US08053589B1
This invention relates to novel imines, some of which are in the form of ionic liquids, and a process for producing electron deficient olefins, such as 2-cyanoacrylates, using an imine, for instance such novel imines, many of which are in the form of an ionic liquid.
US08053586B2
Systems and processes for recovering alkylene oxide, including an alkylene oxide recovery column including a stripping section located in the column to convert a portion of a feed stream to a gas phase including alkylene oxide; a reabsorption section in the column above the stripping section including a water stream to reabsorb the alkylene oxide in the gas phase portion and to produce an aqueous solution, a first stripping gas to strip carbon dioxide and oxygen from the aqueous solution by converting a portion of the aqueous solution to a gaseous portion, producing an alkylene oxide stream, and a side take-off located at a bottom portion of the reabsorption section for removal of the alkylene oxide stream; a condenser to partially condense the gas phase portion; and a top take-off for removal of a light impurity fraction.
US08053573B2
The invention relates to the use of 5,6-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazinic compounds of general formula (I), wherein cycle penetrating bonds display an ortho, meta or para indifferent substitution position, identical or different R1 and R2 represent a hydrogen, fluoride, chloride or bromine atom, C1 to C12 linear or branched alkyl, C1 A C18 linear or branched hydroxy, alkoxy poly(ethoxy)-alkoxy with a C1 to C4 alkyl fragment and an ethoxy number ranging from 1 to 4, amino or mono or di-alkylamino with a C1 to C4 alkyl fragment group, R3 represents a chlorine atom, a hydroxy, amino, a phenyl possibly 1 to 3 times substituted by a hydroxy radical situated at least in a para or phenyl position possibly 1 to 3 times substituted in an ortho, meta or para position by a C1 to C12 alkoxy or cyano or alkymino group with a C1 to C7 alkyl fragment in the form of active sun filters or light-protective agents and to cosmetic composition containing said compounds.
US08053567B2
The use of at least one diazonium salt bearing an initiator function, for forming an undercoat obtained by grafting a graft derived from the diazonium salt and bearing an initiator function at the surface of a conductive or semiconductive material on the undercoat, and for forming on the undercoat a polymeric layer obtained by polymerization, in particular free radical polymerization, in situ of at least one monomer, initiated from the initiator function.
US08053566B2
Lignin polymers having distinctive properties, including a generally high molecular weight and generally homogeneous size distribution, as well as preservation of native reactive side groups, are isolated by solvent extraction of plant materials. Methods for isolation of lignin polymers, and for use of the isolated lignin polymers are disclosed. Compositions containing lignin isolated from plant materials, such as carbon fiber composites, resins, adhesive binders and coatings, polyurethane-based foams, rubbers and elastomers, plastics, films, paints, nutritional supplements, food and beverage additives are disclosed. Xylose and xylose derivatives, furfural, fermentable sugars, cellulose and hemi-cellulose products may be used directly or further processed. The lignin polymers and other plant-derived products disclosed herein may be produced in abundance at low cost, and may be used as substitutes for feedstocks originating from fossil fuel or petrochemical sources in the manufacture of various products.
US08053560B2
Modified human plasma polypeptides or Fc and uses thereof are provided.
US08053548B2
A method for the preparation of hydrophilic elastomers involves the synthesis of polydimethylsiloxane with tunable hydrophilic surface properties. An elastomeric monolith with desired hydrophilic properties is produced by combining a polyethylene oxide polymeric surfactant additive with a PDMS base and curing agent during polymerization. The surfactant chain segment lengths are varied to control the hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance.
US08053547B2
The present invention relates to conjugated polymers comprising specific carbazole structural units. The materials according to the invention display steeper current-voltage curves and are therefore better suited to use in organic light-emitting diodes than are comparative polymers which do not contain these units.
US08053541B2
Cobaloxime derivatives and methods of producing cobaloxime derivatives are disclosed herein. Methods of producing decolorized homo- and co-polymers through polymerization of monomers in presence of the cobaloxime derivatives and decolorization of the produced polymer by exposing the polymer to a sorbent and, optionally, a solvent are also disclosed herein.
US08053540B2
The present invention relates to a catalyst precursor composition for electroless plating, and more specifically, the present invention provides the catalyst precursor composition comprising (a) a reactive oligomer; (b) a reactive monomer; (c) a photoinitiator; (d) a catalyst precursor for electroless plating; and (e) a solvent, and a method of preparing the EMI shielding material with the same. The present invention provides an easy and simple method of preparing the EMI shielding material by using the catalyst precursor composition that contains a UV curable resin with good adhesion to the base material, thereby eliminating the need for pre-treating the base material with a receptive layer before electroless plating.
US08053538B2
To provide an ether composition containing no —OCF2O— structure, having a low viscosity and being excellent in chemical stability in a wide temperature range. An ether composition comprising a polyether compound (A) containing at least two —(OCF2CF2)— units, containing no —OCF2O— structure and having an average molecular weight of higher than 2,000 and at most 20,000, and an ether compound (B) containing at least one —(OCF2CF2)— unit and having an average molecular weight of at most 2,000.
US08053533B2
A solvent-free polyimide silicone resin composition, and a cured product thereof, includes (A) a polyimide silicone resin having recurring units having a specific type of structure and having a weight average molecular weight of 5,000 to 150,000, (B) an epoxy resin, and (C) an epoxy resin curing agent wherein the resin composition having a fluidity at 25° C. and is free of a solvent.
US08053528B2
Aqueous binder compositions for fiber mats include a urea-formaldehyde resin and an aqueous emulsion of a copolymer prepared by polymerization of a monomer mixture including styrene, an alkyl(meth)acrylate, acrylonitrile, and an unsubstituted or substituted acrylamide. Even when used in relatively low concentration, the copolymer provides improved physical properties to the fiber mat. The fiber mats can be used in composite flooring, asphalt roofing shingles, siding, and dry wall.
US08053525B2
A method of modifying the rheology of a thermoplastic resin that includes the steps of providing a thermoplastic resin and blending interpolymer resin particles with the thermoplastic resin. The interpolymer resin contains a styrenic polymer intercalated within a polyolefin, such that the thermoplastic resin is present as a continuous phase and the interpolymer resin is present as a dispersed phase. The method provides a rheology modified thermoplastic resin with improved physical characteristics.
US08053514B2
Fluoride catalyzed rearrangement reactions of polymeric silsesquioxanes [RSiO1.5]n involve reacting at least one silsesquioxane material with a catalytic amount of an organic fluoride at a temperature ranging from about −50° C. to about 120° C. thereby forming a reaction mixture for a period ranging from 60 minutes to 48 hours. To the reaction mixture, a quenching agent is added to remove fluoride from the reaction mixture. A silsesquioxane cage compound can be isolated from the reaction mixture using a precipitation or other extraction process.
US08053513B2
The properties of 2-pyrrolidone-4-carboxylic substituted polysiloxanes can be dramatically altered by increasing the presence of the carboxylic-substituted pyrrolidone monomer of the polysiloxane, such that the amidopolysiloxane has an acid equivalent weight of about 3:00-3,000 daltons and a molecular weight average Mw of about 1,000-60,000 daltons resulting in enhanced detergent and water solubilities and the ability to form water-in-oil emulsions thereby providing usefulness across a broad range of formulations having enhanced electrolytic and silicone and/or hydrocarbon compatibility and cleansing properties.
US08053505B2
An object is to provide a fire retardant material capable of being molded by an injection molding machine and free from deterioration of the physical properties and a molded body formed of the fire retardant material. A fire retardant includes a degraded polypropylene resin obtained by melt kneading a polypropylene resin and an organic peroxide, wherein a weight average molecular weight of the degraded polypropylene is from 50,000 to 200,000; and an inorganic filler, wherein a mass ratio of the polypropylene to the inorganic filler is from 95/5 to 10/90.
US08053503B2
Aqueous dispersions including at least one thermoplastic resin; at least one dispersing agent; and water; wherein the dispersion has a pH of less than 12 are disclosed along with dispersions including at least one thermoplastic resin; at least one dispersing agent; and water wherein the dispersion has a volume average particle size of less than about 5 μm. Some dispersions include less than about 4 percent by weight of the dispersing agent based on the weight of the thermoplastic resin. Other dispersions include at least one propylene-rich alpha-olefin interpolymer; at least one dispersing agent; and water. Methods of making such dispersions are also described.
US08053501B2
A curable composition comprising: (A) a hydrocarbon compound having a plurality of carbon-carbon double bonds, and (B) a carbonaceous material. The hydrocarbon compound may preferably be 1,2-polybutadiene. The curable composition may be used for a fuel cell separator.
US08053499B2
The present invention relates to a polyoxymethylene molding composition comprising (A) 0.1-5.0% by weight of colorant, (B) 0.01-0.5% by weight of a nitrogen-containing stabilizer, (C) 0.05-1% by weight of an ester of a polyhydric alcohol and at least one fatty acid, and (D) 0.001-0.5% by weight of a metal salt of a fatty acid, and (I) polyoxymethylene polymer and, where appropriate, up to 40% by weight of other conventional additives, and variants of this constitution in advantageous versions. In the case of these polyoxymethylene molding compositions the selection of the colorants is no longer restricted to conventional colorants suitable particularly for POM.The products produced therewith are particularly stable during processing and feature low formaldehyde emission, defect-free surfaces, and high color fastness.
US08053495B2
The present invention provides ceramic powder capable of being incorporated into rubber or a resin for the preparation of a composition, which shows excellent heat resistance and flame retardancy and which is used, for instance, as a semiconductor-sealing material. The ceramic powder has a multi-peak frequency distribution pattern having at least two peaks as a particle size distribution as determined using a laser diffraction-scattering type particle size-analyzer, wherein the maximum particle size for the first peak ranges from 40 to 80 μm and that for the second peak ranges from 3 to 8 μm and wherein the rate of the particles having a particle size of not less than 20 μm and less than 40 μm is not more than 20% by mass (inclusive of 0% by mass).
US08053493B2
Disclosed is an ink, which has a viscosity and a volumetric shrinkage, controlled to 20˜80 cP and 10˜30%, respectively, by controlling an amount of each of: (a) a first monomer having a viscosity of 7˜1,600 cP and having one or two polymerizable functional groups; and (b) a second monomer having a viscosity of 30˜20,000 cP and having at least three polymerizable functional groups, in the presence of 0˜20 wt % of a solvent, and which can form a convex portion due to its surface tension controlled to 20˜40 mN/m, so as to compensate for its volumetric shrinkage, wherein the viscosity and the surface tension are measured at 25° C. A substrate, which is patterned or information-recorded with the ink, and a display device having the substrate are also disclosed.
US08053486B2
The invention provides a coating composition comprising a thermal plastic resin selected from the group consisting of a polycycloolefin resin, polyester resin, polyacrylate resin, and a mixture thereof; and a radiation curable resin comprising a radiation polymer containing at least one mono- or multi-functional acrylic acid based monomer as a polymerization unit, an oligomer containing an ethylenically unsaturated functional group, and a photoinitiator, wherein the radiation curable resin is used in an amount of 220-1000% by weight on the basis of the weight of the thermal plastic resin. The invention improves the hardness of the coating composition, prevent the coated substrate from being scratched or impaired, and impart the substrate with high transparency without causing warping problem.
US08053481B2
A Fischer-Tropsch process for producing diesel fuel or diesel blending stock with a high cetane number, in a concentration of 65-90 wt % at pressures below 200 psia, using a cobalt catalyst with a rhenium and/or ruthenium promoter. The catalyst is a cobalt catalyst with crystallites having an average diameter greater than 16 nanometers, and the resulting hydrocarbon product after a rough flash, contains less than 10 wt % waxes (>C23).
US08053471B2
The invention relates to the use of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids for the manufacture of a nutritional composition for feeding infants of a mother who suffered from a metabolic disorder during pregnancy and to a corresponding composition. Said composition comprises a n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid fraction containing at least 0.1 wt docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) based on total weight of the lipid, at least 0.01 wt % n-3 docosapentaenoic acid (DPAn-3) based on total weight of the lipid, and at least 0.01 wt. % eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) based on total weight of the lipid, wherein the sum of DHA, DPAn-3 and EPA is below 1 wt. % of total lipid.
US08053450B2
The present invention provides novel amino-benzazoles and analogues thereof, which are selective inhibitors of the human P2Y1 receptor. The invention also provides for various pharmaceutical compositions of the same and methods for treating diseases responsive to modulation of P2Y1 receptor activity.
US08053447B2
A novel class of compounds of the general formula (I), their use in therapy, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, as well as their use in the manufacture of medicaments are described. The present compounds modulate the activity of 11β-hydroxy-steroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11βHSD1) and are accordingly useful in the treatment of diseases in which such a modulation is beneficial, e.g. the metabolic syndrome.
US08053440B2
The present disclosure relates to compounds, which are useful for regulating the expression of apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I), and their use for treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease and related disease states, including cholesterol- or lipid-related disorders, such as, for example, atherosclerosis.
US08053424B2
A composition for treating hearing loss includes components that function through different biological mechanisms to provide an additive effect that is greater than the effect of the individual components alone. The composition includes a biologically effective amount of vitamin E for inhibiting propagation of lipid peroxidation that contributes to hearing loss. The composition also includes a biologically effective amount of a salicylate for reducing hydroxyl radicals that contribute to hearing loss. A method of treating hearing loss includes the step of internally administering the composition, as described above, to a mammal within three days of trauma to a middle or inner ear of the mammal. In other words, the composition is effective even when administered as late as three days after trauma to a middle or inner ear of a mammal.
US08053417B2
The present invention relates to new adjuvants and the uses in pharmaceutical compositions, like in vaccines. In particular, the present invention provides new compounds useful as adjuvants for prophylactic and/or therapeutic vaccination in the treatment of infectious diseases, inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, tumours, allergies as well as for the control of fertility in human or animal populations. The compounds are particularly useful not only as systemic, but preferably as mucosal adjuvants. In addition, the invention relates to its uses as active ingredients in pharmaceutical compositions.
US08053400B2
A personal cleansing composition exhibiting enhanced skin feel (i.e., enhanced skin softness, reduced skin irritation, reduced residue, and reduced greasy, tacky, or tight skin feel), enhanced foaming and lather, and good cleansing, more specifically, a personal cleansing composition comprising a mixture of alpha sulfonated alkyl esters or sulfonated fatty acids, or salts thereof, with an alkyl sulfoacetate or ethoxylated alkyl sulfoacetate, or salts thereof, secondary surfactants, and optional additives.
US08053399B2
Foamable compositions are disclosed. The compositions contain one or more active ingredients combined with a foaming agent and optionally one or more surface tension adjusting agents. The foaming agent may comprise, for instance, a derivatized dimethicone. The surface tension adjusting agent, on the other hand, comprises a chemical species that either increases or decreases the surface tension of the composition within a desired range so that the composition is readily foamable. In this manner, active ingredients can be incorporated into the compositions that are typically hard to foam. Such ingredients include cleaning solvents and various skin care agents. Of particular advantage, foamable compositions can be formulated in accordance with the present disclosure that contain relatively small amounts of water such as less than about 20 percent by weight, such as less than about 10 percent by weight. In other embodiments, the composition can be completely anhydrous.
US08053397B2
Non-aqueous carrier fluids containing nano-sized particles in high concentration are effective for zone isolation and flow control in water shutoff applications for subterranean formations. The nanoparticles interact with water and solidify it to inhibit its flow, but do not have the same effect on hydrocarbons and thus selectively assist the production of hydrocarbons while suppressing water. Suitable nanoparticles include alkaline earth metal oxides, alkaline earth metal hydroxides, alkali metal oxides, alkali metal hydroxides, transition metal oxides, transition metal hydroxides, post-transition metal oxides, post-transition metal hydroxides, piezoelectric crystals, and/or pyroelectric crystals.
US08053389B2
A heat-sensitive transfer image-receiving sheet, having, on a support, at least one layer containing an organic hollow polymer, wherein the layer containing the organic hollow polymer includes at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of an anionic surfactant and a nonionic surfactant.
US08053386B2
The present invention relates to a heteropoly acid catalyst which is used for the production of methacrylic acid by gas phase oxidation of methacrolein and a preparing method thereof. The present invention, thereby, provides a novel heteropoly acid catalyst having excellent methacrolein conversion rate, methacrylic acid selectivity and yield.
US08053384B2
A glass composition being suitable for precision mold press forming, having superior resistance to devitrification, having optical constants (a refractive index, an Abbe number, and the like) required for aspherical lenses, and a low glass transition temperature. There is provided an optical glass comprising no less than 5 mol % and no more than 60 mol % of a B2O3 component, and no less than 0.2 mol % and no more than 60 mol % of a TeO2 component, by mol % on the basis of oxides. Further, there is provided an optical glass mentioned above having optical constants with a refractive index (nd) of 1.80 to 2.20, and an Abbe number (νd) of 16 to 40. Still further, there is provided an optical glass mentioned above having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of no more than 680° C.
US08053376B2
In a method of making a polymer structure on a substrate a layer of a first polymer, having a horizontal top surface, is applied to a surface of the substrate. An area of the top surface of the polymer is manipulated to create an uneven feature that is plasma etched to remove a first portion from the layer of the first polymer thereby leaving the polymer structure extending therefrom. A light emitting structure includes a conductive substrate from which an elongated nanostructure of a first polymer extends. A second polymer coating is disposed about the nanostructure and includes a second polymer, which includes a material such that a band gap exists between the second polymer coating and the elongated nanostructure. A conductive material coats the second polymer coating. The light emitting structure emits light when a voltage is applied between the conductive substrate and the conductive coating.
US08053374B2
In a method of manufacturing a metal wiring structure, a first metal wiring and a first barrier layer are formed on a substrate, and the first barrier layer is nitridated. An insulating interlayer is formed on the substrate so as to extend over the first metal wiring and the first barrier layer. Part of the insulating interlayer is removed to form a hole exposing at least part of the first metal wiring and part of the first barrier layer. A nitidation plasma treatment is performed on the exposed portion of the first barrier layer. A second barrier layer is formed along the bottom and sides of the hole. A plug is formed on the second barrier layer to fill the hole.
US08053371B2
A process and apparatus for locally removing any material, such as a refractory metal, in particular tungsten, from any desired area of a wafer, such as an alignment mark area of a silicon wafer in process during the formation of integrated circuits thereon.
US08053370B2
A method for forming a semiconductor device is disclosed. A substrate comprising a structural layer thereon is provided. A hard mask layer is formed on the structural layer. A photoresist layer is formed on the hard mask layer. The photoresist layer is patterned to from a plurality of main photoresist patterns and at least one dummy photoresist pattern between the main photoresist patterns or adjacent to one of the main photoresist patterns, wherein width of the dummy photoresist pattern is less than that of the main photoresist patterns. Two main photoresist patterns are separated with each other by a first opening, and two dummy photoresist patterns are separated with each other by a second opening. Width of the second opening is less than that of the first opening. The hard mask layer is patterned using the patterned photoresist layer as a mask. The structural layer is patterned using the patterned hard mask layer as a mask.
US08053366B2
Provided is an aluminum (Al) doped charge trap layer, a non-volatile memory device and methods of fabricating the same. The charge trap layer may include a plurality of silicon nano dots that trap charges and a silicon oxide layer that covers the silicon nano dots, wherein the charge trap layer is doped with aluminum (Al). The non-volatile memory device may include a substrate including a source and a drain on separate regions of the substrate, a tunneling film on the substrate contacting the source and the drain, the charge trap layer according to example embodiments, a blocking film on the charge trap layer, and a gate electrode on the blocking film.
US08053347B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, including forming a plurality of gate structures on a substrate, the gate structures each including a hard mask pattern stacked on a gate conductive pattern, forming an insulating layer pattern between the gate structures at least partially exposing a top surface of the hard mask pattern, forming a trench that exposes at least a top surface of the gate conductive pattern by selectively removing the hard mask pattern, and forming a silicide layer on the exposed gate conductive pattern.
US08053345B2
Provided is a method for fabricating a field effect transistor. In the method, an active layer and a capping layer are formed on a substrate. A source electrode and a drain electrode is formed on the capping layer. A dielectric interlayer is formed on the substrate, and resist layers having first and second openings with asymmetrical depths are formed on the dielectric interlayer between the source electrode and the drain electrode. The first opening exposes the dielectric interlayer, and the second opening exposes the lowermost of the resist layers. The dielectric interlayer in the bottom of the first opening and the lowermost resist layer under the second opening are simultaneously removed to expose the capping layer to the first opening and expose the dielectric interlayer to the second opening. The capping layer of the first opening is removed to expose the active layer. A metal layer is deposited on the substrate to simultaneously form a gate electrode and a field plate in the first opening and the second opening. The resist layers are removed to lift off the metal layer on the resist layers.
US08053342B2
A mask read-only memory (ROM) device, which can stably output data, includes an on-cell and an off-cell. The on-cell includes an on-cell gate structure on a substrate and an on-cell junction structure within the substrate. The off-cell includes an off-cell gate structure on the substrate and an off-cell junction structure within the substrate. The on-cell gate structure includes an on-cell gate insulating film, an on-cell gate electrode and an on-cell gate spacer. The on-cell junction structure includes first and second on-cell ion implantation regions of a first polarity and third and fourth on-cell ion implantation regions of a second polarity. The off-cell gate structure includes an off-cell gate insulating film, an off-cell gate electrode and an off-cell gate spacer. The off-cell junction structure includes first and second off-cell ion implantation regions of the first polarity and a third off-cell ion implantation region of the second polarity.
US08053338B2
In a plasma CVD apparatus, unnecessary discharge such as arc discharge is prevented, the amount of particles due to peeling of films attached to a reaction chamber is reduced, and the percentage of a time contributing to production in hours of operation of the apparatus is increased while enlargement of the apparatus and easy workability are maintained. The plasma CVD apparatus is configured such that in a conductive reaction chamber 104 with a power source 113, a vacuum exhausting means 118, and a reaction gas introduction pipe 114, plasma 115 is generated in a space surrounded by an electrode 111, a substrate holder 112, and an insulator 120.
US08053334B2
The invention is a method for forming a silicon oxide film of an SOI wafer, the method by which at least thermal oxidation treatment is performed (a process (A)) on an SOI wafer having an oxide film on the back surface and, after the thermal oxidation treatment, heat treatment is additionally performed (a process (B)) in a non-oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature higher than the temperature at which the thermal oxidation treatment was performed, whereby a silicon oxide film is formed on the front surface of an SOI layer. This provides a method for forming a silicon oxide film of an SOI wafer, the method that can prevent an SOI wafer from being warped after thermal oxidation treatment even when an SOI wafer having a thick oxide film on the back surface is used and a silicon oxide film for forming a device is formed by thermal oxidation on the front surface on the SOI layer side, and can reduce exposure failure and adsorption failure caused by warpage of the SOI wafer and enhance yields of device fabrication.
US08053333B2
To provide a semiconductor device with high performance and low cost and a manufacturing method thereof. A first region including a separated (cleavage) single-crystal semiconductor layer and a second region including a non-single-crystal semiconductor layer are provided over a substrate. It is preferable that laser beam irradiation be performed to the separated (cleavage) single-crystal semiconductor layer in an inert atmosphere, and laser beam irradiation be performed to the non-single-crystal semiconductor layer in an air atmosphere at least once.
US08053331B2
Processes for transferring a semiconductor material to a polymer substrate to provide flexible semiconductor material include implanting ions to a predetermined depth in a semiconductor substrate, heat-treating the ion-implanted semiconductor substrate for a period of time and at a temperature effective to cause defect formation and enlargement of the implanted ion defect, adhering the ion-implanted, heat-treated substrate to a polymer substrate, and separating a semiconductor film such as a single crystal silicon film from the semiconductor substrate; and devices having single crystal silicon films disposed directly or indirectly on polymer films.
US08053329B2
A method for bonding at low or room temperature includes steps of surface cleaning and activation by cleaning or etching. The method may also include removing by-products of interface polymerization to prevent a reverse polymerization reaction to allow room temperature chemical bonding of materials such as silicon, silicon nitride and SiO2. The surfaces to be bonded are polished to a high degree of smoothness and planarity. VSE may use reactive ion etching or wet etching to slightly etch the surfaces being bonded. The surface roughness and planarity are not degraded and may be enhanced by the VSE process. The etched surfaces may be rinsed in solutions such as ammonium hydroxide or ammonium fluoride to promote the formation of desired bonding species on the surfaces.
US08053327B2
An integrated circuit system is provided including providing a substrate, forming an isolation structure base in the substrate without removal of the substrate, and forming a first transistor in the substrate next to the isolation structure base.
US08053321B2
Wells are formed in a substrate where standard Vt and low Vt devices of both a first and second type are to be fabricated. Wells defining the locations of first type standard Vt devices are masked, and a first voltage threshold implant adjustment is performed within wells defining the second type standard Vt devices, and each of the first and second type low Vt devices. Wells that define the locations of second type standard Vt devices are masked, and a second voltage threshold implant adjustment is performed to the wells defining the first type standard Vt devices, and each of the first and second type low Vt devices. Doped polysilicon gate stacks are then formed over the wells. Performance characteristics and control of each device Vt is controlled by regulating at least one of the first and second voltage threshold implant adjustments, and the polysilicon gate stack doping.
US08053304B2
A method of forming an integrated circuit structure includes forming a first recess in the semiconductor substrate; and forming a dislocation-blocking layer in the first recess. The dislocation-blocking layer includes a semiconductor material. Shallow trench isolation (STI) regions are formed, wherein inner portions of the STI regions are directly over portions of the dislocation-blocking layer, and wherein inner sidewalls of the STI regions contact the dislocation-blocking layer. A second recess is formed by removing a portion of the dislocation-blocking layer between two of the inner sidewalls of the STI regions, with the two inner sidewalls facing each other. A semiconductor region is epitaxially grown in the second recess.
US08053302B2
A non-volatile memory device and a method of manufacturing the non-volatile memory device are provided. At least one first semiconductor layer and at least one second semiconductor layer are disposed. At least one control gate electrode is disposed between the at least one first semiconductor layer and the at least one second semiconductor layer. At least one first layer selection line is capacitively coupled to the at least one first semiconductor layer. At least one second layer selection line is capacitively coupled to the at least one second semiconductor layer.
US08053300B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, an nMISFET formed on the substrate, the nMISFET including a first dielectric formed on the substrate and a first metal gate electrode formed on the first dielectric and formed of one metal element selected from Ti, Zr, Hf, Ta, Sc, Y, a lanthanoide and actinide series and of one selected from boride, silicide and germanide compounds of the one metal element, and a pMISFET formed on the substrate, the pMISFET including a second dielectric formed on the substrate and a second metal gate electrode formed on the second dielectric and made of the same material as that of the first metal gate electrode, at least a portion of the second dielectric facing the second metal gate electrode being made of an insulating material different from that of at least a portion of the first dielectric facing the first metal gate electrode.
US08053299B2
The present disclosure provides a FinFET element and method of fabricating a FinFET element. The FinFET element includes a germanium-FinFET element (e.g., a multi-gate device including a Ge-fin). In one embodiment, the method of fabrication the Ge-FinFET element includes forming silicon fins on a substrate and selectively growing an epitaxial layer including germanium on the silicon fins. A Ge-condensation process may then be used to selectively oxidize the silicon of the Si-fin and transform the Si-fin to a Ge-fin. The method of fabrication provided may allow use of SOI substrate or bulk silicon substrates, and CMOS-compatible processes to form the Ge-FinFET element.
US08053298B2
This invention discloses an improved semiconductor power device includes a plurality of power transistor cells wherein each cell further includes a planar gate padded by a gate oxide layer disposed on top of a drift layer constituting an upper layer of a semiconductor substrate wherein the planar gate further constituting a split gate including a gap opened in a gate layer whereby the a total surface area of the gate is reduced. The transistor cell further includes a JFET (junction field effect transistor) diffusion region disposed in the drift layer below the gap of the gate layer wherein the JFET diffusion region having a higher dopant concentration than the drift region for reducing a channel resistance of the semiconductor power device. The transistor cell further includes a shallow surface doped regions disposed near a top surface of the drift layer under the gate adjacent to the JFET diffusion region wherein the shallow surface doped region having a dopant concentration lower than the JFET diffusion region and higher than the drift layer.
US08053296B2
The present invention provides a semiconductor device, a method of manufacture therefor, and an integrated circuit including the semiconductor device. The semiconductor device, among other elements, includes a recrystallized polysilicon layer 148 located over a gate electrode layer 143, a capacitor 170 located on the recrystallized polysilicon layer 148. The capacitor 170, in this embodiment, includes a first electrode 173, an insulator 175 located over the first electrode 173, and a second electrode 178 located over the insulator 175.
US08053295B2
A liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of gate lines and data lines crossing each other to define a plurality of pixel regions, a plurality of thin film transistors, each disposed in one of the pixel regions, and a plurality of pixel electrodes, each disposed in one of the pixel regions, wherein the thin film transistor includes at least one Ti layer.
US08053292B2
The disclosure concerns a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device including forming a plurality of fins made of a semiconductor material on an insulating layer; forming a gate insulating film on side surfaces of the plurality of fins; and forming a gate electrode on the gate insulating film in such a manner that a compressive stress is applied to a side surface of a first fin which is used in an NMOSFET among the plurality of fins in a direction perpendicular to the side surface and a tensile stress is applied to a side surface of a second fin which is used in a PMOSFET among the plurality of fins in a direction perpendicular to the side surface.
US08053289B2
In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, a semiconductor film formed over an insulator is doped with an impurity element to a depth less than the thickness of the semiconductor film, thereby forming an impurity doped layer; a metal silicide layer is formed on the impurity doped layer; the metal silicide layer and the semiconductor film are etched to form a recessed portion; and a layer which is not doped with the impurity element and is located at the bottom of the recessed portion of the semiconductor film is thinned to make a channel formation region. Further, a gate electrode is formed in the recessed portion over the thinned non impurity doped layer, with an insulating film interposed therebetween.
US08053284B2
A method of assembling a bent circuit chip package and a circuit chip package having a bent structure. The circuit chip package includes: a substrate having a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE); a circuit chip, having a second CTE, mounted onto the substrate; a metal foil disposed on the circuit chip in thermal contact with the chip; a metal lid having (i) a third CTE that is different from the first CTE and (ii) a bottom edge region, where the metal lid is disposed on the metal foil in thermal contact with the metal foil; and an adhesive layer along the bottom edge of the metal lid, cured at a first temperature, bonding the lid to the substrate, producing an assembly which, at a second temperature, is transformed to a bent circuit chip package.
US08053282B2
Disclosed is a structure for mounting a component to a lighting device, including at least one lighting-device base, at least one metal film, and a lighting array chip. The lighting-device base has a surface to which a first layer of metal bonding agent is applied. The metal film has a surface attached to the first metal bonding agent layer on the surface of the lighting-device base. The lighting array chip has a bottom surface to which a second layer of metal bonding agent is applied. The second metal bonding agent layer is further attached to an opposite surface of the metal film so as to securely mount the lighting array chip to the surface of the lighting-device base. A mounting method is also provided, including the steps of applying a metal bonding agent to a surface of a lighting-device base; connecting the lighting-device base to a positive electrode of a power source; connecting a metal film to a negative electrode of the power source; applying a metal bonding agent to a lighting array chip; bonding the lighting array chip to the metal film; and hot-pressing to bond the lighting array chip to the lighting-device base, so that the lighting array chip is securely mounted to the surface of the lighting-device base by means of thermal fusion caused between the negative and positive polarities of the power source applied to the metal film and the lighting-device base.
US08053277B2
A semiconductor structure includes a first die comprising a first substrate and a first bonding pad over the first substrate, a second die having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the second die is stacked on the first die and a protection layer having a vertical portion on a sidewall of the second die, and a horizontal portion extending over the first die.
