US08178767B1
A hand-held pick for playing guitars and other musical instruments includes a pick body and a plurality of string engaging protrusions. The pick body is flexible and may be used in either a straight condition or a bent condition. The protrusions can be simultaneously engaged with a plurality of strings and simultaneously pluck the strings.
US08178764B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH396198. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH396198, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH396198 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH396198.
US08178756B2
An improved Anaheim-type chile pepper cultivar having a fruit characterized by a relatively thin skin in comparison to other Anaheim-type chile pepper cultivars, such that mechanized peeling of fruit results in an average recovery, excluding skin, seed, and placenta, that is at least 5% higher in comparison to the peeling of an existing Anaheim-type chile pepper cultivar. The improved cultivar further is characterized by a mature seed content of less than 20 pounds per 1000 pounds of fruit and by fruit that is readily de-stemmed by mechanized de-stemming.
US08178755B1
A soybean cultivar designated 2244550112 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 2244550112, to the plants of soybean 2244550112, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 2244550112 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 2244550112 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 2244550112, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 2244550112 and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 2244550112 with another soybean cultivar.
US08178751B2
The invention relates to a method of generating or increasing a pathogen resistance in plants by reducing the expression of at least one stomatin polypeptide or a functional equivalent thereof. The invention relates to novel nucleic acid sequences coding for a Hordeum vulgare stomatin (HvSTM1) polynucleotide and describes homologous sequences (STM1) thereof, and to their use in methods for obtaining a pathogen resistance in plants, and to nucleic acid constructs, expression cassettes and vectors which comprise these sequences and which are suitable for mediating a fungal resistance in plants. The invention furthermore relates to transgenic organisms, in particular plants, which are transformed with these expression cassettes or vectors, and to cultures, parts or transgenic propagation material derived therefrom.
US08178750B2
Nucleotide sequences mediating male fertility in plants are described, with DNA molecule and amino acid sequences set forth. Promoter sequences and their essential regions are also identified. The nucleotide sequences and promoter sequences are useful in methods mediating male fertility in plants, as described. Vectors, plant cells, and plants comprising the nucleotide sequences and/or promoter regions are also provided.
US08178744B1
A method and apparatus for the demilitarization of ammunition. The apparatus is comprised of an elongated tubular ammunition conveying chamber having a wall, an inlet opening, and a discharge opening; a heater in thermal communication with the elongated tubular chamber; and a first discharge barrier obstructing at least a first portion of the discharge opening of the elongated tubular chamber.
US08178739B2
A process, comprising: a. selecting a kinematic viscosity; b. feeding an olefin feed comprising a propylene to an oligomerization zone; c. tuning an oligomerizing step to produce a base oil having the kinematic viscosity and a viscosity index from 20 to 90. A process, comprising: a. selecting a kinematic viscosity that is greater than 20 mm2/s; b. feeding a feed comprising propylene to an oligomerization zone; and c. adding a Brönsted acid to produce a base oil. A process, comprising tuning a step in an oligomerization zone comprising a propylene and an ionic liquid catalyst to produce a base oil having: a. a high kinematic viscosity; b. a viscosity index from 25 to 90; and c. a low pour point. A base oil, comprising oligomerized olefins, wherein the base oil has: a. a high kinematic viscosity; b. a viscosity index from 25 to 90; and c. a low pour point.
US08178736B2
Disclosed herein is a process for producing isoprene that includes reacting a mixed C4 metathesis feed stream comprising isobutylene and at least one of 1-butene and 2-pentene in a first metathesis reactor in the presence of a first metathesis catalyst under conditions sufficient to produce an intermediate product stream comprising at least 30 wt. % 2-methyl-2-pentene based upon the olefin content of fresh feed in the mixed C4 feed stream, and at least one of ethylene and propylene, separating the 2-methyl-2-pentene, subjecting the separated 2-methyl-2-pentene to pyrolysis to produce a reaction product stream comprising isoprene, and separating the isoprene into an isoprene product stream using fractionation. A system used in producing isoprene is also disclosed.
US08178735B2
A process for the treatment of an olefinic fraction, using a catalyst prepared by a process comprising: a) The preparation of a colloidal oxide suspension of a first metal M1 by the neutralization of a basic solution by an acidic mineral solution that contains the precursor of the metal M1, b) Bringing into contact the precursor of the promoter M2, either directly in its crystallized form or after dissolution in aqueous phase, with the colloidal suspension that is obtained in stage a), c) Bringing into contact the colloidal suspension that is obtained in stage b) with the substrate, d) Drying at a temperature of between 30° C. and 200° C., under a flow of air.
US08178719B2
There is provided a novel process for producing acrylic acid by which acrylic acid can be obtained from a raw material independent of petroleum. The process for producing acrylic acid according to the present invention comprises the steps of: applying a dehydration reaction to glycerol as a raw material in a gas phase; and then applying a gas phase oxidation reaction to a gaseous reaction product formed by the dehydration reaction.
US08178713B2
The present invention provides a lipid compound comprising at least one non-polar moiety and a polar moiety, wherein each or at least one non-polar moiety is of the formula X—Y—Z—, wherein X is a hydrocarbyl chain, Y is selected from at least one of S, Se, SO2, SO, and O, and Z is an optional hydrocarbyl group, wherein the polar moiety is of the formula —[C(O)]mPHG, wherein PHG is a polar head group, and wherein m is the number of non-polar moieties.
US08178708B2
The present invention relates to lipid compounds of the general formula (I): wherein -n=0-2, —R1 and R2 are the same or different and may be selected from a group of substituents consisting of a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, a halogen atom, and an alkoxy group; -, X is COR3 or CH2OR4, wherein —R3 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxy, alkoxy, and amino, —wherein X further comprises carboxylic acid derivatives when R3 is hydroxy and —R4 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl or acyl, —Y is a C9 to C21 alkene with one or more double bonds with E or Z configuration; or any pharmaceutically acceptable complex, solvate or pro-drug thereof. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such lipid compounds, and to such lipid compounds for use as medicaments or for diagnostic purposes.
US08178703B2
Methods to convert biobased oils, oil derivatives, and modified oils to highly functionalized esters, ester polyols, amides, and amide polyols. The products can be used to make polyurethane and polyester films and foams.
US08178692B2
Novel methods for producing 1,2,4-triazol-3-one from semicarbazide hydrochloride and formic acid are provided. In methods of this invention, ethanol is used in removal of unreacted formic acid to increase yield and purity of produced 1,2,4-triazol-3-one.
US08178688B2
The present invention relates to novel benzamidine derivatives, process for the preparation thereof and pharmaceutical composition comprising the same. The novel benzamidine derivatives of the present invention are useful for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, bone fractures and allergic inflammatory diseases.
US08178687B2
Pyrroloindoles of formula (I) are provided wherein Het is an aromatic or partially unsaturated, monocyclic or bicyclic heterocycle containing between 1 and 4 heteroatoms N, O or S, optionally substituted by R1 or R′1 which are the same or different; R is X-(A-B)n-CONH2, X-(A-B)n-O—CONH2, X-(A-B)n-NH—CONH2, X—(CH2)m-heterocycloalkyl, X(CH2)m-aryl and X—(CH2)m-heteroaryl wherein X is —O—C(O), —NH—C(O), NH—CS, —NH—CO—CH2-O—; —NH—COCH2-S—CH2-CO—NH—; —NH—CO—(CH2)2-SO2-; and —NH—CO—CH2-N(CH3)-CO—; A and B are the same or different and are each independently a single bond, CH2, CH-alkyl, and CH-aralkyl; n=1, 2 and m=0, 1; R1 and/or R′1 are H, halogen, CF3, nitro, cyano, alkyle, hydroxy, mercapto, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, alkoxy, alkylthio, and carboxy, free or esterified by an alkyl, carboxamide, CONH(alkyl), CON(alkyl)2, NH—CO-alkyl, sulfonamide, NH—SO2-alkyl, S(O)2-NHalkyl, and S(O2)-N(alkyl)2 group, all of said alkyl, alcoxy and alkylthio groups being optionally substituted themselves, said products being in all isomer forms and salts, as medicaments.
US08178686B2
There are provided a process for preparing an optically active aminopentane derivative that is promising as a psychotropic agent, an antidepressant agent, an antiparkinsonian agent, an anti-Alzheimer's agent, an apoptosis inhibitor, or the like; a novel optically active intermediate oxathiazolidine derivative very useful in the production of the aminopentane derivative; and process for the production thereof.The optically active aminopentane derivatives can be produced in an industrially advantageous manner from a novel optically active oxathiazolidine derivative represented by formula (5): wherein * indicates the position of an asymmetric carbon atom in the R or S configuration, and n is 0 or 1.
US08178677B2
Certain imidazoquinolines with a hydroxymethyl or hydroxyethyl substituent at the 2-position, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, intermediates, methods of making and methods of use of these compounds as immunomodulators, for preferentially inducing IFN-α biosynthesis in animals and in the treatment of diseases including viral and neoplastic diseases are disclosed.
US08178662B2
The invention is directed to isolated genomic polynucleotide fragments that encode human SNARE YKT6, human glucokinase, human adipocyte enhancer binding protein (AEBP1) and DNA directed 50 kD regulatory subunit (POLD2), vectors and hosts containing these fragments 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 SNARE YKT6, human glucokinase, AEBP1 protein and POLD2 and to diagnose, treat, prevent and/or ameliorate a pathological disorder.
US08178661B2
Novel CARD-9, CARD-10, or CARD-11 polypeptides, proteins, and nucleic acid molecules are disclosed. In addition to isolated CARD-9, CARD-10, or CARD-11 proteins, the invention further provides CARD-9, CARD-10, or CARD-11, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-CARD-9, CARD-10, or CARD-11 antibodies. The invention also provides CARD-9, CARD-10, or CARD-11 nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing a nucleic acid molecule of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced and non-human transgenic animals in which a CARD-9, CARD-10, or CARD-11 gene has been introduced or disrupted. Diagnostic, screening and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.
US08178658B2
The invention disclosed in this document is related to the field of pesticides and their use in controlling pests. A compound having the following structure is disclosed.
US08178652B2
A simple, efficient apparatus and method for separating layers of immiscible or partially miscible liquids useful in methods of high-throughput combinatorial organic synthesis or parallel extraction of large libraries or megaarrays of organic compounds is disclosed. The apparatus and method are useful, whether as part of an automated, robotic or manual system for combinatorial organic synthesis or purification (extraction). In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus and method for separating layers of immiscible or partially miscible liquids compatible with microtiter plate type array(s) of reaction vessels is disclosed. Another application of centrifugation based liquid removal was found for washing the plates in biological assays or synthesis on modified substrates.
US08178644B2
The present invention teaches a new process to produce novel, hard, optically clear, impact-resistant polyurethane polymers that are characterized by excellent thermo mechanical properties and chemical resistance, and the polymers made as a result of such a process. The polyurethanes are made by reacting a) a prepolymer made by reacting a polyisocyanate with a primary amine-terminated polyether with an amine functionality of about 2 and a molecular weight of >1000, and in which the free —NCO content of the resulting prepolymer is >18% by weight; with b) (i) a polyol having an average hydroxyl functionality greater than or equal to 2 and an average hydroxyl equivalent weight of from about 300 to about 1,000, and (ii) a curing agent that has isocyanate reactive groups, a functionality of 2 to 3 and a molecular weight of <400. More preferably the prepolymer is made by reacting a cycloaliphatic polyisocyanate with a primary amine-terminated polyether diamine of 2000 to about 2500 molecular weight, the polyol is either a polyester polyol triol with a molecular weight of between about 540 and 900, or a polyether glycol with a molecular weight of between about 650 and 2000, or a polyester polyol diol with a molecular weight of up to 2,000, and the curing agent is either dianhydrohexitol, an aromatic diamine, an aromatic ring containing diol or a cyclohexanedimethanol.
US08178635B2
Provided is an α-olefin polymer having an excellent balance between a molecular weight and a melting point, which is a polymer of one or more kinds of α-olefins having 20 to 40 carbon atoms, and which meets the following requirements (1) to (4): (1) the α-olefin polymer has a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) determined from its weight average molecular weight (Mw) and number average molecular weight (Mn) in terms of polystyrene measured by a GPC method of 2 or less, and has an Mw of 5,000 or less; (2) measurement of a melting point (Tm) of the α-olefin polymer with DSC shows one melting peak, a melting heat absorption (AH) calculated from an area of the melting peak is 20 J/g or more, and the melting peak has a half value width of 10° C. or less; (3) when the Mw falls within a range of 1,000 to 5,000 and an average number of carbon atoms (Cn) of the α-olefins falls within a range of 20 to 40, the Mw, the Cn, and the Tm measured with the DSC satisfy the relationship, 0.0025×Mw+(Cn×3.3812−29.5)≦Tm≦0.0025×Mw+((Cn+1)×3.3812−29.5); and (4) a stereoregularity index [M2] derived from a chain of the α-olefins each having 20 to 40 carbon atoms is 20% by mol or more.
US08178627B2
Provided is an oxymethylene copolymer composition for a stretched material having a high strength and a high elastic modulus, the composition including: an oxymethylene copolymer; and a crosslinkable compound to be blended with the oxymethylene copolymer in an amount of 0.001 to 0.05 part by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the oxymethylene copolymer. The present invention also relates to a stretched material obtained by using the oxymethylene copolymer composition. Further, the present invention relates to a structure obtained by the secondary processing of the above stretched material, and a structure obtained by using the above oxymethylene copolymer composition in a bonding layer of the structure. The present invention also relates to a method of producing a structure, the method including: using the oxymethylene copolymer composition in a bonding layer of the structure; and removing a polyalkylene glycol component with water or a solvent.
US08178624B2
The invention relates to a composition containing, in relation to the total weight of said composition, A) between 50.0% by weight and 99.5% by weight of at least one (meth)acrylate (co)polymer and B) between 0.5% by weight and 50.0% by weight of at least one copolymer, obtained by the polymerization of a monomer mixture consisting of i. between 70% by weight and 92% by weight of a vinyl aromatic monomer and ii. between 8% by weight and 30% by weight of acryl nitrile or methacryl nitrile or mixtures thereof iii. between 0% by weight and 22% by weight of at least one other monomer, the composition having at 50° C. a ΔE of less than 0.15, ΔE being defined according to the relationship (1): (1) in which ΔL*: the modification of the color co-ordinates L* compared with the color co-ordinates L* at 23° C., Δa*: the modification of the color co-ordinates a* compared with the color co-ordinates a* at 23° C., Δb*: the modification of the color co-ordinates b* compared to the color co-ordinates b* at 23° C., and the composition contains at least one (meth)acrylate (co)polymer a) with a solution viscosity in chloroform at 25° C. (ISO 1628 part 6) greater than 55 ml/g. The molded bodies that can be obtained from the composition are characterized in particular by improved stress cracking resistance and are suitable in particular for use in coatings, paints or films.
US08178621B2
A polyimide precursor composition includes an oligomer or polymer having a substituted or unsubstituted carbonyl group only in a side chain and a diamine compound. A method of manufacturing a polyimide, and a polyimide film, are also disclosed.
US08178617B2
The invention is based on the recognition that known antimicrobial compounds, such as nisin or other lantibiotics, can be made to form a long lasting antimicrobial surface coating by linking the peptide with a block polymer, such as PLURONIC® F108 or an end group activated polymer (EGAP) in a manner to form a flexible tether and/or entrap the peptide. The entrapped peptide provides antimicrobial action by early release from entrapment while the tethered peptide provides longer lasting antimicrobial protection. Antimicrobial gels and foams may be prepared using the antimicrobial peptide containing block copolymers.
US08178612B2
The present invention relates to an aqueous/oil emulsion containing fluoropolymer that is capable of forming thick coatings in a single pass, which coatings after drying and baking are free of cracks.
US08178608B2
The present invention relates to a thermoplastic resin composition which comprises 100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic resin (component A) and 1 to 400 parts by weight of a granular inorganic filler (component B) comprising an inorganic filler having an average particle diameter of 0.01 to 100 μm and a water-soluble polyester resin binder, and having a bulk density of 0.4 to 1.5 g/mL; and a resin molded article obtained by molding the thermoplastic resin composition. The thermoplastic resin composition is improved in various properties such as extrusion moldability, rigidity, impact resistance, thermal stability and hue, and exhibits an excellent balance between these properties.
US08178600B2
A curable binder composition comprising an emulsion polymer and a natural binder.
US08178597B2
An aqueous inkjet recording ink including pigment particles coated with a water-insoluble resin, water, and a water-soluble organic solvent including at least one hydroxy group, wherein the water-insoluble resin has a salt-forming group and a structural unit which is derived from a methacrylate and has an aromatic ring linked via a linking group to an atom in the main chain of the water-insoluble resin, and the water-insoluble resin satisfies the condition that when the water-insoluble resin, an organic solvent, one equivalent of a neutralizing agent with respect to the salt-forming group, and water are mixed with a total content of the water-insoluble resin and the organic solvent being 35% by mass relative to the total mass of the mixture, an emulsion is formed without precipitation of the water-insoluble resin, and after the emulsion is allowed to stand for three hours, a transparent single phase is formed, or two separate phases are formed and at least an aqueous phase of the two phases is transparent.
US08178595B2
Zirconium-containing BaO- and PbO-free X-ray opaque glasses having a refractive index nd of about 1.480 to about 1.517 and a high X-ray opacity with an aluminum equivalent thickness of at least about 180% are provided. Such glasses are based on a SiO2—B2O3—Cs2O—K2O—La2O3 system with additions of Al2O3, Li2O, Na2O and/or ZrO2. Such glasses may be used, in particular, as dental glasses or as optical glasses.
US08178593B2
The invention provides B-sides of urethane formulations, wherein the B-sides comprise both alcohol and epoxy moieties. Also provided are urethane formulations comprising the B-side of the invention, as well as A-sides comprising isocyanate molecules.
US08178580B2
Methods, formulations, and compositions for the treatment of amyloidosis are described.
US08178573B2
The present invention provides compounds of formula (I): pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds and the use of the compounds for the manufacture of a medicament, particularly for the treatment of inflammation and/or allergic conditions.
US08178565B2
Multi-substituted pyridyl sulfoximines are useful as insecticides.
US08178561B2
A method of modulating the activity of the GPR119 G protein-coupled receptor comprising administering to a mammalian patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of at least one compound of Formula I or Formula IA and, optionally, an additional therapeutic agent.
US08178555B2
The present invention relates to apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (“ASK1”) inhibiting compounds of the formula wherein the variables are as defined herein. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions, kits and articles of manufacture comprising such compounds; methods and intermediates useful for making the compounds; and methods of using said compounds.
US08178553B2
This invention relates to compounds of the Formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or isomer thereof, which can be useful for the treatment of diseases or conditions mediated by MMPs, ADAMs, TACE, aggrecanase, TNF-α or combinations thereof.
US08178552B2
The present invention provides a compound of formula (I); or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, the use of a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in the inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity and the use in medicine and particularly in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders, inflammatory diseases and/or and autoimmune diseases. The invention also provides processes for the manufacture of said compounds of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and compositions containing them.
US08178548B2
This invention relates to: (a) compounds and salts thereof that, inter alia, inhibit HCV; (b) intermediates useful for the preparation of such compounds and salts; (c) compositions comprising such compounds and salts; (d) methods for preparing such intermediates, compounds, salts, and compositions; (e) methods of use of such compounds, salts, and compositions; and (f) kits comprising such compounds, salts, and compositions.
US08178546B2
2,5-Diaryl-1,2,4-triazole derivatives of structural formula I are selective inhibitors of the 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase Type 1 enzyme (11β-HSD-1). The compounds are useful for the treatment of diabetes, hyperglycemia, obesity, insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and Metabolic Syndrome. Also disclosed are novel compounds of structural formula II which are inhibitors of 11β-HSD-1.
US08178545B2
The present invention provides analogs and derivatives of thalidomide which inhibit cancer and angiogenesis. The present invention further provides compounds which disrupt microtubule polymerization. The present further provides methods of treating cancers comprising mutant p53.
US08178544B2
This invention provides 2,3-diamino-quinazolinone compounds of Formula (I) stereoisomers thereof, pharmaceutically-acceptable addition salts thereof, and N-oxides thereof, wherein the variables are as defined in the specification. The 2,3-diamino-quinazolinone compounds have medical utility. The 2,3-diamino-quinazolinone compounds can be used for the manufacture of medicaments, including pharmaceutical compositions. This invention also provides methods of treating disorders, diseases, or conditions which are responsive to activation of Kv7 channels.
US08178536B2
Provided herein are novel sirtuin-modulating compounds and methods of use thereof. The sirtuin-modulating compounds may be used for increasing the lifespan of a cell, and treating and/or preventing a wide variety of diseases and disorders including, for example, diseases or disorders related to aging or stress, diabetes, obesity, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease, blood clotting disorders, inflammation, cancer, and/or flushing as well as diseases or disorders that would benefit from increased mitochondrial activity. Also provided are compositions comprising a sirtuin-modulating compound in combination with another therapeutic agent.
US08178531B2
The present invention relates to antiviral compounds of formula (I), compositions containing these compounds, processes for their preparation, intermediates in their synthesis, and their use as therapeutics for prevention of organ transplantation rejection, the treatment of immune disorders and inflammation, and treatment of viral (particularly hepatitis C viral) infection.
US08178529B2
Imidazole substituted pyrimidines and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; pharmaceutical formulations containing such pyrimidines; the use of such compounds in therapy; the use of such compounds for the treatment of conditions associated with glycogen synthase kinase-3 related disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, as well as methods of treatment of such disorders comprising administering to subjects in need of such treatment therapeutically effective amounts of such compounds.
US08178524B2
The present invention is directed to methods of treating patients for pain by administering noribogaine. Noribogaine may also be used to treat patients for the symptoms associated with withdrawal from drug dependency. In the latter case, the noribogaine treatment should be supplemented with the administration of an opioid antagonist such as naloxone.
US08178517B2
This invention discloses 6-methylvitamin D3 analogs, and specifically 1α,25-dihydroxy-6-methylvitamin D3, and pharmaceutical uses therefor. This compound exhibits vitamin D receptor binding activity and transcription activity as well as activity in arresting the proliferation of undifferentiated cells and inducing their differentiation to the monocyte thus evidencing use as an anti-cancer agent, especially for the treatment or prevention of leukemia, colon cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer or prostate cancer. This compound also exhibits low in vivo calcemic activity, but because it binds the receptor with the same affinity as the native hormone calcitriol, it may act as an antagonist to inhibit development of hypercalcemia.
US08178516B2
This invention defines novel compositions that can be used for clinical treatment of a class of chronic inflammatory diseases. Increased generation of carbonyl substances, namely aldehydes and ketones, occurs at sites of chronic inflammation and is common to the etiologies of all of the clinical disorders addressed herein. Such carbonyl substances are cytotoxic and additionally serve to perpetuate and disseminate the inflammatory process. This invention defines use of compositions, the orally administered required primary agents of which are primary amine derivatives of benzoic acid capable of covalently reacting with the carbonyl substances. p-Aminobenzoic acid (or PABA) is an example of the required primary agent of the present invention. PABA has a small molecular weight, is water-soluble, has a primary amine group which reacts with carbonyl-containing substances and is tolerated by the body in relatively high dosages for extended periods. The method of the present invention includes administration of a composition comprising: (1) an orally consumed therapeutically effective amount of at least one required primary agent; (2) at least one required previously known medicament co-agent recognized as effective to treat a chronic inflammatory disease addressed herein administered to the mammalian subject via the oral route; and (3) one or more additional orally consumed required co-agent selected from the group consisting of antioxidants, vitamins, metabolites at risk of depletion, sulfhydryl co-agents, co-agents which may facilitate glutathione activity and nonabsorbable primary amine polymeric co-agents; so as to produce an additive or synergistic physiological effect of an anti-inflammatory nature.
US08178511B1
Disclosed is a method for the amelioration of resorptive bone loss in osteopenia including administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of an exogenous hyaluronan formulation.
US08178507B2
There is provided a method of modulating the function of transcription factor by administering an effective amount of an oligonucleotide containing optimal nucleotide binding sites for the transcription factor. A therapeutic agent having an effective amount of an oligonucleotide for modulating function of transcription factors and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is also provided. Also provided is a treatment of patients having illnesses in which the activation of transcription factors play a role by administering to a patient an effective amount of an oligonucleotide which competitively binds the related transcription factor.
US08178497B2
Residual HIV-1 replication reemerges after intensive therapy from location or locations in the body called the drug resistant non-plasma viral reservoir. Methods are disclosed of treating HIV by inhibiting or blocking this reemergence with various monomeric therapeutic peptide compositions including monomeric DAPTA prepared in least 80% trifluoroethanol, with vigorous shaking for at least about 24 hours at about 37° C.
US08178496B2
The present invention provides a synthetic regulator of glutamate receptor function, which regulator is a light-sensitive (photoreactive) regulator. The present invention further provides a light-regulated glutamate receptor that includes a subject synthetic regulator non-covalently associated with the glutamate receptor. Also provided are cells and membranes comprising a subject light-regulated glutamate receptor. The present invention further provides methods of modulating glutamate receptor function, involving use of light. The present invention further provides methods of identifying agents that modulate glutamate receptor function.
US08178493B2
The present invention has multiple aspects. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a unit dose pharmaceutical composition comprising from about 5 ng/dose to less than 135,000 ng of an angiogenic agent, typically from 5 ng to 67,500 ng. Preferably, the angiogenic agent is FGF, more preferably it is basic FGF (FGF-2). In its second aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for inducing angiogenesis, or increasing myocardial perfusion or vascular density in a patient's heart, comprising administering directly into the myocardium in an area in need, as a single injection or a series of injections, a unit dose of an angiogenic agent. It is also within the scope of the present invention that a plurality of unit dose compositions be administered directly into the myocardium at a plurality of sites in need of angiogenesis. In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for treating a patient for coronary artery disease, comprising administering directly into the myocardium in an area of need of angiogenesis in said patient, a unit dose (i.e., from about 5 ng to less than 135,000 ng) of an angiogenic agent. In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for treating a patient for a myocardial infarction, comprising administering directly into the myocardium in an area in need of angiogenesis in said patient, a unit dose (i.e., from about 5 ng to less than 135,000 ng) of an angiogenic agent.
US08178488B2
In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for increasing thermogenic adipocytes (e.g., brown adipocytes or other UCP-1 expressing adipocytes) by administering an antagonist of an ActRIIB signaling pathway. Examples of such antagonists include ActRIIB polypeptides, anti-ActRIIB antibodies, anti-myostatin antibodies, anti-GDF3 antibodies, anti-Nodal, anti-activin, and anti-GDF11 antibodies. A variety of metabolic and other disorders may be treated by causing an increase in thermogenic adipocytes.
US08178487B2
A method of providing glutamine to a patient. A nutritional composition which includes whey protein, or a protein mixture which simulates the amino acid profile of whey protein, as a protein source is enterally administered to the patient. The whey protein may be a hydrolyzed whey protein. The patient may be a stressed patient, pre-term baby, or athlete.
US08178484B2
The present invention provides an anti-microbial composition comprising (i) an antimicrobial agent with surfactant properties; (ii) a siloxane selected from those having the formulae (H3C)[SiO(CH3)2]nSi(CH3)3, and (H3C)[SiO(CH3)H]nSi(CH3)3, and mixtures thereof, wherein n is from 1 to 24; and (iii) a polar solvent; wherein the ratio of (i) to (ii) is from about 100:1 to about 5:1.
US08178476B2
The present invention relates to glass-ceramic proppants which can be used to prop open subterranean formation fractions, as well as other uses. Proppant formulations are further disclosed which use one or more proppants of the present invention. Methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions are further disclosed. In addition, other uses for the proppants of the present invention are further disclosed, as well as methods of making the glass-ceramic proppants.
US08178471B2
There are provided hydrogen storage materials comprising a first region composed primarily of an amorphous carbon containing at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Hf and Y, and a second region composed primarily of an amorphous carbon having a density lower than that of the first region.
US08178456B2
A batch powder composition for preparing a non-ferroelectric, sintered dielectric ceramic; a multilayer ceramic capacitor thereof; and an energy storage device. The batch powder contains a titanate powder of at least one of CaTiO3, SrTiO3, or CaxSr1-xTiO3 where x=0 to 1, and an acceptor additive. A sintering aid and a donor additive also may be present in the batch powder. The batch powder may be sintered at temperatures of about 1050° C. or less. The ceramic contains a titanate from the titanate powder, the acceptor additive, and the optional sintering aids and donor additive. The multilayer ceramic capacitor is made of the sintered dielectric ceramic and may have electrodes of copper or a copper-nickel alloy. An energy storage device has electrical connections connected to the electrodes of the multilayer ceramic capacitor. The electrical connections may be in electrical communication with additional multilayer ceramic capacitors.
US08178453B2
To provide a glass containing little B2O3, whereby when its powder is fired, its thermal expansion curve does not have an inflection point, a non-lead glass is provided containing, as represented by mol % based on the following oxides, from 35 to 41.5% of SiO2, from 8 to 25% of MgO, more than 27 to 35% of CaO, from 0 to 2% of SrO, from 0 to 4% of BaO, from 5 to 15% of ZnO and from 4.5 to 10% of Al2O3, wherein the total content of these components is at least 97%, and when SrO and BaO are contained, the total content of SrO and BaO is at most 2%; as well as a non-lead glass containing, as represented by mol % based on the following oxides, from 39.5 to 41.5% of SiO2, from 10 to less than 13% of MgO, from 18 to 22% of CaO, more than 12 to 15% of SrO, from 0 to 1% of BaO, from 6 to 11% of ZnO and from 4.5 to 7% of Al2O3, wherein the total content of these components is at least 97%.
US08178449B2
A fire resistant slipsheet in roll form includes a fiber mat having first and second sides and a coating containing expandable graphite, a filler, and a binder. The coating is coated on at least one of the first and second sides of the fiber mat, and a single layer of the slipsheet achieves a Class A rating when tested according to UL 790 and/or ASTM E-108 Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings. A fire resistant roofing system and a method for installing a fire resistant roofing system that achieves a Class A rating when tested according to UL 790 and/or ASTM E-108 Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings is also provided.
US08178447B1
A method of forming a hydrophobic silicon dioxide layer is provided. A substrate is provided. Thereafter, a hydrophobic silicon dioxide layer is formed on the substrate by using a plasma chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system, in which tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and an oxygen-containing gas are introduced at a reactive temperature between 25° C. and 150° C. A method of forming an organic thin film transistor (OTFT) including the hydrophobic silicon dioxide layer as a gate insulating layer is also provided. In the present invention, the hydrophobic silicon dioxide layer can be directly formed at low temperature without using the conventional surface modification treatment. Accordingly, the process is simplified and the cost is reduced.
US08178446B2
A method for forming a strained metal nitride film and a semiconductor device containing the strained metal nitride film. The method includes exposing a substrate to a gas containing a metal precursor, exposing the substrate to a gas containing a first nitrogen precursor configured to react with the metal precursor with a first reactivity characteristic, and exposing the substrate to a gas pulse containing a second nitrogen precursor configured to react with the metal precursor with a second reactivity characteristic different than the first reactivity characteristic such that a property of the metal nitride film formed on the substrate changes to provide a strained metal nitride film.
US08178442B2
A method in the fabrication of a semiconductor device simultaneously forms different patterns on the same level of the device. The device has a first area and a second area. A low density mask pattern of at least one relatively wide topographic feature is formed on the second area, a plurality of relatively narrow topographic features is formed on the first area, first spacers are formed on side walls of the narrow topographic features in the first area, the relatively narrow topographic features are removed, and the patterns of the first spacers and the relatively wide topographic feature(s) are simultaneously transcribed in the first and second areas, respectively.
