utilize equipment remotely positioned from an operator and supported in a stabilized manner. The support system includes a balance pole with a master end and a slave end. Master component masses are connected to and balanced at the balance pole master end on a master sled with a master gimbal apparatus, and slave component masses are connected to and balanced at the balance pole slave end on a support structure or slave sled with a slave gimbal apparatus. A tertiary gimbal is attached to the balance pole at its center of balance. The system includes a mechanism to replicate the motion of the master gimbal at the slave gimbal so the orientation of the master sled is mimicked by the slave sled.
US07931404B2
A bearing device is composed of a shaft, a sleeve for supporting the shaft so as to be rotatable freely and a housing having a through hole into which the sleeve is inserted. A circumferential groove that extends in a circumferential direction is formed on either one surface of an outer circumferential surface of the sleeve and an inner circumferential surface of the housing. An axial groove that extends approximately in parallel to a central axis of the sleeve is formed on either one surface of the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve and the inner circumferential surface of the housing. The outer circumferential surface of the sleeve is glued to the inner circumferential surface of the housing by adhesive that intervenes in both the circumferential groove and the axial groove.
US07931402B1
An inflatable container formed in the shape of a cake and designed to resemble a cake, with a door on one side through which a gift is placed inside the container. A preferred embodiment of the container is in a generally rectangular shape with additional inflatable elements that give the container an overall general appearance of a birthday cake, with ‘candles’ and ‘icing’ that inflate with the inflation of the container. The container is preferably opaque so that the gift inside cannot be seen until opened.
US07931396B2
A backlight is provided for illuminating an at least partially transmissive display. The backlight includes a light source. A light guide receives the light from an edge surface and guides the light by total internal reflection. Groove structures which are located on at least one of the major surfaces of the light guide permit redistribution of light around obstacles that may be present within the light guide structure, thereby maintaining brightness uniformity of the backlight or illumination panel.
US07931390B2
A jacketed light emitting diode assembly is provided, which includes a light emitting diode, a lens body containing a semiconductor chip and a set of positive and negative contacts exiting said lens body from a base portion. An electrical wire set of first and second electrical wires are connected to the positive contact and the negative contact, respectively. An integrally molded plastic jacket is provided at the base portion of the lens body around said positive and negative contacts and connection points between the contacts and the wire set to provide a seal at the base portion and at the connection points against moisture and airborne contaminants, whereby a portion of the first and second electrical wires project from the jacket to define bendable contacts for providing an electrical connection with a lamp husk. An optional light transmissive cover may further be provided. A waterproof light string including one or more of the jacketed light emitting diode assemblies is also provided, as are related methods.
US07931389B2
In a number of embodiments, a cord reel can include: (a) an electrical cable; (b) a casing with a first exterior surface; (c) one or more electrical receptacles at the first exterior surface and electrically coupled to the electrical cable; and (d) a frame. The frame can include: (a) at least one wheel; and (b) a body coupled to the at least one wheel and the casing. In these embodiments, the casing is configured such that at least a portion of the electrical cable can be wound around a first portion of the casing. The electrical cable is configured to provide electrical power to the one or more electrical receptacles. The body can include: (a) a shaft portion with an end; and (b) a handle coupled to the end of the shaft portion. A length of the shaft portion can be adjusted between two or more lengths. Other embodiments are disclosed in this application.
US07931383B2
An illumination device is provided on a backside of a display panel so as to irradiate a display panel with light, the illumination device including a plurality of rod-like light sources arranged in a planar configuration such that they do not cross each other, and columnar members being respectively provided adjacent to the rod-like light sources, each columnar member including a light incidence plane through which light emitted from a longitudinal direction of the rod-like light sources enters, a first light exit plane arranged to emit the incoming light from the light incidence plane toward the display panel, and a first light reflecting plane arranged to reflect the incoming light from the light incidence plane to the light exit plane. Therefore, with the illumination device applied as a direct backlight, it is possible to reduce luminance unevenness in both a front direction and oblique directions sufficiently, so as to reduce the luminance unevenness of the backlight sufficiently, as a whole.
US07931379B2
A driving method of an optical actuator is applied to a projection system. The optical actuator includes a carrier, an optical element and an actuator component. The optical element is disposed at the carrier. The actuator component drives the carrier to rotate an angle. The driving method includes the steps of providing a driving signal having an initial section and a target section, and shifting the optical element between a position driven by the initial section and a position driven by the target section via the actuator component according to a first acceleration-deceleration section and a second acceleration-deceleration section. In addition, an optical actuator, a projection lens module and a projection system are also disclosed.
US07931377B2
A screen including a first plane and a second plane opposite to the first plane, at least one of which is illuminated with light, includes a reflective portion that reflects the light incident on the first plane, a transmissive portion that transmits the light incident on the second plane toward the first plane, and an optical element that focuses the light incident on the second plane such that the focused light is incident on the transmissive portion.
US07931376B2
A beam combining device and a projector having such a beam combining device are provided. The projector includes a first color light source, a second color light source, a third color light source, a beam combining device, a light valve and a projection unit. The first color light source, the second color light source and the third color light source respectively emit first, second and third color beams. The beam combining device includes a polarization state converting module, a color separation unit and a polarization beam splitter. The optical path lengths of the first color beam emitted from the first color light source to the polarization beam splitter, the second color beam emitted from the second color light source to the polarization beam splitter, and the third color beam emitted from the third color light source to the polarization beam splitter are equal.
US07931371B2
Systems, methods, and devices for determining an aberration in an optical tissue system of an eye are provided. Techniques include inputting optical data from the optical tissue system of the eye, where the optical data includes set of local gradients corresponding to a non-circular shaped aperture, processing the optical data with an iterative Fourier transform to obtain a set of Fourier coefficients, converting the set of Fourier coefficients to a set of modified Zernike coefficients that are orthogonal over the non-circular shaped aperture, and determining the aberration in the optical tissue system of the eye based on the set of modified Zernike coefficients.
US07931361B2
An ink-jet head according to the present invention includes a passage component, a filter, and a sealing member. The passage component defines an ink passage which includes a middle hole having an opening. The filter partitions the middle hole of the passage component into a first space and a second space. The sealing member seals the opening. The sealing member has a first region which is opposed to the filter with respect to the vertical direction. The filter is mounted to the passage component in such a manner that ink passing through the filter flows from the first space upward into the second space. A surface of the first region of the sealing member facing the ink passage has a portion which is inclined relative to a horizon.
US07931355B2
There is provided a liquid ejecting apparatus including: a liquid ejecting head that has a conductive nozzle plate and discharges liquid from openings of the nozzle plate to recording material; an absorbing member that is arranged opposite the nozzle plate in a direction in which the liquid is discharged and has electrical conductivity to absorb liquid not attached to the recording material; an electrode member that is adjacent to a rear face of a face facing the nozzle plate in the absorbing member; and a potential difference generating means that generates a potential difference between the nozzle plate and the electrode member to electrically attract the liquid toward the electrode member.
US07931353B2
A nozzle arrangement for an inkjet printer includes a wafer defining an ink supply channel and a nozzle chamber in fluid communication with the ink supply channel; a drive circuitry layer positioned on the wafer; a plurality of actuator devices positioned on the wafer and the drive circuitry layer to cover the nozzle chamber, each actuator device having an internal serpentine conductive core surrounded by a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) layer; and an ink ejection port in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber. The plurality of actuator devices are radially positioned around the ink ejection port and adapted to bend into the nozzle chamber, and the internal serpentine conductive core is disposed within the PTFE layer to heat the PTFE layer unevenly.
US07931349B2
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a record head having nozzles that discharge liquid; a transporting path along which a medium is transported; a transporting mechanism that transports the medium along the transporting path; a sensor including a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element and disposed at a first position on the transporting path, the first position being located upstream relative to the record head in a transporting direction of the medium, the sensor outputting a signal in accordance with presence or absence of the medium at the first position; and a control unit that controls supply of power to the sensor and detects the presence or absence of the medium through the sensor. The control unit stops the supply of power to the sensor when the control unit detects a downstream end of the medium in the transporting direction, and resumes the supply of power to the sensor when the control unit detects an upstream end of the medium in the transporting direction.
US07931348B2
In an inkjet printing apparatus, uneven density is reduced while suppressing a landing position deviation caused by a difference of head-to-medium distances in a printing medium conveying direction. Specifically, predetermined patterns for detecting a difference of the head-to-medium distances are printed. Reading of the patterns is performed and then a detection of a difference between the head-to-medium distances is performed based on the reading result. Then, adjustment of the head-to-medium distance is performed based on the difference between the head-to-medium distances detected. Specifically, the respective head-to-medium distances at the upstream side ejection port and the downstream side ejection port are made equal by changing an attitude of the print head.
US07931346B2
An electronic apparatus suppresses heat generation from a plurality of motors and a control circuit for controlling the motors without stopping operation of the motors entirely. When copy operation starts, an internal temperature of a facsimile apparatus 1 is detected. If the detected temperature is lower than a threshold value 1, an MPU section 10 instructs a motor control section 33 to operate a scanner motor 23, a CR motor 34, and a PF motor 35 at the same time. If the detected temperature is not lower than the threshold value 1 and is lower than a threshold value 2, the MPU section 10 instructs the control section 22 to operate the motors in a time-sharing mode, such that the scanner motor 23 and the CR motor 34, or alternatively, the scanner motor 23 and the PF motor 35, simultaneously operate in combination.
US07931344B2
A locomotive brake system includes a plurality of electronic air brake controllers for controlling at least a train brake pipe and a locomotive brake pipe interconnected by a communication network. A communication port and a system controller are connected to the network. The system controller controls the configuration of the electronic air brake controllers for standard mode and remote mode of the brake system and assembling EAB network signals for communication between a remote locomotive controller to be connected to the communication port and the electronic air brake controllers.
US07931324B2
The present invention is a container for a light-duty automobile such as a light-duty pickup truck or sport-utility vehicle having at least one opening, operably associated with the quarter panel of an automobile, an inner wall operably associated with the container, and a cover having a closed position and an open position operably associated with the opening. The cover includes a door inner, and a door outer. The invention also includes a first rail positioned between the container and the quarter panel. The container is integrally formed with the first rail, and is located between the first rail and the inner wall. The first rail supports the container, and the cover can be moved from the open position to the closed position, allowing access to the container.
US07931317B2
A reusable trailer mounted attenuator with a collapsible scissor frame assembly supported by front, intermediate and rear vertical frames. A self-adjusting shock absorber with staged metering is attached to the scissor frame assembly and controls its collapse under impact in a manner that deceleration of an impacting vehicle does not exceed permitted rates irrespective of the weight and speed of the impacting vehicle within the design range. Guides are provided to permit the scissor frame assembly to collapse without twisting and a replaceable strike plate with vertical fins concealed with a cover plate is attached to the rear vertical frame.
US07931316B2
In a vehicle bumper structure, an optical fiber sensor (32) is provided on the upper portion of the front surface of a front wall portion (30A) of a front-bumper reinforcement (30). A front-bumper absorber (28) is provided before the optical fiber sensor (32) and a load transfer plate (34) is disposed between the front-bumper absorber (28) and the optical fiber sensor (32). The vertical width (B3) of the front-bumper absorber (28) and the load transfer plate (34) are greater than the vertical width (B1) of the optical fiber sensor (32), and a lower end portion (34A) of the load transfer plate (34) extends below the lower end of the optical fiber sensor (32). Accordingly, when the optical fiber sensor (32) is offset to the upper portion of the front-bumper reinforcement (30), the front-bumper absorber (28) will not topple down and the impact load is input to the optical fiber sensor (32) even if the input direction of the impact load is slightly inclined.
US07931315B2
A bumper beam includes two tubular bodies formed by tube hydroforming that extend left and right. The tubular bodies are joined to each other in a parallel state. The tubular bodies each have a rectangular vertical cross-section shape including top and bottom and front and rear sides. The tubular bodies are disposed in a line from top to bottom, and opposing surfaces thereof are joined together across the entire length in the longitudinal direction.
US07931312B2
A door-operating lever is disposed on a base plate of a control unit. A door-operating knob includes an operation output portion that engages with a door-operating lever. When the door-operating knob is operated to open or close a door of a vehicle, the operation output portion engages with the door-operating lever in such a manner that the door-operating lever is rotated in a desired direction to cause a closed-door holding unit or an opened-door holding unit to release the door.
US07931310B2
A coupler for use with a sealing member for releasably securing together adjacent ends of grooved end pipe and forming a fluid-tight seal therebetween. The coupler includes a pair of arcuate segments, each segment having a generally inverted U-shaped cross-section so as to define a pair of depending leg portions and an outer spanning wall extending therebetween, each of the coupling segments further defining first and second end portions. The first end portions of each arcuate segment are joined together in a pivotal connection. A closure including a bail pivotally mounted on a release/locking lever, an attachment hook and a pair of abutment surfaces is provided at the second end portions of the arcuate segments for releasably joining and securing together the second end portions of the segments about the sealing gasket and adjacent pipe ends with the leg portions of the segments projecting into the grooves therein.
US07931308B2
An adapter clamp for clamping an adapting tube. The adapter clamp includes: an adapter tube; a first resilient ring placed in the inner circumferential surface of the adapter tube and including elastic material for expanding inward and clamping to the outer surface of the adapting tube; a hollow adjustment ring configured to be threaded to the inner surface of the adapter tube to generate a displacement force; and a compression ring providing minimum friction resistant for translating the displacement force from the threading hollow adjustment ring to a longitudinal compressing displacement of the first resilient ring, causing an inner surface of the first resilient rings to fit to the outer surface of the adapting tube. The adapter clamp also includes a second resilient ring placed in the inner circumferential surface of the adapter tube; and a spacer placed on the inner circumferential surface of the adapter tube.
US07931303B2
Printed products (2), in particular newspapers or magazines with different supplements are, for distribution, packed into a covering sheet e.g. made of paper. The covering sheet (1) comprises at least one region, which is completely punched-out and/or at least one region (7), which, due to a partial punching out is easily removable from the covering sheet (1). The punched-out region is a window (6), through which the title and/or the headline of a newspaper or magazine packed into the covering sheet (1) is visible. Partially punched-out regions (7) of the covering sheet (1) are marked by corresponding printing as voucher, reply card, collector's card, punch-out sheet or toy and are removed from the covering sheet (1) for functions other than the covering function of the covering sheet (1).
US07931286B2
A frame and suspension for a vehicle provides automatic lean and alignment. The lean is determined by force sensors, the speed and/or the angle of turn and is provided by actuators in the suspension in accordance with a predetermined protocol in an electronic control unit (ECU). The protocol also provides shock absorption by rapidly tracking a contour of a surface on which the vehicle rides. The suspension is provided by a plurality of arm assemblies each including a lower arm, an upper control arm, and an actuator motively connected to the lower arm and to the upper control arm. The arm assemblies are pivotally connected to the frame on a common axis. The arm assemblies generally form parallelograms and are actuated in concert to remain generally parallel to each other through a range of angles to adjust the lean of the vehicle. The arm assemblies are also actuated independently of each other to accommodate variations in the contour. In one aspect, an actuator controlled by an ECU can be replaced by a mechanical actuator that can be activated manually such as by a driver's own leaning weight.
US07931285B2
The present invention provides a tag axle attachment for an off-road agricultural vehicle. The tag axle attachment allows agricultural vehicles to meet roadway weight restrictions imposed by the federal and state governments while also allowing the vehicle to perform optimally in the field. The tag axle is assembled such that it can be hydraulically lowered into a deployed position when the agricultural vehicle is on the roadway and hydraulically raised into a stowed position when the agricultural vehicle is in the field. The tag axle assembly is mounted to the chassis rails of an agricultural vehicle and positioned to fit between the chassis rails when stowed and minimizes the load per axle of the vehicle when deployed.