US08053275B2
A semiconductor device includes a package substrate having a front surface and a backside surface; an electrode pad formed on the front surface; an outer connection pad formed on the backside surface and electrically connected to the electrode pad; a semiconductor chip mounted on the front surface and having an electrode electrically connected to the electrode pad; a sealing resin layer having a through hole formed with a die-molding and reaching the electrode pad for sealing the semiconductor chip; and a through electrode filled in the through hole with a conductive material and having one end portion electrically connected to the electrode pad and the other end portion exposed from the sealing resin layer.
US08053270B2
A method for producing a silicon substrate for solar cells is provided. The method includes performing a saw damage removal (SDR) and surface macro-texturing on a silicon substrate with acids solution, so that a surface of the silicon substrate becomes an irregular surface. Thereafter, a metal-activated selective oxidation is performed on the irregular surface with an aqueous solution containing an oxidant and a metal salt, in which the oxidant is one selected from persulfate ion, permanganate ion, bichromate ion, and a mixture thereof. Afterwards, the irregular surface is etched with an aqueous solution containing HF and H2O2 so as to form a nano-texturized silicon substrate.
US08053269B2
To improve the use efficiency of materials and provide a technique of fabricating a display device by a simple process. The method includes the steps of providing a mask on a conductive layer, forming an insulating film over the conductive layer provided with the mask, removing the mask to form an insulating layer having an opening; and forming a conductive film in the opening so as to be in contact with the exposed conductive layer, whereby the conductive layer and the conductive film can be electrically connected through the insulating layer. The shape of the opening reflects the shape of the mask. A mask having a columnar shape (e.g., a prism, a cylinder, or a triangular prism), a needle shape, or the like can be used.
US08053265B2
Alternative methods of constructing a vertically offset structure are disclosed. An embodiment includes forming a flexible layer having first and second end portions, an intermediate portion coupling the first and second portions, and upper and lower surfaces. The distance between the upper and lower surfaces at the intermediate portion is less than the distance between the upper and lower surfaces at the first and second end portions. The first end portion is bonded to a base member. The second end portion of the flexible layer is deflected until the second end portion contacts the base member. The second end portion is bonded to the base member.
US08053252B2
A ferroelectric memory device is fabricated while mitigating edge degradation. A bottom electrode is formed over one or more semiconductor layers. A ferroelectric layer is formed over the bottom electrode. A top electrode is formed over the ferroelectric layer. The top electrode, the ferroelectric layer, and the bottom electrode are patterned or etched. A dry clean is performed that mitigates edge degradation. A wet etch/clean is then performed.
US08053251B2
A temperature-compensated capacitor device has ferroelectric properties and includes a ferroelectric capacitor using a ferroelectric material such as a metal oxide ferroelectric material, a negative-temperature-variable capacitor using a negative-temperature-coefficient-of-capacitance material such as a metal oxide paraelectric material, and an electrical series connection between the negative-temperature-variable capacitor and the ferroelectric capacitor. The temperature-compensated capacitor device may be formed as an integrated layered structure, or as separate capacitors with a discrete electrical connection therebetween.
US08053250B2
A method for suppressing non-specific bindings between molecules includes providing magnetic particles dispersed in a liquid, wherein each of the magnetic particles has a magnetization. The magnetic particles are coated with coating molecules. Binding molecules mixed of first-type binding molecules and second-type binding molecules are applied to the liquid, wherein the coating molecules are specifically binding with the first-type binding molecules and non-specifically binding with the second-type binding molecules. An alternating current (ac) magnetic field is applied at an axis with a frequency level, wherein the frequency level causes suppression of the second-type binding molecules in binding with the coating molecules.
US08053245B1
A system for detecting biomaterials that are suspected to be present in a medium that contains multiple materials. A hydrated substrate has water molecules entrapped within molecular spaces between polymeric chains of the substrate. The hydrated substrate also has detection material, which has a specific affinity for a target material. The entrapped water molecules provide a source of water for the detection material such that a change in charge occurs when the target material and detection material coalesce. A display unit detects the change in charge and provides an indication that the target material is present when the change in charge is detected.
US08053243B2
The present invention, in some aspects, relates to systems and methods for determining oxidized proteins, including nitrosylated proteins such as S-nitrosylated proteins. The systems and methods of the invention can be used in vitro (e.g., in cell or tissue culture) or in vivo. For instance, in some cases, the invention can be used to spatially determine the location and/or concentration of oxidized proteins within cells and/or tissues (e.g., through visual detection). In one set of embodiments, a nitrosylated or otherwise oxidized moiety on a protein may be reacted with a detection entity, which may be, for example, fluorescent, radioactive, electron-dense, able to bind to a signaling entity or a binding partner in order to produce a signal, etc. In some embodiments, other moieties on the protein may be altered or blocked before reaction of the protein with the detection entity. Such moieties on the protein may be, for instance, non-oxidized or non-nitrosylated moieties able to react with the detection entity. Also provided in certain aspects of the present invention are kits for determining oxidized proteins, which may include components such as detection entities, alkylating agents, blocking agents, reducing agents, signaling entities, binding partners, antibodies, instructions, and the like.
US08053241B2
A novel reagent is used to identify arsenic-treated wood. The stain may detect arsenic extracted from wood into solution; arsenic transferred from wood to a wipe, which is then extracted into solution; or the stain may be directly applied at a predetermined location on the wood's surface. Copper preservatives are not detected by the stain and phosphate interference is minimized. The process is quick, inexpensive, and easy to use. Development of a blue color (i.e., reduction of at least some Mo (VI) to Mo (V) in molybdenum blue) indicates the presence of arsenic.
US08053231B2
The present invention relates to a DNA vaccine consisting of a vector expressing a part or the whole of a polypeptide regulating production of an inflammatory cytokine, a pharmaceutical composition comprising the DNA vaccine, and a method of preventing or treating an inflammatory disease by using the pharmaceutical composition.
US08053226B2
The invention relates to a device for simultaneously, qualitatively or quantitatively identifying a number of analytes in a liquid sample. The device comprises a membrane with: a charging zone for applying the liquid sample; at least two indicator zones, which can interact with the analytes, and at least one absorption area, which absorbs the liquid after passing the indicator zones, whereby the indicator zones are located between the charging zone and an absorption area. The invention is characterized in that the flowing directions from the charging zone through the respective indicator zones to an absorption area (flow paths) are essentially parallel, and at least two different flow paths exist. The invention also relates to a method for identifying a number of analytes or the derivatives thereof in a liquid sample. The method consists of applying the sample to the charging zone of the membrane of the device, whereby this sample is present in an amount sufficient for causing the sample liquid to flow through the indicator zones toward the absorption area, and for causing the analytes or the derivatives thereof in the sample liquid to form a complex in the indicator zones.
US08053225B2
A one- or two-dimensional arrangement of flow cells is provided, as part of an array of sample compartments, with at least one inlet and outlet for each sample compartment, formed by a base plate and a body, with an arrangement of spatial recesses corresponding to the (geometrical) arrangement of the sample compartments, combined with the base plate. The arrangement allows for supplying to or removing from the sample compartments, which can be arranged at a high quantity on a small base area, even very small amounts of samples or reagents. An arrangement of one or more sample compartments includes a base plate and a body combined with the base plate in such a way that one or more recesses for generation of one or more flow cells fluidically sealed against one another, each with at least one inlet and one outlet, are formed between the base plate and the body, wherein at least one outlet of each flow cell is joined with a reservoir fluidically connected with the flow cell, the reservoir being operable to receive liquid exiting the flow cell, besides methods for its manufacturing and their use.
US08053221B2
The present invention relates to enzymes and processes. In particular, there is described a host cell transformed or transfected with a nucleic acid encoding a bacterial phytase enzyme and variants thereof.
US08053220B2
Bone cages are disclosed including devices for biocompatible implantation. The structures of bone are useful for providing living cells and tissues as well as biologically active molecules to subjects.
US08053218B2
The present invention relates to newly identified genes that encode proteins that are involved in the synthesis of L-ascorbic acid (hereinafter also referred to as Vitamin C). The invention also features polynucleotides comprising the full-length polynucleotide sequences of the novel genes and fragments thereof, the novel polypeptides encoded by the polynucleotides and fragments thereof, as well as their functional equivalents. The present invention also relates to the use of the polynucleotides and polypeptides as biotechnological tools in the production of Vitamin C from microorganisms, whereby a modification of the polynucleotides and/or encoded polypeptides has a direct or indirect impact on yield, production, and/or efficiency of production of the fermentation product in the microorganism. Also included are methods/processes of using the polynucleotides and modified polynucleotide sequences to transform host microorganisms. The invention also relates to genetically engineered microorganisms and their use for the direct production of Vitamin C.
US08053210B2
The invention relates to a method for testing a sterilization packaging unit provided for sterilization of objects to be sterilized, in particular medical objects to be sterilized, for its efficacy against microbial recontamination of the sterilized objects after they have been sterilized. In accordance with the invention the packaging unit is charged with nutrient medium, subjected to a sterilization process and then stored for a period of time under ambient conditions. The packaging unit is then kept under conditions in which microbes multiply for cultivation of microbes which are present in or on the nutrient medium. The packaging unit is then opened and microbes, which have multiplied in or on the nutrient medium, are observed. The method permits the efficacy of the packaging unit with respect to its recontamination protection to be tested easily and reliably.
US08053209B2
The present invention provides clostridial toxin substrates useful in assaying for the protease activity of any clostridial toxin, including botulinum toxins of all serotypes as well as tetanus toxins. A clostridial toxin substrate of the invention contains a donor fluorophore; an acceptor having an absorbance spectrum overlapping the emission spectrum of the donor fluorophore; and a clostridial toxin recognition sequence that includes a cleavage site, where the cleavage site intervenes between the donor fluorophore and the acceptor and where, under the appropriate conditions, resonance energy transfer is exhibited between the donor fluorophore and the acceptor.
US08053207B1
Methods for cancer diagnosis and treatment; in particular, methods for diagnosis and treatment of triple negative breast cancer by measuring the activity of PMPMEase.
US08053195B1
The invention is directed to an isolated genomic nucleic acid molecule fragment that encodes human RhoC, vectors and hosts containing the fragment and fragments hybridizing to noncoding regions as well as antisense oligonucleotides to these fragments. The invention is further directed to methods of using these fragments to obtain human RhoC and to diagnose, treat, prevent and/or ameliorate a pathological disorder.
US08053190B2
Allelic variations in the genes PLEKHA1 and LOC387715 are identified herein as risk factor for Age Related Maculopathy (ARM). A method is therefore provided for identifying a risk of development of ARM in an individual that comprises identification of allelic variations in PLEKHA1 and/or LOC387715. Related apparatus, such as an array, are identified as being useful in implementing those methods.
US08053180B2
In a developing method for performing developing treatment of a substrate by supplying a developing solution onto a resist film formed on a surface of the substrate, the present invention controls a zeta potential of the surface of the substrate at a predetermined potential in the same polarity as that of a zeta potential of insoluble substances floating in the developing solution, thereby preventing or reducing the adhesion of the insoluble substances to the resist film and the substrate. This remedies the occurrence of development defects. The adhesion of the insoluble substances to the resist film and the substrate can also be prevented or inhibited by supplying an acid liquid to a liquid on the substrate, or controlling a pH value of the liquid on the substrate to control an absolute value of the zeta potential of the insoluble substances.
US08053173B2
A novel multi-functional linear siloxane compound, a siloxane polymer prepared from the siloxane compound, and a process for forming a dielectric film by using the siloxane polymer. The linear siloxane polymer has enhanced mechanical properties (e.g., modulus), superior thermal stability, a low carbon content and a low hygroscopicity and is prepared by the homopolymerization of the linear siloxane compound or the copolymerization of the linear siloxane compound with another monomer. A dielectric film can be produced by heat-curing a coating solution containing the siloxane polymer which is highly reactive. The siloxane polymer prepared from the siloxane compound not only has satisfactory mechanical properties, thermal stability and crack resistance, but also exhibits a low hygroscopicity and excellent compatibility with pore-forming materials, which leads to a low dielectric constant. Furthermore, the siloxane polymer retains a relatively low carbon content but a high SiO2 content, resulting in its improved applicability to semiconductor devices. Therefore, the siloxane polymer is advantageously used as a material for dielectric films of semiconductor devices.
US08053171B2
The invention provides a manufacturing method of a substrate having a film pattern including an insulating film, a semiconductor film, a conductive film and the like by simple steps, and also a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device which is low in cost with high throughput and yield. According to the invention, after forming a first protective film which has low wettability on a substrate, a material which has high wettability is applied or discharged on an outer edge of a first mask pattern, thereby a film pattern and a substrate having the film pattern are formed.
US08053169B2
An ink composition is provided that includes (A) an N-vinyllactam, (B) a polymerization initiator, and (C) a basic compound, the content of the N-vinyllactam (A) being at least 15 wt % of the total weight of the ink composition. There is also provided an inkjet recording method that includes (a1) a step of discharging the ink composition onto a recording medium, and (b1) a step of curing the ink composition by irradiating the discharged ink composition with actinic radiation. Furthermore, a printed material obtained using the ink composition is provided. Moreover, there is provided a process for producing a lithographic printing plate that includes (a2) a step of discharging the ink composition onto a hydrophilic support, and (b2) a step of curing the ink composition by irradiating the discharged ink composition with actinic radiation so as to form a hydrophobic image on the hydrophilic support by curing the ink composition.
US08053162B2
A substrate useful for forming lithographic printing plate precursors includes a metal or polymer support and an interlayer comprising a trialkoxysilyl polyethylene glycol acrylate having the following Structure (I): wherein R1 and R2 are independently hydrogen or C1 to C6 alkyl, C1 to C6 alkenyl, C1 to C6 alkoxy, C1 to C6 acyl, C1 to C6 acyloxy, phenyl, halo, or cyano groups, or R1 and R2 together can form a cyclic group, R3 is hydrogen, or a C1 to C6 alkyl, phenyl, halo, or cyano group, R4 and R5 are independently hydrogen or methyl groups, R6 is hydrogen or a C1 to C12 alkyl group, X1 is —O— or —NR— wherein R is hydrogen or an alkyl or aryl group, X2 is —NR′— wherein R′ is hydrogen or an alkyl or aryl group, m is an integer of from 15 to 200, and n is an integer of from 1 to 12. The lithographic printing plates can be negative-working and particularly useful for on-press development and have a sulfuric acid-anodized aluminum support.
US08053150B2
A photoconductor that includes, for example, a supporting substrate, a photogenerating layer, and a thiobis(thioformate) containing charge transport layer; a thiobis(thioformate) containing photogenerating layer, or where both at least one charge transport layer and the photogenerating layer includes, in addition to other components, a thiobis(thioformate).
US08053147B2
High performance media suitable for recording with a blue laser is disclosed. The blue-sensitized holographic media provides greater dynamic range and higher sensitivity than previously disclosed blue-sensitized holographic media. These media can be used for diverse applications such as data storage where the articles provide denser data storage and more rapid hologram writing times or for optical waveguides where the articles provide greater optical confinement and more rapid manufacturing times.
US08053144B2
Disclosed is a membrane-electrode assembly for a fuel cell including an anode and a cathode with a polymer electrolyte membrane placed between them. At least one of the anode and the cathode includes a catalyst layer including a catalyst metal with a hydrophilic polymer layer on the catalyst metal.
US08053140B2
Provided is a fuel cell comprising a membrane electrode assembly, a pair of separators that sandwich the membrane electrode assembly therebetween, and a gas inlet distribution part that connects a reactive gas supply manifold hole and a reactive gas flow channel, wherein the gas inlet distribution part comprises n (n is an integer of 2 or more) distribution ribs that divide the gas inlet distribution part into a plurality of spaces, and each have a long axis perpendicular to the long axis of the linear gas flow channel and have two or more slits parallel to the long axis of the linear gas flow channel, when among the ribs, a distribution rib closest to the reactive gas supply manifold hole is defined as a first distribution rib, a distribution rib closest to the reactive gas flow channel is defined as an n-th distribution rib, and among the spaces, a space on the reactive gas supply manifold hole side from the first distribution rib is defined as a diffusion space, the cross-sectional area of the diffusion space is larger than the cross-sectional area of the slit of the first distribution rib.
US08053138B2
A fuel cell (10) includes a cathode catalyst (26) for receiving a first reactant and an anode catalyst (24) for receiving an expected amount of a second reactant. The cathode catalyst (26) and the anode catalyst (24) respectively catalyze the first reactant and the second reactant to produce an electrochemical reaction that generates a flow of electrons between the cathode catalyst (26) and the anode catalyst (24) The amount of the first reactant consumed in the electrochemical reaction corresponds to a threshold amount of the second reactant needed to generate a forward flow of the electrons from the anode catalyst (24) to the cathode catalyst (26). A portion (42) of a fuel cell flow field includes a feature (54, 60, 80, W1, D1) that restricts consumption of the first reactant.
US08053132B2
A cathode end plate for a breathable fuel cell stack including a first plate including a plurality of first openings and a second plate contacting one side of the first plate and including a plurality of second openings exposing two or more first openings of the plurality of first openings.
US08053129B2
A fuel cell system includes a first shut valve capable of shutting off a gas flow in a gas path where a fuel cell gas flows; and a second shut valve arranged more towards the downstream side of the gas flow than the first shut valve, and capable of shutting off the gas flow. In each of the first shut valve and the second shut valve, sealing is performed by intimate contact between a movable member and a seal member and a gas pressure supplied from the upstream applies a force to the movable member to bring it into intimate contact with the seal member. A deformation degree by an external force of the same intensity is set greater in the seal member of the second shut valve than in the seal member of the first shut valve.
US08053127B2
One embodiment of the invention includes a cooling tank reservoir with a pressure release valve and a cooling fluid conduit wrapped around the pressure release valve.
US08053125B2
A first seal member is formed integrally on both surfaces of a first metal plate. The first seal member is integrally formed on a cooling surface of the first metal plate, except a region corresponding to a reaction surface facing an electrode reaction surface, and except regions of inlet buffers and outlet buffers. The first seal member has an expansion. The position of an end surface of the expansion substantially matches the position of a wall surface of the outermost groove of a coolant flow field to prevent the flow of a coolant around the electrode reaction surface.
US08053124B2
In a mobile body, an intermittent operation to temporarily halt a cell operation is performed at a time when a request for power generation with respect to a fuel cell stack is less than a predetermined value, and recovery processing of a cell voltage is performed at a time when a cell voltage recovery processing executing condition is satisfied during the intermittent operation. When the mobile body is moving, a threshold voltage Vth1 is set as the cell voltage recovery processing executing condition. When the mobile body is stopped, a threshold voltage Vth2 is set as the cell voltage recovery processing executing condition. When the voltages are set so as to obtain a relation Vth1>Vth2, the cell voltage recovery processing can be limited during the stop of the mobile body.
US08053119B2
There is provided a fuel cell system comprising: a stack for generating electric energy through a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen; a reformer for generating hydrogen from fuel through a catalytic reaction of the fuel using thermal energy and for supplying the generated hydrogen to the stack; a fuel supply unit for supplying the fuel to the reformer; and an oxygen supply unit for supplying oxygen to the reformer and the stack. The reformer comprises: a tubular reactor body; a heat source section which is formed in the inner space of the tubular reactor body and which generates thermal energy in a predetermined temperature range through an oxidation reaction of fuel; a reforming reaction section which is formed successive to the heat source section and which generates hydrogen from the fuel through a reforming reaction using the thermal energy; and a heat delivery unit which is provided in contact with the tubular reactor body and which delivers the thermal energy to the fuel supplied to the reforming reaction section.
US08053118B2
A hydrogen and power generation system includes a reforming device for producing a reformed gas from a reformable raw fuel, a combination fuel cell and ion pump operable selectively in a hydrogen generation mode and an electricity generation mode, a PSA mechanism for removing an unwanted component from the hydrogen produced by the combination fuel cell and ion pump, the PSA mechanism 18 having adsorption towers held in fluid communication with the cathode for receiving hydrogen from the combination fuel cell and ion pump, and a PSA off-gas passage having one end connected to an off-gas outlet of the PSA mechanism and another end connected to a reformed gas passage, which provides fluid communication between a reformed gas outlet of the reforming device and an anode inlet of the combination fuel cell and ion pump.
US08053085B2
A multilayer heat-shrinkable film having an uncommon but valuable combination of properties is disclosed. The film comprises a core layer of HDPE. Each skin layer comprises linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), or mixtures thereof. The core layer comprises greater than 80% by weight of a HDPE having an ER greater than 3.0, a MI2 from 0.1 to 1.0 dg/min., and a density from 0.940 to 0.970 g/cm3. The film has good shrink in the transverse direction, good appearance, and excellent stiffness.
US08053078B2
Soft, flexible highly lubricious coatings for polymeric IOL insertion cartridges that allow IOLs to be easily inserted through small bore cartridges suitable for use with small (less than 3 mm) incisions are provided. These lubricious coatings allow IOLs to be inserted into the eye of a patient without the risk of lens damage or transfer of lubricants to the lens surface during implantation. Specifically, polymeric coatings comprising a matrix polymer having an equivalent weight greater than 5000 g/eq are used to form interpenetrating networks (IPN) on the surface of hydrophobic structural polymers. The IPNs thus formed entrap highly lubricious hydrophilic compounds within the IPN using multi-functional cross linkers.
US08053077B2
A composite-forming process includes impregnating a reinforcing structure with a curable composition at a temperature of about 10 to about 40° C. The curable composition includes specific amounts of an epoxy resin, a poly(arylene ether), a solvent, and a curing promoter. The poly(arylene ether) includes, on average, about 1.6 to about 2.4 phenolic hydroxy groups per molecule, and it has a polydispersity index less than or equal to 2.2 and an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.03 to about 0.2 deciliter per gram. These characteristics substantially improve the solubility of the poly(arylene ether) in the curable composition and allow the curable composition to be formed and used at or near room temperature. Composites formed by the process and circuit boards including the composites are also described.
US08053073B2
A process for producing resin-coated metal particles includes coating surfaces of metal particles with silica; allowing a polymerizable group to adsorb onto the surfaces of the silica-coated particles by the use of a silane coupling agent; and coating the surfaces of the silica-coated particles with a polymeric resin by mixing the particles to which the polymerizable groups have been adsorbed, a polymerizable monomer, a polymerization initiator, and a dispersant to polymerize the polymerizable monomer and the polymerizable groups.
US08053070B2
Disclosed are an optical film having a graded refractive index and a method of manufacturing the same. The optical film includes one or more antireflection films composed of a mesoporous material having a plurality of pores of a uniform size, and the pores of the mesoporous material are filled with air or a filler having a refractive index different from that of the mesoporous material, and thus the volume ratio of mesoporous material to filler in the pores thereof is controlled, thereby obtaining a desired magnitude of effective refractive index and ensuring a refractive index distribution in which the refractive indexes sequentially change, resulting in high antireflection performance. The method of manufacturing the optical film may be conducted using a nanowire growing technique, thus making it easy to realize mass production.
US08053069B2
A composite material being excellent in heat conductivity is provided. In order to realize this, a fibrous carbon material made of fine tube form structures constituted with single-layer or multiple-layer graphene is present to form a plurality of layers within a substrate made from a spark plasma sintered body of a metal powder, a mixed powder of a metal and ceramics, or a ceramic powder. The fibrous carbon material constituting each layer is made of a mixture obtained by mixing a small amount of a small diameter fiber 2 having an average diameter of 100 nm or less with a large diameter fiber 1 having an average diameter of 500 nm to 100 μm.
US08053068B2
A shock and vibration isolator device has one or more connecting elements of a superelastic shape memory alloy composite material extending between a base member, configured to mount to a structure or ground, and a mounting member, configured to support equipment or machinery. The superelastic shape memory alloy composite material is formed of a plurality of superelastic wires embedded in an elastomeric matrix material.
US08053067B2
The present invention relates to a data storage device comprising: a data storage medium for storing data in the form of topographic features; and at least one probe for writing and/or reading the data stored in the data storage medium, wherein the data storage medium is formed on a support layer, the support layer having a lower shear modulus than the data storage medium.
US08053062B2
A film composed of a number of layers having different refractive indices and alternately laminated one upon another has characteristic optical properties by light interference. Conventional films having such structure have problems of poor interlaminar adhesivity and low tear strength. The problems are solved by a film having the following constitution. A biaxially drawn multilayer laminated film is composed of alternately laminated 1st layers and 2nd layers at a total layer number of 11 or more. Each layer has a thickness of 0.05 to 0.5 μm. The 1st layer is made of a crystalline thermoplastic resin and the 2nd layer is made of a crystalline thermoplastic resin having a composition different from that of the resin constituting the 1st layer. The maximum light reflectance of the film within the wavelength range of 350 to 2,000 nm is higher than the base line reflectance obtained from a light reflectance curve within the wavelength range of 350 to 2,000 nm by 20% or more.
US08053058B2
A spray coated member having an excellent resistance to plasma erosion is produced by irradiating an electron beam to an outermost surface layer portion of a ceramic spray coated portion covering a surface of a substrate to form an electron beam irradiated layer.
US08053054B2
A honeycomb structure 1 comprising a honeycomb segment bonded body 10 having a number of honeycomb segments 2 integrated on each bonding planes via bonding material layers 9 has a structure so that a number of cells 5 providing fluid flow channels are disposed in parallel in the direction of center axis thereof. The honeycomb structure 1 is constructed so that the porosity of an outer portion of the bonding material layers 9 (an area from the interface with the honeycomb segment-bonding plane to a point apart from that interface by a distance equivalent to 20% of the entire layer thickness) is smaller than the porosity of a central portion located inward of the outer portion, and so that the bonding material layers 9 have a compression Young's modulus along the Z-axis of 5 to 100 MPa.
US08053053B1
A shell purfling strip has sufficient flexibility to be placed within a curved configuration. The purfling strips are sufficiently flexible to be placed, as a single unit, in curved channels which require the strip to bend. The flexibility results from a laminated structure comprising a layer of binding material overlain by an organic shell layer, with a bonding agent attaching the layers together. The organic shell layer comprises a plurality of precisely placed breaks along its length. The binding material retains the individual fragments of the shell layer in the strip, but because the binding material comprises a flexible material, such as rubber, the layer of binding material is sufficiently flexible to allow the purfling strip to flex longitudinally and transversely. The shell purfling strips may be attached in parallel relationship to other perfling components such that the perfling components can be installed as a unit.
US08053050B2
A transparent article includes a continuous polyester matrix having at least one incompatible filler dispersed therein. The incompatible filler provides domains in the polyester matrix, each domain having a particular dimension, thus providing a range of dimensions for the domains in the article. To create haze, the dimensions are within the range of from about 380 nm to about 720 nm. Once the range of dimensions is determined, a light absorbent composition can be found which absorbs light at a range of wavelengths that at least substantially covers the range of dimensions of the domains. In doing so, it has been found that the haze of the article can be substantially masked. Method for producing the article and for masking the haze are also provided.
US08053044B2
A print media for inkjet web-press printing includes a paper base and a porous surface treatment. The porous surface treatment layer includes an inorganic pigment; at least one water-soluble and/or water-dispersible polymeric carrier; and at least one fixer. The fixer is a metal salt. A method of making print media is also disclosed.
US08053013B2
The present invention in a first aspect relates to novel flavour modulating substances according to formula (I) or formula (II) or edible salts thereof or both: R1—CR2(OR3)—CO—NR4—CHR5R6 (I). It was found that substances represented by formula (I) or formula (II) can advantageously be used to impart desirable flavour, especially taste attributes to foodstuffs, beverages, pharmaceutics, tobacco products and oral care products they are incorporated in. In addition these substances are capable of modulating and complementing the sensory impact of other, flavour imparting, substances. Thus, the present flavour modulating substances are advantageously applied in flavour compositions, foodstuffs, beverages, pharmaceutics and oral care products. Typical examples of flavour modulating substances according to the present invention include N-lactoyl glucosamine, N-lactoyl glucosaminic acid, N-gluconyl glucosamine, N-gluconyl glucosaminic acid, hemiacetals or lactones thereof, edible salts thereof and mixtures thereof.
US08052997B2
The invention discloses an anti-bacterial composition and method for producing the same. The anti-bacterial composition of the invention includes an organic siloxane material which comprises an amino group, and a plurality of silver atoms. Particularly, the organic siloxane material has a meshed structure, and the plurality of silver atoms are bonded to the amino group and are well dispersed in the meshed structure.
US08052993B2
Disclosed are novel pharmaceutical compositions containing 3′-[(2Z)-[1-(3,4-dimethylphenyl) -1,5-dihydro-3-methyl-5-oxo-4H-pyrazol-4-ylidene]hydrazino]-2′-hydroxy-[1,1′-biphenyl]-3-carboxylic acid bis-(monoethanolamine) (eltrombopag olamine) and processes for preparing the same.
US08052992B2
Disclosed herein is a lipid preparation, said preparation comprising a phosphatidylserine moiety, and poly-unsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) acyl groups, particularly long-chain poly-unsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) acyl groups such as omega-3 and/or omega-6 acyl groups, wherein said PUFA is covalently bound to said glycerophospholipid. Said lipid preparations are particularly useful in the treatment of mental and cognitive disorders, e.g. ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and Alzheimer's disease.The disclosed preparations present improved bioactivity, and are useful in the treatment of various cognitive and mental conditions and disorders, as well as for maintenance of normal functions of brain-related systems and processes.
US08052989B2
A method of coating a medical device, such as a stent or balloon. The method comprises assembling an array of vertically-oriented carbon nanotubes on a surface of the medical device and contacting the array of carbon nanotubes with a liquid. The liquid is evaporated to form a cellular foam made of carbon nanotubes. The liquid may contain a bioactive agent. Also described are medical devices having a coating of cellular foam that is made of carbon nanotubes.
US08052987B2
The invention relates to bisphosphonates, in particular more potent N-bisphosphonates such as zoledronic acid and derivatives, and to methods of treatment using bisphosphonates. These bisphosphonates are used with satisfactory results for prolonged inhibition of bone resorption in conditions of abnormally increased bone turnover, e.g. osteoporosis, by intermittent administration, the periods between bisphosphonate administrations are longer than was previously considered appropriate, e.g. a dosing interval of at least about 6 months or less frequently.
US08052984B2
The invention is an increased effectiveness of allylamine drug compounds for topical treatment of fungal infections of skin and skin appendages. The allylamine active ingredient is prepared in an acidic environment; the acidic environment altering the physiochemical properties of the active ingredient resulting in the active ingredient having a positive charge. The positive charge and enhancers used in the formula allow for increased penetration of the active ingredient through skin and skin appendages. The positively charged active ingredients are either dissolved in the vehicle directly or dissolved in a plurality of beads suspended in the vehicle. The bead structure minimizes the molecular diffusion of the positively charged active ingredient and a catalytic species through the bead structure, thus stabilizes the positively charged active ingredient inside the bead by impeding the interaction of the positively charged active ingredient and the catalytic species, and thereby extending the shelf life of the positively charged active ingredient.
US08052982B2
Pharmaceutical and/or veterinary formulation containing about 2-30% (w/w) (on an active basis) of at least one active agent, about 0.5-20.0% (w/w) of a pore-forming agent comprising lecithin and an organic salt, and the balance stearin.
US08052979B2
The specification discloses modified Clostridial toxins comprising a Clostridial toxin enzymatic domain, a Clostridial toxin translocation domain and an enhanced Clostridial toxin binding domain; polynucleotide molecules encoding such modified Clostridial toxins; and method of producing such modified Clostridial toxins.
US08052978B2
A method for preparing a soluble antigenic extract from Rhodococcus equi is disclosed. The method includes a step of solubilizing membranes of said bacteria by contacting said bacteria with an extraction solution containing a nonionic detergent of sorbitan polyethylene fatty acid ester type. Also disclosed is a soluble antigenic extract obtainable by said preparation method, said extract including membrane antigens of Rhodococcus equi dissolved in the extraction solution. Finally, a composition including the soluble antigenic extract as a medicine is disclosed, including preferably a nanoparticulate or oil-in-water emulsion type adjuvant, and the use of the soluble antigenic extract for preparing a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating a Rhodococcus equi-induced infection in an animal.
