US08574847B2
A method for the selective amplification of a target sequence. The method includes hybridizing a tagged oligonucleotide to the target sequence and reducing the effective concentration of unhybridized tagged oligonucleotide which is capable of hybridizing to the target sequence. The tagged oligonucleotide includes a target hybridizing sequence and a tag sequence situated 5′ to target hybridizing sequence, where the tag sequence does not stably hybridize to a target nucleic acid containing the target sequence. A blocker oligonucleotide is provided which is designed to hybridize to a region of a nucleic acid containing the target sequence, where the region targeted by the blocker oligonucleotide is 3′ to the target sequence. Amplification products are formed using first and second oligonucleotides. The first oligonucleotide hybridizes to the 3′-end of the complement of the target sequence, and the second oligonucleotide hybridizes to the complement of the tag sequence.
US08574844B2
A method is provided for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) accomplished by: a) amplifying a reverse transcribed cDNA in a mixture containing Norovirus Genogroup I and Norovirus Genogroup II primers and probes, in which the Norovirus primers and probes can distinguish between Genogroup I and Genogroup II viruses; b) quantifying virus; and c) normalizing data based on a universal internal RNA control. Optionally, the method may also include primers and probes for Enteroviruses. The present invention also provides a reaction mixture containing Norovirus Genogroup I and Norovirus Genogroup II primers and probes, in which the Norovirus primers and probes can distinguish between Genogroup I and Genogroup II viruses and universal internal RNA control primers and probes.
US08574841B2
Nucleic acid oligonucleotide sequences are disclosed which include amplification oligomers and probe oligomers which are useful for detecting multiple types of human papillomaviruses (HPV) associated with cervical cancer. Methods for detecting multiple HPV types in biological specimens by amplifying HPV nucleic acid sequences in vitro and detecting the amplified products are disclosed.
US08574831B2
The invention provides novel mutations, mutation combinations or mutational profiles of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase and/or protease genes correlated with phenotypic resistance to HIV drugs. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of genotypic characterization of a target population of HIV and the subsequent correlation of this information to phenotypic interpretation in order to correlate virus mutational profiles with drug resistance. The invention also relates to methods of utilizing the mutational profiles of the invention in databases, drug development, i.e., drug design, and drug modification, therapy and treatment design, clinical management and diagnostic analysis.
US08574825B2
A demineralized bone matrix is produced by a process in which a bone body is placed in a first processing solution comprising an acid to demineralize the bone body. The bone body is periodically removed from the first solution at specific time intervals to perform at least one test, such as a compression test, on a mechanical property of the bone body. When the test yields a desired result, the bone body is exposed to a second processing solution that is less acidic than the first, thus minimizing the exposure of the bone body to the harsh acidic conditions of the demineralization phase of the process.
US08574821B1
A novel fabrication process uses a combination of negative and positive photoresists with positive tone photomasks, resulting in masking layers suitable for bulk micromachining high-aspect ratio microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices. This technique allows the use of positive photomasks with negative resists, opening the door to an ability to create complementary mechanical structures without the fabrication delays and costs associated with having to obtain a negative photomask. In addition, whereas an SU-8 mask would normally be left in place after processing, a technique utilizing a positive photoresist as a release layer has been developed so that the SU-8 masking material can be removed post-etching.
US08574813B2
A resist composition for immersion exposure and a method of forming a resist pattern which can satisfy both of excellent resistance to an immersion medium and lithography properties. The resist composition for immersion exposure includes a resin component (A) which exhibits changed alkali solubility under action of acid and an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon irradiation, the resin component (A) including a resin (A1) which contains a fluorine atom and a resin (A2) which has a structural unit (a′) derived from acrylic acid and contains no fluorine atom, and the amount of the resin (A1) contained in the resin component (A) being within the range from 0.1 to 50% by weight.
US08574812B2
A resist composition of the invention includes: (A1) a resin having a structural unit represented by the formula (I), (A2) a resin being insoluble or poorly soluble in alkali aqueous solution, but becoming soluble in an alkali aqueous solution by the action of an acid and (B) an acid generator represented by the formula (II), wherein R1, A1, R2, Q1, Q2, L1, ring W1, and Z+ are defined in the specification.
US08574808B2
The present invention relates to a resin emulsion being produced by neutralizing a resin binder containing acid group with a basic compound in an aqueous medium wherein the resin binder containing acid group contains a polyester produced from a raw monomer composition containing a trivalent or higher-valent polyhydric alcohol in an amount of 1 to 15 mol %; a process for producing the resin emulsion; and a toner for electrophotography using the resin emulsion. In the resin emulsion of the present invention, a resin is readily emulsified therein even when using a crosslinked polyester as the resin, and the resin emulsion is substantially free from hydrolysis of the resin and can produce a toner having an excellent heat-resistant storage property.
US08574798B2
The present invention provides an electrophotographic photoreceptor having at least a photosensitive layer and a surface layer provided at a surface of the photosensitive layer. The surface layer contains a first layer which is provided at the photosensitive layer side and has a refractive index of n1 and a second layer which is provided at the opposite side of the first layer to the photosensitive layer and has a refractive index of n2. The refractive index of the photosensitive layer, the refractive index of the first layer, the refractive index of the second layer, the film thickness of the first layer, an integer of 0 or more, and the wavelength of light with which the surface of the photoreceptor is irradiated when an electrostatic latent image is formed satisfy specific relationships.
US08574791B2
A method for production of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) (1), having an electrolyte body (10) with a tubular structure, wherein at least one internal electrode (11) and one external electrode (12) are applied to the tubular electrolyte body, with the method having at least the following steps: provision of an injection molding core (13) on which at least one interconnector material (14) and the internal electrode (11) are mounted, arrangement of the injection molding core (13) in an injection mold (25a, 25b), injection molding of an electrolyte compound (10a) in order to form the electrolyte body (10), and removal of the injection molding core (13) in the form of a casting process with a lost core.
US08574788B2
A fuel cell system includes: a gas exhaust flow path extended in a stacking direction of laminates and configured to have one end located inside a fuel cell stack and the other end located outside the fuel cell stack; and a water discharge flow path provided at a lower position than the gas exhaust flow path and formed to pass through at least part of the laminates. The gas exhaust flow path is interconnected with the water discharge flow path via at least one connecting section in the fuel cell stack. The gas exhaust flow path includes a narrowed flow path having the smaller sectional area than the sectional area of an adjacent flow path in downstream of the connecting section. The water discharge flow path has a downstream end connecting with the narrowed flow path.
US08574780B2
Fuel cell separator with chromium rich surface layer and method of producing the fuel cell separator
The present invention relates to a fuel cell separator and a method of producing the fuel cell separator. A first separator and a second separator are provided as the fuel cell separators. Firstly, the first separator and the second separator are heated. Thus, an Fe rich layer is formed in a surface layer of each of the first separator and the second separator, and a Cr rich layer where a proportion of Cr is 60% or more is formed in an inner portion of each of the first separator and the second separator. Then, an electrolytic treatment is applied to each of the first separator and the second separator to remove the Fe rich layer. By the removal, the Cr rich layer is exposed to the outside on the outermost surface layer of each of the first separator and the second separator.
US08574777B2
There is disclosed a fuel cell system capable of stably operating auxiliary devices driven at a high voltage and the like, even in a case where a poisoned electrode catalyst is recovered or a fuel cell is warmed up. On detecting that the electrode catalyst is poisoned, a controller derives a target operation point which is sufficient for recovering an activity of the poisoned electrode catalyst. Then, shift of the operation point from a usual operation point to a low-efficiency operation point is realized so that an output power is held to be constant.
US08574767B2
Thin-film electrodes and battery cells, and methods of fabrication. A thin film electrode may be fabricated from a non-metallic, non-conductive porous support structure having pores with micrometer-range diameters. The support may include a polymer film. A first surface of the support is metalized, and the pores are partially metallized to create metal tubes having a thickness within a range of 50 to 150 nanometers, in contact with the metal layer. An active material is disposed within metalized portions of the pores. An electrolyte is disposed within non-metalized portions of the pores. Active materials may be selected to create an anode and a cathode. Non-metalized surfaces of the anode and cathode may be contacted to one another to form a battery cell, with the non-metalized electrolyte-containing portions of the anode facing the electrolyte-containing portions of the cathode pores. A battery cell may be fabricated as, for example, a nickel-zinc battery cell.
US08574759B2
Disclosed is a positive electrode forming material for a positive electrode of a battery, the material including particles of a positive electrode active material and fine carbon fibers adhering to surfaces of particles of the positive electrode active material in a shape of a network. The positive electrode active material is preferably fine particles having an average particle diameter of 0.03 to 40 μm. Each of the fine carbon fibers is preferably carbon nanofiber having an average fiber diameter of 1 to 100 nm and an aspect ratio of 5 or greater. The carbon nanofiber is surface-oxidized. The positive electrode forming material includes a binder. The content of the fine carbon fibers is 0.5 to 15 parts by mass and the content of the binder is 0.5 to 10 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the positive electrode active material.
US08574754B2
A battery including at least one electrochemical cell for generating an electrical current is provided, along with its method of manufacture. In one example, the electrochemical cell is provided on a first substrate and includes an anode and a plurality of cathodes. At least a portion of said anode is located between an adjacent two of said plurality of cathodes. In one example method of manufacture, the electrochemical cell is made via a printing press process.
US08574753B2
According to one embodiment, a battery includes an electrode group, a tab, a conductive nipping member, a case, a lid and a lead. The conductive nipping member includes first and second nipping sections. The first and second nipping sections divide the tab into two bundles in which portions of the tab are laminated onto each other in a thickness direction of the electrode group. The lead includes a connecting section connected electrically to a terminal, and current collecting sections which are two sections branched from the connecting section and sandwiching the nipping member.
US08574752B2
A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly including a positive electrode including a positive current collector, a positive active material on the positive current collector in a positive coating region, and a positive uncoated region in which the positive active material is not on the positive current collector at a first side of the electrode assembly; a negative electrode including a negative current collector, a negative active material on the negative current collector in a negative coating region, a first negative uncoated region in which the negative active material is not on the negative current collector at the first side of the electrode assembly, and a second negative uncoated region in which the negative active material is not on the negative current collector at a second side of the electrode assembly opposite the first side; and a separator between the positive electrode and the negative electrode.
US08574748B2
A holding mechanism for holding a battery includes a retaining member, a resisting member ant at least two limiting members. The retaining member limits the battery from movement in a first direction. The resisting member corresponds to the retaining member and engages with the retaining member to cooperatively support and limit the battery from movement in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The at least two limiting members are arranged at opposite sides of the retaining member and are used for limiting the battery from movement in a third direction. The third direction is perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. An electronic device using the holding mechanism is also provided.
US08574738B2
A battery pack assembly for providing electric power to a load includes a battery pack, preferably made up of a plurality of lithium ion cells. A heating device formed of a flexible material flexes and covers at least part of the battery pack. The heating device includes a meandering heating strip. A thermal sensor is surrounded by the heating strip to sense the temperature of the battery pack. Electric current is applied to the heating strip to heat the battery pack when its temperature falls too low, thus improving performance of the battery pack. The heating device also includes a plurality of tabs extending beyond the peripheral sides of the heating device for direct connection to the cells. Thus, electric current for the heating strip is provided directly from the cells of the battery pack.
US08574735B2
The battery pack is provided with an analog front-end that detects battery voltage, and a micro-controller connected to the analog front-end that accepts analog voltage signals from the analog front-end as input. The micro-controller switches voltage signals input from the analog front-end to determine failure of the analog front-end or the micro-controller.
US08574733B2
Disclosed is a protection circuit for a secondary battery and a secondary battery having the same, which can interrupt electric current input into the secondary battery when the temperature of the secondary battery increases due to an overcharge, and also can protect the secondary battery in the case where the already charged secondary battery is exposed to a high temperature due to the increase of an external or internal temperature of the secondary battery. The protection circuit includes: means having one end connected to a first electrode of the secondary battery, for restricting electric current; switching means for connecting a second electrode of the secondary battery to a first outer electrode, or to the current restriction means in response to temperature; and a conducting wire for connecting the first electrode of the secondary battery to a second outer electrode.
US08574723B2
The invention relates to a sandwich material for brazing comprising a core layer of a first aluminum alloy and a barrier layer of a second aluminum alloy characterized by that: the first alloy, constituting the core layer contains (in weight %): 0.8-2% Mn, ≦1.0% Mg, 0.3-1.5% Si, ≦0.3% Ti, ≦0.3% Cr, ≦0.3% Zr, ≦1.3% Cu, ≦0.5% Zn, ≦0.2% In, ≦0.1% Sn and ≦0.7% (Fe+Ni), the balance consisting of Al and ≦0.05% of each of the unavoidable impurities, and that the second alloy, constituting the barrier layer contains (in weight %): ≦0.2% Mn+Cr, ≦1.0% Mg, ≦1.5% Si, ≦0.3% Ti, ≦0.2% Zr, ≦0.3% Cu, ≦0.5% Zn, ≦0.2% In, ≦0.1% Sn and ≦1.5% (Fe+Ni), the balance consisting of Al and ≦0.05% of each of the unavoidable impurities, The invention also concerns a method for the manufacture of the sandwich material, a brazed product, such as a heat exchanger comprising the sandwich material and the use of the brazed product at high and low temperatures.
US08574714B2
A method of manufacturing an engraved plate used in intaglio printing, said plate being engraved by a tool, for example a laser beam, characterized in that the engraving tool uses data from a depth-map, based on a three-dimensional raster image of the document to be printed.
US08574713B2
The present invention relates to fibers exhibiting a water contact angle of above 150° and water contact angle hysteresis of below 15°, methods of producing the same, and applications thereof. The present invention further relates to superhydrophobic fiber mats, methods of producing the same, and applications thereof.
US08574708B2
The present invention provides chip-resistant powder topcoats for corrosion resistant powder coated steel substrates, such as, for example, automotive suspension coil springs, comprising powder coatings formed from one or more wax and a resin component of one or more toughened epoxy resin. The present invention provides dual coatings of toughened epoxy powder basecoats and topcoats, which may be foamed and/or fiber reinforced. The powder used to form the chip resistant topcoat can further comprise up to 200 phr or, preferably, up to 75 phr of one or more extender, or 0.5 or more phr of one or more extender, such as barium sulfate, while fully retaining its chip resistant properties. In addition, the powder used to form the chip resistant topcoat can be a low temperature curing powder comprising one or more low temperature curing agent. The invention provides methods for making the dual coatings comprising applying to the substrate a toughened, zinc-loaded, epoxy coating powder, applying to the powder coated substrate a wax containing toughened epoxy topcoat and heating to fuse or cure the coating powders.
US08574707B2
A molded resin product includes a substrate made of a transparent resin, opaque coating film disposed on rear surface of the substrate except for an area set aside for a patterned portion, a transparent resin material disposed in the area set aside for the patterned portion on the rear surface of the substrate, and an opaque reflection coating or a half-reflective coating laminated to the transparent resin material. Under this configuration, the patterned portion looks as if it pops up from the rear surface of the substrate. If a half-reflective coating is used, the pattern is visible through the half-reflective coating when the pattern is viewed from the rear surface of the lid of a molded resin product.
US08574696B2
An electronic device comprising a housing assembly having at least one fiber composite layer molded into a portion of the housing assembly, the at least one fiber composite layer having a warp direction and configured to provide strength to the housing assembly corresponding to the warp direction.
US08574687B2
In a method for depositing a non-metallic, in particular ceramic, coating on a substrate (2) by cold gas spraying, the method has the steps of: producing a reactive gas flow (5) having at least one reactive gas, injecting into the reactive gas flow (5) particles (4) consisting of at least one material required for producing a non-metallic, in particular ceramic, coating material by reaction with the reactive gas, so as to form a mixture flow of reactive gas and particles (4), producing reactive gas radicals in the mixture flow, and directing the mixture flow having reactive gas radicals and particles onto a surface of a substrate (2) to be coated, and so a non-metallic, in particular ceramic, coating is deposited on the surface of the substrate (2). In addition, a description is given of a device (1) for carrying out the method.