US07931284B2
A caster device with detachable casters for a portable dehumidifier has a base mounted on a bottom of the portable dehumidifier, multiple positioning assemblies formed on the base and multiple casters respectively and detachably mounted between the positioning assemblies. Therefore, the casters are easily attached to the base for use or detached from the base for clean, repair or replacement.
US07931281B2
A variable stiffness stabilizer device (1) has a stabilizer bar (2) and actuators (3). The stabilizer bar (2) has a torsion bar (4) extending in the lateral direction (X1) of a vehicle and arms (6) connected through bend portions (5) to the ends (4a, 4b) of the torsion bar (4) and bendingly deformed according to the strokes of wheel supporting members (11). Variable bending stiffness parts (13; 130) of the arms (6) are rotatable about the axes (C1) of the arms (6), so that the bending stiffness of the arms (6) can be changed according to their rotational positions. The actuators (3) rotationally drive the variable bending stiffness parts (13; 130) about the axes (C1) to adjust the rotational positions of the variable bending stiffness parts (13; 130).
US07931268B2
This device for braking a flat product, in particular a signature, has a support, a brake shoe for braking the flat product, the brake shoe being movable between a position allowing the passage of the flat product and a position effecting braking of the flat product, and a drive for driving the brake shoe from the passing position towards the braking position.The drive includes an eccentric element which is movable in rotation and co-operates with the brake shoe.
US07931263B2
A sheet feed apparatus, e.g., coupled to an image forming apparatus, can include: a main frame; a storage unit mounted on the main frame and configured with a capacity to store a large quantity of sheet-like material; a transporter mounted on the main frame and configured to supply the sheet-like material to the image forming apparatus; an additional unit adapted to be mounted on the main frame and operable to enhance a functionality of at least one of the sheet feed apparatus and an image forming apparatus; and a supporting frame mounted on the main frame in place of the additional unit, and further adapted such that the additional unit is mountable thereon; the additional unit being mounted on the supporting frame.
US07931260B2
A storage vessel for holding between shaves a wet razor with its head and cutting blade submerged in a liquid and its handle held out of the liquid and dry. The vessel liquid is comprised of a mixture of hydrophobic and hygroscopic materials and of anti-viral and anti-bacterial materials, effective to reduce cutting blade oxidation due to exposure to water and air during nonuse storage and to maintain the blade sharp and sanitary for shaving comfort. These materials specifically might be mineral oil and calcium chloride (CaCl2), and nano-gold or nano-silver.
US07931256B2
Disclosed in a hybrid humidifier for a fuel cell that has a plurality of humidifying tubes, each of the tubes defining thereon a plurality of through holes. Also disclosed is a method for humidifying dry air in a hybrid humidifier.
US07931249B2
A process of reducing friction, which is encountered in molds utilized in injection molded, solder processing, and wherein glass mold plates have mold pits etched therein. The mold pates are subjected to a heat treatment so as to smooth or round-off sharp edges along the periphery of the mold pits.
US07931248B2
A mold for manufacturing a corner-shaped simulated stone product has a mold cavity configured to imprint a stone texture on at least a first side face and a front face of the corner-shaped product. The mold also provides a back face with a desirable molded interior angle. The mold cavity can have a flexible edge around a perimeter of the mold cavity to impart a textured surface to a second side face of the corner-shaped product.
US07931245B2
A plate holder that attaches a dish to a structure using a suction device. The plate holder includes a three sided “C-shaped structure” that can be made of various hard materials and is composed of a top arm, a side arm, and a bottom arm. On the outer-end or the top arm is a notch or hole through which attaches a suction device facing upward that holds a dish so that it is not spilled by a child, handicapped person, wind, or movement of the structure. A circular protective skirt on the top arm sits just below the suction device and serves to balance the plate on the table. On the bottom arm is a hole through which runs a plastic screw with a handle on the outside used to secure and tighten the plate holder to the table. It can be adjusted for different structures by screwing or unscrewing.
US07931242B2
Wall-mounted type support strut assemblies attach pipes, conduit, and tubes to surfaces in a sanitary manner. The strut assemblies repel contaminants, are easy to inspect, and are easy to clean.
US07931240B2
An assembly for controlling a vehicle, including a fluid contact surface constructed and arranged to act against a fluid passing over the fluid contact surface; and a support structure coupled to the fluid contact surface. The support structure is constructed and arranged to expand or contract between a first position and a second position, such that a first dimension of the support structure changes during movement of the support structure between the first position and the second position, while a second dimension of the support structure remains substantially constant during the movement of the support structure between the first position and the second position.
US07931239B2
A homeostatic flying hovercraft preferably utilizes at least two pairs of counter-rotating ducted fans to generate lift like a hovercraft and utilizes a homeostatic hover control system to create a flying craft that is easily controlled. The homeostatic hover control system provides true homeostasis of the craft with a true fly-by-wire flight control and control-by-wire system control.
US07931238B2
A flight control system for an aircraft receives a selected value of a first parameter, which is either the airspeed or inertial velocity of the aircraft. A primary feedback loop generates a primary error signal that is proportional to the difference between the selected value and a measured value of the first parameter. A secondary feedback loop generates a secondary error signal that is proportional to the difference between the selected value of the first parameter and a measured value of a second flight parameter, which is the other of the airspeed and inertial velocity. The primary and secondary error signals are summed to produce a velocity error signal, and the velocity error signal and an integrated value of the primary error signal are summed to produce an actuator command signal. The actuator command signal is then used for operating aircraft devices to control the first parameter to minimize the primary error signal.
US07931220B2
A clean dry white glass powder useful as a substitute for Portland cement in concrete, in paints, and for other known uses for glass powder produced conventionally can be produced from unsorted post-consumer waste glass, including a substantial fraction of non-glass items, by employing glass pulverizing equipment to reduce waste glass to small fragments, allowing removal of trash, employing a multistep washing process to clean the glass fragments, in the preferred embodiment using aggregate cleaning equipment, drying the fragments, preferably using fluidized bed techniques, and grinding the glass to a desired particle size, preferably using a ball mill, in combination with an air classification step to produce a bright white glass powder of uniform particle size.
US07931214B2
A sprinkler apparatus comprises a sprinkler motor configured to rotate an output gear and a sprinkler tube configured to move in a repeating pattern in response to rotation of the output gear. The sprinkler apparatus further comprises a tube adapter interposed between the output gear and the sprinkler tube. The tube adapter is fixed in relation to the sprinkler tube. The tube adapter includes a first set of teeth and the output gear has a plurality of extending flexible fingers defining a second set of teeth which engage the first set of teeth. The output gear and the tube adaptor include water passages through which water advances from the sprinkler motor to the sprinkler tube. The flexible fingers on the output gear allow the second set of teeth to slide over the first set of teeth and provide a torque limiting relationship between the output gear and the tube adaptor.
US07931211B2
A pressurizing piston has a head section, which contacts an axial end face of a piezoelectric actuator to receive displacement of the actuator, and a piston wall section, which is formed in a cylindrical shape and can move in an axial direction in response to the movement of the head section. The head section and the piston wall section are combined such that relative displacement therebetween is possible in a radial direction. An outer sleeve slidably holding an outer periphery of the piston wall section restricts radial movement of the head section. When an expansion-contraction direction of the actuator inclines with respect to the axial direction, inclination of the piston wall section is inhibited by a radial deviation caused between the head section and the piston wall section. Thus, pinching of the piston wall section to the outer sleeve is inhibited.
US07931210B1
Re-cycled tire treads are laminated into stacks and attached to a reinforcement element which has a first portion which provides increased compressive strength and a second portion which provides increased torsional and bending strength. Several embodiments with reinforcing elements ranging from T-bars, to I-beams to box beams, with variations including corrugated flanges. Pre-drilled holes can be provided in the flanges to facilitate insertion of the spikes. While steel-belted tires are preferred for use in creating stacks, provisions are made to ensure electrical isolation of the two rails to permit transmission of data thereby. The railroad tie can have electronic signaling hardware built-in by placing sensors and related circuitry between adjacent plies in a laminated stack.
US07931200B2
This patent describes an alternative form of user interface for operating a device such as a camera comprising a card which is inserted in a machine. On the face of the card is contained a visual representation of the effect the card will have on the output of the machine. Preferably the camera device is capable of transforming a sensed image substantially in accordance with the transformation of a standard image comprising the visual representation and the transformation of the sensed image is printed out on the printer. Alternatively the machine comprises a book reader and the card includes a book's content for display by the book reader as indicated by the visual representation on the front of the card. On one surface of the card, the visual representation of the effect is displayed, and on a second surface, an optically encoded representation of the effect able to be read by a sensing device of the machine and decoded so as to produce the effect.
US07931196B2
A system and method for facilitating commercial transactions between a consumer and a supplier of goods at a point of sale and authorized by a credit holder. The credit holder possesses a communications device for prestoring transaction information in a data base. The communications device is operable by the credit holder for transmitting transaction information data and transaction authorization. The consumer possesses a consumer communications device for establishing a communications link between the consumer and the supplier. The consumer communications device generates a consumer request to the credit holders' communications device. A transaction approval device is in communications with the supplier and the consumer requested credit holder's communications device for receiving transaction requests from the supplier and for receiving transaction information data and authorization from the credit holder's communications device. The transaction approval device, upon receipt of transaction information data and transaction authorization, transmits approval to the supplier to complete the transaction.
US07931195B2
A dynamic credit card is provided in which a secure credit card number (e.g., a secret/hidden credit card number) is encoded based on a timing signal (e.g., an internal counter) to provide a dynamic credit card number. This dynamic number may be displayed to a user via a display (e.g., so that online purchases can be made) or written onto a magnetic stripe such that the number may be processed by traditional credit card merchants (e.g., swiped). At a remote facility, the dynamic number may be decoded based on time (and/or a counter/key number/equation). Thus, a dynamic credit card number may change continually or periodically (e.g., every sixty seconds) such that credit card numbers may not be copied by thieves and used at later times. A dynamic verification code may also be utilized in addition to, or in lieu of, a dynamic credit card number.
US07931193B2
An automated banking machine that operates responsive to data read from user cards which accepts checks and dispenses cash to users. The machine operates to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash may be dispensed to the user in exchange for the deposited check. The machine dispenses cash responsive to communications with a transaction host.
US07931187B2
A flexible unitary mask has a plurality of through holes. A substrate has a plurality of wettable pads in recessed regions defining volumes. The through holes are aligned with the wettable pads. Molten solder is directly injected through the through holes of the flexible unitary mask into the volumes with the wettable pads, such that the through holes and the volumes with the wettable pads are filled with solder. The solder is allowed to solidify, forming a plurality of solder structures adhered to the wettable pads. The flexible unitary mask is peeled from the substrate after the solder has solidified.
US07931186B2
A method of teaching an eyepoint for a wire bonding operation is provided. The method includes (1) selecting a group of shapes from a region of a semiconductor device for use as an eyepoint, and (2) teaching the eyepoint to a wire bonding machine using at least one of (a) a sample semiconductor device, or (b) predetermined data related to the semiconductor device. The teaching step includes defining locations of each of the shapes with respect to one another.
US07931184B2
An apparatus for induction friction solid state welding a body having a work piece receiving bore. A stationary chuck is provided for securing a first tubular workpiece in the bore. A moving chuck is provided for securing a second tubular workpiece in bore. An induction heating coil is movable between an operative position and a stored position. An expandable cylinder moves the moving chuck toward and away from the stationary chuck. A torque transmission collar is used to rotate the moving chuck.
US07931167B2
A tamper evident cap adapted to close an opening on a vessel includes a main body having an outer circumference, a pull tab extending from the main body, and a flange, forms an annulus around the main body and connected to the main body. The flange includes an outer circumference that is larger than the outer circumference of the main body. It is essential to the present invention that the flange is made of a very thin layer of material. In addition, the flange includes at least a pair of perforation lines. Further, the tamper evident cap includes a bump in the pull-tab for enabling a person grasping the pull-tab, to obtain a firmer hold thereon.
US07931162B2
A novel type of sliding mount bracket, referenced herein as a regulator bracket, is adapted to be removably attached to a regulator. The regulator bracket includes a base and securing means for attaching the base to a panel that has louvers to receive the edges of the bracket. The regulator bracket further includes anchoring means for attaching the base to the regulator so as to inhibit movement thereof. Thus, when the regulator is secured to the rack, a display surface of the regulator is maintained in a fixed position, in which it is visually perceptible to the restaurateur or other user.
US07931150B2
A cassette (3) for dispensing bags from an elongated tubing (32) comprising an annular receptacle (38) accommodating a length of tubing (32) in an accumulated condition. An annular opening at an upper end of the annular receptacle (38) is for dispensing the tubing (32). The annular receptacle (38) defines a central opening (34) through which a knotted end (40) of the tubing (32) passes to form a bag supported by the annular receptacle (38) with disposable objects passing through the circular central opening (34) to be received in the bag, and a clearance (41) only at a bottom of the central opening (34).
US07931141B2
A golf bag carrier includes a pivot adjusting unit, at least one strut pivotally coupled to the pivot adjusting unit and adjusted in an angle with respect to a ground by the pivot adjusting unit, at least one wheel coupled to a lower end of the strut to move the golf bag, a fixing plate to which the pivot adjusting unit having the strut and the wheel are fixed, a vertical bar that is fixedly installed on a central portion of the fixing plate, and a fixing unit that is installed on the golf bag to detachably fix the vertical bar on the golf bag.
US07931134B2
The disclosed clutch includes a reaction plate, a friction plate, a friction layer, at least one non-compressible member and a fluid lubricant. The friction layer has a coefficient of friction that is sufficient to prevent relative rotation of the reaction and friction plates when the friction layer is compressed by the reaction plate. Further, the friction layer has at least one groove. At least one non-compressible member is disposed in the at least one groove to prevent further compression of the friction layer by the reaction plate. The at least one non-compressible member is mechanically fastened to the friction plate.
US07931133B2
This invention relates to a system for automatically self-adjusting the height, length and direction of an electrical power cable connecting a movable machine, such as a crane, to a fixed electrical power supply. One end of the cable is wrapped around a reel which is arranged within a housing that is freely rotatable about a vertical axis. That end is connected to an electrical power source. The opposite end of the cable is connected to a machine which is moveable towards and away from, and around, the reel. A motor rotates the reel for winding up, and applying a tension upon, the cable so that the center portion of the cable, which extends between the reel and machine, is held relatively taut and generally horizontal. The central portion of the cable extends through a vertical slot in the housing so that its height, length and direction of extension towards the machine are automatically adjusted in response to the position of the moveable machine relative to the reel.
US07931132B2
The invention relates to a damper having a damper cylinder, in which a piston ram is guided via a piston rod, and for adjusting characteristic damper values, the flow of a damper fluid can be controlled. A piezoelectric valve is disposed inside the damper cylinder, and includes a piezoelectric element and an actuator, and an evaluation and control circuit for adjusting the flow of the damper fluid triggers the actuator via the piezoelectric element.
US07931123B2
A ladder includes a first section having at least one step. The ladder includes a second section having a least one step. The ladder includes a platform attached to the first and second sections. The ladder includes a hinge mechanism connected to the first section and second section, about which the first section and second section move between an open state, where the first and second sections are in an angular relationship for use, and a folded state where the first and second sections and the platform are essentially in parallel, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.The ladder includes a foldable tray mechanism attached to the hinge mechanism about which the foldable tray mechanism moves between the open state independently of the first and second sections, where the foldable tray is in an angular relationship with the first and second sections for use, and a folded state where the foldable tray essentially forms a plane with the first section. A hinge for a stepladder. A step to a ladder. Methods for using a stepladder.