US08178437B2
A semiconductor diffusion barrier layer and its method of manufacture is described. The barrier layer includes of at least one layer of TaN, TiN, WN, TbN, VN, ZrN, CrN, WC, WN, WCN, NbN, AlN, and combinations thereof. The barrier layer may further include a metal rich surface. Embodiments preferably include a glue layer about 10 to 500 Angstroms thick, the glue layer consisting of Ru, Ta, Ti, W, Co, Ni, Al, Nb, AlCu, and a metal-rich nitride, and combinations thereof. The ratio of the glue layer thickness to the barrier layer thickness is preferably about 1 to 50. Other alternative preferred embodiments further include a conductor annealing step. The various layers may be deposited using PVD, CVD, PECVD, PEALD and/or ALD methods including nitridation and silicidation methods.
US08178433B2
An advanced gate structure that includes a fully silicided metal gate and silicided source and drain regions in which the fully silicided metal gate has a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the silicided source/drain regions is provided. Methods of forming the advanced gate structure are also provided.
US08178423B2
A laser beam machining method wherein machining areas in which to form machined grooves and machining start point areas in which to form shallow grooves shallower than the machined grooves are alternately set in each of streets formed on a wafer, and the machined grooves and the shallow grooves are continuously formed by scanning an irradiation point of a laser beam along each of the streets.
US08178420B2
A dicing/die-bonding film including a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (2) on a supporting base material (1) and a die-bonding adhesive layer (3) on the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (2), wherein a releasability in an interface between the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (2) and the die-bonding adhesive layer (3) is different between an interface (A) corresponding to a work-attaching region (3a) in the die-bonding adhesive layer (3) and an interface (B) corresponding to a part or a whole of the other region (3b), and the releasability of the interface (A) is higher than the releasability of the interface (B). The dicing/die-bonding film is excellent in balance between retention in dicing a work and releasability in releasing its diced chipped work together with the die-bonding adhesive layer.
US08178419B2
It is advantageous to create texture at the surface of a photovoltaic cell to reduce reflection and increase travel length of light within the cell. A method is disclosed to create texture at the surface of a silicon body by reacting a silicide-forming metal at the surface, where the silicide-silicon interface is non-planar, then stripping the silicide, leaving behind a textured surface. Depending on the metal and the conditions of silicide formation, the resulting surface may be faceted. The peak-to-valley height of this texturing will generally be between about 300 and about 5000 angstroms, which is well-suited for use in photovoltaic cells comprising a thin silicon lamina.
US08178414B2
An NMOS transistor is formed with improved manufacturability. An embodiment includes forming N-type doped embedded silicon germanium containing carbon (eSiGe:C) in source/drain regions of a substrate, and amorphizing the eSiGe:C. The use of eSiGe:C provides a reduction in extension silicon and dopant loss, improved morphology, increased wafer throughput, improved short channel control, and reduced silicide to source/drain contact resistance.
US08178401B2
A method of fabricating a MOS transistor that comprises a dual-metal gate that is formed from heterotypical metals. A gate dielectric (34), such as HfO2, is deposited on a semiconductor substrate. A sacrificial layer (35), is next deposited over the gate dielectric. The sacrificial layer is patterned so that the gate dielectric over a first (pMOS, for example) area (32) of the substrate is exposed and gate dielectric over a second (nMOS, for example) area (33) of the substrate continues to be protected by the sacrificial layer. A first gate conductor material (51) is deposited over the remaining sacrificial area and over the exposed gate dielectric. The first gate conductor material is patterned so that first gate conductor material over the second area of the substrate is etched away. The sacrificial layer over the second area prevents damage to the underlying dielectric material as the first gate conductor material is removed.
US08178397B2
A field effect transistor including a gate insulation portion, an organic semiconductor portion, a source electrode and a drain electrode, wherein when a voltage is applied to the gate at 70° C. for 5.0±0.1 hours so that the field strength in the gate insulation portion would be 100±5 MV/m, the change in the threshold voltage is within 5 V. The organic semiconductor portion has a high driving stability, of which the change in characteristics by driving is thereby small.
US08178395B2
A method of making a semiconductor chip assembly includes providing a post, a base, a support layer and an underlayer, wherein the post extends above the base and the support layer is sandwiched between the base and the underlayer, mounting an adhesive on the base including inserting the post into an opening in the adhesive, mounting a conductive layer on the adhesive including aligning the post with an aperture in the conductive layer, then flowing the adhesive upward between the post and the conductive layer, solidifying the adhesive, then providing a conductive trace that includes a pad, a terminal and a selected portion of the conductive layer, providing a heat spreader that includes the post, the base, the underlayer and a thermal via that extends from the base through the support layer to the underlayer, then mounting a semiconductor device on the post, electrically connecting the semiconductor device to the conductive trace and thermally connecting the semiconductor device to the heat spreader.
US08178381B2
Disclosed are a back side illumination image sensor and a method for manufacturing the same. The back side illumination image sensor includes an isolation region and a pixel area on a front side of a first substrate; a photo detector and a readout circuitry on the pixel area; an interlayer dielectric layer and a metal line on the front side of the first substrate; a second substrate bonded to the front side of the first substrate formed with the metal line; a pixel division ion implantation layer on the isolation region at a back side of the first substrate; and a micro-lens on the photo detector at the back side of the first substrate.
US08178378B2
A vertical nitride-based semiconductor LED comprises a structure support layer; a p-electrode formed on the structure support layer; a p-type nitride semiconductor layer formed on the p-electrode; an active layer formed on the p-type nitride semiconductor layer; an n-type nitride semiconductor layer formed on the active layer; an n-electrode formed on a portion of the n-type nitride semiconductor layer; and a buffer layer formed on a region of the n-type nitride semiconductor layer on which the n-electrode is not formed, the buffer layer having irregularities formed thereon. The surface of the n-type nitride semiconductor layer coming in contact with the n-electrode is flat.
US08178369B2
The present invention relates to a method of fabricating a nanoscale multi-junction quantum dot device wherein it can minimize constraints depending on the number or shape of patterns and a line width, and in particular, overcome shortcomings depending on the proximity effect occurring between patterns while employing the advantages of electron beam lithography to the utmost by forming a new conductive layer between the patterns and utilizing it as a new pattern.
US08178368B2
A method of forming a device is disclosed. The method includes providing a substrate on which the device is formed. It also includes forming a test cell on the substrate. The test cell includes a defect programmed into the cell to facilitate defect detection.
US08178363B2
An MRAM is disclosed that has a MTJ comprised of a ferromagnetic layer with a magnetization direction along a first axis, a super-paramagnetic (SP) free layer, and an insulating layer formed therebetween. The SP free layer has a remnant magnetization that is substantially zero in the absence of an external field, and in which magnetization is roughly proportional to an external field until reaching a saturation value. In one embodiment, a separate storage layer is formed above, below, or adjacent to the MTJ and has uniaxial anisotropy with a magnetization direction along its easy axis which parallels the first axis. In a second embodiment, the storage layer is formed on a non-magnetic conducting spacer layer within the MTJ and is patterned simultaneously with the MTJ. The SP free layer may be multiple layers or laminated layers of CoFeB. The storage layer may have a SyAP configuration and a laminated structure.
US08178357B2
Sensors, sensing systems and sensing methods of the invention provide for detection of peroxides, including for example, vapor-phase H2O2 and organic peroxides such as di-tert-butyl peroxide. A sensor and sensing method of the invention uses at least two phthalocyanines, one of which exhibits an oxidation reaction with peroxides and the other of which exhibits a reduction reaction with peroxides. A peroxide is readily identified by a sensor of the invention when one of the at least two phthalocyanines exhibits increased resistance to current flow and the other of the at least two phthalocyanines exhibits decreased resistance to current flow.
US08178354B2
The invention relates to chemical sensors comprising fluorescent conjugated polymers as sensitive materials and to their use in detecting or assaying nitro compounds, in particular nitroaromatic compounds. Fields of application: detection of explosives, monitoring and observation of atmospheric pollution and of the quality of relatively confined surroundings, watching over industrial sites.
US08178353B2
In one aspect, the invention is directed to a method for determining the concentration of anionic polymers or oligomers in industrial water comprising combining a buffer solution and a cationic dye solution, measuring absorbance of the buffer-dye admixture at selected wavelength(s) and determining the polymer or oligomer concentration from the previously determined absorbance values. In alternate embodiments of the invention, the buffer solution may be a multifunctional buffer solution and may be comprised of multiple buffers, masking agents. and/or stabilizing agents and combinations thereof. Other embodiments provide that multiple dyes may be employed.
US08178347B2
The invention provides a method of modulating a regulatory state of a cell. The method consists of: (a) identifying a point of interdiction within a cis regulatory network specifying a genetic regulatory architecture of a cell, and (b) introducing into a progenitor cell two or more network elements within said network to induce a predetermined series of cis regulatory network interactions resulting in a specified regulatory state of said progenitor cell. Also provided is a method of modulating a regulatory state of a cell. The method consists of: (a) identifying a point of interdiction within a cis regulatory network specifying a genetic regulatory architecture of a cellular state, and (b) introducing into a progenitor cell two or more network elements within said network to induce a predetermined series of cis regulatory network interactions resulting in a specified regulatory state of said progenitor cell. A cell having a specified regulatory state consisting of a modified genetic regulatory architecture is further provided. Methods of diagnosing and methods of treating an individual suffering from a cellular defect also are provided. The invention additionally provides a method of identifying a compound having differentiation or cell fate inducing activity.
US08178344B2
The present invention provides a system and method for detecting antigens captured on an antibody array. The method comprises the following steps of providing the antibody array having at least two antibodies, contacting the antibody array with a sample containing at least one antigen that may be captured by the antibodies disposed on the antibody array, and detecting the at least one antigen captured by the antibody array with a detecting agent that specifically binds to the antigen-bound antibodies on the antibody array, thereby the at least one antigen captured by the antibody array can be detected independent of the structures of the antigens. In a preferred embodiment, C1q is used as the detecting agent to detect antigen-bound antibodies.
US08178342B2
The present invention provides methods and systems for performing in vivo flow cytometry. In one embodiments, selected circulating cells of interest of a subject are labeled with fluorescent probe molecules. The labeled cells are irradiated in vivo so as to excite the fluorescent probes, and the radiation emitted by the excited probes is detected, preferably confocally. The detected radiation is then analyzed to derive desired information, such as relative cell count, of the cells of interest.
US08178341B2
A system for exposing a target material to small particles. The system includes an exposure chamber that receives the target material. A stream of charged particles is directed via an inlet into the exposure chamber toward the target material. One or more electrodes are located relative to the target material and the inlet, and are electrically charged, so as to cause at least some of the charged particles to impact upon the target material. The system can be used to expose the target material to small, for example, nanoscale, particles in a gas environment.
US08178336B2
We describe a PS4 variant polypeptide derivable from a parent polypeptide having non-maltogenic exoamylase activity, in which the PS4 variant polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at position 307 to lysine (K) or arginine (R), with reference to the position numbering of a Pseudomonas saccharophilia exoamylase sequence shown as SEQ ID NO: 1. Preferably, the PS4 variant polypeptide further comprises an amino acid substitution at position 70, preferably G70D. The amino acid at positions 272 and 303 of the sequence of the are preferably histidine (H) and glycine (G).
US08178333B2
The present disclosure provides monoamine oxidase enzymes and methods of their use in biocatalytic processes for the preparation of substantially enantiomerically pure heterobicyclic compounds of the following structural formulas, wherein A, M, M′, and R5 are as described herein.
US08178332B2
The present invention generally relates to the removal of carbon dioxide from a gas stream, particularly a flue gas, hydrogen gas from a reformer, natural gas, or gas from a cement kiln. Immobilized enzymes for use in carbon capture and other systems are also disclosed.
US08178330B2
The invention relates to the microbial fermentation of gaseous substrates, particularly to gas/liquid contact modules and bioreactors configured to improve the efficiency of fermentations, particularly microbial fermentations of substrates comprising CO. In a particular embodiment, a gas/liquid contact module with multiple channels is configured to produce products in a liquid fermentation broth. In a further particular embodiment, there is provided a method of fermentation of a gaseous substrate to produce a product in a liquid fermentation broth.
US08178328B2
Methods for the fermentative production of four carbon alcohols is provided. Specifically, butanol, preferably isobutanol is produced by the fermentative growth of a recombinant bacterium expressing an isobutanol biosynthetic pathway.
US08178323B2
The invention relates to an emulsifier, a method for preparing said emulsifier, and to its use in various applications, primarily food and cosmetic applications. The invention also relates to the use of said emulsifier for the creation of an elastic, gelled foam. An emulsifier according to the invention is based on a starch which is enzymatically converted, using a specific type of enzyme, and modified in a specific esterification reaction.
US08178313B2
A method for determining (e.g., detecting and/or measuring the concentration of) an analyte in a bodily fluid sample includes obtaining a bodily fluid sample, applying the bodily fluid sample to an analyte test strip, transferring the applied bodily fluid sample to a sample-receiving chamber of the analyte test strip, and determining an analyte in the bodily fluid sample. The analyte test strip employed in the method includes a first port in fluidic communication with the sample-receiving chamber and proximate a platform portion of the analyte test strip. Moreover, the platform portion is configured to receive a first (relatively large) bodily fluid sample of at least 5 micro-liters and transfer at least a portion of the first bodily fluid sample to the sample-receiving chamber via the first port. The analyte test strip also includes a second port in fluidic communication with the sample-receiving chamber and an outer edge of the analyte test strip, the second port configured to receive a second (relatively small) bodily fluid sample of lesser volume than the first bodily fluid sample and for transferring at least a portion of the second bodily fluid sample to sample-receiving chamber. In addition, the applying step involves applying the bodily fluid sample to one of the second port and the platform portion of the analyte test strip depending on the volume of the bodily fluid sample.
US08178307B2
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying and detecting lethal cell useful for monitoring disease status and therapy response in various types of cancer patients regardless of the etiological origin of the cancer and uses thereof.
US08178303B2
The present invention provides a method for the precipitation of cryoglobulins. In general, the method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a cryoglobulin sample; (b) providing a reagent such as a buffer reagent for decreasing the ionic strength of the sample; (c) combining the cryoglobulin sample with the buffer reagent to decrease the ionic strength of the test sample and produce a test sample; (d) chilling the test sample to form a cryoblobulin precipitate in said test sample; and then, optionally but preferably, (e) centrifuging the test sample to separate the cryoglobulin precipitate from said test sample. Tests kits useful for carrying out such methods are also provided.
US08178302B2
A mouse model is provided which is directed to mice bred to have a disruption in the TGF-β signaling pathways which causes tumorigenesis in the liver and gut of the developing mice. The mice models of the invention include those mice whose genome include at least one mutant allele of a protein involved in the TGF-β signaling pathway, such as the elf protein or to the Smad proteins, and such models are advantageous in that they allow the study of tumor suppression and development in the liver and gut and can thus be used to study, assess and treat a variety of forms of hepatocellular and gastrointestinal cancer. Use of the Elf and Smad proteins and antibodies thereto in the diagnosis and treatment of liver and gut tumors is also provided.
US08178282B2
A heat-sensitive imaging element includes an IR dye, and more particularly a heat-sensitive lithographic printing plate precursor includes the IR dye. A method for making the lithographic printing plate produces a print-out image of high contrast upon exposure to IR-radiation or heating.
US08178280B2
A lithography method is disclosed. An exemplary lithography method includes providing an energy sensitive resist material on a substrate; providing a desired pattern; performing a lithography process on the substrate, wherein the lithography process includes exposing the energy sensitive resist material to a charged particle beam, such that the desired pattern is transferred to the energy sensitive resist material; and directing the charged particle beam from an off state to a defocus state, wherein the defocus state compensates for the backscattered energy, thereby reducing proximity effects.
US08178273B2
To provide (1) a method for manufacturing a carrier, including: dissolving a coating material composed of a plurality of types of materials in a fluid containing at least one of a supercritical fluid and a subcritical fluid; and lowering the solubility of the solution by controlling at least one of pressure and temperature to form a coating layer on a core surface, or (2) a method for manufacturing a carrier, including: dispersing or dissolving a coating material in a fluid containing at least one of a supercritical fluid and a subcritical fluid; and lowering solubility of the solution by controlling at least one of pressure and temperature to form a coating layer on a core surface, wherein the coating material contains at least a silicone resin, and the silicone resin has a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 800 to 5,000.
US08178269B2
Emulsion aggregation toner particles including a resin, polysaccharide particles, an optional wax, and an optional colorant. The toner particles contain about 1 to about 50 wt % polysaccharide particles based on the total weight of the toner particles.
US08178250B2
A fuel cell device includes a housing containing a fuel processor that generates fuel gas and a fuel cell having electrodes forming an anode and cathode, and an ion exchange electrolyte positioned between the electrodes. The housing can be formed as first and second cylindrically configured outer shell sections that form a battery cell that is configured similar to a commercially available battery cell. A thermal-capillary pump can be operative with the electrodes and an ion exchange electrolyte, and operatively connected to the fuel processor. The electrodes are configured such that heat generated between the electrodes forces water to any cooler edges of the electrodes and is pumped by capillary action back to the fuel processor to supply water for producing hydrogen gas. The electrodes can be formed on a silicon substrate that includes a flow divider with at least one fuel gas input channel that can be controlled by a MEMS valve.
US08178247B2
The present invention provides a fuel cell system including a fuel cell, a hydrogen gas pipe system for supplying a fuel gas to the fuel cell, and an injector for adjusting a pressure of the upstream side of the hydrogen gas pipe system to supply the hydrogen gas to the downstream side, wherein the injector includes an internal channel for communicating the upstream side of the injector with the downstream side of the injector, and a valve body movably arranged in the internal channel for switching a channel opening area in multiple stages corresponding to a movement position of the valve body, and wherein water at least around the valve body of the injector is reduced when the system stops.
US08178241B2
Current collectors and methods are provided that relate to electrodes that are useful in lithium polymer electrochemical cells. The provided current collectors include a metallic substrate, a substantially uniform nano-scale carbon coating, and an active electrode material. The coating has a maximum thickness of less than about 200 nanometers.
US08178236B2
A secondary battery includes: a bare cell; an insulation case located on the bare cell; a protection device seated on the insulation case and electrically coupled to the bare cell; and a first lead electrically coupled to a first terminal of the protection device, where the insulation case includes; a base portion on which the protection device is seated; an anchor portion provided on a surface at one end of the base portion; and a hook portion projecting from one side surface of the anchor portion toward a center of the base portion and having an insertion groove at a lower portion thereof. The first lead is connected to the hook portion of the insulation case.
US08178231B2
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a cathode composition is provided that includes at least one transition metal or a transition metal salt, wherein the transition metal is at least one selected from the group consisting of nickel, iron, cobalt, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, and antimony; an alkali metal halide; a salt comprising an alkali metal halide and a metal halide; and a metal polysulfide compound MSn wherein M is a metal and n is an integer equal to or greater than 2. The salt comprising an alkali metal halide and a metal halide has a melting point of less than about 300° C. An energy storage device comprising the electrode composition is also provided.
US08178228B2
The present invention provides an all-solid-state battery capable of improving output power. The all-solid-state battery includes a wound solid electrolyte/electrode assembly and a case housing the solid electrolyte/electrode assembly with a pressurized fluid being filled between the inner periphery surface of the case and the solid electrolyte/electrode assembly.
US08178226B2
Battery element 2 is sandwiched between and surrounded by casing films 4, 5 each having a thermo-fusing resin layer, and is sealed by thermally fused region 6 formed by thermally fusing around the overall periphery. Cross-link structure portion 13 is formed in part of thermally fused region 6 by cross-linking casing film 5, and gas release chamber 12 is formed with its leading end positioned in cross-link structure portion 13. Gas release chamber 12 is a portion which is surrounded by thermally fused region 6 along its periphery, and in which casing films 4, 5 are not thermally fused. Tube 14 which is open at both ends is connected to gas release chamber 12, while sandwiched between casing films 4, 5, with its leading end positioned in gas release chamber 12.
US08178221B2
Novel articles and methods to fabricate the same resulting in flexible, {100}<100> or 45°-rotated {100}<100> oriented, semiconductor-based, electronic devices are disclosed. Potential applications of resulting articles are in areas of photovoltaic devices, flat-panel displays, thermophotovoltaic devices, ferroelectric devices, light emitting diode devices, computer hard disc drive devices, magnetoresistance based devices, photoluminescence based devices, non-volatile memory devices, dielectric devices, thermoelectric devices and quantum dot laser devices.
US08178210B2
The invention relates to a high modulus, bi-axially oriented film, heat-shrinkable or non heatshrinkable, comprising a first outer layer comprising a polyester or a copolyester, a second outer layer comprising an ethylene or propylene homo- or co-polymer, a core layer comprising an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, and no core polyamide or polyester layers. The film according to the present invention is prepared by orienting biaxially a flat extruded tape by means of a tenter frame, preferably simultaneously, and has a modulus higher than 6,000 kg/cm2 in at least one direction. The film of the present invention is particularly useful, in the non heat-shrinkable version, for food and non food packaging applications.
US08178209B2
A fuser member including a substrate, and thereover, an outer layer comprising a crosslinked fluorinated polyimide and a curing agent is described. The fluorinated polyimide comprises: wherein Ar1 and Ar2 independently represent an aromatic group of from about 6 carbon atoms to about 60 carbon atoms; and at least one of Ar1 and Ar2 further contains a fluoro-pendant group; and wherein the fluorinated polyimide includes an active site capable of reacting with the curing agent.
US08178203B2
This invention provides an aligned single-walled CNT aggregate comprising a substrate, fine particles of iron catalyst with a density of 1×1011 to 1×1014/cm2 disposed on an alumina co-catalyst above the substrate, and a plurality of single-walled CNTs grown from the fine particles of the iron catalyst, in which the plurality of single-walled CNTs have a specific surface area of 600 m2/g to 2600 m2/g, and a weight density from 0.002 g/cm3 to 0.2 g/cm3, and the alignment degree which satisfies a few of specific conditions. This invention also provides a bulk aligned single-walled carbon nanotube aggregate and a powdered aligned single-walled carbon nanotube aggregate.
US08178196B2
Fibrous structures that exhibit a Geometric Mean Elongation of greater than 15.8% as measured according to the Elongation Test Method are provided.
US08178195B2
Disclosed is a biaxially oriented film laminated board having a thickness of 0.5 mm or more, wherein biaxially oriented films composed of a resin composition having a melting point of 240° C. or higher are laminated at a multi-layer condition without interposing an adhesive therebetween. This biaxially oriented film laminated board is characterized in that the minimum value among the elongation at break in the longitudinal direction and that in the transverse direction is 25% or more when the board is punched into a rectangular form. Also disclosed are various electrical insulation boards and machine parts each using the laminated board. A laminated board having properties of a biaxially oriented film including thermal resistance, electrical insulation, mechanical strength, flexibility and workability can be obtained.
US08178187B2
A decorative layer is formed by applying an ultraviolet ray hardening resin composite on a print pattern of a transfer film and transferring the print pattern on a surface of an article under water pressure in the state where the print pattern is activated by the ultraviolet ray hardening resin composite to recover the adhesion thereof, but the ultraviolet ray hardening resin composite is wholly united with the print pattern and hardened by an ultraviolet ray and the decorative layer has a glossy variation and/or touch feeling in accordance with a combination of the ultraviolet ray hardening resin composite united and hardened with the print pattern and a composition of the print pattern.
US08178176B1
Sealed liquid tissue is comprised of a length of tissue and a layer of waterproof film. The layer of waterproof film has at least one pocket filled with liquid. The layer of waterproof film is attached to the top surface of the tissue. The bottom surface of the waterproof film is configured so that it has less resistance to bursting under hand pressure than the top surface of the film. Hand pressure applied to the film is capable of causing the bottom surface of the film surrounding the pocket to burst while the top surface of the film remains intact. This causes the liquid within the at least one pocket to escape through the bottom surface of the film to moisturize the length of tissue, thereby forming a wet wipe like article which has a wet lower surface and a dry upper surface.
US08178163B2
The present invention discloses gradients and methods of forming gradients. The gradients can form a component of a molecular machine, such as those disclosed herein. The molecular machines of the present invention can perform a range of tasks including nanoparticle heterostructure assembly, derivatization of a nanoparticle and synthesis of biomolecules, to name just a few applications.
US08178158B2
A method of making a current-perpendicular-to-the-plane giant magnetoresistive (CPP-GMR) sensor with a confined-current-path (CCP) layer uses an array of self-assembled ferritin protein molecules with inorganic cores to make the CCP layer in the sensor stack. In one embodiment, the ferritin molecules with cores of insulating oxide particles are deposited on an electrically conductive support layer and the ferritin molecules are dissolved, leaving an array of insulating oxide particles. An electrically conducting layer is deposited over the oxide particles and into the regions between the oxide particles to form the CCP layer. In another embodiment, the ferritin molecules with inorganic particles in their cores are deposited on an electrically insulating support layer and the ferritin molecules are dissolved, leaving an array of inorganic particles that function as an etch mask. The insulating support layer is then etched through the mask to form vias down to the underlying layer on which the support layer is formed. An electrically conducting layer is then deposited to form the CCP layer.
US08178155B2
A method of manufacturing a high surface area per unit weight carbon electrode includes providing a substrate, depositing a carbon-rich material on the substrate to form a film, and after the depositing, activating the carbon-rich material to increase the surface area of the film of carbon-rich material. Due to the activation process being after deposition, this method enables use of low cost carbon-rich material to form a carbon electrode in the capacitor. The electrode may be used in capacitors, ultracapacitors and lithium ion batteries. The substrate may be part of the electrode, or it may be sacrificial—being consumed during the activation process. The carbon-rich material may include any of carbonized material, carbon aerogel and metal oxides, such as manganese and ruthenium oxide. The activation may include exposing the carbon-rich material to carbon dioxide at elevated temperature, in the range of 300 to 900 degrees centigrade. This method may be used to make both symmetric and asymmetric ultracapacitors.
US08178137B2
Pomegranate juice consumption by a patient may be used to treat prostate cancer. Prior to the present invention, it has been observed that various pomegranate compositions have cancer chemopreventive properties on various in vitro treatment of human prostate cancer cell lines and in vivo treatment of human prostate cancer cell lines xenografted in athymic nude mice. Until the discovery of the present invention, it was not known if there is an efficacy for treating prostate cancer in human patient by any route of administration. The present invention provides a method of treating a subject with prostate cancer a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an extract from pomegranate fruit. The extract of pomegranate may be a juice extract of pomegranate, an extract from inner or outer peel of pomegranate, or mixture thereof. Pomegranate juice may be used to treat subjects with rising serum PSA after prostate surgery or radiotherapy.
US08178136B2
The present invention relates to preparations based on vegetal extracts of Ajuga reptans for favouring the growth of hair and stimulating the hair bulb. The preparations of the invention are in suitable formulations for oral administration or local application and are specifically suitable for the prevention and treatment of androgenic alopecia in males and females.
US08178131B2
Compounds of Formula (I) are useful for inhibition of CHK1 and/or CHK2. Methods of using compounds of Formula (I) and stereoisomers and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, for in vitro, in situ, and in vivo diagnosis, prevention or treatment of such disorders in mammalian cells, or associated pathological conditions are disclosed.
US08178130B2
The present invention relates to biopolymer particles for preservation of spermatozoa, wherein the spermatozoa are embedded within the biopolymer particle. The present invention also regards a method for preservation, storage and controlled delivery/release of spermatozoa, and the use of the biopolymer particles according to the present invention in breeding.
US08178121B2
The present invention refers to ready-to-use highly stable paracetamol injectable solutions, prepared by mixing paracetamol, water, propylene glycol, and a citrate buffer. (pH 4.5 to 6.5), and by heating said solution under preset conditions. The resulting solution may be stored for an extended period of time within a wide range of temperatures, with no paracetamol precipitation and/or its chemical modification.
US08178120B2
Methods for processing substrate surfaces carrying coatings comprising a metal are disclosed. The methods involve providing a substrate surface having a coating comprising a metal, and exposing the substrate surface to a mixture including an oxidizing agent and an anion.
US08178118B2
A composition for administration to a subject, such as oral administration to a subject, for example, has been provided. Such a composition may comprise at least one magnesium-counter ion compound. A magnesium-counter ion composition described herein may be useful for any of a variety of applications provided herein, such as maintaining, enhancing, and/or improving health, nutrition, and/or another condition of a subject, and/or cognitive, learning, and/or memory function. A magnesium-counter ion composition provided herein may be useful for administration to a subject presenting magnesium deficiency, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ALS, Parkinson's disease, diabetes, migraine, anxiety disorder, mood disorder, and/or hypertension. A kit, method, and other associated technology are also provided.
US08178111B2
The present invention relates to the field of animal health and in particular of Equine Herpes Viruses (EHV) wherein the gene encoding the protein gM is absent, and which is free of heterologous elements. Further aspects of the invention relate to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said viruses, uses thereof, and methods for the prophylaxis and treatment of EHV infections. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the combination of EHV-1 and EHV-4 viruses wherein the gene encoding the protein gM is absent and which is free of heterologous elements.
US08178108B2
The present invention relates generally to the production, purification, and isolation of human growth hormone (hGH). More particularly, the invention relates to the production, purification, and isolation of substantially purified hGH comprising non-naturally encoded amino acids and hGH from recombinant host cells or culture medium including, for example, yeast, insect, mammalian and bacterial host cells. The process of the present invention is also useful for purification of hGH linked to polymers or other molecules.
US08178104B2
Disclosed are compositions and methods useful for targeting gC1q/p32 receptors. The disclosed targeting is useful for delivering therapeutic and detectable agents to cancerous cells, and to areas of inflammation.
US08178102B2
Provided is an emulsified composition for diluting a cancer antigen peptide or a dimer thereof. Also provided is a novel cancer vaccine composition or specific CTL inducer that efficiently induces CTL irrespective of the type of cancer antigen peptide when mixing the emulsified composition for dilution and a water phase comprising a cancer antigen peptide or a dimer thereof.The present invention relates to an emulsified composition for diluting a cancer antigen peptide or a dimer thereof, comprising a particular ester, a particular surfactant, a particular emulsifier, and a water phase. The present invention also relates to a cancer vaccine composition or specific CTL inducer obtained by freshly diluting and mixing a water phase comprising a cancer antigen peptide or a dimer thereof with the emulsified composition for dilution.
US08178099B2
The present invention provides a method of promoting local bone growth by administering a therapeutic amount of a Sost antagonist to a mammalian patient in need thereof. Preferably, the Sost antagonist is an antibody or FAB fragment selectively recognizing any one of SEQ ID NOS: 1-23. The Sost antagonist may be coadministered together or sequentially with a matrix conducive to anchoring new bone growth. Orthopedic and Periodontal devices comprising an implantable portion adapted to be permanently implanted within a mammalian body and bearing an external coating of a Sost antagonist are also disclosed, as it a method of increasing bone density by administering to a mammalian patient a therapeutic amount of a Sost antagonist together with an antiresorptive drug.
US08178096B2
The present invention relates to the use of at least one antibody, or a functional fragment thereof, which is capable of binding to the CD151 protein and thereby inhibiting tumor growth, in the preparation of a medicament intended for the treatment of cancer.The invention is also directed to a composition for the treatment of cancer, comprising, as active ingredient, at least one anti-CD151 antibody, or a functional fragment thereof, which is capable of binding to the CD151 protein and/or of inhibiting the development of primary tumors and/or of inhibiting its metastasis-promoting activity, which antibodies may consist of the antibodies TS151 and/or TS151r.
US08178095B2
Provided are methods for diagnosing the propensity of a subject to develop skin inflammation, in particular, psoriasis. Also provided are methods of treatment with antagonists of IL-17, IL-19, and/or IL-23.
US08178089B2
The present invention relates to methods for producing feeder cell-free neuroprogenitor cells (preferably adherent) from embryonic stems cells, preferably human embryonic stem cells, the feeder cell-free neuroprogenitor cells, preferably human cells themselves, as well as methods for producing feeder cell-free samples of neuronal cells, preferably adherent human neuronal cells and the feeder cell-free neuronal cells themselves. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating neurodegenerative diseases as well as the use of the described cells in assay systems is also described.