US08052975B2
Compounds and methods for the diagnosis and treatment of Chlamydial infection are disclosed. The compounds provided include polypeptides that contain at least one antigenic portion of a Chlamydia antigen and DNA sequences encoding such polypeptides. Pharmaceutical compositions and vaccines comprising such polypeptides or DNA sequences are also provided, together with antibodies directed against such polypeptides. Diagnostic kits containing such polypeptides or DNA sequences and a suitable detection reagent may be used for the detection of Chlamydial infection in patients and in biological samples.
US08052974B2
The present invention provides human binding molecules specifically binding to a host cell protein and having virus neutralizing activity, nucleic acid molecules encoding the human binding molecules, compositions comprising the human binding molecules and methods of identifying or producing the human binding molecules. The human binding molecules can be used in the diagnosis, prophylaxis and/or treatment of viral infections.
US08052966B2
Methods and compositions for producing targeted delivery vectors are provided. Such vectors are useful for treating neoplastic disorders. Also provided are protocols for administering targeted delivery vectors in a clinical setting such that a therapeutic effect is achieved.
US08052965B2
Described is a replication competent recombinant virus, being capable to replicate and having lytic capacity in target cells, the said cell being hampered in the p53 dependent apoptosis pathway, the virus including in the genome thereof, the coding sequence of at least one restoring factor functional in restoring the p53 apoptosis pathway in the said target cells, operably linked to one or more expression control sequences, functional in the said target cells, as well as the use thereof in the preparation of a medicament, in particular for suppressing uncontrolled cell growth.
US08052962B2
Provided herein is an oral soap composition comprising an orally-acceptable soap base effective to clean teeth that includes one or more natural oils, a saponifying agent and distilled water. The oral soap composition may be liquid or solid. Also provided are oral soap compositions comprising an essential oil for flavoring.
US08052959B2
A hydrogen supply device and a method of supplying hydrogen are provided in which a hydrogen gas odorized with the odor agent is supplied by applying heat to a granular mixture of hydrogen storage glass beads and odor agent encapsulating capsules using irradiation with infrared light emitted from a light source.
US08052958B2
Provided is a method for manufacturing a metal oxide hollow nanoparticles with excellent properties more easily and simply by a chemical vapor condensation employing metal β-diketonates as precursors, and a metal oxide hollow nanoparticles manufactured by the method. The method includes: preparing metal β-diketonate as a precursor; evaporating the metal β-diketonate at a predetermined temperature higher than a melting point of the metal β-diketonate; transferring the evaporated metal β-diketonate into a reaction region; thermally decomposing the transferred gaseous metal β-diketonate and simultaneously inducing a reaction of the transferred gaseous metal β-diketonate with oxygen to synthesize the metal oxide hollow nanoparticle; and condensing and collecting the synthesized metal oxide hollow nanoparticles.
US08052957B2
The present disclosure suggests a method of manufacturing flake aluminum oxide using a microwave including: performing a pre-treatment on a starting material by grinding the starting material such as alumina hydrate, aluminum salt or the like and classifying particles with an appropriate size; manufacturing transition alumina by performing a heat treatment by means of heating the pre-treated starting material; mixing the transition alumina with molten salt and an additive and then dispersing and grinding the mixed compounds; melting and synthesizing flake aluminum oxide by heating the dispersed and grinded mixture with a microwave as a heating source; separating the molten salt and the additive from the synthesized aluminum oxide; and performing a post-treatment on the flake aluminum oxide by removing a foreign substance such as an additive residue stuck to a surface of a crystal particle of the separated flake aluminum oxide.
US08052954B2
A barium calcium titanate of the present invention has a remarkable effect that a fine barium calcium titanate powder having excellent dispersibility, reduced impurities and high crystallinity and being solid-dissolved at an arbitrary ratio, and a production process thereof are provided.The barium calcium titanate represented by the compositional formula: (Ba(1-X)CaX)YTiO3 (wherein 0
US08052950B2
Multi-compartment overfire air and N-agent injection method for nitrogen oxide reduction in flue gas
A method of decreasing a concentration of nitrogen oxides in a combustion gas flowing through a vessel including: generating a flue gas in a combustion zone of the vessel, the flue gas containing nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide; providing overfire air into a burnout zone of the vessel from a first injector of overfire air to oxidize at least some of the carbon monoxide in the flue gas; injecting a selective reducing agent concurrent with overfire air at a level in the burnout zone downstream of the first injector of overfire air and downstream of the oxidization of the carbon monoxide, and reacting the selective reducing agent with the flue gas to reduce the nitrogen oxides.
US08052946B2
A system and process for upgrading hydrocarbons such as heavy oils includes a high temperature plasma reactor apparatus, in one or more vessels, into which the oils are introduced along with water, such as steam, to produce lighter hydrocarbon fractions, along with carbon monoxide and hydrogen, that flows to an additional stage where more hydrocarbons and water are introduced for further fractionating reactions facilitated by reaction of carbon monoxide and water to produce carbon dioxide and nascent, or prompt, free radicals of hydrogen. Heavy hydrocarbons upgraded can include heavy oils in the form of tar sands, oil shale, and oil residuals. The vessel or vessels can each contain a carbonaceous bed facilitating the described reactions and example embodiments include one vessel with the reactions performed in a single bed and, also, two vessels with the reactions performed in a carbonaceous bed portion in each vessel.
US08052943B2
A compact biosensor cartridge in which biosensors can be set with simple operation so that they can be tested one by one, and which protects the biosensors from moisture until they are set. A biosensor dispensing device is also disclosed. A biosensor cartridge (6) to be installed in a biosensor dispensing device (1) includes a pushing member (31) and a pushing rotating member (34) both used for ejecting biosensors (10) stacked in a case one by one and ejecting each sensor (10) through a sensor ejecting port (26). This structure presents the biosensor cartridge (6) to be made small and thin.
US08052924B2
There is provided a high strength steel plate with high manganese having excellent burring workability, which is used for structural members, bumper reinforcing materials and impact absorbing materials of automobiles, etc. The high strength steel plate includes, by weight: C: 0.2 to 1.0%, Mn: 10 to 25%, Al: 0.3 to 3.0%, S: 0.05% or less, P: 0.05% or less, and the balance of Fe and inevitable impurities, wherein the chemical elements satisfactorily have a grain size of 18 μm or more. The high strength steel plate can be useful to facilitate formation of automobile parts since it has excellent physical properties such as elongation and hole expansibility as well as strength.
US08052915B2
An apparatus and method of forming a vessel is disclosed, wherein a plurality of bosses are disposed in a pattern die having a die cavity with a desired shape, a material is extruded through the mold, the material is blow molded to take the shape of the cavity, and the bosses are adhered to the material.
US08052913B2
Process for the production of a polymeric article by: (a) forming a ply having successive layers, namely (i) a first layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material; (ii) a second layer of a polymeric material; (iii) a third layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material, wherein the second layer has a lower peak melting temperature than that of the first and third layers; (b) subjecting the ply to conditions of time, temperature and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the first layer, to melt the second layer entirely, and to melt a proportion of the third layer; and to compact the ply; and (c) cooling the compacted ply. The resultant articles have good mechanical properties yet may be made at lower compaction temperatures than articles not employing the second layer, leading to a more controllable manufacturing process.
US08052907B2
A woven panel is formed from at least one first polymer yarn and at least one second polymer yarn wherein the second polymer yarn has a core. The core yarns provide mechanical strength for the woven material in supporting the coreless yarns when used in load bearing articles such as the seat or back portions of an article of furniture.
US08052904B2
Process for forming containers from a blank, preferably a preform, made of a thermoplastic, the containers being formed using a stretch-blow moulding machine of rotary type having a blow-moulding mould mounted on the periphery of a carousel rotated continuously about its axis, the blow-moulding mould operating in cyclic manner according to a blow-moulding cycle having the following steps: placing a preheated blank in a blow-moulding mould; closing the blow-moulding mould; blowing the blank in the blow-moulding mould; flushing the inside of the container with a cooling gas, by injecting air thereinto; grasping the blow-moulded container by external gripping means; and opening the blow-moulding mould, which process includes automatically varying the duration of the flushing step at each start of production of the containers, in a temporary and evolving manner for a few minutes to establish in the containers thermal conditions enabling the first containers to be formed at a temperature that gives them a final volume corresponding to the final volume of the containers formed during the stead-state operation of the stretch-blow moulding machine.
US08052897B2
A composite lithium compound having a mixed crystalline structure is provided. Such compound can be formed by heating lithium, iron, phosphorous and carbon sources with a lithium metal compound. The resulting mixed metal crystal can exhibit superior electrical property and is a better cathode material for lithium secondary batteries.
US08052896B2
A nanocarbon film that is produced in such a manner that, after a nanocarbon dispersion containing nanocarbon and a dispersant is used to form a film containing the nanocarbon and the dispersant, an external stimulus is applied to the film to at least partially decompose the dispersant contained in the film. Light irradiation is preferably applied as the external stimulus.
US08052895B2
A semiconducting ink formulation comprises a semiconducting material; a first solvent; and a second solvent which is miscible with the first solvent, has a surface tension equal to or greater than the surface tension of the first solvent, and in which the semiconducting material has a solubility of less than 0.1 wt % at room temperature The surface tension of the ink formulation can be controlled, allowing the formation of semiconducting layers in organic thin film transistors, including top-gate transistors.
US08052890B2
The present invention relates to compositions useful for the suppression of fugitive dust emissions and methods of suppressing dust emissions by application of an aqueous solution comprising a surfactant, wetting agent and an acrylic copolymer. The compositions of the invention are effective in wetting, penetrating and improving particle cohesion and reducing water evaporation. They can also be used as a knockdown agent for airborne dust and for minimizing soil and dust erosion, blowing and loss from roads and bulk solids, mineral flotation processes, waste management applications and as a binding agent.
US08052885B2
Structural modification using electron beam activated chemical etch (EBACE) is disclosed. A target or portion thereof may be exposed to a gas composition of a type that etches the target when the gas composition and/or target are exposed to an electron beam. By directing an electron beam toward the target in the vicinity of the gas composition, an interaction between the electron beam and the gas composition etches a portion of the target exposed to both the gas composition and the electron beam. Structural modifications of the target may be conducted by means of etching due to interaction between the electron beam and gas composition.
US08052877B2
A process for the removal of azide ions from aqueous liquids at alkaline pH by alkali-soluble metals and catalyst or by hydrogen and catalyst.
US08052870B2
A filter system for filtering water and/or wastewater which includes an underdrain system having a plurality of laterals that are anchored to the floor of a filter by a hold-down assembly. Preferably, the hold-down assembly does not rely on grout or other substance that is applied in a viscous or semi-viscous state and subsequently hardened as the primary means for connecting the underdrain laterals to the floor of the filter. Preferably, the hold-down assembly includes hold-down clips that can move relative to an anchor assembly and corresponding underdrain blocks so that the hold-down clips can cooperate with any desired portion of the corresponding underdrain blocks.
US08052866B2
A marine water separating fuel filter includes a connecting tube head, an upper lid, a filter element, and a container. The filter element is accommodated in the container and sealed by the upper lid, with an axial inlet opening and a limiting ring provided on a hollow taper post to hold against the filter element. An axial pipe of the connecting tube head is screwed to the axial inlet opening. The connecting tube head has a pressing ring to hold against a washer, providing a sealing function. The unfiltered fuel from an inlet end is filtered with the filter element and then filtered fuel expelled through an outlet end. An indication ring is provided on the hollow taper post to indicate the height of liquid. This is an easy and quick way to assemble and disassemble the filter element, providing environmental and economical purposes.
US08052864B2
A process to prepare a sweet crude from an ash containing and heavy fraction of a tar sand oil comprising supplying an atmospheric distillation bottoms of a tar sands originated feed to a vacuum distillation to obtain a vacuum gas oil and a vacuum bottoms and contacting the vacuum gas oil with hydrogen to obtain a sweet synthetic crude. The vacuum bottoms obtained are separated into an asphalt fraction comprising between 0.1 and 4 wt % ash and a de-asphalted oil and the asphalt fraction is fed to a burner of a gasification reactor to obtain a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide on which a water gas shift reaction is performed. Hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide are separated from the shifted gas in an acid removal unit thereby obtaining crude hydrogen which is purified and used to obtain the sweet synthetic crude. The asphalt fraction is provided to the burner in a liquid state and wherein in case the separation step fails to provide sufficient feed for the gasification reactor, vacuum bottoms from the first step are fed to the burner in a liquid state.
US08052859B2
The method of process control is for a Hall-Héroult process of aluminum production from alumina ore in an industrial potline. The method includes measuring an array of sampled potline data including a plurality of cell voltages (V) and a plurality of line amperages (A) at a plurality of time points. The method also includes calculating a predicted voltage (PV) for each cell voltage and line amperage in the array. The method further includes controlling a plurality of alumina ore feed rates and a plurality of pot voltage settings based upon the predicted voltages. The method also includes calculating a plurality of bath temperatures based upon the predicted voltages. The PV variable is preferably used in an automated control environment. The PV variable is also preferably used to monitor cell noise levels, operating temperature, metal pad roll, and oscillatory electrical shorting events.
US08052855B2
A carbon nanotube (“CNT”) gas sensor includes a substrate, an insulating layer formed on the substrate, electrodes formed on the insulating layer, and CNT barriers that protrude higher than the electrodes in spaces between the electrodes to form gas detecting spaces. A method of manufacturing the gas sensor includes forming an insulating layer on a substrate, forming an electrode pattern on the insulating layer, coating CNT paste having a thickness greater than a thickness of electrodes in the electrode pattern on the electrodes and the insulating layer, and patterning and firing the carbon nanotube paste, including using a photolithography method, to retain only portions of the CNT paste coated on spaces between the electrodes.
US08052853B2
A sputtering apparatus includes a container; a plate for supporting the container; a first attachment for attaching the container to the plate; and a second attachment for less tightly attaching the container to the plate than through the first attachment.
US08052850B2
A sputtering apparatus includes a susceptor for receiving a substrate, and a first target device disposed to be opposite to a center region of a substrate and at least second and third target devices disposed to be opposite to peripheral regions of the substrate, wherein the second and third target devices are rotatable.
US08052848B2
The invention relates generally to chemical reactions and processes, and in particular to a method for enhancing the rate of a chemical reaction and to apparatus for carrying out the method. The invention more particularly relates to methods and apparatus which utilize microwave and ultrasonic energy to enhance chemical reaction rates; and in specific instances, the invention relates to methods, processes and apparatus for the synthesis of biodiesel fuels. The methods, processes and apparatus of the invention are useful for the synthesis of biodiesel fuels; and also useful for production of reaction products of esterification and/or transesterification reactions including fatty acid alkyl esters.
US08052835B2
An incorrect label removal system is disclosed for removing unwanted labels from a web of labels in a labeling machine. The incorrect label removal system includes a label peel assembly positioned between two fixed points along the direction of travel of the web of labels. The label peel assembly provides a first orientation in which labels remain on the web as the web passes the label peel assembly, and selectively provides a second orientation in which labels are removed from the web. The label peel assembly provides that a length of the web between the two fixed points is substantially the same when the label peel assembly is in each of the first orientation and the second orientation.
US08052833B2
A chemical treatment apparatus includes an outer bath; an inner bath, located inside the outer bath; a circulation system, connecting the outer bath to the inner bath; and a draining system, having a first draining pipe and a connecting pipe, wherein the connecting pipe connects the first draining pipe to the circulation system. The suction force generated by a pump of the circulation system is thereby transferred to the first draining pipe. Therefore when the chemical solution is to be drained out from the inner bath, the draining of the chemical solution into the first draining pipe can be quickly done with the aid of the suction force.
US08052830B2
A laser weldable PBT-series resin composition and a molded product thereof are provided, in which the composition is weldable uniformly and has high welding strength even when the composition comprises a polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) as a base.The laser weldable resin composition comprises 1 to 50 parts by weight of (B) an elastomer (such as a polystyrene-series thermoplastic elastomer or a polyester-series thermoplastic elastomer), 5 to 100 parts by weight of (C) a polycarbonate-series resin, 1 to 10 parts by weight of (D) a plasticizer (e.g., an aromatic polycarboxylic acid ester, and an acrylic plasticizer), and 0 to 100 parts by weight of (E) a filler or reinforcing agent (such as a glass fiber), relative to 100 parts by weight of (A) a polybutylene terephthalate-series resin (a homopolyester or a copolyester). The molded product prepared from the resin composition has a small light transmittance fluctuation range depending on sites to be irradiated of the molded product. Thus, the molded product can be bonded to a counter part article uniformly by a laser welding.
US08052827B2
The invention is directed to a method for producing a material roll for use in a process including unwinding a long sheet material from a roll of the long sheet material, wherein the long sheet material includes an optical film, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and a release film laminated in this order, and the optical film includes a polarizing plate, cutting at least the optical film to form an optical film having a specific length, and then bonding the optical film to a surface of a rectangular optical display unit, while feeding the optical film, the method comprising the steps of: lengthwise slitting a long material having a longitudinal direction parallel to an absorption axis of the polarizing plate, so that a long sheet material having a width corresponding to a short or long side of the optical display unit is obtained; and winding the long sheet material into a roll.
US08052823B2
Stiffener tool positioning apparatus and methods are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a base, a first flipper member and second flipper member. The first flipper member is slide-ably attached to the base. The first flipper member is also configured to selectively attach a first mandrel thereon and to rotate the first mandrel. The second flipper member is also slide-ably attached to the base. The first and second flipper members are slide-ably positioned select distances from each other on the base in embodiments. The second mandrel is further configured to attach a second mandrel thereon and to rotate the second mandrel.
US08052818B2
A method and a system for applying a seal to the closure of an opening, in particular to a door of a motor vehicle, is provided. The application takes place in two stages. In a first stage, a seal, which is cut off from a continuous seal strip is placed with a stationary roll-on head on placing and pressing elements of a tensioning plate, which are moved past the roll-on head. In a second stage, the tensioning plate with the seal placed on the placing and pressing elements is guided to the closure of the opening and pressed here by means of the pressing elements on the bonding face of the closure of the opening. In general, this type of application takes place exclusively by mechanical means.
US08052815B2
Method and combined set comprising a device and a film material for manufacturing foam cushions, for packaging purposes in particular, a film feed station (2) comprising feeding a film material (9) to a foam feed station (3), the said film material having a first and a second sidewall (9-1, 9-2) which are each connected to a common first edge (16-1), the first and second sidewalls being arranged such that they demarcate an inner space which is accessible via an opening made in a second edge (16-2), the said foam feed station having first guiding devices (8) for guiding the second edge, the foam feed station also having a delivery device (12) to enter the said opening and inject a foaming substance into the inner space, a first welding device (5) which is equipped to make a seam weld in the film material, the film material being equipped with a series of characters (60) applied on the outside of each at a preset distance from one another, the method involving reading the said characters and generating a read pulse, a control device to receive the read pulses and to control a conveyor device as a function of those values.
US08052812B2
A high carbon cold-rolled steel sheet having both excellent stretch-flange formability and excellent homogeneity of hardness in the sheet thickness direction is provided by a manufacturing method having the steps of: hot-rolling a steel containing 0.2 to 0.7% C by mass at finishing temperatures of (Ar3 transformation point −20° C.) or above to prepare a hot-rolled sheet; cooling the hot-rolled sheet to temperatures of 650° C. or below at cooling rates from 60° C./s or larger to smaller than 120° C./s; coiling the hot-rolled sheet after cooling at coiling temperatures of 600° C. or below; cold-rolling the coiled hot-rolled sheet at rolling reductions of 30% or more to prepare a cold-rolled sheet; and annealing the cold-rolled sheet at annealing temperatures from 600° C. or larger to Ac1 transformation point or lower.
US08052811B2
A rapidly-solidified non-oriented electrical steel sheet having high magnetic flux density and low core loss is provided.The method of producing the non-oriented electrical steel sheet excellent in magnetic properties comprises casting a steel strip by using a traveling cooling roll surface(s) to solidify a steel melt of a prescribed chemical composition, which melt contains one or both of REM and Ca at a total content of 0.0020 to 0.01% and is cast in an atmosphere of Ar, He or a mixture thereof.
US08052805B2
A method for flushing at least a portion of a bulk dispensing system in a household cleaning appliance.
US08052796B2
The invention relates to a device for depositing especially crystalline layers on especially crystalline substrates, said device comprising a process chamber which is arranged in a reactor housing and comprises a substrate holder for receiving at least one substrate. A gas-admittance body is arranged opposite the substrate holder, said body comprising a gas-leak surface facing the substrate holder and provided with a plurality of essentially evenly distributed outlets for process gases to be introduced into the process chamber. In order to improve the observation of the surface temperature, the inventive device is provided with a plurality of sensors arranged to the rear of the outlets and respectively aligned with an associated outlet.
US08052791B2
A phase modulation element according to the present invention has a first area having a first phase value based on a phase modulation unit having a predetermined size and a second area having a second phase value based on the phase modulation unit having the predetermined size, and each phase distribution is defined by a change in area shares of the first area and the second area depending on each position.
US08052785B2
An indaniline dye represented by the following formula (1): wherein R1 and R2 represent an unsubstituted linear or branched alkyl group having from 2 to 5 carbon atoms; R3 represents an unsubstituted linear or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms; provided that the total number of the carbon atoms of R1, R2 and R3 is 6 or 7.
US08052784B2
Systems and methods are provided for storing and releasing hydrogen using packed-bed hydrogen storage elements in conjunction with elements such as optical or thermal energy for stimulating the release of stored hydrogen. The hydrogen storage system may include valves, piping, and other fixtures for ease of filling and emptying the unit. The system may also serve as a portable self-contained means of safe hydrogen storage that may be transported between the filling or generation site and the site of hydrogen release or use.
US08052774B2
Disclosed herein is a method for concentrating gold contained in a leach residue obtained in a copper hydrometallurgical process for recovering copper from a copper sulfide mineral to efficiently separate and recover gold from the leach residue: a gold-bearing copper sulfide mineral is subjected to pressure leaching with sulfuric acid at a temperature higher than 102° C. and 112° C. or lower to obtain a leach residue, and the leach residue is subjected to flotation to separate it into a float fraction and a sink fraction; the float fraction obtained by flotation is desulfurized to obtain a desulfurized product; the desulfurized product is subjected to oxidative roasting to obtain an oxidatively-roasted product; the oxidatively-roasted product is dissolved in a sulfuric acid solution to obtain a copper solution, and a gold-bearing residue is separated and recovered from the copper solution.
US08052771B2
A dust collecting device (100) installed inside of an air conduit (51) for collecting airborne particles and for filtrating the air consists of a dust collecting tubes set (1). Said dust collecting tubes set (1) comprises of a plurality of dust collecting tubes (2a-2f) having different diameters. Said tubes (2a-2f) are arranged in a concentric fashion by having a tube with smaller diameter covered by one having larger diameter. Each of said dust collecting tubes (2a-2f) is applied with a layer of adhesive layer (3) for coupling with each other and for adhering particles contained in the air. Each tube of the tube set (1) can be removed from said air conduit (51) by pulling a pull string (4a-4f) provided at two extreme ends of each dust collecting tube (2a-2f).
US08052770B2
Embodiments of the present invention include a filter clamping device for use in a filtering system that provides filtered intake air for a power generation facility. In some embodiments, a filter clamp is provided, which includes an over-center action mechanism that locks the clamp in place against the filter gasket. Some embodiments also include a camming surface that provides gradually increasing pressure on the filter gasket as the clamp is engaged. The clamp may also include a stop that engages the filter frame at a predetermined position and determines, in part, the amount of clamping pressure applied to the filter.
US08052768B2
An air filter assembly is provided for an evaporative emissions control canister used with an internal combustion engine fuel system. The air filter assembly includes: a housing having an air inlet formed in an upper portion of the housing and an air outlet; and a plurality of vertically extending baffles disposed within the housing between the upper portion of the housing and a bottom portion of the housing. The baffles form a plurality of vertically extending channels interconnected horizontally through horizontally interconnecting channels disposed adjacent the upper portion of the housing and an opposing bottom portion of the housing. A first one of the vertically extending channels receives air entering the housing from the air inlet. The air then passes laterally outwards in the housing from the first one of the vertically extending channels successively to other ones of the vertically extending channels in a serpentine flow successively upwards and downwardly and through the horizontally interconnecting channels and then finally exiting the housing through the air outlet. A filter is disposed in one of the plurality of vertically extending channels in a path of the serpentine flow of the air passing through such one of the vertically extending channels.
US08052764B2
A method of manufacturing thermal batteries is disclosed. In the method according to the present invention, pellets used in the manufacture of thermal batteries are grouped together based on certain material characteristics such as weight, thickness, and density. Pellets with different material characteristics can be grouped together in a single thermal battery to produce a thermal battery with characteristics that are the average of the characteristics of the pellets used to manufacture the thermal battery.
US08052758B1
The present invention is directed to a modular shoulder prosthesis measuring device having an adjustable radial offset provided by relative rotation of an adapter interdisposed between the stem and the head. Specifically, the interface configuration between the stem and the adapter, as well as between the adapter and the head are designed such that relative positioning of these components provides a continuous adjustment in the radial offset. Indicia are provided to precisely determine the magnitude and direction of the adjustment being made.
US08052757B1
A total wrist and distal radioulnar joint replacement prosthesis includes a radial brace member to be secured to the radius bone, an ulna brace member to be secured to the ulna bone, and an articular member to be secured to the carpal bones. The articular member is slidably received in a socket in the radial brace member and is supported by the ulna bone.
US08052752B2
An intraocular lens having a light-transmitting optic (32, 94a, 94b, 142, 148, 216) comprised of a synthetic light-refractive material (40, 102) operably coupled with a flexible optic positioning member (34, 62, 74, 84, 100, 150, 210) to refract light onto the retina in order to correct refractive errors in the eye (10). The refractive material has an index of refraction of from about 1.36 to 1.5 or higher. The optic positioning member (34, 62, 74, 84, 100, 150, 210) is constructed of a flexible synthetic resin material such as polymethylmethacrylate and permits focusing upon objects located near to and far from the viewer. The optic (32, 94a, 94b, 142, 148, 216) of the present invention possess greater refractive capability than optics conventionally used in IOL construction, and permits retinal receipt of the image being viewed in order to correct refractive errors.
US08052751B2
Implantable devices and methods for the repair of a defective cardiac valve are provided. The implantable devices include an annuloplasty ring and a restraining and/or a remodeling structure or mechanism. The annuloplasty ring functions to reestablish the normal size and shape of the annulus bringing the leaflet in proximity to each other. A device having a remodeling structure further facilitates remodeling of the valve but allows the use of a flexible ring. The restraining structure functions to restrain the abnormal motion of at least a portion of the valve being repaired. The restraining and remodeling structures may include at least one strut across the interior of the circumference of the ring.
US08052747B2
A heart valve prosthesis disclosed in two- and three-leaflet versions includes a ring-shaped body, leaflets, and leaflet turn stops. For the two-leaflet version, the stops represent two pairs of prominences located on a body end surface facing the blood down-flow. The first pair has internal surfaces, at least partially made flat, adapted to interact with flat sections of the leaflets to restrict the return blood flow in the closed position. The first pair is equipped with at least two rests interacting with a leaflet top surface facing the blood down-flow in its open position determining a leaflet turning angle. Each prominence of the second pair is located opposite a portion of the lateral surface of the corresponding leaflet most distant from a leaflet central surface and can interact with its internal surface with that part of the lateral surface during opening of the heart valve prosthesis.
US08052745B2
In embodiments a stent includes a stent body and a wire-form carrying a drug located along the stent body.
US08052742B2
An intraluminal graft includes a tubular graft body extending along a cylindrical axis, a plurality of wires spaced apart from each other and arranged to circumferentially reinforce said tubular graft body along a substantial portion of its length, and a body surface including an inner surface region and an outer surface region. The body surface defines a plurality of apertures extending from an exterior space, and a first portion of a first wire is in the interior space while a second portion of the first wire is in the exterior space.
US08052738B2
A stent made up of at least two connected bands, each band having a pattern of undulations formed from long, short and mid-sized segments connected together by turns. In particular, the pattern includes a repeating series having five segments: a long segment, a short segment, a mid-sized segment, a mid-sized segment, a short segment (LSMMS). When adjacent bands are connected together to form the stent body, the LSMMS segment configuration forms a series of consecutive tapered gaps between the consecutive unconnected close ended turns of adjacent bands which provide greater flexibility for the stent. The series of consecutive tapered gaps allow the stent to flex with little or no interference with adjacent bands when the stent is tracked around a small radius bend in a vessel. In addition, the length of the longest rigid element of the stent is decreased to further improve flexibility. A rigid element is formed by the lengths of the segments on both sides of a connection between adjacent bands. By decreasing the length of this rigid element, the length which must be tracked around the bends of a vessel is shortened and thus the stent is easier to advance.
US08052735B2
An expandable tissue supporting device of the present invention employs ductile hinges at selected points in the expandable device. When expansion forces are applied to the device as a whole, the ductile hinges concentrate expansion stresses and strains in small well defined areas. The expandable medical device including ductile hinges provides the advantages of low expansion force requirements, relatively thick walls which are radio-opaque, improved crimping properties, high crush strength, reduced elastic recoil after implantation, and control of strain to a desired level. The expandable tissue supporting device includes a plurality of elongated beams arranged in a cylindrical device and connected together by a plurality of ductile hinges. Although many ductile hinge configurations are possible, the ductile hinges preferably have a substantially constant hinge cross sectional area which is smaller than a beam cross sectional area such that as the device is expanded from a first diameter to a second diameter, the ductile hinges experience plastic deformation while the beams are not plastically deformed.
US08052734B2
An expandable issue supporting device of the present invention employs ductile hinges at selected points in the expandable device. When expansion forces are applied to the device as a whole, the ductile hinges concentrate expansion stresses and strains in small well defined areas. The expandable medical device including ductile hinges provides the advantages of low expansion force requirements, relatively thick walls which are radio-opaque, improved crimping properties, high crush strength, reduced elastic recoil after implantation, and control of strain to a desired level. The expandable tissue supporting device includes a plurality of elongated beams arranged in a cylindrical device and connected together by a plurality of ductile hinges. Although many ductile hinge configurations are possible, the ductile hinges preferably have a substantially constant hinge cross sectional area which is smaller than a beam cross sectional area such that as the device is expanded from a first diameter to a second diameter, the ductile hinges experience plastic deformation while the beams are not plastically deformed.
US08052732B2
A delivery system for an endoprosthesis includes a spindle having a spindle body and spindle pins extending radially outward from the spindle body. The delivery system further comprises a tip comprising a sleeve, the spindle pins extending from the spindle body toward the sleeve. The endoprosthesis includes a proximal anchor stent ring having spindle pin catches and anchor pins. The spindle pins of the spindle extend into the spindle pin catches and the sleeve radially constrains the anchor pins.
US08052728B2
The present invention relates to methods and spinal implant devices for stabilizing a facet joint. In one embodiment, the method includes forming a hole through a facet joint and respective overlapping superior and inferior articular processes of adjacent vertebra which, respectively, include superior articular process and inferior articular process openings. A spinal implant device, such as elongated member, is inserted lengthwise into the hole. The first end portion of the elongated member defines a closed end and the second end portion defines an open end permitting entry into an interior of the member. The interior of the elongated member is filled with a desired material to expand the first and second end portions of the member beyond respective superior articular process and inferior articular process openings of the hole to greater than a desired size of the superior articular process and inferior articular process openings to stabilize the facet joint.