US07931120B2
An exhaust device for a vehicle, such as a scooter type motorcycle, comprises an exhaust pipe and a muffler. A first end portion of the exhaust pipe is connectable to an engine of the vehicle. The muffler includes an outer wall defining an internal space of the muffler. A second end portion of the exhaust pipe is located within the internal space of the muffler. A secondary air induction pipe supplies air to the exhaust pipe and is connected to a portion of the exhaust pipe that is within the internal space of the muffler. The secondary air induction pipe extends to the outside of the muffler via a through hole that has an edge, at least a portion of which is defined by each of a first member and a second member of the muffler.
US07931116B2
In some embodiments, a subwoofer enclosure includes a substantially triangular first face, second face, third face, and fourth face, a first corner at an intersection of the first, second and third faces, a second corner at an intersection of the first, second and fourth faces, a third corner at an intersection of the first, third and fourth faces, a fourth corner at an intersection of the second, third and fourth faces, wherein an angle between the first corner and a midpoint between the third corner and the fourth corner, having the second corner as its vertex, is substantially ninety degrees, wherein an angle between the third corner and the fourth corner, having the second corner as its vertex, is substantially ninety degrees, and a subwoofer driver attached to the third face, having a free air resonant frequency less than one hundred Hertz.
US07931109B2
A motorcycle includes a fuel tank mounted on a main frame member, an engine arranged below the main frame member, and ignition coils arranged below the fuel tank. The main frame member includes a pair of sub-frame members arranged in a vehicle-width direction in a spaced-apart manner. A coil-holding structure, formed of a plastic resin material, is disposed on the main frame member for arranging the ignition coils thereon between the pair of sub-frame members. A base portion of the coil-holding structure has one or more openings formed therein so as to expose portions of the ignition coils to a traveling wind, during vehicle operation. One of the ignition coils, which is arranged close to a rear side of a vehicle body, is disposed at a position lower than a position of the ignition coil which is arranged close to a front side of the vehicle body.
US07931099B2
With a hydraulic traveling vehicle, a controller is configured and arranged to switch a merging/diverging valve to a merging state when a working equipment is driven with the merging/diverging valve being in a diverging state and with turning of the hydraulic traveling vehicle being carried out, and when a required flow rate parameter for pressurized oil of the working equipment is greater than or equal to a prescribed threshold value, and to maintain the merging/diverging valve in the diverging state when the required flow rate parameter is less than the prescribed threshold value.
US07931094B2
A soil aeration device may include a plurality of arcuate blades mounted to an assembly adapted to rotate and translate the blades proximate a ground surface, thereby forming aeration pockets in the soil. In certain embodiments, the arcuate tines penetrate and fracture the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket deposited on the top of the soil. In various embodiments, a planetary gear assembly imparts to the tine a translational and rotational movement which creates a fractured pocket in the soil while minimizing the amount of soil lifted from the pocket and deposited on the surface of the soil. In still other embodiments, the arcuate tine may have mounted thereon a coring tube that cuts and removes a plug from the pocket formed in the soil.
US07931078B2
A stuffing box apparatus for sealing between a polish rod in a hydrocarbon production well comprises a tubular housing arranged for connection to the well which has a bore therethrough to receive the polish rod. Sealing members are supported in the bore of the housing in an upper stack and a lower stack of smaller outer diameter separated by an intermediate bushing. An upper bushing compresses the upper stack against the intermediate bushing. The lower bushing fixes the lower stack against the bottom of the intermediate bushing. Each of the bushings includes a counter bore formed at one end which receives a wiper member arranged for sealing engagement between the bushing and the polish rod.
US07931074B2
A heat exchanger includes tubes which are arranged in parallel and through which a fluid for heating air flows. Fins which are joined to the tubes. The tubes and the fins are arranged to form three or more heating parts and at least two bypass passages each of which is provided between adjacent heating parts, through which the air passes without exchanging heat with the thermal fluid. First and second tank parts are arranged at two longitudinal ends of the tubes and extend across the bypass passages and the heating parts. The bypass passages and the heating parts are arranged perpendicular to an air flow direction. The heating heat exchanger is disposed in an air conditioning case down stream from an evaporator. The air conditioning case is separated into two air outlets. Cold air from the bypass passages and hot air from the heating parts are mixed prior to being blown through the air outlets.
US07931073B2
A heat exchanger includes a first header and a second header and a plurality of heat exchange tubes extending therebetween. Each heat exchange tube has an inlet end opening to one of the headers and an outlet opening to the other header. Each heat exchange tube has a plurality of channels extending longitudinally in parallel relationship from its inlet end to its outlet end, each channel defining a discrete refrigerant flow path. The inlet end of each of the plurality of heat exchange tubes is positioned with the inlet opening to the channels disposed in spaced relationship with and facing an opposite inside surface of the header thereby defining a relatively narrow gap between the inlet opening to the channels and the facing opposite inside surface of the header. The gap may function either as a primary expansion device or as a secondary expansion device.
US07931069B2
A tension device that prevents a window covering from operating properly until the tension device is installed. The tension device incorporates a drive wheel, casing, anchoring arm and drive stud. The drive stud has two sections, one keyed and one cylindrical. Before the tension device is installed, the keyed section of the drive stud engages the drive wheel and the casing, thereby preventing them from rotating relative to each other. When the tension device is installed, the drive stud must be inserted into the anchoring arm causing the keyed section of the drive stud to disengage the drive wheel and thereby allow the drive wheel to rotate relative to the casing.
US07931065B2
In a printed circuit board manufacturing equipment, a pressing die includes a first pressing part, a second pressing part, and a frame part. A buffer member is disposed between a first surface of a laminated body and the first pressing part. The second pressing part has a portion facing a second surface of the laminated body and a portion facing the buffer member. The frame part surrounds a whole area of a side surface of the buffer member. Before pressing and heating, the laminated body, the second pressing part, and the buffer member define an escape space therebetween for escaping the buffer member deformed due to the pressing. A lip protrudes from the frame part toward the laminated body. The lip is deformed following the deformation of the buffer member and comes in contact with a surface of the second pressing part facing the buffer member.
US07931063B2
A method for assembling a device. The method comprises placing a functional element in a first opening formed in a template substrate and transferring the functional element to a device substrate having a second opening formed therein wherein the functional element is held within the second opening and against an adhesive film coupled to the device substrate.
US07931062B2
A pneumatic tire containing a tread, a carcass having at least one belt ply disposed below the tread, and a cap ply located between the carcass and the tread. The cap ply comprises at least one layer of an open construction leno weave tape having a pair of warp yarns in the longitudinal direction and a weft yarn in the weft direction. The pair of warp yarns comprises a first warp yarn and a second warp yarn, where the second warp yarn has a force of elongation of between about 1 and 40% the force of elongation of the first warp yarn, where the second warp yarn is in tension, and where the second warp yarn has an elongation at break of greater than 2%. The leno weave tape is disposed in a flat pattern around the circumference of the carcass in the area of the belt ply. A method of making a pneumatic tire is also disclosed.
US07931058B2
A novel multi-purpose portable and flexible work table is presented herein. The work table can be used to secure material or workpiece to perform, at different heights, such actions as cutting, welding, soldering, gluing, painting, mitering, and shaping. The work table contains detachable sub-components that permit placing material or workpiece at specific positions to ensure that better tolerances and finishes of workpieces are created.
US07931055B2
A tool for a ring-rotor log debarker, including an elongate, curved body for being attached by one end to a ring rotor of a log debarker. At least one attachment hole extends through the curved body of the tool on a free end opposite the one end attached to the ring rotor, and communicates with the first and second upstream and downstream oriented surfaces. A tip is placed onto the free end of the tool body, and includes an attachment hole sized and positioned for alignment with the at least one attachment hole in the tool body and for receiving a bolt through the aligned attachment holes for securing the tip to the tool body.
US07931045B2
A water sensor apparatus used in connection with a watering system. The water sensor apparatus includes a main housing comprising an inlet and an outlet. A valve mechanism is provided inside the main housing. The valve mechanism opens and closes the outlet of the main housing in response to a water level collected in the main housing and a water pressure entering the inlet of the main housing.
US07931043B2
A diaphragm-sealed valve provided with a valve cap and a valve body, a diaphragm and a plunger assembly. The diaphragm is compressibly positioned between the valve cap and the valve body. The valve body comprises a process purging channel extending along a main recess of the valve body, under a pre-formed deformation of the diaphragm. A process purging inlet passage and a process purging outlet passage, both opening on the process purging channel, allow for a purging gas to flow in the process purging channel.
US07931041B2
A system includes sensors configured to measure vessel parameters. A signal processing unit receives sensor output signals and generates a first, second, third, fourth, and fifth filtered output signals representative of liquid level, gas flow rate, feed-liquid flow rate, vessel pressure, and vessel temperature, respectively. A flow demand control unit receives the first filtered output signal and generates an output signal representative of feed-liquid flow demand. A shaping unit receives the second, fourth, and fifth filtered output signals and generates an output signal representative of shaped gas flow rate. A liquid level control unit controls the liquid level within predetermined limits by controlling one or more components based on the output signals from the flow demand control unit, the shaping unit, and the third filtered output signal.
US07931038B2
A portable, light-weight, removable system for covering an open dumpster or refuse container mechanism. This instant system is designed for easy installation, removal and storage. Once installed, the system covers the open dumpster container, preventing accumulation of rain, snow, sleet, and any mix thereof inside the container and/or contents of the container.
US07931024B2
A respiratory mask is provided having an outer shell coupled to a cushion for the delivery of a gas to a user. The cushion of the respiratory mask has a pleat and varied wall thicknesses about the device in order to provide varying degrees of flexibility and support about the cushion.
US07931016B2
A paper bullet firing pistol toy produces its own projectiles sequentially for shooting. By sliding an operating part on the outside of the toy, a strip of paper is drawn into the body of the pistol, and a piece of the paper is cut and folded into a bullet shape inside the toy. Thereafter, the paper bullet is shot from the muzzle by operating the trigger part, and the toy's mechanisms can be restored to their initial states by restoring the sliding operating part to its initial position, thereby making it possible to shoot paper bullets continuously.
US07931012B2
A method for identifying the fuel quality and for operating an internal combustion engine, as well as an engine control unit, in which the temperature of at least one sheathed-element glow plug of the engine is controlled, an engine response after a temperature change is compared to an engine response before the temperature change, and from the result of this comparison, the fuel quality is derived.
US07930997B2
A head harness for walking dogs includes a nosepiece member attached to distal ends of at least one reins member having an attached leash ring, and the nosepiece further being connected to two short connecting straps. A chin strap, a neck collar with a release buckle, and the two short straps are linked at the free ends by a ring connecting means. The reins members are slidingly connected proximal the two distal ends.
US07930985B2
A sports apparatus configured to support a rider upon the water surface is disclosed and may comprise either a compartment in the top surface configured to accept personal articles and a watertight cover to prevent damage and loss of personal articles or a propulsion source. The sports apparatus can have a V-shaped hull to add stability when used in the waves. The propulsion source is powered by either a combustion or electric motor that is controlled by a user interface on the board.
US07930975B2
A deconfinement device for the casing of a piece of ammunition enclosing an explosive load able to be ignited by a priming fuse, said device comprising a connecting ring linked to the casing and enabling the priming fuse to be joined to said casing, wherein said device incorporates a structure to ensure a weakened and shearable link between said fuse and said connecting ring, said link being sheared further to an increase in the pressure inside said casing, said connecting ring incorporating a base forming a plate that can be projected onto said explosive load during the ignition of said fuse, said base being able to be fractured by the presence of pressure inside said body of said projectile.
US07930962B2
A cutter including a base, a holder, a cutter blade portion, and a laser generator. The holder is supported on the base portion in an upright posture. The cutter blade portion supports a moving blade. The cutter blade portion is supported on the holder movable between an upper position and a lower position. The cutter blade portion is moved into the lower position to cut a workpiece supported on the base using the moving blade. The laser generator is attached to the holder or the cutter blade portion in an orientation to direct at least a portion of the laser light onto a position on the workpiece that is directly beneath the cutter blade portion when the cutter blade portion is in the upper position. Alternatively, a holder has a shaft support portion, and a slide shaft is axially slidably supported by the shaft support portion. A front end of the slide shaft has a hinge holder which pivotally supports the cutting blade portion. A laser generator is fixed to a front side of the hinge holder.
US07930954B2
A forging die production method comprising a cutting step which employs, as a cutting tool, a ball end mill having a surface which has undergone a hardening treatment and in which a forging die material is cut under conditions where a length of tool extension L (mm), radius R (mm) of a cutting edge of the ball end mill, spindle speed A (rpm) and feed rate B (mm/min) satisfy (B/A)2×(L/(2×R))=0.01 to 0.05. A forging die is produced through the forging die production method. A forged article is produced through forging by use of the produced forging die.
US07930941B2
An ultrasonic scanner includes an assembly mounted within a housing and pivoting between two positions. The assembly includes an ultrasonic module that generates an ultrasonic beam directed at a target, such a tissue and detecting the corresponding return beam. A worm screw with a block contacting the assembly is used to selectively pivot the assembly to a desired position. The worm screw is driven by a DC motor and the position of the assembly is monitored using a proximity sensor, such as a Hall Effect Device. A hybrid controller in one mode receives analog signals from the Hall Effect Device and uses them as a feedback signal to an analog OP AMP driving the DC motor to move said assembly to a predetermined position. In another embodiment, the motor is activated for a predetermined time to move the assembly by a predetermined amount.
US07930935B2
Disclosed is a method for diagnosing the function of a level control system (1) of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one valve (2a, 2b, 14, 26) and a control unit (10). An exchange of pressure medium from one side of the valve to the other side of the valve is possible when the valve is open, and an exchange of pressure medium is prevented when the valve is closed. The valve carries out a change of state, a variable (4, I) influencing the valve output is measured during the change of state, the measured variable influencing the output of the valve is compared with a reference curve, a family of characteristics or a limit value in the control unit (10), and based on the comparison in the control unit (10) it can be established if the valve has carried out the change of state.
US07930931B2
A system and/or method for quantifying the presence of one or more components in vehicle exhaust, and more particularly to a non-contact, extractive sampling system and method for quantifying the presence of one or more components in exhaust emissions of commercial and/or heavy-duty vehicles that emit exhaust at an elevated level, under actual operating conditions.
US07930928B2
A method, for detecting overpressure inside a compartment associated with a gas turbine nacelle, includes: a) measuring one or more predetermined operating conditions nominally affecting the temperature inside the compartment; b) determining a reference temperature for the compartment, corresponding to a nominal reference zone pressure, on the basis of the measured operating condition or conditions; c) measuring the actual temperature inside the compartment, corresponding to the actual compartment pressure; and d) using the measured actual temperature in the compartment and the determined reference temperature for the compartment to assess the gas pressure inside the compartment. A system for assessing the gas pressure inside the compartment caused by an associated pressure system failure includes using a quantified mass leakage flow to assess gas pressure inside the compartment. The quantified mass leakage flow may also be used to detect excessive mass leakage flow by comparing the quantified mass leakage flow with a predetermined mass flow leakage.
US07930911B1
An apparatus and method for cooking and dispensing starch to a commercial laundry machine comprising a mixing tank for mixing and storing a starch and water solution which is attached to a means for discharging the starch and water solution to a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is a shell and tube heat exchanger, either one-phase or two-phase, used for cooking the starch and water solution to form cooked starch. As the starch and water solution is passed through the tube side of the heat exchanger, it is cooked using heat energy from a heating source contained in the shell side of the heat exchanger. The cooked starch is then dispensed through a manifold valve system to one or more commercial laundry machines. After the cooked starch is dispensed, a solenoid valve opened to flush the apparatus with fresh water. A programmable computer receives a request from a commercial laundry machine for a desired starch level, discharges the starch and water solution through the apparatus for cooking, and dispenses the cooked starch to the requesting laundry machine through a series of discharge and manifold valves. The programmable computer controls the solenoid valve for flushing the apparatus with water, the discharging means and a means for recirculating the starch and water solution.