US08178084B2
A method of treating a natural soft skeletal tissue injury in a patient the method comprising administering to the patient a composition of mesenchymal stem cells in liquid suspension enriched compared to the natural source of said cells, or tenocytes derived therefrom. The method is particularly suited to the regeneration of tendons in competitive mammals, such as the superficial digital flexor tendon of the horse.
US08178083B2
The present invention provides a method for treating a patient having demyelinating optic neuritis (DON) comprising the sequential or simultaneous administration of a steroid compound and an interferon-beta protein. It is found that early, aggressive treatment of IFN-b is beneficial in such a treatment regimen, for example where the interferon-beta protein is administered at a cumulative weekly dose of more than 12 MIL). The method according to the invention is particularly suitable and beneficial for treatment of patients having early stage DON. In particular, the DON that will benefit from being treated according to the present invention may be in subclinical stage.
US08178074B2
Titanium oxide particles having a particle having a decahedral box-shape and a particle size in a range of from 1 nm to 100 nm can be selectively and efficiently produced by carrying out a method in which in a case of oxidizing titanium tetrachloride in vapor at high temperatures, it is rapidly heated and cooled, and a method, in which water vapor is used as an oxidizing gas, in combination under certain conditions.
US08178069B2
Basic magnesium sulfate granules having a bulk density of 0.5-1.0 g/cm3, a mean crushing strength of 700-900 g and a water content of 3 wt. % or less which comprises agglomerated particles of fibrous basic magnesium sulfate particles and fibrous xonotolite particles in a weight ratio of 95:5 to 70:30, wherein the fibrous basic magnesium sulfate particles have a mean length of 5-200 μm and a mean thickness of 0.2-1.0 μm and the fibrous xonotolite particles have a mean length less than that of the fibrous magnesium sulfate particles. The basic magnesium sulfate granules can be produced by drying a water-containing granular composition comprising agglomerated particles of fibrous basic magnesium sulfate particles and fibrous xonotolite particles which have a water content of 40 to 60 wt. % for 36 hours or more, thereby obtaining a granular composition having a water content of 3 wt. % or less.
US08178067B2
A production method of amorphous silicon oxide powder comprises a step of preparing a wood, agricultural crop or plant containing hexose and/or pentose and silicon oxide as a starting raw material, a step of hydrolyzing the starting raw material with nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid or organic acid to reduce a content of the hexose to 10% by weight or less and/or a content of the pentose to 20% by weight or less, and a step of burning residue yielded in the hydrolyzing step at a temperature of 400° C. to 1200° C.
US08178064B2
Provided is a process for treating nitrogen oxide-containing exhaust produced by a stationary combustion source by the catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxide in the presence of a reductant comprising hydrogen, followed by ammonia selective catalytic reduction to further reduce the nitrogen oxide level in the exhaust.
US08178039B2
A deodorizer device for controlling body odor comprises a structure having an external metal oxide surface with a contour to contact the surface of the skin where perspiration is produced and is degraded by bacterial organisms on the skin into body odor. The metal oxide surface is reactable with water supplied to the surface of the skin to render the bacterial organisms ineffectual to degrade perspiration later produced on the skin into body odor. The deodorizer device together with a water source form a deodorizer system. A method of controlling body odor involves supplying water to the surface of the skin where perspiration is produced and is degraded by bacterial organisms into body odor and, at the same time, contacting the surface of the skin with a metal oxide surface of a deodorizer device.
US08178027B1
A request-to-exit (REX) switch comprises an injection-molded plastic body that can snap into the access hole of a mortise lock mechanism to provide a request-to-exit contact generation. A micro-switch mounts to a distal end of the injection-molded plastic body. Such is precisely oriented, positioned, and secured by pressing onto two posts molded into the distal end. The installation is accomplished without tools, and two snap locking tabs in the injection-molded plastic body automatically secure to the access hole of the mortise lock mechanism. An orienting lip on a front cap of the injection-molded plastic body allows only one possible fit. A strain relief for wiring to the micro-switch is a part of the injection-molded plastic body.
US08178025B2
An embossing system is provided for embossing at least a portion of a web comprising a first roll and at least a second roll. The first roll and second roll may define a first nip for embossing the web. At least one of the first roll and the second roll has elongated embossing elements extending substantially in the machine direction and optionally at least one of the first and second rolls has elongated embossing elements extending substantially in the cross-machine direction. At least one of the first roll and the second roll may also have perforate embossing elements extending substantially in the cross-machine direction that may or may not be elongated. The embossing elements are capable of imparting one or both of a cube embossing pattern or a perforate emboss on the web. The web may be a cellulosic fibrous web, a portion of which is lignin-rich, high coarseness fiber having generally tubular fiber configuration. In addition, the web may be creped with an undulatory creping blade.
US08178024B2
A die is formed of a cavity mold having a hollow portion and a slidable core mold that allows a core to be inserted into hollow portion of cavity mold. An insert part that has been previously molded is fitted to and supported by the front end of core of core mold. Then, insert part is inserted into die and clamped therein, then a molten molding material is injected into die so as to perform injection molding of a container body of a substrate storage container with its rear part formed with insert part. Since insert part is put into contact with hollow portion of cavity core so as to restrain vibration of tapering flat core, core of core mold will not be flapped or flexed even if difference in injection pressure occurs in the molding material.
US08178020B2
A fiber is produced comprising polymers of differing types which are not admixed during production. The differing polymer types are heated to the point of softening in a vertically-oriented crucible and a fiber comprising the polymers in positions corresponding to their positions in the crucible is drawn from an orifice at the lower end of the crucible.
US08178016B2
A method for manufacturing a multilayered composite molded part in a pressing tool, comprises: for a lower layer, particles provided with binder are poured into a mold in a lower part of the pressing tool; a pre-pressed molded part, which has coarser particles than those of the lower layer, is inserted into the first layer; the layers are compressed together with the pre-pressed, inserted molded part under the influence of pressure and heat so as to form the multilayered composite molded part, via the inserted molded part corresponding to the lower layer by means of an upper part of the pressing tool which is guided onto the upper layer. A product manufactured thereby has the form of a multilayered composite molded part with high strength and finely structured outer surfaces or layers and combines within it advantages of various conventional individual products.
US08178011B2
The present disclosure relates to techniques for replicating large-scale nano-pattern structures using a block copolymer structure as a mask in a replication process. Example methods may include performing self-assembling block copolymer reactions to create large self-assembling nano-structures. The nano-structures may then be replicated by using the large self-assembling nano-structure as a mask in nano-imprint lithography.
US08177997B2
A composition for chemical soil improvement includes a synthetic fluid or base oil, a pour point depressant, polyisobutylene, and synthetic fibers, and various combinations thereof.
US08177992B2
In one embodiment, a method of removing film materials on an edge area of a substrate in a plasma etching apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a chamber, a substrate support, a shield disposed with a gap on the substrate such that plasma is not generated therein while allowing an edge portion of the substrate to be exposed, and an antenna disposed on an outer wall of the chamber to apply plasma-generating power to an area between the edge portion of the substrate and an inner wall of the chamber. The method includes spraying a curtain gas to a space between the shield and the substrate, using a curtain gas passageway; and spraying a reaction gas to an area between a side surface of the shield and an inner sidewall of the chamber formed within the shield, using a reaction gas supply passageway.
US08177986B2
The present invention relates to a method for deodorising organic fluids or inorganic fluids, which comprises creating a continuous flow or semi continuous flow of the fluids throw a column having one or more trays, creating a plug flow of the fluids through a labyrinth of passages on each tray by regulating the flow through the passages by use of a regulating valve at an exit in the tray, introducing sparging gas on the bottom level of each tray, contacting the fluids with the sparging gas in the plug flow, removing volatiles from the fluids, and transferring the sparging gas and the volatiles in ducts inside the column or outside the column. The present invention relates also to a plug flow tray, a column, a deodorizing plant, and use thereof.
US08177985B2
The present invention relates to methods for the separation of oil and water, in particular through the action of a polymeric material on oil/water emulsions (including oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions).
US08177981B2
An improved process for regenerating ion exchange resin, includes a regeneration step of displacing captured ions from the resin to regenerate its ion-capture functionality, followed by one or more fluid-employing post-regeneration steps such as a fluid displacement or rinse, a fluid transport or mixing, and a rinse down to quality. To avoid problems of early leakage of weakly held ions such as boron, the post-chemical or postdisplacement steps use water that is essentially free of boron, or otherwise avoid localized contamination in the regenerated resin which is used in bottles or beds (30). A two-stage polish may be operated with modified lead/lag bottles. A detector (D) for an indicator condition (conductivity, silica breakthrough) between stages determines when to shift the lag bottle forward, and periodically both bottles are replaced.
US08177964B2
A process of delayed coking with modified feedstock is described maximising the volume of diesel oil and minimising the volume of coke produced by means of feedstock which comprises, in a first embodiment of the invention: the bottom product (8) of the vacuum distillation tower (6), known in the prior art as vacuum residuum, and a fraction (7′) of heavy vacuum gas oil (7) obtained in the aforesaid vacuum distillation. In a second embodiment of the present invention the bottom residuum (5) proceeding from the atmospheric distillation tower (2), known in the prior art as atmospheric residuum, is employed as feedstock of a Delayed Coking Unit (9).
US08177956B2
A method of extending the lifetime of an electroless nickel plating bath by avoiding the addition of unwanted anions to the process and of improving the pH stability of the bath and minimizing additions of pH correcting additives. The method includes the steps of (a) depositing electroless nickel from an electroless nickel plating bath onto a substrate, wherein the electroless nickel plating bath preferably contains a source of nickel ions and a source of hypophosphite ions; (2) immersing a nickel anode in the plating bath; (3) completing the circuit by utilizing a cathode separated from the nickel bath by an ion exchange membrane and using a catholyte comprising an acid or a salt thereof; and (4) passing a current through the bath. Nickel is dissolved into the plating bath to maintain the nickel concentration and hydrogen is discharged from the cathode.
US08177947B2
Provided is a sputtering target in which the ratio of X-ray intensity of (110) measured with X-ray diffraction is 0.4 or less, and even 0.2 or less in a Ta or Ta alloy target. Further provided is a sputtering target in which the ratio of X-ray intensity of (110) on a Ta or Ta alloy target surface measured with X-ray diffraction is 0.8 or less, and the ratio of the foregoing X-ray intensity at a depth of 100 μm or deeper is 0.4 or less. This Ta or Ta alloy target is capable of minimizing the fluctuation of the deposition speed for each target throughout the target life of a sputtering target, and thereby improving and stabilizing the production efficiency of semiconductors during the sputtering process, and contributing to the reduction of production costs.
US08177946B2
A system is described for forming metal hydroxide from a metal carbonate utilizing a water electrolysis cell having an acid-producing anode and a hydroxyl-producing cathode immersed in a water solution of sufficient ionic content to allow an electric current to pass between the hydroxyl-producing cathode and the acid-producing anode. A metal carbonate, in particular water-insoluble calcium carbonate or magnesium carbonate, is placed in close proximity to the acid-producing anode. A direct current electrical voltage is provided across the acid-producing anode and the hydroxyl-producing cathode sufficient to generate acid at the acid-producing anode and hydroxyl ions at the hydroxyl-producing cathode. The acid dissolves at least part of the metal carbonate into metal and carbonate ions allowing the metal ions to travel toward the hydroxyl-producing cathode and to combine with the hydroxyl ions to form the metal hydroxide. The carbonate ions travel toward the acid-producing anode and form carbonic acid and/or water and carbon dioxide. Among other uses, the metal hydroxide formed can be employed to absorb acid gases such as carbon dioxide from a gas mixture. The invention can also generate hydrogen and oxidative gases such as oxygen or chlorine.
US08177943B2
The invention is directed to mixtures of polysilanes macroscopically solid at ambient temperature wherein the individual components of the composition SinH2n and/or SinH2n+2 of which decompose before they are boiling at an applied process pressure and which are produced from the hydrogenation of plasmachemically generated largely chlorinated polysilane mixtures. These mixtures of polysilanes are especially suited to be applied onto surfaces as solutions or dispersions and to obtain silicon-based structures or layers in subsequent process steps. Furthermore, they are especially safe in handling and can be additionally made up into transport forms in suitable transport containers.
US08177937B2
Apparatus and methods for controlling the flow of a pulp suspension from a container in which the pulp is processed or stored are disclosed. The container is pressurized to a first pressure and includes an outlet for the pulp suspension, a pump includes an inlet and an outlet, and the pump inlet is connected to the container. The pulp suspension is fed from the inlet to the outlet of the pump and provides a controlled decrease in pressure to which the pulp suspension is subjected in the pump during such transport, and the flow from the container is controlled by adjusting this controlled decrease in pressure.
US08177928B2
A method of restrained-quenching of an annular member, that can readily ensure a sufficient effect of restraint, increase treatment efficiency of a quench hardening treatment, and suppress production cost of the annular member, includes a heating step, a first cooling step, a restraint step, and a second cooling step. In the heating step, a bearing ring formed as the annular member is heated to a temperature not lower than an A1 point. In the first cooling step, the bearing ring is cooled to a first cooling temperature not higher than an MS point. In the restraint step, the bearing ring is restrained with a restraint member. In the second cooling step, the bearing ring is cooled to a second cooling temperature lower than a restraint start temperature while it remains restrained. Then, in the restraint step and the second cooling step, the bearing ring is restrained at a ridgeline portion without the bearing ring and the restraint member being in contact with each other at an outer circumferential surface and an end surface of the bearing ring.
US08177926B2
Amorphous Fe100-a-bPaMb foil, preferably in the form of a free-standing foil, process for its production by electrodeposition or electroforming of an aqueous plating solution, and its uses as a constitutive element of a transformer, generator, motor, pulse applications and magnetic shieldings. “a” is a real number ranging from 13 to 24, b is a real number ranging from 0 to 4, and M is at least one transition element other than Fe. The amorphous Fe100-a-bPaMb foil has the properties of being amorphous as established by the X-ray diffraction method, an average thickness greater than 20 micrometers, a tensile strength in the range of 200-1100 MPa, an electrical resistivity of over 120 μΩcm, and at least one of a high saturation induction (Bs) greater than 1.4 T, a coercive field (Hc) of less than 40 A/m, a loss (W60), at power frequencies (60 Hz), and for a peak induction of at least 1.35 T, of less than 0.65 W/kg, and a relative magnetic permeability (B/μ0H) greater than 10000, for low values of μ0H.
US08177924B2
A high-strength steel sheet comprises a metallic structure consisting of a ferrite phase and a hard second phase dispersed in the ferrite phase, the hard second phase in the metallic structure having an area ratio of 30 to 70%, and the ferrite of which grain sizes are not more than 1.2 μm having an area ratio of 15 to 90% in the ferrite phase. The term ds is an average grain size of the ferrite of which grain sizes are not more than 1.2 μm, the term dL is an average grain size of ferrite of which grain sizes are more than 1.2 μm, and the ds and the dL satisfy the following equation (1): dL/ds≧3 (1).
US08177919B2
A medical cleaning device is used to clean interior surfaces of hollow shafts of medical instruments. The device has a closed body which can be inserted into the hollow shaft of the medical instrument to be cleaned, an outer diameter of the body being smaller than a clear inner diameter of the hollow shaft such that an inner lumen remains which is reduced compared to the inner lumen of the hollow shaft. The body has a connection starting from one end, a cleaning liquid can be guided into the reduced inner lumen when the body is inserted in the hollow shaft. Furthermore, provision is made for a support by means of which the body can be supported on the medical instrument.
US08177911B2
A method of evaluating damage of a compound semiconductor member, comprising: a step of performing measurement of photoluminescence on a surface of the compound semiconductor member; and a step of evaluating damage on the surface of the compound semiconductor member, using a half width of a peak at a wavelength corresponding to a bandgap of the compound semiconductor member, in an emission spectrum obtained by the measurement of photoluminescence.
US08177910B2
To reduce the heat input to the bottom of the crucible and to control heat extraction independently of heat input, a shield can be raised between a heating element and a crucible at a controlled speed as the crystal grows. Other steps could include moving the crucible, but this process can avoid having to move the crucible. A temperature gradient is produced by shielding only a portion of the heating element; for example, the bottom portion of a cylindrical element can be shielded to cause heat transfer to be less in the bottom of the crucible than at the top, thereby causing a stabilizing temperature gradient in the crucible.
US08177901B2
The present invention relates to a process for the production of porous inorganic materials or a matrix material containing nanoparticles with high uniformity of thickness and/or high effective surface area and to the materials obtainable by this process. By the above-mentioned process materials with a defined thickness in the region of ±10%, preferably ±5% of the average thickness are available.
US08177897B2
A phase change ink including (a) a phase change ink carrier and (b) a colorant comprising a carbon allotrope.
US08177896B2
A novel chemical genus of furan-2-one antifouling compound as non-toxic, environment friendly antifouling agent, a coating material for objects submerged under the water based on the furan-2-one compounds. The substituted furan-2-one antifouling compounds have a furan-2-one ring and an alkyl side chain thereto and are of the formula: where n=6-14, representing the number of carbon atoms in said side chain.
US08177893B2
One aspect according to the present invention includes a fuel vapor processing apparatus having a case containing a mixture of an adsorption material and a heat storage material therein. A mixing ratio of the heat storage material to the adsorption material is set to be higher for a central area away from a circumferential wall of the case or a flow passage defined in the case than for an outer peripheral area close to the circumferential wall.
US08177865B2
A high power diesel fuel composition and method for increasing immediate power output of a diesel engine using same, the high power diesel fuel composition comprising: about 50% v/v or more ultra low sulfur diesel fuel; and, from about 40 to about 60 ppmw of one or more metal carboxylate comprising one or more metal selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, manganese, iron, and combinations thereof; the diesel fuel composition having a cetane value of 48 or more.
US08177864B1
A sugar based fuel and fuel additive method and solution suitable for use with liquid as well as solid carbon based fuels to improve combustion burning or as a fuel or electrolyte for a fuel cell or battery to produce electricity.
US08177857B2
There is provided a laundry composition comprising i) at least one laundry component selected from the group consisting of surfactants, softening agents, and mixtures thereof and ii) at least one ampholytic polymer comprising, as polymerized units, a) 20% to 90% by weight, based on the solid weight of said ampholytic polymer, at least one cationic monomer, b) 10% to 70% by weight, based on the solid weight of said ampholytic polymer, at least one anionic monomer, and c) 0% to 90% by weight, based on the solid weight of said ampholytic polymer, at least one nonionic monomer; wherein the equivalent ratio of said monomer a) to said monomer b) is from 0.33:1 to 1.2:1; and wherein said ampholytic polymer has weight-average molecular weight of 50,000 or less. Further provided is a method of laundering textiles comprising treating said textiles with such laundry compositions.
US08177853B2
A device for inducing weight loss in a patient includes a tubular prosthesis self-expandable from a collapsed position in which the prosthesis has a first diameter to an expanded position in which the prosthesis has a second, larger, diameter. In a method for inducing weight loss, the prosthesis is placed in the collapsed position and inserted into a stomach of a patient. The prosthesis is allowed to self-expand from the collapsed position to the expanded position and into contact with the walls of the stomach, where it induces feelings of satiety and/or inhibits modulation of satiety-controlling factors such as Ghrelin.
US08177848B2
An interbody osteogenic fusion device is provided that includes opposite end pieces with an integral central element. The end pieces are sized to maintain the height of an intervertebral disc space. The central element has a much smaller diameter so that the osteogenic fusion device forms an annular pocket around the central element. An osteogenic material is disposed within the annular pocket between the opposite end pieces. In one embodiment, the osteogenic material constitutes a collagen sheet soaked in a solution containing a bone morphogenetic protein. The osteogenic fusion device is configured so that the osteogenic material is in direct contact with the adjacent vertebral bone. In addition to the enhanced area of contact between the vertebral bone and the fusion material, the inventive osteogenic fusion device reduces stress-shielding and minimizes the radiopacity of the implant so that growth of the fusion mass can be continuously assessed. In yet another embodiment, the osteogenic fusion device includes at least one end piece with a truncated surface. The osteogenic fusion devices of the present invention may be combined with other fusion devices to form an implant system. The implant system includes at least one load bearing member having a truncated surface configured to nest within another load bearing member, preferably the load bearing, osteogenic fusion device of the present invention. The invention also provides implant systems comprising adjacent load bearing members connected to one another to resist lateral separation. Methods of promoting fusion bone growth in the space between adjacent vertebrae utilizing devices and systems of the invention are also described.
US08177847B2
A repair system including a closure prosthesis and deployment device, and associated methods for repairing any imperfection including a flaw, hole, tear, bulge, or, in some cases, a deliberate cut or incision in any tissue including an intervertebral disc. The prosthesis has first and second side portions with a connecting central portion, and is designed to span an imperfection with opposite ends positioned on opposite sides of the imperfection. The prosthesis may include anchoring features including barbs and/or members that extend transversely. The deployment device can include a cannula for positioning the prosthesis near the imperfection, and, in some cases, a mechanism that may cause the two sides of the prosthesis to be deployed in a specific order.
US08177846B2
An implant for insertion between adjacent vertebral members, comprising an implant body with at least one base section and an end cap. The end cap is adapted for selective positioning on a base section via rotational adjustment of the end cap. The end cap comprises an exterior contact surface that faces away from the implant body when positioned on the base section, a seating surface which contacts the base section when positioned on the implant body, an end cap angulation, and locking passages extending between the exterior contact surface and seating surface and adapted to receive base section teeth. The locking passages and base teeth are complimentarily configured to engage and securely maintain the end cap positioned on the base section such that the implant imparts the end cap angulation to an adjacent vertebral body at a selected point when the implant is positioned between adjacent vertebral members.
US08177841B2
An implant comprising a first, second, and third segment wherein the second and third segments partially overlap the first segment and define a load bearing surface comprising an anterior-posterior (AP) curvature including at least two tangential curves of the portion of the articular surface of the femoral condyle, the tangential curves having different radii of curvature. A drill guide comprises a body portion including a first, second and third bushing spaced along the body portion to establish a first, second and third axes, respectively. Each axis may be substantially normal to the articular surface at three different points along a curvature of the articular surface comprising the two tangential curves. A measuring device comprises a housing defining a longitudinally passageway and an outrigger. A guide pin may be received in the longitudinal passageway and a measuring device determines how far the guide pin is in the passageway.
US08177835B2
A method as a workflow for imaging for a heart valve implant procedure includes positioning the patient and an articulated imaging apparatus relative to one another, inducing rapid ventricular pacing in the patient, and imaging a region of the patient's heart to obtain image date for a three-dimensional image. The three-dimensional data is used to construct a three-dimensional image of the region of the patient's heart an the three-dimensional image is displayed for use in the implanting of the replacement heart valve. Optional steps may include obtaining a real time two-dimensional image of the patient's heart and superimposing the real time two-dimensional image with the constructed three dimensional image. The replacement valve is moved into position in the patient's heart during rapid ventricular pacing and breath hold using the superimposed two-dimensional and three-dimensional image information.
US08177834B2
The disclosure relates to a woven fabric for use in an implantable medical device. The woven fabric comprises shape memory element strands woven with textile strands. At least one of the shape memory element strands has at least one float of at least five textile strands between binding points.
US08177831B2
Apparatus and methods for stent delivery provide for dilatation at a treatment site as well as stent delivery, using the same stent delivery apparatus. Apparatus generally include a catheter having at least one expandable member, at least one stent positionable thereon, and a sheath disposed over the expandable member and the stent. Some embodiments include separate expandable members for dilatation of a lesion and for stent expansion, while other embodiments use the same expandable member for both. In some embodiments a stent includes multiple separable stent segments. In various embodiments, self-expanding stents may be used. Methods involve positioning a stent delivery device at a treatment site, expanding an expandable member to dilate at least a portion of a lesion at the treatment site, and expanding (or allowing to expand) a stent at the treatment site.
US08177821B2
A screw back-out prevention mechanism for a bone fixation system is provided. The mechanism, when engaged, either locks or retains the screws of the bone fixation system in place thereby preventing the screws of the bone fixation system from backing out of the bone, and in turn reducing the risk of device separation or failure in the bone fixation system.
US08177820B2
Disclosed is a bone plate comprising at least one screw that is to be fixed at a stable angle to at least one through-hole and at least one bone screw which is provided with an external thread in the top region. Said external thread tapers more in the screwing direction than a mating thread of the through-hole embodied as an internal thread such that the top of the bone screw is clamped in a stable direction in a torsion-proof manner when the bone screw is screwed in. The bone plate is configured elastically in at least one area adjoining the through-hole such that the material of the bone plate is not deformed in the ductile area because of the expansion resulting from the head of the bone screw being screwed in. As a consequence, the area surrounding the through-hole is not overstretched in any position of the bone screw along the entire length of the threads because of the interaction between the external thread of the top of the bone screw and the internal thread of the plate while the torsion-proof condition is maintained.
US08177816B2
An anchor for attaching an elongate member to bone. The anchor includes a base adapted for attaching to bone and a connector mounted on the base. The connector includes a mount for mounting the elongate member and an opening sized and positioned on the connector for receiving a tie for tying the anchor to the bone when the base is attached to the bone.
US08177814B2
A bio-compatible posterior spinal bridge assembly provides static or dynamic N-level spinal bridge interconnection between adjacent posterior spinal bridges and posterior spinal bridge assemblies. The posterior spinal bridge assembly includes a spinal bridge that is received in posterior vertebral screw assemblies that are affixed a vertebra and to laterally span the posterior side of the vertebra, and an interconnection element that allows static or dynamic connection between adjacent spinal bridges and/or spinal bridge assemblies. The interconnection element is defined by interconnection members that are carried by the spinal bridge and which provide static or dynamic connection between any number of adjacent spinal bridges/bridge assemblies. The interconnection members are attachable at various positions along the spinal bridge such as medially, laterally, or midline on the spinal bridge. Adjacent spinal bridge assemblies may thus be statically or dynamically linked, connected or coupled to one another via the interconnection members when more than one spinal bridge assembly is used.
US08177811B2
The total arthroplasty joint prosthesis includes connectors (2, 4) fixed in the pedicles Vp of the spinal levels by anchoring screws (3), upper and lower connecting elements (5, 6) connecting the connectors (2, 4) to each other, and guiding and damping element (7) connecting the upper and lower connecting elements (5, 6), the guiding and damping element (7) and the upper and lower connecting elements (5, 6) being constructed with relation to each other so as to define at least one rotation and sliding axis C situated at the level of the upper superjacent vertebra Va of the instrumented segment Sr in order to limit the stresses on the anchoring screws (3) ensuring fixation of the connectors (2) in the superjacent vertebra Va.
US08177801B2
A high-speed atherectomy device is disclosed, for abrading a blockage (stenosis) in the interior of a lumen (artery). The device uses a rapidly rotating drive shaft that includes an eccentric abrasive element that has its center of mass laterally offset from the rotational axis of the drive shaft. As the drive shaft rotates, centrifugal force drives the eccentric abrasive element outward, so that it traces an abrading diameter at high rotational speeds that is larger than its rest diameter. The drive shaft includes counterweights on both sides of the abrasive element, which may stabilize operation at high rotational speeds. In some cases, the counterweights are also eccentric, with their centers of mass laterally offset from the rotational axis in the opposite direction as that of the abrasive element. The counterweights are longitudinally separated from the abrasive element, and in some cases, the separations are adjustable and/or controllable. In some cases, the guide wire may be retracted prior to or during the high-speed rotation of the drive shaft, with the retraction being to the distal counterweight, the abrasive element, the proximal counterweight, or beyond the proximal counterweight.
US08177799B2
Apparatus and methods for performing a surgical anastomotic procedure are disclosed herein. Apparatus according to the present disclosure include at least one fastener including a first fastener portion having an anchoring leg portion, a second fastener portion including an anchoring leg portion, wherein the first and second fastener portions are operatively associated with one another to selectively fix the position of the first fastener portion relative to the second fastener portion.
US08177797B2
The present invention relates to a tubular suture reinforcement material suitable for use in automatic suturing devices that are widely used in surgical operations, etc. More specifically, the present invention relates to a tubular suture reinforcement material with which a tubular shape is easily obtained to thereby increase its productivity, and removal of thread is easily achieved. The present invention provides a tubular suture reinforcement material for an automatic suturing device formed by stacking two sheet-like materials and sewing together both ends of the two sheet-like materials using two chain stitches (intralooping stitches) each thread end at each sewing end is suitably extended, and the thread end is passed through an anterior loop continuous to the thread end, thereby preventing the thread from unraveling.
US08177783B2
Electrosurgery method and apparatus. In the method, tissue is cut or coagulated, with an electrically low conductive liquid providing cooling. In another method, skin is cut by electrosurgery in a dry field using a low duty cycle signal energizing the cutting electrode, minimizing tissue charring. A combination coagulation and cutting electrode performs both functions. The cutting is performed by a blade edge generating a local plasma adapted for cutting. Superimposed on the blade edge is an electrode of greater surface area electrically insulated from the cutting electrode, for coagulation. In another version, a single component cutting/coagulation blade (electrode) has a cutting and a flat partially insulated portion defining through holes in the insulation for coagulation. Also provided is an electrical circuit whereby each electrode is isolated by a filter from cross talk and feedback of the RF signal from the other electrode, minimizing arcing.
US08177780B2
The invention provides surgical systems and methods for ablating heart tissue within the interior and/or exterior of the heart. A plurality of probes is provided with each probe configured for introduction into the chest for engaging the heart. Each probe includes an elongated shaft having an elongated ablating surface of a predetermined shape. The elongated shaft and the elongated ablating surface of each probe are configured to ablate a portion of the heart. A sealing device affixed to the heart tissue forms a hemostatic seal between the probe and the penetration in the heart to inhibit blood loss therethrough.
US08177769B2
Lung volume reduction is performed in a minimally invasive manner by isolating a lung tissue segment, optionally reducing gas flow obstructions within the segment, and aspirating the segment to cause the segment to at least partially collapse. Further optionally, external pressure may be applied on the segment to assist in complete collapse. Reduction of gas flow obstructions may be achieved in a variety of ways, including over inflation of the lung, introduction of mucolytic or dilation agents, application of vibrational energy, induction of absorption atelectasis, or the like. Optionally, diagnostic procedures on the isolated lung segment may be performed, typically using the same isolation/access catheter.
US08177749B2
A system for injecting a fluid medicament into a patient includes a drive mechanism, and a cassette loaded with a pre-filled hypodermic syringe. When the cassette is loaded, the syringe is held firmly inside and the cassette can be selectively engaged with the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism has two motors. A first motor initially moves the hypodermic syringe from a position inside the cassette where its needle is concealed, to a position where the needle extends from the cassette for insertion into a patient for an injection. With the needle inserted, a second motor pushes the syringe stopper to expel a fluid medicament from the syringe. After an injection, the first motor withdraws the syringe back into concealment inside the cassette, to again firmly hold the syringe on the cassette. The cassette and syringe, in combination, can then be removed from the drive mechanism and discarded.
US08177746B2
A vasoocclusive coil is reinforced with a stretch resistant member to improve safety during retraction of the coil. The stretch resistant member is fixedly attached at one end to the vasoocclusive coil, and the other end of the stretch resistant member is detachably mounted to an elongated pusher member to allow for placement and release of the vasoocclusive coil within the patient's vasculature.
US08177745B2
A needle safety module for being connected to an injection device for administering a liquid product to a patient, the module including a housing, a needle connected to the housing, and a needle protective sleeve having one end which can be placed on an injection point of the patient and displaced axially in relation to one of the needle or the housing from a starting position in which the needle tip is covered to an injection position in which the needle tip at least touches the injection point, the needle protective sleeve lockable in relation to one of the needle or the housing.
US08177744B2
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for medical treatment comprising bone, tissue or duct dilatation using inflatable dilatation elements together with apparatus and techniques for tensioning, stretching, folding, and/or wrapping the dilatation elements externally as well as in situ to facilitate insertion, positioning and withdrawal procedures.