US08052727B2
Insertion of a spinal stabilization element into a patient generally includes positioning a cord within a sheath and inserting the sheath and cord through the patient's body along a path generally toward an anchor member. An advancement member may be mounted on the leading end of the cord to further facilitate this insertion. The sheath is then retracted to expose a first portion of the cord within the patient's body, and the first portion of the cord is moved into a desired position relative to the anchor member. After advancing a spacer over the sheath and cord, the sheath is retracted to expose a second portion of the cord. The second portion of the cord is then moved into a desired position relative to another anchor member such that the spacer is positioned between the two anchor members.
US08052724B2
A polyaxial bone screw having a bone implantable shank, a head and a retaining ring. The retaining ring includes an outer partial hemispherical surface and an inner bore with radially extending channels and partial capture recesses. The shank includes a bone implantable body with an external helical wound thread and an upwardly extending capture structure. The capture structure includes at least one spline which extends radially outward and has a wedged surface that faces radially outward therefrom. The capture structure operably passes through a central bore of the retaining ring while the spline passes through a suitably shaped channel so that the spline becomes positioned above the head at which time the shank is rotated appropriately and the shank is drawn back downwardly so that the spline engages and seats in the capture recess. The head includes an internal cavity having a spherical shaped surface that mates with the ring surface and has a lower restrictive neck that prevents passage of the ring once the ring is seated in the cavity.
US08052721B2
A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient.
US08052720B2
A spinal fixation access system includes a pedicle screw with extended tabs that form a single solid pedicle screw assembly. The surgical procedure associated with this invention involves making small, discrete incisions for the placement of select pedicle screws. The extended tabs of the pedicle screws retract soft tissue, muscle and the like to thereby provide visibility and access to the head of the pedicle screw. Through the extended tabs, instrumentation such as a spine rod, set screw and other required hardware may be delivered to the pedicle screws. A collar may be coupled around the extended tabs to provide stability to the construct and a platform for additional components of this invention. Once a spine rod is secured to the pedicle screws, a frangible joint joining the tabs to the pedicle screw assembly is broken off using appropriate instrumentation and the extended tabs may be removed.
US08052718B2
A non-invasive blood vessel occlusion device includes a pair of pressure-applying members with opposed tissue-contacting surfaces, a supporting shaft configured to adjust the distance between tissue-contacting surfaces, and at least one sensor for locating a blood vessel disposed on at least one pressure-applying member. Blood vessels may be occluded by indirectly compressing the artery by compressing tissue near to an artery. The occlusion device finds use in, for example, treating uterine disorders and conditions which may be treated by occlusion of the uterine arteries. A uterine artery may be accessed via a body cavity, such as a patient's vagina, and may be occluded by compressing a portion of the vaginal wall around a portion of a uterine artery.
US08052709B2
The invention concerns a device for piercing and positioning a piece of body jewelry with a bent bar in a skin portion. The device comprises an inner boundary surface which defines a cavity for holding a bent bar, the bar being movable out of the cavity to the surroundings through an opening defined by the boundary surface. The device also has a cam which is formed in the boundary surface and along which the bar is movable for such guiding of the bar that, during each incremental step of pressing-out, the bar has a cross-section exiting the opening, seen perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bar, which cross-section somewhere along a distance between the opening and an exit hole intended for piercing is perpendicular to an aiming line for piercing.
US08052704B2
An atherectomy catheter includes a rotary cutting knife that is driven from the distal (nose) or side (circumference) direction. The catheter collects plaque shavings in a hollow collection chamber mounted in between the rotary cutting knife and the main catheter tubing. In contrast to prior art designs, which utilized nose mounted plaque collection chambers, the present design is able to store a substantially larger volume of removed plaque, thus increasing the length of time and amount of plaque removal that can be accomplished before the catheter must be removed from the body and cleaned. This decreases medical procedure time, allows for more complete and careful plaque removal, and reduces the burden on the patient and physician.
US08052702B2
A method and device for endoscopic harvesting of blood vessels from a patient for use in subsequent procedures. The device having a two piece headpiece. A vessel to be removed is inserted into the headpiece and the top and bottom portions of the headpiece are alternatively extended in reciprocating fashion to dissect above and below the vessel. The headpiece having electrodes for ligation of any side branch vessels which are uncovered in the dissection process.
US08052677B2
Methods, systems, and devices for transseptal access into the left atrium of a heart. In one embodiment an apparatus for transseptal left atrial access comprised of a catheter adapted for insertion into a vessel and one or more RF devices adapted to be extendable from the distal end of said catheter and configured for the penetration or sealing of septal tissue.
US08052675B2
A method and apparatus include determining a value of a parameter associated with operation of an electrosurgical probe having a particular probe design, and determining whether the value of the parameter is within a range of values that has been predetermined for the particular probe design to indicate that the probe is treating tissue in a desired manner. Power is delivered to the probe according to an algorithm based upon a determination that the value of the parameter is outside the range of values The algorithm delivers power in a pulsed profile including portions of low power and portions of high power. In one embodiment, the tissue treatment is ablation, the parameter is impedance, and the method limits tissue necrosis to less than 200 microns. In another embodiment, the tissue treatment is shrinkage, the parameter is temperature, and the method limits power delivery when the probe is not shrinking tissue.
US08052670B2
A series of medical instruments can be made with the use of shape memory tube with a transformation temperature that is above or below the ambient temperature. In the first case, the material behaves with the shape memory effect and in the second case the behavior is superelastic. The wall of the tube has been provided with a plurality of slots in specific places, often near or at the distal end of the instrument, and in specific arrangements which allow local variations in diameter, shape, and/or length. These variations can either be caused by the memory effect during temperature change or by superelastic behavior during change of the mechanical influences on the memory metal by the surrounding material.
US08052645B2
An auto-injector for injecting a fluid medicament into a patient from a pre-filled syringe requires a disposable cassette that is selectively engageable with the reusable injector. The syringe is latched onto the cassette, and the cassette is then engaged with the injector. Activation of the injector causes a first motor to move the syringe so its needle is extended from a concealed position inside the cassette for injection of the medicament. A second motor on the injector is then activated to expel fluid medicament from the syringe. Then, the first motor is again activated to withdraw the syringe into the cassette for disposal of the cassette/syringe after an injection.
US08052643B2
An enteral feeding set for an enteral feeding pump having a control system for controlling operation of the pump to supply nutrient liquid to a patient through the enteral feeding set loaded in the pump, a source of electromagnetic radiation for emitting electromagnetic radiation and an electromagnetic radiation detector for receiving the electromagnetic radiation. The enteral feeding set includes a conduit for carrying nutrient liquid to a patient and a safety interlock device associated with the conduit adapted for mounting in the pump. The safety interlock device includes an electromagnetic radiation propagation affecting member formed to affect the propagation of electromagnetic radiation from the source of electromagnetic radiation through the safety interlock device and block visible light when properly loaded on the pump for directing the electromagnetic radiation from the source of electromagnetic radiation to the detector.
US08052633B2
A device for delivery of material or stimulus to targets within a body to produce a desired response, the targets being at least one of cells of interest, cell organelles of interest and cell nuclei of interest. The device includes a number of projections for penetrating a body surface, with the number of projections being selected to produce a desired response, and the number being at least 500. A spacing between projections is also at least partially determined based on an arrangement of the targets within the body.
US08052628B1
The present invention relates to a therapeutic spinal column brace system, comprising an active thermal exchange layer for providing thermal contrast therapy to a therapy site, an active compression bladder for providing compression to the therapy site, at least one cushion layer for comfort, a rigid shell including at least one rigid support brace, and an adjustable strapping system to secure the therapeutic spinal column brace system to the spinal column therapy site. In some embodiment an active amalgamated bladder or a thermal exchange and compression bladder may be used in lieu of the thermal exchange bladder and the compression bladder. By regulating the pressure within the bladders the compression may be steady or pulsating to achieve a therapeutic effect. A contrast therapy system comprising a hot reservoir, a cold reservoir, a mixing valve, and a fluid pump for delivering the therapy fluid to the therapeutic spinal column brace system may be utilized.
US08052624B2
A negative pressure, thermal energy device has an enclosure that receives a patient's body part. The body part is positioned in the enclosure and contacts a thermal energy contacting surface. The thermal energy contacting surface transfers its thermal energy to the body part. While in the enclosure, the body part is also exposed to a negative pressure to cause vasodilation. The combination of the vasodilation and the thermal energy transfer alter the patient's body core temperature. To ensure the body part remains in contact with the thermal contacting surface, the enclosure has a portion thereof that moves when negative pressure is in the enclosure. When the negative pressure is applied, the deforming enclosure material is pulled toward the body part to provide a positive pressure on the body part that ensures the body part effectively contacts the thermal energy contacting surface.
US08052620B2
A guide wire includes a distal core member made of a ferrous alloy which has shape memory properties and superelasticity. The ferrous alloy preferably includes substantially two phases, and has a difference of 100° C. or less between an Af point and an Ms point in a thermal hysteresis of martensitic transformation and reverse transformation. The guide wire may include a proximal core member made of an iron-containing alloy and having a higher modulus of elasticity than the distal core member. The two core members may be joined together by welding to form a core of the guide wire.
US08052618B2
The invention concerns a process for producing a diagnostic test element for analyzing a body fluid in which a lancing member that can puncture a body part is provided with a collecting channel for body fluid obtained by the puncture, wherein the collecting channel exhibits capillary action, and wherein a sensor member for an optical or electrochemical measurement is connected to the lancing member. According to the invention, the sensor member and the lancing member can be joined together as interlocking connecting components wherein a measuring element of the sensor member is inserted into the collecting channel through an insertion opening of the lancing member.
US08052609B2
A connectorized ultrasound probe includes a distal section that is configured for insertion into a patient's body and a proximal section configured to interface the distal section with an ultrasound system. The distal section is easily attachable and detachable from the proximal section using at least one set of connectors. When connected, a user-operated actuator located on the proximal section controls the bending of the distal section, and the ultrasound system sends driving signals to and receives return signals from the ultrasound transducer via the proximal section. This arrangement is particularly advantageous for long term monitoring, because the disconnectability of the proximal section makes it possible to leave the distal section in place in the patient for longer periods of time without undue discomfort. In some preferred embodiments, the mechanical interface is made before the electrical interface when the distal section is connected to the proximal section.
US08052601B2
Systems and methods for processing sensor analyte data, including initiating calibration, updating calibration, evaluating clinical acceptability of reference and sensor analyte data, and evaluating the quality of sensor calibration. During initial calibration, the analyte sensor data is evaluated over a period of time to determine stability of the sensor. The sensor may be calibrated using a calibration set of one or more matched sensor and reference analyte data pairs. The calibration may be updated after evaluating the calibration set for best calibration based on inclusion criteria with newly received reference analyte data. Fail-safe mechanisms are provided based on clinical acceptability of reference and analyte data and quality of sensor calibration. Algorithms provide for optimized prospective and retrospective analysis of estimated blood analyte data from an analyte sensor.
US08052600B2
In the non-invasive measuring system, a wireless communication device or other sensing device, gathers Doppler information from signals transmitted by the wireless communication or sensing device and reflected off of a target subject. The gathered information is transferred, preferably, over the existing communication network infra-structure to a presentation device. By placing a body sensor on the target subject, the return of the signal reflected from the subject is enhanced and/or additional information is modulated onto the return signal.
US08052599B2
An endorectal trocar provided with body for endorectal introduction that defines open internal channel and leak-tight barrier that extends across internal channel and exhibits passageways for rectoscopy instruments, the body and the leak-tight barrier are two distinct assemblies that can be attached by the fixing elements within the internal channel.
US08052598B2
A method and apparatus for calibrating an endoscope includes an endoscope system configured to acquire a first calibration image at a first calibration focal length and determine a radius of a first calibration image boundary corresponding to the first calibration focal length for the first calibration image, wherein the radius of the first calibration image boundary corresponds to a first calibration magnification of the endoscope. A clinical image is acquired at a clinical focal length, wherein the first calibration focal length is different than the clinical focal length and a radius of a clinical image boundary corresponding to the clinical focal length for the clinical image is determined, wherein the radius of the clinical image boundary corresponds to a clinical magnification of the endoscope. The radius of the first calibration image boundary is compared to the radius of the clinical image boundary to determine a change in magnification of the endoscope.
US08052596B2
Disclosed herein is an arc-shaped flexible printed circuit film type endoscope using an imaging device. The endoscope includes an image photographing means and an object insertion means. The image photographing means includes a head housing to which an imaging device and an illumination means are mounted, and functions to photograph an image. The object insertion means includes an arc-shaped flexible thin foil, an insulating adhesive film, a circuit film and an insulating protective film which are layered and inserted into an interior of an object to be inspected. The object insertion means is connected at one end thereof to the image photographing means and connected at the other end to a transmission cable via a connector.
US08052595B2
A position detecting apparatus includes receiving antennas to receive a radio signal, transmitting antennas to transmit a radio signal for power supply to a capsule endoscope, a first and second linear magnetic field generators that generate first and second linear magnetic fields, a diffuse magnetic field generator that generates a diffuse magnetic field, a processing device that performs a predetermined process on the radio signal, and a magnetic field sensor that functions as a body-size information detector. The magnetic field sensor detects magnetic field strength at an arranged position as body-size information, and the processing device controls the first linear magnetic field generator based on the magnetic field strength detected by the magnetic field sensor. Thus, the position detecting apparatus is capable of generating a magnetic field for position detection having an optimal strength according to a difference in body sizes of subjects.
US08052562B2
A transmission for coupling a starter-generator electrical machine to an internal combustion engine and having a transmission ratio that is a function of the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine. The ratio of the rotational speed of the electrical machine to that of the internal combustion engine can be increased at a lower rotational speed of the internal combustion engine than at a higher rotational speed of the internal combustion engine. A control device is provided for switching the transmission ratio, which is held by means of spring force in a condition in which the ratio of rotational speeds is high, and as the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine rises increases the transmission ratio is switched to a condition in which the ratio of rotational speeds is lower.
US08052550B2
A lacrosse head includes a base, a scoop, and a pair of sidewalls. The sidewalls include upper and lower rims and further include a dual flare configuration. The first flare is in a rear portion and is characterized by the upper rims of the sidewalls being spaced closer together to one another than the lower rims. The second flare begins from approximately the middle portion of the sidewalls and generally throughout the forward portion and is characterized by the upper rims of the sidewalls being spaced further apart from each other than the lower rims.
US08052539B2
A swing performance analysis device (10) is described. The device (10) includes a sole single axis accelerometer securable to an entity (60, 70) to be swung to measure centripetal acceleration. The accelerometer is arranged to communicate with a processor (30). The processor (30) is arranged to accept one or more parameters on the swing to be analysed and measurement data on the swing from the accelerometer, the processor being operative to determine the radius of curvature of the swing calculate in dependence on the one or more parameters and to determine one or more attributes on the swing in dependence on the radius and measurement data.
US08052536B2
To prevent inverting of a mountain portion of a bellows member when a rotating shaft is angularly displaced, the boot includes a bellows member with large and small diameter mounting members. A first mountain portion nearest the large diameter mounting member rises from the large diameter mounting member. A length (L1) between a top of the first mountain portion and a bottom at the large diameter mounting member side is not more than a length (L2) between the inner peripheral position of the bottom and an end portion of an outer ring at the rotating shaft side. A first valley portion adjacent to the first mountain portion is positioned at the rotating shaft side from the end part.
US08052529B2
Systems and methods for wagering on game outcomes allow a player to wager on game outcomes resulting from linked gaming devices linked to a primary gaming device being played by the player. A primary game display shows game plays and outcomes and allows wagering on a primary game and a linked game display shows game plays and outcomes and allows wagering on linked games. Both the primary and linked gaming devices may be the same type of gaming device, or they may be two different types of gaming devices, such as gaming devices for playing slot games, card games, keno, and the like. Further, either or both of the primary and linked games may allow bonus game outcomes resulting in a bonus game having bonus game awards.
US08052520B2
The present invention relates to a system for registering a game item sale and a method thereof, in which location of item data is moved to a sales storage area of a predetermined inventory allocated to an operation character and registration with respect to a corresponding game item for sale is enabled to be performed. There is provided a system for registering a game item sale, comprising: an inventory maintaining at least one storage area for storing item data with respect to a game item held by an operation character; an area defining means defining at least one portion of the storage area as a sales storage area; a transaction register linking the sales storage area to a sale field of a predetermined exchange database and in response to location movement of the item data to the sales storage area, controlling the game item to be recorded in the sale field of the exchange database; and an operation control means controlling a predetermined effect to be added to the operation character in accordance with the location movement of the item data; wherein the effect is display information on the location movement of the item data.
US08052516B2
A slot machine includes: a display device having a plurality of symbol display regions in which plural types of symbols are displayed; a memory for storing positional information of the symbol display regions in which predetermined symbols are arranged; and a processor for controlling the display and the memory, the processor being programmed to (a) execute a basic game; (b) execute a free game in a case where a predetermined condition is satisfied during the basic game; (c) rearrange the plural types of symbols during the free game; (d) store in the memory the positional information of the symbol display regions in which the predetermined symbols are arranged during the free game; and (e) rearrange the plural types of symbols during a last free game based on the stored positional information of the symbol display regions so that the predetermined symbols are arranged again in the symbol display regions in which the predetermined symbols have been arranged during past free games.
US08052508B2
In a horse race gaming machine 1, when a regular denomination process of S201 is executed, a regular BET image, wherein the minimum bet amount a player can specify is “1”, is displayed on a sub monitor 113 of a station 101. In the meantime, when a high denomination process of S208 is executed, a high BET image, wherein the minimum bet amount a player can specify is “2”, is displayed instead of the regular BET image, on the sub monitor 113 of the station 101. For executing the high denomination process of S208, for example, such conditions should be satisfied as the player has become an owner of any racehorse (S202: YES), and the racehorse whose owner is the player is going to run in this racing game (S202-2: YES).
US08052500B2
A remote control toy helicopter has a main rotor and an auxiliary rotor both driven by a rotor shaft. The auxiliary rotor has elongated elements at an acute angle relative to blades of the main rotor. A control system is provided that includes an actuator for engaging with a control assembly depending from the auxiliary rotor. The inter-engagement of the actuator and the control assembly effects change in the angle of incidence of the elongated elements of the auxiliary rotor. The interaction occurs when the assembly engages with the actuator by a depending arm associated with the assembly.
US08052494B1
A personal watercraft paddle mounting system includes a personal watercraft that has a hull and a top wall attached to the hull. The hull includes an aft portion and a bow portion. The top wall has an opening therein to receive a person. The opening is positioned between the aft and bow portions. A sleeve extends into the top wall adjacent to a forward edge of the opening between the opening and the bow portion. A mount is removably positioned in the sleeve and extends upwardly therefrom. A coupler is attached to the mount and is engageable with a double ended paddle to allow the paddle to rest on the mount while ends of the paddle are engageable with water to propel the personal watercraft.
US08052491B2
An electrical contact (1) comprises an upper contact (10), a lower contact (12) and a spring (14) located between the upper contact (10) and the lower contact (12). The upper contact (10) comprises a first contacting portion (104) at one end thereof and a first mating end (108) comprising two contacting sheets overlapped at an opposite end thereof, and a lower contact comprises a second contacting portion and a second mating end defining a channel, the channel providing a space to allow movement of the first mating end.
US08052484B1
An electrical connector includes an electrically insulating body having a base mating surface and a stepped mating surface offset from the base mating surface. The electrical connector either has first and second electrically conducting pins extending from the base and stepped mating surfaces, respectively, or has first and second electrically conducting sockets extending from an interior portion of the electrically insulating body to the base and stepped mating surfaces, respectively.
US08052472B2
A shield connector (40) includes a housing with a base (45) to be mounted into a metallic mating member. A connector fitting (51) is formed on a top side of the base (45) and a mounting projection (100) is formed on an under side of the base (45). A shield shell (140) is mounted between an inner tube (53) and an outer tube (54) of the connector fitting (51). A nut accommodating portion (110) is formed in the mounting projection (100) of the housing (41) and a nut 160 is mounted in the nut accommodating portion (110) to be freely movable in the longitudinal direction. A connecting portion (145) extends to close an opening of the nut accommodating portion (110) while being bent sideways at a rear end of the shield shell (140) in the longitudinal direction.
US08052471B1
An electrical connector includes a front housing having a base and a tongue forwardly extending from the base, a first rear housing, a second rear housing attached to the first rear housing, and a number of contacts. Each contact has a retaining portion retained on the first or second rear housings, a contact portion forwardly extending beyond a front end of the first and second rear housings to affix to the tongue, and a tail portion extending out of the first and second rear housings. The base is sandwiched between a front side of the first and second rear housings along a thickness direction of the tongue.
US08052460B1
An electrical connector assembly includes a receiving connector and an insert connector. The receiving connector includes a main body and a locating plate movably attached to the main body. The main body is provided with a first flange. The locating plate is provided with a second flange formed thereon. The first flange and the second flange are spaced from each other. The insert connector includes a base and a fixing plate formed on the base. The fixing plate has a particular width and is positioned between the first flange and the second flange. The locating plate is slidable on the main body between different positions to regulate a gap defined between the first flange and the second flange, to cause the receiving connector to be able to match with the insert connector having the fixing plate of the particular width or other width.
US08052453B2
A socket connector (100) includes an insulative housing (1), a number of contacts received in the insulative housing, a stiffener (2) attaching to periphery of the insulative housing, a load plate (3) pivotally mounted to one side of the stiffener, a load lever (4) pivotally mounted on the opposite side of the stiffener relative to the load plate, and a sheath piece (5) attached to the operating part of the load lever. The load lever includes a fixing part (41), an actuating part (42) perpendicular to the fixing part, and an operating part (43) formed at the distal end of the actuating part. The load plate is capable of moving towards the insulative housing between an original, open position and a final, closed position.
US08052446B1
An electrical connector with improved terminals, includes a dielectric housing having a connecting end, a mating end opposite to the connecting end, a plurality of slots arranged therein, a plurality of stop grooves formed adjacent to the connecting end and respectively adjoining and communicating with the corresponding slots, a plurality of terminals mounted in the corresponding slots, each of the terminals including a body, a first contact arm and a second contact arm, the first and the second contact arms cooperatively defining a clamping area therebetween, a retention arm formed on a substantially middle of the body and bending outwards of the body, wherein the retention arm is held against the stop groove so as to prevent the terminals from being loosened out of the slots by an excessive insertion force from a mating connector.
US08052436B1
An electrical connector includes an insulating body, having a plurality of receiving slots running through the insulating body; a plurality of terminals respectively received in the receiving slots; and a plurality of solder balls, in which each of the solder balls is disposed corresponding to each terminal and each receiving slot. Each terminal includes a base, a first retaining portion formed by extending downwards the base, a second retaining portion and a third retaining portion formed by bending and extending two side surfaces of the first retaining portion, and a groove formed at one end of the first retaining portion away from the base.
US08052434B2
A socket connector configured with an insulative housing defining a mating interface surrounded with peripheral walls and a mounting surface is disclosed. A plurality of passageways is defined between the mating interface and the mounting surface and having an opening at the mounting surface. The insulative housing includes an encampment associated with each of the passageway at the mounting surface, and includes an extension crossing over an inner wall of the passageway to substantially narrow the opening of the opening. The socket connector furthers includes a plurality of contact terminals each received in the passageway and further includes a curvilinear solder portion extending beyond the mounting surface. And the socket connector further is incorporated with a plurality of solder balls each disposed between the encampment and the curvilinear solder portion.
US08052432B1
A circuit board structure used to assemble a connector includes a circuit board and a jack for assembling the connector. The jack includes a base board and a number of latching members. The latching members latch the base board to the circuit board. Each latching member includes a main portion and at least one bent portion. The main portion resisting the circuit board. The bent portion holds the base board toward the circuit board.
US08052430B2
A cable assembly includes an insulated housing (100) and a plurality of contacts (10) received therein, each contact having a tail portion extending beyond rear surface of the insulated housing; a printed circuit board (2) having a front portion and an opposite rear portion, with a plurality of conductive traces (220) arranged on the front portion and a number of conductive pads (240, 242) arranged on the rear portion. The tail portions of the contacts are soldered to the conductive traces of the front portion of the printed circuit board. The conductive pads on the rear portion of the printed circuit board are separated into at least two groups and connecting to two kinds of cables (4), selectively. A cover (9) is mold over a rear portion of the connector and a front portion of corresponding cable.
US08052423B2
The tunneling method for dental block grafting is surgical method for increasing the thickness of the soft tissue of the mouth prior to performing block grafting procedures for dental implants. The method includes cutting a pair of incisions in the mucosa. A tunnel is formed through the mucosa which extends between, and connects, the pair of incisions. The tunnel is then extended coronally to undermine tissue covering the recipient site. An acellular dermal matrix is then sutured to an exposed end of a dental implement pulled through the tunnel to position the acellular dermal matrix within the tunnel. The acellular dermal matrix is then positioned over the recipient site using a periosteal elevator, and the acellular dermal matrix is fixed coronally by suspension sutures. The pair of incisions are closed with interrupted sutures, and a block graft is fixed to the recipient site by a pair of titanium screws.
US08052419B1
Methods and apparatuses that decouple wafer temperature from pre-heat station residence time, thereby improving wafer-to-wafer temperature uniformity, are provided. The methods involve maintaining a desired temperature by varying the distance between the wafer and a heater. In certain embodiments, the methods involve rapidly approaching a predetermined initial distance and then obtaining and maintaining a desired final temperature using closed loop temperature control. In certain embodiments, a heated pedestal supplies the heat. The wafer-pedestal gap may be modulated may be varied by moving the heated pedestal and/or moving the wafer, e.g., via a movable wafer support. Also in certain embodiments, the closed loop control system includes a real time wafer temperature sensor and a servo controlled linear motor for moving the pedestal or wafer support.
US08052417B2
A first and second inner dies are combined to form a molding cavity, in which a fluidic material is charged and hardened for molding a tubular member, which has a side surface at least partially defining a projected portion being higher at one end than the other end. The first inner die forms an inner space of the tubular member. The second inner die forms the projected portion. A first actuating unit draws the first inner die from the other end along a first moving path, which is substantially linear along an axis of the tubular member. A second actuating unit draws the second inner die from the other end along a second moving path, which bulges toward the inner space and passes through the inner space.
US08052413B2
An improved imprint device is disclosed. It comprises a drive component, an imprinting object, and at least one mold, stacked together within a chamber, a fluid supplier is used for providing the solvent fluid into the chamber through a pipe. The solvent fluid will permeate the imprinting object, and the imprinting object will be plasticized at the temperature lower than the glass transition temperature. The drive component is used for driving the mold to the plasticized imprinting object, so that the pattern on the mold will be imprinted on the imprinting object. It is the advantage of the present invention to reduce the process temperature, prevent the pattern distortion, and save the process time. Furthermore, by using the fluid and a barrier film as a pressing medium, the pressure can be applied to the object and the mold uniformly, such that a large area imprint can be achieved.
US08052412B2
A spool winding assembly for winding a composite strip onto a spool having a hub is disclosed. The strip includes an elongate plastic strip having a flat base portion and a plurality of laterally spaced apart lengthwise extending rib portions upstanding from the base portion; and a plurality of elongate reinforcing members extending lengthwise within respective rib portions, the rib portions and the reinforcing members forming composite ribs. The assembly includes: a main frame, a spool holder for rotatably supporting the spool relative to the main frame, a spool drive unit for driving the spool with respect to the main frame, a carriage mounted for lateral movement with respect to the spool, a bender mounted to the carriage for receiving the strip as it is fed towards the hub of the spool and for deforming the strip to give it a curved base portion, and a bender drive unit operably connected to the bender for driving the strip through the bender.
US08052402B2
A hand operated pump for generating negative and positive air pressure. The pump includes a pump body having a pump cylinder and a piston mounted for reciprocation in the cylinder. A selector valve communicates with the cylinder and is moveable between a positive-pressure position and a negative-pressure position. The arrangement is such that operation of an actuator to move the piston through a power stroke when the selector valve is in its negative-pressure position causes the pump to generate negative pressure at an outlet of the pump, and operation of the actuator to move the piston through a power stroke when the selector valve is in its positive-pressure position causes the pump to generate positive pressure at the outlet of the pump. A method of operating such a pump is also disclosed.
US08052394B2
The invention relates to a rotor blade (60) of a wind energy plant with a top side (suction side) and a bottom side (pressure side) wherein profiles (21, 22, 23, 24, 25) with a front edge and a back edge (62) in cross-section are designed along a longitudinal axis between a rotor blade root and a rotor blade tip, one designed-based direction of air inflow (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) is predetermined for each profile (21, 22, 23, 24, 25) and the profiles (21, 22, 23, 24, 25) in the outer area facing the rotor blade tip are designed with a relative thickness of less than 30%. The rotor blade (60) is characterized in that an attached device (51), which has an attached-device inflow surface as well as a start point (41, 42, 43) facing the front edge of the attached-device inflow surface (52) and an end point facing the back edge (62) of the attached-device inflow surface (52), is arranged along the longitudinal axis in the inner area dedicated to the rotor blade root to profiles (21, 22, 23, 24, 25) with a relative thickness of more than 30% on the pressure side.
US08052393B2
A steam turbine rotating blade for a low pressure section of a steam turbine engine is disclosed. The steam turbine rotating blade includes an airfoil portion. A root section is attached to one end of the airfoil portion. A dovetail section projects from the root section, wherein the dovetail section includes a straight axial entry dovetail. A tip section is attached to the airfoil portion at an end opposite from the root section. A cover is integrally formed as part of the tip section. The cover has a first portion that overhangs a pressure side of the airfoil portion and a second portion that overhangs a suction side of the airfoil portion. The cover is positioned at an angle relative to the tip section, wherein the angle ranges from about 15 degrees to about 35 degrees.
US08052387B2
A cooling fan includes a hub (40) and blades (50) extending radially from the hub. Each of the blades is divided into strip zones (505, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56), projections of homocentric arcs concentric with the hub on the blades are defined as boundaries of the zones. The zones are coated with a layer of paint with different colors to present a rainbow-liked image when the fan is in operation.
US08052351B2
A method is disclosed that comprises the steps of preassembling the connector pipe in a support; coupling a frame to the pipeline at or towards an end thereof such that the location of at least one part of the frame is known with reference to the throughbore and the end of the pipeline; engaging the support with a portion of the frame; substantially aligning the connector pipe with the end of the pipeline; and connecting the connector pipe to the end of the pipeline. A cutting tool is also disclosed that can be coupled to a portion of a guide means and used to cut the pipeline at a predetermined distance from the guide means such that the end of the pipeline is created. A remotely operable vehicle can be used to remotely actuate and control the connection of the pipe and the pipeline.
US08052347B2
A floating screed device has a first section for cutting through plastic concrete and a second section for floating on the plastic concrete. The two sections are pivotally coupled for rotational movement about a pivot point. Elevation of the second section is measured and used to rotate the first section as the floating screed device is moved through a volume of the plastic concrete that is unfinished. As a result, the second section pitches to follow the first section.
US08052345B2
A ball joint for a model vehicle suspension is provided, comprising a support member, at least a portion of the support member forming a spherically-shaped surface, a fastener for securing the support member to a suspension member, a housing containing at least a portion of the support member and having an opening for accessing at least a portion of the support member, a seal covering the housing opening, the seal having a self-healing port, the self-healing port of the seal having a first position allowing introduction of material through the seal and a second position substantially preventing the passage of debris into the housing, the seal being in the first position in response to a force applied normal to at least a portion of the surface of the self-healing port and the seal being in the second position in response to the substantial absence of a force applied normal to the surface of the self-healing port.
US08052344B2
A biodegradable plastic of a screw-fastened portion which remains on a metal component can be decomposed and dissolved by immersing in a degradative enzyme while being joined with the metal component. Further, since the amount of the biodegradable plastic is small and a shape such as a groove is provided which can increase a contact area with the degradative enzyme, decomposition can be completed in a short time.