US07930909B2
Disclosed are the steam generator and the washing/drying machine having the same, the steam generator including: a case having an opening at one side thereof, a heating unit formed to penetrate the opening, and a fixing assembly mounted at the opening so as to seal the opening and supporting the heating unit, wherein the fixing assembly includes a sealing member for sealing the opening, and the opening includes a leakage prevention portion for preventing a gap formation between the opening and the sealing member when the sealing member is deformed, thereby preventing a leakage between the opening of the case and the sealing member even though the case or the sealing member is thermally deformed.
US07930907B2
The present invention relates to a composite fabric having a plurality of substantially parallel, aligned tow groups, each of the tow groups having one or more tows wherein a portion of the tow groups contain two or more tows, wherein the spacing between tows in a tow group is less than the spacing between adjacent tow groups. The spacing between adjacent tow groups form flow channels which permit resin to flow evenly and quickly through the fabric. This results in shorter processing time and a more consistent resin distribution, decreasing the likelihood of resin starved areas within the cured laminate.
US07930906B2
A slider needle (1) having a partition element (15) clipped through an insertion slit (19) in the needle base body (2). The partition element (15) is shaped such that it can be easily inserted in the needle base body 2, but is still securely held, optionally with some play, as a result of positive engagement. The partition element comprises, preferably as a one-piece component, a spring part (25) and a foot extension (26) interacting with the bottom (17) of the slider slit. Preferably, the foot extension 26 has two sections (27, 28, 27a, 28a) that are bent in opposite directions, either in a transverse or a longitudinal direction of the otherwise flat partition element (15). In the region of the insertion slit (19), the back (18) of the needle base body (2) has an indentation (24) so that the bent over sections (27, 28, 27a, 28a) cannot project beyond the needle back (18).
US07930891B1
A transition duct used in a gas turbine engine to direct the hot gas flow from the combustor into the turbine section of the gas turbine engine. The transition duct includes a plurality of guide vane integral with the duct. The transition duct includes a circular shaped inlet end for connection to a can combustor and a rectangular and arched shaped outlet end for connection to a first stage turbine section. the guide vanes extend within the flow path between inner and outer projections each having a curved opening in the shape of the airfoil each airfoil includes inner and outer airfoil ends with retainer slots formed between the airfoil ends and the duct projections that form shear pin retainer slots. Shear pin retainers are secured within the slots to secure the guide vanes to the duct in a thermally uncoupled manner to reduce thermal stresses. The guide vanes can be made from a single crystal material for higher gas flow temperatures.
US07930887B2
A rear brake control hydraulic master cylinder that dispenses with adjustment work to decrease a clearance between a piston and a push member. A master cylinder 31 includes first and second oil chambers. The piston includes a piston oil passage portion connected to the first and second oil chambers. The push member abuts against and moves the piston to generate a hydraulic pressure in the first oil chamber. A compression spring biases the push member into contact with the piston when the piston is not moved substantially toward the first oil chamber.
US07930885B2
The water wave-based energy transfer system is a system for generating electrical power from the natural motion of water waves, such as ocean waves. The system includes an anchor adapted for stationary lodgment on an underwater support surface, such as the ocean floor, and at least one buoyant float provided for floating either on or below the ocean surface. At least one primary cable joins the at least one buoyant float to the anchor, and a secondary cable joins the at least one buoyant float to a tensioning device coupled with a power conversion and generation device on the shore. The oscillatory motion of the at least one buoyant float caused by the water waves or swells generates oscillatory motion in the second cable, which drives the power conversion and generation device.
US07930883B2
An exhaust device of a six-cylinder engine includes first to sixth cylinders and a manifold extending from the first to sixth cylinders. The first to sixth cylinders are ignited in that order. The exhaust manifold can include first to sixth upstream exhaust pipes extending respectively from the first to sixth cylinders, first to third midway exhaust pipes extending respectively from a joined portion of extended ends of the first and fourth upstream exhaust pipes, a joined portion of extended ends of the second and fifth upstream exhaust pipes, and a joined portion of extended ends of the third and sixth upstream exhaust pipes, and a downstream exhaust pipe connecting extended ends of the first to third midway exhaust pipes to the ambient atmosphere.
US07930873B2
A two piece peripheral mower blade is designed to cut and mulch grass at high volume. The blade is constructed of two pieces. The blades attach to a shaft via spaced apart hubs to which the pieces attach, and the two pieces of the blade interlock to provide a two piece peripheral mower blade.
US07930871B1
A system for supporting a cutterbar of a crop harvesting header includes a first arm pivotably secured to the header and including a first portion configured to support the cutterbar, and a second portion including a torsion device connected to an adjustment assembly, the second portion configured to be pivotably rotatable about an axis by the adjustment assembly to selectably increase or decrease a force appliable to the first portion in order to raise or lower the first portion with respect to the header. The adjustment assembly includes a second arm interconnecting the torsion device and a first adjustment device having a first segment, the first adjustment device configured to movably receive a second adjustment device. The first segment follows a predetermined path in a first or second direction with respect to the axis in response to movement of the second adjustment device with respect to the first adjustment device.
US07930869B2
An inserter apparatus for inserting an item into a holder. The inserter apparatus includes a deck, a mover, an opening system, and a controller. The deck can slidably support the holder from a first location to an item loading location. The mover can move the holder along the deck, wherein the mover includes a drive motor, a conveyor connected to the drive motor, and a gripper connected to the conveyor. The drive motor is a servo motor. The opening system is at the item loading location for opening the holder and inserting the item into the holder. The controller is connected to the servo motor. The controller is adapted to vary speed of the servo motor to thereby vary speed of the conveyor and the holder along the deck.
US07930862B2
A set of moisture proof floorboards and a flooring of such floorboards with a resilient surface layer provided with a decorative groove and/or a sealing means.
US07930844B2
Self-sharpening wearing part having improved abrasion resistance and strength, which wearing part comprises at least a first and a second material part. The first material part is constituted by a casting body and the second material part is comprised of at least one elongated hard metal rod which is fixed in the first material part. The wearing part produces an auto-signal when the part must be changed due to wear.
US07930840B1
A toe protection apparatus for use with a foot or footwear, featuring a rounded steel toe cover with cushioning liner affixed within, a bracket affixed to the top of the steel toe cover, a housing fastened to the bracket, the housing surrounding the steel toe cover and the bracket, the housing further comprising a housing top, a rounded front, opposite vertical sides, and a housing bottom, the housing bottom coplanar with the steel toe cover bottom, a hook and loop affixed to the housing top and the rounded front, an adjustably fastened under foot strap for encircling the housing top and housing sides and the foot or footwear of a user, an adjustably fastened heel strap for encircling a foot heel or a footwear heel and the rounded front of the housing.
US07930839B2
An impact absorbing flexible support system, comprising a plurality of fluid filled chambers disposed in a plurality of longitudinal rows and a plurality of lateral rows, forming a matrix of said fluid filled chambers and an article of footwear containing such a flexible support system. Each chamber is fluidly connected to at least two other fluid filled chambers and has a vertically tapered shape to provide flexibility of movement. The support system is made from air tight thermoplastic film and is inflatable. The support system may have one or more larger fluid filled chamber is disposed amongst said matrix of chambers.
US07930835B2
A method for aiming a surveying instrument towards a selected target is disclosed. The method includes, in at least one embodiment, capturing an image using a camera in the surveying instrument; selecting a target by identifying an object point in the image captured by the surveying instrument; calculating first horizontal and vertical rotation angles based on the object point identified in the image; rotating the surveying instrument over the first horizontal and vertical rotation angles to an intermediate line of sight; measuring a distance to a point along the intermediate line of sight; and calculating second horizontal and vertical rotation angles based on the object point in the image and on the measured distance. In at least one embodiment, the method may be implemented using computer software, hardware, firmware or a combination thereof. There is also disclosed a surveying instrument in which at least one embodiment of the method is implemented.
US07930834B2
A method and apparatus for determining the alignment of a vehicle wheel using an optical target attached to the vehicle wheel, the optical target having a dimensionally stable shape and a plurality of target elements arranged in a known geometric and spatial configuration relative to each other. A two-dimensional image of the optical target is acquired by an imaging system to detect a plurality of target element images corresponding to the plurality of target elements arranged on the optical target. A spatial orientation of the optical target and an alignment of the vehicle wheel is then determined from the plurality of target element images and the known geometric and spatial configuration of the plurality of target elements on the optical target.
US07930830B2
An improved scraping tool with a retractable safety guard, for removing debris and dirt from glass, tile and the like. The scraping tool comprises a housing formed of two separable housing portions and a guard member, and is adapted to securely retain a single- or double-edged blade between the housing portions. The separable housing portions are removably secured and held in sealed alignment by a plurality of securing elements, including a releasable housing lock mechanism. Within the housing, a scraping blade is held in a rigid, stationary position by a plurality of posts. A guard member, the ends of which form a pair of upper and lower blade shields, is positioned and secured in sliding engagement within the housing.
US07930828B2
A shaving apparatus has at least one cutting unit (3) having an outer shaving surface (7) for contacting the skin, interrupted by hair entry apertures (8), an internal cutter (5) which is drivable for movement along the hair entry apertures (8) for cutting off hairs projecting through the hair entry apertures (8). A suspension member (6) via which the external cutter is suspended relative to the holder (2) is tiltable relative to the holder (2) about a tilting axis (17) located more closely to a first peripheral portion (18) of the shaving surface (7) than to a second peripheral portion (19) of the shaving surface (7) opposite to said first peripheral portion (18) of said shaving surface (7).
US07930817B2
A method comprises an opposing step of arranging a light-shielding film 50 having a recessed surface 52 and a pinhole 54 formed within the recessed surface 52 such that an end face 54X of the pinhole 54 of the light-shielding film 50 on the recessed surface 52 side and a light exit surface 4B oppose each other, while the shortest distance A52 between the light-shielding film 50 and a medium-opposing surface S in a thickness direction of the light-shielding film 50 is shorter than the shortest distance A54 between the end face 54X of the pinhole 54 on the side opposite from a transparent substrate 58 and the light exit surface 4B; a light-emitting step of causing a light-emitting device 3 to emit emission light 3A; and a detecting step of detecting the light transmitted through the pinhole 54 after being emitted from the light exit surface 4B.
US07930814B2
A method for manufacturing a septum polarizer includes dispensing a layer of adhesive on a first contact surface of a first substrate, attaching the first substrate to a second substrate to form a combined structure, and elevating the combined structure to a first temperature that is above a first cure temperature of the adhesive for a predetermined period of time. The method further includes after attaching the first substrate to the second substrate, applying a continuous metallization coating over each outer surface of the attached first and second substrates, and elevating the combined structure and metallization coating to a second temperature, thereby curing the metallization coating without degrading the layer of adhesive. The metallization coating has a second cure temperature that is lower than the first cure temperature of the adhesive, and the second temperature is above the second cure temperature and below the first cure temperature.
US07930813B2
In some embodiments, the present invention provides a mower including a frame having a front portion and a rear portion, at least one front wheel coupled to the front portion of the frame, and two drive wheels on substantially opposite sides of the rear portion of the frame. Each drive wheel is coupled to the frame by a first link pivotably coupled at one end to the front portion of the frame and at an opposite end to the drive wheel, and a second link pivotably coupled at one end to the rear portion of the frame and at an opposite end to the drive wheel. The mower also includes at least one spring positioned to bias the drive wheels in a downward direction. Each of the drive wheels are movable upward and downward relative to the frame.
US07930803B2
A folding apparatus (1) having transmitter and receiver cases (2, 10), a hinge mechanism (20) for pivotally connecting one end of the transmitter case and that of the receiver case to each other, and a hinge cover (C). The hinge mechanism is connected to corners (15a-16b) of the one end of the transmitter case and of that of the receiver case. The corners (15a-16b) are projected in the direction orthogonal to the one end of each of the transmitter and receiver cases, and the hinge mechanism is installed between the projected corners of the cases. The hinge cover has a pair of box-shaped cover members (7, 8), and a cross-section of each cover member taken in the direction orthogonal to the one end has an ellipse shape. The cover members are arranged so as to face to each other, covering and holding the hinge mechanism located between the projected corners of the transmitter and receiver cases. A fixing means for fixing the pair of the cover members to each other is provided at the one side of the pair of the cover members that are arranged faced to each other, and this one side is a side close to the one end of at least either the transmitter case or the receiver case. Design and mechanical strength of the connection section of a folding apparatus having the pair of apparatus cases are improved.
US07930795B1
A hand and arm manipulated scraper for a windshield comprising: a) a blade portion having a windshield contact edge portion and an opposite handle end; b) an elongate handle portion having a blade end portion, attached to the blade portion and an opposite grip end portion to be held with the hand; and, c) an arm brace portion terminating in an arm cover which covers a top side portion of the forearm extending therefrom down and the around the arm and having an inner end portion attaching to the grip end portion of the handle portion beneath the palm of one's hand. When the blade portion is pressed down on the windshield while the grip end portion is grasped beneath the palm of the hand, the wrist is prevented from bending up by downward pressure of the arm cover on the top side portion of the arm. In a preferred aspect of this invention the arm brace portion extends down and around opposite lateral sides of the arm so that when the blade portion is pressed down on the windshield the scraper does not tend to twist around the arm.
US07930787B2
In a washing machine comprising a tub, an agitator, and a pressure sensor, a size of a fabric load may be determined and/or an operational water level may be set based on an amount of water supplied to reach a first level in the tub and on variation in an output from the pressure sensor during agitation of the water and fabric load with the water at a second level in the tub.
US07930784B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus to be used as an alternative infant mattress having a curved top surface which is formed based on a curve comprising a segment of sine wave and a segment of tail line. The segment of sine wave preferably consists of a partial wave crest and a full wave trough. The length of the apparatus is preferably identical to the wave length of the sine wave.
US07930782B2
A tear and fatigue resistant gels, gel composites, and gel articles including collapsible articles having two or more communicating internal volumes like cavities when depressed by external pressure or force is capable of collapsing unto itself in a controllable and directionally preselected manner by venting static air within said internal through openings in said gel article, said gel of said article having rigidity of from about 20 gram Bloom to about 1,800 gram Bloom suitable for cushioning, cushioning composites, cushioning gel liners, cushioning composite gel liners, and other uses of selected shape gels, gel composites, and articles.
US07930774B2
System for creating a liquid motion in a pool comprising: a means for introducing intermittently a gas into the liquid a gas flow means adapted for increasing the pressure of the gas, said increase resulting in gas flow and a control means for controlling the flow of the gas at the end opening of the end piping assembly at least in function of the height of the liquid.
US07930771B2
A protective helmet is described comprising: an outer layer (1); an inner layer (5) for contact with a head of a wearer; and an intermediate layer (3, 4) comprising an anisotropic cellular material comprising cells having cell walls, the anisotropic cellular material having a relatively low resistance against deformation resulting from tangential forces on the helmet. The anisotropic material can be a foam or honeycomb material. The foam is preferably a closed cell foam. The helmet allows tangential impacts to the helmet which cause less rotational acceleration or deceleration of the head of the wearer compared to helmets using isotropic foams while still absorbing a significant amount of rotational energy.
US07930770B2
The invention provides a panty realizing easy fit of a sanitary napkin for night use to a crotch portion, preventing the napkin from shifting out of position, alleviating digging into the crotch portion, and thus being comfortable to wear without giving feeling of constriction to the wearer. The panty includes a front part, a back part, a crotch part provided so as to bridge between the front part and the back part, a slightly elastic member is provided at the substantially center area of the back part, a highly elastic member is provided from a back parts lifting member to the entire area of the front part except for the waist hold part, a fixing member is provided on the substantially center area of the front part, a crotch lifting member is provided at the substantially center area of the crotch part.