US08177739B2
A rapid infusion system for the intravenous delivery of fluids at standard and rapid flow rates. The system includes a pump assembly, a drive assembly to power the pump, and a fluid containment system that keeps the infused fluid out of direct contact with the pump assembly and that is preferably disposable and removable. In one embodiment the drive assembly includes a differential drive that interacts with more than one motor. In one embodiment, the pump assembly includes a roller pump and the pump chamber is a collapsible, preformed tube that is preferably attached to a pump cartridge frame. Optionally, the system includes a self-leveling drip chamber and the fluid containment system is disposable and includes a pump cartridge containing the drip chamber and the pump chamber, I.V. tubing, outlet infusion tubing, and a heater cartridge.
US08177733B2
A body weight support device of the present invention is equipped with a body attachment part attached to a user's body, a floor contact part provided contactably on a floor, a leg link part for connecting the body attachment part to the floor contact part through a joint part, an actuator for driving the joint part, and a control unit for controlling a drive of the actuator, wherein the control unit drives the actuator so that the leg link part gives a body weight support force to the user through the body attachment part.
US08177728B2
A biopsy device comprises a body, a needle, a cutter, and a shuttle valve slider. The needle has a first lumen and a second lumen. The cutter translates relative to the needle. The shuttle valve slider translates in response to translation of the cutter. The shuttle valve slider vents the second lumen when the shuttle valve slider is in a first longitudinal position and substantially seals the second lumen relative to atmospheric air when the shuttle valve slider is in a second longitudinal position. A degree of lost motion is provided between the cutter and the shuttle valve slider, such that the cutter moves the shuttle valve slider only when the cutter moves through a first part of the cutter's range of motion; and such that the cutter does not move the shuttle valve slider when the cutter moves through a second part of the cutter's range of motion.
US08177722B2
In a method for intermittently occluding the coronary sinus, in which in an alternating manner the coronary sinus is occluded by an occlusion device and the occlusion is released, the curve of the fluid pressure occurring in the coronary sinus after the release of the occlusion is estimated by calculation and the time of the beginning of the next occlusion is determined as a function of the estimated pressure curve.
US08177721B2
The invention as disclosed is a non-contact method and apparatus for continuously monitoring a physiological event in a human or animal, such as blood pressure, which involves utilizing a laser-based interferometer system in combination with a laser tracking system and a signal processor to produce a waveform that is representative of a continuous physiological event such as blood pressure or respiration in a subject.
US08177717B2
An ultrasonic endoscope comprising an insertion portion including a distal hard portion. The insertion portion comprises an ultrasonic transducer arranged in the distal hard portion and a treatment equipment lead-out hole, a slant surface on which an endoscopic viewing section is formed, the slant surface being provided in a position rear of the treatment equipment lead-out hole and a balloon removably arranged in a fit area on the ultrasonic transducer. The distal hard portion comprises a balloon-fit groove between an arrangement region of the ultrasonic transducer and an opening of the treatment equipment lead-out hole. The balloon has an end including a retaining ring that fits in the balloon-fit groove. The distal hard portion further comprises a treatment equipment guide member that slidably guides the treatment equipment across an arrangement area of the balloon-fit groove and up to a position on a beginning side of a scanning range of the ultrasonic transducer.
US08177706B2
A method for treating urinary incontinence includes the steps of inserting into the woman's vagina a first disposable device, removing the first disposable device, and inserting a second disposable device substantially identical to the first disposable device. The disposable devices have a working portion with opposed faces to provide support to an associated urinary system and an anchoring portion to maintain the disposable device in place during use. The anchoring portion has at least one member extending beyond at least one end of the working portion.
US08177695B2
Some embodiments provide an abdominal training machine that uses an adapted reverse crunching motion to minimize stress to the knees, back, shoulders, and neck when training the abdominal muscles. The machine combines weight resistance training with a replicated natural motion of each leg to produce the adapted reverse crunching motion. The adapted reverse crunching motion is performed using a section of the lower part of the body closest to the abdominal muscles while the upper body or torso remains stationary. In some embodiments, the abdominal training machine includes a frame, a body support member, and two individually rotating resistance members. Each resistance member includes a weight assembly for providing a user adjustable amount of resistance.
US08177694B1
An exercise apparatus is disclosed. The exercise apparatus may include a frame and a rail suspended from the frame. The rail may have a length extending horizontally. The exercise apparatus may further include two carriages, each configured to roll along the rail independent of one another. A handle may be connected to each carriage. A user may grasp the handles, one with each hand, and execute an exercise such as a chin-up, pull-up, bicep curl, lat pulldown, or the like.
US08177691B2
The subject matter discloses an exercising device enabled to switch between elliptical course and circular course of footrests used by a user, comprising two main wheels, each connected to a different footrest; two connecting rods, the distal end of each connecting rod is connected to each main wheel and the proximal end of each connecting rod is connected to the body of the exercising device, said connecting rods are enabled to move the two main wheels on a horizontal axis.The subject matter also discloses A mechanism within an exercising device enabling both elliptical and circular movement of a footrest in the exercising device, the mechanism comprising: a main wheel connected to the footrest and rotated upon movement of the footrest; a connecting rod connected on its proximal end to the body of the exercising device and on its distal end to the main wheel; wherein the course of the footrest's movement is elliptical when the distal end is connected to a non-centric position on the main wheel and circular when the connecting rod is connected to a centric position on the main wheel or when the connecting rod is not connected to both the main wheel and the body of the exercising device. The footrests and handlebars of the exercising device fit the new motions enabled by the device. A stepper can also be embedded within the exercising device of the disclosed subject matter.
US08177686B2
A method for controlling a vehicle torque converter lockup clutch during a deceleration coasting event includes producing slip across the clutch by reducing the clutch's torque capacity, decreasing said slip by increasing said torque capacity, and maintaining slip across the clutch.
US08177681B2
A control device for a vehicular power transmitting apparatus, having engaging devices including a one-way clutch, is disclosed which prevents a locked state of the one-way clutch from causing the occurrence of slippages of other engaging devices to avoid a drop in durability of the engaging device. To achieve this object, engaging a plurality of engaging devices in combined operations allows a plurality of gear positions to be established. A shifting mechanism (vehicular power transmitting apparatus) 10 is provided wherein at least one of the plural engaging devices includes a one-way clutch F1. The shifting mechanism switches a method of selecting a gear position at S3 depending on a shift position of a shift lever 52, determined at S1, and a vehicle running direction determined at S2.
US08177679B2
A drive system has an electrically controlled differential portion (11) in which a differential state between an input-shaft rotation speed and an output-shaft rotation speed is controlled upon controlling a first electric motor (M1), and a shifting portion (20) and a second electric motor (M2) disposed in a power transmitting path between the electrically controlled differential portion and drive wheels (34). In a control device for controlling the drive system, a rotation direction of an output shaft (18) of the shifting portion is able to be determined without increasing the number of component parts such as a rotation speed sensor. The control device includes rotation direction determination means (86) for determining a rotation direction of an output shaft (22) of an automatic shifting portion (20) based on an engagement of a given coupling element and a detected result of rotation direction detection means (92). This enables the rotation direction of the output shaft 22 of the automatic shifting portion (20) to be suitably detected without increasing the number of component parts such as the rotation speed sensor.
US08177678B2
In a multistage transmission, a pair of pressure rollers is provided to be movable along a two-axes connecting line of input and output shafts within a disk overlapping area of input and output disks, and configured to sandwich the input and output disks while applying contact pressure from the outside disk faces at a position corresponding to a required transmission ratio. A plurality of ridged portions, formed on each of the input and output disks, are configured such that the entire length of the two-axes connecting line is divided into an input-side driving radius and an output-side driving radius, both determined based on the required transmission ratio, and that an apex of a selected input-side ridged portion and an apex of a selected output-side ridged portion, both determined based on the required transmission ratio, are arranged to oppose each other on the two-axes connecting line.
US08177675B2
A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least ten forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
US08177671B2
To provide a control system capable of setting a various kinds of driving mode, and shifting the driving mode regardless of the rotational speed of the engine.The control system comprises: a power distribution mechanism having three rotary elements rotating differentially amongst each other; a speed change mechanism capable of setting a first speed change mode in which the power transmitted from the second rotary element connected with the first electric motor is outputted to an output member, and a second speed change mode in which the power transmitted from the third rotary element connected with the second electric motor is outputted to the output member; and a first speed change control means (steps S7 and S8), which sets an EV running mode by temporarily disabling the internal combustion engine to transmit the power thereof to the output member while transmitting the power outputted from any of the electric motors to the output member instead of transmitting the power of the internal combustion engine, in case of shifting the speed change mode of the speed change mechanism under a condition in which the power of the internal combustion engine is being transmitted to the output member without being converted into an electric power by the electric motors.
US08177661B2
A golf club comprises a shaft, a club head, and a connection assembly that allows the shaft to be easily disconnected from the club head. In particular embodiments, a sleeve including a top portion and a middle portion connected to the top portion is described. The middle portion includes a thin wall thickness. A bottom portion is connected to the middle portion including a plurality of engaging surfaces. A central longitudinal axis and an offset angle offset from the central longitudinal axis is described. The offset angle allows a maximum loft change of about 0.5 degrees to about 4.0 degrees. The total weight of the sleeve is less than 9 g.
US08177655B2
A T-shaped golf instructional tool adapted to fit over the grip end of a conventional or belly-type putter for the purpose of teaching a proper putting stroke and improving consistency. An attach bar is fixed to a putter grip using hook and loop fastened straps. The attach bar extends above the putter between the user's forearms, where two horizontal rods are fixed to the attach bar at a common junction. The horizontal rods provide feedback to the user and ensure his or her forearms, wrists and arms stay positioned together through the putting stroke. The horizontal rods align perpendicular to the putter face, allowing alignment of the shoulders and feet relative to the intended target. The attach bar can be adjusted out of plane relative to the putter swing path to accommodate different user geometry and proper posture over the ball.
US08177649B2
A constant velocity joint for a drive system with a first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft, comprises: a hollow housing having a plurality of guide grooves therein, the guide grooves extending in an axial direction of the housing and spaced equally apart in a circumferential direction of the housing; a tripod having a plurality of trunnions, each trunnion positioned in a corresponding one of the guide grooves of the hollow housing; and a roller assembly disposed on each trunnion, the roller assembly including an outer roller for rollably receiving in the corresponding guide groove; wherein the outer roller includes a convex outer surface, the convex outer surface having a first radius (Rry) seen from a cross section taken in an orthogonal direction relative to a central axis of the outer roller, the convex outer surface having a second radius (Rrx) seen from a cross section taken along the central axis of the outer roller, a center of the second radius (Rrx) displaced outwardly from a center of the first radius (Rry), and the second radius (Rrx) being shorter than the first radius (Rry). Each of the guide grooves of the housing includes a concave surface for mating with the convex outer surface of the outer roller, and the guide groove further includes a plurality of recess areas respectively recessed from the concave surface of the groove, and thereby defining widened spaces between the guide groove of the housing and its corresponding upper and lower portions of the convex outer roller.
US08177647B2
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a gaming device configured to record gaming activity, a method of processing the recorded gaming activity to analyze player behavior, and a system including the gaming device. The gaming device may include a gaming display to display gaming events played on the gaming device by a player during a gaming session, a player interface panel including a plurality of gaming buttons and a game initiating button configured to initiate the gaming events, and a game processor configured to record each activity between the player and the gaming device, wherein each recorded activity is associated with a time stamp.
US08177644B2
A gaming system and method of conducting a wagering game having a fantasy-sports feature on a gaming system is disclosed. A wager is received from a user to play the wagering game. A roster having one or more player is created, via user selection. A projected team score and an actual team score for the created roster are determined. A ratio is calculated for the actual team score to the projected team score. An award is provided to the user if the calculated ratio meets a predetermined criterion.
US08177637B2
Disclosed are gaming machines, including related methods, apparatus, and systems, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for providing a game of chance. Peripheral devices, such as a bill acceptor and ticket printer, are consolidated in a central region of the gaming machine, behind a moveable door of the machine. Doors of the machine, including a door having a display, are moveable in directions along a longitudinal axis of the machine between open and closed positions. An adjustable button panel is moveable to a plurality of positions along the longitudinal axis, independent of the moveable doors. An array of networked displays on one or more gaming machines are controlled to simultaneously output lighting patterns, including synchronized patterns, associated with various events. Designated lighting patterns can also be output on light borders disposed around groups of buttons and other input devices on the button panel. A player interface is coupled to receive player input for setting parameters defining the audio and video presentation of game data on the machine. Contributing to the audio presentation, one or more speakers situated in an upper region of the cabinet are oriented at a downward angle.
US08177634B2
A distributed computer system is provided for collecting player information Further, a scoring system is provided that rates a player based on one or more elements of the collected information. Players may be rated with respect to a number of characteristics. Responsive to a determined rating or score, action may be taken by the distributed system with regard to the player. For instance, the player may be provided a complimentary offer, provided an award, and invitation to come to a gambling location, presented an advertisement, or other action may be performed involving the player. Further, the distributed computer system may permit a player to manage their frequent player accounts and receive complimentary offers based on a set of criteria specified by the player.
US08177623B2
A slot machine of the present invention comprises: a symbol display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbols; and a controller, the controller programmed to execute the processing of: (A) executing a game in which the plurality of symbols are variably displayed and then stop-displayed to the symbol display device after game media are BET in a number equal to or less than a previously set maximum number of BETs, and game media are paid out in a number according to the stop-displayed symbols or a combination thereof; (B) shifting a mode from a non-insurance mode to an insurance mode on condition that a predetermined number of game media is inserted; (C) counting the number of games played after shifting to the insurance mode, in the insurance mode; (D) paying out a predetermined number of game media when the number of games counted in the processing (C) reaches a specific number; and (E) clearing the number of games counted in the processing (C), when a game is played in which game media are paid out in a number equal to or more than a predetermined number before the number of games counted in the processing (C) reaches the specific number.
US08177622B2
A method of playing a wagering game. The method includes conducting the wagering game at a gaming terminal. A plurality of symbols is displayed, each of the plurality of symbols located in a cell of an array. In response to at least one of the plurality of symbols achieving a winning outcome, a player is awarded a winning award and a background of a cell associated with the winning outcome is modified. Also, the modification of the background causes an alteration in the wagering game.
US08177621B2
A gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a basic wagering game and a bonus wagering game. The bonus wagering game has a skill-based component that involves skill and a random component where no skill is involved. The gaming machine uses the random component to compensate players for a lack of optimal play during the skill-based component. The compensation is provided in a manner that appears random to the players to prevent the players from intentionally playing for the compensation.
US08177615B2
A method of playing a wagering blackjack-type card game on an electronic device wherein the object of the game is to play and win or at least tie both of two player hands against a single dealer hand. Preferably four cards are dealt to each player who has placed a wager, and at least an initial up card for the dealer is displayed. Each player then has the option of forfeiting at least a portion of his wager, or continuing to play. If the player decides to continue playing, the initially-dealt cards are then randomly displayed as two cards in each of two separate player hands. Each player hand is then finalized according to traditional blackjack rules, including doubling, hitting and standing. Each finalized player hand is then compared with a finalized dealer hand, with the winning wagers being determined by a predetermined paytable. A side bet is also disclosed.
US08177614B2
A method, system, and computer readable storage medium to provide a variation of a blackjack game. If the dealer's up-card is of a predetermined card, then the dealer will automatically reveal the dealer's hole card, thereby providing the player with additional information. If the player's initial hand comprises a predetermined hand or hands, then the player can earn a bonus which can be multiplied based on a multiplier associated with the dealer's up-card.
US08177606B2
A dust shroud for rotary tools includes a front half and a back half which are attachable together along an axis thereof to form a dust shroud. The dust shroud is mountable to a rotary power tool after mounting a mandrel in the power tool, and includes one or more openings to allow a person to lock the shaft of the tool while the dust shroud is mounted thereto to allow a person to change a worn out abrasive pad. The dust shroud is particularly suited for use with die grinders and similar rotary tools.
US08177604B2
A surface abrading method of an electrophotographic photoreceptor is disclosed, comprising abrading the surface of a photosensitive layer with an abrading member entrained about a backup roll with feeding the abrading member and rotating the photoreceptor, while moving the abrading member parallel to a rotating shaft of the photoreceptor with bringing the abrading member into contact with the photosensitive layer surface, wherein the abrading member comprises a solid body on a backing material, the solid body contains abrasive grains and is provided on the backing material brought into contact with the photosensitive layer surface, and the top face of the solid body exhibits a surface roughness (Ry) of from 4.0 to 8.0 μm.
US08177601B2
The invention provides a toy that talks when activated. The toy may be activated by simulating play with the toy or by changing the illumination of the toy's environment. Through electronic circuitry, the toy produces a sound output when its magnetic sensor detects a magnet nearby or when its photosensor detects a change in the level of illumination in the surrounding area. The toy may be used for peek-a-boo play involving children.
US08177593B2
An outboard motor includes an engine, an exhaust passage, an idle exhaust passage, a contraction portion and an expansion chamber, a bypass passage, and a check valve. The bypass passage includes an upstream end connected to the idle exhaust passage at a downstream side relative to the contraction portion and the expansion chamber, and a downstream end connected to the idle exhaust passage at an upstream side relative to the contraction portion and the expansion chamber. The check valve is provided in the bypass passage. The check valve is arranged such that air flows only from the upstream end side to the downstream end side.
US08177586B2
A connector system (1) includes a plurality of connectors (39 to 45) which each have a plug and a counter plug. Each plug has a plurality of receptacles (29, 30) for contacts and each counter plug has a plurality of receptacles (29, 30) for counter contacts. In at least one receptacle (29, 30) of each plug, a contact is arranged and in at least one allocated receptacle (29, 30) of each counter plug, an allocated counter contact is arranged. In at least one of the connectors (39 to 45), at least one receptacle of a plug does not have a contact. In the allocated receptacle (29, 30) of the counter plug, a coding element is arranged which prevents the insertion of a contact into this receptacle (29, 30) of the counter plug.
US08177581B2
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing, a plurality of terminals and a pair of board locks retained in the housing. The insulative housing defines a mating surface, a mounting surface opposite to the mating surface, a plurality of passageways penetrating through the mating surface and a pair of slots penetrating through the mounting face and a first side face of the insulative housing. The terminals are received in the passageways. The board locks are secured in the corresponding slots of the insulative housing. Each board lock includes a retention portion and a lock tail extending from the retention portion beyond the mounting face. The insulative housing further defines a pair of block portions unitarily protruding from the first side face adjacent to the corresponding slots, and each board lock includes a retaining portion abutting against the corresponding block portion on a face opposite to the mounting face.
US08177576B2
A connector comprises a connector body (40), a connector upper housing (10), a locking component (20) and a connecting assembly (30) provided within the connector body (40). The locking component (20) includes a locking knob (23) and a locking bolt (21). Holes are provided on the middle of the connecting assembly (30) and the connector body (40) respectively to match with the locking bolt (21). The diameter of the locking knob (23) of the locking component (20) is larger than the width of the connector body (40). The connector upper housing (10) is fixed on the connector body (40) and restricts the locking knob (23) between the connector body (40) and the connector upper housing (10).
US08177575B2
A connector assembly includes a first connector and a second connector. The second connector has a receptacle portion configured to receive a mating portion of the first connector, a lock key, and a biasing member. The lock key has a pushed portion and is received in the receptacle portion so as to be movable between a locking position and an unlocking position. The biasing member is configured to bias the lock key toward the locking position. The mating portion of the first connector has a positioning key having a pusher and a locking portion. When the first connector is inserted along the insertion direction, the pushed portion is pushed by the pusher, so that the lock key is temporarily moved to the unlocking position and then moved to the locking position. Thus, a mating state of the first connector and the second connector is locked.
US08177565B2
The invention features an electrical connection apparatus capable of operatively attaching to an electrical appliance or electrical socket. The apparatus also includes at least two electrical connections which can communicate with each other to allow the flow of electrical charge therebetween. The apparatus can also be arranged to allow relative movement of the at least first and/or second electrical connection between a first position, wherein electrical charge can flow therebetween, and a second position, wherein the flow of electrical charge is prevented. The relative movement can take place over a pre-determined time period following actuation to provide a timing mechanism for the apparatus.
US08177554B2
A pulp chamber locator assists a dentist in performing a root canal procedure. The device includes a generally circular plate and a plurality of struts extending from the plate. The plate has a hole in the vicinity of its center. The device is inserted over a tooth, such that the struts engage the cemento-enamel junction of the tooth. The hole then indicates the proper point of entry for a dental instrument. The device may also include a rotatable indicator for showing the proper angle of entry, to insure that the instrument reaches the pulp chamber of the tooth. The dentist adjusts the position of the indicator, based on information provided by an X-ray or equivalent, and positions the dental instrument so as to be generally parallel with the indicator.
US08177545B2
A method for operating a combustor having a catalyst bed. The method includes the steps of directing a flow of air through a catalyst bed, providing heat to the catalyst bed, sensing the temperature in an upstream portion of the catalyst bed to provide an upstream temperature, directing a flow of a fuel through the catalyst bed when the upstream temperature reaches a light-off temperature to produce a combustion reaction, increasing the flow of the fuel until the flow of air and the flow of fuel have a selected air to fuel ratio, and controlling the combustion reaction within the catalyst bed by adjusting the flow of air and the flow of fuel while maintaining the selected air to fuel ratio. The method can include sensing temperatures within the catalyst bed and controlling the combustion reaction in response to the sensed temperatures. The heat provided to the catalyst bed can also be adjusted in response to the sensed temperatures. The methods can further include exchanging heat between heated combustion products and one or more reforming reactants.
US08177537B2
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming agarose or cored agarose beads. The process involves dissolving/gelation the agarose in a suitable liquid, mixing it with a hydrophobic liquid to form an emulsion and maintaining that emulsion at a temperature equal to or greater than the gelation point of the agarose, passing it through a static mixer to create agarose droplets and solidifying the agarose droplets in a second bath of hydrophobic liquid. The beads can then be washed and used or further processed to crosslink the agarose and/or add various functionalities on to the agarose. Another method for solidifying the agarose droplets is by using a heat exchanger to cool the stream continuously after it exits the static mixer. A similar process is used for the “cored” beads except cores, preferably in bead form, are introduced to the agarose before it enters the first hydrophobic liquid so that the agarose forms a coating on the cores. A similar process with either agarose beads (made by this or another process) or cored agarose (made by this or another process) can be used to add multiple layers of agarose on to the existing beads. An apparatus for running the process is also disclosed.
US08177534B2
An axial air cooling system for scroll-type positive fluid displacement apparatus provides needed cooling. The system includes an axial fan and centrifugal pump and internal cooling air channels inside parts integrating main housing, base housing and motor housing with their corresponding shell parts by cooling fins. The cooling air channel also includes passages inside the orbiting scroll, shaft central hole and gaps inside stator slots and winding. Heat pipes are installed inside the fixed and orbiting scrolls to conduct heat from inside of the apparatus to the peripheral condenser portion of the heat pipes to be cooled by the cooling air.
US08177512B2
A hub-profile connection system for axial fan is disclosed, consisting of a hub to which one or more blades provided with an air displacement profile are connected, wherein one or more blades are attached in a flexible manner to the hub by means of two separate flexible elements, both fixed, reciprocally distinct, separate and overlapped one to the other in the fan axis direction on the hub side, to a fastening block and, on the blade side, to a corresponding fastening block. Compared with the known rigid, hinged and flexible constraint systems, the system of the present invention offers lower static and dynamic loads, as well as construction simplicity, with consequent cost saving and vibration abatement.
US08177511B2
A blower wheel comprising a centerdisk comprising a conical portion (16), a planar portion (160) for receiving a hub (7), and an arcuate portion (15) intermediate the conical portion and an outer portion (14), a plurality of blades (2) connected to the outer portion, the blades further connected to a ring (3), and a hub connected to the planar portion, the hub comprising a fastener (13) for attaching the centerdisk to a shaft (200).
US08177501B2
A turbine power generation system, comprising a stator including a shroud and a rotor rotatably situated within the shroud, wherein the shroud is structured such that the inner diameter of the inner surface of the shroud reduces when the inner surface is exposed to a thermal load. The reduction of the inner diameter allows a minimum blade-casing clearance to be achieved during steady-state operation instead of during transient operations. Blade-casing clearance is configured to be greatest at when the engine is in a cold, stationary position. The clearance is further configured to decrease as thermal load increases until a steady-state, thermal equilibrium is achieved. The clearance grows during shutdown as the stator and rotor begin to cool.
US08177498B2
An inlet duct, an induction system, and a system are disclosed for directing an inlet flow into an inlet compressor for use in an internal combustion engine. An example inlet duct may include one or more relief features disposed on an inner surface of the inlet duct. The one or more relief features may be made integral with the inlet duct. The one or more relief features may be disposed to protrude into the inlet flow to cause the inlet flow to swirl before reaching the inlet compressor.
US08177494B2
A multiple of circumferential grooves within said arcuate engine casing and an abradable material located radial inboard of the multiple of circumferential grooves.
US08177493B2
External shroud for a turbomachine turbine wheel, this shroud being formed of ring sectors (120) positioned circumferentially end to end, and each comprising a circumferentially directed plate (136) bearing a block (138) of abradable material, the plate and the block of each ring sector being offset one with respect to the other in the circumferential direction so that a circumferential end part of the plate of each ring sector overlaps a corresponding end part of the block of an adjacent ring sector.
US08177492B2
A cooled gas turbine engine component includes a cooling passage, one or more cooling inlet apertures in flow communication with a coolant supply and a first end of the cooling passage, and a coolant flow obstruction inside the cooling passage between the one or more cooling inlet apertures and a second end of the cooling passage and configured to direct a portion of coolant from the one or more cooling inlet apertures toward the first end of the cooling passage.
US08177488B2
A service tube apparatus for a gas turbine engine includes a service tube assembly having: (a) an elongated, hollow service tube; and (b) a service tube baffle surrounding the service tube which is pierced with a plurality of impingement cooling holes.
US08177479B2
An energy recovery apparatus and method for recovering and harvesting energy from passing air is disclosed. Energy recovery and harvesting from passing air is accomplished by creating a pressure differential using high and low pressure ports. The energy represented by the pressure differential is extracted using a mass airfoil device which, in turn, is used to create alternative forms of energy which, in turn, is used to support auxiliary and main systems aboard any moving object or form of transport.
US08177478B2
A reaction turbine system for the generation of hydroelectricity is disclosed. It consists of a Darrieus type turbine with a horizontal axis of rotation. The blades may be straight or helical, and are held equidistant from the central rotating shaft by blade support members. The blades are oriented so that a blade at its rotational apex moves directly opposite to the direction of water flow. The turbine is elevated such that the top portion, where blades travel directly against the direction of water flow, is in the air and above the water level. This design greatly reduces stresses on the system and increases energy output relative to a Darrieus turbine fully immersed in water flow. This design also enables the turbine to self-start.
US08177477B2
A dam-free hydro-power plant for generating electricity comprises a convergent-divergent water passage including a cylindrical neck containing a shutter, branch pipes connected with the neck, each branch pipe including a reverse valve capable of triggering, depending on the stream direction in the passage. A first and second branch pipes are located in front of the shutter, a third and fourth branch pipes are located behind thereof, a first and second buffers accumulating respectively higher-pressure liquid and lower-pressure liquid, the buffers are communicated through a cross-flow pipeline enclosing a turbine joined with an electro-generator. The first buffer is communicated with the neck via the first and the third branch pipe, whereas the second buffer is communicated with the neck via the second and the fourth branch pipe. The plant is highly efficient due to deploying hydro-impact, and particularly usable in places of tidal activities, in freezing rivers for all-year-round generating electricity.
US08177472B2
A process to invert a structure, for example a vehicle body after an equipment mounting phase, namely of mobility means, on the underside of said structure, process wherein the structure is made to swivel around an instantaneous axis of rotation which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the structure, such axis of rotation being located in the vicinity of a first end of the structure, maneuvering means being positioned at the other end of the structure to control this swiveling.
US08177466B2
Fasteners such as clip nut fasteners can include a clip having a nut cage and a nut supported by the nut cage. The nut cage can have a wall supporting a portion of the nut wherein the wall can flex toward and away from the nut. The nut can have projections or other discontinuities for engaging bearing surfaces in the nut cage, for limiting rotation of the nut when under torque.
US08177457B2
A levee and barrier module for fluid control and containment is provided including an outer module shell and a module-to-module connection system to attach adjacent outer shells. The outer module shell is formed by opposing side walls and two opposing end walls and is configured to enclose or support filler material. The outer module shell defines a top aperture and a bottom aperture. The bottom aperture allows filler material communication with the earth below the module. The top aperture allows filler material to be added to the module, as well as visual observation of, and maintenance of, the amount of contained filler material. A presented application is directed to protecting pipelines and to allowing pipeline integration or association with levees.
US08177455B2
A connector for a bracket including a male adapter and a female adapter is provided. The male adapter includes a first base structure and a neck structure protruding out of the base structure and is disposed on a surface to be clamped. The neck structure includes multiple first lobes extending radially outward from the neck structure. The first lobes include a first mating surface contour on a bottom surface. The female adapter includes a second base structure. The second base structure includes multiple second lobes made of a flexible material. The second base structure also includes a second mating surface contour on a top surface and is configured to fit into said first mating surface contour thereby deforming said multiple second lobes to induce a clamping force between a shoulder of said female adapter and a surface of a bracket.
US08177453B2
The present invention generally relates to a mechanical ball joint assembly which is particularly useful in finishing tools. The finishing tools may be used, for example, to prepare drywall surfaces for decorating and/or painting. The mechanical ball joint assembly may allow a body casting of the finishing tool to rotate in almost any direction with respect to ball joint and handle portion of the finishing tool. As a result, the body casting may be used to perform work on the drywall at many different angles, including ninety degree angles at the corners of most rooms. An opening in the ball joint assembly of the finishing tool may secure a ball joint portion by, for example, a moveable securing rod having an indentation. The movable securing rod of the ball joint assembly may allow the user to temporarily secure the ball joint within the opening of the ball joint assembly. The movable securing rod is spring-loaded to secure the ball joint within the opening of the ball joint assembly. The ball joint may be removed from the opening of the ball joint assembly to, for example, clean, replace, repair, store or transport the finishing tool.
US08177451B2
The brush applicator has a tapered inner wall and inwardly extended flange inside of a nozzle, which secures a molded or crimped brush assembly. Two edge applicators apply a substantially uniform thin layer of adhesive or glue only on the edge surface of a workpiece. A first edge applicator applies glue through an exit and a second embodiment of the edge applicator has a roller with side flanges and with a reduced portion in-between. A flat surface applicator may have plural vanes and channels inside of two outer walls to distribute adhesive to a wider flat exit. A biscuit applicator applies glue on two side surfaces of elliptical slots that are formed by biscuit cutters. The glue flows through plural vanes or plural transversely positioned openings and passes to form two opposite layers of glue. A dowel applicator applies a thin substantially uniform layer of glue on the wall of a dowel-receiving hole prior to installation of dowel pins. The glue is applied using a cylindrical nozzle body with plural projections and a reduced diameter portion. A wet well prevents applicator from clogging by hardened glue. The wet well fits tightly over the cap and the entire inner space of the wet well is saturated with moisture/solvent from a water/solvent retainer. A viscous-material applicator dispenses a plurality of beads on the floor or on backside of the workpieces. The viscous-material applicator includes a nozzle that has a flat but wide exit at outlet end, wherein the nozzle has plural vanes or flow restraints to diverge the flow of adhesive to a wider outlet end that has a plurality of orifices.
US08177450B2
An improved structure for a make-up pen with a function of vibration massage comprises an accommodating tube body, a discharging set, a cover, a shelter, a battery cover, an elastic element, a battery, a vibration motor, a tumbler switch, and a switch piece. The accommodating tube body comprises an outlet end, which has a discharging hole. The discharging set is disposed at the outlet end of the accommodating tube body; the cover is female-connected to the outlet end of the accommodating tube body one end of the switch piece is disposed at the tumbler switch and the other end is electrically connected to the battery, the switch piece is electrically connected to the vibration motor through the tumbler switch in order to turn on/off the vibration motor for massage and discharging make-up liquid.