US08574685B1
A thin film and a method of making a thin film. The thin film comprises a patterned substrate, a smooth film of electric field tuned quantum dots solution positioned on the patterned substrate, and a thin layer of metal positioned on the thin film. The method begins by drop-casting a quantum dots solution onto a patterned substrate to create a thin film. While the quantum dots solution is drying, a linearly increasing electric filed is applied. The thin film is then placed in a deposition chamber and a thin layer of metal is deposited onto the thin film. Also included are a method of measuring the photoinduced charge transfer (PCT) rate in a quantum dot nanocomposite film and methods of forming a Shottky barrier on a transparent ITO electrode of a quantum dot film.
US08574683B2
An odor-inhibiting fiber having a cellulosic fiber and an odor-inhibiting formulation. The odor-inhibiting formulation may contain an odor-inhibiting agent, such as a biocide, an enzyme, a urease inhibitor. The odor-inhibiting formulation also may contain a liquid carrier such as a hydrophobic or hydrophilic organic liquid, or a mixture of a hydrophobic and hydrophilic organic liquid. The cellulosic fiber is impregnated with the odor-inhibiting formulation to produce fiber having odor-inhibiting characteristics. The resultant odor-inhibiting fiber is useful in making absorbent articles with odor-inhibiting characteristics. The fiber of the embodiments prevents odor by inhibiting bacteria growth and ammonia production, especially when used in an absorbent article such as a diaper or adult incontinence device.
US08574678B2
A method of texturing a synthetic material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), to resemble a natural material is provided. The method can include texturing a PVC profile after extrusion in order to achieve a surface roughness of about 70 to about 300 micro inches roughness average. The method can include producing a line pattern surface roughness to make the textured PVC resemble a wood finish, particularly when the method includes applying a paint or stain to the textured PVC. The method can include producing a radial pattern surface roughness to make the textured PVC resemble a brushed metal finish. The method of the present invention can be applied to existing PVC elements, such as extruded elements, either at the manufacturing level or at the consumer level. A kit can also be provided including a texturing means, a paint or stain, and instructions.
US08574674B2
A substrate is first rotated at a first rotation speed, and a resist solution is applied. Rotation of the substrate is decelerated to a second rotation speed lower than the first rotation speed so that the substrate is rotated at the low speed to smooth the resist solution on the substrate. Rotation of the substrate is then accelerated to a third rotation speed higher than the second rotation speed, and a solvent for the coating solution and/or a dry gas are/is supplied to the resist solution on the substrate. The solvent gas is supplied to a portion of the resist solution on the substrate thicker than a set thickness, and the dry gas is supplied to a portion of the coating solution on the substrate thinner than the set thickness. This thins the thicker portion of the resist solution and thickens the thinner portion to uniform the resist solution.
US08574663B2
The present invention is a method for fabricating an electrode pair precursor which comprises the steps of creating on one surface of a substrate one or more indents of a depth less than approximately 10 nm and a width less than approximately 1 μm; depositing a layer of material on the top of this structured substrate to forming a first electrode precursor; depositing another layer the first electrode precursor to form a second electrode precursor; and finally forming a third layer on top of the second electrode precursor.
US08574654B2
Process for manufacturing a frozen aerated confection and comprising the steps 5 of producing a premix comprising milk/dairy or vegetable fat 1 to 15% (w/w), preferably 3 to 12% milk solids non fat 0 to 20% (w/w), preferably 3 to 12% sugar and other sweeteners 0.01 to 35% (w/w) vegetable proteins 0 to 5% (w/w) flavors 0 to 5% (w/w) water 30 to 85% (w/w) 0.25 to 15% by weight (expressed as dry plasma over the wet premix) of an enriched plasma fraction is added to the premix freezing and aerating the premix to an overrun of 20 to 150%.
US08574652B2
A method of smoke-infusing proteinaceous foods comprises the following sequential steps: a) enclosing the proteinaceous foods in a vacuum-treating zone; b) introducing smoke directly or indirectly from a smoke generation zone into the vacuum-treating zone; c) subjecting the proteinaceous foods to vacuum purging at a negative pressure in the vacuum-treating zone, thereby infusing smoke into the proteinaceous foods; d) repeating the steps of introducing smoke directly or indirectly from the smoke generation zone into the vacuum-treating zone; subjecting the proteinaceous foods to vacuum purging at a negative pressure in the vacuum-treating zone at least fifty times in pulsed sequences of smoke introduction stage/vacuum purging stage/vacuum release stage for the efficient infusion of smoke into the proteinaceous foods; and e) a post-chill resting cycle of the smoke-infused proteinaceous foods at a suitable temperature and for a suitable period of time.
US08574651B2
Systems and methods for thermal preservation (sterilization) of heterogeneous and multiphase foods and biomaterials in order to achieve their shelf stability at ambient level temperatures. Flowing heterogeneous, multiphase foods and biomaterials are exposed to single or multiple stages of electromagnetic energy under continuous flow conditions within conduits passing through the electromagnetic energy exposure chambers.
US08574646B2
A solid food product is molded in a mold cavity and is thereafter packaged in the mold cavity. The mold cavity is formed in a sheet and includes a side wall which extends from the sheet and a bottom wall which includes an inverting portion which extends from said side wall and a central portion. The central potion of the bottom wall includes a plurality of ridges which form a decorative design. A liquid food product is introduced into the mold cavity and allowed to solidify to form a molded solid food product. The central portion of the bottom wall is thereafter pushed into the mold cavity to invert said inverting potion and to push the molded food product away from the central portion of the bottom wall. The molded food product includes ridges which correspond to the ridges in the bottom wall of the mold cavity. A lid is attached to the sheet to enclose and package the molded food product within the mold cavity.
US08574639B2
The present invention relates to a method for preparing a fermented ginseng concentrate. The method first involves subjecting ginseng to an extraction with a solvent to obtain a ginseng extract. Next, pectinase and beta-galactosidase are added to the ginseng extract under conditions effective to ferment the ginseng extract. The fermented extract is then concentrated to produce a fermented ginseng concentrate. The method may further involve drying the fermented ginseng concentrate to obtain fermented ginseng powder. Combinations of the invention ginseng materials with other active and/or inactive materials are also disclosed.
US08574638B1
A rodenticide composition and method for using the same to exterminate rodents. The composition features a mixture of a natural dehydrant capable of dehydrating a rodent that consumes it, a natural carrier matrix, and an optional flavoring. The natural carrier matrix can include a plant-derived grain-based, nut-based, legume-based, or starchy tuber-based composition or combinations or derivatives of the foregoing. The natural dehydrant can be corn gluten meal, soy hydrolysate, soybean oil, castor oil, linseed oil, sodium chloride, cottonseed oil, any other suitable natural dehydrant, combinations thereof, or any other suitable material derived from any of the foregoing. Once the rodenticide composition is prepared, it may be placed in areas frequented by or infested with rodents so as to kill the rodents once they consume the composition.
US08574629B2
An injectable hydrogel includes a hydrogel matrix based on (a) single-phase-type cross-linked biopolymer(s), characterized in that previously cross-linked biopolymer hydrogel particles are co-cross-linked with the matrix. A method of and a process for production of the above-mentioned hydrogel are also disclosed.
US08574623B2
Disclosed are: a substance transfer carrier to an extracellular matrix-producing cell in the lung, which comprises a retinoid; a therapeutic agent for pulmonary fibrosis, which utilized the carrier; and a preparation kit of the therapeutic agent.
US08574613B2
A method and device for treating a mammalian organism to obtain a desired local or systemic physiological or pharmacological effect is provided. The method includes administering a sustained release drug delivery system to a mammalian organism in need of such treatment at an area wherein release of an effective agent is desired and allowing the effective agent to pass through the device in a controlled manner. The device includes an inner core or reservoir including the effective agent, an impermeable tube which encloses portions of the reservoir, and a permeable member at an end of the tube.
US08574611B2
The present invention relates to a sliceable composite bone repair material comprising a porous block-shaped ceramic scaffold and a stabilizing polymer disposed therein. Said ceramic scaffold is a synthetic ceramic material or a naturally-derived material. Additionally said scaffold comprises interconnected macropores.
US08574605B2
The invention includes convenient methods of preparing: (1) highly concentrated liquid bromine-containing biocidal solutions, (2) highly concentrated mixed halogen liquid bromine and chlorine-containing biocidal solutions, and (3) high-activity bromine-containing biocidal solids, all having excellent physical and chemical stability. One method yields solutions that have concentrations of bromine in excess of 18% as Br2 (8% as Cl2) in which the mole ratio of hydroxide ion to hydrogen ion source is at least 1.9:1. Another method employs elemental bromine in conjunction with a solid organic or inorganic halogenating agent to yield halogen solutions at concentrations greater than 22.9% as Br2 (10.2% as Cl2). This method can be performed under conditions that exceed the solubility of the active ingredient such that it crystallizes and is recovered as a hydrated or anhydrous salt in good yield.
US08574600B2
The invention provides porous particles, a process for producing the porous particles, and cosmetics comprising the porous particles. The porous particles of the invention have an average particle diameter of 75 μm or less, based on polyethylene resin having a crystallization degree of 70% or more. The porous particles further comprise an active ingredient. The process for producing the porous particles, comprises mixing polyethylene resin having a crystallization degree of 70% or more, and a low-molecular weight compound having a melting point lower than the softening temperature (or melting point) of the polyethylene resin, with each other at a temperature not lower than the softening temperature (or melting point) of the polyethylene resin, then spraying the mixture into a gaseous phase or a solvent at a temperature at which the viscosity of the mixture becomes 600 mPa·s or less, and removing the low-molecular weight compound from the resulting particles.
US08574592B2
The immunogenicity of the influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) molecule may be increased by substitutions of amino acids in the HA sequence. The substitution of specific HA residues, such as asparagine at position 223 of H5 HA, increase the sensitivity of the hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) assay by altering receptor specificity and/or antibody-antigen binding. HA molecules containing such substitutions will be useful in the development of diagnostic reference viruses and improved influenza vaccines.
US08574590B2
The present invention relates to lipoparticles. The invention also relates to producing lipoparticles. The invention further relates to lipoparticles comprising a viral structural protein. The invention further relates to a lipoparticle comprising a membrane protein, and the lipoparticle can be attached to a sensor surface. The invention further relates to methods of producing and using the lipoparticle to, inter alia, assess protein binding interactions.
US08574589B2
Bordetella pertussis p69 antigen is purified by immobilized metal affinity chromatography.
US08574585B2
The present invention provides nonapeptides selected from peptides comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, 3, 5, 8, 11, or 12; nonapeptides or decapeptides selected from peptides comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:29, 30, 33, 34, 40, or 46; and peptides with cytotoxic T cell inducibility, in which one, two, or several amino acids are substituted or added to the above-mentioned amino acid sequences, as well as pharmaceuticals for treating or preventing tumors, where the pharmaceuticals comprise these peptides. The peptides of this invention can be used as vaccines.
US08574584B2
EphA2 T-cell epitope are provided herein. The epitopes include peptides corresponding to specific fragments of human EphA2 protein containing one or more T-cell epitopes, and conservative derivatives thereof. The EphA2 T-cell epitopes are useful in an assay, such as an ELISPOT assay, that may be used to determine and/or quantify a patient's immune responsiveness to EphA2. The epitopes also are useful in methods of modulating a patient's immune reactivity to EphA2, which has substantial utility as a treatment for cancers that overexpress EphA2, such as renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The EphA2 epitopes also can be used to vaccinate a patient against EphA2, by in vivo or ex vivo methods.
US08574583B2
Recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) capsid proteins are provided. Methods for generating a library of recombinant adeno-associated viral capsid proteins are also provided.
US08574581B2
Monoclonal antibodies and related binding proteins that bind specifically to the envelope glycoprotein of H5 subtypes or neuraminidase glycoprotein of N1 subtypes of avian influenza virus (AIV) are provided. The monoclonal antibodies and related binding proteins are useful for the detection of H5 and N1 subtypes of AIV, including H5N1 subtypes and provide means for the diagnosis, surveillance and treatment of dangerous viral infections.
US08574573B2
The present invention relates to antibodies that specifically bind to IL12Rβ1, the non-signal transducing chain of both the heterodimeric IL12 and IL23 receptors. The invention more specifically relates to specific antibodies that are IL12 and IL23 receptor antagonists capable of inhibiting IL12/1L18 induced IFNγ production of blood cells and compositions and methods of use for said antibodies to treat pathological disorders that can be treated by inhibiting IFNγ production, IL12 and/IL23 signaling, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis or inflammatory bowel diseases or other autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.
US08574567B2
The invention provides a quiescent stem cell having the capacity to differentiate into ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm, and which does not express cell surface markers including MHC class I, MHC class II, CD44, CD45, CD13, CD34, CD49c, CD73, CD105 CD90, CD66A, CD66E, CXCR4, CD133 or an SSEA. The invention further provides a proliferative stem cell, which expresses genes including Oct-4, Nanog, Sox2, GDF3, P16INK4, BMI, Notch, HDAC4, TERT, Rex-1, TWIST, KLF-4 and Stella but does not express cell surface markers including MHC class I, MHC class II, CD44, CD45, CD13, CD34, CD49c, CD73, CD105, CD90, CD66A, CD66E, CXCR4, CD133 or an SSEA. The cells of the invention can be isolated from adult mammals, have embryonic cell characteristics, and can form embryoid bodies. Methods for obtaining the stem cells, as well as methods of treating diseases and differentiated the stem cells, are also provided.
US08574565B2
The invention pertains to a pharmaceutical composition to protect an animal against a disorder arising from an infection with a bacterium that belongs to the group of nocardioform actinomycetes having the ability to survive within macrophages of the animal, comprising live bacteria of a nocardioform actinomycetes species, the live bacteria being attenuated by inactivation of a gene that encodes a protein involved in methylhexahydroindanedione propionate degradation, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for these live bacteria.
US08574559B2
Deodorant or antiperspirant sticks based on an oil-in-water dispersion/emulsion for application on the skin.
US08574557B2
Present invention provides a composition for a cosmetic comprising a fluorine-containing silicone polymer having a three-dimensional, cross-linked structure, prepared by addition polymerizing the following (A), (B) and (C) and containing 10 to 30 mass % of the fluorine atoms, relative to a total mass of (A) to (C), (A) a vinyl group-containing organopolysiloxane represented by the following formula (1): (B) an organohydrogenpolysiloxane represented by the following formula (2): and (C) an organopolysiloxane having a reactive group on one end alone and represented by the following formula (3), and further comprising (D) a low viscosity silicone oil with a dynamic viscosity of 50 mm2/s or less at 25 degrees C.
US08574551B2
The present invention provides compositions and methods to reduce renal damage caused by nephrotoxic drugs. The invention provides compositions comprising an anionically substituted cyclodextrin, a nephrotoxic drug and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, where the cyclodextrin is present in an amount effective for substantially inhibiting the nephrotoxic effect of the drug.
US08574547B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for photoacoustic probes, methods of determining the presence and location of a specific target, methods of determining the presence and location of an enzyme, methods of determining the presence and location of a specific target and an enzyme, and the like.
US08574533B2
A negative electrode material for non-aqueous electrolyte secondary batteries, comprises: a carbon material having a sphericity of at least 0.8, and exhibiting an average (002) interlayer spacing d002 of 0.365-0.400 nm, a crystallite size in a c-axis direction Lc(002) of 1.0-3.0 nm, as measured by X-ray diffractometry, a hydrogen-to-carbon atomic ratio (H/C) of at most 0.1 as measured by elementary analysis, and an average particle size Dv50 of 1-20 μm. The negative electrode material is spherical and exhibits excellent performances including high output performance and durability.