US07934256B2
The present invention offers an electronic device that reduces the amount of data for communication required when files pertaining to software are to be updated, as compared to the conventional devices, and performs tamper detection. The present invention is an electronic device having an application file pertaining to an operation of application software and updating the application file via a network. The electronic device (i) stores therein the application file including one or more data pieces, (ii) receives, from an external apparatus via the network, update data and location information indicating a location, within the application file, which is for rewrite with the update data, (iii) rewrites only part of the application file by writing over a data piece present at the indicated location with the update data, to update the application file, and (iv) examines whether the updated application file has been tampered with.
US07934250B2
A method for authenticating a device including the steps of measuring at least one performance parameter of the device to obtain a measurement; and comparing the measurement of the at least one performance parameter with a previously stored measurement of the at least one performance parameter to determine an identity of the device. An apparatus and an article of manufacture for authenticating a device is also disclosed.
US07934249B2
Apparatus, methods, and computer program products are disclosed that determine Rights to an entity. The disclosed technology maintains data structures representing a set of entities. These entities include protected-entities and sensitivity-entities. Each of the sensitivity-entities is associated with a respective sensitivity access-control-list. The sensitivity-entities include a first sensitivity-entity that is associated with a first sensitivity-access-control-list. A first protected-entity being one of one or more of the protected-entities associated with the first sensitivity-entity. The technology evaluates Rights to the first protected-entity with respect to the first sensitivity-access-control-list and enables access to the first protected-entity responsive to the Rights evaluation and presents the first protected-entity when access is enabled.
US07934234B2
In a digital television system, a receiver/decoder (or “set-top-box”) can download one or more of several applications which can be run by the receiver/decoder to provide interactivity with the user. The applications include: an Internet browser application which uses a PSTN connection to make Internet requests and the television signal path to receive Internet responses; a shopping application operable in an “impulse” mode and a “catalogue” mode; a banking application; a quiz application which runs in synchronization with a quiz television programme; a magazine browser application; and a weather or traffic application.
US07934233B2
A method for providing complementary information 226 for a video program is provided that includes receiving complementary information 226 for a video program. A query is received from a consumer. The query is related to a specified portion of the complementary information 226. A query response is provided to the consumer based on the specified portion of the complementary information 226.
US07934229B1
A security module interfaces with a set of infection repair modules. Each repair module can perform a specific repair of an infection. Some of the repair modules utilize context information about the computer, such as the availability of a non-infected backup file. Further, the repairs performed by some repair modules are fine-grained while repairs of other repair modules are coarse-grained. The security module identifies malicious software infecting a computer and generates an infection object for each infection. The security module selectively routes the infection objects to the repair modules. In response, the repair modules provide repair objects representing repairs that the repair modules can perform on the infection. The repair objects have scores describing their thoroughness and complexity. The security module ranks the repair objects based on their scores and selects certain repairs for repairing the malicious software infections.
US07934226B2
An optical pickup apparatus comprising: a photo detector configured to receive light reflected from a medium; a housing mounted with the photo detector; and a projecting portion projecting from the housing, the projecting portion including a displacement preventer configured to prevent displacement of the photo detector or an adhesive relative to the housing, the displacement preventer including a fixing portion formed to extend along a plurality of directions, the photo detector being provided on the housing by applying the adhesive to the displacement preventer.
US07934222B2
A system, method and computer-readable medium for adapting command line output message streams in a virtualized command line interface (CLI) environment. In accordance with the method of the present invention, a virtualized CLI command is entered and executed. The virtualized CLI command encapsulates a guest operating system command having an associated standard output message. In response to executing the virtualized CLI command, the standard output message is piped to an output message file. Within the standard output message file, a structured array is used to search the standard output message for matches between strings within the standard output message and one or more specified message strings identified in the structured array. In response to finding a match between the specified message strings and the strings within the standard output message, the specified message string within the standard output message is replaced with a replacement message string.
US07934221B2
An approach is provided for proactive notification of contract changes in a software service. According to the approach, when the executable code of a composite application operable to access the service is generated, an initial copy of a contract that describes the service is retrieved. A baseline representation of the contract is generated based on the initial copy of the contract. When the composite application is being executed, a determination is made based on the baseline representation whether the contract has experienced any changes. In response to determining that the contract has experienced a change, a notification is sent indicating that the contract has experienced the change.
US07934220B2
An operating system directed to using special properties of a common inter-process communications mechanism (IPC), namely UNIX domain socket-pairs or stream-pipes alternatively as a storage medium for file-descriptors of UNIX processes. When a file-descriptor is written into a socket-pair, and closed in the UNIX process, the file remains open, but occupies no space in the process' file-table. The file-descriptor may later be read out of the socket-pair to reestablish it in the file-table, and access it. This property is implemented in an IPC mechanism of UNIX operating system whereby a process such as a dispatcher may manage more connections and processes than its file-table size allow. This provides scalability improvements of the UNIX operating system.
US07934219B2
The addition of process agents into an application system allows a much simpler integration between business objects by placing the integrating components into separate, independently updateable process agents. Process agents observe business objects with which they are associated and communicate with other process agents. Alternatively, process agents may be notified by business objects to perform communication activities. Thus, a business object may be designed, operated, or updated with complete independence from the surrounding structure of the application system. The logic, application code, and integration components that require specific changes or design in response to changes in the overall application system or real world conditions are placed in the process agent objects, allowing them to be updated, modified or integrated freely without any changes to business objects within the system.
US07934217B2
Aspects of the present invention relate to systems, methods and devices for providing remote file structure data access to an imaging device user interface. Some aspects relate to methods and systems wherein a request for file structure data is sent from an imaging device (IDev) to a remote computing device (RCD) that is capable of retrieving and converting file structure data. Some aspects relate to reading the file structure data of a remote resource and converting that file structure data to a format that is compatible with an IDev user interface (UI). The converted file structure data may then be received by the IDev and displayed at the IDev UI.
US07934206B2
A service level executable environment (SLEE) in a telecommunications network linking a PSTN and a packet (e.g., IP) network is provided. The SLEE includes a scripting language, a compiler adapted to compile scripts written with said scripting language into executables, and a plurality of dynamically loaded shared libraries, wherein the dynamically loaded shared libraries are distributed over the IP network and executables can utilize dynamically loaded shared libraries from different locations in the IP network.
US07934205B2
A method of restructuring a source computer program to a target computer program. A defined source computer program has source code. A set of tasks is defined for the source computer program to be performed by the source computer program. For each task, a corresponding set of input data sets is defined. For each input data set, a corresponding set of programs is determined such that each program in the set of programs includes declarations and executable statements, from the source code of the source computer program, required to execute the task in each input data set. Each set of programs is processed to generate a component that executes the respective task, resulting in generation of a set of components. A target computer program is generated from the set of components.
US07934203B2
During program code conversion, such as in a dynamic binary translator, automatic code generation provides target code 21 executable by a target processor 13. Multiple instruction ports 610 disperse a group of instructions to functional units 620 of the processor 13. Disclosed is a mechanism of preparing an instruction group 606 using a plurality of pools 700 having a hierarchical structure 711-715. Each pool represents a different overlapping subset of the issue ports 610. Placing an instruction 600 into a particular pool 700 also reduces vacancies in any one or more subsidiary pools in the hierarchy. In a preferred embodiment, a counter value 702 is associated with each pool 700 to track vacancies. A valid instruction group 606 is formed by picking the placed instructions 600 from the pools 700. The instruction groups are generated accurately and automatically. Decoding errors and stalls are minimized or completely avoided.
US07934200B2
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to scenario testing of an application under test and provide a method, system and computer program product for enhanced scenario testing. In one embodiment of the invention, a scenario testing data processing system can include an action recorder configured to activate each of recording and playback sessions in an application user interface. The system also can include an application communicatively coupled to the action recorder and the content browser. The application can include one or more controllers, each controller corresponding to one of the sessions. Finally, the system can include an action engine disposed in each of the controllers, each action engine including program code enabled both to create and execute actions based upon requests received in a recording session for interactions in the application user interface, and also to create and execute actions based upon action descriptors in a playback file identified during a playback session in the application user interface.
US07934193B2
A computer-implemented method of processing a module specification to produce a module definition is disclosed. A module consists of a collection of interrelated classes for object-oriented programming. A module specification is an object-oriented data structure, the elements of which correspond to classes of a meta-module. A module definition is a collection of class definitions and other expressions in an object-oriented programming language. The module specification includes unitary and categorical class specifications. The class specifications include member specifications. The module definition may include definitions for a unitary host class, a unitary viewer class, a unitary editor class, and categorical class definitions corresponding to the categorical class specifications.
US07934173B2
A method of inserting dummy patterns includes providing a window area comprising a main pattern. The main pattern includes first patterns of a first type of features, and second patterns of a second type of features. The first and the second types are different types. The method further includes globally inserting first dummy patterns throughout the window area, wherein the first dummy patterns are dummy patterns of the first type of features; enlarging the main pattern to generate an enlarged main pattern, wherein the enlarged main pattern occupies an enlarged region of the window area; removing the portion of the first dummy patterns in the enlarged region from the first dummy patterns to generate first inversed dummy patterns; and combining the first patterns in the main pattern with the first inversed dummy patterns to generate first mask patterns for the first type of features.
US07934156B2
Deletion gestures for use on a portable multifunction device with a touch-sensitive display are disclosed. In some embodiments, a computer-implemented method for use in conjunction with the portable multifunction device comprises displaying a list of items on the touch-sensitive display, detecting a first gesture on the touch-sensitive display to edit the list of items, responding to the first gesture by displaying a first icon next to each deletable item in the list, detecting a second gesture on the touch-sensitive display to select one of the deletable items, and responding to the second gesture by displaying a second icon next to the selected item. If a third gesture on the second icon is detected, the selected deletable item is deleted. If a fourth gesture on the first icon next to the selected deletable item is detected, the second icon is deleted.
US07934148B2
Systems and methods are provided for storing a mark-up language file and delivering the file from a network server to a user's computer via a packet switched data network using a hyper-text transfer protocol (HTTP). The mark-up language file is stored in a storage area accessible by the network server, wherein the file contains information personal to the user. A notification is transmitted to the user's computer, wherein the notification serves to notify the user of the availability of the file. In response to a user request made in response to the notification, the mark-up language file is transmitted from the network server to the user's computer, via the packet switched data network, using the HTTP.
US07934146B2
Methods, apparatus and computer program products are provided for encoding and/or decoding a data block. The method for encoding a data block includes the steps of: providing an information block of size k, I=(i0, i1, . . . i(k−l); and encoding the information block into a low-density parity-check (LDPC) codeword c of size n, c=(i0, i1, . . . i(k−l), p0, p1, . . . , p(n−k−l)), by adding n−k parity bits obtained so that H·cT=0, where H is an (n−k)×n parity-check matrix.
US07934144B2
A method and system using the principle of generalized maximum likelihood estimation to resolve sample timing uncertainties that are associated with the decoding of communication signals. By using generalized maximum likelihood estimation, sample timing uncertainty can be resolved by taking multiple samples of the received signal within a symbol period and determining which sample best corresponds to the optimal sample timing. The sample which best corresponds to the optimal sample timing can be determined from a timing index which can be calculated from ambiguity indicators that are based on the samples of the received signal.
US07934142B2
In an encoding and/or decoding method utilizing a self-orthogonal Quasi-Cyclic (QC) code whose parity check matrix is expressed by at least one circulant matrix, a code sequence is generated which satisfies a check matrix. The check matrix is designed so that a column weight w of each circulant matrix is three or larger and a minimum hamming distance of the code is w+2 or larger.
US07934141B2
A method of transmitting data according to a data transmission protocol wherein the data is transmitted as a plurality of data frames and each data frame includes an error checking field comprising at least two sub-fields, the data of the first sub-field being formed by a first error checking method performed on data of the frame and the data of the second sub-field being formed by a second error checking method performed on the said data of the frame, the first and second methods being such that the data of the first sub-field has different error checking properties from those of the data of the second sub-field.
US07934134B2
A method for performing a logical built-in self-test of an integrated circuit is disclosed. The method includes performing a flush and scan test to determine whether the scan chains function correctly. If one of the scan chains does not function correctly, the logical built-in self-test is terminated. If each of the scan chains functions correctly, a structural test of the design-for-test logic supporting LBIST is performed to determine whether the LBIST design-for-test logic functions correctly. If the LBIST design-for-test logic does not function correctly, the logical built-in self-test is terminated. If the LBIST design-for-test logic functions correctly, a level sensitive scan design test of the functional combinational logic is performed using the logic supporting LBIST design-for-test to determine if the integrated circuit functions correctly.
US07934128B2
Methods, systems and computer program products for architecting fault tolerant applications. Embodiments of the invention include a method for executing an application in a computer system, the method including monitoring a behavior of the computer system, the computer system having a subsystem in an operating system of the computer system, in response to encountering a problem in the computer system, performing switching the application from a normal mode of operation to a critical mode of operation, executing the application in the critical mode of operation, determining if the computer system has returned to the normal mode of operation, in response to the computer system returning to the normal mode of operation switching the application to execute in the normal mode and executing the application in the normal mode of operation.
US07934121B2
A method and apparatus for transparently replacing a processor, that receives interrupts in a partitioned computing device, with a replacement processor, is disclosed. The method comprises directing the interrupts to an unchangeable identifier mapped to the processor's identifier and replacing the processor with the replacement processor. An intermediary, such as an I/O APIC, is used for storing the unchangeable identifier. The mapping may use logical mode delivery, physical mode delivery, or interrupt mapping.
US07934117B2
Systems and methods that provide for assignment and recovery of tokens as part of a plurality of nodes and distributed application framework/network. The assignment component assigns numbers and tasks to candidates and facilitates multiple leader election. Moreover, a recovery component can recover a token for a node that leaves the network (e.g., crashes). Such recovery component ensures consistency, wherein only one server is assigned recovery of the token and associated tasks.
US07934116B2
A framework and method for use in determining appropriate information technology system disaster recovery and operational continuity solutions for an enterprise. In one embodiment the method includes identifying (504) business processes associated with achieving a defined mission of the enterprise. Assets of the information technology system are grouped (508) into one or more functional sub-system/data class groups and one or more of the business processes are selected. The functional sub-system/data class groups are mapped (524) to the selected business processes to establish a correspondence between each selected business process and one or more of the functional sub-system/data class groups. Thereafter, each functional sub-system/data class group corresponding with each selected business process is associated (602) with a solution class included in a three-dimensional disruption tolerance decision matrix.
US07934113B2
A digital circuit may have at least two asynchronous clock domains with a controller responsive to a first domain clock signal and a target responsive to a second domain clock signal. A first domain control signal pulse is generated in response to the first domain clock signal for controlling the target. Each assertion the first domain control signal pulse is detected and used to form a second domain control signal pulse synchronized to the second domain clock signal. The target is controlled using the second domain control signal pulse. If the target is a clear-on-read register, contents of the clear-on-read register are latched in a feedback register in response to the first domain control signal pulse and provided to the controller. Each bit of the clear-on-read register is reset in response to the second domain control signal pulse only if the corresponding latched content of each bit in the feedback register is a logical one.
US07934110B2
A technique to dynamically maintain the thermal levels of a plurality of cores of a processing system by interleave core hopping with throttling techniques. The interleaving logic may transfer execution of threads from a hot core to a cold if core hopping is applicable. Core hopping may be applicable if there exist a cold core to which the execution of threads can be assigned to from a hot core and if the rate of occurrence of core hopping is within an allowable rate value. The interleaving logic may apply throttling techniques if core hopping is not applicable. The throttling techniques may throttle the throttling parameters, which may comprise voltage, frequency, and micro-architecture throttling parameters provided to the hot core if the core hopping is not applicable.