US08052342B2
A universal connector for connecting a mop frame to a fluid source. The universal connector includes an upper connector piece with a proximal end for connection to a mop housing and a distal end with a pair of pivot arms. A fluid distributor having a hollow nipple portion connects to the fluid source and has a pair of pivot plates for pivotal connection to the upper connection piece for side to side pivot. Fluid distributor also has a pair of opposed elongated hollow arms for coupling to a mop frame. A fluid conduit passing through the upper connector piece from the fluid source and connected to the nipple portion of the distributor for distribution of fluid to the mop frame through the hollow distributor arms. Fabric mop pockets with an opening to permit rotation of the mop frame about the distributor.
US08052335B2
The present disclosure relates to a novel ejector apparatus for pluggable transceivers, such as transceivers defined by multi-source agreements (MSAs) including SFP, SFP+, XFP, and the like. The ejector apparatus utilizes a shrouded design where the ejector apparatus encapsulates the top, sides, and bottom of a pluggable transceiver thereby allowing an operator to grasp any side of the ejector apparatus to actuate engagement prongs. In keeping with MSA guidelines, the ejector apparatus utilizes prongs to disengage a locking mechanism in order for the kick out springs to release the module. Advantageously, the ejector apparatus enables high density placement of corresponding transceivers, allows access from all sides of the transceiver for ejection, and allows cables to remain connected to the transceiver during ejection.
US08052329B2
A wheel bearing apparatus incorporating a wheel speed detecting apparatus has an outer member, an inner member, double row rolling elements, a sensor holder, and a pulser ring. The sensor holder cover has a cylindrical fitting portion press-fit onto the inner side end portion of the outer member. A flange portion extends radially inward from the fitting portion. The flange portion is in close contact with the end face of the outer member. A bottom portion extends further radially inward from the flange portion. The holding portion is integrally joined to the bottom portion. The flange portion is formed with a flat surface so that it forms an abutting width larger than 5 mm or more, against the end face of the outer member, or larger than 50% or more, relative to the flat width of the end face of the outer member.
US08052327B2
A hydrostatic gas bearing capable of easily adjusting a clearance between a rotor and a radial bearing pad is provided. This hydrostatic gas bearing comprises a radial bearing pad radially supporting a rotor, a linear motion guide moving the radial bearing pad and a ball stud swingably coupling the radial bearing pad to the linear motion guide. The linear motion guide moves the radial bearing pad in a direction intersecting with a direction connecting the center of rotation of the rotor and the ball stud with each other. The quantity of adjustment in movement of the radial bearing pad caused by the linear motion guide is larger than the quantity of change in the clearance between the outer peripheral surface of the rotor and the radial bearing pad, whereby a small quantity of the bearing clearance can be precisely adjusted.
US08052325B2
An X-ray fluoroscope table and an X-ray fluoroscope system using this fluoroscope table with simple structure and easily ensuring an area where a person stands near the top board.An X-ray fluoroscope table (1) comprises a stand unit (10), a support arm unit (20), a support frame (30), a top board (40), an X-ray generator (60), a column unit (50), and an X-ray detector (FPD 70).The end of the column unit (50) on the support frame side (30) and the end on the X-ray generator (60) side are displaced from each other in the length direction of the support frame (30).With this constitution, the area where an operator (OP3) stands can be ensured near the column unit (50).An X-ray fluoroscope system is constituted of this fluoroscope table (1), a high-voltage generator for supplying electric power to the fluoroscope table (1), and a remote control console for integrally controlling them.
US08052323B2
A wristwatch is equipped with a case band, a bezel, and a guard. The case band has a circular upwardly directed protrusion to which a transparent dial cover is mounted, a surrounding wall portion forming between itself and the upwardly directed protrusion an arrangement groove extending along this protrusion, and open portions for bezel operation. The bezel having manual holding asperities facing the open portions is rotatably supported in the outer periphery of the upwardly directed protrusion, and arranged in the arrangement groove while forming between itself and the surrounding wall portion a gap extending along the surrounding wall portion. There is arranged in the gap the guard, which is engaged with a detachment preventing portion of the surrounding wall portion and moved in the peripheral direction of the bezel; the guard is movable between a use position where it closes the open portions and obstructs manual holding of the manual holding asperities and a retreated position where it opens the open portions to enable manual holding of the manual holding asperities. The guard is retained at the use position by a positioning means.
US08052320B2
To provide a backlight device with which a color hue and a color purity of a display panel can be improved while suppressing the lowering of the brightness of the display panel. A backlight device (20) comprises a pseudo white LED (21), a light guide plate (22), and a dichroic filter (25) which reflects a light with a predetermined wavelength among the light emitted from the pseudo white LED at a predetermined ratio. The dichroic filter is configured so that the light reflectance changes when the incident angle of the light is changed and a tilt angle to a light emitting surface (21e) of the pseudo white LED can be adjusted.
US08052318B2
Disclosed are a light guide member and a keypad assembly including the same. The light guide member includes a light guide plate for guiding light propagated inside, and at least one recess formed in a direction perpendicular to a direction of guidance of light coupled to the inside of the light guide plate so that light guided by the light guide plate is reflected to the light guide plate. The keypad assembly includes a keypad having at least one key button and an elastic sheet fixing the key button, a light guide member positioned beneath the keypad, the light guide member having a light guide plate for guiding light coupled to an inside and at least one recess for reflecting light guided by the light guide plate to the light guide plate, and a switch pad positioned beneath the light guide member so as to establish an electric contact when the key button is pressed.
US08052308B2
A light source includes a light source unit which supplies first wavelength light, a wavelength converting unit which converts the first wavelength light into second wavelength light different from the first wavelength light, and a leakage preventing unit which prevents leakage of the first wavelength light out of the light source. The area where the light source unit and the wavelength converting unit are disposed is optically separated from the area where the leakage preventing unit is disposed.
US08052302B2
An LED module including an LED light bar and a FPC is provided. The LED light bar includes a circuit board and a plurality of LED devices. The circuit board has a first surface, a second surface, first pins, second pins, and a slot. The LED devices are disposed on the first surface and electrically connected with the first pins. The FPC passes through the slot and is electrically connected with the second pins. The FPC includes a first bonding part, a second bonding part, and a bending part. The first bonding part has a plurality of third pins electrically connected with the second pins and is in contact with the first surface of the circuit board. The second bonding part has a plurality of fourth pins electrically connected with a control board. The bending part connects between the first part and the second part and passes through the slot.
US08052301B2
An LED lamp includes a bracket, a supporting plate mounted on the bracket, and a plurality of LED modules mounted on the supporting plate. The bracket includes a bottom plate, two sidewalls and two engaging portions. The two sidewalls respectively connect to two opposite sides of the bottom plate and extend upwardly from the bottom plate. Two protruded portions respectively obliquely extend from inner surfaces of the two sidewalls to define two grooves therebelow, respectively. The supporting plate has two opposite sides respectively slidably received in the grooves. A bottom surface of the supporting plate thermally contacts with a top surface the bottom plate. The LED modules are mounted on a top surface of the supporting plate.
US08052292B2
A flash assembly includes a circuit board unit, a flash unit, and a housing. The circuit board unit includes a circuit board and two connecting members electrically disposed on the circuit board. Each connecting member defines a gap. The flash unit includes a reflector and a flash tube received in the reflector and electrically connected to the reflector. The flash tube includes two power electrodes received in the corresponding gaps and electrically connected to the circuit board by the connecting members. The flash unit and the circuit board unit are received in the housing.
US08052290B2
A rear-projection-type display apparatus projects an image formed by a display element with a light beam emitted from a light source on a screen that is larger than the display element through a projection lens. The rear-projection-type display apparatus includes a reflective optical-element group having at least two reflecting mirrors provided between the projection lens and the screen to deflect a light from the projection lens.
US08052285B2
The invention provides a projection display that achieves continuous light amount control with ease and without causing unevenness of illumination of light applied to a light valve responsive to a video signal, thereby allowing constant image display with satisfactory contrast. The projection display of the invention includes a light valve (2); a light source (3a) generating light applied to the light valve (2); an integrator lens (4) provided on an optical path between the light source (3a) and the light valve (2) and making uniform the illumination distribution of light applied from the light source (3a) to the light valve (2); and a light amount control system (9) provided on the optical path and including a turning mechanism (9a) which turns like a set of double doors in order to adjust the amount of light applied from the light source (3a) to the light valve (2). The turning mechanism (9a) is bent into a V shape in a direction to reduce the amount of light (to block the light).
US08052283B2
An oblique projection optical system enlarges an image formed on a display device surface, and obliquely projects the enlarged image on a screen surface. The oblique projection optical system has, in the order from a reduction side: a refraction optical portion having a positive optical power, a concave reflection surface having a positive optical power, and a convex reflection surface having a negative optical power. The refraction optical portion includes a rotationally symmetric coaxial refraction group. An intermediate image of the image formed on the display device surface is formed between the refraction optical portion and the concave reflection surface. An aperture stop image is formed between the concave reflection surface and the convex reflection surface. The concave reflection surface and the convex reflection surface fulfill prescribed conditional formulae.
US08052274B2
A containing member contains a recording medium which has a base member and granular material coated on both sides of the base member, and roughness of the surfaces of the coated granular material is smaller than the roughness of the base member. A printing unit includes an ink-jet recording head which jets recording liquid onto the recording medium. A conveyance unit and a conveyance path convey the recording medium, one side of which has been already printed, into the printing unit again in order to print image onto the other side thereof. A unit is provided for enabling the printing unit to print image on the recording medium such that the vertical orientations of the images printed both sides of the recording medium are coincide with each other.
US08052268B2
An ink set includes a light gray ink, a medium gray ink, and a black ink. Each of the inks in the ink set includes a carboxylic polymer. The light gray ink has a carboxylic polymer load equal to or greater than about 4.27 wt %. The medium gray ink has a carboxylic polymer load ranging from about 2.47 wt % to about 3.47 wt %. The black ink has a carboxylic polymer load ranging from about 0.5 wt % to about 2 wt %.
US08052252B2
A component for a printhead is created by forming a PZT wafer forming a region of SU8 photoresist material on one side of the PZT wafer; sawing in a second side of said planar body, opposite said first side, actuator channels to a depth sufficient to expose an area of the photoresist material; forming a nozzle through the layer of photo-resist material in the exposed area such that then nozzle is in communication with the actuator channels. The region of photoresist material may be used to form a nozzle plate using photolithography.
US08052251B2
An ink jet recording head includes an element substrate; a plurality of ejection outlets, provided on the element substrate, for ejecting ink in a direction perpendicular to the element substrate; and a nozzle formation member having a plurality of ink flow paths which are in fluid communication with the ejection outlets, respectively. The ink flow paths are arranged at a density higher than 1200 dpi in an arranging direction of the ejection outlets and widths of flow passage walls forming the ink flow paths are smaller than heights of the ink flow paths and are smaller than widths of the ink flow paths.
US08052243B2
An image processing device including: an acquisition unit that acquires image data for recording with a liquid droplet ejecting head having a plurality of ejection nozzles that eject liquid droplets onto a recording medium, and data relating to a faulty ejection nozzle of the liquid droplet ejecting head; a generation unit that generates recording data in units of pixels corresponding to the ejection nozzles based on the image data; a conversion unit that, based on data relating to the faulty ejection nozzle, converts the recording data in units of rows of pixels to be recorded by each of the ejection nozzles so as to reduce the number of pixels to be recorded by the faulty ejection nozzle; and an output unit that outputs the converted recording data to the liquid droplet-ejecting head.
US08052242B2
An image forming apparatus which forms a halftone image on a print medium by using a multipass process to scan a printhead N (N is an integer of 2 or more) times in a single area on the print medium and form dots by each scan operation includes a pass division unit which sets the print density of a scan operation in the first pass so as to prevent dots from overlapping with each other on the print medium, and sets the print densities of scan operations in the second to Nth passes, a tone reduction unit which generates print data of the respective scan operations in accordance with the print densities set by the pass division unit, and a printhead which prints a halftone image on a print medium on the basis of the print data generated by the tone reduction unit.
US08052236B2
Provided is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a main body defining a storage compartment, a refrigerator door for opening or closing the storage compartment, and a basket height-adjustably provided on the refrigerator door.
US08052235B2
A storage compartment comprises an external enclosure having an opening and a holding compartment that is capable of being inserted into and withdrawn from the interior of the external enclosure through the opening in the external enclosure. Stored articles are contained within the holding compartment. The external enclosure and the holding compartment have coacting surfaces, and a seal is interposed between those coacting surfaces for sealing off the interior of the holding compartment to the entry of gases when the holding compartment is inserted into the external enclosure and the coacting surfaces of the external enclosure and the holding compartment are brought together in a sealing relationship with the seal. Complementary surfaces at the holding compartment and at the exterior of the external enclosure are in engagement with one another and provide surfaces along which the holding compartment travels when it is inserted into and withdrawn from the interior of the external enclosure.
US08052220B2
A seat belt system for use in a vehicle, which includes a seat belt webbing for restraining an occupant of the vehicle, wherein the webbing includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the webbing is attached to a retractor for either retracting the webbing or permitting withdrawal of the webbing, and wherein the second end of the webbing is connected to an anchor; a tongue mechanism connected to the webbing and positioned to separate the webbing into a lap portion and a shoulder portion; and a buckle mechanism configured to detachably couple with the tongue mechanism. The tongue mechanism is configured so that the tongue mechanism is slideably coupled to the webbing when the tension in the webbing is less than a cinching load, and when the tension in the webbing is equal to or greater than the cinching load the tongue mechanism applies a cinching force on the webbing to prevent the webbing from changing position relative to the tongue mechanism. The tongue mechanism is further configured so that when the tension in the webbing is less than the cinching load there is no cinching force applied to the webbing.
US08052212B2
In an assembly of a seat foam and a sensor mat, the seat foam has at least one incision and the sensor mat has at least one anchor tab adapted to be inserted into the at least one incision, thereby securely holding the sensor mat on a surface of the seat foam, where the seat foam includes at least one retaining element at the incision for retaining the anchor tab in the incision.
US08052202B2
The vehicle frame for a work vehicle includes a cabin frame that is assembled into a substantially box form. A base frame is welded to the cabin frame. The cabin frame includes left and right side frames, each of which is formed into a loop. The cabin member includes a plurality of cross members for connecting the left and right side frames. Each of the side frames is formed with a single one-piece pipe material having a first end and a second end with the first end connected to the second end such that a tangential direction extending along a region of the first end coincides with a tangential direction extending along a region of the second end. The pipe material has an irregular shape having a recess formed along the entire length between the first end and the second end of the pipe material.
US08052198B2
The present invention provides a thin vehicle closure panel design that substantially reduces a thickness (panel gauge plus the perpendicular distance or depth between the panels) of a vehicle hood (5) and the impact effect on the head of a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle hood (5) includes a hood shell (15) including an outer panel (25) and an inner panel (20); a unitary foam core (100) positioned between and bonded to the outer (25) and/or the inner panel (20) of the hood shell (15); and at least one recess (10) that corresponds to an underhood component (42). In another aspect of the invention, a vehicle hood (5) is provided in which a latch attachment member (60) and/or hinge members (70) are attached to inner surface (50) of the inner panel (20) of the hood shell (15).
US08052193B2
A device in a part (1, 24) of a mining or construction vehicle having a wear protection structure (3-9, 14, 25, 27), forming a portion of the part that is subjected to wear from abrasive material during loading or dumping. The wear protection structure has grooves (10-12, 15, 26, 28) having an extension extending at an angle to a general movement direction of abrasive material against the wear protection structure during loading or dumping. The wear protection structure is positioned on the part so that abrasive material passes it during loading and/or dumping. The grooves are widened towards an outer surface of the wear protection structure.
US08052184B2
A base-plate-less crashbox is provided for absorbing impact energy, which is suitable for insertion into a corresponding support frame, in particular, a motor vehicle support frame, and has a deformable profile. The base-plate-less crashbox includes, but is not limited to at least one first chamber and a second chamber formed adjacent thereto which are each surrounded by a wall of the profile. One of the chambers is formed such as to be shorter in the direction of insertion so that the other chamber has a protruding portion which is adapted to be inserted into the corresponding support frame in order to realize a coupling between the crashbox and the support frame. The protruding portion has at least one first connecting means for connecting the protruding portion to the support frame.
US08052177B2
A pipe coupling (1) comprising a tubular body (2) having at least one open end (3,4,5), a stop component (14) disposed within the tubular body distal to the open end to stop a pipe when it is inserted a predetermined distance into the tubular body. A sealing component (15) is intermediate the stop and the open end and a pipe engaging component (17) is disposed intermediate the sealing component and the open end having a variable diameter to clamp and release an inserted pipe as a result of the diameter of the pipe engaging component reducing and increasing respectively. A pipe release component (21) is disposed intermediate the pipe engaging component and the open end, the pipe release component being movably mounted on the open end and having a pipe clamping position.
US08052174B2
A connection joint brazed to a heat exchanger may employ a first block and a second block. The first block may have two fluid passages that align with two fluid passages of the second block. A first male insert may reside within a first fluid passage of each of the first block and the second block and a second male insert may reside within a second fluid passage of each block. Each of the male inserts may employ a first seal and a second seal with a raised boss region midway between the seals. The raised boss portion lies at the mated flats of the juncture of the first and second blocks, which are chamfered to permit part of the boss to locate in each of the chamfers. The seals may be o-rings, or they may be molded onto an insert base using an over molding or double shot manufacturing process.
US08052167B2
An airbag module includes a retainer, diffuser, inflatable airbag, and an inflator to inflate the airbag. The diffuser is configured to disperse inflation gas from the inflator into the inflatable airbag. The retainer and/or diffuser comprise a glass-filled polymer material. The retainer includes a projection extending from a base wall. The projection couples to a hole in the diffuser flange and prevents the diffuser from rotating relative to the retainer. The inflator is coupled to the retainer by trapping an inflator flange under an overhang in a retainer cavity.
US08052166B2
An elastomeric spring suspension is described for supporting a longitudinally extending vehicle frame rail above first and second axles forming a tandem axle configuration. The suspension includes a frame hanger assembly mounted to the vehicle frame rail. The frame hanger assembly has two full spring modules, each of which includes two shear springs, a progressive spring rate load cushion having a pyramidal shape with a flattened top surface and a spring mount for mounting the springs. A saddle assembly is connected to the spring mount, and an equalizing beam is connected to the saddle assembly and further connected to the axles. The spring rate for the suspension increases almost linearly as a function of sprung load, resembling a pneumatic suspension. Accordingly, the suspension exhibits excellent ride quality, without sacrificing roll stability.
US08052161B2
A wheel suspension for a motor vehicle has a transverse control arm that can be attached to a vehicle body by way of bearings and a spring-elastic torsion bar assembly, and can be rotated about a longitudinal axis. The torsion bar assembly has a body spring that can be attached to the vehicle body with one end, and a transverse control arm spring that is attached to the transverse control arm with one end. The body spring and the transverse control arm spring are coupled with one another at their free ends. The transverse control arm spring and the body spring are coupled with one another by way of a setting element or a releasable connection, whereby the setting element or the releasable connection, respectively, allows rotation of the ends assigned to one another, for setting purposes.
US08052160B2
A suspension apparatus is disclosed for which vehicle handling stability can be obtained. An upper arm (14), a damper unit (16), and a stabilizer (17) are connected in this order to a knuckle (13) from outside of the vehicle body in a width direction of the vehicle body. The reaction force of the stabilizer is used as a moment in the camber direction, and causes interference in the camber direction. As a result, a camber change during a reverse phase stroke is increased over a camber change during a same-phase stroke, and turning performance of the vehicle is improved.
US08052155B2
A seal (1) includes a first component (7) and second component (9), the first component including a first material having a high thermal and oxidation and wear resistance, and the second component (9) including a second material that is different from the first material and has a high spring load maintenance. The seal (1) is applied to a combustion chamber for a gas turbine, where the first component (7) extends between the casing wall of the combustion chamber and adjacent liner segments (4). The spring load of the second component (9) provides a seal also in the case of vibrations in a combustion chamber. The lifetime of the seal (1) is increased due to the individual materials, which are optimally chosen for the functions of high thermal and wear resistance and spring load maintenance respectively. The seal is further applied to the sealing between adjacent stationary blade platforms in gas turbines.
US08052146B2
Provided is a sheet inverting apparatus wherein members, such as a roller, are not brought into contact with the printed surface of a sheet at all, and the occurrence of dirt can be prevented by eliminating friction of ink on the surface of the sheet. A first transport apparatus and a second transport apparatus each have a plurality of transport belts which move on transport tracks along sheet transport directions and a suction box which sucks the sheet on the transport belts through suction holes formed on the transport belts. A turn guide arranged between the first transport apparatus and the second transport apparatus has a plurality of guide ribs disposed between the transport belts. Each of the guide ribs coming into slidable contact with the sheet forms a curved inverting transfer surface from an inversion starting point side to an inversion end point side.
US08052143B2
When a sheet of paper is inverted and the direction is changed, members such as a roller do not come into contact with the printed surface of the sheet and it is possible to prevent smudges by eliminating an ink stain on a surface of the sheet.
US08052138B2
A paper tray of printer is provided, which includes a paper tray body, a slide shaft, a first pick arm, a second pick arm and a paper width guide. The first pick arm is fixed on the slide shaft, and the second pick arm is slidely disposed on the slide shaft. The paper width guide is disposed on the paper tray body and is connected to the second pick arm through a linkage device to drive the second pick arm, so that a position of the second pick arm varies along with a position of the paper width guide. Accordingly, an interval between the first pick arm and the second pick arm can be varied along with a size of a paper, so as to avoid paper skew when the paper is fed.
US08052134B2
A sheet post-processing apparatus of the present invention has, above a processing tray, a standby tray for making a sheet stand by. The sheet on the standby tray is dropped and supplied onto the processing tray, so that a sheet feeding path between the standby tray and processing tray can be shortened. In the case where there exists no sheet on the sheet discharge tray when a sheet bundle is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray, one sheet is previously discharged onto the sheet discharge tray. Thus, by discharging the sheet bundle in a state where there is the one sheet on the sheet discharge tray, the sheet vertical alignment in the case where the sheet bundle is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray can be enhanced.
US08052122B2
Parallelogram lift for motor vehicles, comprising a pair of base longitudinal members (2), a pair of runways (12) and at least two pairs of arms (14, 14′) hinged to the longitudinal members (2) and to the runways (12) and associated with members (30) for varying the inclination of said arms (14, 143 to the longitudinal members (2) and to the runways (12), wherein each longitudinal member (2) comprises a fixed base (4, 6) anchored to the floor, and a counter-base (8) slidable axially relative to the fixed base and carrying the arms (14, 143) hinged thereto, and also comprises for each longitudinal member (2) an auxiliary arm (22) hinged at its lower end to a support (26) fixed to the floor in alignment with the longitudinal member and pivoted at its upper end to the central point (20) of the adjacent main arm (14), the length of the auxiliary arm (22) between its pivotal axes (24, 20) being equal to one half the length of the main arms (14, 14′).
US08052119B2
A valve device includes: a valve housing defining a cylindrical space connected to a high-pressure source, and having a first communication hole open at a valve seat located at a bottom portion of the valve housing and providing fluid communication between the cylindrical space and a low-pressure source; a seal member arranged in the cylindrical space and providing or shutting off fluid communication between the high-pressure and low-pressure sources so that the seal member moves away from or contacts the valve seat; and a stem having an accommodating recess at one end of the stem and moved axially. The seal member is fitted and held in the accommodating recess. The seal member has a second communication hole that provides fluid communication between a bottom face of the accommodating recess and the low-pressure source when the seal member is in contact with the valve seat.
US08052118B2
A passage intake control device includes a passage member, a valve disposed in the passage member and a shaft passing through a through hole of a valve shaft part of the valve. The valve shaft part includes a fitting hole portion as a part of the through hole. The fitting hole portion is provided by at least a first wall, a second wall, a third wall and a fourth wall. The shaft includes a fitting part having a polygonal shape including at least a first shaft surface a second shaft surface, a third shaft surface and a fourth shaft surface. The fitting part is fitted in the fitting hole portion such that the first to fourth shaft surfaces are opposed to the first to fourth walls of the fitting hole portion, respectively. The first and second walls have protruded ribs. The third and fourth walls include flat portions.
US08052117B2
A fluid control valve comprises a valve element, a casing, a fluid flow passage formed in the casing, and an actuator drivingly moving the valve element to the casing in the axial direction. The fluid flow passage introduces a fluid from the inlet for the fluid and supplies the fluid into the clearance between the inner wall surface of a guide part and the outer peripheral surface of the valve element to lift the valve element relative to the inner wall surface of the guide part in the state of non-contact with each other. The actuator moves the valve element in the axial direction in the state of non-contact and changes the clearance between the outlet of the casing and the tip of the valve element to control the output flow amount or output pressure of the fluid.
US08052111B2
This invention relates to a vehicle seat track assembly. The assembly comprises a first track member having an upwardly facing bearing surface and a second track member for attachment to a vehicle seat, the second track member having a downwardly facing bearing surface. A cage is disposed between the first track member and the second track member. The cage carries a rolling element that is in rolling engagement with the upper and lower bearing surfaces to provide longitudinal movement of the first track member relative to the second track member. The cage is provided with at least one pad section for engaging at least one of the upwardly and downwardly facing bearing surfaces. In an unloaded state, the at least one pad section separates the upwardly and downwardly facing bearing surfaces from each other by a distance which is greater than the diameter of the rolling element.
US08052110B2
A telescopically adjustable support brace includes a first member and a second member operably moveable with respect to the first member in a telescopic manner. The first and second members are adapted to be positioned across two objects for maintaining a fixed distance therebetween. A quick-clamping device includes a collar moveably engaged in the first member and a quick-release device for selectively clutching the collar to the second member. When the collar is clutched to the second member, the second member is adapted to be moved with respect to the first member by the collar. Further, an adjusting device is operable to move the collar with respect to the first member, and the collar is thereafter adapted to move the second member with respect to the first member.
US08052106B2
A folding workbench includes a rectangular benchtop frame and first and second leg assemblies pivotably coupled to the frame. Each leg assembly includes first and second legs coupled to respective side rails of the frame, the leg assembly rotatable between a folded position, in which the leg assembly lies substantially within the benchtop frame, and an open position in which the leg assembly extends from the benchtop frame at about a 90 degree angle. Each leg assembly includes a shelf bracket extending between the first and second legs, with a notch extending lengthwise in the shelf bracket. With the leg assemblies in their open positions, a shelf assembly extends between and engages the notches of the shelf brackets, preventing rotation of the leg assemblies away from their open positions. Ends of the legs can be shaped to bind against the frame at selected positions, to provide detents to hold the leg assemblies in their folded or open positions.
US08052104B2
A mounting head includes a first pivot assembly and a second pivot assembly. The first pivot assembly may be configured to pivot a platform of the mounting head about a first axis, and the second pivot assembly may be configured to pivot the platform about a second axis. A pivot assembly may comprise a threaded shaft having an attachment element configured to move linearly along the axial length of the threaded shaft as the threaded shaft is rotated. The linear movement of the attachment element may drive pivotal movement of the platform. The mounting head may further include position indicators, configured for indicating, in linear coordinates, the position of the platform. Methods of using and adjusting a mounting head are disclosed.
US08052096B2
An apparatus for converting a manned aircraft of a type including at least one pilot control capable of manipulation to affect operation of the aircraft for unmanned flight operations includes first and second actuators, each configured to selectively provide movement or resistance to movement in a first manner including linear or rotational motion, first and second clutches, each configured to selectively couple movement of the associated actuator to or from the pilot control during flight, and a vehicle controller capable of being selectively enabled during flight to operate the pilot control actuators and clutches and thereby provide unmanned operation of the aircraft, or of being disabled, thereby providing for manned operation of the aircraft. The first actuator has a first scope describing a first amount of allowable movement, while the second actuator has a second scope larger than the first scope.
US08052085B2
The thrust reverser includes, in one aspect, an interior flow deflector which defines a portion of a substantially continuous and uninterrupted nozzle interior surface with the interior of a jet pipe when the door is in a stowed position, thereby reducing aerodynamic losses and improving efficiency. In another aspect, improved sealing arrangement between the jet pipe and the door provides increased performance when the doors are stowed.
US08052077B2
A method for preparing a carbon siccative for producing electrodes. The dust fraction is produced continuously by a mill/sifter combination with a grain size or specific surface area adjustable during operation, preferably by a roller grinding mill with an integrated sifter.
US08052068B1
The invention relates to a guide plate for laterally guiding a rail S for rail vehicles to be fastened to a base 2 by means of a spring element 13 having a front face, against which the rail S is supported in the mounting position, and having an insulator element 19 which can be placed onto the foot F of the rail to be fastened, via which insulator element 19 the spring element 13 in the mounting position acts on the foot F of the rail S. The invention also relates to a system for fastening a rail, which comprises such a guide plate 3. In order to simplify mounting and to ensure reliable, correct positioning of the insulator element even under unfavourable mounting conditions, the invention makes provision for the insulator element 19 to be mounted on the guide plate 3 so that it can pivot.
US08052051B1
An automated banking machine operates to carry out financial transactions for authorized machine users responsive to user data read from data bearing records. The user data comprises card data and/or biometric data which corresponds to a financial account. A user fascia has openings for the card reader and the user display. The user fascia is removably mounted to a moveable support that is mounted to the machine housing, enabling the user fascia to be moved away from and toward the machine housing. The card reader is accessible by a machine servicer when the user fascia moved away from the machine housing. The machine also includes a duct assembly extending between housing vents and processor case vents.
US08052045B1
An automated banking machine system and method includes automated banking machines that operate responsive to data bearing records and accept checks and dispense cash to users. The automated banking machines are operated 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 is dispensed to the user from the machine in exchange for the deposited check.
US08052042B2
A system controlled responsive to data bearing records includes a card reader that is operative to read card data from user cards including financial account data, and causes operation of an automated banking machine to carry out financial transactions responsive to the account data. The automated banking machine is operative to access at least one network. The automated banking machine is operative to enable a user thereof to make payments for purchases of goods or services to be delivered remote from the machine and to receive from the user a cash payment for the purchases through a cash acceptor. The automated banking machine includes a printer that provides receipts for transactions conducted through the machine.
US08052037B2
A paper product may be made as a crumpled paper strip provided with a layer of coadhesive on one side to adhere opposed portions of the strip together in a strong manner to form a dunnage material. The paper product may also be made as a packaging wrap of two-ply construction with the corrugations of a corrugated ply adhered to a flat ply via a coadhesive on both plies. The paper product may also be made as small discrete elements. The apparatus for making the packaging wrap employs a pair of rolls with interengaging projections to form corrugations in a sheet of material coated with a coadhesive and guides for adhering the corrugated sheet to a flat sheet of material.
US08052036B2
A tab lead soldering apparatus soldering a tab lead to a front face and a rear face of a solar cell has a first pressing mechanism pressing the tab lead toward the front face of the solar cell, a second pressing mechanism pressing the tab lead toward the rear face of the solar cell rear face, a heat member and a support member provided to the first pressing mechanism and/or the second pressing mechanism to contact with the tab lead, a heat member shift mechanism shifting the heat member between a contact position to contact an end of the heat member with the tab lead and a separation position to separate the end of the heat member from the tab lead, and a support member shift mechanism shifting the support member between a contact position to contact an end of the support member with the tab lead and a separation position to separate the end of the support member from the tab lead.
US08052034B2
Friction stir methods are disclosed for processing at least one workpiece using a rotary tool with rotating member for contacting and processing the workpiece. The methods include oscillating the rotary tool laterally with respect to a selected propagation path for the rotating member with respect to the workpiece to define an oscillation path for the rotating member. The methods further include obtaining force signals or parameters related to the force experienced by the rotary tool at least while the rotating member is disposed at the extremes of the oscillation. The force signals or parameters associated with the extremes can then be analyzed to determine a lateral position of the selected path with respect to a target path and a lateral offset value can be determined based on the lateral position. The lateral distance between the selected path and the target path can be decreased based on the lateral offset value.