US08574526B2
A cyclic preparation method for producing titanium boride from intermediate feedstock sodium-based titanium-boron-fluorine salt mixture and producing sodium cryolite as byproduct, which comprises the steps: a) boric acid or boric anhydride is added with hydrofluoric acid and then with sodium carbonate solution for concentration and crystallization to generate sodium fluoborate; titanium-iron concentrate is added with hydrofluoric acid and then with sodium carbonate and sodium hydroxide to obtain sodium fluotitanate; B) the sodium fluoborate is mixed with the sodium fluotitanate, and the mixture reacts with aluminum to generate titanium boride and sodium cryolite; C) the sodium cryolite is sucked out and then fed into a rotary reaction kettle together with concentrated sulfuric acid, hydrogen fluoride gas as well as sodium sulfate and sodium aluminum sulfate are generated by reaction in the rotary reaction kettle, and the hydrogen fluoride gas is collected and then dissolved in water to obtain hydrofluoric acid aqueous solution; and D) the obtained hydrofluoric acid aqueous solution is recycled.
US08574523B2
A method for reprocessing spent nuclear fuel from a light water reactor includes the step of reacting spent nuclear fuel in a voloxidation vessel with an oxidizing gas having nitrogen dioxide and oxygen for a period sufficient to generate a solid oxidation product of the spent nuclear fuel. The reacting step includes the step of reacting, in a first zone of the voloxidation vessel, spent nuclear fuel with the oxidizing gas at a temperature ranging from 200-450° C. to form an oxidized reaction product, and regenerating nitrogen dioxide, in a second zone of the voloxidation vessel, by reacting oxidizing gas comprising nitrogen monoxide and oxygen at a temperature ranging from 0-80° C. The first zone and the second zone can be separate. A voloxidation system is also disclosed.
US08574515B2
The disclosure relates to a magnetic separating device for isolating magnetically labelled particles from a non-magnetic medium comprising a body portion (1) having a magnetising portion (3) for providing a magnetic field and a surface by means of which the body portion may stand on a supporting surface; and a sample vessel retaining portion (4) for retaining at least one sample vessel (5), wherein, the magnetising portion (3) is configured to conform at least approximately to at least a substantial portion of the longitudinal profile of at least one sample vessel (5); the sample vessel retaining portion (4) is configured to retain at least one sample vessel (5) such that at least a portion of the contents of the sample vessel (5) is visible to a user; and the sample vessel retaining portion (4) is configured to be mountable on the magnetising portion so that in use, the at least one sample vessel is subject to the magnetic field of the magnetising portion (3). The disclosure further relates to a kit of parts and a method for isolating magnetically labelled particles from a non-magnetic medium using the magnetic separation device.
US08574509B2
A sensor holder comprises a sensor mounting part having a first face on which a blood sensor is placed, a second face provided on the opposite side from the first face, and a through-hole that goes from the first face to the second face and is large enough to allow a laser beam to pass through; a finger holding part that is provided on the second face and surrounds the through-hole, and a grip that sticks out from the blood testing device when the sensor holder is mounted to the blood testing device.
US08574508B2
A method for cooling a jacketed autoclave or steam sterilizer by allowing a film of water to flow down as inner wall of the sterilizer's jacket. Condensate from the jacket space is drawn into a water ring pump. The water ring pump draws condensate from the lowest point of the jacket to a water side of the pump, and gas from the jacket to a normal suction inlet of the pump. During the process of cooling the sterilizer, a stream of water and air from the water ring pump is conducted to an upper part of the jacket of the steam sterilizer and is allowed to flow as a film down the inner wall of the jacket. Evaporation of the water is enhanced by lowering the pressure in the jacket.
US08574496B2
Body fluid testing device for analyzing a body fluid comprises a test media tape adapted to collect the body fluid. The test media tape comprises a tape and test media portions. A free tape portion without test medium is located between successive test media portions. The testing device further comprises a supply portion. The supply portion comprises a housing in which uncontaminated test media tape is contained. The housing further has an opening for withdrawing test media tape from the housing. The testing device further has a sealing means for closing the opening against the surrounding. A free tape portion of the test media tape is located between a wall of the housing and the sealing means when the sealing means closes the opening. Further aspects concern a test media cassette with sealing means and a method for providing test media while holding them sealed against humidity during onboard storage.
US08574488B2
A method for accommodating increasing outward pressures in the tap holes of a hearth furnace includes configuring a tap hole lining and disposing it inside a hollow cylindrical conduit such that the tap hole lining can slide in response to outward pressures and growth in the hearth brick. The tap hole lining is retained inside the hollow cylindrical conduit with a retaining ring and spring assemblies.
US08574486B2
Disclosed are a method and a device for blow molding containers (2). A parison (1) is stretched by means of a stretching rod (11) within a blow mold (4) and molded into the container by applying blow pressure following thermal conditioning. The pressurized gas is introduced into the container (2) via at least two different flow paths (55, 56). Advantageously, one of the flow paths (56) ends near the orifice area (21) while a second flow path (55) ends near a container bottom (51). At least some of the pressurized gas is introduced into the container (2) through the stretching rod (11).
US08574470B2
Method of joining a carbon-carbon composite piece 30 together with a metal insert 20, e.g. in the manufacture of aircraft brake discs 10. The method includes the steps of: providing a carbon-carbon composite piece 30 and a metal insert 20, wherein the metal insert 20 has a surface that is complementary to a surface of said carbon-carbon composite piece 30; providing a layer of a mixture of titanium powder and carbon powder on the first complementary mating surface; arranging the powder layer such that a second complementary mating surface is matched to the complementary mating surface, thereby forming a construct of the carbon-carbon composite piece 30, the powder layer, and the metal insert 20; placing the construct into a press and applying pressure to the construct to press together the carbon-carbon composite piece and the metal insert joined at their complementary surfaces; and applying an electrical current to the powder in the construct to initiate a metal-carbon reaction, thereby bonding the carbon-carbon composite piece 30 together the metal insert 20. The titanium powder particles may be from 25 to 100 microns in diameter, and the carbon powder (e.g., graphite particles) may be 0.1 to 1 microns in diameter.
US08574469B2
A processing method for a mold (1) to form a pattern of recessed portions (13) on a product forming surface (11) formed on the mold (1) includes a photoresist forming step in which a thermally deformable heat-mode photoresist layer (12) is formed on the product forming surface (11), a laser beam illumination step in which a laser beam is applied to the photoresist layer (12) by an exposure device incorporating a semiconductor laser to form a pattern of recessed portions (13), and an asperity forming step in which asperities are formed on the product forming surface (11) by making use of the pattern of recessed portions (13).
US08574466B2
A pigment dispersant which includes a modified polyamine obtained by the reaction of a polyamine having two or more primary and/or secondary amino groups per molecule and containing 2 to 1800 nitrogen atoms per molecule, a polyester, and a phosphorus-containing compound. The modified polyamine exhibits excellent pigment dispersion performance, shows little change in color tone upon heating, and has excellent heat resistance.
US08574463B2
A metal complex dye, containing a ligand LL1 having a structure represented by Formula (I): wherein R1 and R2 represent a specific substituent; L1 and L2 represent a group composed of at least one kind of group selected from the group consisting of an ethenylene group, an ethynylene group and an arylene group, and conjugate with R1 or R2, and the bipyridine; the ethenylene group and the arylene group may be substituted or unsubstituted; R3 and R4 represent a substituent; n1 and n2 represent an integer of 0 to 3; A1 and A2 represent an acidic group or a salt thereof; and n3 and n4 represent an integer of 0 to 3.
US08574460B2
A method is disclosed for producing a mixture of CO and H2 (syn-gas). The method comprises contacting particles containing a coke deposit with oxygenated molecules derived from biomass. In a preferred embodiment the particles are catalyst particles.The method may be carried out in the regenerator of a conventional fluid catalyst cracking (FCC) unit.
US08574454B2
The present invention relates to a photo-polymerized, patterned or unpatterned liquid crystal polymer, especially a liquid crystal polymer film or a liquid crystal polymer network, comprising thio-ether units of formula (I) * covalent bond, which links the unit of formula (I) to the residue of the polymer wherein LC1 is selected from the group of liquid crystal residues, X1 is selected from the group of aliphatic organic residues, and n1 is an integer ≧0 and m1 is an integer ≧0; with the proviso that if n1 is 0, then m1 is >0, and if m1 is 0, then n1>0; which is prepared in an atmosphere containing oxygen, preferably with an amount of 0.1≦oxygen≦50%, more preferably 1≦oxygen≦25%, most preferably in air; with the proviso that polymer dispersed liquid crystals are excluded. Further, this invention relates to a composition used for the preparation of that photo-polymerized liquid crystal polymer of the invention, to processes of the preparation of that liquid crystal polymer and to its use.
US08574449B2
Quickly making changes to etching conditions suppresses the production yield of printed wiring boards from being deteriorated. Disclosed is a method comprising: an etching step that comprises: preparing a conductor-clad base material continuous in a certain direction, the conductor-clad base material (1) having an insulating layer and one or more conductive layers formed on main surfaces of the insulating layer; and subjecting a predetermined region of a conductor layer of one main surface of the conductor-clad base material (1) to an etching process thereby to form a wiring pattern (1a) to be of a product and an inspection pattern (1b) to be used for inspection; a measuring step that measures a line width of the inspection pattern after the etching step; and a control step that controls an etching condition in the etching step based on the measured line width.
US08574438B2
A dialysate regeneration unit adapted for regenerating a dialysate containing carrier substances comprises a first flow path and a second flow path. The first flow path comprises a first supply unit adapted for adding an acidic fluid to the dialysate flowing in the first flow path, and a detoxification unit located downstream of the first supply unit. The detoxification unit is adapted for removing toxins from the acidified dialysate flowing in the first flow path. The second flow path extends in parallel to the first flow path. The second flow path comprises a second supply unit adapted for adding an alkaline fluid to the dialysate flowing in the second flow path, and a further detoxification unit located downstream of the second supply unit. The further detoxification unit is adapted for removing toxins from the alkalised dialysate flowing in the second flow path.
US08574432B2
Systems and methods for monitoring analytes in real time using integrated chromatography systems and devices. Integrated microfluidic liquid chromatography devices and systems include multiple separation columns integrated into a single substrate. Using such a device, parallel analysis of multiple samples can be performed simultaneously and/or sequential analysis of a single sample can be performed simultaneously on a single chip or substrate. The devices and systems are well suited for use in high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) applications. HPLC chips and devices including embedded parylene channels can be fabricated using a single mask process.
US08574419B2
The invention relates to a chemical reactor with a nanometric superstructure, comprising at least one member wherein at least one reaction chamber is arranged, and said reaction chamber being filled at least partially with a high specific surface area material having a specific surface area greater than 5 m2/g, and characterized in that said high specific surface area material is selected from nanotubes or nanofibers.These nanotubes or nanofibers are preferably selected in the group consisting of carbon nanofibers or nanotubes, β-SiC nanofibers or nanotubes, TiO2 nanofibers or nanotubes.They may be deposited on an intermediate structure selected in the group consisting of glass fibers, carbon fibers, SiC foams, carbon foams, alveolar β-SiC foams, said intermediate structure filling the reaction chamber of said reactor at least partially.
US08574417B2
The invention relates to a method for two-step separation of water, salt and particles from a hydraulic fluid by the use of a control unit. The hydraulic fluid is carried into a return oil tank with an electrostatic coalescer provided with a high-voltage transformer with direct current to two electric grids whose electrostatic field gathers water into drops which settle into a collecting tank. The hydraulic fluid is circulated to a filter module for removing any remaining water, salt and particles in filter elements connected in parallel, having hygroscopic cellulose fibers which swell until saturation, the swelling being measured by a sensor measuring the degree of saturation, alternatively conductivity.
US08574405B1
A system is described for processing biomass through a pyrolysis chamber that utilizes revolving polygon platforms, a conveyor system, and an airlock for introducing or removing biomass into the pyrolysis chamber. Biomass can be introduced via a first revolving polygon platform, and biochar resulting from pyrolysis can be removed via a second revolving polygon platform.
US08574399B2
The present invention provides tissue products having increased CD stretch, which may be manufactured using a process in which the nascent web is subjected to two distinct rush transfers. The first rush transfer occurs when the web is transferred from the forming fabric to the transfer fabric, i.e., the “first position,” and the second occurs when the web is transferred from the transfer fabric to the through-air drying fabric (TAD) fabric, i.e., the “second position.” The overall speed differential between the forming fabric and the TAD fabric may be, for example, from about 10 to about 50 percent, with the amount of rush transfer being divided between the first and second position in a manner sufficient to achieve the desired CD stretch and other sheet properties.
US08574390B2
A method of forming a bag assembly by RF welding includes generating from a single source of RF energy a high frequency electric field having a first strength between tube-welding electrodes of opposing die members and a second strength less than said first strength between perimeter-welding electrodes of the opposing die members. Subjecting a tube assembly and corresponding portions of sheets surrounding the tube assembly to the high frequency electric field of said first strength for a predetermined amount of time to weld the sheets to a tube along a tube-weld. Corresponding portions of the sheets between the perimeter-welding electrodes are subjected to the high frequency electric field of said second strength for said predetermined amount of time to weld the sheets together along a bladder perimeter-weld. The subjecting steps are performed simultaneously so that the bag assembly is formed in one welding operation.
US08574385B2
A communication line such as an optical fiber or cable is attached along a wall, ceiling, trim piece, or other target surface inside of a building by laying out the line from an applicator tool. An outer surface of the line is placed in a temporarily tacky condition as the line is laid out from the tool along the target surface. The temporarily tacky condition of the line is due at least in part to an adhesive component that is pre-applied to the outer surface of the line. The adhesive component is activated by an agent or medium that is associated with the applicator tool. The line becomes non-tacky after it is attached to the target surface.
US08574382B2
A cold-hardening aluminum casting alloy with good thermal stability for the production of thermally and mechanically stressed cast components, wherein the alloy includesfrom 11.0 to 12.0 wt % siliconfrom 0.7 to 2.0 wt % magnesiumfrom 0.1 to 1 wt % manganeseless than or equal to 1 wt % ironless than or equal to 2 wt % copperless than or equal to 2 wt % nickelless than or equal to 1 wt % chromiumless than or equal to 1 wt % cobaltless than or equal to 2 wt % zincless than or equal to 0.25 wt % titanium40 ppm boronoptionally from 80 to 300 ppm strontiumand aluminium as the remainder with further elements and impurities due to production individually at most 0.05 wt %, in total at most 0.2 wt %. The alloy is suitable in particular for the production of cylinder crank cases by the die-casting method.
US08574377B2
A device for the breaking-apart of occlusions includes a stationary fitting, a hollow tube and a second fitting configured to reciprocate so as to cause the hollow tube to be compressed and expanded. The hollow tube is coupled on one side to the stationary fitting, and the stationary fitting provides access to a hollow portion of the hollow tube.
US08574374B2
Formulations comprising (A) at least one compound selected from aminocarboxylates and polyaminocarboxylates, and salts and derivatives thereof, (B) at least one zinc salt, and (C) at least one homopolymer or copolymer of ethyleneimine.
US08574373B2
A method of operating a dishwasher includes storing wash liquid in a portion of the spray system of the dishwasher for subsequent reuse. The spray system can include one or more supply conduits, and wash liquid can be alternatively supplied to the supply conduits to store the wash liquid in at least one of the supply conduits.
US08574367B2
In an evaporation source, a separable heater is used when an organic thin film is formed on a substrate in order to realize full-colors so that it is possible to correspond to crucibles of various capacities. The evaporation source comprises a crucible in which an organic material which is an organic thin film material is accommodated, and the crucible includes a heating unit and at least one spray nozzle for spraying the organic material onto a substrate. In the heating unit, a heater divided into at least two parts is provided on the external surface of the crucible at uniform intervals, and the heaters are separately disposed with respect to each other, but are connected to each other by connecting members. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform an additional design whenever the capacity of the crucible is changed, it is not necessary to exchange the evaporation source, and it is possible to reduce cost and to improve repairing ability.