US08177448B2
A writing instrument that includes a barrel having a front end, a fluid reservoir compartment, and a longitudinal axis. The writing instrument further includes a head disposed at the front end of the barrel where the head has a front part with an opening and at least one rib having a peak; a capillary connector having a front portion, a main portion having a diameter, a rear portion having a diameter, and a radial shoulder, where the capillary connector extends from the front part of the head to the fluid reservoir compartment; and a ring substantially coaxial with the longitudinal axis and disposed at a distance from the opening in the front part of the head. At least one air passage is formed between the ring and the barrel and the at least on rib extends in a radial direction between the ring and the barrel.
US08177431B2
A flexible container comprises a mesh material layer and a thermoplastic layer that forms a wall of the flexible container and is disposed external to the mesh material layer. A flexible handle is disposed external to the mesh material layer. The mesh material layer, the thermoplastic layer, and the flexible handle are joined by a set of stitching disposed therethrough.
US08177428B2
A sensor holder (10) includes a frame member (20) that bounds a void area (21) and which is configured to receive a sensor (11). A retaining means (50, 51) is provided to hold the sensor (11) to the frame (20) such that a connecting cable (12) affixed to the sensor (11) is secured and positioned by the void area (21) for a subsequent imaging procedure.
US08177424B2
A fiber optic sensor assembly for use on a sub-sea pipeline. The fiber optic sensor assembly is coupled to remotely located equipment by fiber optic cable(s) which extend outside of the pipeline. The fiber optic sensor assembly is affixed to a mounting point on the pipeline. The mounting point is a pipe section having an internal conduit and at least one layer that surrounds the internal conduit for protection and insulation of the internal conduit. A segment of the pipe section has a portion of such layer(s) removed or omitted to define an annular recess. When installed, the assembly has two semi-cylindrical halves that are positioned with the annular recess and coupled together to thereby surround and embrace the segment of the pipe section. The assembly houses a length of optical fiber that is coupled to at least one externally accessible fiber optic connector.
US08177420B2
Some embodiments include apparatus and methods having a first switch, a second switch, and a circuit coupled to the first and second switches. The first switch may be configured to switch between an on-state and an off-state based on a value of a first current flowing through a number of resistors and a diode coupled in series with the resistors. The second switch may be configured to switch between the on-state and the off-state based on a value of a second current on a circuit path. The second current is a function of a voltage at a node between two of the resistors and a resistance of the circuit path. The circuit may be configured to provide a temperature reading based on the number of times the first switch or the second switch switches between the on-state and the off-state during a time interval.
US08177413B2
A novel barrier screw scientifically designed with new structural features that eliminate the shortcomings of the previous barrier screws and further improve their performance. The important new structural features include a structure of originating the barrier flight without creating any dead-spot while maintaining a constant solid channel width, a structure of terminating the barrier flight without creating any dead-spot while assuring good melt quality, a melt channel structure of avoiding excessively deep channel depth while assuring sufficient melt conveying capacity, and a solid channel structure of avoiding excessively large channel area with shallow channel depth while assuring good melt quality.
US08177399B2
In a lamp, in particular a desk lamp, with a base plate (2) and a lamp head (3), the lamp head (3) is held on the base plate (2) via two profile elements (4, 5) running next to one another, wherein the profile elements (4, 5) represent current-conducting elements.
US08177380B2
A light-emitting device (10) includes: a light-emitting element (1); and a light flux controlling member (2) for controlling light emitted from the light-emitting element (1), the light flux controlling member (2) has (i) a light-incoming surface (2a) which the light emitted from the light-emitting element (1) enters and (ii) a light-outgoing surface (2b), and the following equation (1) is satisfied where r is a length, from a light axis Z of the light-emitting device (10), of a plane that is provided at a certain distance from the light flux controlling member (2) in a direction parallel to the light axis Z so as to be perpendicular to the light axis Z, φ1 is an angle between the light emitted from the light-emitting element (1) and the light axis, P(φ1) is a light distribution property of the light-emitting element (1). This provides a light-emitting device that scatters light without generating uneven brightness on a liquid crystal display panel, reduces a reflectance caused by the Fresnel's reflection, and has an improved scattering ability.
US08177374B2
A retroreflective sheet structure (10) comprising a transparent layer (20) having a front light-receiving surface (30) and a rear retroreflecting surface (32). Light incident on the front surface (30) will pass through the layer (20), impinge on the rear retroreflective surface (32) and reflect back out through the front surface (30) in a predetermined direction. An identifying indicia (44) is chosen and then formed on the retroreflecting surface (32). This indicia (44) can be used for identification purposes, even years after an end product incorporating the reflective sheet structure (10) has been out in the field.
US08177348B2
A Direct Write method of forming components on a substrate by deposition of ink by thermally curing the ink in situ, which method overcomes the need for curing by placing the substrate in an oven. The curing is performed in an exemplary embodiment using an induction coil (6) through which an oscillating current is passed. The coil (6) is placed above the region in which Direct Write ink has been deposited. The oscillating current induces eddy currents in the ink to cause heating of the ink and thus fix the ink by curing, sintering etc.
US08177347B2
A dual mode imaging device includes an input for supplying a medium to the imaging device, the medium comprising at least one of an erasable paper, and a non-erasable paper. The erasable paper can be one of an imaged or a non-imaged erasable paper. A conventional imaging subsystem is provided for imaging the non-erasable paper. A heating subsystem is provided for heating an input medium to one of an erasing temperature, an imaging temperature, or a fusing temperature according to a type of job requirement. A cooling station selectively cools an erased medium to an imaging temperature. A write subsystem is provided for UV imaging an erased medium.
US08177342B2
According to one aspect of the invention, a remanufacturing method of a liquid container forms an inlet in a downstream wall surface of a second chamber, which defines part of a bottom face of the liquid container. In the state of closing a liquid feeder and opening an air open structure, the remanufacturing method injects a liquid through the inlet to fill the second chamber with the liquid. In the state of opening the liquid feeder and closing the air open structure, the remanufacturing method injects the liquid through the inlet to fill a space from the second chamber to the liquid feeder with the liquid. The remanufacturing process seals the inlet after completion of the injection of the liquid. This arrangement enables the liquid to be efficiently refilled into the liquid container without damaging the functions of the liquid container.
US08177338B2
An inkjet ejector has been developed that enables the ejector to be operated at a frequency greater than 80 kHz. The inkjet ejector includes a body layer in which a pressure chamber is configured with an outlet having a volume that is less than a predetermined volumetric threshold, a flexible diaphragm plate disposed on the pressure chamber to form a wall of the pressure chamber, a piezoelectric transducer having a bottom surface attached to the diaphragm plate, and an inlet layer in which an inlet channel is configured to connect the pressure chamber to a source of liquid ink, a cross-sectional area of the inlet channel at the pressure chamber divided by a length of the inlet channel being greater than a predetermined linear threshold.
US08177328B2
Provided are an ink jet printing apparatus and an ink jet printing method which are capable of printing high-quality images by performing printing scanning in a forward direction and in an opposite direction without needing complicated control of a transfer amount of a printing medium nor causing throughput degradation. Inks are ejected from odd-numbered nozzles in scanning in the forward direction and are ejected from even-numbered nozzles in scanning in the opposite direction.
US08177321B2
An image forming apparatus includes a voltage applying unit to apply a voltage to and charge a surface of transport belt, a leak judging unit to judge a charge leak on the surface of the transport belt, and a recovery operation unit to perform a charge leak recovery operation in which the transport belt is driven in a state where the voltage applying unit applies no voltage to the transport belt, if the leak judging unit judges that the charge leak is generated on the surface of the transport belt. The leak judging unit again judges whether the charge leak is generated on the surface of the transport belt after the recovery operation unit performs the charge leak recovery operation.
US08177320B2
In a carriage of a liquid drop discharging device, an encoder sensor is arranged to read slits on a linear scale at a slit reading position. The carriage includes a stain detection part that detects a stain on the linear scale based on position information output from the encoder sensor. An encoder sensor moving part moves the encoder sensor from the slit reading position in a width direction of the linear scale. An encoder sensor movement control part controls movement of the encoder sensor from the slit read position by the encoder sensor moving part based on stain information output from the stain detection part.
US08177315B2
A printing apparatus includes an ejection unit that ejects fluid from nozzles onto a target and a nozzle inspection unit that performs nozzle inspection to inspect whether the fluid is ejected. An automatic print setting unit sets a check pattern automatic print mode in which a check pattern for confirming whether the fluid is ejected from the nozzles. An automatic inspection setting unit, when a predetermined automatic inspection condition is established, sets an automatic nozzle inspection mode in which the nozzle inspection is performed. A cleaning unit performs nozzle cleaning to clean abnormal nozzles that are detected. When the automatic nozzle inspection mode is set, a control unit controls the nozzle inspection unit so as not to perform the nozzle inspection during a period from when one of printing based on the print data and printing of the check pattern is started until the other is finished.
US08177312B2
A monitor opening and closing mechanism according to the present invention includes a first guide means guiding a monitor to rotate from home position to a first opened position, and a second guide means guiding the monitor to rotate from the first opened position to a second opened position where the monitor is further opened, wherein the center of rotation about which the second guide means guides the monitor to rotate is disposed more nearly to the side of the home position than the center of rotation about which the first guide means guides the monitor to rotate is disposed.
US08177311B2
A storage and/or organization system may be used to store and/or organize various items. For example, the system may include one or more panels and one or more attachment members, which may be connected to the panels and may be used to hold and/or position various items in desired locations. The attachment members may be selectively connected to and/or removed from the panels to provide a variety of storage and organization solutions. The panels may include, for example, one or more receiving portions to which the attachment members may be connected to and/or disconnected from using a snap, friction and/or interference fit. One or more portions of the panels and/or the attachment members may deform and/or deflect to provide the snap, friction and/or interference. One or more portions of the panels and/or the attachment members may remain deformed and/or deflected to provide a tension fit.
US08177309B2
A leak diagnostic system for a vehicle comprises a calculation module and a diagnostic enabling module. The calculation module calculates a decay rate of a brake booster vacuum. The diagnostic enabling module selectively enables the decay rate calculation based on mass airflow (MAF) into an engine and engine vacuum.
US08177294B2
A vehicle roof with a roof opening disposed within a fixed roof outer skin of a vehicle and a cover (10) to optionally close and at least partially open the roof opening. To at least partially open the roof opening, the cover can be both tilted out from a closed position at its rear edge and displaced in the driving direction to the rear. The cover has at least one locking lug (12a, 12b) in the region of its leading edge (14) that engages, from below in a closed position of the cover, into a support element that is stiff in a direction perpendicular to the roof outer skin. Additionally, the cover is formed at its rear edge such that engagement from below under the lateral and rear areas of the roof opening does not occur in the closed position.
US08177293B2
A vehicle frame assembly, system and method includes a vehicle frame assembly having a variable length longitudinal frame component. The longitudinal frame component is formed at a first length when used on a first vehicle type and formed at a second length when used on a second vehicle type.
US08177284B1
A method for manipulating and securing a tarpaulin across an aperture defining opposed aperture first and second ends, the tarpaulin being secured at one end thereof adjacent the aperture first end and secured to a rod at the other end thereof. With the tarpaulin at least partially rolled around a rod, the tarpaulin is unrolled from the rod and substantially simultaneously the rod is moved across the aperture toward the aperture second end so that the tarpaulin is extended across the aperture as the tarpaulin in unrolled from the rod. After the rod has been moved substantially adjacent to the aperture second end, the rod is inserted in the recess of a hook provided adjacent the aperture second end so as to prevent movements of the rod toward the aperture first end beyond a predetermined location. After inserting the rod in the recess, the tarpaulin is rolled around the rod to move the rod to the predetermined location and create a tension in the tarpaulin to secure the tarpaulin to the hook.
US08177267B2
A door anti-latch device includes a base mounted to a door or a door frame, and a lever rotatably mounted to the base so that the lever can rotate about a pivot point from an open position to a latching position. The lever includes a handle end and an opposing stop end. The lever can be rotated between the open position and the latching position by moving the lever handle. The lever stop prevents the door from latching when the lever is in the open position and will not prevent the door from latching when the lever is in the latching position. The door anti-latch device can be moved from the open position to the latching position without leaving the room or opening the door.
US08177256B2
A vehicle seat includes a frame and a pad having a portion. A trim cover at least partially surrounds the frame and the portion of the pad. The trim cover includes a tear seam formed therein and has an underside disposed adjacent the portion of the pad. The seat further includes an airbag module having an inflator, a housing defining an opening, and an airbag deployable from a folded position within the housing to an expanded position extending outwardly through the opening of the housing. The seat further includes a deflector having a first portion mounted on the frame and a second portion extending outwardly from the first portion. During deployment of the airbag, the second portion flexes relative to the first portion to move the portion of the pad away from the underside of the trim cover. The airbag is directed between the deflector and the underside of the trim material.
US08177250B2
A body cover structure of a motorcycle includes an upper cover arranged at a position above a front wheel operatively attached to a lower end of a front fork steerably supported by a head pipe at a front end of a body frame, and a pair of right and left cowls that cover at least a portion of a fuel tank mounted on the body frame. The upper cover includes a covering portion for covering a portion of a fuel tank, and each overhanging portion including a ridge line portion that ranges to a lower end of the upper cover, when viewed in a side view, is provided with a respective cowl connected to the upper cover with a portion of each cowl overlapped with the rear of the upper cover, such that the overhanging portion extends outwardly beyond the upper cover in a vehicle-width direction.
US08177249B2
A bicycle stem includes a stem body (2) that is provided with first elements (3) adapted to attach the bicycle stem to a pivoting tube and second elements (25) adapted to attach a handlebar to the stem. The handlebar include a U-shaped cap (27) that has first connecting elements (32) that connect to second connecting elements (33) that are provided at the front end of the stem body (2) to attach the U-shaped cap (27) opposite a recess (30) provided on the front end of the stem body to receive the handlebar. The length of the stem can be modified using a crescent-shaped spacer (35) that is placed in a U shape for obtaining a reduced length of the stem or in the recess (30) to obtain a more significant length.
US08177223B2
A lifting unit and a process for lifting a stack of sheets having at least a first support (20, 120, 220) and at least a second support (22, 122, 222) are described. The first support defines a first con-toured or flat support surface, and the second support defines a second support surface which has a substantially horizontal, flat main surface. In the lifting unit at least one unit is provided for lifting the first and second supports. During operation the supports are lifted such that at least a highest point of the first support is kept elevationally above the second support, the second support is lifted more quickly than the first support, and the substantially horizontal, flat main surface of the second support is kept in its horizontal alignment. The lifting unit is described, in combination with a sheet feeder.
US08177217B2
A sheet feeding device includes a sheet carrying unit, an attraction separation device electrostatically attracting and separating an uppermost sheet from a sheet stack and including multiple rollers, an endless dielectric belt stretched over the multiple rollers, and an elastic member provided inside a loop of the belt to cause the endless dielectric belt to contact the uppermost sheet, a sheet conveying device, and a lifting and lowering device. The lifting and lowering device lifts the sheet stack to a lift position at which the uppermost sheet contacts with the attraction separation device, and the attraction separation device stands by for a predetermined time to attract the uppermost sheet and starts to convey the uppermost sheet after the predetermined time elapses in a state in which the sheet stack remains at the lift position.
US08177213B2
An image recording device can accumulate discharged paper neatly stacked in a paper tray even when the length of the discharged paper changes. An inkjet printer 1 that records images on and discharges roll paper 100 from a paper exit 25 has a cutter unit 80 that cuts the roll paper 100 after an image is recorded, and a discharge tray unit 30 that receives slips 110, 120 discharged from the paper exit 25 after being cut by the cutter unit 80. The discharge tray unit 30 is connected by a hinge at an incline to the case 10 so that the paper stop 42 disposed at the distal end of the discharge tray unit 30 is down, and is configured so that the length of the discharge tray unit 30 is adjustable, and the inclination angle of the discharge tray unit 30 is changed by the operation of shortening the length of the discharge tray unit 30 to a more horizontal angle than when the length of the discharge tray unit 30 is extended.
US08177211B2
A sheet folding apparatus includes: a saddle-stitching unit configured to stitch a center of a sheet bundle; a folding unit configured to fold the sheet bundle at the center to form a fold; a loading base onto which the sheet bundle conveyed from the folding unit is loaded; a nipping plate configured to be pressed to and separated from the loading base in parallel to the loading base and to nip the sheet bundle loaded onto the loading base; and first and second rollers that move along a direction of the fold while nipping and pressing the fold of the sheet bundle nipped by the nipping plate to reinforce the fold. Here, a surface, which faces the loading base, of the nipping plate is provided with an elastic member.
US08177205B2
A mechanical device for displacing jaws of a spring biased clamp includes a housing for receiving handles of the spring biased clamp. The housing has a platform moveable toward and away from a wall to move the handles of the clamp toward and away from one another, to move the jaws of the clamp away from and toward one another, respectively. A control member activates and deactivates a force applying member operationally connected to the platform, wherein activating the force applying member moves the platform toward the wall and deactivating the force applying member moves the platform away from the wall of the housing. The device is used to apply clamps to marginal edge portions of a stack of two one or more sheets to provide a clamped subassembly. The clamped subassembly in one embodiment is laminated to provide an aircraft transparency.
US08177203B2
A clamp that includes a bar and a jaw assembly. The jaw assembly is configured to receive the bar to therethrough and to be slidably positionable along the bar. The jaw assembly comprises a lever that forms an aperture through which the bar passes, the lever being movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position within the jaw assembly, wherein if the lever is at the disengaged position within the jaw assembly the lever is slidable along the bar and if the lever is at the engaged position within the jaw assembly the lever engages the bar to hold the lever at a fixed position along the bar, and wherein the lever has a shape that is not substantially straight and reduces the positional difference between the engaged position and the disengaged position.
US08177202B2
The damping device is intended to form a drag-mode damper for a helicopter blade, and is incorporated in an aircraft rotor system. This damping device comprises: an external frame intended to be coupled to a first rotating element, and a radially internal element mounted coaxially to the frame and intended to be coupled to a second rotating element; at least one elastomer damper of annular cross section mounted fixedly to the frame and to the internal element; and a working chamber bounded by the frame and by the damper and communicating with a compensation chamber bounded by a highly deformable flexible member mounted coaxially to the internal element. The working chamber is formed at a first end of the device and communicates with the compensation chamber via a porous structure surmounting an end opening of the flexible member, which member is mounted in the internal element.
US08177199B1
An aerosol generator includes a saturator having an enclosure for passing a gas therethrough, and a porous substrate being adapted for retaining a non-vaporized form of an aerosol material, wherein the porous substrate is further adapted to release a vaporized form of the aerosol material for introduction into the gas within the enclosure, and a condenser adapted for receiving the gas containing the vapor from the saturator to produce an aerosol containing the aerosol material.
US08177198B2
A liquid distribution device is presented for the collection and distribution of liquid between reactor or adsorbent beds. The device includes a liquid collection tray, a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the liquid collection tray, a liquid distribution tray in fluid communication with the mixing chamber, and a plurality of nozzles for delivering the liquid over the top of a reactor or adsorbent bed.
US08177196B1
An oxygen therapy humidification device is disclosed. The humidification device includes a hollow water reservoir that includes an upper end that has an upper cross-sectional area and a lower end that has a lower cross-sectional area. The lower cross-sectional area is smaller than the upper cross-sectional area. The device also includes an oxygen inlet and an oxygen outlet, both of which are positioned at the upper end of the hollow water reservoir and provide fluid communication to and from the hollow water reservoir. The oxygen inlet includes a bypass valve that is connected to a duct that extends from the oxygen inlet to a diffuser that is positioned at the lower end of the hollow water reservoir. The bypass valve allows the user to control the proportion of water vapor or humidity delivered to oxygen that is passed through the device, with the oxygen entering through the inlet and leaving through the outlet at the desired humidity level.
US08177195B2
Interlocking clips are provided to assemble structures without the need for conventional fasteners. Structures such as fences, which may be assembled in situ, include the cooperating clips designed to provide a controlled amount of “play” between the pickets and rails of the fence to enable adjustment when racking the fences to accommodate sloping terrain. The clips are provided to interlock rails to cross members. The clips are preferably formed of a single sheet of a springy metallic material. The clips may be advantageously used to couple other types of apparatus.
US08177194B2
This invention relates to guardrails and guardrail impact heads for use in roading networks or vehicle road lanes requiring separation by a barrier. The invention provides an impact head for a guardrail including cable routing means adapted to form a convoluted path through which a cable can be threaded. The convoluted path that the cables must follow through the impact head of the invention restricts movement of the cable through the head, thereby providing sufficient friction to slow down the movement of the impact head during a vehicle impact. The invention also provides a method of constructing a guardrail including the steps of slidably interconnecting a plurality of rails and attaching them to posts, positioning an impact head according to any one of the preceding claims at one end of the slidably interconnected rails, threading at least one cable through the impact head and anchoring the cable to the ground.
US08177192B1
A hammer with concealed adjustable fulcrum having a pivot region recess in the head, a tab slide recess in the handle, and a shaft opening formed within the head and handle. An extension rod with distal end shaped to form a rocker plate capable of flush recession within the pivot region opening is slidably adjustable within the shaft opening. Single-handed manual depression of a release tab bends a spring steel tab into the shaft opening to slide a T-clip out of a T-guide recess opening for slidable adjustment of the rod and rocker plate to one of a plurality of possible positions. Conversely, manual release of the tab causes the spring steel tab to bend towards the tab slide region thereby inserting the T-clip into a T-guide recess to lock the rod and corresponding rocker plate into a desired position.
US08177187B2
A valve for restricting and closing plastic tubing, comprising a base having a surface for holding a plastics tube, two side guides extending from the base, a top provided with a restriction member and means for raising and lowering the restriction member on to a seat. One of the side guides is pivotally connected to the base and connectable to the top. The top having a bifurcation to accept the guide, a seat being provided on the bifurcation to hold a head on the side guide. The valve can be placed round a plastics tube and the restriction member positioned to set the flow through the tube. To remove the valve from the tubing, depression of the top releases the head of the side guide from its seat opening the valve.
US08177185B2
A knock down flag pole assembly is provided including a base, a ferrule, and an elongate post. The base may include a coupling with a pocket having a coupling member or portion configured to removably couple to the ferrule. The coupling secures the ferrule to the base, but also permits the flag pole to be knocked out from the base.
US08177183B2
A multipurpose platform suitable for use as a desk and an easel is disclosed. The multipurpose platform includes a tablet with a flat front surface and items attached to the tablet, including at least one retractable hook, a retractable primary shaft, and a retractable shaft locking mechanism that can fix the position of the primary shaft relative to the platform. The retractable hook is deployable as a hook when the tablet is configured as a desk, and as a leg when the tablet is configured as an easel. The retractable primary shaft is deployable against a vertical surface, when the tablet is configured as a desk, and against a horizontal surface when the tablet is configured as an easel. Embodiments include a base and stand pole that can support the platform as a lectern or podium, a light, electronic accessories, and storage compartments. Some embodiments can be folded in half.
US08177180B2
A mounting system is provided for supporting equipment such as solar module arrays on a rooftop or other underlying surface. The mounting system includes a pipe, and a grasp section. These couple to a base that is extended into or otherwise integrated with the underlying surface. The pipe may be coupled so as to extend a height from the underlying surface. The grasp section is coupled to a top section of the pipe and is structured to secure to a section of the solar module array when the solar module array is installed on the underlying surface.
US08177179B2
A locking sensor for locking into the recess of a housing with a sensor body, of locking elements, that are arranged on the sensor body and that extend in the direction of a lengthwise axis over a length. The locking elements have steps and at least two steps are spaced apart from each other in the direction of the lengthwise axis.
US08177177B2
An adjustable quick mounting system to be used with fixed position tree stands or similar support platforms, often found used for hunting or other outdoor activities. The adjustable mounting system includes a mounting base, detention hooks, and locking pin. The mounting base is connected securely to a tree or pole using a ratchet strap, cable or similar attachment device. The detention hooks are attached to tree stand or platform, preferably on the vertical support(s). The detention hooks are then engaged onto the mounting base by placing the open end of the detention hooks over the top portion of the mounting base. The mounting base has elongated slots manufactured into the design to allow the detention hooks to seat securely onto the base to prevent shifting of the base. The top surface of the mounting base has integrated tabs which are bent up and drilled to accept the locking pin. The top bend of the detention hooks have integrated holes that line up with the mounting tabs, in turn with the locking pin inserted, the system cannot disengage.
US08177175B2
The present invention discloses a digital mobile device and a stand module thereof. The digital mobile device includes a stand module comprising a fixing element and a rotating element. The fixing element is disposed on a side of the digital mobile device and includes an elastic element and a positioning member. The positioning member is disposed on a side of the elastic element. The rotating element is pivotally connected to the fixing element and has a positioning hole. The elastic element and the positioning member are disposed in the positioning hole. If the rotating element is rotated with respect to the fixing element, the elastic element will compress the positioning member to abut the fixing element, such that the fixing element and the rotating element are maintained at a positioning angle.
US08177168B2
Quasi-isotropic chopped prepreg is used to make parts found in aerospace vehicles. Exemplary aerospace parts that are made using quasi-isotropic chopped prepreg include aircraft window frames, wing fairing supports, flange supports, frame gussets, rudder actuator brackets, shear ties, seat pedestals, cargo floor flange supports, storage bin fittings, antenna supports, torque tube pans, handle boxes, side guide fittings, wing box covers and intercostals.
US08177160B2
A clutch arrangement, especially adapted for use in an aircraft nose wheel landing gear steering arrangement, includes a rotatable drive input, a rotatable output, and an epicyclic gear arrangement, and a carrier upon which the planet gears are mounted, the drive input being connected to the ring gear of the gear arrangement or the carrier, the output being connected to the other of the ring gear or the carrier, and a clutch operable to control relative rotation between the ring gear and the sun gear and to direct the major portion of the torque being transmitted therethrough the first of two transmission paths.
US08177158B2
At a reel, an outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical tube portion of a reel hub is a tape winding surface around which a magnetic tape is wound. In a free state, the tape winding surface forms a substantial taper shape in which an outer diameter is greater at an upper end portion side where a radial direction rigidity is relatively low, than at a lower end portion side where the rigidity is high. In a state in which a magnetic tape is wound, the tape winding surface can form a shape that is substantially symmetrical with respect to a transverse direction of the magnetic tape. As a result, the reel and a recording tape cartridge are obtained in which the outer peripheral surface of the hub forms a proper shape in a state in which a recording tape is wound.
US08177157B2
A spool or reel for retaining continuously wound material may include a central barrel and spaced apart flange members extending from the central barrel. The central barrel has an outer face for receiving the continuously wound wire, wherein both ends of the barrel are castellated. The inner face of a first and second flange include an interrupted groove comprised of a series of slots that are sized to receive the castellated first end of the barrel and the flanges are secured to the barrel by a plurality of through-bolts extending from the first flange to the second flange, securing the first flange to the first end of the barrel and the second flange to the second end of the barrel. The castellated ends of the barrel and the portions of the interrupted groove between the slots form a criss-crossed pattern that prevents the wire from entering the slots or entering the barrel and tangling during payoff of the wire, even when the spool is heated.
US08177155B2
In the description and drawings methods and apparatus for the compression and winding of a plurality of overlapped fibrous blankets are disclosed. The methods and apparatus may allow a leading edge of a trailing blanket to be overlapped with a trailing edge of a leading blanket that is being wound by a compressing winder assembly. As the compressing winder assembly winds the leading blanket, the trailing blanket may be moved downstream by the leading blanket and an overlapped portion of the two blankets may move through a compression zone of a winder feed chute.
US08177148B1
One embodiment provides an asymmetrical nozzle housing within a nozzle base of a sprinkler which, when rotated, changes its angular orientation relative to the nozzle base. Since the nozzle is disposed within the nozzle housing, it similarly changes angular orientation relative to the nozzle base, thereby modifying the trajectory of ejected water during irrigation. In this respect, a user can change the trajectory of a watering stream by simply rotating the nozzle housing.
US08177139B2
A thermostat is provided that is capable of reliably reducing the operation of an air conditioner and other systems to provide energy cost savings to the consumer and load reduction to a utility provider. The thermostat includes at least one sensor configured to communicate information indicative of the temperature within the space, and a memory for storing at least one temperature offset value associated with a request for reduced heating or reduced cooling operation. The thermostat further includes a controller in communication with the at least one sensor, which is configured to periodically determine a temperature value for the space and to control heating or cooling of the space until the determined temperature value has substantially reached the set-point temperature. The periodically determined temperature value is in part based on information received from the at least one sensor, and may include at least one temperature offset value when a request for reduced operation has been received by the thermostat.
US08177135B2
A method, system and apparatus for encrypting a consumer identification number contained in a portable consumer device by gradually changing a consumer identification number when an observable moment is observed is disclosed. Observable moments can be exposure to light or an electromagnetic field, use of the portable consumer device or a change in temperature. A pattern or history of how the consumer identification number is gradually changed is used to authenticate the portable consumer device or the consumer.
US08177134B2
A method of operating an indicia reader for reading information bearing indicia (IBI) positioned in a field of view of the reader includes: transmitting a first laser light beam adapted for scanning an IBI on a target located a first distance from the indicia reader; transmitting a second laser light beam adapted for scanning an IBI on a target located a second distance greater than the first distance from the indicia reader; activating at least one of the first and second laser light beams; scanning at least one of the laser light beams with a flat unitary scan mirror to generate at least one of a first laser light beam pattern and a second laser light beam pattern; directing light reflected from the target from either the first or second laser light beams patterns through a common receive path; the common receive path including being reflected with the flat unitary scan mirror onto a focusing mirror; the focusing mirror directing reflected light along a directed reflected light path; the directed reflected light path including an optical filter outputting directed reflected light; converting the directed reflected light into an output signal with a photodetector; decoding IBI information derived from the output signal, wherein the operating steps are completed by devices supported in a hand held indicia reader housing and wherein an operator selectively activates the first laser light beam and/or the second laser light beam with a single action trigger.
US08177133B2
A method of displaying target engageability information to a pilot of an aircraft in flight including calculating according to instantaneous aircraft position and motion relative to at least one target to be engaged and to characteristics of a weapon, earliest and latest weapon release points between which the weapon is presently capable of engaging a target of interest and generating display symbols indicating a weapon launch acceptable region and the instantaneous position of the aircraft relative thereto. A system for displaying the information and a target engageability display symbology are also described.
US08177122B2
Provided are a system and article of manufacture for providing diagnostic information on the processing of variables in source code. Source code is scanned for an instance of a variable. An entry is added to a symbol table for the variable and indication is made in the entry that the variable is declared in response to determining that the symbol table does not include an entry for the variable and that the instance of the variable comprises a declaration of the variable. A message is generated indicating that the variable is referenced and undeclared in response to determining that the instance of the variable comprises a reference of the variable and that the symbol table does not include one entry for the variable.
US08177111B2
A handheld electronic device vehicle holder is used to hold a handheld electronic device having a loudspeaker. The handheld electronic device vehicle holder includes a holding body, and the holding body has a sound guiding groove extending to the edge of the holding body. When the handheld electronic device is place on the holding body, the sound outlet of the loudspeaker of the handheld electronic device is placed in the sound guiding groove. Then, sounds produced from the handheld electronic device are guided to the edge of the holding body through the sound guiding groove.
US08177107B2
A retractable belt clip button is slidably engaged in a recess in the rear face of the housing of a mobile phone or other portable electronic device for movement between an extended position projecting out of the rear face of the housing and a retracted position in which an outer face of the button is substantially flush with the rear face of the housing. A spring biases the button into the extended position. A push button latching mechanism is provided for releasably holding the button in the retracted position when it is pushed into the recess, and the latching mechanism is released when a user pushes the button inwardly from the latched position, allowing the button to pop out into the extended position under the action of the biasing spring.