US07934098B1
An electronic signature capture system and process meets the legal requirements of a valid electronic signature while also providing electronically signed documents that have the appearance, and thus equivalent acceptability, of a traditional pen-and-ink signature. The documents can be signed using a mouse, a stylus, a touch screen, a graphics tablet, or other suitable input device to draw a signature analogue on the screen similar to signing a paper document with a pen. A fingerprint image, retinal scan image, or other similar biometric input may be captured in addition to or instead of a signature. The signature analogue is saved and linked to a particular user and to particular documents. The signature analogue may be combined with the document in a composite image file, or the signature analogue may be applied dynamically to appropriate document components to assemble an executed document as needed.
US07934092B2
An electronic device comprising an embedded computer system is provided. The device comprises a processor supporting a real-time operating system (RTOS). The processor further supports user and supervisor modes. The computer system is programmed such that only code portions directly controlling essential hardware in the device are run in supervisor mode.
US07934090B2
A method provides for control of access to network resources. A virtual identity machine resides in the network and is pre-authorized to access certain network resources. End users desiring access to those network resources attempt to logically connect to the virtual identity machines. If the logical connection attempt is successful, then the end user assumes the virtual identity of the virtual identity machine and has access to all of the same information that was available to the virtual identity machine.
US07934078B2
An system and method for retiring instructions in a superscalar microprocessor which executes a program comprising a set of instructions having a predetermined program order, the retirement system for simultaneously retiring groups of instructions executed in or out of order by the microprocessor. The retirement system comprises a done block for monitoring the status of the instructions to determine which instruction or group of instructions have been executed, a retirement control block for determining whether each executed instruction is retirable, a temporary buffer for storing results of instructions executed out of program order, and a register array for storing retirable-instruction results. In addition, the retirement control block further controls the retiring of a group of instructions determined to be retirable, by simultaneously transferring their results from the temporary buffer to the register array, and retires instructions executed in order by storing their results directly in the register array. The method comprises the steps of monitoring the status of the instructions to determine which group of instructions have been executed, determining whether each executed instruction is retirable, storing results of instructions executed out of program order in a temporary buffer, storing retirable-instruction results in a register array and retiring a group of retirable instructions by simultaneously transferring their results from the temporary buffer to the register array, and retiring instructions executed in order by storing their results directly in the register array.
US07934075B2
A computer array (10) has a plurality of computers (12). The computers (12) communicate with each other asynchronously and operate in a generally asynchronous manner internally. When one computer (12) attempts to communicate with another it goes to sleep until the other computer (12) is ready to complete the transaction, thereby saving power and reducing heat production. The instructions executed by the computers (12) can include a micro-loop (100) which is capable of performing a series of operations repeatedly. In one application, the sleeping computer (12) is awakened by an input such that it commences an action that would otherwise required an interrupt of an otherwise active computer. For example, one computer (12f) can be used to monitor an input/output port of the computer array (10).
US07934061B2
Methods, systems, and media for reducing memory latency seen by processors by providing a measure of control over on-chip memory (OCM) management to software applications, implicitly and/or explicitly, via an operating system are contemplated. Many embodiments allow part of the OCM to be managed by software applications via an application program interface (API), and part managed by hardware. Thus, the software applications can provide guidance regarding address ranges to maintain close to the processor to reduce unnecessary latencies typically encountered when dependent upon cache controller policies. Several embodiments utilize a memory internal to the processor or on a processor node so the memory block used for this technique is referred to as OCM.
US07934055B2
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a shared, front-end, distributed redundant array of independent drives (“RAID”). A multiple storage request receiver module receives at least two storage requests from at least two clients to store file or object data in one or more storage devices of a storage device set. The storage requests are concurrent and have at least a portion of the data in common. The storage device set includes autonomous storage devices forming a RAID group. Each storage device is capable of independently receiving storage requests from a client over a network. A striping module calculates a stripe pattern and writes N data segments per stripe to N storage devices. A parity-mirror module writes a set of N data segments to parity-mirror storage devices. A sequencer module ensures completion of a first storage request prior to executing a second storage request.
US07934039B2
A device suitable for use as a module in a Controller Area Network (CAN) system with a bus or connection includes relatively simple and inexpensive components, including an oscillator that generates a number of different frequencies in response to directions from a microcomputer. A CAN Controller receiving the frequencies is connected to the bus via a transceiver. The device has utility for verification and validation work in association with a CAN system.
US07934031B2
An asynchronous logic family of circuits which communicate on delay-insensitive flow-controlled channels with 4-phase handshakes and 1 of N encoding, compute output data directly from input data using domino logic, and use the state-holding ability of the domino logic to implement pipelining without additional latches.
US07934030B1
A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk, a head actuated over the disk, and a read channel for processing a read signal generated by the head. The disk drive further comprises a plurality of code segments including a read channel interface procedure having an input parameter comprising a pointer to a data structure. The data structure comprises a command ID identifying one of a plurality of routines, input data for use by the routine identified by the command ID, a pointer to a data structure for use by the routine identified by the command ID, and output data returned by the routine identified by the command ID.
US07934022B2
A system for deriving connectivity information among telecommunications devices. The system includes a system including a database identifying the telecommunications devices and ports associated with each of the telecommunications devices. A bus master consolidation point (BMCP) is in communication with the system over a network. A data and power consolidation point (DPCP) is in communication with the BMCP over a first bus connection. A patch panel is in communication with the DPCP over a second bus connection, the patch panel including a controller for transmitting and receiving port identification data. The patch panel forwards received port identification data to the DPCP over the second bus connection, the DPCP forwards receiving port identification data to the BMCP over the first bus connection and the BMCP the forwards port identification data to the system over the network. The system correlates received port identification data with the database to determine connectivity among the telecommunications devices.
US07934020B1
A virtual computer system, including one or more virtual machines (VMs), is connected to a computer network by multiple network interface cards (NICs). The VMs are supported by a kernel, which includes a resource manager for allocating system resources among the VMs, including network data bandwidth. A NIC manager is loaded into the kernel as a driver or is integrated into the kernel, for selecting NICs over which outgoing network data is transferred, including providing functions such as failovers and failbacks, as well as load distribution. Implementing the NIC manager in the kernel provides NIC teaming functions to each of the VMs without having to implement a NIC teaming solution in each of the VMs, adding to the simplicity, flexibility and portability of the VMs. In addition, integrating the NIC manager into the kernel improves the kernel's ability to manage the VMs and to implement network resource allocations for the VMs.
US07934017B2
Methods and systems for providing transparent access between computing systems connected to separate networks are provided. Example embodiments provide Grid Location Services (“GLS”) which, in one embodiment integrates multicast DNS (mDNS) technologies with DNS technology to achieve transparent configurability of servers. In one example, an Application Workspace System “AWS” provides a GLS module that transparently provides for the reconfiguration of computing systems, when an AWS service is added, removed, or fails, without reconfiguring all the entities that use those services. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US07934015B2
A system and method for addressing a mobile device in an IP-based wireless network is provided. Push service providers prepare data for transmission to the mobile device using a first IP address. The addressed data is then transmitted to a push proxy. The push proxy obtains a network identifier that is permanently associated with the wireless mobile device using the first IP address. The network identifier is then used by the push proxy to obtain a second IP address that is temporarily associated with the wireless mobile device. Using this second IP address, the data from the push proxy is then addressed and transmitted to the wireless mobile device via a tunnel created through the wireless network using the second IP address.
US07934013B2
Systems and methods for transporting client data received at a first rate over an interconnect at a second, higher rate, wherein the client data is combined with dummy data according to a pattern that minimizes the amount of buffer space required to store the received client data. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving client data at the first rate, buffering the client data, retrieving the client data, combining the client data with dummy data according to the pattern, and transmitting the combined data at the second rate. The pattern comprises K blocks, of which a first number contain P w-bytes of client data, and of which the remainder contain P+1 w-bytes of client data. The remainder of the space in the blocks is stuffed with dummy data. The pattern may also include a residual slot that contains one or more bytes of client data.
US07934003B2
Method and system for performance monitoring of distributed applications. A sensor intercepts every request of service for a server that is generated on a client. If the request meets a filtering condition (for example, defined by the address of the server, the web page from which the request is originated and/or the selected link) the measuring of a corresponding transaction on the client is enabled; at the same time, the request is updated by inserting a correlator. The request is then transmitted to the server. If the request includes the correlator, the measuring of a sub-transaction originating from the request is also enabled on the server. The parameters measured on the client and on the server are then associated with the correlator.
US07933988B2
An arrangement which jointly exploits an agent component installed in a server-side portion of client-server architecture for emulating requests of actual clients of the client-server architecture and measuring a server execution time indicative of a time elapsed between reception of an emulated end-user request at a server component and generation of a result of said emulated end-user request at said server component; information stored in a server log file about a hit end to end response time, i.e., the time elapsed between the instant in which the end-user sends a request to the server component and the instant in which result of the request reaches the end-user. From the server execution time and the hit response time, the delay due to the network connecting the server-side portion of the client-server architecture to a client-side portion may be determined. The network delay and the server execution time are then used for monitoring performance of the client-server architecture by distinguishing network related problems from server-related problems or even from client-related problems.
US07933987B2
Server virtualization technology is applied to virtualize and encapsulate all unique information of a server as an image that is stored on a storage area network at one site and replicated on a storage area network at another site to provide high availability of system resources and data recovery capabilities. In one embodiment, a virtualized server system (100) includes a primary site (110), a secondary site (130), and a computer executable control application (150). The primary site (110) includes a storage area network (112), at least one primary virtual server platform (114), and at least one primary virtual server stored as at least one image (116) on the storage area network (112). The control application (150) directs replication of the primary virtual server image (116) onto a storage area network (132) at the secondary site (130) to create a corresponding replicated virtual server image (138). The control application (150) also monitors operation of the primary virtual server platform (114) and associates the replicated virtual server image (138) with a secondary virtual server (134) at the secondary site (130) in the event that a problem is detected with the primary site virtual server (114).
US07933985B2
A method and system are provided for use in detecting and preventing attacks in a communications network. In one example, the method includes calculating first and second traffic volumes based on messages received at a first time and a second time, respectively. An average acceleration is calculated based on the first and second traffic volumes, and the method identifies whether the average acceleration has crossed a threshold. The messages are serviced only if the average acceleration has not crossed the threshold.
US07933971B2
There is described a method of communicating over a public data network, for example the Internet. A user of a public PC, for example one located in an Internet café, uses the Internet browser provided on the public PC to downloaded from a remote trusted web site a secure Internet browser that then runs within the browser provided on the public PC. The user uses the secure Internet browser to browse the Internet. The secure browser has been configured so that no copy of information transmitted into the network or downloaded from the network is cached or otherwise recorded on the hard disc of the terminal. The user may thus browse the Internet without leaving a record of sensitive information (e.g. credit card details) used in the browsing session at the public terminal.
US07933969B2
A method for providing a provider-selected message in response to a user request for user-selected information is disclosed. The method includes receiving a request from a client program for user-selected information. If a provider-selected message has not been previously transmitted to the client program, the method further includes transmitting provider-selected information to the client program. If a provider-selected message has been previously transmitted to the client program, the method further includes transmitting the user-selected information. In one embodiment, the method also includes receiving a second request from the client program for the user-selected information after the provider-selected information is displayed for a limited time.
US07933962B1
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for reducing reliance on a central data store while maintaining idempotency in a multi-client, multi-server environment. During operation, the system receives a request to perform a transaction from a client at a server, wherein the request includes a request identifier and an idempotence-risk flag. The system then determines if the idempotence-risk flag is set. If not, the system: processes the request at the server to produce a result, and stores the request in a request-cache local to the server. The system also stores the request in the central data store, and returns the result to the client.
US07933952B2
Embodiments are provided to enable a collaborative authoring of a document or other data structure. In an embodiment, a system includes a number of components configured to structure a collaborative authoring process. The components of the system can be used to define a number of sections, roles, and other collaboration parameters associated with a collaboration effort. A workspace can be provisioned to allow participants to interact with the document based in part on a number of permissions. Components of the system can be used to communicate a customized document to the participants based in part on an associated role and other collaboration parameters. Other embodiments and collaborative functionality are available.
US07933951B2
Communication traffic redirection systems and methods are disclosed that allow for redirection of communication traffic over the Internet based, at least in part, on the type of higher-level communication protocol intended to be used. The systems and methods permit redirection of only certain types of communication traffic of interest for example HTTP traffic, while permitting other types of communication, for example SMTP traffic, to pass without redirection. The systems and method can employ a training and dynamic feedback procedure to ensure only traffic of interest is redirected. The systems and methods provide efficient redirection of specific types of traffic to redirect landing pages, and allow for efficient methods of generating revenue through advertising.
US07933947B2
A method is described that involves identifying which session a received request pertains to. The method also involves referring to information maintained for the session. The information comprises first information that identifies a queue that provides notifications of requests to a worker node that is assigned to handle the session. The method also involves entering a request for a session into a shared memory. The method also involves entering a notification of the request into the queue. The method also involves, after failure of the worker node, retracting the notification from the queue, and, identifying a new worker node to handle the session with a load balancing algorithm.
US07933944B2
An approach that efficiently solves for a desired parameter of a system or device that can include both electrically large fast multipole method (FMM) elements, and electrically small QR elements. The system or device is setup as an oct-tree structure that can include regions of both the FMM type and the QR type. An iterative solver is then used to determine a first matrix vector product for any electrically large elements, and a second matrix vector product for any electrically small elements that are included in the structure. These matrix vector products for the electrically large elements and the electrically small elements are combined, and a net delta for a combination of the matrix vector products is determined. The iteration continues until a net delta is obtained that is within predefined limits. The matrix vector products that were last obtained are used to solve for the desired parameter.
US07933941B2
An arithmetic program conversion apparatus, an arithmetic program conversion program and an arithmetic program conversion method that can convert the floating-point arithmetic of an arithmetic program into a fixed-point arithmetic without degrading the accuracy. The apparatus comprises a profile section that uses as object variables the floating-point type variables of an arithmetic program for performing floating-point arithmetic operations, alters the arithmetic program so as to output the changes in the values of the object variables as history at the time of executing the arithmetic program in order to provide a first program, executes the first program and detects the range of value of the object variables according to the history obtained as a result of the execution and a conversion section that alters the arithmetic program according to the ranges of value of the object variables as detected by the profile section so as to convert the object variables into fixed-point type variables in order to provide a second program, executes the second program and determines if the accuracy of the outcome of the execution of the second program meets the predefined and required accuracy level or not.
US07933938B2
A file storage system, a file storing method, and a file searching method. In the file storing method, a single file to be stored is classified into at least one or more objects, and the classified objects are classified into pages with a serial number. One storage device to record the file is selected among a plurality of storage devices connected through a network. One object is allocated to the selected storage device. Pages configuring the file of the object allocated to the selected storage device are stored. When all pages of the file are not stored, the remaining pages are stored by allocating new object to a new storage device. Metadata for managing information about the storage of the file is set. Accordingly, the file can be stored over several disks. In addition, the overall system performance can be increased by setting the file information in the object metadata simply using the least resources.
US07933933B2
Techniques for implementing fast loading of binary XML into a binary XML database repository are provided. A client application reduces the processing burden on the repository by doing pre-processing of the binary XML data prior to loading.
US07933932B2
The subject disclosure pertains to systems and methods that generate a simulation database based upon a source database. The simulation database can be populated using a schema and statistics obtained from the source database. After population, the simulation database can be statistically similar to the source database, facilitating testing, analysis, support and database design. More particularly, data distribution histograms can be used to generate data to populate the simulation database. At the same time, the referential integrity can be maintained.
US07933929B1
A markup language is provided that facilitates communication between servers and clients of an interactive geographic information system (GIS, which enables a number of GIS features, such as network links (time-based and/or view-dependent dynamic data layers), ground overlays, screen overlays, placemarks, 3D models, and stylized GIS elements, such as geometry, icons, description balloons, polygons, and labels in the viewer by which the user sees the target area. Also, “virtual tours” of user-defined paths in the context of distributed geospatial visualization is enabled. Streaming and interactive visualization of filled polygon data are also enabled thereby allowing buildings and other such features to be provided in 3D. Also, techniques for enabling ambiguous search requests in a GIS are provided.