US08052031B2
A bonding structure for a container member is disclosed. The container member has an opening and a covering member for covering the opening. The container member and covering member are abutted with each other and bonded by a friction stir welding operation. The bonding structure for the container and covering members comprises a bonding portion and a backing member. The bonding portion of the container member and the covering member is formed by inserting a friction stir welding tool into an abutting portion of the container member and the covering member. The backing member is provided for obstructing a plastic flow of materials for the container member and the covering member when the friction stir welding operation is performed. The backing member is disposed adjacent to the bonding portion, at a side of the abutting portion that is opposite to an inserting side of the friction stir welding tool.
US08052019B2
A multi-purpose vehicle cargo bed accessory includes a central body portion, a first lateral body portion and a mounting structure. The first lateral body portion is rigidly connected along a first lateral edge of the central body portion to form a generally T-shaped transverse cross section with the central body portion along a majority of a length of the first lateral edge. The first lateral body portion has a first longitudinal part extending outwardly from a first side of central body portion and a second longitudinal part extending outwardly from a second side of central body portion. At least one of the central body portion and the first lateral body portion includes the mounting structure configured and arranged to securely fasten the vehicle cargo bed accessory to a vehicle cargo area.
US08052013B2
A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus includes a needle sheet formed as a unitary piece for dispensing liquid crystal material contained within a liquid crystal container through a nozzle by selectively contacting a needle. The needle sheet includes a needle contacting portion for contacting the needle and a coupling portion for coupling the liquid crystal container to the nozzle. Therefore liquid crystal material is prevented from remaining within the needle sheet and the needle sheet can be easily cleaned.
US08052009B2
A bandage dispensing device dispenses bandages with an upper protective layer of its packaging removed so that a person can dispense a bandage using only one hand. A separator placed near an opening in a wall of the housing of the device separates the upper protective layer from a roll of interconnected bandages so that only a bandage and a lower protective layer emerge from the housing of the device. The separator has at least one arm that protrudes from the side wall of the housing in a perpendicular direction and separates an upper protective layer of the packaging. The upper protective layer that has been separated by the separator gathers inside of the housing. In the roll of packaged bandages, the upper protective layer is releasably attached to the lower protective layer.
US08052003B2
A device and system for temporarily sealing an orifice in a beverage container lid, comprising a plug having an upper surface, a body portion and a lower surface, said body portion adapted to be inserted and releasably retained in the orifice to provide a temporary seal thereof, and an external member located on the upper surface of the plug configured to allow a user to grip the plug for ease of removal from the orifice.
US08052000B2
A pallet includes a plurality of supports supporting a floor. The supports each include a plurality of columns integrally-molded with at least one runner and snap-fit to the floor. At least one wall is moveable between an upright position and a collapsed position on the floor. A hinge connecting the wall to the base includes a first axis and a second axis offset by the first axis. The hinge is locked when the wall is in the upright position to prevent rotation about the second axis but permit rotation about the first axis. A hinge assembly connects a door to the wall and includes a first hinge pin and a second hinge pin. The hinge assembly permits the door to open completely relative to the wall to a position at least substantially parallel to and adjacent the wall.
US08051999B2
A closure construction of the present invention includes a container with male threading on the neck thereof with a pair of locking notches. The cap includes a pair of split arcuate walls with partial threading thereon, which provides, in cooperation with each other, a threaded connection between the cap and the male threading disposed thereby releasably securing the cap to the container. A pair of protrusions are connected to and emanate inwardly from the inner surface of the outer wall. The pair of protrusions are releasably respectively seated in the pair of locking notches when the cap is threaded past a predetermined point onto the neck of the container. When the cap is squeezed in a direction generally perpendicular to a line running through the protrusions, the protrusions lift out of their respective locking notches to permit the cap to be unthreaded from the container.
US08051995B2
An energy dissipation device (1) is provided for a car body of a multi-element vehicle in particular a rail vehicle, the energy dissipation device (1) having a damping unit (10) having a regeneratively implemented damping element (11) for damping traction and impact forces occurring in normal travel operation and an energy dissipation unit (20) having a destructively implemented energy dissipation element (21), and the energy dissipation element (21) being designed to respond after a previously determinable critical impact force is exceeded and to transmit at least a part of the impact forces transmitted via the energy dissipation device (1) into heat and deformation work by plastic deformation and thus dissipate them. In order that the energy dissipation device (1) only requires a small installation space, the damping unit (10) is integrated in the energy dissipation unit (20) in such a way that during a transmission of impact forces, the force flux runs through both the damping unit (10) and also the energy dissipation element (20).
US08051994B2
Disclosed is a sample storage apparatus in that a multilayered rotary table is formed in a liquid nitrogen vessel, so that a plurality of sample storage boxes is stored in the multilayered rotary table, whereby it can effectively and maximally ensure the space for storing the samples. The sample storage apparatus includes: a rotating axis 100; a rotary table 200 having an upper cylinder portion 210 protruded upward from an upper middle portion thereof and allowing the rotating axis 100 to be inserted therein and a lower cylinder portion 220 protruded downward from a lower middle portion thereof and allowing the rotating axis 100 to be inserted therein; at least one partition member 300 for partitioning off an upper surface of the rotary table 200 formed at the upper surface of the rotary table 200; a fixing member 400 coupled to one side of an outer circumference of the lower cylinder portion 220 through a hinge coupling portion 410 and having a lower portion protruded downward from a lower end of the lower cylinder portion 220 and a slanting portion formed at one side of an upper end thereof so as to form a fixing gap angle 430; and a latching member 500 formed along an outer circumference of the upper cylinder portion 210 and having a plurality of insertion holes 510 for allowing a lower end of the fixing member 400 to be inserted therein.
US08051982B2
A container particularly well suited to hold premoistened wipes is described. The container can be formed primarily from flat polymeric sheets. In one embodiment, for instance, the container can be formed and loaded with a stack of wipes all in a single process. Further, the flat polymeric sheets used to form the container can be printed with various graphics during formation of the container so as to apply any suitable graphics to the container. Through the process of the present disclosure, containers can be formed having a sleek and compact design.
US08051966B2
The overrunning bi-directional clutch assembly has two coaxial slipper rings and use one actuator to simultaneously uncouple the slipper rings and lock the clutch. Also, the actuator uses a pair of cam surfaces, and corresponding cam following surfaces to actively control freewheel and lock mode of the clutch. A tab cutout arrangement indexes the two slipper rings.
US08051961B2
In a magneto-rheological variable damper (6), the piston (16) comprises an inner yoke (32), an outer yoke (31) concentrically surrounding the inner yoke and held in position by pair of end plates (33, 34) made of non-magnetic material and disposed on either axial end surfaces of the piston. The piston may be circumferentially surrounded by a piston cover (30) that may be made of non-magnetic material and serves a slide member that engages the inner circumferential surface of a cylinder (12). Alternatively, the end plates may serve as the slide member. In either case, the durability of the damper can be improved by using a wear resistant material for the slide member. In particular, the outer yoke may be made of material such as Permendur which has a high saturation magnetic flux density but a poor mechanical property. Thereby, the range of the damping force can be expanded. The slide member may be made of non-magnetic material having a favorable wear resistance such as austenite stainless steel and aluminum alloy. It is also possible to apply a plating or other surface processing to the sliding surface of the slide member to improve the wear resistance thereof.
US08051956B2
A driving device for a parking brake system includes a casing shift member, a brake cable and a driving member. The casing shift member includes a cable casing. The brake cable is mounted through the cable casing. The driving member has a driving unit connected to and driving the casing shift member to perform a longitudinal motion. Thus the cable casing applies a force on the brake cable so as to perform a brake work. Because the brake cable is tightened with the force provided by the cable casing, the brake cable is only bent slightly. Thus the curvature of the brake cable is small. That prevents the brake cable from being damaged and prolongs a life span of the brake cable. Moreover, a mechanical efficiency of the driving device is improved because the brake cable is tightened with the force provided by the cable casing.
US08051955B2
The elevator alert includes an elevator pit can (10) and a float switch (240) disposed therein. The float switch (240) produces an alarm-activating signal when the pit can (10) is nearly full and overflow of oil into the pit is imminent. An alarm control unit (200) takes alarm-activating signals from one or more float switch-equipped pit cans (10) to operate a relay (405a, 405b) to drive various kinds of alarms and/or elevator controls. A loudspeaker (210) on the pit can (10) emits an audible alarm when the float switch (240) is closed. Optionally, a remote alarm (300) is provided, the remote alarm (300) being activated when the remote alarm float switch (250) is closed. Users of the elevator, such as passenger or building occupants, would hear the audible alarm and call maintenance to thereby prevent an oil spill. The device can be retrofit to existing elevator pit cans.
US08051950B2
A sound insulator, including an assembly of connected particles, wherein the connected particles include particles adjacent to one another that are adhered to one another. The particles that are adhered to one another include particles of random shapes and random sizes and having respective diameters falling within a range from about a quarter of a millimeter to about four millimeters. The particles that are adhered to one another are adhered such that they form a sound suppression blanket.
US08051941B2
An upper rail is movable in a rear and front direction with respect to a lower rail fixed to a vehicle floor. A load sensor is fixed to an upper surface of the upper rail 4, and a rectangular frame 30 is attached onto the load sensor. A rod of the load sensor sequentially penetrates a web of the rectangular frame, a plain washer and a spring holder upward, and a coil spring is wound around the rod. A bush is fitted to an edge of a hole of the plain washer, and a step difference is formed between an upper surface of the plain washer and the bush. A nut is screwed to the rod, and the nut tightens a bottom of a cup portion of the spring holder. In such a way, the coil spring is sandwiched between the spring holder and the web and is compressed, and an end portion of the coil spring engages with the step difference.
US08051933B2
A sliding apparatus of a cooling module for a vehicle, constructed so that the cooling module slides in a rearward direction of the vehicle when a front impact force acts on the cooling module mounted to a front end module, may include a slide slot formed in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, a bushing unit slidably coupled to the slide slot, and a rotary arm supporting at a first end portion thereof a back portion of the bushing unit wherein the rotary arm supports the bushing unit in a forward direction of the vehicle while the bushing unit moves along the slide slot in the rearward direction of the vehicle by the front impact force when the front impact force exceeding a coupling force applied to a second end portion of the rotary arm is transmitted from the bushing unit to the rotary arm.
US08051922B2
A hand-held power tool (1;101) includes a drive (6;110) located in the power tool housing (2;102) for driving a working tool (111), and a torsional pendulum (4; 120; 220; 320; 420; 520) at least partially mounted on the housing (2; 102) for compensating vibrations generated by the drive (6; 110).
US08051920B2
An impact drill includes a housing having an accommodation chamber and a through hole extending from the accommodation chamber to the outside space, a driving mechanism mounted in the accommodation chamber and having a transmission shaft positioned in the through hole for providing an output torque and producing an impact force intermittently upon a resistance, the transmission shaft having a polygonal front segment extending out of the accommodation chamber, and a chuck unit, which has a drill chuck that has a connection barrel defining a polygonal coupling hole that is press-fitted onto the polygonal front segment of the transmission shaft and a first bearing mounted on the connection barrel and received in the through hole to secure the drill chuck to the housing.
US08051919B2
A method for loading coil collated fasteners into a fastening tool. The method includes providing internal access to the fastening tool by moving a door structure and a portion of a canister to load the coil collated fasteners.
US08051917B2
A soil treatment apparatus has a plurality of tool units that have at least one bracket, at least one plunger tool and at least one stop for the plunger tool. The bracket with an end section on a chassis is driven up and down to pivot about a first pivoting axis. The plunger tool device is linked at another end section of the bracket to pivot about a second pivoting axis. The stop is formed such that plunging is carried out at a predefined plunging angle. To enable faster operating speeds, the first pivoting axis is provided behind the second pivoting axis as seen in a driving direction, and the plunger tool device is linked such that whenever the bracket is pivoted about the first pivoting axis it is subjected to a centrifugal force in a direction toward a position limited by the stop.
US08051915B2
A fire suppression sprinkler system convertible between a wet and a dry mode of operation is disclosed. The system features a field convertible valve having a bypass loop with a bypass valve for selectively configuring the valve for wet or dry mode operation. For dry mode operation, the bypass valve is open. The field convertible valve also has a system actuator, a gas control valve and a water supply shut-off valve which are open in the dry mode. In the wet mode of operation, the bypass valve is open and the gas control and water supply shut-off valves are closed. The field convertible valve operates in a latch mode controlled by the system actuator in the dry mode, and as a flapper valve in the wet mode of operation. A method of converting the mode of operation of the sprinkler system is also disclosed.
US08051910B2
A method of inferring flow in a production string includes, monitoring pressure along a perforated production string, and inferring flow from the monitored pressure.
US08051908B2
A method for stimulating methane production from a carbonaceous material is described. The methods may include the step of contacting the material with cells of a methanogenic consortium under anaerobic conditions to form a reaction mixture. The method may also include maintaining anaerobic conditions for a time sufficient to permit methanogenesis, and collecting methane from anaerobic water or head space of the reaction mixture.
US08051901B2
The invention relates to a mass transfer or heat-exchange column, a tube bundle heat exchanger, with a first mass transfer or heat-exchange area, a first tube bundle (2), and a second mass transfer or heat-exchange area, in particular a second tube bundle (8), that is arranged spatially above the first mass transfer or heat-exchange area, which are surrounded by a cover (10′). In a tube bundle heat exchanger according to the invention, a lower end section (40) of the second, smaller tube bundle (8) projects into a cover part (13′) of the first, larger tube bundle (2), by which an intermediate space (41) is formed between the lower section (40) of the second tube bundle (8) and the cover part (13′). In the area of this intermediate space (41), an inlet (26) for injecting a medium into the column and optionally a manhole (36) are arranged on the cover part (13′).
US08051896B2
An apparatus for spreading heat over a plurality of fins is provided. The apparatus includes a heat dissipating member composed of metal and having a plurality of fins on a first side of the heat dissipating member. The apparatus also includes a plurality of strips of thermal material having a thermal conductivity in a direction parallel to the heat dissipating member higher than a thermal conductivity of the heat dissipating member, the plurality of strips disposed on a side of the heat dissipating member opposite of the first side and configured to spread heat along the heat dissipating member.
US08051880B2
A reinforcing bar binding machine is provided with: a main sleeve having a tip end on which a hook is pivotally mounted; a tip end shaft fitted in an inside of the main sleeve; a spiral screw groove formed on the tip end shaft; a fitting opening that penetrates from an outside to the inside of the main sleeve; a key fitted in the fitting opening and brought in mash engagement with the screw groove; a short sleeve provided on an outer periphery of the main sleeve and covering the key; and an engaging means formed on the short sleeve and controlling a rotation of the main sleeve.
US08051866B2
The present application relates to a covering apparatus for covering an outdoor area comprising a screen (1) that can be operated between a retracted and an extended configuration, the screen having a leading portion (2) and a trailing portion (4), the trailing portion (4) being connected to a first support (5, 6), the apparatus further comprising a plurality of longitudinal flexible elements (11, 12) extending from the first support (5, 6) to respective second supports (9, 10), and the leading portion (2) of the screen (1) being supported by the longitudinal flexible elements (11, 12) as the screen (1) is operated from the retracted to the extended configuration, wherein the leading portion (2) of the screen (1) is moveably mounted to the longitudinal flexible elements (11, 12) such that the leading portion (2) moves with respect to the longitudinal flexible elements (11, 12) during operation between retracted and extended positions, and wherein at least one clamping system is provided on the leading portion (2) of the screen (1) for releasably clamping the leading portion (2) to at least one of the longitudinal flexible elements (11, 12).
US08051858B2
Method for conditioning of cellular materials, in particular organic materials, wherein the conditioned material is exposed to the thermodynamic medium. Further into the stream of the thermodynamic medium flowing in the channel (1, 6, 8, 9, 10), using the adjustable diaphragms (4, 5, 7) there are introduced turbulences increasing relative speed between conditioned material and thermodynamic medium. Invention further relates to the apparatus for conditioning of cellular materials, in particular organic materials, comprising inlet gate and supplying channel, conditioning channel and outlet, supplied from the source of the thermodynamic medium. Further the conditioning channel (6, 8, 9) has a spiral shape.
US08051856B2
The embodiments of the present tracheostomy valves include a flexible diaphragm abutting a rib shaped substantially as a flat plate. Opposite the rib, the diaphragm abuts a boss and forms an uninterrupted seal therewith. As the tracheostomized patient inhales, the diaphragm bends about the rib, interrupting the seal and allowing air to flow smoothly into the valve. The features of the various embodiments contribute to a positive seal at all times except during inhalation, and low resistance to airflow through the valve during inhalation.
US08051854B2
A continuous high-frequency oscillation breathing device delivers therapy during both inhalation and exhalation in order to assist in clearing secretions from the lungs. A venturi patient interface circuit is combined with medicated aerosol to deliver continuous high-frequency oscillation therapy. Fixed open apertures in the patient interface circuit allow ingress and egress of flow, and are calibrated to allow exhalation and prevent stacking of successive breaths.
US08051842B2
An internal combustion engine includes an intake manifold in a fresh air system. The intake manifold opens into inlet ports of a cylinder head. An exhaust-gas turbocharger has a turbine and a compressor, which is driven by the turbine. The turbine is disposed in the exhaust-gas system. The compressor is disposed in the fresh air system. The turbine has a turbine wheel and a wastegate channel configured to allow a bypassing flow of exhaust-gas past the turbine wheel of the turbine. A wastegate valve is disposed in the wastegate channel for selectively opening and closing the wastegate channel. An electric actuator is provided for operating the wastegate valve. A charge-air cooler is disposed, downstream of the compressor, in the fresh air system. The charge-air cooler is integrated into the intake manifold and is embodied with a water-cooled heat exchanger.
US08051833B2
The invention provides a throttle valve control apparatus of an internal combustion engine having at least a first cylinder group (B1) and a second cylinder group (B2). A first throttle valve (S1) is arranged in an intake passage (31) of the first cylinder group and a second throttle valve (S2) is arranged in an intake passage (32) of the second cylinder group. The throttle valve control apparatus includes a controller that, when there is a demand to switch a combustion air-fuel ratio of the internal combustion engine without changing engine output, first changes an opening amount of the first throttle valve, and then changes an opening amount of the second throttle valve.
US08051829B2
A method for adjusting fuel injection of an engine is disclosed. In one example, fuel injection timing is adjusted to account for fuels having different cetane numbers. Operation of the engine may be improved especially during conditions where combustion phase may vary.
US08051813B2
A scroll compressor for compressible fluids includes a fixed housing having a spiral-shaped feed chamber which contains a working fluid. A displacement member interacts with the feed chamber and includes a driveshaft which is supported in the housing and has an eccentric disk, a carrier disk which is mounted on the driveshaft, and spiral blades which extend out from both sides of the carrier disk. The displacement member is supported by a bearing on the eccentric disk. A lubricant supply system feeds lubricant to the bearing via the driveshaft and the eccentric disk, with a seal assembly sealing a lubricant chamber against the feed chamber. A pressure regulating valve substantially maintains during operation a differential between a pressure in the feed chamber acting on one side of the seal assembly and a pressure in the lubricant chamber acting on another side of the seal assembly, with the pressure regulating valve being acted upon by the pressure in the feed chamber and by the pressure in the lubricant chamber.
US08051803B2
A top-fill hummingbird feeder has a generally upstanding reservoir bottle or liquid container with a large opening at its top end that is closed and sealed by a removable top or cap. The bottom of the bottle or container has a lower bottom opening which can be screw-threaded into a central collar of a feeding basin that has a plurality of feeding ports. A tubular insert is received within the central collar and is configured to be vertically movable between a first position in which fluid is allowed to flow from the liquid container to the basin, and a second position in which fluid flow from the container to the basin is prevented. Movement of the insert between the two positions is effected by pushing the liquid container toward the basin (the closed position) and by pulling the liquid container away from the basin (the open position). Each movement of the insert has an associated “snap” or gives positive physical feedback which the user can feel that assures the user that the desired fluid flow or fluid sealed position has been achieved.
US08051801B2
The invention relates to an annular rotary platform (3) for a milking parlour and a mould and method for manufacturing the annular platform. The platform (3) is formed of a cementitious material. The platform comprises on an underside at least one protruding reinforcing portion (3d) formed of a cementitious material.
US08051798B2
A mounting assembly for a stent and a method of coating a stent using the assembly are provided.
US08051797B1
A support device is provided to hold a pre-mounted device, such as a stent mounted on a balloon of a delivery catheter, for insertion in a coating apparatus. The support device stabilizes, aligns and holds the pre-mounted stent assembly in order to allow correct location and rotation in relation to a coating applicator in a coating apparatus and to avoid damage during the coating process.
US08051792B2
A boat body for a boat includes a projecting portion arranged to support one or more outboard motors at a position spaced upward and rearward from a transom. The projecting portion extends from a rear portion of the transom of the boat body, and the projecting portion supports the outboard motors at locations upward and further rearward than in a case where the outboard motors are directly installed on the transom. The projecting portion includes a projecting member that is bilaterally symmetrical and that decreases in width in a rearward direction and in an upward direction. The projecting portion includes a side thruster passing through the projecting portion in a horizontal direction. When viewed from the side, a lower edge portion of the projecting portion includes a slanting portion that is generally linear and that extends rearward and upward from a lower portion of the transom. When viewed from the rear, the lower edge portion of the projecting portion has a generally V-shape.
US08051791B2
A motion compensation system for a helipad on a vessel includes a sensor for measuring a parameter related to at least one or pitch and roll of the vessel. The system includes a first actuator functionally coupled to the helipad to move the helipad translationally with respect to the vessel in response to the measured at least one of pitch and roll of the vessel.
US08051787B2
The microswitch 6 is turned on when the foldable Y arm 1 is in the operative position for embroidery stitching and is turned off when the Y arm 1 is not in the operative position, and the X-Y motor drive prohibition device 87 is responsive to the on-signal of the microswitch 6 to withdraw the prohibition of driving and to drive the X-and Y-drive motors 15, 46.
US08051780B2
A cab of this type comprises a frame (3) defining an internal volume (3a), the frame (3) having at least one upper opening (3b) for receiving panes of glass of said cab, said cab being wherein it comprises a canopy (2) forming an assembly in a single piece which is attached to the frame (3) so as to cover the upper opening (3b) and enclose the internal volume (3a), said canopy comprising a support frame (10) provided with side rails (11) defining at least two openings therebetween and at least two panes of glass (4, 5, 6) filling each opening respectively.
US08051769B2
A food processor having a dicing tool and an automatic cleaning tool to clean out the dicing tool.
US08051766B1
There is an apparatus for brewing and making a personal beverage, which combines an independently sliding filter apparatus and a push button opening and closing mechanism, which coordinate vertically applied pressure and controlled rotational movement.
US08051764B2
A fluid control or actuation system providing selective recruiting of actuators antagonistic to one another to provide variable output power, such as that used to drive a load. The actuators are intended to comprise different sizes, and to be operable with one or more pressure control valves capable of providing displacement of a non-recruited actuator without requiring active input to cause such displacement. Being able to selectively recruit different sized actuators to drive the load, and being able to displace non-recruited without active input, effectively incorporates a gearing function into the fluid control system.
US08051762B2
A countermeasure system which is capable of defusing rocket propelled grenades (RPG) is provided by spacing an array of explosive charges or primacord from the protected structure to allow and sense an ogive of the fused RPG to enter into a functional plane of the array initiating one or more of the charges to collapse to ogive. The array is supported flexibly or rigidly and further ballistic protection is incorporated behind the array in fixed or inflatable forms to provide protection of the structure from the explosive products from the array and the ballistic impact of the defused RPG.
US08051745B2
An apparatus and associated method for use in tensioning a park brake cable system includes a body including a housing and an input shaft, the input shaft positioned at least partially within the housing, the housing and the input shaft being axially movable relative to one another, and the input shaft and the outer housing being rotatable relative to one another, the body having a nut receiving recess. The cable system is tensioned by retracting the nut from its support surface, tensioning the system by rotating the nut, and relieving the nut back to its support surface. A control system is used to control the operation of the tensioning device, and is programmable to perform several associated functions.
US08051744B2
A locking differential mechanism for supplying torque from a driveshaft to a pair of aligned output shafts including a pair of side gears, a central driver, and a pair of clutch members operatively coupled for rotation with the corresponding one of the pair of side gears. A cam assembly includes a pair of cam members. Each of the pair of cam members includes a plurality of camming teeth extending toward the corresponding teeth on the opposed cam member. Each of the cam members is movable from a first position where the cam teeth are disposed in meshing relationship with respect to each other when the pair of side gears are rotating at substantially the same speed and a second position spaced axially from the first position along the associated side gear so as to move an associated clutch member from its first position to its second position out of driven relationship with the central driver in response to a difference in rotational speed of the associated pair of side gears.
US08051739B2
A vehicle-use transmission manipulating device for substantially preventing a rider's foot from interfering with a rod thereof. In a vehicle-use transmission manipulating device having a pair of pivot support members for supporting a pivot shaft of a swing arm provided at left and right sides of a main pipe behind a transmission. A driver step and a support shaft of a change pedal are provided behind the pivot support member with the change pedal and a transmission shaft being connected with each other by way of a rod. A bell crank is arranged below the driver step. The rod includes a first rod for connecting the change pedal and the bell crank and a second rod for connecting the bell crank and the transmission shaft side. The second rod is arranged in front of the change pedal.
US08051738B2
A rotor gear includes a rotor gear body having involute teeth that each have an involute surface that extends between a tooth tip and a tooth base. The involute surface includes at least reference points A-D, with reference point A near the base, reference point D near the tip, reference point B between reference points A and D, and reference point C between reference points B and D. The reference points A-D have associated respective roll angles, εA-D, between a corresponding first line that is perpendicular to the involute surface at the given reference point A-D and a second line that is tangent at a reference point that lies on a terminal end of the involute surface at the tooth base to a reference base circle having a center origin at the center axis.
US08051728B2
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that monitors a connection in a computer system between a connector and a component coupled to the connector. During operation, a first motion parameter of the connector, and a second motion parameter of the component are measured. Then, the connection is monitored by comparing information related to the first motion parameter and information related to the second motion parameter.
US08051719B2
A pressure-sensor device (1) comprises: —a pressure-sensitive component (9) having a body, defined in which is a blind cavity, and having a membrane portion (9a), operatively associated to which is a detection element (R); and —a connection structure (2), which has a duct in communication with the cavity of the pressure-sensitive component (9) and is to receive a fluid, a pressure of which is to be detected. The connection structure (2) comprises a supporting body (2a) of the pressure-sensitive component (9), which defines a respective passage (2b), and a compressible element (12, 18) that is designed to be in contact with the fluid and is configured for compensating possible variations of volume thereof. The compressible element (12, 18) is positioned at least in part within the cavity (11) of the pressure-sensitive component (9) and/or in a stretch of the passage (2b) of the supporting body (2a) that is close to the cavity (11) of the pressure-sensitive component (9).
US08051712B2
An insulated accelerometer assembly is provided for attachment to a vibrated component. A base has a portion for engagement and connection with the vibrated component and to transmit vibration. An accelerometer senses vibration and is located at least partially within the base. A housing at least partially encloses the accelerometer and inhibits voltage discharge, corona damage, and voltage tracking on the accelerometer. The housing is made of an insulating material and has an interior for the accelerometer. The housing has a plurality of raised fins on the exterior. A mounting cap also inhibits voltage discharge, corona damage, and voltage tracking and secures the housing. The mounting cap is made of insulating material and has an exterior that includes a plurality of raised fins. A cable has an electrically conductive wire and has a shield to inhibit electrical noise.
US08051711B2
The electronic circuit for measuring at least one physical parameter supplies an analogue output measurement signal (SA) dependent upon the value of a supply voltage. The circuit includes a sensor interface, connected to a sensor for supplying an analogue measurement signal (Vm) which is then filtered, an analogue-digital converter for digitally converting the filtered signal (Sm), and a digital signal control and processing unit for receiving a converted signal from the converter and supplying a digital measurement signal (SD). The sensor interface, the analogue-digital converter, and the processing unit are powered by a voltage regulator. The analogue and digital measurement signals are thus independent of any variation in the supply voltage (VCC) of the electronic circuit. A ratiometric unit, which may be an analogue multiplier or an analogue-digital converter, is powered by the supply voltage source (Bat) to recreate ratiometry on SA on the basis of Sm or SD.
US08051707B2
A sensor arrangement includes an optical sensor, a non-optical sensor, a sensor holder, and main and flexible interconnect devices. The sensor arrangement can be fixed to a vehicle window by the sensor holder. The sensor holder is in the form of a sensor housing having a sensor housing cover and a second housing body attached to one another. The sensor housing cover and the sensor housing body each have corresponding bracket sections which form a bracket connected to the sensor housing. The main interconnect device is positioned within the sensor housing. The optical sensor is connected to the main interconnect device. The flexible interconnect device is connected to the main interconnect device and extends from the main interconnect device to the bracket connected to the sensor housing. The non-optical sensor is connected to the flexible interconnect device within the bracket and is held by the bracket.
US08051698B2
A micro-electro-mechanical gyroscope includes a first mass, which is able to oscillate along a first axis with respect to a fixed body, an inertial sensor having a second mass constrained to the first mass so as to oscillate along a second axis in response to a rotation of the gyroscope, a driving device coupled to the first mass that forms a control loop for maintaining the first mass in oscillation at a resonance frequency, and a reading device that detects displacements of the second mass along the second axis, which includes a charge amplifier for converting charge packets supplied by the inertial sensor into a charge-integration signal, and a low-pass filter. A calibration stage enables modification of a voltage between the second mass and the fixed body so as to minimize a component at a frequency that is twice the resonance frequency in the charge-integration signal.
US08051692B2
A shape detection device capable of detecting meandering of a strip with high accuracy and a method thereof. The device includes a plurality of split rolls provided in a width direction of a rolling material; a table which guides the rolling material and which is rotatably supported; a fixing member supported by the table; torque detectors for separately detecting loads acting on both ends of the split rolls when the rolling material comes in contact with the split roll as moments; supporting arms of which one end rotatably supports the split roll and the other end is supported by the fixing member through the torque detectors; a meandering amount computing unit for computing a meandering amount of the rolling material using the moments detected by the torque detectors, and a plate shape computing unit for computing a plate shape of the rolling material using the moments and the meandering amount.
US08051688B2
A lock device includes a main body, a lock that locks and unlocks a lid member, an operating button, an engagement member, a rotor that rotates by locking and unlocking the lock, a coupling member, and an arm disposed on the rotor and coupled to one end of the coupling member. The coupling member interlocks the operation button and the engagement member with unlocking the lock and releases an interlock between the operation button and the engagement member with locking the lock. The engagement member slides through the coupling member to disengage the engagement member from the main body by operating the operating button.
US08051682B1
There is provided an apparatus and method for making a glass preform with nanofiber reinforcement. The apparatus comprises a container for melting one or more glass components in a mixture comprising the glass components and one or more nanofibers. The container has an opening that allows escape of any gas released from the glass components when the glass components are melted in the container. The apparatus further comprises one or more heating elements for heating the container. The apparatus further comprises one or more electric field devices, positioned exterior to the glass components, that create an electric field in a volume of the mixture in order to orient the nanofibers within the glass components when the glass components are melted in the container.
US08051675B1
A thermal system (100) includes a main pump (104) which pumps refrigerant to a device under test evaporator cluster (124). A system condenser (130) converts the gaseous refrigerant into liquid and the condenser liquid return is provided to a vapor/liquid separation and storage column (142). The thermal system (100) further includes a sump vaporizer (118) which forms part of a sump discharge line loop.