US08574366B2
A vacuum processing apparatus includes: a plurality of carriers to be mounted with a base member; a circulation path which is kept in a controlled atmosphere and through which the carriers circulate; a plurality of base member loading and unloading chambers which are disposed in the circulation path and which load and unload the base member to and from the carriers; and a plurality of vacuum processing chambers which are disposed between the base member loading and unloading chambers in the circulation path for performing a vacuum process on the base member.
US08574358B2
Shaped geopolymeric particles, fibers, and articles incorporating at least one geopolymer are provided; the geopolymeric particles, fibers, and articles having a structure that is solid, foamed, hollow or with one or more voids. Geopolymers are formed by alkali activation of an aluminosilicate and/or aluminophosphate material. The end-products are shaped as spheres, flakes, fibers, aggregates thereof or articles. Such products are formed at low temperatures; wherein forming includes processing using techniques such as spray drying, melt spinning, or blowing. The shaped geopolymeric particles and fibers have high chemical durability, high mechanical strength, application-targeted flowability and packing properties, and are specially suited for incorporating into composite materials, articles, and for use in cementitious, polymeric, paint, printing, adhesion and coating applications. Shaped geopolymeric particles, fibers and articles having voids, hollow or foam-like structures are formed by adding one or more blowing agents.
US08574356B2
An ink composition includes an aluminum pigment, a white pigment, and a dispersion solvent, wherein the ink composition has a structure in which the aluminum pigment is dispersed in the dispersion solvent and the content of the white pigment is 0.01% to 10% based on the content of the aluminum pigment, or includes silver particles, a white pigment, and water, wherein the particle diameter d90 in the particle diameter accumulation curve of the silver particles is 50 nm to 1 μm, the ink composition has a structure in which the silver particles are dispersed in the water, and the content of the white pigment is 1% to 10% based on the content of the silver particles.
US08574350B2
A water separation system and method for treating multiphase hydrocarbon production streams is disclosed. The system may be employed to separate gas from the production stream, and then separate the liquid stream into its oil component and water component. A gas/liquid separator may be employed to separate a multiphase hydrocarbon production stream into a gas stream and a liquid stream. A liquid cyclone separator, positioned downstream from the gas/liquid separator, may be employed to divide the liquid stream into an oil dominated portion and a water dominated portion. The system may be used on land or on offshore platforms in locations where it is desirable to separate oil and water from hydrocarbon streams.
US08574346B2
A thermocyclic process having a short cycle time, typically a cycle time of less 30 minutes, especially a PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) process, using agglomerates that contain phase change materials (PCMs), so as to reduce the thermal effects that said thermocyclic process is subjected to during each cycle is provide.
US08574345B2
This invention provides a method for the removal of smut, fine dust and exhaust gas particles from polluted air including providing a particle catch arrangement with a charged surface, the particle catch arrangement being arranged to generate a static electric field, wherein the electric field is at least 0.2 kV/m. The invention further provides a particle catch arrangement including a surface that can be charged, further including a generator arranged to generate charge to the surface that can be charged and to generate a static electric field of at least 0.2 kV/m, wherein the particle catch arrangement is part of or integrated with an object including street furniture.
US08574343B2
A blocking panel may be used to set an air filter change threshold value for an air filter monitor installed in an HVAC system. The air filter change threshold value may then be used to determine a status of an air filter (e.g., clean or dirty).
US08574341B2
A method for recycling metals from waste tungsten catalysts comprises steps of: leaching, by soaking a waste tungsten catalysts into a highly oxidized acid and conducting a reaction between sulfur of the waste tungsten catalysts and the acid to obtain sulfide and oxidized acidic groups, wherein metals in the waste tungsten catalysts are dissolved and oxidized by the acid to obtain a first solution and dregs; and refining, by extracting metals of the waste tungsten catalysts from the first solution; wherein, the oxidized acidic groups obtained from the step of leaching is converted into highly oxidized acid, which is capable of being recycled.
US08574339B2
Complete dezincing of steel scrap is achieved by the addition of oils, whereupon the dissolution of iron is substantially suppressed through the autogenous inhibition effect of the oils. The steel scrap arising when the dezincing process has been completed is protected against corrosion by the remaining film of oil, the corrosion protection preventing the formation of iron oxide layers and thus blackening of the scrap material. The oil discharged with the dezincing solution can be separated as a pure phase by resorting to flotation in support of the process and can then be reused as an inhibitor.
US08574338B2
Disclosed herein is a continuous process for producing silver powders comprising silver particles. Each powder is comprised of silver particles that have a specific morphology that is determined by the process conditions and the use of one or more particle modifiers in the process. A reactor for carrying out the process is also disclosed. The silver powders produced are particularly useful in electronic applications.
US08574336B2
Ultrasonic devices having an integrated purging gas delivery system are described, and such devices can be used to remove dissolved gasses and impurities from molten metals.
US08574335B2
A holding sealing material includes inorganic fibers, a mat shape, a first end face and a second end face and a penetration portion. The mat shape has a width direction, a length direction and a thickness direction. The first end face and the second end face are each provided approximately in parallel with the width direction. The penetration portion penetrates the holding sealing material in the thickness direction.
US08574332B2
A conical frustum shaped air cleaner comprised of a porous foam material in multiple layers. A cavity opening is formed at the center section of the flat bottom surface of the cleaner. The airflow resistance through the aforementioned foam material formed in the tapered side section of the cleaner is different from the airflow resistance through the foam material comprising the upper-surface section of the air cleaner. The desired airflow resistance is also controlled by selecting the appropriate number of layers, the appropriate thickness and the appropriate foaming ratio of the applicable foam materials that comprise the side-surface section and upper-surface section of the air cleaner.
US08574331B2
Embodiments disclosed herein include air-treatment mask systems having at least one controllable air-treatment device that is controlled responsive to one or more signals from at least one pollutant sensor, and related methods of operation and air-treatment masks. In an embodiment, an air-treatment mask system includes a wearable air-treatment mask having a mask body including a face-securing member, and at least one controllable air-treatment device supported by the mask body. The air-treatment device is configured to treat incoming air. The system includes at least one pollutant sensor configured to sense ambient air for a presence of at least one pollutant and output one or more signals responsive to the sensing. The system includes control electrical circuitry operably coupled to the air-treatment device and the pollutant sensor and configured to control operation of the controllable air-treatment device responsive to receiving the signal(s) from the pollutant sensor.
US08574328B2
A process for reducing free oxygen in a gaseous nitrogen stream comprises the steps of (i) reforming a hydrocarbon to generate a gas mixture containing hydrogen and carbon oxides, (ii) mixing the gas mixture with a nitrogen stream containing free oxygen, and (iii) passing the resulting nitrogen gas mixture over a conversion catalyst that converts at least a portion of the free oxygen present in the nitrogen to steam wherein the hydrocarbon reforming step includes oxidation of a hydrocarbon using an oxygen-containing gas.
US08574326B2
Method and apparatus for generating a low tar, renewable fuel gas from biomass and using it in other energy conversion devices, many of which were designed for use with gaseous and liquid fossil fuels. An automated, downdraft gasifier incorporates extensive air injection into the char bed to maintain the conditions that promote the destruction of residual tars. The resulting fuel gas and entrained char and ash are cooled in a special heat exchanger, and then continuously cleaned in a filter prior to usage in standalone as well as networked power systems.
US08574323B2
A compound having formula (I) wherein G represents at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of C1-C12 alkyl and C1-C12 alkoxy.
US08574319B2
A solid electrolytic capacitor is provided that includes a capacitor element having a dielectric coating, a solid electrolyte, and a cathode lead portion formed in order on a surface of an anode portion having an anode lead portion. The cathode lead portion is electrically connected to a cathode terminal by a connecting portion, and the connecting portion is formed of a sintered body of a metal.
US08574318B2
A process for preparing an optical colored polyester film using microwave technique comprises the following steps: microwave dyeing treatment by passing a polyester film through a disperse dye suspension with a steady water phase in a dye-pool comprising a microwave generator; rinsing with water; rinsing with solvent; finally drying treatment, and then uniform optical colored films with various colors are obtained. The optical colored films are used as optical filters or optical protection films and as glass window films for automobile, and domestic and office windows.
US08574316B2
Provided is a hair dye, which comprises a combination of (1) a first agent containing a substance reacting with iron to develop color, and (2) a second agent containing (a) an iron salt and (b) at least one component selected from among xylitol, sorbitol, pentylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, triethylene glycol, erythritol and diglycerin.
US08574312B2
A self-aligning prosthetic foot and ankle assembly has an ankle unit pivotally mounting a foot component. The ankle unit contains a hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly having a piston which is linearly movable within a cylinder. The axis of the cylinder is coincident with a shin axis defined by a shin connection interface on the ankle unit. Bypass passages containing damping resistance control valves provide continuous hydraulic damping of dorsi and plantar ankle flexion, the unit being such that, over the major part of the range of damped movement, there is no resilient biasing in either the dorsi or the plantar direction. This confers a number of advantages, including stabilisation of standing, balance control, and improved stair-walking and ramp-walking.
US08574311B2
The present invention provides a dual crosslinked biodegradable polymer and methods of making and using the polymer. The dual crosslinked biodegradable polymer composition includes a multifunctional monomer; a diol; and an unsaturated di-acid at least partially polymerized to form a network and photocrosslinked into a dual crosslinked polymer network.
US08574309B2
A two-stage system for oxygenating and removing carbon dioxide from a physiological fluid, including: a primary exchange module configured to receive a gas having oxygen therein and a carrier fluid having carbon dioxide therein. The primary exchange module is configured to transfer oxygen from the gas to the carrier fluid and transfer carbon dioxide from the carrier fluid to the gas to create an oxygen loaded carrier fluid and a carbon dioxide load gas. A secondary exchange module is configured to receive the oxygen loaded carrier fluid and a physiological fluid having the carbon dioxide therein. The secondary exchange module is configured to transfer the oxygen from the oxygen loaded carrier fluid to the physiological fluid and transfer carbon dioxide from the physiological fluid to the carrier fluid to create an oxygen loaded physiological fluid.
US08574305B2
A system for modifying a talocalcaneal spatial relationship in a foot in a body, including a subtalar spacer having an articulating surface and implanted in the sinus tarsi of the foot and a fastener that fastens the subtalar spacer to a bone surface in the foot, in which the articulating surface of the subtalar spacer directs relative movement between the calcaneus and the talus of the foot.
US08574295B2
An implantable, compressible, accommodating intra-ocular lens (IOL) coupled to at least one sensor which detects a signal created by the ciliary muscle. A ciliary sulcus ring can house the at least one sensor, and the sensor can include miniaturized electrodes (ciliary muscle probes) for implanting into the ciliary muscle of the subject. A potentiometer/microcomputer can modulate the ciliary muscle signal detected by the sensor(s) into an electrical signal, and a transmitter sends this electrical signal to a micromotor, which causes compression of the IOL via an annular support ring system, causing a change in the IOL shape. The IOL can be part of an IOL complex including a compressible, accommodating IOL, an external lens membrane, and an annular support ring system. The annular support ring system provides a foundation for the micromotor to compress the IOL.
US08574290B2
An active bodily ring having a housing adapted to be sutured to a bodily component and a loop disposed in the housing, the loop capable of actively expanding and compressing during the bodily components normal function. The housing defines a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber containing the loop and the second chamber providing a region capable of being sutured to the bodily component. In one embodiment, the housing can be a crimped-fabric housing. In another embodiment, the housing can be a woven-fabric housing having elastic properties. The housing can be made from polyester.
US08574284B2
A stent graft for use in a medical procedure to treat a dissection of a patient's ascending thoracic aorta. The stent graft includes bare alignment stents at least at a proximal end, and often with a stent at both ends, each stent having opposing sets of curved apices, where the curved section of one broader set of apices has a radius of curvature that is greater than the curved section of the other narrower set of apices. The proximal stent is flared in a manner such that its broad apices occupy a larger circumference around the stent than do its narrower apices, where this flared feature provides for anchoring engagement near the aortic root in a manner not interfering with the coronary arteries or the aortic valve.
US08574282B2
Blood vessels and other body lumens are expanded using an evertible braided prosthesis. The braided prosthesis is delivered to the blood vessel in a radially collapsed configuration. A leading edge of the braided prosthesis is then everted so that it expands as it is advanced through the blood vessel. Optionally, the prosthesis can be provided with a biologically active substance in order to inhibit hyperplasia or have other desired biological effects.
US08574280B2
The present disclosure provides various systems and methods for inducing cutaneous sensations by delivering electromagnetic radiation to directly or indirectly excite neural tissue. An electromagnetic radiation source, such as one or more infrared lasers, may be used to transcutaneously excite neural tissue. The excited neural tissue may be interpreted by the user's nervous system as cutaneous sensations. Accordingly, a system as described herein may be used to induce sensations to allow actual cutaneous sensations to be simulated. A system for inducing a cutaneous sensation via transcutaneously focused electromagnetic radiation may be incorporated in a display to provide cutaneous sensation feedback or used as a separate accessory component associated with a display. Numerous additional applications and variations are provided herein.
US08574274B2
A pedicle screw fixation system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a tulip is provided for holding a head of a pedicle screw substantially along a longitudinal axis. The tulip includes opposing first and second U-shaped receiving slots aligned along a transverse axis. A rod is received by the opposing first and second U-shaped receiving slots. A coupling collar includes a plurality of resilient fingers circumferentially disposed therearound such that a snap fit engagement with the head of the pedicle screw formed. The coupling collar includes a first deformable face operable for contact with the rod. A set screw is adapted for driving engagement through the tulip along the longitudinal axis such that a second deformable face is positioned for contact with the rod. The first and second deformable faces conform to the shape of the rod in response to forceful engagement therewith.
US08574273B2
The invention features bone screws having a threaded screw body and a screw head attached to one end of the screw body, the bone screw further including: a) an interior channel extending longitudinally through the screw head and through at least a portion of the screw body, wherein the interior channel has a width of less than 5.0 millimeters; and b) a plurality of radially-disposed delivery channels connecting the interior channel to the exterior of the screw body, each delivery channel having exterior openings. The invention further features devices that include a bone screw and a delivery manifold detachably attached to the screw head of the bone screw. In addition, the invention features methods of treating a patient having a bone defect by using a bone screw described herein.
US08574272B2
A semi-constrained screw and a cervical plate assembly that engages to a cervical area of the human vertebrae system are disclosed. The semi-constrained screw and cervical plate assembly includes a cervical plate and one or more semi-constrained bone screws. Each semi-constrained bone screw includes an elongated shank, which is mechanically and releasably coupled to a head portion. The head portion includes one or more threaded segments which define one or more slits therebetween. As the semi-constrained bone screw is driven through the screw opening in the cervical plate and into the bone, the head portion allows poly-axial movement of the shank relative to the head portion.
US08574271B2
A screw fixation system includes a plate having opposed first and second surfaces, and a hole defined in the plate which extends between the first and second surface. A screw is included having a head and a shaft extending from the head and defining a longitudinal axis for the screw, the shaft of the screw being configured and adapted to be inserted into the hole. A retainer is circumferentially positioned around the shaft of the screw and proximate to the screw head. The retainer is configured to engage with the plate proximate the hole when the shaft of the screw has been inserted into the hole so as to resist removal of the screw from the hole and to allow removal of the screw from the hole when a preset torque is applied to the screw.
US08574267B2
An insert for establishing a desired spacing between a pair of succeeding vertebrae and having a body including an extending end for supporting a location associated with a first selected lumbar vertebrae. An opposite extending end supports a spaced apart and opposing location associated with a second successively positioned lumbar vertebrae. Upon pre-positioning the body in an open space established between the vertebrae, an actuating input causes the first extending end to displace outwardly relative to the second end and into contacting support with the vertebrae.