US07933924B2
A document object includes informational elements and at least one attribute corresponding to a first document, and a sub-object corresponding to a second document. The sub-object includes informational elements and at least one attribute corresponding to the second document. Optionally, the second document may be a subset of the first document. Any of the attributes may include elements such as an access right, operation, informational element, internal state indicator and/or work low instruction. The document object is stored in a manner such that when the document object is decompressed, the sub-object remains compressed until it is also decompressed.
US07933919B2
One-pass sampling is employed within a hierarchically organized structure to efficiently and expeditiously respond to sensor inquires. Identification of relevant sensors and sampling of those sensors is combined and performed in a single pass. Oversampling can also be employed to ensure a target sample size is met where some sensors fail or are otherwise unavailable. Further yet, sensor data can be cached and utilized to hasten processing as well as compensate for occasional sensor unavailability.
US07933916B2
A nonSQL index containing data associated with a social networking network is queried with a nonSQL query generated from a SQL query. A query translation component parses the SQL query for query parameters specifying requested data and identifies a type of the nonSQL index based on the nonSQL index. The query translation component generates a nonSQL query based on the query parameters and the type of nonSQL index and queries the nonSQL index with the generated nonSQL query to search for the requested data. The query translation component receives a nonSQL result set from the nonSQL index based on the nonSQL query and then transforms the nonSQL result set into a SQL result set based on the type of nonSQL index and the received SQL query.
US07933912B2
A bioinformatics method, software, database and system for compiling attribute combinations that co-associate with a query attribute (i.e., an attribute of interest) are presented in which expanded attribute profiles associated with a group of query-attribute-positive individuals and expanded attribute profiles associated with a group of query-attribute-negative individuals are accessed, and combinations of attributes having a higher frequency of occurrence in the set of expanded attribute profiles associated with the group of query-attribute-positive individuals are identified and stored to generate a compilation of attribute combinations that co-associate with the query attribute.
US07933910B2
A data retrieving apparatus having: an input apparatus for inputting the hierarchical structure data showing the hierarchical structure and operation instruction data; a data storing apparatus for storing the inputted hierarchical structure data; a retrieving apparatus for retrieving data which satisfies conditions from the hierarchical structure data stored in the data storing apparatus on the basis of the operation instruction data which is inputted by the input apparatus; and an output apparatus for outputting the retrieved data. Each data which is stored in the data storing apparatus has items regarding an efficient date and items regarding a data change date. The retrieving apparatus has an apparatus for retrieving the data on the basis of the efficient date and the data change date.
US07933909B2
A system and method for improving the linkage and security of records is provided. Generally, the present invention can be viewed as providing methods for selecting an ideal identifier, from a series of test identifiers, for linking more than one associated record. In this regard, one embodiment of such a method, among others, can be broadly summarized by the following steps: accessing several parameters for each test identifier; determining if an error rate of the test identifier is an improved error rate over an error rate of an existing identifier; determining if the test identifier reduces linkage error; and selecting the test identifier as the ideal identifier if the test identifier has a lower overall error rate, as determined by the steps of determining if an error rate of the test identifier is an improved error rate over an error rate of an existing identifier and determining if the test identifier reduces linkage error, compared to other test identifiers.
US07933906B2
Method and system for assessing relevant properties of work contexts for use by information services
An information retrieval system for automatically retrieving information related to the context of an active task being manipulated by a user. The system observes the operation of the active task and user interactions, and utilizes predetermined criteria to generate context representation of the active task that are relevant to the context of the active task. The information retrieval system then processes the context representation to generate queries or search terms for conducting an information search. The information retrieval system determines the relevance of a word to the context by utilizing an adaptive weighting system. The information retrieval system assigns varying weights to different attributes of a word and calculates an accumulated weight of the word by accumulating all weights assigned to the word. The attributes may include word size, style, location of the word, etc. The system then ranks the importance of words based on their respective accumulated weight, and chooses words that rank within a predetermined number from the top to form search terms to conduct an information search using various data sources.
US07933899B2
A method for an online sponsored search system includes storing a database of items. At least some of the items include a keyword and a money amount associated with a respective advertiser. The method further includes receiving information about current user preferences within the online sponsored search system. When the received user information relates to a keyword of an item, the method includes automatically adjusting the money amount of the item based on the received user interest information. In response to a received user query, the method includes identifying items relating to the received user search query and generating a search result list including the related items. The method then includes ordering the related items according to the adjusted money amounts associated with the matching items. In response to the designation of a Web page to receive sponsored advertisements, the method includes identifying items relating to the subject matter of one or more portions of the Web page. In this instance, the method then includes determining which items are to be shown and their placement on the Web page according to the adjusted money amounts associated with the related items.
US07933891B2
A method and system for collecting and reviewing data related to web services receives service criteria from a service requester, selects candidate services that match the service criteria, invokes the selected candidate services, and aggregates results provided by the candidate services. In conjunction with aggregating results, the method and system builds service result objects conforming to a composite schema constructed from the various result schemas. To increase the utility of the aggregated results, metadata such as an invocation timestamp are also attached to each service result object. Result values are inspected and enumerated within a results table that may be used to determine which service result objects contain a particular result value.
US07933883B2
This invention relates to an advertisement machine which provides advertisements to a user searching for desired information within a data network. The machine receives, from a user, a search request including a search argument corresponding to the desired information and searches, based upon the received search argument, a first database having data network related information to generate search results. It also correlating the received search argument to a particular advertisement in a second database having advertisement related information. The search results together with the particular advertisement are provided by the machine to the user.
US07933868B2
A method of removing metadata from a database in a multimode replication system includes establishing a metadata retention period for nodes in the system as well as associating changes with nodes on the system. The system responds to an expiration of the retention period for any one node by analyzing the associated changes and nodes and determining if the change affects data shared with other nodes. If the data is shared with other nodes then the expired retention period node metadata is removed from the system. If the expired metadata retention period node does not share the changes with other nodes, the metadata is not removed. This allows any unique changes to still be entered into the database without adversely affecting other nodes.
US07933845B1
The exemplary embodiment of the present invention will provide computer systems and methods for customizing computer-based value-bearing items, such as, for example, customizing a computer-based postage-indicia-bearing item such as exemplary image-customized computer-based postage label 1 in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, depicted in FIG. 1. With reference to FIG. 1, the exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear an image 2 that would be provided by a corresponding user, namely by the user that orders the customized computer-based postage label. The user may provide image 2 in an electronic form, such as by uploading a digital representation of image 2. In a variation of the exemplary embodiment, a user could alternatively provide a hardcopy image. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will bear a human-readable indication of the country 4 for which the postage is approved. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will also bear a human-readable indication of an amount of postage 5. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will also bear a human-readable identifier (such as a serial number) 6 that will uniquely identify the particular customized computer-based postage label. The exemplary customized computer-based postage label 1 will also bear a machine-readable set of information 7.
US07933844B2
A method for sorting parcels may include reading, during a first sortation pass, machine readable indicia applied to the parcel prior to mailing and at least a portion of delivery address information on a parcel. The method may also include selecting a reference indicium from the machine readable indicia and creating an entry, corresponding to the reference indicia, in a first database, the entry including a portion of the delivery address information for the parcel and a value corresponding to the reference indicium. The method may also include determining whether the delivery address information has a corresponding forwarding order, and, if a corresponding forwarding order exists, modifying the delivery address information in accordance with the forwarding order. The method may include forwarding the entry to a second database different from the first database, the second database corresponding to the delivery address information. The method may include reading the machine readable indicia during a second sortation pass, subsequent to the first, identifying the reference indicium and retrieving the entry corresponding to the reference indicium from the second database, and sorting the parcel according to the portion of the delivery address information in the entry retrieved from the database. The method may also include delivering the parcel to a location corresponding to the delivery address information retrieved from the database, even if the delivery address information differs from the destination address originally applied to the parcel.
US07933842B2
An online card-present transaction system facilitates card-present type transactions with a merchant over a public network. A host system is configured to accept authentication data from a user via an authentication device. The host system, after authenticating a user is configured to retrieve the user's account information from a user database system and translate a user account number into a temporary transaction number. The temporary transaction number is then transmitted directly from the host system to the merchant, thereby eliminating the need for the user to send to the merchant over the internet, the user's transaction account number.
US07933826B2
To electronically authorize and initiate payment, payment information including a date which pre-dates a due date of a payment by an amount of time corresponding to a time period for making payment in a particular manner. The received payment information is displayed in the form of a check, with the date displayed as a date on the check. A user authorization to proceed with the payment is received. An instruction to initiate the payment in the particular manner on the check date is transmitted based on the received user authorization.
US07933820B2
A method and apparatus for collecting property data from sources using a mobile device, such as a tablet pc, and to upload that property data to a database. The property data is then proofed and immediately returned to the searcher using the mobile device for error corrections. If there are no errors, the method and apparatus of the invention saves the data and returns the requested property data to the requester. If there are errors, the method and apparatus of this invention requests revisions from the searcher, proofs the order again, and returns the requested property data to the requester.
US07933817B2
Disclosed are methods of leasing or billing for the usage of a portable suction pump adapted for use in a suction-assisted would treatment system. The pump has means for recording time units corresponding to periods of time when the pump is operating and for providing reports of usage time. The pump further has means for detecting that the wound treatment system is operating normally so as to be compliant with standards for suction wound treatment, and for recording and reporting time of normal operation or compliant usage. The methods include leasing the pump at a payment schedule that is based upon the amount of actual usage time or the amount of compliant usage time. The lease payment may include an amount of pre-paid time units such that unused time units can be credited to a new or renewed lease for a replacement pump. The billing methods can also be based in whole or in part on a planned maintenance schedule for the pump.
US07933812B2
A purchasing entity directs the sourcing of one or more parts in a microprocessor-based method. The microprocessor-based method comprises obtaining over a computer network sourcing information from a primary supplier which identifies one or more third party secondary suppliers for one or more parts in a group of parts, ordering the group of parts from the primary supplier, and then issuing a release to the secondary supplier to ship the part to a predetermined location. A computer system for purchasing parts from a secondary supplier that executes the method is also provided.
US07933810B2
A method for collectively purchasing a gift in a social network environment is described. A request is received to establish a gift account, a recipient user of the social network environment is designated to receive the gift, and the gift is selected. Money is received from a plurality of contributing users for deposit into the gift account, and the selected gift is purchased using the money deposited in the gift account. The purchased gift is then provided to the recipient user.
US07933802B2
A method for storing Internet advertisements at a user computer includes receiving plural Internet advertisements at the user computer. Some of the advertisements are tagged using a hypertext markup language (html) tag. An Internet browser within the computer determines which received advertisements are tagged and saves them within the computer. The saved advertisements are then displayed for a user to review later, e.g., in response to a button being toggled.
US07933794B2
A method and system for ADI (Active Dependency Integration) provides an information and execution model for the description of enterprise systems, solutions and services. It supports the modeling of various entities and business components (e.g. event, disk, application, activity, business process), the information that is associated with them (i.e. schema), and the semantic relationships among them (e.g. dependency between a business component and other business components and events). The ADI execution model monitors and manages business components and the relationships among them. It automatically updates business components information in response to events occurrences and constraints violations, and propagates changes in business components to other business components according to the dependency model.
US07933790B2
This web enabled system is capable of facilitating the management of unlimited projects within which an unlimited number of parties may participate to complete an unlimited number of stages, substages and tasks. The system facilitates the efficient disbursal of monies while reducing the inefficiencies that result when money is not timely disbursed. It uses a quasi-escrow system to secure waivers and distribute money simultaneously. Projected timelines for completion, tracking of materials used and materials stored, and partial payments and releases are all managed by the system based on inputs by participating parties. Allowed inputs are governed by each party's function and the password security level provided therefore, in balance with checks against required approvals or releases by other affected parties and intrasystem consistency checks.
US07933789B2
A method and system for accessing declined invitations is provided. The method includes receiving notification of an available time slot, retrieving stored declined event invitations, and presenting the declined event invitations to a user. The user can accept of a previously declined event invitation for the available time slot. When the user receives an event invitation and declines the event invitation, the method includes saving the declined event invitation to a data store from which it may be retrieved. Stored declined event invitations are deleted once the time of the event has passed.
US07933786B2
An insurance claim processing system may include an insurance claim database, an event processor component, a task engine component and a collaborative intelligent task processor. The insurance claim database may be configured to store and provide access to data in a data record that is related to an insurance claim. The event processor component may be executable with a computer to iteratively monitor the data in the data record and identify events. The task engine component may be executable with a computer in response to one of the identified events to generate tasks indicative of information that needs to be acquired based on the contents of the data record. The collaborative intelligent task processor may be executable with a computer to analyze a task generated by the task engine component and select an action plan that is responsive to the task. The action plan may include a first procedure that enables the collaborative intelligent task processor to acquire information related to the insurance claim, and a second procedure that enables the collaborative intelligent task processor to process the information to yield a result responsive to the task.
US07933783B2
An engagement is brokered between a consumer and a medical service provider; electronic text of a real-time, text-based communication between the medical service provider and the consumer is monitored during the engagement; the electronic text is analyzed for a triggering event related to at least one of medical diagnosis and medical treatment; the triggering event is detected in the electronic text; and medical information is provided to the medical service provider via a user interface in response to the triggering event.
US07933780B2
A method and apparatus for controlling IV medication delivery and monitoring, the method including providing information tags on IV bags that specify delivery parameters, obtaining delivery parameters for at least one bag, associating a controller with a particular patient, comparing patient information for the particular patient with the delivery parameters, determining the efficacy of delivering the medicant to the patient and affecting pump control as a function of the comparison. The method also includes various timing rules and other verification procedures.
US07933778B2
A serial transmission system has a transmission signal generator and a transmission signal receiver. The transmission signal generator generates a digital audio signal of multi-channel based on information of a sampling frequency, and serially transmits the information of the sampling frequency together with the digital audio signal. The transmission signal receiver serially receives the information of the sampling frequency and the digital audio signal from the transmission signal generator, and detects change in a transmission clock based on the information of the sampling frequency.
US07933773B1
A natural language understanding monitoring system adapted to conduct an automated dialog with a user. If the system is unable to identify from the automated dialog, to at least a predetermined level of confidence, any one of a plurality of predetermined tasks as being a particular task that the user wants to have performed, the system makes a determination of the value of a probability that further automated dialog will enable the system to identify the particular task, and determines whether or not to conduct further automated dialog with the user, in an attempt to identify the particular task, based on the relative values of the determined probability and a predetermined threshold value. The probability value determination is based on inputs from the user during the automated dialog.
US07933766B2
A method of generating a natural language model for use in a spoken dialog system is disclosed. The method comprises using sample utterances and creating a number of hand crafted rules for each call-type defined in a labeling guide. A first NLU model is generated and tested using the hand crafted rules and sample utterances. A second NLU model is built using the sample utterances as new training data and using the hand crafted rules. The second NLU model is tested for performance using a first batch of labeled data. A series of NLU models are built by adding a previous batch of labeled data to training data and using a new batch of labeling data as test data to generate the series of NLU models with training data that increases constantly. If not all the labeling data is received, the method comprises repeating the step of building a series of NLU models until all labeling data is received. After all the training data is received, at least once, the method comprises building a third NLU model using all the labeling data, wherein the third NLU model is used in generating the spoken dialog service.
US07933763B2
Preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise methods and software for processing text documents and extracting chemical data therein. Preferred method embodiments comprise: (a) identifying and tagging one or more chemical compounds within a text document; (b) identifying and tagging physical properties related to one or more of those compounds; (c) translating one or more of those compounds into a chemical structure; (d) identifying and tagging one or more chemical reaction descriptions within the text document; and (e) extracting at least some of the tagged information and storing it in a database.