US08051674B2
A system for use with a consumable beverage includes a container having a mouth. A lid is detachably engaged with the container. A collar is adapted to be seated in the mouth of the container. The collar defines an opening therein. A thermal energy storing member is detachably engagable with the opening in the collar and/or the lid. A collar for supporting an end of a thermal energy storing member; a lid for a container adapted to engage a thermal energy storing member; and method of providing a chilled consumable beverage are each separately detailed herein.
US08051653B2
A velocity-pressure control apparatus of a hydraulic machine includes a pressure command generator, a pressure sensor, a pressure controller, a velocity command generator, a velocity limiter, a switch, a comparator, a velocity sensor, and a motor driver. The pressure controller receives a pressure compensation signal composed by the pressure command generator and the pressure sensor. The velocity limiter receives a compensation velocity signal from the pressure controller and a predetermined velocity signal from the velocity command generator and outputs a corresponding limiting velocity command signal to the switch. The comparator controls the velocity-pressure control apparatus to work at a velocity control mode when the pressure compensation signal is a positive signal or a null signal, and controls the velocity-pressure control apparatus to work at a master pressure control and slave velocity control mode when the pressure compensation signal is a negative signal.
US08051650B2
A hydraulic system for actuating a clutch and/or a variable speed drive unit of a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission of a vehicle, such as a commercial vehicle, and having a variable transmission ratio and a torque sensor. The hydraulic system includes at least one hydraulic energy source. A selector and check valve is provided for supplying additional components besides the torque sensor and is connected between the hydraulic energy source, the additional components, and the torque sensor in such a way that the torque sensor includes priority in being supplied with hydraulic medium.
US08051641B2
The present invention has an object to provide an exhaust gas purifying apparatus for an internal combustion engine capable of obtaining accurate temperature information relating to a catalyst placed in an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine. The degree of influence emthc of a catalyst inlet gas temperature and catalyst rear end temperature ethuf[end] is calculated (Step 102). An estimated value ethco of an outlet gas temperature is calculated by weighted averaging the inlet gas temperature and the catalyst rear end temperature ethuf[end] considering the degree of influence emthc (Step 104). A temperature correction coefficient ekthuf[x] for each region of the catalyst is calculated as a function f(emthc) of the degree of influence emthc (Step 108). A deviation between the outlet gas temperature estimated value ethco and a measured value of the outlet gas temperature is multiplied by the temperature correction coefficient ekthuf[x] to calculate an estimated value correction amount ecthuf[x] (Step 110). The estimated value correction amount ecthuf[x] is added to a catalyst temperature estimated value (Step 114).
US08051632B2
A system and method for calibrating a header flotation system of an agricultural vehicle that can be employed while the vehicle is in motion, including when traversing a field, which does not rely on, or require calibration of, height and/or pressure sensors.
US08051621B2
A tie system is provided for use with a wall form for a cementitious backup wall and for use with a wall tie to connect between the cementitious backup wall and a veneer. The tie system includes a backup wall connector and a form connector. The form connector is connectable to the form and secures the backup wall connector in position as the wall form is filled.
US08051617B2
A modular enclosure may include a number of interlocking components, such as panels, that may be interconnected to form sidewalls, roof and/or floor. The panels may be constructed from blow-molded plastic and a first pattern may be disposed on one surface and a second pattern may be disposed on an opposing surface. One or more points of intersection may be located where the first pattern and the second pattern overlie, and a depression may be disposed at the points of intersection. The depressions are preferably sized and configured to increase the strength and/or rigidity of the panel.
US08051614B1
An intumescent structure provides a hermetic-type barrier within a fiber duct through which communications cabling is extended. The structure is formed of a fire-resistant body possessing a plurality of pre-perforated forms that extend through the body. Each of the pre-perforated forms may be sized to have cross-sectional dimensions and geometries that generally correspond to the cross-sectional configurations of communications cabling that are typically placed in a fiber duct to interconnect electronic equipment. Selective removal of the pre-perforated forms establish associated passageways through the body for receiving the appropriately sized cabling therethrough. This facilitates the maintenance of a barrier to gasses and other substances escaping through the duct, while still allowing cabling to freely pass through the duct.
US08051609B2
The invention relates to a wind turbine tower comprising at least two annular tower rings placed vertically on top of each other. The wind turbine tower is characterized in that, a first tower ring overlaps at least a further tower ring of the at least two tower rings. The invention further relates to a wind turbine, a wind turbine tower elevator for use in a wind turbine tower and a method for assembling a wind turbine tower.
US08051604B2
The invention relates to a hinge/tilt window with a window frame and a casement with a casement frame that can be tilted about a horizontal rotational axis (X) and about a vertical rotational axis in relation to the window frame. The window also includes a hinge/tilt shank for opening and closing the casement. The hinge/tilt shank has a main arm that is hinged on the casement frame for tilting the casement and a gear with multiple articulations that is hinged on the main arm and the window frame in order to rotate the casement about the vertical rotational axis. A drive device, which is driven by an electric motor, includes a feed chain for opening the casement into a tilted position and for closing the casement from the tilted position.
US08051598B2
A universal decoy includes a base, a stake attached to and extending vertically from the base, and a decoy attached to the upward end of the stake. The decoy has a sound system and a decoy movement mechanism.
US08051594B2
A handgun having a frame with a barrel. The barrel has a muzzle end and a breech end. A handgrip is attached to the frame to be pivotable relative to the frame and movable along the length of the frame.
US08051592B2
A rotatable graphic assembly includes an outer barrel including an inner surface and a plurality of inner teeth formed thereon with an inner bevel formed at an end of each inner tooth; an inner barrel received within the outer barrel, the inner barrel including an outer surface and a plurality of outer teeth formed on the outer surface with an outer bevel formed at an end of each outer tooth and movably engaged with the inner teeth, the inner barrel defining a first crown gear portion at one end thereof; a spring sleeved in the inner barrel; a base sealing one end of the outer barrel, and the spring biased between the other end of the outer barrel away from the base and the base; and the base defines a second crown gear facing the first crown gear portion; and a button disposed on the end of the second barrel away from the base and showing a graphic.
US08051589B2
The clothing iron holder with water reservoir (10) is a protective accessory for use with a clothing iron (12) or the like. The holder (10) includes a water reservoir (16) and is sized and shaped to receive a clothing iron (12). The holder (10) has an opening (30) for releasably covering the iron's water fill opening (14) so that if the iron (12) is inadvertently tipped over or falls, water exiting the water fill opening (14) is received within the water reservoir (16). Further, when received within the holder (10), a lower face (42) of the clothing iron (12) is supported by an upper surface of the central portion (22), and the upper surface preferably has a heat-resistant padded layer (40) formed thereon.
US08051583B2
The stability and balance offered by an article of footwear is improved by including a rigid layer in an outsole assembly of the article of footwear. The rigid layer may include a material of at least a predefined rigidity. For example, an outsole may be fitted with a carbon fiber plate that maintains the shape and a flatness of the outsole assembly. The rigid layer may be attached to one or more other layers that may be configured for impact force attenuation and comfort. In one or more arrangements, the rigid layer may be sandwiched between two other layers. Alternatively, the rigid layer may be insertable into a layer of the outsole. A channel may cut into a layer of the outsole to distribute weight to an outside portion of the outsole. This distribution of weight to the outside portion of the outsole may improve stability and balance.
US08051564B2
A method for fabricating a nozzle segment for use within a turbine nozzle assembly. The method comprises providing a nozzle segment including an outer band, an inner band, and at least one vane extending there between, wherein at least one of the inner band and the outer band is formed with a transition piece groove defined therein, positioning an inspection tool in contact with the nozzle assembly such that the inspection tool is aligned relative to the nozzle segment using at least one datum, and verifying an alignment of each transition piece groove using the inspection tool.
US08051562B2
A cover is inserted into a housing of a fuel pump. Then, a housing-side engaging portion of the housing, which is located at a peripheral edge of an opening of the housing, is heated with a heating means. Thereafter, the housing-side engaging portion is swaged by a punch toward the cover to fix the cover to the housing.
US08051560B2
A method for fabricating a solder pad structure. A circuit board having thereon at least one copper pad is provided. A solder resist is formed on the circuit board and covers the copper pad. A solder resist opening, which exposes a portion of the copper pad, is formed in the solder resist by laser. The laser also creates a laser activated layer on sidewalls of the solder resist opening. A chemical copper layer is then grown from the exposed copper pad and concurrently from the laser activated layer.
US08051558B2
A manufacturing method for mainly embedding the passive device structure in the printed circuit board is presented. In this structure, both the source electrode and the ground electrode of the passive device belong to the same level, and includes several source branches and several ground branches that are formed vertically on the inside of the dielectric layer of the circuit board which are connected, respectively, to avoid the conducting between the source electrode and the ground electrode during lamination. When it is in the form of the capacitor structure, through the use of the ultra-fine wiring technique, these source branches and ground branches are separated by a small gap between each other. Therefore, the side face area and quantities of the source branches and ground branches are both increased.
US08051546B2
Method for determining if a fuel cell stack is overheating using stack end plate temperature sensors
A method for determining whether a fuel cell stack is overheating. The method measures the temperature of end cells in the stack using end cell temperature sensors, and calculates an average end cell temperature based on the end cell temperature measurements. The method also measures the temperature of a cooling fluid being output from the fuel cell stack. The method determines if any of the measured end cell temperatures are outlying by comparing each end cell temperature measurement to the average. The method determines that the cooling fluid outlet temperature sensor has possibly failed if the cooling fluid outlet temperature is greater than the average end cell temperature and the cooling fluid outlet temperature minus the average end cell temperature is greater than a predetermined temperature value.
US08051532B1
A latching mechanism for a dust cup assembly on a bottom exit cyclone-separator vacuum cleaner including a non-rotating sealing conduit member that supports a dust cup assembly above a discharge outlet coupled to a sliding latch member via pin-mounted linkages. The conduit member raises and lowers the dust cup assembly into and out of engagement with the cyclone separator coincident with horizontal sliding movement of the latch member in and out underneath the dust cup to releasably attach and detach the dust cup assembly from the cyclone separator.
US08051528B2
A bowling lane maintenance machine has its operating functions designed and controlled in such a manner that the machine may be battery-operated without loss of performance. Included in the operation are special movements of the machine at the pin deck to flick moisture off blades of the squeegee assembly and limited activation of the vacuum motor to reduce battery drain.
US08051527B2
The present invention relates to a cleaning robot system of a satellite type. The present invention provides a cleaning robot system of a satellite type that includes a flat autonomous cleaning head, a hose assembly, and a cleaning main body. The flat autonomous cleaning head includes a suction inlet formed in a bottom thereof, a side connector communicating with the suction inlet, travel wheels provided on both side thereof, and variable speed drive motors for driving the travel wheels. The hose assembly is connected to the cleaning head and is at least partially flexible. The cleaning main body is connected to the hose assembly and includes a vacuum pump, a dust collector, a discharge air separator, a power supply, and a controller. Since the cleaning head of the cleaning robot system according to the present invention has a simple structure, it is possible to make the cleaning head thin. Further, since the cleaning robot system has high output of power and high vacuum sucking performance, it is possible to satisfactorily clean the house. Furthermore, the cleaning robot system can perform wet cleaning by ejecting steam, hot water, and wash water, unlike a disk-shaped robot cleaner. Therefore, the cleaning robot system can satisfactorily perform all kinds of cleaning options that can be performed by a manual cleaner. In addition, the cleaning robot system can have a self-washing function to perform self-washing.
US08051517B2
An inflatable bed includes a bedstead assembly, a mattress assembly, and an electrical air pump unit. The mattress assembly is disposed on and above the bedstead assembly, and includes a top sheet, a bottom sheet disposed under the top sheet, and a plurality of surrounding sheets interconnecting the top and bottom sheets to form a plurality of air chambers, which are not in fluid communication with each other. Each of the air chambers is defined among the top sheet, the bottom sheet, and a respective one of the surrounding sheets. The electrical air pump unit is disposed on the bedstead assembly, and is operable to inflate the air chambers individually so that air pressures in the air chambers may be different.
US08051515B1
A medical table and clamp apparatus provides a medical table having sides and at least one rail that extends along a side. A specially configured clamp travels along the rail, the clamp having a non metallic clamp body. The clamp body has a pair of spaced apart appendages with a recess therebetween. An opening such as a metallic, internally threaded sleeve extends through the body. The sleeve has one sleeve end portion that is in communication with the recess. An externally threaded shaft threadably engages the internally threaded sleeve. A spherically shaped bearing is mounted on one end of the shaft. A pusher or pressure plate is mounted on the spherically shaped bearing of the shaft with a pivotal, articulating or ball and socket connection. The pusher plate is supported by the shaft and the spherically shaped bearing within the recess. Each appendage has an end portion that grasps the rail. The pusher plate is movable toward or away from the sleeve by selective rotation of the shaft in one or another rotational directions for enabling a medical implement to be clamped between the pusher plate and the rail. The sleeve and pusher plate can be of a non-metallic (e.g. polymeric) material.
US08051508B2
A playpen hub assembly includes a base, a first support part and a second support part. The first support part and the second support part are pivoted to two sides of a base body of the base respectively. A slider in the base is moved between a lock position and a release position along a first rail in the base body. An end of the slider has a first block structure for constraining rotation of the first support part relative to the base body. Another end of the slider has a second block structure for constraining rotation of the second support part relative to the base body. A driving part in the base is used for moving the slider to the release position. When the slider is located at the lock position, the first rail is substantially parallel to the first support part and the second support part.
US08051502B2
Swimming goggles are provided which include an integral left and right frames and nose bridge. The integral left and right frames and nose bridge include an outer frame and an inner frame. The outer frame includes front sections of the left and right frames, and a front section of the nose bridge. The inner frame includes rear sections of the left and right frames, and a rear section of the nose bridge. Lenses are received in the left and right frames of the outer frame and the inner frame. Pads are made of soft material and are assembled on the rear sections of the left and right frames. The outer frame and the inner frame are made of different material or of the same material with different rigidity.
US08056139B2
A multicasting authorization system comprises a streaming server, an authorization server, a user system and a distribution server. The distribution server provides a multicast data stream over multicast channels. A user system requests and receives an authorization code from an authorization server to receive the multicast data stream, and provides the authorization code to a streaming server. A streaming server, coupled to both an authorization server and a user system sends start up information for accessing the multicast data stream to the user system upon validation of the authorization code. The multicast datastream is encrypted and the user system maintains a connection with the authorization server which provides a cryptographic key for use in decrypting the encrypted multicast datastream.
US08056138B2
A piracy protection system incorporates tamper detection capabilities into a protected copy of an application by disassembling a statically linked binary of the application, modifying some of the instructions in the application, and then rewriting all of the modified and unmodified instructions to a new executable file, a protected copy. The piracy protection system comprises an offline tamper detection technique in which the software itself detects the tampering and causes the program to fail, therefore protecting itself from malicious attacks. The system further comprises a dynamic software-watermarking process that incorporates code obfuscation to prevent reverse engineering.
US08056134B1
A malware spoof component may be a formed component which has some but not all characteristics of an actual malware file or other component. Alternately, a spoof component may be an isolated component extracted from actual malware. Malware spoof components may be placed on a target system, after which a listing is obtained and checked. If the placed spoof component does not appear in the listing, then the spoof component may have been filtered out by malware infecting the system, thereby revealing the malware's presence.
US08056132B1
Software robots (“bots”) may be detected in a client computer using a client-side bot detector. The client-side bot detector may be configured to receive bot event profiles indicating IP (Internet Protocol) addresses involved in malicious online activities perpetrated by bots and time frames when the malicious online activities occurred. The client-side bot detector may determine dynamic IP addresses that have been dynamically assigned to the client computer by consulting a dynamic IP assignment profile of the client computer. The client-side bot detector may compare the bot event profiles against the dynamic IP assignment profile of the client computer to determine if the client computer is infected by a bot.
US08056125B2
A computer readable recording medium storing a control program causing a computer to execute a process in which an authentication proxy terminal carries out authentication on behalf of a client terminal using a browser to one or more server terminals, the process which includes: performing user authentication between the client terminal and the authentication proxy terminal before an access from the client terminal using the browser to the server terminal; if the user authentication is properly performed, executing proxy authentication to the server terminal on behalf of the client terminal; and sending to the client terminal a script file that controls the browser so as to access the server terminal without involving the authentication proxy terminal at a time of the access using the browser from the client terminal to the server terminal after the proxy authentication is properly executed.
US08056095B2
A storage/retrieval device for optical disks includes a container having an access slot. A disk shelf is rotatably mounted in the container and includes a plurality of storage compartments each for receiving an optical disk. A driving roller and a driven roller are rotatably mounted in the container for moving an optical disk into or out of the container via the access slot. An ejecting member includes a first end pivotably supported in the container and a second end operably coupled with the driving roller. The ejecting member is pivotable between a first position in one of the storage compartments for moving an optical disk in the storage compartment out of the storage compartment and a second position outside the storage compartment. A motor is provided to drive the driving roller for rotating the driving roller and the driven roller in opposite directions and for pivoting the ejecting member.
US08056091B2
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for executing, by a first framework, a service provided by a second framework. The method may include initiating, by the first framework, a request to access the service provided by the second framework. The method may also include identifying metadata for the service, the metadata being stored in a metamodel runtime repository. The method may further include translating the metadata into a format that the first framework can use to invoke the service and executing, using the translated metadata, the service provided by the second framework.
US08056087B2
A barrier synchronization register, accessible to the nodes in a distributed data processing system, has portions thereof allotted to threads which are present in multiple groups. The barrier synchronization register portion allotted to a given thread has stored therein, over time, group identifier numbers. In this way the state space of a barrier synchronization register is shared over more than one group of process threads.
US08056078B2
Multitasking in a hardware interrupt free environment. Event indicators are employed to multitask between processes of the environment. Processes to be multitasked register with one another, and then during processing, one of the processes toggles an event indicator to allow another process to execute. The toggling allows the processes to share resources in an interrupt free environment.
US08056072B2
Systems and methods for rebootless updating of a IHV display driver are disclosed. According to such a method, first, the operating system stops the driver from running. Second, the system switches over to an interim or temporary display driver, which be a default driver provided with the operating system. Third, the new hardware-specific driver is started. Thus, a hardware-specific display driver may be updated without rebooting.
US08056068B2
The present invention provides a probe system and method for multithreaded user-space programs. The system includes an instrumentation module that enables single stepping out of line processing for multithreaded programs, an establish probepoint module that divides up an area of the probed program's memory into a plurality of instruction slots, an ensure slot assigned module that ensures that an instruction slot is assigned to a probepoint, a slot acquisition module that acquires the instruction slot for the probepoint, stealing a slot from another probepoint as needed, and a free slot module that relinquishes the instruction slot owned by the probepoint when the probepoint is being unregistered.
US08056064B2
A method which determines by an optimizing compiler whether any variable in the given program equals to the given acyclic mathematical function applied to given variables in the program and the method includes expressing the bits of the value of the function as a Boolean function of the bits of the inputs and expressing for every variable and statement the value taken by v when s is executed as a Boolean function and expressing, for every statement the condition under which the statement is executed as a Boolean function, and Finally, a determination is made using a Boolean satisfiability oracle of whether, for the given variable and program statement, the a particular Boolean expression holds and a determination is of whether for a given variable and program statement whenever the predicate and the condition are true.
US08056061B2
A data processing device and method are provided. The data processing device includes a code storage unit storing an original code to be translated into a machine language code, a code analyzer analyzing the original code stored in the code storage unit, a register allocator allocating a predesignated register for a command included in the original code based on the result of analysis, and a code executor executing a machine language code generated using the allocated register.
US08056053B1
A code cell is selected from a program code. The code cell is a contiguous subsection of code. To select the code cell from the program code, a first indicator is placed in the program code prior to the beginning of the code cell and a second indicator is placed in the program code after the end of the code cell. The code cell is edited to obtain an edited code cell. The edited code cell is analyzed, without saving the program code, to produce a result. The result is provided.
US08056049B2
Initial source and target models are divided into segments responsive to at least one segmentation rule. After changes, post-change source and target models are likewise divided. The at least one segmentation rule is defined responsive to at least one transformation rule such that use of the at least one segmentation rule divides initial source and target models into corresponding segments. Change statuses are identified regarding initial segments relative to post-change segments of the respective models responsive to comparing initial segments to post-change segments of the source model and initial segments to post-change segments of the target model. An indication of conflicts between the post-change source model and post-change target model is generated for presentation to a user or to a computer automated conflict settlement process. The generating is responsive to comparing the identified change statuses of the corresponding segments of the initial source model and initial target model.
US08056047B2
A system and method for managing resources includes providing mutable entities having related data including triples, and listening for changes in the related data. A first construct is triggered in accordance with the changes in the related data to update the mutable entities.
US08056046B2
A method of modeling operational and/or logical aspects of a system in a system-of-systems environment. Modeling components of generic structure are used to obtain a logical model of the system. The logical model and the modeling components of generic structure are used to obtain related models targeted toward the aspects. The related models are implemented to determine effects of the aspects on the system and/or system-of-systems.
US08056045B2
In a circuit simulation system, a storage section is configured to store a circuit data, an analysis condition data and an output data. An initial data setting section reads out the circuit data and the analysis condition data from the storage section and sets an initial data and a convergence condition for a solution calculating process based on the circuit data and the analysis condition data. A processing section generates a circuit equation to each of a voltage variable and a current variable based on the circuit data, and executes the solution calculating process based on the initial data to calculate a solution. A convergence determining section executes a convergence determining process of whether or not the solution meets the convergence condition, on the voltage variable. An output section stores the solution into the output data when it is determined to meet the convergence condition. A repetition control section controls the processing section to calculate a next solution by using the solution as the initial data, when it is determined not to meet the convergence condition.
US08056038B2
A method for loading checkpoint timing in an environment where the boundary arrival times, slews, required arrival times, or loads differ from the checkpoint run. A timing checkpoint file generated for one or more hierarchical modules, during which each input is assigned a unique phase tag. The association of unique phase tags allows subsequent restart analyses to efficiently adjust the checkpoint timing in relation to the restart timing environment. In the restart run, one or more such checkpoint files is read, during which an initial propagation of arrival, required arrivals and slew times are performed, followed by a local re-update based on adjusted arrival times and the required arrival times. Finally, if multiple hierarchical modules are updated, a global recalculation of timing values is performed based on a slack change threshold in order to determine whether any new timing failures have been introduced.
US08056036B2
A method of designing a semiconductor integrated circuit based on the TPI technique, comprising: (A) selecting a target node from a plurality of nodes included in a design circuit; (B) inserting a test point at the target node; (C) designating a delay time with respect to a test point path that is a path connected to the test point; and (D) laying out the design circuit such that a delay time of the test point path becomes the designated delay time. The (A) selecting includes: (A1) calculating delay times of fan-in paths and fan-out paths with respect to each of the plurality of nodes; and (A2) selecting the target node from the plurality of nodes based on the calculated delay times.
US08056035B2
A method of performing statistical timing analysis of a logic design, including effects of signal coupling, includes performing a deterministic analysis to determine deterministic coupling information for at least one aggressor/victim net pair of the logic design. Additionally, the method includes performing a statistical timing analysis in which the deterministic coupling information for the at least one aggressor/victim net pair is combined with statistical values of the statistical timing analysis to determine a statistical effective capacitance of a victim of the aggressor/victim net pair. Furthermore, the method includes using the statistical effective capacitance to determine timing data used in the statistical timing analysis.
US08056029B2
Merging sub-resolution assist features includes receiving a mask pattern that includes the sub-resolution assist features. A first sub-resolution assist feature is selected to merge with a second sub-resolution assist feature. A merge bar width of a merge bar is established. A distance between the first sub-resolution assist feature and the second sub-resolution assist feature is determined. A merging technique is determined in accordance with the distance and the merge bar width. The first sub-resolution assist feature and the second sub-resolution assist feature are merged according to the identified merging technique.
US08056025B1
An access pad is used to provide access to a functional block of an integrated circuit (IC) device. The access pad is formed using dummy metal in an open space in a metallization level that is between a top metallization level and a base level on which the functional block is formed in the IC device. The access pad at the metallization level provides a contact to access an underlying circuit of the functional block so that the functional integrity of the functional block of the IC device can be verified during probing.
US08056020B2
A method of designing a semiconductor integrated circuit includes: generating a layout data indicating a layout; and generating a mask data based on the layout data. The generating the mask data includes: referring to the layout data to extract a parameter that specifies a layout pattern around a target transistor included in the semiconductor integrated circuit, wherein the parameter includes at least a width of a device isolation structure around the target transistor; correcting a gate length and a gate width of the target transistor to offset a variation of a characteristic of the target transistor from a design value, the variation depending on the extracted parameter; and generating the mask data from the layout data in which the gate length and the gate width are corrected.
US08056015B2
A method for displaying a message in a mobile terminal. The method includes selecting a message history option on an input unit of the mobile terminal, displaying a list of messages, and displaying a message type of at least one message included in the displayed list of messages.
US08056002B2
An image forming apparatus for performing image forming processing of a structured document after analyzing the structured document into a tree structure including a plurality of element blocks includes a controller and an image forming device. The controller is adapted to analyze the structured document input from an inputting unit and to convert the analyzed structured document into image forming data by placing each element block of the plurality of element blocks in a predetermined position. The image forming device is adapted to perform forming an image in accordance with the image forming data prepared by the controller. The controller places the plurality of element blocks in a predetermined order in accordance with respective style specifications, the predetermined order being independent of an order of appearance of the plurality of element blocks. Therefore, the entire layout processing is significantly simplified.
US08055998B2
A main control unit determines whether or not a previous version with which comparison is to be made exists regarding a document stored in a session storage unit. Next, confirmation is made regarding whether or not there is difference between both compared objects, and the control unit determines whether or not there is difference. The main control unit then executes an action embedded in the attributes of the object data. The object data with difference that has been saved in the session information storage unit is saved in a document information storage unit.
US08055995B2
The present invention relates to the field of information processing involving digital computers, embedded devices and more particularly, to a method and system for defining hierarchical data model and related computation and instructions rules using electronic spreadsheet like interface. The system and method of the invention are directed to user friendly, fast, development of multi-user, workflow enabled applications using spreadsheet as a tool for application modeling.
US08055994B1
A method performed by a computer system. The method includes storing a version of a mass-produced printed paper, and on a display device, displaying the version as a likeness of the paper including an indicator of a hyperlink.
US08055993B2
In an embodiment, a link to a current page is received from a user. In response to receiving the link, a descendant page of the current page is selected that meets a policy associated with the domain of the current page. The current page and the descendant page are retrieved and displayed. The current page and the descendant page are simultaneously viewable. The current page and the descendant page are in the same domain. In various embodiments, the descendant page is specified by a server, by the user, or is on a most-frequently traversed path in the domain. In various embodiments, the descendant page is a terminal page on the most-frequently traversed path or is at a level on the path that is specified by the policy.
US08055988B2
A system and method for operating a collection of memory cells includes storing binary data values and parity data values by associating binary values with a common adjustable characteristic parameter of a memory cell collection. Probability distribution functions for values of the characteristic parameter of the memory cell collection are read and constructed. Binary data values and parity data values stored in the memory cell collection are retrieved. Parity data for error detection and error correction is evaluated in the binary data values.
US08055983B2
A data writing method for flash memory and an error correction encoding/decoding method thereof are disclosed. In an embodiment of the data writing method, a 6-bit ECC scheme using a Reed-Solomon code derived from a Galois Field GF (29) is used to encode a data for generating a redundant which requires smaller storing space. In an embodiment of the error correction encoding/decoding method, an erase checking value corresponding to the status where all the bytes of data area and parameter storing area are “0xff” is provided to improve the security of stored data.
US08055966B1
A multiple integrated circuit arrangement within a single package is provided. The multiple integrated circuit arrangement includes a set of electronic components, which includes at least a set of dies. The first die of the set of dies is coupled to a first electronic component of the set of electronic components, wherein the first electronic component is not the first die. The arrangement includes a built-in-self-test (BIST) arrangement, which is at least partly encapsulated within the single package, wherein the BIST arrangement is configured for at least testing the first die of the set of dies. The arrangement also includes a built-in-self-repair (BISR) arrangement, which is at least partly encapsulated within the single package, wherein the BISR arrangement is configured for at least repairing the multiple integrated circuit arrangement.
US08055965B2
A semiconductor integrated circuit includes: a plurality of scan flip-flops configured to form a scan chain in a scan test; and a plurality of clock gating circuits connected between a clock input and corresponding portions of the plurality of scan flip-flops, respectively. The plurality of clock gating circuits are connected in serial to form a chain and gating setting data is inputted in serial through the chain connection. Each of the plurality of clock gating circuits controls a connection between the clock input and a corresponding portion of the plurality of scan flip-flops based on the gating setting data.
US08055964B2
A semiconductor device, includes a plurality of scan chains for testing a plurality of clock domains whose operating frequencies are different from one another, each of the plurality of scan chains including a plurality of flip-flop circuits, a clock oscillator which generates a plurality of clock signals corresponding to respective operating frequencies that are used to test the plurality of clock domains, a scan clock signal input circuit which receives, from an outside, and a scan clock signal that is supplied to the plurality of scan chains. The semiconductor device further includes a pulse generation circuit unit which generates a clock pulse signal used for the testing based on the clock signal and the scan clock signal, the pulse generation circuit unit including a plurality of pulse generation circuits corresponding to respective operating frequencies, a clock control circuit unit which selectively activates a part of the pulse generation circuit in the pulse generation circuit unit, the clock control circuit including a plurality of logic circuits corresponding to the plurality of scan chains, respectively, and a clock control signal generation unit which generates a clock control signal to control the clock control circuit unit, based on the scan clock signal.
US08055960B2
A computing system is provided which includes a processor having a cache memory. The cache memory includes a plurality of independently configurable subdivisions, each subdivision including a memory array. A service element (SE) of the computing system is operable to cause a built-in-self-test (BIST) to be executed to test the cache memory, the BIST being operable to determine whether any of the subdivisions is defective. When it is determined that one of the subdivisions of the cache memory determined defective by the BIST is non-repairable, the SE logically deletes the defective subdivision from the system configuration, and the SE is operable to permit the processor to operate without the logically deleted subdivision. The SE is further operable to determine that the processor is defective when a number of the defective subdivisions exceeds a threshold.
US08055959B2
Articles and associated methods and systems relate to disabling defective flash memory dies in a device containing multiple flash memory dies. Packages containing multiple flash memory dies may be labeled to indicate a flash memory data storage capacity based on the flash memory dies that are not disabled. Various disabling methods may be applied at the die level, package level, and/or board level.
US08055956B2
The present invention provides a built-in self-repairable memory. The invention repairs a faulty IC through hard fuses, as well as through available redundancy in memories on chip. As the faults are not present in all the memories, the invention uses a lesser number of fuses to actually make a repair and thus results in a yield enhancement. The fuse data is stored in a compressed form and then decompressed as a restore happens at the power on. The fuse data interface with the memory to be repaired is serial. The serial links decreases the routing congestion and hence gain in area as well as gain in yield (due to lesser defects and reduced area).
US08055955B2
Disclosed is a gaming machine capable of data restoration.
US08055948B2
Method and computer program product for identifying a primary disk storage medium that is higher in a boot order than a secondary disk storage medium in a software RAID, and testing for a hardware failure of the primary disk storage medium during the BIOS power-on self test. The boot order of the disk storage mediums in the software RAID is automatically changed to position the secondary disk storage medium in the RAID higher in the boot order than the primary disk storage medium in response to detecting a hardware failure in the primary disk storage medium. The operating system is then booted from the disk storage medium that is highest in the boot order. A hardware failure may be detected by reading and verifying a predetermined portion of the boot partition of the disk storage medium. Optionally, the predetermined portion of the boot partition may be less than the entire primary disk storage medium, but is preferably sufficient to allow loading of software RAID drivers for the primary and secondary disk storage mediums.