US08574256B2
A suprapubic transurethral cystotomy apparatus and method of forming a surgical opening therewith. The apparatus includes an elongate tubular body including a proximal portion and a distal portion inclined relative to one another. The distal portion extends along an axis to an end configured for receipt through a urethra. An elongate arm has a first end operably attached to the proximal portion of the tubular body and a second end providing an indicator establishing an axis aligned coaxially with the axis of the distal portion. A surgical opening is formed with a cutting member being extended along the axis of the indicator.
US08574254B2
A dual function arthroscopic blade provides multiple cutting surfaces of differing cut aggressiveness for selective engagement of the desired cutting blade without retracting the instrument for changing cutting members to apply a different set of cutting edges, or blade. An inner rotating member within a stationary outer cutting member provide cutting edges defined by cutting windows on the inner and outer cutting members, and a rotational drive applies an oscillating rotation such that one of the cutting windows, corresponding to one of the sets of cutting edges, engages an extraction region such as tissue or bone. The use of different sized cutting windows allows variance in the aggressiveness of the cut, and allows selection of another cutting window by rotating the cutting member to align the selected cutting edges without requiring extraction and reinsertion in order to attach a different blade with a different cut aggressiveness.
US08574249B2
An atherectomy catheter is provided having a tissue collection chamber capable of being cleaned out in a simple, fast and effective way, and also provides methods of using said catheter to remove material from a blood vessel lumen. In one embodiment the tissue collection chamber has an expandable tip having a first closed position capable of retaining material in the chamber and having a second open position that may allow expulsion of material from the chamber. In a second embodiment the tissue collection chamber has a displaceable tip having a first closed position to retain material in the chamber and having a second open position to allow expulsion of material from the chamber.
US08574243B2
Apparatus and methods are provided for forming a gastrointestinal tissue fold by engaging tissue at a first tissue contact point and moving the first tissue contact point from a position initially distal to, or in line with, a second tissue contact point to a position proximal of the second contact point, thereby forming the tissue fold, and extending an anchor assembly through the tissue fold from a vicinity of the second tissue contact point. Adjustable anchor assemblies; as well as anchor delivery systems, shape-lockable guides and methods for endoluminally performing medical procedures, such as gastric reduction, treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease, resection of lesions, and treatment of bleeding sites; are also provided.
US08574237B2
A method of predicting the operating state of a curable bone cement composition includes determining the impedance of the bone cement composition. The impedance is used to predict a number of operating states of the bone cement composition including end-of-work time and setting time.
US08574233B2
Photodynamic bone stabilization systems are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a photodynamic bone stabilization system includes a catheter having an elongated shaft with a proximal end adapter, a distal end releasably engaging an expandable portion, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a light-conducting fiber configured to transmit light energy to the expandable portion; a light-sensitive liquid monomer comprising an initiator, wherein the initiator is activated when the light-conducting fiber transmits the light energy to initiate polymerization of the light-sensitive liquid monomer; and a cooling medium configured to control polymerization temperature, wherein the catheter comprises an inner void sufficiently designed to pass the light-sensitive liquid monomer into the expandable portion, and wherein the catheter comprises an inner lumen sufficiently designed to pass the light-conducting fiber into the expandable portion and configured to circulate the cooling medium.
US08574230B2
An open electrosurgical forceps includes a pair of first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at its distal end. The jaw members are movable about a pivot assembly from an open position in spaced relation relative to one another to a closed position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive sealing surface for communicating electrosurgical energy through grasped tissue. One or both of the jaw members includes a knife channel defined along its length. The pivot assembly includes a knife slot and is configured to prevent reciprocation of a cutting mechanism when the jaw members are disposed in the open position and to permit reciprocation of the cutting mechanism when the jaw members are disposed in the closed position. An actuator selectively advances the cutting mechanism from a first position to at least one subsequent position.
US08574225B2
Devices, systems, and methods efficiently dilate and/or cool blood vessels and other body tissues. Controlled cooling with balloon catheters and other probes may be effected by a change in phase of a cryogenic fluid, often after measuring a minimum pulse width for actuating an individual solenoid valve along the cooling fluid path, with the measured pulse width allowing gradual inflation of a balloon without excessive venting of cooling fluid.
US08574214B2
The invention refers to a cartridge (100), such as an injection cartridge, and to a needle system (200) therefore. Further, the invention refers to a combination of such an injection cartridge and a needle system. More specifically, the invention refers to a closure system for an injection cartridge which allows attachment of a needle system to the cartridge.
US08574186B2
To carry out a mucosa resection, a liquid is injected beneath a tissue which is then separated by means of mechanical or electrosurgical equipment. A device is provided that includes a facility for endoscopic water-jet surgery with a control device for regulating a pressure at which a water jet is discharged from a nozzle of the facility to obtain a predetermined amount of energy. An adjusting assembly is provided for setting the pressure to a first value and to a second value. The first value is so chosen that the water jet penetrates a mucosa in such a way that the mucosa is lifted from an underlying muscularis through formation of a fluid deposit. The second value is adjusted and different from the first value in such a way that the mucosa is sectionally cut through by the water jet.
US08574181B2
An ankle walker including an ankle shell, an inner lining, at least one bladder and at least one strap is provided. The ankle shell includes a base, a lower foot portion, a first and second side panel and a back panel. The lower foot portion extends upward from the base. The first side panel and second side panel extend from respective first and second portions of the lower foot portion. The back panel extends from a third portion of the lower foot portion and is positioned between the first and second side panels. The ankle shell has a first slot separating the first side panel from the back panel and a second slot separating the second side panel from the back panel. At least one of the first and second slots has a height that is at least one half the height of the ankle walker.
US08574179B2
A biomechanical stimulation device is presented. The biomechanical stimulation device comprises a base that supports an adjustable height arm and an easily removable drum connected to the arm. The drum is driven by a motor to provide an elliptical stimulation motion. An anti-rotation device prevents rotation, but allows orbital translation of drum. The drum may connect to the arm at a single attachment point. The arm 20 may be pivotally attached to the base and selectively movable to a desired position. A pair of struts may support the arm to assist in positioning the arm. The struts may be locked to prevent movement of the arm, or unlocked by a release button to allow selective positioning of the arm. The biomechanical stimulation device may further include a hand controller and other peripheral devices to provides a convenient interface for controlling the speed and run time of the biomechanical stimulation device.
US08574178B2
A rehabilitation system for training hand movement of a user, the system comprising: a platform to be attached to the hand of the user; a plurality of finger assemblies operatively connected to the platform, each finger assembly having: a motor, a proximal follower assembly for a metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint having a proximal rail guide operatively connected to the motor, and an intermediate follower assembly for a proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint having an intermediate rail guide operatively connected to the proximal follower assembly; wherein a knuckle joint indicator of the proximal rail guide corresponds to a first virtual center and knuckle joint indicator of the intermediate rail guide corresponds to a second virtual center, the alignment of the knuckle joint indicators to the virtual centers enable motion of the finger to be controlled and maintain rotational axes of the finger about each virtual center when the proximal and intermediate follower assemblies are actuated by the motor.
US08574173B2
The motor function estimating system 1000 has a memory unit 1260, a data processing unit 1220 (analyzing section), and a display unit 1400. The memory unit 1260 memorizes waveform data about the time change of fingers tapping motion that is obtained by a motion sensor attached to a subject person who does the fingers tapping motion that is repetition of the opening and closing motion of two fingers of one hand. The data processing unit 1220 analyzes the waveform data in the memory unit 1260. The display unit 1400 displays an analysis result. The data processing unit 1220 creates motion waveform based on waveform data, and plural characteristics based on the motion waveform. The data processing unit 1220 creates a motion disorder synthesis value that represents degree of motion disorder of the subject person by revising each of the plural characteristics based on characteristics of every age and synthesizing them.
US08574168B2
A device for use with a penetrating member driver to penetrate tissue is provided. A plurality of penetrating members are coupled to a single cartridge and are operatively couplable to the penetrating member driver. The penetrating members are movable to extend radially outward from the cartridge to penetrate tissue. A plurality of analyte sensors are coupled to the single cartridge and are positioned on the cartridge to receive body fluid from a wound in the tissue created by the penetrating member.
US08574157B2
A method for producing a three-dimensional image (70) of an object. The method includes providing a model (8) of the object (62) (200), insonifying regions of the object from source transducers (58) external to the object (62) (202), receiving return echoes from the object (62) at receiving transducers (58) external to the object (62), processing the return echoes (204) and generating a hybrid image (70) of the object (62) comprising object regions responsive to the model (8) of the object (62) and object regions responsive to the return echoes (208/212).
US08574152B2
An arrangement is described in which an endoscope 3 inserted into the pharynx of the patient B is used to visually examine the vibrations of the vocal cords 2, while using light that contains little or no infrared light. At the same time, an oscillogram of the vibrations of the vocal cords is plotted, showing the sequence of motion of the vocal cords. The latter purpose is served by an emitter 1, which is attached to the throat of the patient B below the vocal cords 2 and which produces light in the near infrared range (NIR). Using a mirror 5 that reflects infrared light, the light modulated by the vibration of vocal cords is coupled out and fed to a sensor 6, which, together with an evaluating unit 9, detects and evaluates the vocal cord signals.
US08574147B2
Disclosed is a pressure-to-tension conversion device for treating urinary incontinence. The pressure-to-tension conversion device includes resilient sections which are inserted in and occupy Retzius spaces positioned in left and right sides of the urethra in front of the urinary bladder, respectively, and a support extending below the urethra and across the resilient sections in a “V” shape, wherein if the resilient sections are deformed as the abdominal pressure increases and the Retzius spaces contract, the support is tensioned, thereby supporting the urethra, so that the urinary incontinence can be treated. Consequently, the length of operation time for transplanting the pressure-to-tension conversion device can be shortened, a complication or a side effect can be reduced, and the charges of operation can be reduced. In addition, expensive operation materials can be substituted by the pressure-to-tension conversion apparatus, the costs for operation materials can be saved.
US08574144B2
A centrifuge is employed to continuously remove particulates from a fluid. In one embodiment, the centrifuge removes small particles of soot from lubricating oil of large diesel engines. The fluid in introduced into the centrifuge through an inducer so that vortexes are not propagated in the fluid. Flow constrainers and flow straighteners maintain laminar flow of the fluid as it passes axially through the centrifuge. An exducer decelerates the fluid prior to its exit from the centrifuge. The exducer thus contributes to maintaining laminar flow conditions. Laminar flow may contribute to the soot-removal effectiveness of the centrifuge.
US08574137B2
An upper limb training device includes a first rod, a second rod, a third rod, a first resilient element, and a second resilient element. The second rod is pivoted to the first rod by a first revolution element. The third rod is pivoted to the second rod by a second revolution element. Two ends of the first resilient element respectively connect with the first rod and the third rod for providing resistance when the first rod and the second rod rotate relative to the third rod. Two ends of the second resilient element respectively connect with the first rod and the third rod for providing resistance when the first rod rotates relative to the second rod. The first revolution element is disposed between two connecting points at which the first resilient element and the second resilient element connect with the first rod.
US08574121B1
A method for controlling a transmission gearshift includes engaging control elements whose engagement is required for operation in first gear and reverse gear without grounding the transmission's input, grounding said input provided a range other than park is selected, grounding the transmission's output, releasing the input, producing first gear provided first gear is selected, and producing reverse gear provided reverse gear is selected.
US08574114B2
The invention concerns an automatic transmission of planetary structure, comprising a drive input shaft (AN), a drive output shaft (AB), first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets (RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4) and six shifting element (A, B, C, D, E, F). By the selective engagement of three of a total of six shifting elements (A to F), ten forward gears and up to two reverse gears can be engaged without range shifts.
US08574113B1
A family of transmissions produces at least eight forward and one reverse speed ratio by selective engagement of various combinations of three clutches or brakes. Each transmission includes two fixed gearing arrangements that establish fixed speed relationships between an input shaft, and output shaft, and four other elements. Specifically, the input shaft is constrained to rotate at a speed between that of the first and second elements while the output shaft is constrained to rotate at a speed between that of the third and fourth elements. Additional gearing, clutches, and brakes establish specified selective speed relationships among these elements.
US08574109B2
The present invention relates to a drive arrangement for vehicles with at least two drivable vehicle axles (V, H). The drive arrangement is particularly suitable for utility vehicles and agricultural tractors. It has at least one first motor (11), which is propulsively connected to a first vehicle axle (H), and a second motor (12), which is propulsively connected to a second vehicle axle (V). At least one of the motors is a de-connectable motor (12), which can be disconnected from the propulsive connection to the associated vehicle axle (V). Regardless of whether the de-connectable motor (12) is propulsively connected to the associated vehicle axle (V) or is propulsively disconnected therefrom, a propulsive connection can be selectively made and broken between the first and the second vehicle axle (V, H).
US08574103B2
A ball-striking implement, in particular a tennis, squash or badminton racket, is described, the implement having a head frame including an impact surface and a stem, which is formed integrally thereon and has a handle, the impact surface being determined by at least one string which is stretched crosswise and forms string portions fastened to the head frame substantially parallel to one another. The string portions are guided in holding elements on the inside of the head frame such that the string portions are positioned in a single plane forming the impact surface.
US08574102B1
A wand is formed in a hollow cylindrical configuration. The wand has inner and outer ends. A ball has a cylindrical passageway extending diametrically through the ball. An essentially inextensible cord couples the wand and the ball. In this manner a pitcher is adapted to grasp and spin the wand to pitch the ball in a circular manner. Also in this manner a batter is adapted to swing a bat in an attempt to strike the pitched ball for batting practice.
US08574101B2
A training device to enhance hand-eye coordination includes an illumination device for determining the proper time for an individual to strike a ball and to collect practice information for later evaluation. The device allows an individual to practice hitting a ball with a racket or bat, providing an immediate indication whether the ball has been properly struck. Also, an individual is provided with a record of his/her performance reviewable by a professional. The device includes a ball affixed to a flexible support assembly, the support and the ball reciprocating or pivoting when the ball has been struck. The location of the ball is constantly monitored each time the ball is struck. The amount of force applied to the ball when struck by an individual or implement can also be determined. Information relating to the manner in which the ball has been struck is recorded and is analyzed in real time.
US08574100B2
A fitting method includes steps of preparing a relationship C of a shaft flex point Y and a face angle X before impact or at impact; measuring a subject's face angle X before impact or at impact by using a test club; and selecting a shaft fitted to the subject on the basis of the measured face angle X and the relationship C. The relationship C is created by using correlation R of the face angle before impact or at impact and a hitting result. The correlation R is based on hitting results of a plurality of golf clubs having different shaft flex point rates. Preferably, the relationship C is a relational expression F1.
US08574091B2
An apparatus and method is provided for analyzing a golfer's individual swing attributes and determining, based on that analysis, a suitable golf club configuration for that golfer. The swing analysis apparatus include video cameras for obtaining video images of a golfer swinging a golf club, such as a putter, at a golf ball. Images obtained from the video cameras may then be analyzed to determine what golf club dimensions will provide improved results in combination with the golfer's individual swing characteristics. The apparatus may additionally include a golf club having predetermined dimensions. When such a golf club is included, images from the video cameras may be analyzed to determine how the golf club of known dimensions must be adjusted to provide the golfer with desirable swing results. The apparatus may also include a method for confirming the dimensions that it is believed will provide a golfer with improve swing results.
US08574090B1
A rotating foot anchor comprises a base, a pivot pin, and a spring strap. The foot of a user is placed on the base and beneath the spring strap. The foot anchor provides smooth rotation of the user's foot during a follow-through of a golf swing. The pivot pin comprises a downward pointed protrusion which penetrates a ground surface to further secure the device. As the user swings a golf club, the pivot pin enables the foot anchor along with the user's foot to rotate and therefore relive stress applied to the player's knees and back.