US07933760B2
A method of simulating operation of a bitcell includes determining sensitivities of a bitcell model to different component characteristics and device parameters, such as device temperature, operating voltage, and process characteristics. The determined sensitivities are normalized, so that each normalized value represents the relative sensitivity of the bitcell, under the simulated device parameters, to the component characteristic associated with the value. The normalized sensitivity values can be scaled based on a tolerance factor, and the adjusted sensitivities used to model the behavior of each component of the bitcell in subsequent simulations.
US07933759B2
Predicate checking in conjunction with distributed systems can enable an investigating user to check predicates in the context of instance states and/or distributed states of a distributed system. In an example embodiment, a method entails accepting distributed system simulation data and performing a simulation of a distributed system using the distributed system simulation data to create distributed system simulated states. At least a portion of the distributed system simulated states are exposed. The exposed portion of the distributed system simulated states is retrieved and stored as exposed states for the distributed system. The exposed states for the distributed system are compared to predicate states for the distributed system. If an inconsistency is detected between the exposed states and the predicate states based on the comparing at least one alarm is issued.
US07933751B2
This invention relates to computing numerical solutions of linear systems of equations, specifically to implementing preconditioning of the coefficient matrix of such a system. The preconditioning applies to any coefficient matrix, dense or sparse, based on the solutions of a physical problem of unknown functions, commonly referred to as basis or interpolation functions, where the basis function spans more then one mesh element. Examples of such linear systems can result from, as examples, an electromagnetic analysis of printed circuit boards or field scattering in radar applications, fluid mechanics and acoustics. A method and system to compute a preconditioner for a coefficient matrix A that is compatible with the linear system of equations that provides basis function support over at least two mesh elements. Coupling of the preconditioner between partitions of a portioned mesh representation is only through basis functions at the partition boundaries.
US07933743B2
A network health analyzer that analyzes health of a computer network may be implemented in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A network profile having an issue profile and one or more benchmarks appropriate for the network is determined. A set of numeric measures that is common to all issues in the issue profile is established. The network health analyzer collects data points pertaining to the operation of the network. Based on the data points, numeric values corresponding to the numeric measures may be calculated. In turn, health indexes for all issues in the issue profile may be determined. Based on these health indexes for the issues, an overall health rating may be determined.
US07933742B2
A noise detection signal detected at an evaluation point is filtered by a low pass filter, so that an evaluation waveform signal is extracted. A real signal mother wavelet of complex type is derived from the extracted evaluation waveform signal. Using this mother wavelet, an abnormal waveform signal stored in advance is processed by wavelet transformation. Then, a correlation value is calculated between the abnormal waveform signal and the mother wavelet. The correlation value is compared with a predetermined criterion, so that the presence or absence of abnormality in a sound source or vibration source corresponding to each abnormal waveform signal is determined.
US07933737B2
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that estimates an ambient temperature of air outside of a computer system. During operation, a temperature inside the computer system is measured for different flow rates of air into the computer system. Next, the temperature measurements are used to determine a relationship between the temperature inside the computer system and a parameter related to the flow rate of air into the computer system. Then, the ambient temperature of air outside the computer system is estimated based on the relationship.
US07933736B2
A data logger is disclosed wherein a common housing includes different function blocks which are connected to one another. These function blocks include at least one analog/digital converter for conversion of measurement signals into digital input data, a memory unit for recording of digital data and of digitized event data, a timer, a processor unit for processing of data, a power supply source and input and output interfaces for measurement signals or digital data and event data. The processor unit is configured for conversion of digital input data and time data into a format which is compatible with standardized software (e.g., freely available) and which makes it possible to display the processed data using standardized software in tabular and/or graphic form on an output device. The processor unit can be configured to embed the digital input data and time data as well as the event data as protected raw data into the generated data format such that they can be read and processed only with hardware-specific evaluation software.
US07933730B2
A method for restoring navigation failure information in a fluoroscopy-based imaging system is disclosed. The method includes obtaining a plurality of receiver navigation information using a calibration target rigidly attached to a supporting member of the imaging system. The calibration target may include a plurality of receivers providing navigation information and the supporting member may be a C-arm. The method identifies a navigation failure and corresponding to the navigation failure a calibrated receiver navigation information is generated. The calibrated receiver navigation information is generated using a calibration information and a C-arm imaging position obtained during navigation failure. A receiver navigation information corresponding to the navigation failure is estimated using the calibrated receiver navigation information, and a transmitter navigation information. Also disclosed is a restoration unit for restoring navigation failure information in a fluoroscopy-based imaging system and a fluoroscopic imaging system using the restoration unit.
US07933711B1
Methods and systems are provided for expediting engine spin-down in an engine that is shutdown during engine idle-stop conditions and restarted during restart conditions. In one example, the method comprises, during an automatic engine idle-stop, turning off spark, operating a first cylinder with a rich ratio of air to injected fuel richer than a rich flammability limit, operating a second cylinder with a lean ratio of air to injected fuel leaner than a lean flammability limit, and mixing un-combusted exhaust from the first and second cylinders with exhaust, the exhaust mixture being substantially stoichiometric.
US07933706B2
An automatic transmission calculates a current thermal load state of the frictional element, predicts (S41), prior to the start of the shift, a heat generation amount of the frictional element during the shift, predicts (S42) a thermal load state of the frictional element upon shift completion on the basis of the current thermal load state of the frictional element and the predicted heat generation amount, determines (S43, S44, S45) whether to permit or prohibit the shift on the basis of the predicted thermal load state upon shift completion, and halts the determination as to whether to permit or prohibit the shift, made on the basis of the predicted thermal load state upon shift completion, when a shift mode of the shift is a second shift mode in which the heat generation amount is smaller than that of a first shift mode.
US07933683B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a partition plate capable of efficiently cleaning a medicine remaining in a V-measure. The partition plate comprises: a slide member (8) which is installed so as to be capable of reciprocating along side plates and has a guide reception part (11); and a partition member (9) which has a guide part (18) removably guided by the guide reception part (11) of the slide member (8) and reciprocates together with the slide member (8) while maintaining such a state so as to be parallel with an end plate (5).
US07933682B2
An integrated medication management and compliance system for enabling a care provider to remotely manage and deliver individual doses of therapeutic products to a patient, in a non-sequential fashion. The system includes delivery apparatus remotely located from the care provider, wherein the apparatus stores a plurality of sealed unit dose packages that are delivered to a patient at a scheduled dosing time. The delivery apparatus is coupled to a control facility and to a computer terminal of the care provider by way of a secure communications network. The system enables the patient's medication regimen to be remotely tailored in real-time to accommodate fluid medical conditions.
US07933681B2
A computer system utilizes an algorithm that: (a) prepares a table that includes counts of zip code occurrences in a mailing list; (b) prepares a container list that allocates counts to different containers; (c) uses the container list to allocate individual addresses to different mailing containers; and (d) addresses the mailing pieces (directly or by labels) according to the addresses associated with the various containers. Such configurations can advantageously decrease the time required to sort an extremely large mailing into mailing containers according to postal presort levels, among other things by performing the above steps predominantly in the internal memory of the computer system.
US07933679B1
A method for optimizing machining parameters for a cutting process performed on a work piece. Finite element analysis of cutting tool and work material interaction is initially performed. Mechanistic modeling of the cutting process, using results of the finite element analysis, is then performed to provide optimized machining parameters for improved rate of material removal and tool life. Optionally, a two-stage artificial neural network may be supplementally employed, wherein a first stage of the network provides output parameters including peak tool temperature and cutting forces in X and Y directions, for a combination of input reference parameters including tool rake angle, material cutting speed, and feed rate.
US07933673B2
A system for demand breakout for a supply chain includes a memory operable to store a plurality of orders for at least one product. Each product may be produced using at least one precursor. The memory is also operable to store a production schedule identifying one or more resources in the supply chain, a quantity of each product and precursor scheduled to be produced by the resources, and a time period associated with production of each product and precursor. The system also includes one or more processors collectively operable to identify one or more particular units of the product that correspond to each product order. The one or more processors are also collectively operable to identify one or more particular units of one or more precursors that correspond to each product order.
US07933668B2
A user interface operable to connect to a device within an industrial control system includes a memory and a processing unit. The memory is operable to store a plurality of software applications for interfacing with the device and a configuration mask including access rights for at least a subset of the software applications. The processing unit is operable to establish a first connection with the device and disable selected software applications based on the configuration mask.
US07933661B2
A coiled member of a medical device extends along a length of an elongate body of the device. A surface of the coiled member extends at an angle, with respect to a longitudinal axis of the body, from a first edge to a second edge, toward the proximal end of the body, such that the first edge of the surface is disposed in close proximity to the body and the second edge of the surface is spaced apart from the body.
US07933656B2
A distributed system comprises a programming device and a remotely located server. During a programming session, the programming device transmits programs and rating information associated with the programs to the server. The server presents the rating information to a clinician to assist the clinician in selecting from among programs tested during the programming session. The programming device may also transmit patient information and device configuration information to the server for storage with selected programs and rating information within a database as part of a patient record. Programs and information received from a plurality of programming devices and for a plurality of patients may be stored in the database and analyzed by the server to provide responses to user queries made by clinicians via programming devices.
US07933652B2
An implantable signal generator including electronic circuitry, a computer readable medium, and a connector block with a lumen which receives at least one lead. The at least one lead has at least one electrode connector while the lumen of the connector block has a plurality of contacts operably coupled to the electronic circuitry. The computer readable medium contains instructions for carrying out a process to determine at least one piece of information regarding the at least one lead within the lumen based on an electrode connector being electrically connected with the at least one of the plurality of contacts, and an electrode connector not being electrically connected with the at least one of the plurality of contacts.
US07933647B2
Methods for increasing lipolysis in a cell are described herein. Such methods comprise the application of an electrical current to a cell. In an embodiment, the application of the electrical current does not substantially alter the viability of such cell and/or preserves the viability of such cell. In an embodiment, such cell is an adipocyte. Corresponding uses and packages are also described.
US07933641B2
There is described a medical examination and/or treatment apparatus with an electromagnet for generating a magnetic field for navigating a medical instrument and an x-ray device having an x-ray source and an x-ray detector attached to a bracket for visual control during the navigation, with the x-ray source and the x-ray detector being arranged on the electromagnet embodied as a hollow cylinder, on the front ends of which are located two ring coils which are arranged in parallel, between which a number of saddle coils arranged in the peripheral direction are arranged, with the hollow cylinder being arranged on a bracket which can be moved about a number of axes.
US07933631B2
A call informing apparatus is provided. The call informing apparatus includes a call detecting unit and a call informing unit. The call detecting unit includes an external light shielding cap that shields external light, a sensing module with an optical sensor sensing light from a display panel or a call informing lamp of a portable terminal, a first controller that generates a call reception signal, and a wireless transmitter that transmits the reception signal. The call informing unit includes a wireless receiver for receiving the reception signal, a second controller for controlling an indicating lamp to emit light, and the indicating lamp. Therefore, a user can easily and visually recognize reception of an incoming call in noisy environment, or even when riding a motorcycle.
US07933630B2
A radio section 1 and a control section 2 allow communications using two radio channels simultaneously, such as TV phone communication and message communication. An LCD 33 displays information concerning each communication simultaneously or selectively when simultaneous communications are being made using two radio channels. Even if communications are made using two radio channels simultaneously, excellent operability is provided and a radio communication terminal can be realized which is low in cost and power dissipation.
US07933618B2
Apparatus, and an associated method, for selectably delaying performance of synchronization operations in which database copies are placed in match with one another. A user of a mobile node at which a database copy is maintained selectably actuates an actuator to select delay of performance of the synchronization operations. Once selection is made to delay the performance of the synchronization operations, selection is further made by a delay selector of the delay period prior to which synchronization operations are carried out.
US07933610B2
A system and method selects secondary base stations to task that provide geo-location information used to geo-locate a mobile station. A network overlay location system may be co-located at base station sites of a wireless communications network. The location measurement units of the network overlay system provide location information of the mobile station, which may be determined via one or more geo-location techniques, for example: time of arrival (TOA), time difference of arrival (TDOA), uplink time difference of arrival (UTDOA), angle of arrival (AOA), signal power, radio fingerprinting etc. Selecting secondary base stations to task using various selection criteria may provide optimum results when geo-locating a mobile station.
US07933605B2
A computerized model provides a display of a physical environment in which a communications network is or will be installed. The communications network is comprised of several components, each of which are selected by the design engineer and which are represented in the display. Errors in the selection of certain selected components for the communications network are identified by their attributes or frequency characteristics as well as by their interconnection compatibility for a particular design. The effects of changes in frequency on component performance are modeled and the results are displayed to the design engineer. A bill of materials is automatically checked for faults and generated for the design system and provided to the design engineer. For ease of design, the design engineer can cluster several different preferred components into component kits, and then select these component kits for use in the design or deployment process.
US07933602B1
A method and system for controlling the rate at which access terminals hand off from an IS-2000 (e.g., 1xRTT) communication system to an IS-856 (e.g., EVDO) communication system. A base station determines metric indicative of the rate at which hybrid access terminals hand off to the IS-2000 from the IS-856 system, and then based at least in part on the metric, dynamically adjusts a dormancy period that at least one hybrid access terminal must wait before entering a dormant mode in which is looks for service under IS-856. As the rate-metric indicates a higher or lower rate, the system may responsively adjust the dormancy period down or up. The rate at which hybrid access terminals operating under IS-2000 may seek service under IS-856 may thus be tuned to the rate at which they hand of form IS-856 to IS-2000.
US07933599B2
Various schemes are provided that facilitate a communication handoff from a current base station to a target base station. One feature provides for reducing the search space that a base station searches by providing it with the position/location and/or velocity of an access terminal with which it attempts to communicate. Having the position and/or velocity of the access terminal, a current or target base station is able to reduce its search space (e.g., direction, frequency range, and/or time window) for the access terminal. Another feature provides for selectively and gradually increasing the power of a pilot signal originating from the access terminal during the handoff acquisition period to a target base station. By increasing the pilot signal power, the base station has a better chance of acquiring the signal and do so more quickly.
US07933598B1
Embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatuses for effecting handover between the licensed and unlicensed portions of an integrated wireless network. For one embodiment, prior to hand out of a communication from the unlicensed wireless system (UWS), a cell identifier associated with a user terminal is changed from the cell identifier corresponding to the internet access point to the cell identifier corresponding to the unlicensed network controller. This allows the destination MSC of the licensed wireless system (LWS) to accept and fulfill a handover request from the UWS. In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention, after a hand in of a communication to the UWS, a cell identifier associated with the user terminal is changed from the cell identifier corresponding to the UNC to the cell identifier corresponding to the internet access point. This change allows providing location-based services to the UT being serviced by the UWS.
US07933597B2
A method of registering a network is applied to a mobile station. The mobile station has a first network module and a second network module. The first network module is for accessing a first network having a third network module. The second and third network modules are for accessing a wideband network. The method of registering the network includes the following steps. First, the second network module transmits an identification code to the third network module via the wideband network. Next, the first network stores the identification code. Finally, the first network notifies, via the first network module, the mobile station that registering succeeds.
US07933593B2
A CDMA data transmission system and method for periodically allocating channels to subscriber units, wherein prior to the beginning of any period all active subscriber units are identified that are in communication with the transmitter and for which there are data, exceeding a given minimal quantity, stored in a buffer. For each active subscriber unit one or more priority factors are calculated as a function of associated power levels; and on the basis of the priority factors, at least one channel is allocated to a corresponding active subscriber unit. The channel allocation is repeated in respect of any active subscriber units to which no channels have yet been allocated, subject to an availability of unallocated channels and subject to a limitation of maximum transmitter power.