US08177103B2
A container that dispenses a carbonated drink such as beer has a pressure regulator that controls the pressure of the dispensed fluid with a pressurized carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide is released to maintain the desired pressure by a pressure regulator that opens a valve when the pressure is too low in the dispensed fluid and closes a valve when the pressure is high enough in the dispensed fluid. The pressure regulator is easily adjusted without the use of a tool during operation by simply rotating the pressure regulator's cap on its threads.
US08177102B2
A pump comprising a container containing a dispense material, an outlet and an actuator arranged to alternate between a first and a second configuration in response to a change in the pump's environment, which change in configuration causes an aliquot of dispense material to be expelled through the outlet.
US08177094B2
A container for pressurized discharge of fluid contained therein, the container having a container body, a pump lid deployed on the container body for pressurizing an interior volume of the container, a release control arrangement; and an outlet nozzle. The pump lid has a rotatable pump cylinder configuration and a pump piston mechanically associated with the pump cylinder configuration such that at least a portion of the piston is deployed within the pump cylinder, thereby defining between them a variable pump volume, the pump piston configured with a substantially cylindrical piston wall having an interior surface and an exterior surface such that a portion of the interior surface is configured for releasable attachment to the container and a portion of the exterior surface interacts with the rotatable pump cylinder configuration. The association is such that rotation of the pump cylinder configuration generates linear motion of said rotatable pump cylinder configuration.
US08177092B2
An easy open end for a pressurized food container, having an end panel and a conventional aperture score, surrounding the periphery of an aperture through which the contents of the container may be dispensed. A tab is provided to facilitate easy opening of the aperture. The easy open end also includes a vent score, which is arranged to rupture before the main aperture score, to vent the internal pressure in the container, before the container is opened. The end panel and/or tab also defines a shield to prevent the egress of product from the vent opening, when the vent score is severed.
US08177081B2
This invention relates to a lattice mast crane with a lattice mast boom to be luffed up in a vertical luffing plane, which comprises a pivot piece, a plurality of lattice pieces releasably connectable with each other, and a head piece. In accordance with the invention, the lattice mast boom includes a first and a second region, wherein in the first region the lattice mast boom includes at least two first strands of interconnected first lattice pieces extending in parallel in longitudinal direction of the boom, which are connected with the pivot piece via a lower cross-beam and with the head piece via an upper cross-beam, and wherein in the second region the lattice mast boom only consists of a second strand of interconnected second lattice pieces.
US08177070B2
An air sieving apparatus capable of sieving particles in a particle size range below 50 μm includes a cylindrical screening case defining an internal space and provided with a screen dividing the internal space into an upper space and a lower space. Powdered material is fed through a powdered material feed opening onto a bottom plate disposed to cover the lower open end of the screening case with gaps formed therebetween. Air in the screening case is sucked upward by a suction blower. The fed powdered material is dispersed by currents of air sucked through the gaps and the dispersed powdered material is sucked upward. Fine particles that have passed through the screen 3 flow through a fine particle recovery duct into a cyclone and a fine particle container. Coarse particles remaining in the lower space drop through the coarse particle recovery opening into a coarse particle container.
US08177069B2
Sorting dissimilar materials, such as sorting plastics from wood, foam, or rubber. These systems and methods employ either dielectric heating or fluorescent dye absorption characteristics of materials to distinguish the materials. The systems and methods may employ differential dielectric heating and thermal imaging to sort wood, rubber, and foam, from plastic, metals, and other materials that do not undergo dielectric heating. Similarly, systems and methods may employ the greater liquid absorption properties of wood, rubber, and foam as compared to plastic. The dissimilar materials are subjected to fluorescent dye and carrier liquid, that is differentially absorbed by objects. Fluorescent imaging can be used to distinguish the materials. In either case, a computer-controlled system can be used to sort material types based on an evaluation of the thermal or fluorescent image.
US08177067B2
A suspension packaging system can include a foldable member configured to form a cavity as well as a suspension device for suspending an article to be packaged within the cavity. The suspension portion can include foldable portions configured to cooperate with a retention member having pockets. The foldable portions can fit into the pockets and then be folded so as to generate tension in the retention member. The entire device, with the exception of the retention member, can be made from a single piece of material, such as corrugated cardboard, which thus reduces waste and simplifies bulk distribution of such a suspension packaging system.
US08177066B2
High visual impact plastic packaging is described as well as methods for producing such packaging. Sealing portions of a package to each other in an interwoven manner is described. Printing on multiple surfaces of a package to obtain appealing visual effects is described. Methods of sealing plastic packages are described, including some that use heat sealing techniques. Plasticized or laminated paperboard materials can be used, as well as plastic materials such as mineral-based materials, polylactic acid, and recycled and/or recyclable polyurethane.
US08177064B2
A surgical pack includes a platform having a plurality of recesses configured to function as a surgical tray. A plurality of surgical instruments are contained in a corresponding recess of the platform. The recess may have the shape of the surgical instrument that it is designed to receive. The recess may also include safety mechanisms to protect the tips of certain instruments and to lower the risk of injury caused by them. A packaging or covering holds the platform and the plurality of surgical instruments in a substantially sterile condition.
US08177060B2
A tie box suitable for receiving one or more ties includes a base structure having a floor and upstanding peripheral walls that extend outwardly therefrom to define an interior compartment and a cover that is constructed to mate with the base structure. The tie box includes at least one elastic tie retaining member that is disposed within the interior compartment for receiving and holding the tie between the elastic tie retaining member and the floor. A ribbon member is disposed within the interior compartment for tying around the tie.
US08177050B2
In a cooling method of a carrying section including a conveyor for carrying an inverter component, a heating furnace covering a part of the carrying conveyor and heating the inverter component, and a mechanism for cooling the carrying conveyor and cooling the carrying conveyor by means of the cooling mechanism, the conveyor for carrying the inverter component is provided with a roller for carrying the inverter component by touching it, a roller cooling member surrounding the outer periphery of the carrying roller and having an opening for projecting a part of the outer periphery of the carrying roller is provided as the cooling mechanism, and the carrying roller heated by the heat of the heating furnace is cooled by the roller cooling member.
US08177048B2
A vacuum processing apparatus includes a vacuum chamber capable of keeping a first pressure lower than an atmospheric pressure, a driving source disposed in the vacuum chamber, an electric power supply mechanism including a primary side mechanism disposed outside the vacuum chamber for supplying electric power to the driving source and a secondary side mechanism disposed in the vacuum chamber for receiving the electric power from the primary side mechanism in a contactless relationship, and a vessel capable of accommodating airtightly the secondary side mechanism under a second pressure higher than the first pressure.
US08177044B2
An automotive impact absorbing member integrally formed of synthetic resin material having lengthwise shape that extends with a constant hollow cross section. The impact absorbing member includes: plate-shaped rib portions each extending in a direction perpendicular to an impact load input direction; and load transmitting portions connecting with rib portions at either widthwise end thereof for transmitting a widthwise direction component force of the impact load to the rib portions. At least one of the plate-shaped rib portions has a thin portion of minimum thickness dimension situated in a widthwise center section thereof, and has a pair of gradual change portions situated to either side of the thin portion in a width direction and which increase gradually in thickness dimension outwardly in the width direction.
US08177043B2
A steering damper can generate a smaller damping force according to a first damping force characteristic or a larger damping force according to a second damping force characteristic by controlling a flow of hydraulic oil during a steering operation of a steering member. When the associated vehicle is running at a relatively low or medium speed and is not accelerating, and if an operational speed of the steering damper is lower than a predetermined value, damping force according to the first damping force characteristic can be generated in the steering damper. On the other hand, when the operational speed of the steering damper is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, damping force according to the second damping force characteristic can be generated in the steering damper. While the vehicle is running at a high speed or is accelerating, the damping force according to the second damping force characteristic can be generated in the steering damper regardless of the operational speed of the steering damper.
US08177042B2
In a rotary damper capable of being easily assembled by reducing the remaining air inside an accommodation portion and reducing the non-uniformity of damping torque, a center shaft 73 is provided in the center of a fixing and supporting member 71, an inner cylinder wall 63 into which the center shaft 73 is inserted rotatably is provided in a driven rotation member 61, an O ring 81 which prevents the leakage of viscous fluid 101 from between the driven rotation member 61 and the fixing and supporting member 71 is provided, a first path 70 which enables the accommodation portion 91 to communicate with its outside is provided between the center shaft 73 and an inner circumference face of the inner cylinder wall 63, and a hole 63c which allows the bottom side of the O ring 81 inside the accommodation portion 91 to communicate with the first path 70 is provided in the driven rotation member 61.
US08177039B2
A hydraulic vehicle brake system, which has a brake pressure signal generator which can be activated by a brake activation device, wherein the brake pressure signal generator can be connected to wheel brakes of the vehicle via at least one hydraulic line and is composed essentially of a master brake cylinder and a hydraulic booster which is connected upstream and which has a return flow chamber and a boosting chamber, a working piston arranged therein and a control piston, wherein the working piston is operatively connected in the force outputting direction to a master brake cylinder piston via an activation element, and a hydraulic pressure of a hydraulic pressure source can be applied to the booster via an inlet for the purpose of boosting braking force, wherein an outlet of the booster can be connected to a reservoir vessel.
US08177028B2
A ladderway system for an underground raise includes an elongate tube adapted to generally conform to the shape of the raise. The tube is of circular cross-section to generally conform to the shape of a round bored raise. The tube is formed with a longitudinal slit along its entire length, whereby the diameter of the tube can be adjusted to generally conform to the shape of the raise. The ladderway system further includes a ladder adapted to be mechanically coupled to an interior of the tube. The tube is manufactured of a sufficiently rigid and strong plastics material, such as polyurethane, so that it acts as a surface membrane or liner within the raise.
US08177018B2
A bi-directional over-speed energizing brake system which implements automatically in the event an electric power steering system is in an over-speed condition. For rotational speeds of a rotating component exceeding a predetermined rotational speed threshold, centrifugal force acting on brake arms of a braking assembly overcome biasing by springs such that the brake arms will frictionally engage a non-rotating brake ring to thereby slow the rotational speed of the rotating component.
US08177017B2
The present invention relates to a traveling working machine, in particular an excavator, with an undercarriage on which the traveling gear is arranged, and an uppercarriage rotatably arranged on the undercarriage about a vertical axis of rotation. In accordance with the invention, the load-bearing steel construction of the uppercarriage is composed of at least one first and one second element, which are connected with each other via bolts and/or screws.
US08177010B2
An apparatus and method for effecting wheelbase adjustment for utility vehicles having one or more axles with wheels, includes one or more adjustment mechanisms to which compressed air can be applied. The adjustment mechanism(s) adjust at least one of the axles in relation to the body of the vehicle. A pressure sensor measures the pressure of the compressed air in the adjustment mechanism(s) and generates corresponding pressure signals. A pulse-controlled valve or, alternatively, a spring-return valve, is employed to optionally feed the compressed air into the adjustment mechanism(s) and discharge the compressed air from the adjustment mechanism(s).
US08177007B2
A power unit which makes it possible to attain the reduction of the size and manufacturing costs thereof, and improve turnability. A power unit drives left and right rear wheels. A first rotating machine and a second rotating machine are configured to be capable of inputting and outputting energy. A first and a second planetary gear units are disposed between the first and second rotating machines and the left and right rear wheels, respectively, for transmitting energy between the first rotating machine and the left and right rear wheels and between the second rotating machine and the same. The first rotating machine, the left rear wheel, the right rear wheel, and the second rotating machine are in a collinear relationship in rotational speed, and are in a line in this order in a collinear chart representing the collinear relationship.
US08177005B2
When a gear of a transmission for transmitting torque of a motor to a drive shaft is shifted while an accelerator is off or an accelerator pedal is slightly stepped on, an upper limit rotation speed is set using a fluctuation rate of a value smaller than a value when the gear is not shifted, a target rotation speed of an engine is set using this upper limit rotation speed, and control is carried out so that an engine is operated at the target rotation speed. By this arrangement, when the accelerator pedal is stepped on and a large torque demand is demanded, rise of the engine rotation speed is restricted, a portion used for raising the rotation speed in power outputted from the engine is made smaller, and a larger power can be outputted to the drive shaft.
US08176992B2
A hydraulic control apparatus for a foldable farm includes first hydraulic control system is used to control weight transfer to ground engaging tools mounted to a stationary and foldable wing frame sections. A second hydraulic system is used to fold and unfold the wing sections. A hydraulic control is provided that interfaces with both hydraulic systems to control sequencing of the functions provided by the first and second hydraulic systems. The first and second hydraulic systems have electronically controlled valves to control the flow of hydraulic fluid to various lifting, folding, and down pressure cylinders.
US08176990B2
A device for removing obstructions from a work site. The device is attachable to the front of a work machine. The device comprises a frame, a flange, a rotatable cutting member supported on the flange, and a motor that rotates the cutting member. The flange is non-rotatable, but is movable along at least one length relative to the frame. The motor may be supported on the flange. The device further comprises a plurality of removably attachable blocking members for decreasing the range of travel of debris generated during operation of the cutting member. The rotatable cutting member is movable about three axes relative to the flange such that changes in conditions or temperatures do not cause the cutting member to break.
US08176989B1
A wheeled support adapts a trimmer to function as a lawn edger. Because there are various trimmers to which the wheel may be mounted, an adapter plate is provided that is configured to match a selected trimmer on which adapter plate the wheel may be mounted. A bearing is provided between the adapter plate and the wheel so the wheel rotates freely on a drive shaft of a trimmer powered drive independent of rotation of the drive shaft. A mounting plate mountable to the wheel is typically provided for convenience of mounting the bearing and adapter plate to the wheel with the bearing fitting within the adapter plate and over the mounting plate. A trimmer cutter, which may be either a flexible line dispenser or a blade, typically is mounted to the drive shaft outside the wheel after the drive shaft passes through the adapter plate, bearing, mounting plate and wheel, although the cutter may mount inside the wheel.
US08176988B2
An early suppression fast response pendent-type fire protection sprinkler is suitable for use in accordance with one or more of NFPA 13, NFPA 231 and NFPA 231C to protect single row rack storage, double row rack storage and multiple row rack storage, the sprinkler having a K-factor of about 25 and flowing pressure of about 15 pounds per square inch. Preferably, the sprinkler has a body defining an orifice and an outlet for delivering a flow of fluid from a source, and a deflector mounted with a first surface opposed to flow of fluid from the outlet. The deflector defines at least one pair of generally opposed reentrant slots extending from the first surface through the deflector, the reentrant slots extending from slot openings at an outer peripheral edge of the deflector inwardly from the peripheral edge toward a deflector axis.
US08176986B2
Retrieving a down hole tool at a lower end of a string of casing can be performed with drill pipe during a casing-while-drilling operation. The operator suspends the casing on a landing sub landed in a drilling rig floor opening. A string of drill pipe is lowered into the casing while the casing is suspended for engaging and retrieving the down hole tool. A spillage preventer in the landing sub prevents spillage of drilling fluid as the drill pipe is being retrieved. When circulation is desired, the operator secures a circulation tool to an upper end of the drill pipe, then lowers the drill pipe and the circulation tool to close off an upper end of an inner annulus between the drill pipe and the casing. A connection between the circulation tool and the landing sub allows the operator to reciprocate the casing.
US08176985B2
Production and drilling may be achieved by a system which uses a rotating head coupled to surface blowout preventer stack for fluid flow control. A casing connects these surface components to a subsea shutoff assembly with a pair of ram shear devices to cut off the string to the wellhead. Both the casing and an alternate line may be latched so that they may be released if necessary. The rotating head may include a rubber packer to prevent upward flow of drilling fluid and production hydrocarbons and, at the same time, provide rotation to the drill string. Managed pressure drilling or under balanced drilling may be used in some embodiments.
US08176983B1
A gas recovery component heating apparatus and method of use. The apparatus includes an insulating shell and at least one heating element positioned along the interior of the insulating shell. The apparatus further includes one or more apertures configured to allow a portion of the gas recovery component to pass through the aperture when the apparatus is secured about the gas recovery component. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for securing the apparatus about the gas recovery component.
US08176977B2
A method and apparatus for rapidly installing or withdrawing a sealing liner into or out of a subsurface well bore or borehole. An eversion aid, such as an open-ended cylinder, is engaged with the liner, the eversion aid serving to push the liner down the borehole during installation, and to assist in proper liner extraction during its withdrawal from the borehole. Water is transferred between the liner interior and the borehole outside the liner to regulate the disposition of borehole water, and to aid in proper sealing functions of the liner and to promote proper liner extraction during withdrawal.
US08176976B2
A lubricator for use with a coiled tubing injector comprising an elongated housing having a first end and a second end. There is a guide system disposed in the housing for guiding coiled tubing passing through the housing, a first director proximal the first end of the housing to direct the coiled tubing in a first direction and a second director proximal the second end of the housing to direct the coiled tubing in a second direction.
US08176975B2
A tubing pressure insensitive actuator system includes a housing having a bore therein. A force transmitter is sealingly moveable within the bore, the force transmitter defining with the bore two fluid chambers. One of the fluid chambers is at each longitudinal end of the force transmitter. At least two seals are sealingly positioned between the housing and the force transmitter, with one of the seals isolating one end of the force transmitter from tubing pressure and another of the seals isolating another end of the force transmitter from tubing pressure. A method is also included.
US08176974B2
In one aspect, a heat transfer unit is provided for increasing the temperature of process fluids, such as gas-phase fluids, having a Reynolds Number (RE) of at least about 275,000 with a low overall pressure drop and without exceeding the wall temperature limits of the material used to construct the heater. The heater generally includes a heater conduit having the gas-phase fluid flowing therethrough and a heat source, such as a radiant heat source, providing an inconsistent or variable heat flux along a length of the heater conduit where the heat source has a peak heat flux greater than an average heat flux.
US08176973B2
A heat sink assembly in accordance with the present invention increases heat dissipation area, improves heat dissipation efficiency and comprises a base, a core pipe, an outer pipe, a top cover and a working fluid. The base has a top surface. The core pipe is mounted securely on and protrudes from the top surface with an air-tight fit and comprises an inner surface, an outer surface, a wick, multiple holes and a top. The wick is formed on the inner and outer surface. The outer pipe is mounted securely on and protrudes from the base concentrically around the core pipe and comprises an inner surface, an outer surface, a wick and a top. The wick is formed on the inner surface. The holes are formed around the core pipe away from the base. The top cover closes the top of the core pipe and the top of the outer pipe.
US08176969B2
An apparatus for continuously casting thin strip includes a caster having a pair of casting rolls having a nip there between capable of delivering cast strip downwardly from the nip and an first enclosure capable of forming a protective atmosphere into which the strip can be formed in loop to extend over a plurality of rollers into pinch rolls with the strip having a strain of less than 0.4%, which may be provided by a plurality of rollers at entry of the strip into the pinch rolls to carry the strip into the pinch rolls, with at least a first entry roller having a diameter between 200 and 650 millimeters and being below a majority of other rollers.
US08176968B1
A metal casting system and related method are described that eliminate or at least significantly reduce deposition and buildup of resinous materials in gases vented during a casting operation. One or more heating assemblies are provided in vent passageways in the casting equipment, and particularly in the casting dies. The heating assemblies maintain exposed vent passageway surfaces at relatively high temperatures.
US08176966B2
A process for producing a copper alloy material from a copper alloy of a precipitation reinforced type, which contains a process to perform individually a dissolution of a pure copper and a dissolution of an additional element or a mother alloy containing the same, comprises the steps of: melting an element and/or a mother alloy at a same time, that is selected from a Ni, a Co, an Si, a Ni—Cu mother alloy, a Co—Cu mother alloy, an Si—Cu mother alloy, a Ni—Si—Cu mother alloy, and a Co—Si—Cu mother alloy with combining therebetween, and melting thereof with an assistance of a generation of a heat of mixing, in a case of forming a high density melt containing at least either one of the Ni or the Co, and the Si, as high density thereof; forming the high density melt as a content of the Ni to be 80 mass % at maximum; and forming an alloy molten metal having a predetermined component and concentration, by adding the melt into a pure copper molten metal to be supplied from another melting furnace.
US08176964B2
A curtain system includes several flat panels made of curtain fabric or other planar materials. The top of each flat panel is provided with a horizontal metal, wood or plastic horizontal slat on which the curtain fabric or flat panel hangs in a loose manner. Both ends of the horizontal slat include a fastening device for rollers or sliders. The rollers or sliders at one end of each horizontal slat are guided inside a first common track, while the rollers or sliders located on the other end of each horizontal slat are guided inside a second common track, such that the flat panels can be slid on top of each other. The flat panels extend at an acute angle relative to the first and second common tracks and can be slid on top of each other until the flat panels nearly overlap when the first and second common tracks are mounted parallel to each other, because the fastening device therefore is designed so that the fastening device does not laterally protrude from the horizontal slat or the alignment thereof.
US08176962B2
A door barrier with pet portal is provided for temporary use and installation with a swing hung door. The door barrier includes a frame positionable within the opening of a door frame, and a flexible barrier extending from the frame that is attachable to a door along an upper and outward edge thereof for extending across the doorway of the door when partially held open. The flexible barrier includes an opening permitting the passage of a pet therethrough.
US08176960B2
A factory layout including a track circuit, one or more wheeled carts for traversing the track circuit and a tire/wheel assembly carried by the wheeled cart. One or more work stations can be positioned at locations along the track circuit. Various wheeled cart embodiments are disclosed and various work station configurations are disclosed.
US08176957B2
A non-pneumatic tire for supporting a load by working in tension comprising a generally annular inner ring, a generally annular outer ring, and an interconnected web having a plurality of web elements and comprising a plurality of generally polygonal openings. Web elements are sized, curved, oriented, and comprised of varying thicknesses of material which facilitates buckling when subjected to a compressive load. By buckling, those elements in a deformed portion of the tire between a wheel and a footprint region where the tire contacts a surface can assume a significantly reduced portion of the load, if any. This causes web elements in other portions of the interconnected web to operate in tension to support the load.
US08176955B2
A knife assembly includes a knife blade and a mounting assembly having a knife blade support portion extending along a longitudinal axis of the mounting assembly. The knife blade support portion is constructed and arranged to position a cutting edge of the knife blade distal to a leading edge of the mounting assembly. The mounting assembly also has a counter knife portion disposed at the leading edge of the mounting assembly that defines a set back distance with the knife blade. The set back distance is constructed and arranged to provide a travel path for a wafer.
US08176954B1
The tree harvesting apparatus and method of this invention are particularly useful in congested areas where the range of equipment movement is limited and where unrestrained heavy tree bolts would cause damage to surrounding property if allowed to free fall to the ground. The subject apparatus is adapted to engage and sever large tree limbs, tree tops and tree bolts from free standing trees by means of tree gripping and severing means which is operable to form a kerf without becoming bound within the same. Further, the subject apparatus is adapted to weigh a tree bolt or tree top immediately upon its formation and while in juxtaposition with the free standing tree.
US08176950B2
A device for dispensing a dosage includes a base frame, at least one device for receiving any dosage-dispensing unit or functional unit that is compatible to be inserted therein, a holder and at least one drive mechanism. The holder has at least one holding position for a dosage-dispensing unit or functional unit. A weighing cell arranged on a lower horizontal plane of the base frame includes a load receiver to receive a target container. A changing mechanism enables the receiving device to be moved horizontally relative to the base frame. This horizontal shift allows a dosage-dispensing unit or functional unit to be interchanged between the holding position and the receiving device. The changing mechanism also permits the receiving device, together with the drive mechanism, to be moved vertically with regard to the base frame.
US08176940B2
A pressure accumulator, in particular a pulsation damper, has an accumulator housing (1) defining a longitudinal axis (3) and having an inflow opening (15) and an outflow opening (17) for a fluid. A gas space (23) for a working gas and a fluid space (33) are separated from one another inside the accumulator housing (1) in a gas-tight manner by a bellows-like separating member (21). The separating member (21) is connected at one end (25) to a lid (27) forming a fixed termination of the gas space (23) in relation to the housing and at its other end (29) to a piston part (31) axially movable in the accumulator housing (1) and forming a movable termination of the gas space (23). Working movements of the piston part (31) bring about changes in volume of the working spaces adjoining the separating member (21). Inflow opening (15) and outflow opening (17) are respectively provided at the one end and at the other end, opposite one another in the axial direction of the accumulator housing (1). Fluid can then flow through the accumulator housing (1) in its longitudinal direction and in the direction of the working movement of the piston part (31).
US08176939B2
A packing attached to a spool of a spool valve has a ring-shaped inner-peripheral seal portion provided with an inner-peripheral seal face, a ring-shaped outer-peripheral seal portion provided with an outer-peripheral seal face, and an intermediate flexible portion interposed between the both portions and curved by an action of a fluid pressure, the intermediate flexible portion has both right and left flat side faces parallel with each other, a thickness of the intermediate flexible portion is formed smaller than the inner-peripheral seal portion and the outer-peripheral seal portion, and a ring width of the intermediate flexible portion in a packing radial direction is formed equal to or larger than the thickness.
US08176934B2
Valve control assemblies are disclosed which accommodate out of plumb conditions using a flexible set of rings linked to the temperature control, and a projection/axial slot arrangement linked to the volume control. Different wall thicknesses are accommodated using one or more adaptors/extensions between a temperature bonnet control and a portion of the valve cartridge which controls temperature. There is also a combined shroud/tool for protecting the valve during rough-in and permitting it to be tested.
US08176932B2
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and devices for conveying or containing fluids under pressure in which seals are provided with a defined path to vent fluid in the event of a seal failure.
US08176928B2
A method includes (a) moving a first lateral leg of a pedestal assembly and a second lateral leg of the pedestal assembly away from each other, (b) deploying a flooring in response to step (a), (c) moving a first lateral arm of a cover assembly and a second lateral arm of the cover assembly away from each other, (d) deploying a covering in response to step (c) so as to define an occupant space between the flooring and the covering, (e) positioning a chair in the occupant space on the flooring.
US08176926B2
A cleaning machine, in particular a batch dishwasher, comprising an individual cleaning chamber in which the items to be cleaned are accommodated, a pump which circulates washing liquid within the cleaning chamber, and a further pump which delivers fresh water, and also a boiler which stores and heats fresh water, wherein the boiler has an associated heat exchanger by means of which heat is indirectly or directly transferred from waste water which is stored in a reservoir to the fresh water which is stored in the boiler.
US08176917B2
An emergency oxygen supply system for use on aircraft in the event of a loss in cabin pressure is configured for delivering allotments of oxygen and timing the delivery such allotments to each passenger so as maximize the efficiency of the transfer of such oxygen into the passenger's bloodstream. The delivery of each allotment is selected so that the entire allotment is available for inhalation into the region of the lung most efficient at oxygen transfer while the volume of the allotment is selected to substantially coincide with the volume of such region of the lung.
US08176915B2
An apparatus and method of using an end-tidal gas value taken from an non-intubated patient that includes measuring a plurality of gas concentration values, determining an end-tidal gas value from the gas concentration values, and reporting the end-tidal gas value for a breath as the greater of either: (a) a maximum gas concentration values observed during such a breath, or (b) the end-tidal gas value reported for a previous breath decreased by a maximum allowable breath-to-breath percent change.
US08176912B2
A light-condensing device and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The light-condensing device includes a central block, a pair of vertical diffraction grating blocks respectively located left and right of the central block, and a pair of horizontal diffraction grating blocks respectively located above and below the central block. The vertical diffraction grating blocks include parallel vertical diffraction gratings in the form of lines extending in the direction of a vertical axis, and the horizontal diffraction grating blocks include parallel horizontal diffraction gratings in the form of lines extending in the direction of a horizontal axis.
US08176905B1
One embodiment of a football throwing machine using an axially aligned compression spring for propulsion and a latching mechanism for retaining the spring in its compressed state. A spiral shaped actuator mechanism is used to compress the spring with consistent torque throughout the compression stroke. The spring is released from its compressed state using an efficient triggering mechanism. A timing mechanism allows a delay so the user can position for the catch. The football is held by axially misaligned wheels on one end and a rotating cup on the other. As the spring pushes the ball between the wheels while being ejected from the apparatus, the wheel misalignment causes the helical spinning effect on the football while the cup holding the other end of the football spins freely.
US08176901B2
A supercharger for boosting intake manifold pressure in an internal combustion engine and producing electrical energy comprises an input shaft (3), a electric machine (50) including a stator (51) and a rotor (53), a compressor (70) including an impeller (71), and a planetary transmission (30) located between the input shaft (3) and the rotor (53) of the electric machine (50) and the impeller (71) of the compressor (70), all such that the input shaft 3 can drive both the impeller (71) and the rotor (53), or the rotor (53) and input shaft (3) can drive the impeller (71). The planetary transmission (30) includes an outer ring (31) operatively coupled to the input shaft (3), a sun member (39) operatively coupled to the impeller (71), planetary clusters (38) located between the outer ring (31) and sun member (39), and a carrier (37) operatively coupled to the planet clusters (38) and the rotor (53). Each planetary cluster (38) comprises an inner roller (35) and an outer roller (33).
US08176899B2
The present invention relates to a device for accelerating the combustion of liquid fuel for improving the combustion efficiency of liquid fuel used in an internal combustion engine and a system for accelerating the combustion of liquid fuel using the device. The device is characterized in that magnets are provided in a metal pipe, and pure tourmaline ceramics and mixed tourmaline ceramics are used as a catalyst, so that fuel molecules are atomized by the magnetic field, generated by the magnets, and by far infrared rays, radioactive rays, and the like generated from the catalyst, thereby accelerating the combustion of fuel. The internal combustion engine using the device and system of the present invention can realize fuel savings and can reduce the discharge of environmental pollutants.
US08176897B1
The invention includes a very fast voice coil actuator, in the range of 2-5 millisecond full stroke response with high force, a circuit board located in the enclosure, a pressure sensor sensing pressure internal to the system which in the preferred embodiment is located in the actuator cap assembly but could be located in other locations, a diaphragm, a link plate, a mating ring, and a mechanical pressure regulator. An electronic pressure regulator receives pressure commands from the engine control module in a manner similar to receiving pulse width from an engine control module to an injector and calculates the required new pressure command. A novel feature of the present invention includes the Delta P control and the control of the regulator based on direct feedback of pressure.
US08176888B2
A method for improving starting of an engine that may be operated with fuels having varying alcohol concentrations is presented. In one embodiment, the method adjusts a compression ratio of an engine in response to a number of combustion events after an engine stop and a concentration of alcohol in a fuel supplied to the engine. The method may make engine starting more repeatable at lower engine temperatures.
US08176887B2
An electromagnetic actuating device comprising a plurality of electromagnetic actuation units (10, 12, 14), which can be selectively controlled for exerting an actuating force on a corresponding plurality of elongated tappet units (22, 24, 26) that are supported axially parallel, wherein the actuation units are provided in a common housing (18, 20; 78, 82) along the actuating direction axially parallel to each other, and form a contact surface that is at least planar in some sections and can be axially moved in the actuating direction at each associated engagement end facing the tappet units. A face (34, 36, 38) on the engagement side of each of the tappet units interacts with the engagement surface (28, 30, 32), wherein at least one of the plurality of tappet units sits eccentrically and/or with only a partial surface, with the face thereof on the engagement side, on the engagement surface of the associated actuation unit, particularly adheres to it magnetically.
US08176879B1
Machine for alternating conveyor belt livestock loading with pre-loader having conveyor belt, main conveyor section having lift section, top section, and conveyor belt, swing belt section, which may or may not be pivotable, having conveyor belt, and auto-loader section having plurality of conveyor belts.
US08176877B2
A collapsible pet enclosure in the form of a planar sheet material configured in the shape of a trapezoid. The planar sheet material is foldable along creases to create three subparts, each subpart being in the shape of a triangle. At least one of the triangular subparts is provided with an opening configured therein.