US08574087B1
A mechanical ride safety system for automatically disabling a mechanical ride in response to a rider losing his/her grip on the ride. The mechanical ride safety system generally includes a gripping member that is grasped by a rider when the ride in in use. The gripping member includes a sensing member which is adapted to sense whether the gripping member is being grasped or has been released. A processing unit and transmitter are communicatively interconnected with the sensing member so that a signal may be transmitted when the gripping member is released. A receiver is communicatively interconnected with the control unit of the mechanical ride such that, upon receiving a signal indicating that the gripping member has been released, the control unit will automatically disable the mechanical ride to prevent injury to the rider.
US08574082B2
A gaming machine cabinet has a cabinet door is pivotally connected thereto and movable between a closed and open positions. A cabinet door button panel includes a panel support surface opposite the door's inner side, a capture structure at a first boundary of a button panel opening, and a blocking structure at a button panel second boundary opposite the first boundary. A button panel base has a first edge received in a button panel frame capture structure, and second edge received on the panel support surface. A locking flange with a locking projection extends from the button panel base lower side, the locking projection moveable between extended and retracted positions. With the button panel base in an operating position, a locking projection may be placed in the extended position to contact the blocking structure and thereby retain the button panel base in the operating position.
US08574079B2
A wireless wagering system includes a wireless game control and a video wagering terminal. The wireless game control can include a button configured to receive game-play input from a game player, a battery configured to supply power to the wireless game control, and a first transceiver configured to transmit a master data packet from the wireless game control to a video wagering terminal, wherein the master data packet has a payload which includes information related to a voltage and a charging status of the battery.
US08574078B2
A technology of realizing wireless communication between a parent station and child stations with efficiency. In a game system according to the present invention, a game apparatus sets the maximum number of times of transmission for wireless game controllers, in accordance with the number of wireless game controllers that are communicating at a predetermined communication cycle. Here, time for establishing connection with a new wireless game controller is reserved within each communication cycle, thereby allowing new users to join the game. The maximum number of times of transmission is re-set when the number of wireless game controllers connected changes.
US08574069B2
A hand-held game apparatus and a game program are provided which allow a user to play a game while going back and forth between two kinds of maps, namely, a narrow-range map and a broad-range map game, and arbitrarily change the displayed state of at least one of the broad-range map and the narrow-range map by manipulating a touch panel which is mounted on a liquid crystal display section for displaying the broad-range map. If the player manipulates the touch panel to point to a coordinate position on the broad-range map, thus designating coordinates for a narrow-range map to display, an image of the narrow-range map, which is changed as desired, is displayed. If the player indicates a moving direction on the broad-range map, thus designating a scroll direction, the broad-range map is moved (scrolled).
US08574067B2
The gaming system and method disclosed herein provides an award to one or more players for a non-occurrence of a designated event. The gaming system monitors a plurality of games played at a plurality of gaming devices. If the designated event occurs, the gaming system resets an event counter associated with tracking the non-occurrence of the designated event. If the designated event does not occur, the gaming system: (i) increments the event counter to account for the non-occurrence of the designated event, and (ii) determines if the quantity of games played since the last event occurred at least equals a predetermined quantity of games played. If the quantity of games played since the last event occurred at least equals the predetermined quantity, the gaming system provides one or more of the players an award for the non-occurrence of the designated event.
US08574066B2
A bonus controller for generating a competitive bonus game in a gaming system, the bonus controller having a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The bonus controller being programmed to: receive wagering data corresponding to a casino game, enter a first player associated with a first gaming apparatus into the competitive bonus game when the first player obtains a qualifying win at the casino game, determine odds for the first player to win the competitive bonus game, vary odds of winning the competitive bonus game for at least a second player after entering the first player into the competitive bonus game, the second player having been previously entered into the competitive bonus game, determine an outcome of the competitive bonus game, and transmit data corresponding to the outcome of the competitive bonus game to a display unit.
US08574065B2
Players of a video game can enter contracts and engage in various simple or complex financial transactions employing credit systems such as credit cards, other financial instruments and other mechanisms to facilitate the enforcement of such contracts. Default on agreements by players or player characters can result in financial penalties which the video game system can apply.
US08574060B2
The present invention may be gaming machine, including a mechanical reel which is configured with a plurality of rotatable reels, each reel indicating indicia on a circumferential surface of the reel, a display which shows a part of the circumferential surface and a controller which stops two reels to indicate the same kinds of indicia with the same arrangement on the circumferential surface of each of the two reels shown on the display, the two reels being installed contrastively to a vertical axis dividing a plurality of the rotatable reels.
US08574049B1
A method for playing a game comprises outfitting at least two runners each with a locator device, accruing a number of running points to each runner for covering a predetermined distance within a game playing boundary and depleting a predetermined number of points from a runner who is ‘tagged’ by another runner in his/her proximity based on the locator device. The method also comprises awarding the depleted points to the other runner tagging the runner, wherein the number of points awarded for tagging a runner are greater than the number of points accrued for covering the predetermined distance to encourage tagging. The method additionally comprises awarding a predetermined number of points to a tagging runner who's rate of change in at least one of velocity and direction toward another runner in his/her proximity is greater than the other runner's respective rate of change in velocity and direction.
US08574046B2
Provided is a storage apparatus that uses a generally-used housing and allows storage devices mounted from two sides of the housing, in which a cooling device is provided in front of the storage devices and the cooling device is configured to be movable so as to open the front side of the storage devices so that maintenance and replacement of a storage device(s) can be performed from the two sides of the housing.
US08574045B2
A rotatable vent assembly system for areas where breathable airflow is required is disclosed herein. The rotatable vent assembly system improves airflow in any structure where breathable airflow may be a concern, including but not limited to air vacuum vaults, valve vaults, water tanks, pressure reducing valve units, or other confined structures. The rotatable vent assembly system helps reduce frost accumulation within riser pipes during winter months and improves breathable air within confined spaces. By reducing the accumulation of frost, the potential for pipe breakage is reduced, also reducing maintenance and replacement costs to municipalities and property owners for burst pipes. Rotating the vent control component at the top of a riser pipe connected to a pipe system controls the flow of breathable air by increasing or reducing airflow within the pipe system.
US08574025B2
A stretchable undergarment comprises a one-piece body slimming unit made of front and rear panels cut and sewn along the edges to form a tubular body shaping garment construction which is stretchable in the longitudinal direction, and having a lightweight zippered opening along the front. The undergarment is made from a woven stretchable satin material containing a small amount of thin spandex-type elastic fibers forming a predominately one-way vertical stretch in a base textile fabric made from thin polymeric textile fibers such as nylon.
US08574019B2
In an apparatus for controlling operation of an outboard motor having an internal combustion engine to power a propeller, and a transmission selectively changeable in gear position to establish speeds including at least a first speed and a second speed and transmitting power of the engine to the propeller with a gear ratio determined by established speed, it is configured to determine whether the transmission is in a reverse position, and control operation of the transmission to change the gear position from the second speed to the first speed when the second speed is selected and the transmission is determined to be in the reverse position. With this, it becomes possible to prevent the thrust of the boat from decreasing.
US08574016B1
A key type wiring connection switch includes an insulation main body, a plurality of spring elements, retaining terminals, conducting terminals and pressure buttons. In which a plurality of retaining spaces are formed in the interior of the insulation main body, The pressure buttons are positioned above each of the retaining terminals. Moreover, an upper end of each of the pressure buttons protrudes out the insulation main body. When using the present invention, the user presses downward on each of the pressure buttons to cause each of the lower ends of the pressure buttons to move downward and push open the retaining terminals, thereby enabling connecting wires of a host machine to be extended into the conducting terminals through side through holes of the insulation main body. Accordingly, when wiring an electrical appliance, there is no need for hand tools while still enabling wiring to be carried out.
US08574015B2
An electrical connector includes an elongated insulating housing defining a number of passageways and power terminals received in corresponding passageways. The passageways are arranged side by side along a longitudinal direction of the insulating housing. Each power terminal has a first terminal and a second terminal oppositely arranged beside the first terminal. The first terminal has a first contacting portion, a first fixing portion extending towards the second terminal, and a first connecting portion connecting the first contacting portion and the first fixing portion. The second terminal has a second contacting portion oppositely arranged beside the first contacting portion of the first terminal. A curved intermediate region is formed between the first connecting portion and the first contacting portion of the first terminal. A width of the first fixing portion is larger than a distance between the first contacting portion and the second contacting portion.
US08574010B2
A flexible socket of a power source hub is provided. The input terminal of the hub is electrically connected with a power source. The hub distributes the power source into a plurality of output terminals including first electrodes, second electrodes and ground electrodes. A plurality of sockets extend out from the output terminals via 3-strand cables. Each socket includes three holes corresponding to the first electrode, the second electrode, and the ground electrode. The three-hole sockets are designed to open in a first direction. The strands of the 3-strand cable are arranged one on top of the other in the first direction and extended outside the hub in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. In this way, it is easy to bend and displace sockets sideways to facilitate the plug-in of the plugs.
US08574005B2
An universal serial bus socket is disclosed, which comprises: a shell, disposed on a planar surface, being formed with a first surface and a second surface at positions corresponding to each other while having a slot to be formed thereon with a length extending in an extending direction forming a first included angle with respect to the planar surface; and an USB connector, being arranged inside the slot while allowing an USB jack of the USB connector to expose outside the first surface of the shell so as to be provided for an USB plug to plug in; wherein the first included angle is not equal to 90 degrees, and the USB plug is arranged to plug into the USB jack in a plug-in direction that forms a second included angle with respect to the planar surface while allowing the second included angle to be not equal to 90 degrees.
US08574004B1
A manual service disconnect device for an electric vehicle that includes an integrated pre-charge function. The manual service disconnect device includes a rotatable body having a non-conductive handle and a conductive shaft, a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, a first wire electrically coupled to the third terminal, a second wire electrically coupled to the second terminal, and a resistor electrically coupled to the first wire and the first terminal. The rotatable body is inserted so that the conductive shaft makes electrical contact between the first terminal and the second terminal so that electrical current can flow between the first wire and the second wire through the resistor and the rotated so that the conductive shaft makes electrical contact between the second terminal and the third terminal so that electrical current flows directly between the first wire and the second wire.
US08574002B2
A connector and a connecting structure of a flexible flat cable are provided. The connector includes a main body, an electrical terminal and a cover plate. The main body has a sidewall and a boss. The sidewall and the boss define a groove therebetween. The electrical terminal is in a bent shape. One end of the electrical terminal is disposed on the boss. The cover plate has a cover portion and an engaging portion. The cover portion covers on the boss. The engaging portion is inserted into the groove of the main body. The electrical terminal is partially located between the boss and the cover plate. The present invention further provides the connecting structure of a flexible flat cable. The advantage of the present invention is that: by disposing the groove on the main body, the cover plate is inserted into the groove for engaging the flexible flat cable connected to the connector, thereby preventing the flexible flat cable from releasing from connector to increasing the mounting reliability.
US08574000B1
A protective sleeve disposed around a cable and a connector which are connected includes a cable sleeve and a plurality of resilient elements. The cable sleeve includes a bushing, a first ring, and a second ring. The front of the bushing is connected to the connector. The first ring and the second ring are disposed around the cable. The resilient elements are formed by extending the second ring and spaced apart from each other to form an opening for penetration by the cable. The caliber of the opening is less than the caliber of the second ring. Accordingly, the resilient elements are conducive to the positioning of the cable while the cable is penetrating the rings.
US08573998B2
A charging connector (10) is provided to be connected to a vehicle-side connector (50) for charging a battery in a vehicle. The charging connector (10) has a main body (11) including a connector fitting (13) connectable to the vehicle-side connector, a lock (22) for holding the vehicle-side connector (50) and the connector fitting portion (13) in a connected state by being locked to a lock projection (52) on the vehicle-side connector (50), an unlocking portion (23) for canceling the locked state of the lock (22) and the lock projection (52), and an unlocking hole 16 formed in the connector main body (11) at a position corresponding to the unlocking portion (23). The unlocking portion (23) projects to the outside of the main body (11) through the unlocking hole (16) and includes recesses (27) at positions facing the peripheral edge of the unlocking hole (16).
US08573987B1
A power distribution box assembly having a power distribution box, a plurality of wire assemblies, a holder and a plurality of sets of resilient fingers. The power distribution box having a housing, which defines a plurality of terminal cavities, and a plurality of conductive busbars, each of which terminating at a busbar terminal that is received in a corresponding one of the terminal cavities. The wire assemblies are coupled to the busbar terminals and extending from a rear side of the housing. The holder is received in the rear side of the housing and engaged to the housing in a snap-fit manner. The holder has a plurality of wire channels, each of which receiving an associated one of the wires. Each set of resilient fingers has at least one finger that is resiliently coupled to the holder and configured to engage an associated one of the wires.
US08573975B2
A firing apparatus includes a light generating device for emitting a modulated light beam that includes information regarding the firing apparatus upon triggering in a direction toward a target. Lens optics is positioned in a path of the modulated light beam including a one dimensional lens for beam shaping the modulated light beam to provide a shaped modulated beam including a low divergence horizontal beam portion and a vertically elongated beam portion. A combat training system includes a head mounted apparatus including at least one photodetector affixed. The vertically elongated beam portion allows the light beam generated by the firing apparatus to be aimed at the torso of the target and be detected by photodetectors that are exclusively on the helmet.
US08573962B2
The objective is to provide a high-pressure treatment apparatus with which the pressure or temperature in a treatment chamber can be efficiently adjusted in a short period of time without an overall significant increase in the size or complication of the apparatus. The high-pressure treatment apparatus has a pressure-resistant container having pressure-resistant walls surrounding a treatment chamber, a lid member that closes an open end of the pressure-resistant container, a supply means that supplies a process fluid into the treatment chamber, a partition wall that is thinner than the pressure-resistant wall and is provided along the inside surface of said pressure-resistant container to form a partitioned chamber with said inside surface, and a heat transfer control means. Said heat transfer control means controls heat transfer between said treatment chamber and said partitioned chamber by heating or cooling a heating medium outside the container and feeding said heating medium into said partitioned chamber.
US08573960B2
A blow-molding mold assembly comprising: a base mold cavity located within the mold-holder of a molding machine, characterized in that the assembly includes an interchangeable insert located within the base mold cavity; the base mold cavity having in its left side a gliding locking means and in its right side having fixed locking means, and the interchangeable insert having in its left and right sides grooves to receive the locking means corresponding to each side of the base mold cavity to avoid rotational movement of the interchangeable insert, the interchangeable insert having further an exterior edge to be housed in an interior recess of the base mold cavity to avoid longitudinal movement of the interchangeable insert.
US08573942B2
A gas turbine engine component having an axial pin stop assembly that reduces stress around a seal pin damper slot between a platform and a buttress is disclosed. The seal pin damper slot is extended to the leading edge of the buttress and an axial pin stop seal extends into the pin damper slot to limit movement of the seal pin damper while relieving stress concentration at the interface between the buttress and platform.
US08573940B2
A compressor for a turbine engine includes multiple compressor disks having rotor blades mounted about the circumference of each of the disks. A plurality of stator blades extend between the rotor blades of axially adjacent disks. A knife edge seal is supported and retained by retaining flanges extending from a rim on each disk, and contacts the stator blades to limit the recirculation of air within the compressor. A plurality of lock assemblies are spaced about the circumference of disk backbones formed in each disk, with a plurality of knife edge seals located between each lock assembly. When in the lock position the lock assemblies reduce the slack used for assembly of the final knife edge seal to prevent shifting and rotating during operation.
US08573932B2
The compressor blade root heating system may be formed from one or more induction heaters formed from one or more induction coils positioned in close proximity to a root of a compressor blade. In one embodiment, the induction heater may be coupled to a static casing component positioned immediately upstream of a first row of compressor blades on a rotor assembly such that the induction heater is stationary during turbine engine operation. The induction heater causes eddy current formation, which heats the row one compressor blades. This heating increases the fracture toughness of the material forming the rotor and compressor blades, thereby increasing the mechanical life cycle.