US08055938B1
A method, system, apparatus, and computer-readable medium are provided for storing data at a virtual tape library (“VTL”) computer or server. According to one method, a VTL computer maintains one or more storage volumes for use by initiators on an array of mass storage devices. Space on each of the volumes is allocated using thin provisioning. The VTL computer may also include a cache memory that is at least the size of a full stripe of the array. Write requests received at the VTL computer are stored in the cache memory until a full stripe of data has been received. Once a full stripe of data has been received, the full stripe of data is written to the array at once. The array utilized by the VTL computer may include a hot spare mass storage device. When a failed mass storage device is identified, only the portions of the failed device that have been previously written are rebuilt onto the hot spare. The array may be maintained using RAID-5. If one of the mass storage devices in the array fails, any subsequent writes directed to the array may be stored using RAID-0.
US08055936B2
Systems and methods for providing memory access circuitry in application specific integrated circuits, and in certain configurations for recovering data from non-volatile memory registers in a partially disabled application specific integrated circuit as provided. In one configuration, a virtual partial dual-port non-volatile memory is provided having a secondary partial read only port. In another configuration, a physical partial dual-port non-volatile memory is provided having a secondary partial read only port.
US08055926B2
The present invention provides a method for providing aggregate power consumption information for hundreds or thousands of data processing systems interconnected in a network. In one embodiment, a method is provided that receives power consumption information for each of the data processing systems along with time intervals associated with this information. The power consumption information is analyzed to provide the power consumption of the total number of data processing systems. This is accomplished by selectively computing total power consumption for selected time values.
US08055924B2
An interrupt power supply control unit 5 monitors interrupts 11, 21, 31 issued from function blocks 1, 2, 3, and also, a power supply control instruction 41 issued from a CPU 4. When either an interrupt or an instruction is issued, the interrupt power supply control unit 5 performs a power supply control operation in accordance with a content of an interrupt power supply control table 50. In the power supply control operation, ON/OFF-control operations of power supply switches 12, 22, 32, 42 are carried out, and also, control signals 581 and 582 are outputted to power supply cutoff solving elements 81 and 82. When electric power of the power supply is supplied to a necessary function block in accordance with the power supply control operation, the interrupt power supply control unit 5 initiates the relevant function block in accordance with the content of the interrupt power supply control table 50.
US08055918B2
A technique for low-power detection of a grace period for deferring the destruction of a shared data element until pre-existing references to the data element have been removed. A grace period processing action is implemented that requires a response from a processor that may be running a preemptible reader of said shared data element before further grace period processing can proceed. A power and reader status of the processor is also determined. Grace period processing may proceed despite the absence of a response from the processor if the power and reader status indicates that an actual response from the processor is unnecessary.
US08055901B2
A method and system for performing document image correction using a document reader is disclosed. The method includes generating a document image representative of a document having a deformation; decoding an optical pattern embedded in the document from the document image to determine an optical signature for the document; receiving document classification data associated with the optical signature; and applying an image correction technique to the document image based on the document classification data to generate a corrected document image. A document capable of being read by a document reader is also disclosed. The document includes a substrate and an optical pattern embedded on the substrate. The optical pattern is part of a background pattern printed on the substrate. The optical pattern defines an optical signature unique to the particular class of document and is associated with document classification data for the document.
US08055890B2
The present invention provides a data recovery method in a system with storage of default values and prior configuration values, including executing initialization of the system; loading the default values; detecting a status of a first flag to generate a first detection result; and, determining whether a boot-up sequence is complete according to the first detection result.
US08055887B2
A system for generating a barcode. In response to receiving registration data from at least one component in a data processing system to determine a current component configuration of the data processing system, the current component configuration of the data processing system is compared with a last stored component configuration for the data processing system. Then, it is determined whether the current component configuration of the data processing system matches the last stored component configuration for the data processing system. In response to determining that the current component configuration of the data processing system does not match the last stored component configuration for the data processing system, a barcode is generated that reflects the current component configuration of the data processing system. Then, the barcode that reflects the current component configuration of the data processing system is stored in a storage device.
US08055876B2
Disclosed is a computer implemented method, apparatus and computer program product for communicating virtual memory page status to a virtual memory manager. An operating system may receive a request to free a virtual memory page from a first application. The operating system determines whether the virtual memory page is free due to an operating system page replacement. Responsive to a determination that the virtual memory page is free due to the operating system page replacement, the operating system inhibits marking the virtual memory page as unused. Finally, the operating system may insert the virtual memory page on an operating system free list.
US08055872B2
A data processing system in the form of an integrated circuit includes a general purpose programmable processor and a hardware accelerator. A shared memory management unit provides memory management operations on behalf of both of the processor core and the hardware accelerator. The processor and the hardware accelerator share a memory system. A first communication channel between the processor and the hardware accelerator communicates at least control signals therebetween. A second communication channel coupling the hardware accelerator and the memory system allows the hardware accelerator to perform its own data access operations upon the memory system.
US08055869B2
A data manipulation method of a logical volume manager is applicable to data management of dependent snapshot volumes (SVs) of a logical volume manager. The data management method includes the following steps generating a plurality of SVs, defining the SV generated at first as a first SV, defining the SV generated at last as a last SV, and defining the rest SVs as middle SVs; selecting a middle SV; combining content stored in the selected middle SV into a neighboring SV; according to the combined SV, combining meta-data of the selected middle SV into meta-data of the middle SV; deleting the selected middle SV. The logical volume manager does not need copy the data again, thereby saving access time in data management.
US08055868B2
A method to store point-in-time data, comprising establishing a block size, providing source data storage comprising (S) blocks, and target data storage comprising (T) blocks. The method configures (B) source storage segments and (B) target storage segments, and receives updated point-in-time data for original point-in-time data written to an (i)th source storage segment. The method then determines if a (j)th target storage segment comprises available storage capacity to store the original point-in-time data. If a (j)th target storage segment comprises available storage capacity to store the original point-in-time data, the method writes the original point-in-time data to that (j)th target storage segment.
US08055866B2
A mirrored storage system for applications is provided, which enables and supports the variation and dynamic adaptation of the Recovery Point Objectives (RPO) based on policies. Furthermore, methods are provided for running such a mirrored storage system. Said mirrored storage system comprises a first storage system and at least one further storage system, wherein said first and said further storage system are connected via at least one mirror link. An application accesses said mirrored storage system via a network. Therewith, the data to be stored as response to a write command of said application can be mirrored according to a configurable time-varying RPO requirement of the application transmitting the corresponding write command.
US08055862B2
Performing a backup of a stub object located on a file system managed by a hierarchical storage manager configured to migrate data objects from the file system to a migration storage pool. The stub object includes information for recalling a migrated data object and is configured to determine whether a backup copy of the migrated data object is stored in a backup storage pool if the backup is performed in an incremental backup operation. The backup further includes directing the hierarchical storage manager to recall the migrated data object to the file system if the backup copy of the migrated data object is not stored in the backup storage pool or if the backup is performed in a selective backup operation. The backup additionally includes storing a backup copy of the migrated data object in the backup storage pool if the migrated data object is recalled.
US08055859B2
An apparatus for providing atomicity with respect to a request of a write operation for successive sectors in a flash memory is provided. The apparatus includes a data write module writing data in a main sector of a page and allocating status bits indicating a status of the data write to a spare sector of the page, a write progress managing module overwriting a commit mark in the spare sector allocated with the status bits according to a progress status of the data write, and a validity determining module determining validity of the sectors on the basis of the overwritten commit mark and providing information of the successive sectors.
US08055856B2
A system and method for locking and unlocking access to a shared memory for atomic operations provides immediate feedback indicating whether or not the lock was successful. Read data is returned to the requestor with the lock status. The lock status may be changed concurrently when locking during a read or unlocking during a write. Therefore, it is not necessary to check the lock status as a separate transaction prior to or during a read-modify-write operation. Additionally, a lock or unlock may be explicitly specified for each atomic memory operation. Therefore, lock operations are not performed for operations that do not modify the contents of a memory location.
US08055851B2
In an embodiment, a method is provided. The method of this embodiment provides receiving a request for data from a processor of a plurality of processors, determining a cache entry location based, at least in part, on the request, storing the data in a cache corresponding to the processor at the cache entry location, and storing a coherency record corresponding to the data in an affinity corresponding to the cache.
US08055850B2
A method, system, and computer program product for prioritizing directory scans in cache by a processor is provided. While traversing a directory in the cache, one of attempting to acquire a lock for a directory entry and attempting to acquire access to a track in the directory entry is performed. If one of the lock is not obtained for the directory entry and the access to the track in the directory entry is not obtained, the directory entry is added to a reserved data space. Following completion of traversing the directory, a return is made to the reserved data space to process the directory entry and the track in the directory entry.
US08055849B2
Reducing cache pollution of a software controlled cache is provided. A request is received to prefetch data into the software controlled cache. A first designator is set for a first cache access to a first value. If there is the second cache access to prefetch, a determination is made as to whether data associated with the second cache access exists in the software controlled cache. If the data is in the software controlled cache, a determination is made as to whether a second value of a second designator is greater than the first value of the first cache access. If the second value fails to be greater than the first value, the position of the first cache access and the second cache access in a cache line is swapped. The first value is decremented by a predetermined amount and the second value is replaced to equal the first value.
US08055840B2
A storage device includes: a storage unit for writing data into a rotating storage medium via a writing head; a nonvolatile memory; a temporary storage memory for storing a plurality of writing commands temporarily; and a controller for executing the plurality of writing commands so as to selectively write data into the storage unit or the nonvolatile memory, rearranging the writing commands stored in the temporary storage memory in accordance with efficiency for executing the writing commands to write data into the storage unit, sequentially executing the rearranged writing commands in descending order, and executing in parallel at least one of the writing commands that has not been executed to write data into the nonvolatile memory until all the data to be written in accordance with the writing commands are stored in either the storage unit or the nonvolatile memory.
US08055831B2
A computer system includes multiple ports to which at least one external device is connected and which are connectable to multiple power supplying lines branched from a power supplying line for supplying electric power to the at least one external device; a switching unit which controls connections between the power supplying lines and the ports; and a controller which controls the switching unit so that two or more power supplying lines among the power supplying lines are connected to a first port, to which one of the at least one external device is connected, among the ports.
US08055824B2
An interface unit for interfacing a host unit and first and second peripheral units includes a connector, an identification circuit, and first and second interface circuits. The connector is connected to any one of the first and second peripheral units. The identification circuit determines a type of peripheral unit connected to the connector. The first and second interface circuits interface the host unit with the first and second peripheral units, respectively, based on a result of the determination by the identification circuit. The identification circuit transmits a signal indicating the peripheral unit that is connected to the connector, to the corresponding interface circuit, and the corresponding interface circuit transmits a signal to the host unit, indicating that the corresponding peripheral unit is connected to the connector.
US08055818B2
A low-latency queue pair (QP) is provided for I/O Adapters that eliminates the overhead associated with work queue elements (WQEs) and defines the mechanisms necessary to allow the placement of the message directly on the queue pair.
US08055803B1
A system and method are provided for creating communities based on a semantic understanding of content requested by a number of user devices. More specifically, a mediating server operates to interconnect a number of user devices to destination servers. In operation, the mediating server routes requests from the user devices to the appropriate destination servers. The mediating server examines the responses from the destination servers to gain a semantic understanding of the content requested by the user devices. Thereafter, the mediating server establishes communities for the user devices based on the semantic understanding of the content requested by the user devices. For example, the mediating server may invite users of the user devices that have requested semantically similar content to join a chat session around a common topic.
US08055798B2
A method for transmitting shared contents includes: pre-configuring rules for constructing coefficient vectors corresponding to the shared content on each content terminal; by the content source peer, dividing the original content into blocks, constructing coefficient vectors corresponding to the original content according to the rules for constructing coefficient vectors, and combining each original content block with the corresponding coefficient vector linearly to obtain code blocks, with the ID of each code block same as the ID of the corresponding coefficient vector; and by the content receiving peer, downloading the code blocks from the content source peer according to the IDs of code blocks. A system for transmitting shared contents includes: a content source peer and a content receiving peer. The present invention also discloses a content terminal. The present invention may save the transmission bandwidth and improve the content sharing efficiency.
US08055793B2
A method for reducing delay of playing media includes: a user node obtaining information on a list of nodes that can provide a desired program content; selects a best node among the nodes that can provide the program content corresponding to one or more time segments, wherein the program content is to be played in more than one time segment and the best node is closest to the user node among all the nodes; creating a connection with the selected best node; receiving media stream data of the program content from the best node; and playing the media stream data. An apparatus for reducing delay of media playing herein includes: a node information obtaining module, a best node selecting module, a connection creating module, and a playing module.
US08055785B2
An apparatus comprising a first node configured to communicate with a second node, wherein the first node is configured to receive a first stream from the second node, receive a bridging stream from the second node, and receive the second stream from the second node, and wherein the bridging stream has a lower bit-rate than the second stream. Included is an apparatus comprising at least one processor configured to implement a method comprising transmitting a first stream at a first time, transmitting a bridging stream that has a bit-rate greater than the first stream and less than the second stream at a second time, and transmitting the second stream at a third time.
US08055781B2
The invention is directed to a method of transmitting a file having an advertising portion and a requested portion different from the advertising portion. The method includes receiving a request to transmit the file, via a streaming protocol allowing non-sequential access, transmitting the advertising portion of the file, receiving a request to transmit a portion of the requested portion of the file prior to completing transmitting the advertising portion of the file, completing the transmission of the advertising portion of the file, and transmitting the requested portion of the file.
US08055772B2
A method for effecting assignment of addresses in a system including at least one server device communicatingly coupled with a plurality of client devices, the addresses permitting communications among the at least one server device and at least one selected client device, includes the steps of: (a) identifying a respective geographic locus for each respective client device; and (b) assigning a respective geographic address for each respective client device; each respective geographic address identifying a particular respective geographic locus for a particular respective client device. A system for effecting communication among a plurality of server devices and a plurality of client devices includes: (a) a communication bus coupling the plurality of server devices; and (b) a plurality of connection loci coupled with the communication bus. Respective client devices are coupled with selected connection loci. Each respective connection locus is uniquely identified by a respective address.
US08055766B2
Methods for providing a user state file enabling interactions between virtual and real world identities include determining a real world identity of a user and determining a virtual world identity of the user. An associated user designation is provided for a first and a second associated user. A real world identity and/or a virtual world identity is determined for the associated users. The first associated user has at least a real world identity and the second associated user has at least a virtual world identity. A communication history is established between the user and the first and second associated users, the communication history including communications in the real world and/or the virtual world. The user state file is generated based on the determined real world and virtual world identities of the user and the associated users and the communication history between the user and the associated users. The user state file is configured to be accessed by the user in both the real world and the virtual world.
US08055764B2
Provided is a computer system capable of identifying a seat position of a user even in a network to which an individually-assigned device and a device used by a plurality of users are connected coexistently. The computer system for identifying a seat position of a user, includes: a device used by the user; a network device to which the device is connected, for coupling the device to a network; and a management computer coupled to the network. In the computer system, the management computer judges which of an individually-assigned device and a shared-use device the device connected to the network device is, obtains a unique identifier of the user and information indicating a connection relationship between the network device and the device connected to the network device from the network device, and identifies the seat position of the user based on the unique identifier of the user and the information indicating the connection relationship.
US08055759B2
An apparatus and method of determining link qualities of a plurality of links between an access point and a plurality of client devices is disclosed. The method includes detecting all client devices associated with the access point. A list of the associated client devices is generated. The access point transmits keep alive packets according to the list. The access point counts responds to the keep alive packets from each of the client devices. The access point estimates a link quality between the access point and each client device based on the counted responses. An apparatus and method of determining link qualities of a plurality of links between an access node of a wireless mesh network and a plurality of client devices is also disclosed. The method includes detecting all client devices associated with the access node. A list of the associated client devices is generated. The access node transmits keep alive packets to each of the associated client devices according to the list. The access point counts responds to the keep alive packets from each of the client devices. The access point estimates a link quality between the access point and each client device based on the counted responses.
US08055758B2
The state of an apparatus is reported to a remote computer using an embedded device in the apparatus. The embedded device detects the state, generates a message that reports the state using a self-describing computer language, and sends the message to the remote computer. The remote computer receives the message and extracts the state of the embedded device from the message.
US08055751B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for managing an IP network interconnecting a plurality of network hosts (2). Status information, indicative of status of a host, is automatically acquired from each host (2). The status information, such as MAC address, security and/or operational information, acquired from a host (2) is automatically recorded in at least one DNS record, associated with the IP address of that host (2), of a DNS server (4). The host status information in the DNS records can then be accessed for network management operations. The automatic acquisition and recording of the status information may be performed by a DHCP server (3) of the network on allocation of dynamic IP addresses to hosts (2).
US08055749B1
Metrics may be gathered at various points of a media distribution system as digital media files are being transmitted to client devices. The metrics may be analyzed to determine whether the media distribution system is performing at an appropriate level. If it is determined that the media distribution system is not performing at an appropriate level, configuration changes may be made to the media distribution system to improve performance. Examples of configuration changes may include changing the number of servers or server instances that are being utilized, changing the quality of the files that are being transmitted, changing the amount of CPU resources being used, adjusting client priorities, and so forth.
US08055742B2
A network management system for implementing a service on a network acquires policy rules for configuring the service, determines commands corresponding to the policy rules and transmits them to network elements, and infers the rules in order to determine the commands. The rules comprise services rules and implementation rules.
US08055738B2
System and method for generating a configuration diagram based on user specification of a task. A server computer communicates with a client system, e.g., a measurement system, including a client computer system, over a network. The server receives requirements, e.g., a task specification, for a task, e.g., a measurement task, where the requirements are provided in response to user input. A plurality of products operable to perform the task are determined in response to the requirements, e.g., by programmatically analyzing the requirements. A diagram is displayed on the client computer system iconically representing the plurality of products, including icons representing at least a subset of the products to the user as proposed hardware and/or software products for the client system. Pricing information for the proposed products may be displayed. User input indicating purchase of at least one of the products is received and the purchased products provided to the user.
US08055734B2
A method for data storage includes defining a host cluster within a group of host computers, which access a storage system that includes multiple logical volumes. The host cluster includes two or more of the host computers. A single mapping instruction, which specifies the host cluster and a set of one or more of the logical volumes, is accepted. Responsively to the single mapping instruction, each of the host computers in the host cluster is mapped to access the logical volumes in the set. In another disclosed method, a single control instruction, which specifies the host cluster and a configuration operation to be applied to the host computers in the host cluster, is accepted. Responsively to the single control instruction, the configuration operation is applied to each of the host computers in the host cluster.
US08055733B2
Hardware and partition information of an existing LPAR system is collected and stored in a first system plan file. The first system plan file is applied to a partition planning tool. The partition planning tool identifies hardware to be reused in a second LPAR system and filters hardware to be excluded from the second LPAR system. The partition planning tool creates a plan for the second LPAR system using the identified hardware to be reused and the partition information. The created plan for the second LPAR system is applied to a partition deployment tool to partition the second LPAR system. The created plan for the second LPAR system is used to move and place hardware to be reused in the second LPAR system.
US08055731B2
A method and system for performing network merge testing are disclosed. In one embodiment, the network merge testing method comprises: (i) gathering configuration information from at least two networks; (ii) comparing the configuration information; and (iii) displaying a report that indicates whether an attempted merge of the at least two networks would succeed. The report preferably identifies conflicts between the network configurations, and the method may further include automatic or guided resolution of the conflicts. The configuration information may include: zone names and memberships; domain and port names; security settings; inter-op modes; and long distance modes. A system for implementing the method is also disclosed herein. The system and method may advantageously prevent or diagnose causes of network segmentation.
US08055727B2
A process control system within a process plant and, in particular, different devices and applications within the process control system such as field devices, controllers, user interfaces, alarm applications, diagnostics applications, etc. create, store and make data generated therein available using a really simple syndication (RSS) XML communication format, thereby making this data easily retrievable from the plant and useable for various purposes both within and outside of the plant. The RSS data communications may provide RSS data for use in control of the plant or for use in other applications not directly associated with the control of the plant, including third party applications run on devices outside of the plant, such as personal data assistants, pagers, phones, laptop computers, etc. The RSS data sent from one device to another may include enclosures, such as video, audio or text files, or may include references such as hyperlinks to other sources of information stored on the receiving device or on a further device that may be accessed and used to understand or process the RSS data.
US08055721B2
Collisions are detected between multiple instant messages that are sent to a given user at the same time. In response to detecting a collision, the sending users are put into a real-time, on-line negotiation that enables the sending users to determine among themselves whose instant message will be delivered next to the receiving user. This allows the sending users to make a determination of which message is most important based on their relative needs at the time. A collaborative communication session, such as a group chat, is initiated for the negotiating sending users so that they can exchange information regarding the purposes of their messages. Based on the results of this on-line negotiation between message senders, a limited number (e.g. one) of the colliding messages are next delivered to the receiving user.
US08055714B2
A system, method, and computer-implemented method for circulating a file associated with the manufacture of a semiconductor product. The computer-implemented method may include choosing at least one input file, choosing an output file format, choosing a mode for circulation, extracting file information to the output file, and circulating the output file to at least one recipient.
US08055708B2
The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or method that detect watermarks incorporated within analog and/or digital signals associated with multimedia presentations. The disclosed system can include a component that receives analog and/or digital signals, ascertains the existence of a watermark associated with the received signals, and extracts metadata encapsulated within the watermark, wherein the metadata can both include information regarding the broadcast multimedia presentations as well as information unrelated to the broadcast multimedia. Extracted metadata or more particularly, attributes contained within the metadata can be utilized to establish online social networks based at least on the associated attributes.
US08055707B2
Information from communications is displayed in a calendar format. Text from the communications is used to determine whether a scheduling entry should be created. If so, text from the communication is used to create a proposed calendar or to-do list entry, which can be saved, modified or canceled by the user. Information from a call log can be filtered and displayed in a calendar format.
US08055702B2
A network caching system has a multi-protocol caching filer coupled to an origin server to provide storage virtualization of data served by the filer in response to data access requests issued by multi-protocol clients over a computer network. The multi-protocol caching filer includes a file system configured to manage a sparse volume that “virtualizes” a storage space of the data to thereby provide a cache function that enables access to data by the multi-protocol clients. To that end, the caching filer further includes a multi-protocol engine configured to translate the multi-protocol client data access requests into generic file system primitive operations executable by both the caching filer and the origin server.
US08055698B2
A network recycle bin is used to store deleted files in a managed directory that is available across a network connection. Files stored in a shared directory or other network-accessible file storage system are moved to the managed directory upon deletion. Because the managed folder is part of the network-accessible file system, any permissions, authorizations, or settings for files may be unaltered after movement into the managed folder. In some embodiments, a local recycle bin may be merged with a network recycle bin from a user experience.
US08055695B2
A shift register has shift register units. The nth shift register unit includes first to third level control units and first and second driving units. The first and second level control units respectively provide a first clock signal and a first voltage to an output terminal. The first driving unit and the first level control unit are coupled to a first node, and a voltage on the first node is a first control signal. The first driving unit turns on and off the first level control unit in response to an input signal and second and third control signals. The second driving unit turns on and off the second level control unit in response to the first control signal. The third level control unit provides the first voltage to the output terminal in response to a front edge of the first control signal of the (n+2)th shift register unit.
US08055691B2
System and method for using demographic organization and segmentation to manage large scale projects
A method and system is provided to demographically represent and implement one or more projects associated with an entity such as a corporation in a database so that the views into the database reflect a defined hierarchy of the demographics of the project or entity. The views may be created to reflect various aspects such as technological components, physical attributes of the entity, processes, or other attributes. The processes reflected by the views may also provide action based data elements for supporting the activities necessary to accomplish the processes over time. The project and associate views may also be organized by language or geographic requirements. In use, the invention may provide for management and control for large scale projects such as a migration from one organizational state to another.
US08055681B2
In one aspect, a method of storing data includes setting a first data node in a first storage area and setting a second data node in a second storage area. The second data node is an element of a plurality of elements forming a first flat table of at least one flat table in the second storage area. The step of setting a first data node includes storing in the first data node a two-tuple linker which comprises a first identifier indicating the first flat table and a second identifier indicating the row of the element in the first flat table. In another aspect a corresponding data storage structure is further provided.
US08055675B2
A system and method for context based query augmentation. A question is received over a network from a questioning user comprising an identification of a user and at least one question criteria. A first query is formulated so as to search, via the network, for user profile data, social network data, spatial data, temporal data and topical data so as to identify user context data relevant to question criteria. The question is modified using the user context data to create at least one modified question having at least one additional criteria based on the user context data. A second query is formulated so as to search, via the network, for knowledge data, user profile data, social network data, spatial data, temporal data and topical data so as to identify knowledge data relevant to the identified user and the modified question criteria. The knowledge data is transmitted, over the network, to the questioning user.
US08055665B2
A mechanism for performing a sorted search in a distributed directory environment using a proxy server. A sorted search request for a set of top entries is sent to each backend server. The proxy server identifies a target server which returned a top entry in the set and sends another sorted search request to the target server for all entries having a sort order higher than or equal to the top entry and a sort order lower than or equal to the next top entry of the set, and returns the entries to a requesting client. The proxy server sends another sorted search request to the target server for a new top entry having a sort order greater than the next top entry and adds the new top entry to the set. The proxy server returns to the evaluating step until no top entries remain in the set.
US08055661B2
The present invention relates to a method and device for generating an ontology instance that classifies documents into structured documents and unstructured documents and automatically generates ontology instances. The method includes collecting documents corresponding to classes of an ontology from Web; if the collected documents are unstructured documents, extracting inter-entity relationship information from the unstructured documents; if the collected documents are structured documents, extracting inter-entity relationship information from the structured documents; generating ontology instances from the extracted inter-entity relationship information, and mapping the generated ontology instances to corresponding classes of the ontology.
US08055658B2
A data creating apparatus extracts meta data about a topic from a document, the meta data including at least one linguistic expression about a behavior, a plurality of the linguistic expressions having a first modification relation. The data creating apparatus converts the linguistic expressions included in the behavioral meta data into each class, based on a behavior ontology that is expressed by a graph where the linguistic expression about a behavior is an instance and a concept of the instance is a class to create behavior map data that represents each of the classes converted and also representing a second modification relation among the classes as a link.
US08055657B2
Embodiments of the invention provide for an integrated entity of a personalized data resource across the WWW with integrated operations. Such embodiments can reside on premises (or service side) as an integrated personalized data resource which is constructed from each of a number of web applications over the Internet that fetch and provide a piece of user information.
US08055650B2
Embodiments of the invention provide a system for generating and maintaining virtual and physical metadata layers in a MetaBase metadata repository in order to simplify and optimize the retrieval of data from a plurality of disparate information sources. The system stores in a physical metadata layer of a metadata repository a plurality of physical metadata elements, wherein each one of the physical metadata elements corresponds to the metadata elements in the plurality of information sources. Logical metadata elements are stored in the virtual metadata layer and are linked to the physical metadata elements in order to maintain the relationships therebetween. By maintaining the relationships between the physical metadata elements, users can initiate a data query request for data corresponding to a logical metadata element, and the system is configured to retrieve the desired data from the relevant information sources.
US08055649B2
An exemplary system for managing an applications and data space includes a strategy layer configured to receive a query statement and to formulate one or more custom queries based on the query statement and a query scheduler layer configured to schedule issuance of the one or more custom queries to one or more query response modules associated with the applications and data space. Other methods, devices and systems are also disclosed.
US08055648B2
In one aspect, a method related to receiving, retrieving and presenting information. In addition, other method, system, and program product aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and/or text forming a part of the present disclosure.
US08055645B1
The claimed embodiments provide methods, apparatuses and systems directed to storing write records in a hierarchical index which includes a root node with one or more stem nodes, each corresponding to respective data ranges of a data file. Write records are attached to the hierarchical index as leaf nodes with a possibility of being split into two or more leaf nodes if a write record traverses multiple data ranges. Additionally, the hierarchical index can conditionally grow based on a number of leaf nodes attached to a given stem node in the hierarchical index.
US08055637B2
A method and system is presented which provides a TDM framework for managing self-describing measurement data. The TDM framework provides applications with a central platform for accessing measurement data across an entire enterprise system. By means of individual plug-ins, which are specific to a given data file format, meta-data for each data store in the enterprise may be indexed in a unified manner. The unified indexing, in turn, provides the ability to browse and query the indexed measurement data without requiring the opening or reading from a source data file.
US08055632B2
Provided is a system for generating an on-demand, custom runtime solution to a user or business's computing needs. A library of software components corresponding to different computing tasks of a business situation is created. Each software component is associated with one or more meta descriptors. The software components and related meta descriptors are managed by means of a software component meta management system (SCMMS). Meta descriptors are self adaptive in a manner that reflects real use scenarios. Meta descriptors describe both static and dynamic attributes of components.
US08055628B2
A method by which a disk-based distributed data storage system is organized for protecting historical records of stored data entities. The method comprises recording distinct states of an entity, corresponding to different moments of time, as separate entity versions coexisting within the distributed data storage system, and assigning expiration times to the entity versions independently within each of a plurality of storage sites according to a shared set of rules, before which times deletion is prohibited.
US08055627B2
The invention relates generally to archiving data items in an information store. More particularly, the invention provides a computerized method for identifying, in a first information store, a first data item satisfying retention criteria; copying the first data item to a second information store; creating, in the first information store, a second data item containing a subset of the data of the first data item selected based on the data type of the first data item; and replacing the first data item, in the first information store, with the second data item.
US08055621B2
Map updating systems, methods, and programs that store map information, including one or more pieces of difference update information, obtain the one or more pieces of difference update information used for updating a part of the map information to a new piece of map information, update the map information based on the one or more pieces of difference update information, and obtain total update information used for updating an entirety of the map information to a new piece of map information. The systems, methods, and programs perform a total update on the map information based on the total update information, update the map information on which the total update has been performed based on the one or more pieces of difference update information, and delete the one or more pieces of difference update information from the memory after the map information is updated by the re-updating means.
US08055620B2
Map updating systems, methods, and programs that store map information, including one or more pieces of difference update information, obtain the one or more pieces of difference update information used for updating a part of the map information, and update the map information based on the one or more pieces of difference update information. The systems, methods, and programs obtain total update information used for updating an entirety of the memory to a new piece of map information, update the map information based on the total update information, compare a version of the total update information used in the total update with each of versions of the one or more pieces of difference update information stored in the memory, extract any of the one or more pieces of difference update information judged to be newer and update the map information based on the difference update information.
US08055618B2
Provided are techniques for data deduplication. A chunk of data and a mapping of boundaries between file data and meta data in the chunk of data are received. The mapping is used to split the chunk of data into a file data stream and a meta data stream and to store file data from the file data stream in a first file and to store meta data from the meta data stream in a second file, wherein the first file and the second file are separate files. The file data in the first file is deduplicated.
US08055609B2
A system and method for ensuring large and frequent updates to a data warehouse. The process leverages a set of temporary staging tables to track the updates. A set of intermediate steps are performed to accomplish bulk deletions of the outdated changed records, and perform modifications to the map tables for models such as snowflake. Finally, bulk load operations load the updates and insert them into the final dimension tables. The process ensures performance comparable to insertion-only schemes with at most only slight performance degradation. Furthermore, a modified process is applied on the newfact data warehouse dimension model. The process can be readily adapted to handle star schema and other hierarchical data warehouse models.
US08055606B2
An estimation system for deriving multi-dimensional project plans for implementing packaged software applications with self-calibration and refinement of project estimation models, the system includes: a view layer configured to act as a user interface for user inputs and system outputs; a model and control layer configured to implement rules based on a series of estimation and implementation models, and to perform self-calibration and refinement of project estimation models for multi-dimensional project plans; an estimation knowledge base layer configured to hold and derive the series of estimation and implementation models; and wherein the system for self-calibration and refinement of project estimation models for multi-dimensional project plans for implementing packaged software applications is carried out over networks comprising: the Internet, intranets, local area networks (LAN), and wireless local area networks (WLAN).