US08176875B1
An aquaponic method and apparatus used to raise fish in fish rearing tanks is combined with hydroponic channels for growing crops, in which fertilizer nutrients from the aquaculture effluent are utilized as fertilizer. The aquaponic method and apparatus produce a first water circulation system during the day in which water is repeatedly cycled from a sump, bypassing fish rearing tanks, to a clarifier for removing solids, a degasifier for removing volatile compound, then to the hydroponic channels, and then, back from the hydroponic channels to the sump. The aquaponic method and apparatus also produce a second circulation system during the night in which water is repeatedly cycled from the sump to the fish rearing tanks, from the fish rearing tanks to the clarifier, then from the clarifier to the hydroponic channels and then back from the hydroponic channels to the sump.
US08176866B2
The invention provides a tether connection apparatus for remotely interconnecting respective free ends of two portions of a mooring tether, such as that used to moor a floating production vessel to the seabed. The apparatus includes a frame, a winch mounted on the frame and operable to pull-in to the apparatus the free end of one of the portions of the mooring tether, subsequent to deployment of the apparatus. The apparatus also includes a connector mount on the frame for releasably mounting a connector. The connector is designed to interconnect the respective free ends of two portions of the mooring tether, once the winch has pulled into the apparatus the free end of a first of the portions of mooring tether. The mount is operable to release the connector subsequent to interconnection.
US08176857B2
A furniture unit adapted for use with another unit having a similar design. The furniture unit includes a top panel, a latch member and a slot. The latch member projects outwardly from the furniture unit proximate the top panel and the slot is defined in the furniture unit proximate the top panel. The slot is adapted to securably receive the latch member whereby the two furniture units can be secured together. A plurality of legs extends away from the top panel. The legs are angled progressively outwardly as the legs extend away from the top panel whereby the furniture units can be stacked on top of one another for storage. Various accessories are disclosed which can be used with the furniture unit.
US08176855B1
A food and beverage tray in various implementations has one or more of drink bands, retractable legs and/or a collapsing tray assembly. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
US08176854B2
A roof structure for a power module of a locomotive is disclosed. The roof structure may have an upper roof layer and at least a portion of the upper roof layer may have a first set of cooling passages. The roof structure may further have a lower roof layer at least partially positioned below the upper roof layer and at least a portion of the lower roof layer may have a second set of cooling passages. Each of the cooling passages of the first set of cooling passages may not overlap a cooling passage of second set of cooling passages.
US08176850B2
A multi-piece projectile for a small arms cartridge includes a metal cup that has a bore, a plastic sheath having a through hole and a high-density core. The cup is a cylindrical metal structure having a bore. The sheath is a cylindrical end and a conical end and a through hole. The core is a cylindrical structure having conical end and a blunt end. The projectile is assembled by placing the core in the through hole of the sheath and then pressing the sheath into the bore of the cup. The assembled projectile is attached to the cartridge by crimping the cup to the orifice in the end of the cartridge casing after it is filled with the propellant. When the projectile is fired all of the components remain coupled together but break apart upon impact with a target. Because the core has a higher mass than the other components the components separate very easily, the majority of the kinetic energy remains in the core. Once separated from the other components, the core is able to penetrate through various protective materials.
US08176849B1
A fragmentation warhead includes a cylindrical body, and an explosive charge disposed within the innermost part of the warhead body. Upon detonation of the explosive charge, the warhead body is ultimately caused to shear and break into fragments with controlled sizes, shapes. Metallurgical composition of the warhead body can be used to influence the size of fragments ultimately generated when the warhead breaks apart through detonation, since the size and positioning of fragments in the warhead body is preselected. Fabrication of explosive fragmentation ammunition with preformed fragment tungsten alloy fragmenting shells of complex shapes and small and medium calibers is provided in this invention. According to an embodiment of this invention, fabrication begins with “green” tungsten alloy fragment pellets of a given, full strength, enwrapped in a green lower strength matrix alloy. The product is said to be green because tungsten is largely used to replace other metals such as lead which may be considered more toxic. Next, in the process is pressing to the approximate shape desired of the bulk of the green fragments and matrix mix. This is ultimately followed up with sintering. According to an embodiment of this invention, the sintering process will ultimately result in full strength preformed fragments of tungsten alloy enwrapped in a low strength matrix of tungsten alloy, sized to a desired shell shape and thickness.
US08176848B2
A system and method for conducting a firing sequence including a master device and a plurality of electronic pyrotechnic devices, wherein the master device broadcasts, multiple times, a fire command to the plurality of electronic pyrotechnic devices, the electronic pyrotechnic devices commence a pre-fire countdown in response to each fire command received without error, and each electronic pyrotechnic device conducts a pre-fire countdown to expiration and thereupon commences a final fire countdown that concludes with firing.
US08176844B2
A food container or cabinet may have a power cord extending and exiting from the cabinet at recess formed at a corner of side, top and back walls. The cabinet may be heated and humidified and operated with a control that operates air and water heating elements alternately and not simultaneously. The control may include a microprocessor and a digital storage device storing instructions for the microprocessor. An interface may be provided at the cabinet via which electronic signals can be directed to or received from the microprocessor or digital storage device. The container may be provided with a removable water receptacle and a water heating element positioned within the receptacle. The water heating element may be mounted in a pivotable fashion such that as the receptacle is removed from the container, the heating element is automatically pivoted out from within the receptacle and as the receptacle is returned to the container, the heating element is automatically pivoted into the receptacle.
US08176838B2
A hydraulic machine arrangement includes at least one hydraulic machine having a plurality of pistons reciprocating within corresponding cylinders. The pistons can be driven by a cam to operate the hydraulic machine as a pump, and they can drive the cam to operate the hydraulic machine as a motor. The hydraulic machine can be configured to selectively disengage a certain piston or pistons from the cam to operate at less than full displacement. Controlling the pressure in the cylinders corresponding to the disengaged pistons can be accomplished by a number of mechanisms, including selectively exhausting fluid from the cylinders, or using a jet pump to siphon off some of the fluid from a high pressure side of the hydraulic machine. Two of the hydraulic machines can be mounted together to help balance axial forces and eliminate the need for an expensive high capacity thrust bearing.
US08176837B1
The embodiments of the present invention generally provide or relate to an operating rod for use in an auto-loading firearm. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide an operating rod for selectively actuating a bolt carrier by gas-impingement or mechanical operation. The operating rod can comprise an operating rod gas duct coupled to an operating rod gas tube, wherein gases from a fired cartridge are directed into the gas duct and flow through the gas tube to actuate a bolt carrier by gas-impingement. Alternatively, gases from a fired cartridge can be directed against a forward-end of the operating rod, thereby causing the operating rod to mechanically operate the bolt carrier.
US08176836B2
The mechanism is simple, with longer service life, and allows for a safe carrying for prolonged periods and quick subsequent shots of the firearms. The striker (1) has a middle enlargement (1b) that is closer to the front enlargement (1c). The rear face of the middle enlargement (1b) serves as a forward rest for the mainspring (4). The forward face is a rear rest for the safety spring (5) with its front part resting on the rear face of the axially floating ring (3) with an internal diameter smaller than the external diameter of the front (1c) and middle (1b) enlargements. The external diameter is greater than the internal diameter of the front enlargement (1c). Between the rear part of the mainspring (4) and the bushing (6) there is a second axially floating ring (2) with an internal diameter smaller than the external diameter of the rear (1a) and middle (1b) enlargements. The spring (12) that returns the trigger (10) is pushing the trigger (10) forward and the trigger bar (14) up.
US08176830B1
A ballistic shield for protection against up to 7.62×63 mm AP rounds (NIJ Level IV). The ballistic shield is multiple layered and includes polymer foam, ceramic tiles, and a support structure fabricated from ballistic resistant fabric. Individual layers are bonded with adhesives and preferably wrapped with fabric. Under the fabric cover of the exterior surface of the shield is a polymer foam layer that exhibits excellent blast impact resistance and blast attenuation properties as well as a hard ceramic or the like layer. The foam layer is preferably made from liquid crystal or semi-crystalline polymer to enhance fire resistance and provide enhanced ductility. According to various preferred embodiments, the man-portable ballistic shield also incorporates a compact video system for viewing the front side of the ballistic shield to eliminate the transparent view port of current ballistic shields and protective foam about the periphery and on the rear surface thereof.
US08176820B2
An apparatus for cutting and ejecting noodles, includes: the pair of cutting blade rolls at which a plurality of toroidal-groove sections is formed, the cutting blade rolls cutting a noodle band and ejecting a plurality of noodles; and a noodle scraper constituted of a plate body having a bent section extending along a longitudinal direction, the noodle scraper including a plurality of scraping tines formed in a comb form, the scraping tines being provided at one of long sides of the plate body and engaged with each of the toroidal-groove sections, wherein each scraping tine includes a tine-edge section, the plurality of tine-edge sections are engaged with the plurality of toroidal-groove sections at a front position and a rear position in a circumferential direction of the cutting blade rolls, in accordance with the depths of the toroidal-groove sections engaged with the scraping tines.
US08176817B2
A tool coupling structure comprises a first post member including a fitting end disposed on one end thereof and a polygonal cavity mounted on another end thereof; the cavity including a hole formed on an outer wall thereof, and the hole including a biasing element installed therein; a second post member including a coupling end fixed on one end thereof and a polygonal sphere knob formed on another end thereof to be fitted to the cavity of the fist post member, and the sphere knob including an elastic engaging member fixed on a peripheral side thereof in response to the hole of the first post member to be retained in the hole.
US08176813B2
A method for manufacturing combination wrenches includes preparing a material plate having a plurality of wrench material pieces. Each wrench material piece is sheared off from the material plate and then pressed in a sealed mold at a temperature without generating carbon scale to form a semifinished product including first and second driving ends and a handle interconnected between the first and second driving ends. The first and second driving ends of the wrench semifinished product are processed to form a combination wrench having a box end and an open end.
US08176806B2
In a two-axle drive system (10) for holding and moving large sunlight-absorbing, concentrating or reflecting surfaces about an azimuth axis (14) and an elevation axis (15), in the case of which a first gear unit which is driven by a first drive (43) is provided for a rotational movement about the azimuth axis (14), and a second gear unit which is driven by a second drive (45) is provided for a rotational movement about the elevation axis (15), the first gear unit being located in a first housing section (23), and the second gear unit being located in a second housing section (24), the first and second housing sections (23, 24) are immobile relative to each other. High stiffness is obtained as a result.
US08176805B2
The invention relates to a spindle bearing arrangement for a longitudinal seat adjusting gear, which has a housing which can be attached by an attaching device on a vehicle-side component or on a seat component, whereby a spindle opening for guiding a spindle along a spindle opening axis runs through the housing and whereby an inner thread in the housing in the area of its spindle opening is formed to engage into a spindle run through in this manner, for shifting the housing and the spindle relative to each other along the spindle opening axis. The spindle bearing becomes advantageous in that the inner thread is formed in a spindle nut and the spindle nut is adjustably supported in the housing relative to the spindle opening axis.
US08176794B2
An apparatus and associated method for non-permanently fixturing an unmounted head gimbal assembly (UHGA). A backing plate has a planar body defining a plurality of contact points, and a lip extending from the body that is operably alignable with the UHGA so that a force applied against the lip transfers through the body to urge each of the contact points against the UHGA.
US08176779B2
Embodiments of the invention relate to measuring devices used in measuring angular velocity and, more precisely, to vibrating micro-mechanical sensors of angular velocity. The sensor of angular velocity according to an embodiment of the invention is adapted to measure angular velocity in relation to two or three axes, and at the least two seismic masses (34-36, 52-53, 71-75) of the sensor of angular velocity are adapted to be activated into primary motion vibration by a common mode. The structure of the sensor of angular velocity according to the invention enables reliable measuring with good performance, particularly in small size vibrating micro-mechanical sensors of angular velocity.
US08176773B2
To provide a piezoelectric sensor in which a first electrode for measurement and a second electrode for reference are provided apart from each other on one surface side of a piezoelectric piece and a common electrode is provided on an opposite surface side so as to face the first and second electrodes. A piezoelectric sensor includes: a first electrode for measurement and a second electrode for reference provided apart from each other on one surface side of a piezoelectric piece; a common electrode provided on an opposite surface side of the piezoelectric piece commonly for the first electrode and the second electrode to face the first electrode and the second electrode; and an adsorption layer formed on an area, of the common electrode, to which the first electrode is faced across the piezoelectric piece, to adsorb a substance to be sensed.
US08176771B2
An endoscope washing and disinfecting apparatus includes: a connecting portion connected to a bending transmitting portion of an endoscope to transmit driving force; a distal end driving portion for transmitting the driving force to the bending transmitting portion through the connecting portion; a fluid supplying unit for supplying gas into an inner space of the endoscope; and a control unit for controlling a pressure detecting portion for detecting pressure in the inner space and the distal end driving portion to provide the bending portion with bending motion, and for determining occurrence or nonoccurrence of water leak in the endoscope by comparing the pressure detected by the pressure detecting portion and a preset threshold.
US08176768B2
A particulate matter detection device 100 includes a first electrode 1 whose one surface is covered with an inter-electrode dielectric material 4; a second electrode 2 disposed on the side of the one surface of the first electrode 1, to perform the discharge of electricity by a voltage applied between the first electrode 1 and the second electrode; and a pair of measurement electrodes 5, 15 disposed on the surface of the inter-electrode dielectric material 4 so as to face each other; characteristic measurement means 3 for measuring electric characteristics between the pair of measurement electrodes 5 and 15; and particulate matter amount calculation means 13 for obtaining the amount of the particulate matter 11 collected by the surface of the inter-electrode dielectric material 4, based on the change amount of the electric characteristics.
US08176760B2
According to the present invention, a key interlock device for a steering column lock device realizes rapid and smooth operation so as not to inconvenience a user, and, when a gear shift lever is switched between a P range and R range, does not generate noise due to performance of a key interlock function in the key interlock device implemented in the steering column lock device of a smart key system.
US08176757B2
A washing machine includes a cabinet, a top cover provided at a top of the cabinet, and a lid hingedly coupled to the top cover, wherein the lid includes a transparent member defining a center thereof, a lower frame including a seating part where the transparent member is seated, and an upper frame coupled to the lower frame to support the transparent member.
US08176756B2
A drain pump including a case including a mounting bracket; a first connection member mounted to the mounting bracket to be spaced from the cabinet; a second connection member inserted in the first connection member; and a fastening member passed through the cabinet and inserted in the second connection member so that the case is mounted to the cabinet. Since the first connection member is spaced from the cabinet, the second connection member can be prevented from being damaged by vibration of the drain pump.
US08176755B2
A laundry treating machine having a heating part is disclosed. A laundry treating machine includes a cabinet, a single partition wall partitioning inner space of the cabinet into a first space and a second space, and a hot air supply unit provided in the first space, the hot air supply unit supplying hot air to the second space and comprising a heating part. The heating part includes a heater heating air, a case supporting the heater to form an air path and preventing heat of the heater from transmitting in a different direction from the air path, a sensing part sensing the temperature of the heater, and a control part controlling the heater according to a temperature value measured by the sensing part.
US08176748B2
This invention provides heat engines based on various structures of internal combustion engines, such as a four-stroke piston-type combustion engine, two-stroke piston-type combustion engine, rotary combustion engine, or a free-piston type combustion engine. Said heat engine is provided with at least a heating chamber per piston or rotor, a heat exchanger unit disposed within said heating chamber through which thermal energy is extracted from a heat source and at least a port leading to a working chamber space from said heating chamber, and has a significantly increased heat transfer duration from the heat source to the working fluid within said heating chamber without increasing the number of strokes per power stroke in a cycle. Additionally, said heat engine is provided with an over expansion mechanism in conjunction with a compression means for intake charge. Thereby many of the operational characteristics of an Otto power cycle may be attained in said heat engine, and a heat source with a. relatively low temperature may be accommodated through the combination of a lower compression ratio, the over expansion mechanism, and the boost of the intake charge.
US08176747B2
A tube picking mechanism is designed for use in an automated, ultra-low temperature (e.g., −80° C.) storage and retrieval systems which stores biological or chemical samples. The samples are contained in storage tubes held in SBS footprint storage racks that are loaded into trays located within an ultra-low temperature freezer compartment (−80° C.). A tube picking mechanism resides in a tube picking chamber that is located adjacent the freezer compartment. The tube picking chamber is maintained at about −20° C. when the tube picking mechanism is in operation. The tube picking mechanism includes a cache within the tube picking chamber to facilitate fast paced shuttling of the tube racks from the freezer compartment into the tube picking chamber. The shuttle has a clamping mechanism to secure a tube rack in place when a gripper head picks a tube from the rack. The system also includes a push pin that pushes on the bottom of the respective tube as it is being picked from the tube rack. A one-dimensional bar code reader is included within the tube picking chamber. The gripper head is able to move vertically and rotate within the field of view of the one-dimensional bar code reader in order to facilitate identification and reading of one-dimensional bar codes located on the sidewall of picked storage tubes. The system also uses fans to facilitate efficient cooling of the tube picking chamber.
US08176742B2
A method for controlling an intake of an air-conditioner of a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes the a-1) step (S1) at which the main door (220) of the intake (200) opens the outdoor-air inlet port (211) and closes the indoor-air inlet port (212), so that only outdoor air flows into the intake, the b-1) step (S2) of detecting operation of the blower (130), the c-1) step (S3) of determining whether set indoor temperature of the vehicle is predetermined temperature or higher, and the d-1) step (S4) at which the subsidiary door (230) opens the subsidiary indoor-air inlet port (213) so that some indoor air flows into the intake. The method automatically controls the intake of the air-conditioner, thus allowing some indoor air to flow into the intake while outdoor air is flowing into the intake, therefore keeping the indoor temperature of the vehicle pleasant, and enhancing heating efficiency.
US08176737B2
An exhaust system for a use with a combustion engine is provided. The exhaust system may have a first exhaust manifold, a second exhaust manifold, and an exhaust gas recirculation circuit. The exhaust system may also have a fixed geometry turbocharger with a first volute configured to receive exhaust from the first exhaust manifold, and a second volute configured to receive exhaust from the second exhaust manifold. The exhaust system may also have a recirculation control valve in fluid communication with the first exhaust manifold, the second exhaust manifold and the exhaust gas recirculation circuit. The recirculation control valve may have a valve element movable to selectively adjust a flow of exhaust in the exhaust gas recirculation circuit, the first volute, and the second volute.
US08176736B2
One embodiment is a unique system which is operable to provide a mixture of charge air and exhaust to an internal combustion intake at a sub-ambient temperature. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and drawings.
US08176734B2
A hydrostatic transmission having a hydraulic pump that is fluidly connected to a hydraulic motor. The transmission also has a pressure control valve that has first and second stages and is fluidly connected to the hydraulic pump. By utilizing the pressure control valve when the first stage of the pressure control is at a minimum pressure the second stage determines the minimum charge pressure setting for the hydrostatic transmission.
US08176730B2
An SCR catalyst is provided in an exhaust pipe of an engine and a urea solution addition valve is provided upstream of the SCR catalyst in the exhaust pipe. An ECU calculates ammonia adsorption quantity of the SCR catalyst and controls urea solution addition quantity, which is added by the urea solution addition valve, based on the ammonia adsorption quantity. The ECU obtains temperature of the SCR catalyst or temperature information correlated with the temperature through measurement or estimation. The ECU switches an execution mode of the urea solution addition control based on the catalyst temperature or the temperature information. Thus, reducing agent addition control can be performed suitably and eventually NOx purification in a NOx catalyst (i.e., SCR catalyst) can be performed suitably.
US08176721B2
A method of operating a fuel system is provided. The method includes removing fuel from at least a portion of the fuel system using a gravity drain process. The method also includes channeling nitrogen into at least a portion of the fuel system to facilitate removing air and residual fuel from at least a portion of the fuel system, thereby mitigating a formation of carbonaceous precipitate particulates. The method further includes removing air and nitrogen from at least a portion of the fuel system during a fuel refilling process using a venting process such that at least a portion of the fuel system is substantially refilled with fuel and substantially evacuated of air and nitrogen. The method also includes removing air from at least a portion of the refilled fuel system using a venting process. The method further includes recirculating fuel within at least a portion of the fuel system, thereby removing heat from at least a portion of the fuel system and facilitating a transfer of operating fuel modes.
US08176720B2
A centrifugal particle separator is provided for removing particles such as microscopic dirt or dust particles from the compressed cooling air prior to reaching and cooling the turbine blades or turbine vanes of a turbine engine. The centrifugal particle separator structure has a substantially cylindrical body with an inlet arranged on a periphery of the substantially cylindrical body. Cooling air enters centrifugal particle separator through the separator inlet port having a linear velocity. When the cooling air impinges the substantially cylindrical body, the linear velocity is transformed into a rotational velocity, separating microscopic particles from the cooling air. Microscopic dust particles exit the centrifugal particle separator through a conical outlet and returned to a working medium.
US08176719B2
A reinforcing cord of the present invention is a reinforcing cord (10) for rubber reinforcement including a fiber core (11) and a plurality of strands (12) disposed around the fiber core (11). The fiber core (11) is formed of one or a plurality of highly elastic fibers having a tensile elastic modulus of at least 100 GPa. Each of the plurality of strands (12) is formed of a plurality of glass fibers that are primarily twisted, and the plurality of strands (12) are finally twisted to be disposed around the fiber core (11). The direction of the final twist of the plurality of strands is opposite to the direction of the primary twist in each of the plurality of strands (12). The number of final twists of the plurality of strands (12) is 1.0 to 3.0 times/25 mm, and a ratio of the number of primary twists in each of the plurality of strands (12) to the number of final twists of the plurality of strands (12) (the number of primary twists/the number of final twists) is in a range of 1.5 to 2.5.
US08176717B1
The combination gardening tool and pest apparatus provides a probe shaft having a first end spaced apart from a second end, an upper shaft disposed above and parallel with the probe shaft, a first insert slideably disposed within the upper shaft, a spade affixed outwardly from the first insert, the spade and first insert extendable to a position beyond the probe second end, the spade and first insert retractable to a position medial to the probe second end, a lower shaft disposed below and parallel with the probe shaft, a second insert slideably disposed within the lower shaft, a downwardly disposed rake affixed outwardly to the lower shaft, the rake and second insert extendable to a position beyond the probe first end, the rake and second insert retractable to a position medial to the probe first end.
US08176711B2
Machine for manufacturing flexible sheet material packagings, including an area for feeding a continuous web of flexible sheet material, a preforming area including an area for folding a bottom wall of the packaging, a welding area, an area for filling the packagings, an area for outputting the packagings, a first chemical decontamination treatment area using a gas, arranged between the preforming area and the filling area, and an outside chamber that surrounds the machine at least partially and is depressed atmospherically with respect to the first area. The outside chamber acts as an additional barrier between the first area and the outside.
US08176710B2
A frame extender for attachment to a stud is formed as an L-shaped body having two orthogonal legs, a short leg and a long leg. The short leg serves as a mounting surface to which a wall surfacing material can be attached, while the long leg is fastened to the stud. The long leg terminates in an outer edge which preferably has a toothed profile. An indexing mark is provided on the long leg, extending parallel to the short leg and spaced apart therefrom, and substantially traversing the long leg. The indexing mark is preferably provided by a discontinuity in the surface of the long leg that is placed against the stud. A preferred method for fabricating the frame extenders uses stock that can be pressed or extruded, and which is cut along a serpentine path to form a pair of frame extenders.
US08176688B1
A flashing attachment apparatus and method includes an angle plate with a horizontal leg and a vertical leg wherein the horizontal leg includes a top and a back and wherein the vertical leg includes a front and a back. A bent plate is connected with the back of the vertical leg and a self adhering membrane is connected between the bent plate and the vertical leg to the back of the vertical leg wherein the self adhering membrane includes a removable cover shielding adhesive on the self adhering membrane.
US08176685B2
A protective sheet and method for protecting an object is disclosed. The protective sheet or drop cloth is made from a blend comprising ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and polyethylene (PE), making it naturally liquid impervious and slip resistant. The protective sheet includes a top side having a raised surface design configured for retaining fluid, and a bottom side that is smoother than the top side for added slip resistance. The method comprises the steps of providing the protective sheet and positioning it over the object, wherein the top side faces away from the object, and the bottom side faces the object and the top side is available for a workman to walk on.
US08176683B2
A vehicle door comprising a first outer layer (70) and second outer layer (80), a foam portion (90) disposed between the first outer layer and the second outer layer, a compartment comprising a first outer member (10) and a second outer member (20) in parallel spaced relation, the first outer member and the second outer member joined by at least one intermediate member (30) having a flexible crease (32), a receiving cavity (A) disposed outwardly of the compartment for engaging the foam portion, the first outer member and the second outer member each disposed substantially flush with a foam portion outer surface (91,92), and the foam portion and the compartment disposed between the first outer layer and the second outer layer.
US08176681B2
A roof side weather strip has an upper side portion, a vertical side portion and a corner portion. The vertical side portion has a mounting base portion which is to be mounted on a pillar, a hollow seal portion which is formed on a vehicle-interior inner surface of the mounting base portion and is adapted to be brought into abutment with a door glass, and a seal lip portion which is formed on a vehicle-exterior inner surface of the mounting base portion adjacent to a vehicle-interior side of the hollow seal portion and is adapted to be brought into abutment with a vehicle-interior side surface of the door glass. A groove portion is formed between the hollow seal portion and the seal lip portion, and a water stopping rib is formed in a portion in the groove portion which constitutes a portion on the corner portion which lies in the vicinity of the vertical portion or a portion on the vertical side portion which lies in the vicinity of the corner portion.
US08176676B2
A micro-algae growing method employs a greenhouse having a transparent, double-pane roof structure and containing an open-top receptacle for a bed of aqueous micro-algae medium, which roof structure and receptacle are substantially coextensive and rectangular. A series of remotely controllable nozzles, capable of producing thin, sheet-like discharges, withdraw the aqueous liquid medium from subsurface regions along the length of the bed and discharge it into the overlying space, thus optimally exposing the medium to solar radiation passing through the roof structure and thereby promoting micro-algae growth. Ambient air, heated during passage through channels in the transparent roof structure, is used in a second greenhouse for lofting small droplets that comprise sprays of the concentrated micro-algae medium received from the first greenhouse, thus promoting evaporation of free water and cooperating in harvesting of micro-algae product.
US08176670B2
A firearm steady-rest which is provided in a folded storage form which is incorporated as part of a rifle sling. The steady-rest may be deployed by folding it outward to provide either a V-shaped support configuration or a U-shaped support configuration whereby the upwardly extending distal ends of the support engage and support the firearm therebetween. The steady-rest may then be grasped by the operator's forward extending hand to provide maximum steadying of the firearm for sighting and shooting. A gravity deploying bi-pod leg set is also provided which automatically locks into position when fully deployed by a gravity slide lock.
US08176669B1
A rail accessory mounting apparatus is provided. The apparatus generally comprises actuatable jaw segments and a base from which the jaw segments extend, a collar within which a portion of the base is seated with the jaw segments operatively engageable with a portion of the collar in furtherance being drawn together upon actuation. Moreover, an actuator, progressively advanceable in relation to the base so as to effectuate actuation of the jaw segments is provided, as well as a rail accessory receiving fixture supported at or by the collar, the fixture comprising a segment having a dovetail configuration characterized by a wedge shaped cross section with which a rail accessory device is readily mateable.
US08176667B2
A system for resolving at least one use parameter relating to a firing of a machinegun or of a semi-automatic firearm having a receiver, an action within the receiver and that includes a piston, and a buffer tube that receives at least a portion of the piston during a cycling of the action in response to a recoil. The system includes: a display configured to display at least an indication of at least one use parameter; a sensor disposed in the buffer tube, the sensor sensing a cycling of an action via movement of the piston in the buffer tube; a processor that receives sensed data from the sensor and, based on the received sensed data, calculates the at least one use parameter, the processor causing the display to display the at least an indication; and a power source disposed in the stock or the display and energizing the sensor, the processor, and the display.
US08176666B2
A sign holder includes a sleeve, a support and a plurality of rings. The sleeve has a front portion having a first height and a back portion having a second height that is greater than the first height of the front portion. The back portion is connected to the front portion by a bottom connecting portion and includes a plurality of spaced apart apertures that extend through a thickness of the back portion and are located along the back portion at least partially above the corresponding first height of the front portion. The support includes a support member and a connecting member connected to the support member. The connecting member is substantially perpendicular to the support member and is attached to a backward facing surface of the back portion. The plurality of rings are each threaded through one of the apertures in the back portion.
US08176663B2
Greeting cards and novelties with electronic circuits having switch mechanisms operable by manipulation of a moveable component. Manipulation of the moveable component causes activation of the electronic circuit.
US08176657B2
An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly. The sole assembly is secured to the upper and includes a support assembly. The support assembly has a plurality of primary tubular members spaced from one another and extending laterally across at least a portion of the sole assembly. A plurality of secondary tubular members extends laterally across at least a portion of the sole assembly, with each secondary tubular member positioned between and interconnecting a pair of adjacent primary tubular members.
US08176655B2
A vapor atmosphere spray dryer can include a closed-loop circuit having a dryer, a bag house filter system, a fan, and a heater system which are fluidly connected together for circulating a mass of superheated vapor therethrough. A centrifugal atomizer is disposed within the dryer. A feed system delivers a supply of feed slurry to the centrifugal atomizer which discharges a supply of atomized feed slurry in the dryer for combination with the circulated mass of superheated vapor within the dryer. The closed loop circuit is constructed such that the circulated mass of superheated vapor has an operating pressure of at least 1 psi which is generated by the evaporation of the fluid in the atomized feed slurry in the dryer resulting from the combination of the supply of atomized feed slurry and the circulated mass of superheated vapor.
US08176654B2
By a method and a device for preventing corrosion on and in the region of a gas inlet nozzle during nitric acid condensation, contact of the condensing gas with the nozzle and with the surroundings of the nozzle are supposed to be minimized. This is achieved in that the gas inlet nozzle has a sleeve on the inside in the transition region to the interior of the condenser, by which sleeve a gas inlet orifice in the form of an annular gap is formed, whereby the annular space is provided with at least one feed opening for secondary air, so that an enveloping flow of secondary air is produced around the entering NO gas.
US08176653B2
A method for removing moisture from a substrate coated with a transparent electrode comprises the steps of placing the substrate coated with the transparent electrode in an infrared oven, applying heat to the substrate in the infrared oven, drawing the substrate from the infrared oven, loading the substrate in a chamber and reducing pressure in the chamber and performing a heat treatment on the substrate.
US08176652B2
An apparatus and method for a water removing roller device for removing excess water from the hide of a cattle, which uses pliable urethane roller stacks that can be attached by an arm structure. The roller structure can be mounted on a hinge to an arm thereby allowing the structure to swivel. The arm can be attached to a stationery device with a hinge, which is also allowed to swivel. A tension device, for example, a spring or a hydraulic cylinder can be attached to the back of the arm and connected to the stationery device to provide enough tension on the structure to keep the rollers in contact with the cattle hide, thereby pressing out the water allowing it to run off prior the blood plasma saving section.
US08176640B2
The present invention pertains to a device for cutting media, such as paper, cardboard, and metal foils. The device has a body that includes a sidewall extending from the body. The device has means for cutting the media disposed in the body. The means for cutting the media has a cutting edge having a leading edge and a trailing edge. The sidewall shrouds at least a portion of the cutting edge. The sidewall has a media contact point that is disposed away from the trailing edge in the direction of the leading edge.
US08176629B2
A method for screwing together two metal parts that are spaced apart from one another close to a screw connection element and elastically deformable relative to one another, and for the remainder lie against one another. In order to obtain a firm and secure screw connection, with little expenditure of torque, one of the metal parts is deformed, before the metal parts are screwed together, in such a manner that regions close to the screw connection element come close to one another, and the metal parts are then screwed together. A region of the one metal parts remains deformed after they have been screwed together, as a result of the screw connection element.