US08573921B2
A device and method for lifting and rotating a massive container comprising a base frame assembly, a cradle pivotally connected to the base frame assembly and adapted to hold the container, a mechanism for moving the container vertically relative to at least part of the base frame assembly, and a hydraulic cylinder connected between the base frame assembly and the cradle for rotating in a vertical plane the cradle relative to the base frame assembly.
US08573905B2
A triangular cutting insert has first and second surfaces, a midplane, a peripheral surface, with an insert center axis. The peripheral surface has alternating relief flanks and corners. A major cutting edge formed between each relief flank and the first and second surfaces, connects at a corner to a wiper edge included in a bounding plane of the insert. The wiper edge further connects to a transitional slope directed toward the midplane and an adjacent major cutting edge. Viewed along the insert center axis, an insert footprint is symmetrical to each corner bisector, and each major cutting edge is perpendicular to the associated secondary slope. Viewed perpendicular to the bisector, the relief flank is in a peripheral plane, and the transitional slope is between the peripheral plane and the insert center axis. Viewed along the corner bisector, each visible major cutting edge forms a first angle with the bounding plane.
US08573892B2
A primary earth penetrating mandrel formed of a hollow shell steel plate octagonal in cross-section has an upper end and a blunt lower end joined by an upwardly and outwardly tapered wall. The mandrel is driven downwardly in the earth to simultaneously form a vertical tapered cavity while compacting the sidewall of the cavity to provide structural integrity. The mandrel is then moved upwardly from the bottom of the cavity and aggregate is deposited in the bottom of the cavity following which the mandrel is lowered so that its blunt lower end engages the deposited aggregate and densifies the aggregate by vertical vibratory action and static force with these steps being repeated until the pier top is near the surface of the earth at which time the upper aggregate portions are densified by either the primary mandrel or a secondary mandrel having a substantially larger lower end surface than the lower end surface of the primary mandrel. A second embodiment includes a conduit in the primary mandrel for injecting concrete or grout into aggregate previously deposited in the cavity.
US08573891B2
An offshore structure comprises a base configured to be secured to the sea floor. In addition, the offshore structure comprises an elongate stem having a longitudinal axis, a first end distal the base and a second end pivotally coupled to the base. Further, the offshore structure comprises an upper module coupled to the first end of the stem. The upper module includes a variable ballast chamber. Still further, the offshore structure comprises a first ballast control conduit in fluid communication with the variable ballast chamber of the upper module. The first ballast control conduit is configured to supply a gas to the variable ballast chamber of the upper module and vent the gas from the variable ballast chamber of the upper module. Moreover, the offshore structure comprises a deck mounted to the upper module.
US08573888B2
An apparatus and method for mounting a buoyancy module onto a rigid pipe having a clamp. In one embodiment the clamp includes pads for clamping onto the outer surface or coating of the rigid pip, the pads having a teeth or serrations formed thereon for gripping the outer surface of the pipe. In a second embodiment, the clamp includes one or more coil springs formed from a resilient material adapted to be wound around the outer circumference of the pipe. The method for mounting a buoyancy module onto a rigid pipe includes the steps of reducing the outer diameter of the pipe at a location of the pipe to which a buoyancy module is to be attached and subsequently mounting a buoyancy module at such location.
US08573884B2
Systems and methods of transferring loads between adjacent cast-in-place slabs, such as concrete slabs, and for accurately positioning dowels between adjacent sections of slabs are provided. A generally planar plate-type dowel is used which may be positioned within a cutaway in a preexisting slab of concrete. The dowel is shaped to generally conform to the shape of the cutaway, which is made by a saw blade. Once the dowel is positioned within the preexisting slab, a new slab is poured adjacent the preexisting slab. Rubber seals are included on the edges of the dowels to provide spacing or a gap between the dowel and the preexisting slab to allow for lateral independent movement of the adjacent slabs, and to prevent concrete from the newly poured second slab from entering into the gap. A saw unit for making a generally planar cut horizontally into an edge of a hardened concrete slab is also provided.
US08573878B2
A quick-release device includes a tubular structure and a flange radially extends from a second end of the tubular structure. A ring is sleeved on the tubular structure and selectively engaged to the flange and a sleeve is co-axially and securely connected to the ring. A shaft is co-axially connected to the tubular structure. A washer is received in the sleeve and abutting the flange of the sleeve, wherein the shaft extends through the washer. A pivot is mounted to a distal end of the second portion of the shaft. A lever is pivotally mounted onto the pivot. The lever includes a handle having a pair of ears formed on one end of the handle, wherein each ear has a pivot hole defined therein for rotatably receiving two opposite ends of the pivot and a raised portion formed thereon for selectively inwardly forcedly push the washer when fastening the quick-release.
US08573869B2
A label sheet conveyance device is provided to more accurately automatically detect seams between label sheets in a label printer.Using a first threshold value that is set according to the mode of sensor output values for detecting the sheet portion between labels, and a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value for detecting holes in the label sheet, a label printer determines a sheet position where the sensor output value is equal to each threshold value. If a sheet position equal to the second threshold value is detected, the center of that sheet position is identified as the seam position. If a sheet position equal to the second threshold value is not identified and a sheet position equal to the first threshold value is identified, the center of that sheet position is identified as the seam position.
US08573858B2
An assembly includes a connector and a carrier engaged therewith. Connector has a first mating end and a second end and a first fiber. The fiber defines a first end adjacent the mating end and a second end protruding from the connector second end. Carrier has a connector end and an opposite cable end and includes a heat activated meltable portion adjacent the cable end. An alignment structure is on the carrier and includes first and second ends, and a throughhole. The first end of the alignment structure receives the second end of the first fiber and the second end receives an end of a second fiber entering the carrier. The heat activated portion melts and assumes a flowable condition when exposed to a predetermined amount of heat and resolidifies when heat is removed, bonding the second fiber to the carrier after the first and second fibers are aligned.
US08573857B2
A special plug connector is proposed for contacting a mating plug using a standard plug connector, such that the dimensions of the mating plug differ from this standard plug connector in both horizontal and vertical directions. This special plug connector has a plug connector housing with two bearing pins and a holding element for holding two respective ferrule housings. Firstly, the holding element is elastically connected by a first spring element to the plug connector housing. Secondly, the holding element having two arms, each of which has a corresponding elongated hole, is rotatable within a certain angular range about the bearing pins of the insert under the influence of a spring and is held on the plug connector housing, so that it is displaceable by a first displacement path axially to the ferrules under the influence of a spring.
US08573854B2
A fiber optic connector assembly includes a front housing and a rear housing movably coupled to the front housing between retracted and advanced positions. A drive mechanism is coupled to the rear housing that moves the rear housing from the retracted position to the advanced position. Fiber optic connectors are fixedly coupled to the rear housing with a mating end driven with respect to the front housing in a mating direction when the rear housing is moved from the retracted position to the advanced position. Optionally, the fiber optic connector assembly may be side-loaded into position with respect to a fixed connector assembly, and then the fiber optic connector is driven to the advanced position in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of loading.
US08573852B2
A heavy earth-moving machine having a lower structure and an upper structure rotatably supported by the lower structure for rotation about an axis. A substantially circular lower rail is mounted on the lower structure and includes an inclined lower surface. A substantially circular upper rail is mounted on the upper structure and includes a substantially planar upper surface that is oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis. Tapered rollers support the upper rail above the lower rail for rotation of the upper rail about the axis. Each roller engages both the upper surface and the lower surface and defines and rotates about a roller axis that intersects the axis at a non-perpendicular angle.
US08573841B2
A method and apparatus for determining a temperature of a semiconductor device is provided herein. One aspect of the disclosed subject matter is seen in a temperature sensing device. The temperature sensing device comprises a diode and a circuit. The diode is adapted to be reverse biased by a charging voltage applied thereto. The circuit determines a temperature of the diode based on a rate that the voltage on the diode discharges in response to the charging voltage being uncoupled from the diode.
US08573840B2
The invention relates to an integrated temperature sensor (1) comprising: means (2000) for generating a pulse train (DATA_IN) at an oscillation frequency, means (3000) for counting the number of pulses during a fixed period of time independent of a temperature to be measured (T) and for generating a plurality of bits (b11, b10, . . . , b0) indicating the number of pulses in the pulse train (DATA_IN), and means (4000) for generating a serial digital signal (DATA_OUT) from said bits (b11, b10, . . . , b0), in which the means (2000) for generating a pulse train (DATA_IN) include a plurality of logic gates (2410, 2420, 2430, 2440, 2450) which can introduce a delay dependent on the temperature to be measured (T), said means (2000) generating a pulse train (DATA_IN) the oscillation frequency of which is dependent on said temperature to be measured (T). The invention also relates to a temperature measurement method and to a transponder for a wireless system.
US08573836B2
An apparatus evaluates a substrate mounting device adapted to hold a target substrate placed on a mounting surface and to control a temperature of the target substrate. The apparatus includes an evacuatable airtightly sealed chamber accommodating therein the substrate mounting device, a heat source, arranged in a facing relationship with the mounting surface, for irradiating infrared light. The apparatus further includes an evaluation-purpose substrate adapted to be mounted on the mounting surface in place of the target substrate, the evaluation-purpose substrate being made of an infrared light absorbing material, and having a unit for measuring temperatures at plural sites on a surface and/or inside of the substrate.
US08573835B2
A method and apparatus for the measurement of thermal conductivity combines the following capabilities: 1) measurements of very small specimens; 2) measurements of specimens with thermal conductivity on the same order of that as air; and, 3) the ability to use air as a reference material. Care is taken to ensure that the heat flow through the test specimen is essentially one-dimensional. No attempt is made to use heated guards to minimize the flow of heat from the hot plate to the surroundings. Results indicate that since large correction factors must be applied to account for guard imperfections when specimen dimensions are small, simply measuring and correcting for heat from the heater disc that does not flow into the specimen is preferable.
US08573834B2
Mobile devices are re-supplied with fluids on a periodic basis thereby eliminating the need to maintain a permanent connection between an external fluid supply and the moving device. Electronic scanning devices generate heat and operate at varying and high temperature conditions that interfere with operations of the scanner heads. Circulating a heat transfer fluid through the sensor head removes excess heat from heat sensitive regions of the sensor head during operations. Once the heat transfer fluid reaches a predetermined temperature or after passage of a predetermined length of time, the scanner head is maneuvered to a docking station where it is coupled to an external heat fluid source where fresh fluid is supplied to the scanner head.
US08573831B2
The present invention relates generally to methods and systems for mixing at least two different solid materials (e.g., adsorbents) and loading the mixture into a vessel, such as an adsorption vessel or reactor.
US08573828B2
A method for plasticating and conveying macromolecular materials based on elongational flow and equipment thereof are disclosed. A set of spaces having specific shape is used, and the volume of the spaces can increase and decrease periodically, and the materials flow into the spaces when the volume is increasing; and are pressed, plasticated and discharged when the volume is decreasing, so that the plasticating and conveying process is mainly under normal stress. A vane-type plasticating and conveying unit mainly comprises a cylindrical hollow stator; a columned rotor eccentrically installed in the inner cavity of the stator, wherein a group of rectangular slots are formed along the circumference of the rotor; a plurality of vanes which are arranged evenly in the slots and baffles mounted on the two sides of the stator. The inner surface of the stator, the outer surface of the rotor, the two vanes, and the two baffles surround to form the spaces having specific shape. The vane-type plasticating and conveying unit and various screw-type extruding unit or various plunger-injection unit can be combined to form a vane-type plasticating and injection device of an extruder or injection machine. The present invention is of short material thermo-mechanical history, low energy consumption, wide adaptability, and small volume.
US08573827B2
A backlight module includes a light guide plate, a wavelength converter, and a light emitter. The light guide plate includes a main body, a first extension portion, and a second extension portion. The first extension portion is connected to the main body. The second extension portion is connected to the first extension portion. The wavelength converter is disposed at a side of the main body. The wavelength converter has an incident surface. The incident surface faces away from the main body. The first extension portion abuts against a sidewall of the wavelength converter. The second extension portion abuts against the incident surface. The light emitter is disposed at a side of the light guide plate.
US08573820B2
A rear position light-emitting diode (LED) light module for use on an aircraft. The light module includes a single printed circuit board (PCB), at least one light emitting diode attached to a first surface of the PCB and a single reflector and baffle device attached to the PCB. The baffle device provides an illumination pattern having a predefined angular pattern in the first plane. The illumination pattern does not overlap with light illuminated by port and starboard position lights of the aircraft. The baffle device includes a base section being planar, the base section comprises a cavity, first and second side sections attached to a first surface of the base section on opposing sides of the cavity, the first and second side sections intersect the first plane but not the second plane and a plurality of snap fittings attached to a second side of the base section.
US08573815B2
An illuminating optical lens article of manufacture for use with a light emitting diode (LED) mounted on a circuit board has (a) a base portion defining a rim on a plane having a bottom surface around a longitudinal axis for mounting over the LED; (b) an integral refractive outer surface of the lens extending towards the longitudinal axis from the base; (c) an integral refractive inner surface of the lens extending from the base forming a cavity shaped and sized to receive an LED; and optionally (d) a plurality of grooved sections for receiving an adhesive formed on the bottom surface of the base portion. The base is adapted to be mounted on the circuit board onto which the LED is mounted. The integral refractive outer and inner surfaces each define a predetermined geometry adapted to direct and focus light emitting from the LED to a predetermined path.
US08573814B2
An object with an internal cavity may serve as a cooling structure for a semiconductor package. The object includes a stack of form fitting bodies. The stack has a first form fitting body shaped according to the cavity with a first layer forming a partially form fitting surface, the first layer including a mixture of a first metal and an oxide of the first metal, and a second layer adjacent to the first layer. The second layer includes the first metal but less oxide of the first metal than the first layer. The stack has a second form fitting body shaped according to the cavity with a first layer forming a partially form fitting surface configured to conform to the partially form fitting surface of the first form fitting body.
US08573813B2
Disclosed herein is a method of forming a LED-based light for replacing a conventional fluorescent bulb in a fluorescent light fixture including providing a heat sink of highly thermally conductive material having opposing longitudinally extending edges, mounting a plurality of LEDs in thermally conductive relation with the heat sink and enclosing the plurality of LEDs within a light transmitting cover such that the longitudinally extending edges engage an interior of the cover to support the heat sink within the light transmitting cover.
US08573809B2
An illumination device includes a plurality of light sources for emitting light and an optical member arranged in front of the light sources to control distribution of the light emitted from the light sources. The optical member includes a plurality of lens portions having storage recess portions formed in alignment with the light sources to accommodate the light sources and a plurality of ribs extending laterally from the lens portions to fix the lens portions to a substrate holding the light sources, each of the lens portions having a light distribution control portion formed in a rear opening edge of each of the storage recess portions to distribute frontward the light emitted from the light sources toward the ribs.
US08573808B2
Systems and methods are provided for illuminating a surface to be observed microscopically using a retractable beamsplitter. The retractable beamsplitter allows the use of coaxial illumination when the beamsplitter is positioned in the operator's line of sight. The retractable beamsplitter allows the use of non-coaxial illumination without reducing the amount of illumination that reaches the operator when the beamsplitter is retracted from the operator's line of sight. As a result a single system can be used effectively to provide various types of illumination.
US08573807B2
In some embodiments, a light device for generating light includes light emitting diodes (LEDs), and power supply circuitry including at least one switching regulator including switching elements to provide power to the LEDs. The light device includes a device support structure including a device connector and an LED support to support the LEDs, wherein the device connector is one end of the device support structure, and the power supply circuitry is supported by the device support structure. Other embodiments are described.