US08176626B2
A terminal reel cart that supports a reel of terminals and a terminal applicator such that the terminal applicator can be loaded with the strip of terminals and moved into position relative to a wire processing system. The terminal reel cart supports the reel of terminals and a terminal applicator. The reel cart includes a plurality of wheels that allow the cart to be easily moved throughout a processing facility. The reel cart includes a paper take up reel that is driven by a motor and collects the paper backing from the strip of terminals. The paper take up reel is driven by a drive motor on the wire processing system.
US08176621B2
A method for forming an antenna structure is provided, including the following steps of: providing a non-conductive frame and disposing a plating resist material on the non-conductive frame, removing a part of the plating resist material within a predetermined region on the non-conductive frame and forming a roughened surface on the non-conductive frame within the predetermined region by laser marking, forming a medium layer on the roughened surface, wherein the medium layer comprises Pd or Ag, removing the plating resist material on the non-conductive frame, and forming a metal layer on the medium layer.
US08176616B2
A method for error-proofing clamping operation performed with a reconfigurable clamp having a body, a locking member, a plurality of moveable pins for contacting an object, and a plunger is provided. The method includes applying a force to the plunger and sensing whether the plunger achieves a fully-depressed position, and releasing the force to the plunger and sensing whether the plunger achieves a fully-extended position. The method may additionally include applying the force to the plunger, contacting the object with the plurality of pins and sensing whether the clamp body achieves a predetermined position relative to a clamping device.
US08176602B1
A reclosable fastener having a one-way valve interposed between first and second sets of interlocking members permits fluid flow in one direction through the fastener and blocks fluid flow in an opposite direction through the fastener.
US08176597B2
A vacuum cleaner has a cyclone module assembly comprising a cyclone separation chamber for separating dust and debris from air with the generation of a cyclonic airflow vortex forming a vortex tail, the cyclone separation chamber having an inlet opening in fluid communication with the suction nozzle through the working air path and an outlet opening for discharging cleaned air, and a dirt cup for collecting dust and debris that is separated from the air in the cyclone separation chamber. The inlet opening in the cyclone separation chamber is formed with a pair of opposed inlets. The opposed inlets can be symmetrically or asymmetrically positioned with respect to each other. The cyclone separation chamber can comprise first and second concentric cyclone separation chambers and the opposed inlets can form the inlet opening to the second or inner cyclone separation chamber. The cyclone separation chamber can further have at least one vortex stabilizer for retaining the vortex tail at a predetermined location with respect to the cyclone separation chamber.
US08176595B2
A saddle bracket for wiper adapter comprises a bracket chassis and a linking saddle to be extensively compatible in coupling with various types of articulation adapter in vast range. Wherein, the bracket chassis is a prerequisite component and the linking saddle is an optional component so that the bracket chassis can either be used alone or be docked by the linking saddle as an integral entity. Through such versatile structure with comprehensive compatibility, the kind and quantity of the saddle bracket can be reduced. Besides, the accumulative quantity of the defective wipers from annual replaced windshield wiper due to obsolete or aged malfunction can also be indirectly decreased. Thus, not only the vendors and the consumers of the viper can be benefited by the decreasing in manufacturing cost and selling price but also the environmental protection can be benefited by the decreasing in annual replacement quantity.
US08176583B2
A siderail assembly 40 for a bed 20 includes a link P pivotably connectable to a bed frame at a joint PF and to a rail at a joint PR. The link P has at least one reaction surface 64, 66. The assembly also includes a link R having a rail end 78 and a common end 80. The rail end of link R is pivotably connected to the rail at a joint RR. The assembly also includes a link Q having a frame end 72 and a common end 74. The frame end of link Q is pivotably connected to the frame at a joint QF. The common ends of link Q and link R are pivotably connected to each other at a joint A constrained to move substantially parallel to the reaction surface.
US08176575B2
In a shield for a helmet according to this invention, an air introducing mechanism portion disposed at a region including a lower end portion of a shield main body portion and its vicinity includes a large number of vent holes extending substantially in a vertical direction so that a traveling wind can flow substantially upward from substantially below substantially along the inner surface of the shield main body portion. This invention can provide a shield for a helmet which, despite that raindrops and the like will enter inside the shield main body portion at a low possibility, can introduce the traveling wind inside the shield main body portion well, and in which the shield main body portion can be worked comparatively well and the strength of the shield main body portion is not particularly impaired.
US08176574B2
Described herein are various protective helmets, including helmets designed for equestrian use. In one embodiment, an equestrian helmet (1) includes a front shell (2) and a rear shell (3). Shell (3) is moveable with respect to shell (1) to provide the helmet with two configurations. The first of these is an open configuration where the helmet is configured for receiving within the helmet or removing from the helmet a human head (4). The second configuration is a closed where shell (3) is releasably lockingly engaged to shell (2) for securely containing head (4) within helmet (1).
US08176572B2
Feminine undergarments, particularly brassieres and other body shaping garments that are fabricated using a multi-layered fabric laminate that is formed by gluing multiple fabric layers together, preferably to permit body shaping garments to be substantially fabricated from a single main piece of material or blank cut from the multi-layered fabric laminate and which has finished edges which do not require separate binding or narrow edge finishing, together with a method of making such garments, both on an individual, batch basis, as well as an automated process for making the fabric laminate and multiple garments on a continuous basis, are disclosed. Multi-layer composite fabric laminate materials wherein different portions of at least one fabric layer thereof are made of different fabrics, and a method for making them, are also disclosed.
US08181268B2
Optical information and topographic information of the surface of a sample are measured at a nanometer-order resolution and with high reproducibility without damaging a probe and the sample by combining a nanometer-order cylindrical structure with a nanometer-order microstructure to form a plasmon intensifying near-field probe having a nanometer-order optical resolution and by repeating approach/retreat of the probe to/from each measurement point on the sample at a low contact force.
US08181266B2
A method for moving a rights object (RO) between devices, a method of using a content object based on the moving method, and devices using the methods are provided. The moving method includes performing authentication between two devices; securing a connection between the devices; and communicating the rights object between the two devices. The using method includes two devices communicating with each other, the first device having use permission of content objects and the second device including the content objects and corresponding rights objects; the first device searching for the content objects; and the first device using the content object that was found. The device includes an authentication module to authenticate another device; a security formation module to secure a connection for the other device; and a transceiving module which communicates a rights object for which the connection has been secured.
US08181254B1
According to one general aspect, a computer-implemented method for implementing default security features for web applications and browser extensions includes receiving a request to include a web application or a web browser extension in a digital marketplace. A determination is made if the web application or the web browser extension conforms to default security features, wherein the default security features include a prohibition against running in-line script on web pages. The web application or the browser extension is included in the digital marketplace if the web application or the browser extension conforms to the default security features.
US08181251B2
A method for detecting malware is disclosed. The method may include examining a plurality of metadata fields of a plurality of known-clean-executable files. The method may also include examining a plurality of metadata fields of a plurality of known-malicious-executable files. The method may further include deducing, based on information obtained from examining the plurality of metadata fields of the plurality of known-clean- and known-malicious-executable files, metadata-field attributes indicative of malware. Corresponding systems and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US08181247B1
Disclosed are systems, methods and computer program products for protecting a computer from activities of malicious objects. The method comprises: monitoring events of execution of one or more processes on the computer; identifying auditable events among the monitored events, including events of creation, alteration or deletion of files, events of alteration of system registry, and events of network access by processes executed on the computer; recording the identified auditable events in separate file, registry and network event logs; performing a malware check of one or more software objects on the computer; if an object is determined to be malicious, identifying from the file, registry and network event logs the events associated with the malicious object; performing rollback of file events associated with the malicious object; performing rollback of registry events associated with the malicious object; terminating network connections associated with the malicious object.
US08181236B2
Disclosed is a computer implemented method and apparatus to retrieve authentication records required for user validation and creation of authentication credentials from an authentication server to be passed to the user. The method is comprised of the authentication server storing a first authentication record, then generating a first authentication credential based on the first authentication record. The authentication server associates the first authentication record with a first credential expiration time. The authentication server stores a second authentication record. The authentication server generates a second authentication credential based on the second authentication record, wherein the second authentication credential is associated with a second credential expiration time. Next, the authentication server associates the second authentication credential with a second credential expiration time. The authentication server determines that the first credential expiration time is earlier than the second credential expiration time and caches the first authentication record to cache.
US08181234B2
The security of an authentication system using a one-time password is increased, a shift from an authentication system using a fixed password is simplified, and a range of use is increased. An authentication system wherein a one-time password is synchronized with time, or an authentication system wherein a one-time password is synchronized with the number of online service authentication requests, is provided. When a one-time password client 9 downloads a one-time password for online service authentication from a one-time password server 2, current time information or a current value of the number of online service authentication requests is made to coincide between the client and server, and an online service authentication request is authenticated as long as the downloaded one-time password for online service authentication is valid. The one-time password may also be synchronized with service usage details contained in the online service authentication request.
US08181233B2
Techniques that facilitate pairing of wireless devices with other wireless devices are disclosed. According to one aspect, a pair of wireless devices can be paired for wireless data exchange using an available wired link. Advantageously, the wired link can be used to transport a pin code from one of the wireless devices to the other. Consequently, pairing of the wireless devices can be completed without necessitating user entry of a pin code so long as the wired link is available.
US08181222B2
A system and method for defining and enforcing a security policy. Security mechanism application specific information for each security mechanism is encapsulated as a key and exported to a semantic layer. Keys are combined to form key chains within the semantic layer. The key chains are in turn encapsulated as keys and passed to another semantic layer. A security policy is defined by forming key chains from keys and associating users with the key chains. The security policy is translated and exported to the security mechanisms. The security policy is then enforced via the security mechanisms.
US08181221B2
An approach is provided for masking data. A determination is made whether an action initiated by an authenticated user corresponds to one of a plurality of policies stored in a policy store, wherein the policies relate to whether data to be retrieved from a data source is to be masked. A new policy is generated if no match is found in the policy store. Information associated with the new policy is received, wherein the information is input by the user. The new policy is stored in the policy store.
US08181216B2
A data processing apparatus that appropriately adjusts the image quality of an image. At a plurality of user terminals, image data transmitted from a broadcasting station is processed based on parameters input by users, and user information including the image data and the parameters is provided to a management server. The management server calculates noise amounts of the respective sets of image data included in the user information provided from the plurality of user terminals, calculates an average value of parameters input by users for each noise amount, and associates the average value with the noise amount. Furthermore, the management server provides a user terminal with server information including a parameter associated with a noise amount of image data from a user terminal. The user terminal processes the image data based on the parameter included in the server information from the management server.
US08181201B2
A method and system for rating programs, the method including, receiving a sample of viewing logs from a plurality of set top boxes (STBs), determining, from the sample of viewing logs, at least groups of viewers sharing similar interests, and groups of programs sharing similar audience, computing time dynamics of rating distribution for the groups of viewers and the groups of programs, and incorporating at least one of the following into broadcast metadata the time dynamics of rating distributions of the groups of viewers for each of the groups of programs, rating distributions of the groups of viewers for each of the groups of programs marginalized by time, rating distributions of the groups of viewers for each program marginalized by time, relative sizes of each group of viewers, and a mapping of each program to groups of programs, thereby making the broadcast metadata available to the plurality of STBs for use in computing ratings. Related systems and methods are described.
US08181196B2
An audience measurement system generates signatures of unknown pieces of content viewed by panel members, and generates reference signatures of known pieces of content. The signatures of the unknown pieces of content are stored and transmitted to a central processing site, where they are compared with the reference signatures for their identification. A scanning engine finds matches between the signatures of the unknown and the known contents, and stores matches so as to build “tracking segments”, i.e., strings of matches that indicate a coincidence between the unknown content and one or more known pieces of content for a certain period of time, and associates the unknown content to the known piece of content with the longest tracking segment.
US08181193B2
A disk chucking device is disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the disk chucking device coupling a disk to a rotor of a motor such that the disk can be mounted and demounted can include a boss, which is coupled with the rotor, a first elastic body, which includes an inner circumference surrounding the boss and in which the first elastic body has elasticity in a radial direction from a center of the boss, a plurality of second elastic bodies, which are radially disposed from the first elastic body and in which the plurality of second elastic bodies are elastically supported by the first elastic body, and a plurality of chuck pins, which press the disk and in which each of the plurality of chuck pins is elastically supported by each of the plurality of second elastic bodies.
US08181192B2
A disk apparatus includes: an apparatus body including a disk drive portion for housing a disk medium having an information recording surface and for recording and/or reproducing information; and a lid body including a display for displaying information, and closed and opened with respect to the apparatus body in such a way that the display is postured face down and up. The apparatus body further includes: a drive-portion cover which is movable in a bottom direction of the apparatus body and inserts and ejects the disk medium into and from the disk drive portion; and a lock hook and a cover hook locking the disk medium housed in the apparatus body. A locking state of the lock hook and the cover hook is kept when the lid body is in the open state with respect to the apparatus body.
US08181190B2
In an optical disc apparatus, convex portions are provided on the inner surface of a top cover that covers the top surface side of the apparatus such that the convex portions are directly opposite or directly above a flexible printed circuit board during the slide-in/slide-out movements of a tray. The convex portions are positioned further outwardly from the outer circumference of an optical disc with respect to the rotation center of the optical disc upon completion of the slide-in movement of the tray. The convex portions guide or slide part of the flexible printed circuit board along the tip end surfaces of the convex portions in the direction of the slide-in movement of the tray when the part of the flexible printed circuit board comes into contact with the inner surface of the top cover during the slide-in movement of the tray.
US08181184B2
Methods and systems for implementing methods for allocating available service capacity to a plurality of tasks in a data processing system having a plurality of processing channels is provided, where each processing channel is utilized in accordance with a time division multiplex processing scheme. A method can include receiving in the data processing system the plurality of tasks to be allocated to the available service capacity and determining a task from among an unassigned set of the plurality of tasks having a requirement for available service capacity which is greatest. The method can also include identifying at least one of the plurality of processing channels that has an available service capacity greater than or equal to the requirement and selectively assigning the task to the processing channel having a remaining service capacity which least exceeds the requirement.
US08181180B1
Embodiments include methods, apparatus, and systems for managing jobs in a shared file system. One embodiment includes a method that intercepts file accesses within a job on a client to a storage device in a shared file system, detects when a file associated with the job changes, and sends the client a message of the change.
US08181179B2
Machine-readable media, methods, and apparatus are described to change a first scheduler in the virtual machine monitor. In some embodiments, a second scheduler is loaded in a virtual machine monitor when the virtual machine monitor is running; and then is activated to handle a scheduling request for a scheduling process in place of the first scheduler, when the virtual machine monitor is running.
US08181170B2
Analyzing a first binary version of a program and unwind information associated with the first binary version of the program, performing optimization on the first binary version of the program to produce a second binary version of the program based at least in part on the results of the analysis, and generating new unwind information for the second binary version of the program based at least in part on the results of the analysis and at least in part on the optimization performed.
US08181168B1
A system comprises a plurality of computation units interconnected by an interconnection network. A method for configuring the system comprises forming subsets of instructions corresponding to different portions of a program, the subsets of instructions being related according to a control flow graph; forming one or more memory analysis regions that include one or more of the subsets of instructions, where each subset of instructions is included in a single memory analysis region; analyzing each memory analysis region to partition memory objects and instructions that access the memory objects into equivalence classes such that instructions within an equivalence class only access objects in the same equivalence class; and assigning memory access instructions a given equivalence class to one of the computation units for execution on the assigned computation unit.
US08181165B2
Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture for using annotations to reuse variable declarations to generate different service functions. A declaration file has variable declarations in a first programming language environment for use by application functions. The declaration file includes a plurality of sets of annotations for a plurality of service functions. Each of the sets of annotations identifies variables in the declaration file to use with one of the service functions. The declaration file is processed to generate one of the service functions. The set of annotations in the declaration file for the service function to generate is determined. The determined set of annotations is processed to determine variables to include with the service function to generate. The determined variables from the declaration file are used to generate the service function.
US08181162B2
A manager component of an apparatus in one example handles one or more checkpoint procedures for one or more software components of a distributed software application that runs within a plurality of executables.
US08181158B2
Transactional programming promises to substantially simplify the development and maintenance of correct, scalable, and efficient concurrent programs. Designs for supporting transactional programming using transactional memory implemented in hardware, software, and a mixture of the two have emerged recently. However, various features and capabilities for debugging programs executed using transactional memory are absent from conventional debuggers. Because transactional memory implementations provide the “illusion” of multiple memory locations changing value atomically, there are challenges involved with integrating debuggers with such programs to provide the user with a coherent view of program execution. For instance, when execution is halted for debugging, a user may request to view a transactional variable or memory location. The transactional variable or memory location may have a pre-transaction value and a tentative value. Allowing a user to only view one of the values reduces the capacity of a user to reason about the behavior of the code.
US08181148B2
A chip design methodology. The methodology includes identifying engineering changeable logic, and replacing the identified engineering changeable logic with flexible logic blocks (FLB).
US08181143B2
Some embodiments provide a system for generating a memory-efficient representation of a sequence of electrically connected routing shapes. The memory-efficient representation represents the sequence of electrically connected routing shapes using a sequence of points, such that two consecutive points represent a routing shape. At least some of the points can be represented using a compact representation, thereby reducing the memory required for storing the sequence of points. A full representation specifies a point's location using the point's two-dimensional coordinates, and a compact representation specifies a point's location using one of the point's two-dimensional coordinates and an orientation indicator which indicates the routing shape's orientation. The missing coordinate in a compact representation can be determined from the preceding points. The system can represent a via that joins two routing shapes by assigning different metal layers to the points associated with the two routing shapes.
US08181131B2
A mechanism is provided for increasing the scalability of formal verification solutions through enabling the use of input reparameterization on logic models that include memory arrays. A pre-processing mechanism enables the selection of a cut-based design partition which enables optimal reductions though input reparameterization given a netlist with constraints. A post-processing mechanism next prevents input reparameterization from creating topologically inconsistent models in the presence of arrays. Additionally, this technique may be used to rectify inconsistent topologies that may arise when reparameterizing even netlists without arrays, namely false sequential dependencies across initialization constructs. Furthermore, a mechanism is provided to undo the effects of memory array based input reparameterization on verification results.
US08181124B2
A method and system for notification in a palm-sized computer system. Specifically, the present invention discloses an Attention Manager that manages application demand for a user's attention. The Attention Manager receives multiple attention requests from varying applications. With each new attention request received that indicates a record needs a user's attention, the Attention Manager stores the request in memory and determines if there are other outstanding attention requests that have not been cleared. Depending on the number of outstanding requests, the Attention Manager sends a request for record information in list or detail format. If there are multiple outstanding attention requests, the Attention Manager displays a notification dialog in a list format. If there is only one outstanding attention request, the Attention Manager displays the notification dialog in detail format. Additionally, a simple user interface to navigate to the application and record entry requiring attention is provided.
US08181117B2
A system and method for synchronizing media files stored on a plurality of computing devices. The system includes a source computing device configured to execute a synchronization engine configured to synchronize media files on the source computing device with copies of the media files on a target computing device. The synchronization engine may be configured to display a file synchronization interface including a synchronization control having a plurality of media file selectors configured to receive user input of a selected set of the media files for synchronization. The system further may include a prediction module configured to compute a predicted storage state of the target computing device based on an available storage capacity of the target computing device and an estimated destination file size of each of the selected set of media files, and display the predicted storage state on a graphical predicted storage state gauge.
US08181113B2
Techniques are described providing mediated information about a current state that is modeled with multiple state attributes. In some situations, the providing includes receiving from a first source an indication of a first value for an indicated one of the state attributes of the modeled current state, receiving from a second source an indication of a second value for the indicated state attribute, and, after an indication from a client for a value for the indicated state attribute, sending to the client a mediated value for the indicated state attribute that is produced by mediating between available values for the indicated state attribute including at least the first and second values.
US08181105B2
Statistical information about instance documents and schema information are used to integrate multiple state transitions that enable sectioning of a structure document, thereby generating an optimum automaton. In integrating state transitions, consecutively matching state transitions are held in the form of an ID list, which is then used to count the number of consecutive state transitions. Furthermore, patterns in the number of occurrences of repetitive elements including nested elements are statistically obtained. Variations of blanks in XML are addressed by using a statistical method. Schema information is used to build an automaton beforehand, thereby initialization overhead of the syntax parsing apparatus is reduced.
US08181102B2
A bookmark editor in an Internet web browser application allows a user to create symbolic links between bookmarks and bookmark folders. The bookmark editor may also detect when a bookmark already exists for a document and prompt the user to create a link rather than a new bookmark for the same document. The user may then keep a folder, subfolder, or bookmark and link to it via a symbolic link. When a bookmark is added to a folder or subfolder, the user does not need to duplicate that bookmark for a linked folder or subfolder.
US08181094B2
A system to improve error correction includes a fast decoder to process data packets until the fast decoder finds an uncorrectable error in a data packet at which point a request for at least two data packets is generated. The system also includes a slow decoder to correct the uncorrectable error in a data packet based upon the at least two data packets.
US08181090B1
A triple parity (TP) technique reduces overhead of computing diagonal and anti-diagonal parity for a storage array adapted to enable efficient recovery from the concurrent failure of three storage devices in the array. The diagonal parity is computed along diagonal parity sets that collectively span all data disks and a row parity disk of the array. The parity for all of the diagonal parity sets except one is stored on the diagonal parity disk. Similarly, the anti-diagonal parity is computed along anti-diagonal parity sets that collectively span all data disks and a row parity disk of the array. The parity for all of the anti-diagonal parity sets except one is stored on the anti-diagonal parity disk. The TP technique provides a uniform stripe depth and an optimal amount of parity information.
US08181084B1
Systems and methods are provided that use LDPC codes to determine the locations of insertions or deletions within bit-strings of information transmitted through communication channels and which notify a LDPC decoder of the locations of the insertions or deletions prior to the start of the decoding process. The use of such systems and methods, according to this disclosure, may improve LDPC decoder performance by reducing errors cause by insertions and/or deletions. The use of such systems and methods, according to this disclosure, may also provide improved application performance and larger data transmission rates.
US08181081B1
A decoding system for a communication channel includes N parallel channel detection modules that generate N first probability vectors based on sequences of X correlated bits in each of N groups of correlated bits, respectively. N parallel updating modules generate M second probability vectors based on the N first probability vectors and N feedback signals. N parallel estimation modules generate estimates of the X correlated bits in each of the N groups of correlated bits based on the M second probability vectors. N parallel decoding modules generate the N feedback signals and N output signals based on the estimates of the X correlated bits in each of the N groups of correlated bits. X is an integer greater than one, M is an integer greater than or equal to one, and N is an integer greater than or equal to M.
US08181075B2
An error correction device is a device detecting and correcting an error of uncorrected data. The error correction device includes a temporary storage buffer (data buffer) having a storage area divided into a plurality of units and storing the uncorrected data divided into storage area units, and an error correction part (error correction circuit) repeatedly performing detecting an error of the uncorrected data stored in the temporary storage buffer, correcting the detected error, and writing the corrected error into the temporary storage buffer for each storage area unit. The error correction part corrects the error of the uncorrected data for storage area unit of the temporary storage buffer to successively write the corrected data into the temporary storage buffer.
US08181066B2
A service management system and a method of performing service diagnostics. In one embodiment, the service management system includes: (1) a service description repository configured to contain service descriptions that define services in terms of end points that assume roles based on at least one of the capabilities and attributes thereof, (2) a diagnostic rule definition repository configured to contain diagnostic rules pertaining to problem areas regarding the services and (3) a diagnostic engine coupled to the service description repository and the diagnostic rule definition repository and configured to retrieve at least one diagnostic rule based on a subscriber, a service and a problem area, evaluate at least one diagnostic rule to produce at least one solution, retrieve data regarding end points associated with the service and return a possible solution.
US08181065B2
In one embodiment, systems and methods are provided for nonlinear journaling. In one embodiment, groups of data designated for storage in a data storage unit are journaled into persistent storage. In one embodiment, the journal data is recorded nonlinearly. In one embodiment, a linked data structure records data and data descriptors in persistent storage.
US08181061B2
A system including a plurality of servers, a client, and a metadata server is described herein. The servers each store tracts of data, a plurality of the tracts comprising a byte sequence and being distributed among the plurality of servers. To locate the tracts, the metadata server generates a table that is used by the client to identify servers associated with the tracts, enabling the client to provide requests to the servers. The metadata server also enables recovery in the event of a server failure. Further, the servers construct tables of tract identifiers and locations to use in responding to the client requests.
US08181054B2
A circuit arrangement and method of executing program code which utilize power control instructions capable of dynamically controlling power dissipation of multiple hardware resources during execution of a program by a processor. The processor configured to process such power control instructions and to maintain the power modes of the multiple hardware resources to that specified in an earlier-processed power control instruction, such that subsequently-processed instructions will be processed while the power modes of the multiple hardware resources are set to that specified by the earlier-processed power control instruction.
US08181050B2
An adaptive throttling system for minimizing the impact of non-production work on production work in a computer system is provided. The adaptive throttling system throttles production work and non-production work to optimize production. The adaptive throttling system allows system administrators to specify a quantified limit on the performance impact of non-production or utility work on production work. The throttling rate of the utility is then automatically determined by a supervisory agent, so that the utilities' impact is kept within the specified limit. The adaptive throttling system adapts dynamically to changes in workloads so as to ensure that valuable system resources are well utilized and utility work is not delayed unnecessarily.
US08181044B2
Provided is a method of determining an operation mode of a node in an ad hoc network. The method includes: monitoring a measured amount of residual energy of the node and comparing the measured amount of residual energy of the node with an amount of residual energy theoretically calculated for the node; identifying an amount of information in a queue included in the node; calculating a relay probability of the node by reflecting the identified amount of information in the queue and the result of comparing the measured amount of residual energy of the node with the theoretically calculated amount of residual energy for the node; and determining the operation mode of the node to be one of a relay mode and a transmission mode, based on the calculated relay probability of the node. The method enables nodes to exchange information about their respective amounts of residual energy and analyze the information without using additional resources and processes.
US08181043B1
Methods and apparatus systems for remotely controllable power supplies for various network devices in various situations.
US08181041B2
A method and apparatus for a wave-modulated switching frequency voltage regulator VR are described. In one embodiment, a controller dynamically adjusts a phase switching frequency of the VR to render the VR immune from synchronization between an IC load frequency and the VR phase switching frequency. In one embodiment, the method includes generation of a dynamic switching frequency waveform according to a wave modulated reference voltage. The dynamic switching frequency waveform may comprise a plurality of pulses with a modulated frequency. At least two, time-shifted pulse width modulated (PWM) waveforms may be fired to corresponding drivers of a multi-phase switching VR in response to such dynamic switching waveform. In one embodiment, PWM waveforms are fired to the drivers of the regulator in response to a frequency of the pulses of the dynamic switching frequency waveform to provide continuous adjustment of the VR switching frequency. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08181033B1
A data leakage prevention system, method, and computer program product are provided for preventing a predefined type of operation on predetermined data. In use, an attempt to perform an operation on predetermined data that is protected using a data leakage prevention system is identified. Additionally, it is determined whether a type of the operation attempted includes a predefined type of operation. Furthermore, the operation on the predetermined data is conditionally prevented based on the determination to prevent circumvention of the protection of the data leakage prevention system.
US08181032B2
Method and apparatus enabling a computing system to deter or thwart unauthorized boot-up from peripheral devices are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, a monitoring module and a managing module are employed cooperating with each other to authorize users in booting up the computing system from peripheral devices.
US08181028B1
In one embodiment, a key list entry corresponding to a user's private key is securely deleted from a key list of a user device on shutdown of the user device. Subsequently, input of the user's private key will not allow decryption of an encrypted partition storing encrypted data on the user device. In another embodiment, a key list entry corresponding to a user's private key is automatically and securely re-provisioned on boot up of the user device. Subsequently, input of the user's private key will allow decryption of the encrypted partition on the user device.
US08181027B2
The present invention provides a scrambled compressed data distribution device that can perform a high-resistance scrambled compressed data distribution by selectively using a plurality of types of scramble information and a playback device thereof.A scrambling section scrambles compressed data by unique one of a plurality of scrambling methods. A hash value calculating section determines a hash value based on data b in a position where digital watermark data is not embedded, and an encrypting section encrypts the hash value with a secret key Sk(n) corresponding to the scrambling method and outputs an encrypted hash value c. A watermark data embedding section embeds the encrypted hash value in a watermark data embedding position of the data b and transmits the same as a compressed data stream d.
US08181018B2
A method and apparatus is provided that allows code signed by a master key to grant trust to an arbitrary second key, and also allows code, referred to as an antidote and also signed by the master key to revoke permanently the trust given to the second key.
US08181017B2
An intermediate certificate authority (ICA) for a hierarchical certificate authority structure (HCAS), the HCAS having a plurality of levels, the levels including a root level, at least one intermediate level, and a leaf level, the root level having a root certificate authority, the ICA being in the at least one intermediate level, the ICA including a certificate receiving module to receive a first certificate signed by a certificate authority in a level above the level of the ICA, the first certificate certifying an aspect of the ICA, the first certificate having an expiration time, and a certificate signing module to sign a second certificate for a member of the HCAS, prior to the expiration time of the first certificate, such that the second certificate expires after the expiration time of the first certificate, the member being in a level below the level of the ICA, the second certificate certifying an aspect of the member. Related apparatus and methods are also described.
US08181015B2
Establishing trust according to historical usage of selected hardware involves providing a usage history for a selected client device; and extending trust to a selected user based on the user's usage history of the client device. The usage history is embodied as signed statements issued by a third party or an authentication server. The issued statement is stored either on the client device, or on an authentication server. The usage history is updated every time a user is authenticated from the selected client device. By combining the usage history with conventional user authentication, an enhanced trust level is readily established. The enhanced, hardware-based trust provided by logging on from a trusted client may eliminate the necessity of requiring secondary authentication for e-commerce and financial services transactions, and may also be used to facilitate password recovery and conflict resolution in the case of stolen passwords.
US08181011B1
An iSCSI name forwarding technique allows a security appliance to assume iSCSI names of one or more clients and one or more storage systems in a network. The security appliance is coupled between each client and storage system, and is configured to intercept a data access request issued by the client that is destined for the storage system. Each iSCSI name of the storage system is an iSCSI target name associated with secure storage, i.e., a cryptainer, served by the storage system, whereas the iSCSI name of the client is an iSCSI initiator name of the network entity, i.e., the client, which initiates the data access request to access data stored on the cryptainer.
US08181008B2
The aim of the present invention is to provide a secure system-on-chip for processing data, this system-on-chip having at least a central processing unit, an input and an output channel, an encryption/decryption engine and a memory. The system-on-chip having real-time working conditions while receiving and sending data, having an autonomous supervision module which is preprogrammed with normal working conditions definitions of at least the input and/or output data flow to enable or disable the input/output channel according to the comparison on the real-time working conditions and the normal working conditions definitions.
US08181003B2
Improved instruction set and core design, control and communication for programmable microprocessors is disclosed, involving the strategy for replacing centralized program sequencing in present-day and prior art processors with a novel distributed program sequencing wherein each functional unit has its own instruction fetch and decode block, and each functional unit has its own local memory for program storage; and wherein computational hardware execution units and memory units are flexibly pipelined as programmable embedded processors with reconfigurable pipeline stages of different order in response to varying application instruction sequences that establish different configurations and switching interconnections of the hardware units.
US08180999B1
A micro grid apparatus and associated method of formation. At least one tier in a printed circuit board is formed. Each tier includes complex shapes interconnected by bridge modules. Each complex shape includes a central area and at least three radial arms external to and integral with the central area. Each radial arm extends radially outward from the central area. Each pair of adjacent radial arms defines a docking bay. Each complex shape is either a power hub whose central area includes rechargeable batteries or a processor hub whose central area includes processors. A bridge unit of a bridge module is latched in at least one docking bay of each complex shape. Each docking bay not latching a bridge unit of any bridge module latches an irregular shaped module. An irregular shaped module is latched in at least one docking bay in at least two complex shapes.