US08573793B2
An electrode plate for an external electrode fluorescent lamp and a backlight are disclosed. The electrode plate for external electrode lamp comprising a strip pressure plate made of conductive material, wherein the strip pressure plate comprises a first surface on which at least one groove are provided and a second surface that is opposite to the first surface, the grooves run across both sides of the first surface and accommodate external electrodes of the external electrode lamps.
US08573791B2
A vehicle mirror assembly having a housing or base member, a mirror lens and a connecting gasket member. The mirror lens is provided in the shape of a portion of an end of an ellipsoid. The lens has a varying radius of curvature. The center portion of the lens has a smaller radius of curvature than the outer portions along the major axis of the lens creating an improved field of view of the reflected image.
US08573782B2
A discharge lamp drive device for driving a discharge lamp including a first electrode and a second electrode, include: a power supply unit which supplies alternating power to the discharge lamp by inputting alternating current between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the power supply unit includes a power reduction control unit which reduces the alternating power from a first level to a second level lower than the first level, and a duty ratio control unit which steppedly varies duty ratio of the alternating current in a predetermined period at the time of reduction of the alternating power.
US08573776B2
The fundus observation apparatus 1 has a function to form tomographic images and 3-dimensional images of a fundus Ef by scanning signal light LS as well as a function to form a moving image (observation image K) of a fundus Ef during OCT measurement. Furthermore, the fundus observation apparatus 1 includes an x-correction part 231 and a y-correction part 232 for correcting a position in the fundus surface direction of the 3-dimensional image based on the observation image K, and a z-correction part 233 for correcting the position in the fundus depth direction of a 3-dimensional image, based on a tomographic image Gi of the fundus Ef based on the detection results of interference light LC of separately scanned signal light LS and reference light LR.
US08573773B1
An embodiment of the invention is an eyewear holding clip having an inner fold, a curved surface extending from the inner fold and arching outwardly and away from the inner fold in a spiral pattern, and then slightly curving away from the inner fold to make an end. The sweatband of a hat is tucked into the inner fold of the holding clip. The fold has a certain width and then the clip narrows as it extends away from the fold.
US08573769B2
An image forming apparatus including a conveyance unit to intermittently convey a recording medium in a conveyance direction, a carriage movable in a main scanning direction and including a recording head, a conveyance path having a curved portion provided downstream from an imaging range of the recording head, a first discharge member provided downstream from the imaging range to discharge the recording medium, and a second discharge member provided downstream from the first discharge member and having a nip to sandwich the recording medium to discharge the recording medium. A length of the conveyance path extending from a downstream edge of the imaging range to the nip is longer than a maximum length of the recording medium usable in the image forming apparatus to prevent a leading edge of the recording medium from being sandwiched by the second discharge member when the carriage performs last scanning movement.
US08573767B2
An image forming apparatus includes an ink applicator unit to selectively apply ultraviolet (UV) curable ink on a media, a media support unit to support the media to receive the UV curable ink, and a UV radiation curing device to cure the UV curable ink on the media. The UV radiation curing device includes a UV radiation source module to emit an electromagnetic spectrum and a dispersion member. The dispersion member may separate ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation subtype C (UVC radiation) from at least one of ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation subtype A (UVA radiation) in the electromagnetic spectrum and ultraviolet electromagnetic radiation subtype B (UVB radiation), apply the UVC radiation to the UV curable ink on the media, and subsequently apply the at least one of the UVA radiation and the UVB radiation after the UVC radiation is applied to the UV curable ink on the media.
US08573764B2
A drying apparatus includes: a rotatable belt which has an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface contacts a sheet; a blowing mechanism which blows hot air on the sheet at a side of the outer surface; and a heating unit which includes a heating element and a contact surface which is disposed in contact with the inner surface. A plurality of rollers are arranged in a direction in which the sheet travels. The rollers are pressed against the outer surface of the belt with the travelling sheet being held between the rollers and the outer surface of the belt.
US08573761B2
An ink-jet ink includes a jettable vehicle, a plurality of pigment solids dispersed in the jettable vehicle, and a plurality of structurally related polymers dispersed in the jettable vehicle. Additionally, a system for printing images on a porous photo medium includes a jettable ink and a printhead loaded with the jettable ink.
US08573758B2
A liquid jet recording head includes liquid discharge ports, pressure chambers, and a substrate which has the discharge energy generating element, a liquid chamber for storing a liquid supplied to the pressure chamber, a pair of paths which are separated from the liquid chamber, and a liquid supply port communicating with the liquid chamber. A liquid inlet port communicating with one path of the pair of paths and a liquid outlet port communicating with the other path of the pair of paths are opened on one surface of the substrate. A liquid flow path for discharging the liquid from the liquid chamber to the pressure chamber via the liquid supply port, and a liquid flow path for circulating the liquid from the one path to each pressure chamber via the liquid inlet port, and further from each pressure chamber to the other path via the liquid outlet port are provided.
US08573754B2
A method for manufacturing a piezoelectric element comprising forming a titanium film containing titanium; forming a platinum film containing platinum on the titanium film; forming a piezoelectric precursor film containing bismuth, lanthanum, iron and manganese on the platinum film; crystallizing the piezoelectric precursor film to form a piezoelectric layer by firing the piezoelectric precursor film in an atmosphere of an inert gas; and forming an electrode on the piezoelectric layer.
US08573744B2
A continuous type liquid ejection head includes an ejection opening plate formed with ejection openings, from which a pressurized liquid is ejected, and a deforming unit. The ejection opening plate is made of an elastic plate containing a rubber material, at least at portions that are formed with the ejection openings. The deforming unit is arranged adjacent to the ejection opening plate and is configured to deform the elastic plate so that areas of the ejection openings are periodically changed.
US08573740B2
Manufacturing method for an inkjet print head, comprising forming a nozzle layer onto a substrate, depositing an LSE (low surface energy) coating onto the nozzle layer, depositing a sacrificial film onto the LSE coating, post processing the substrate, and removing the sacrificial film from the LSE coating, the LSE coating having a water contact angle of at least 50° after removal of the sacrificial film.
US08573738B2
A supporting section is disposed to confront an ejection surface and supports a recording medium. A first tank is mounted on a first-tank mount section. A liquid conveying section conveys liquid to a liquid ejecting head. A receiving section receives liquid ejected from the liquid ejecting head. A waste-liquid conveying section conveys liquid to the waste-liquid tank. A first casing holds the liquid ejecting head, the first-tank mount section, and the liquid conveying section. A second casing holds the supporting section, the receiving section, the waste-liquid tank, and the waste-liquid conveying section. The first casing is connected with the second casing such that the first casing is movable relative to the second casing. The first casing takes a first position at which the ejection surface confronts the supporting section and a second position at which the ejection surface is farther away from the supporting section than at the first position.
US08573736B2
To suitably use a metallic ink or a pearl-colored ink in an inkjet printer. Furthermore, to suitably use an ink containing a large-sized pigment in the inkjet printer.An inkjet printer includes an inkjet head 12 that discharges towards a printing medium 50 ink droplets of a metallic ink or a pearl-colored ink. The inkjet head 12 includes a nozzle 104 that discharges the ink droplets towards the printing medium 50, and an air blowing unit 120 that generates an airflow towards the printing medium 50 along the ink droplets discharged from the nozzle 104.
US08573730B2
The transport control section performs, in a case where a first motor and a second motor are driven so as to transport a long sheet to the downstream side in a transport direction, prescribed processing that is different from the processing in a case where the deflection amount of the sheet becomes equal to or greater than a reference amount, in a case where the deflection amount of the sheet between a shaft member and a sending roller in the transport direction does not become equal to or greater than the reference amount.
US08573727B2
A carriage is precisely controlled in short-distance movement. The carriage is controlled upon printing by an inkjet printhead by reciprocally moving the carriage to which the printhead is mounted along a guide rail by a driving force supplied from a carriage motor. More specifically, a carriage position in the reciprocal direction is detected, and a carriage speed is calculated based on the detected positions. Then, the positions and carriage speed are fed back to control drive of the carriage motor. In the feedback-control, a loss due to friction generated between the carriage and the guide rail is compensated for with respect to a motor instruction value used to control drive of the carriage motor. The compensation is performed by identifying, based on the carriage speed, whether the friction is static or kinetic, and determining a compensation value in accordance with the identification.
US08573726B2
An image forming apparatus including a first carriage having a first recording head to eject black liquid droplets, a second carriage having a second recording head to eject color liquid droplets and separatably dockable with the first carriage, a position detector to detect a position of the second carriage relative to the first carriage in a state in which the first and second carriages are docked with each other, and a landing position corrector to correct landing positions of liquid droplets ejected from at least one of the first and second recording heads. The landing position corrector holds the position of the second carriage obtained by the position detector as a reference position and adjusts a correction amount for correcting the landing positions based on an amount of shift between the reference position and a present position of the second carriage docked with the first carriage.
US08573718B2
A merchandising unit for consumer goods includes at least one wall formed of one or more panels of electrically switchable glass which are switchable between a first state and a second state. The level of light transmission through the switchable glass is greater in the second state than in the first state. The merchandising unit includes a first compartment for housing the consumer goods. The first compartment includes the at least one wall formed from one or more electrically switchable glass panels, such that in the first state the consumer goods cannot be seen through the at least one wall and in the second state the consumer goods are visible through the at least one wall.
US08573717B2
A front panel assembly includes an inner cover plate having two first positioning pins, and a sliding door mechanism including a pair of slide rails each provided on a lateral side of the inner cover plate and having top and bottom ends. The first positioning pins are disposed intermediate of the pair of the slide rails. A door panel is slidable upward and downward along the slide rails, and has two second positioning pins. Two spring elements are disposed between the door panel and the inner cover plate. Each spring element has a first connecting end connected pivotally to a corresponding first positioning pin, and a second connecting end connected pivotally to a corresponding second positioning pin.
US08573716B2
A storage shell includes a plurality of sidewalls to collectively define a chamber therebetween. A first sidewall defines a panel and a track. The panel defines an outer perimeter edge, an exterior surface, and holes extending through the panel. The track is coupled to the panel and includes a first rib and a second rib each extending from the exterior surface. The first rib is positioned inside the outer perimeter edge. The second rib is concentric with and shaped similarly to the first rib. The first rib and the second rib each separately border each one of the holes where each of the holes is formed between the first rib and the second rib. Related storage and organization systems, accessories and methods are also disclosed and provide additional advantages.
US08573709B2
In a braking control apparatus for an electric vehicle, a target braking torque command value calculation section calculates a target braking torque command value on a basis of at least one of a state of road wheels and a braking request by a vehicle driver, a frequency component decomposition section decomposes a target braking torque command value into a first frequency component lower than a resonance frequency of a drive train and a second frequency component equal to or higher than the first frequency component, and a braking force control section provides an electrical braking torque for road wheels on a basis of a motor torque command value corresponding to the first frequency component and provides a frictional braking torque for the road wheels on a basis of a frictional braking torque command value corresponding to the second frequency component.
US08573708B1
A hydraulic braking system for use in a vehicle employing both hydraulic and regenerative braking including a master cylinder with a reservoir inlet port and an outlet port. The outlet port is responsive to vehicle operator applied brake pedal pressure to close the inlet port and provide pilot pressure at the outlet port which is selectively coupled by a valve (57) to a hydraulic pedal simulator and to a control valve. The control valve provides boost hydraulic pressure from a pressure source to a vehicle wheel brake actuator in proportion to the pressure differential between the pilot pressure and a hydraulic pressure which is proportional to regenerative braking torque. This allows the power train controller to independently request different levels of regeneration on the two axles.
US08573704B2
The present invention is directed to Anti-ballistic Chairs with the preferred embodiment consisting of a conventionally appearing stacking chair with padded seat cushion and back rest, having a tubular framework with arm rests, having the addition of a skirt section below the seat extending to the floor level. The core of the chair will consist of layers of flexible anti-ballistic fabric, also known as soft armor, wrapped in two directions around the tubular members of the back rest, seat and skirt section. Alternatively, the stacking chair will be constructed of pre-manufactured hard anti-ballistic armor components, also known as hard armor. Two additional embodiments will be folding chairs with tubular frameworks, the first having hard armor anti-ballistic surfaces and the second being able to have hard armor or soft armor anti-ballistic surfaces.
US08573696B2
An ottoman device includes a first mechanism that has an operating portion operable to adjust a longitudinal position of a front end portion of a seat cushion corresponding to the inner sides of knees of a seated person, and is operable to vary a cushion length by adjusting the longitudinal position of the front end portion of the seat cushion by means of the operating portion, an ottoman body that extends from the front end portion of the seat cushion toward toes of the seated person, and a second mechanism operable to lift the ottoman body by reducing a flexion angle of the ottoman body at the front end portion of the seat cushion, so as to bring the ottoman body into a lifted condition. The ottoman body is provided as a unit with the operating portion, and the first and second mechanisms operate independently of each other.
US08573690B2
A shock absorbing apparatus for an aircraft seat that attenuates shock to passengers and crews includes; an airbag 11 being expanded in a plate shape in a state of less than maximum expansion; an upper flat plate 12 arranged on one side of the airbag 11; a lower flat plate 13 arranged on another side of the airbag 11; a gas supply device 15 for supplying a gas to the airbag 11; and a detector sending a signal to activate the gas supply device 15 by a preset condition. The shock is absorbed by expanding the airbag 11 before the shock is applied to the passenger.
US08573679B2
There is provided a slide door constant feeding system whose crossover portion of a wire harness does not interfere with a wall portion of a door trim in opening/closing a slide door and which excels in durability. The slide door constant feeding system comprises a door-side feeding fixture having a main part attached to a door trim, a leg member whose one end is attached to the main part and a door-side anchoring section attached to other end of the leg member and anchoring a door-side end of a crossover portion of a wire harness, a body-side feeding fixture attached to a car body and anchoring a body-side end of the crossover portion and the wire harness for feeding power from the car body-side to the door-side. The door-side anchoring section moves in opening/closing the slide door.
US08573674B2
A switching mechanism that switches a locking device of a slider device between a locked state and an unlocked state includes a sliding member that slides along a wall surface of a fixed rail, a step portion that is formed on the wall surface of the fixed rail and onto which the sliding member rides when a seat main body enters an unusable range, an unlocking mechanism that is provided on the seat main body and that unlocks the locking device and keeps the locking device unlocked in response to movement of the sliding member as the sliding member rides onto the step portion, and an unlocking operation canceling mechanism that is provided on the seat main body and that cancels an operation by the unlocking mechanism to unlock the locking device when the seat cushion is flipped up into a tipped up position.
US08573673B1
A stake pocket mounting bar for removably attaching a step to a truck bed or other generally horizontal surface, comprising: an anchor member defining at least one open slot for removably receiving a looped end of a strap; a leg member having first and second ends wherein the first end is attached to the anchor member and the second end defines a plurality of teeth. The anchor member may define two open slots. The leg member may define a bend, preferably about a 90° bend between its first and second ends so that when the leg member is inserted into a stake pocket of the truck bed, the teeth will be disposed generally horizontally such that they may engage the side of the truck bed. The anchor may be made of angle iron.
US08573671B2
A toolbox system for vehicles having a flared section with a fender flare extending outwardly from a side of the vehicle, such as dually pickup trucks and the like. The toolbox system has one or more compartments disposed in the flared section and a door, drawer or other mechanism associated with each of the compartments to allow access to a chamber enclosed by the compartment and to close the compartment. Tools, equipment and other materials can be safely and securely placed in the chamber for transport and storage. Preferably, the contour of the door or drawer corresponds to the contour of the outer wall of the fender flare to substantially maintain the original configuration of the flared section. The toolbox system allows the user to transport and store materials in a manner that protects the materials, does not utilize the rear cargo area and maintains the attractiveness of the vehicle.
US08573668B2
A tray system has a trunnion carriage mounted to a recess in a housing. A trunnion body is rotatably mounted to the carriage. A push member is slidable within the carriage. Moving the push member from a first end of travel to a second end of travel transfers a force against the trunnion body to move it to a deployed position. When the push member is at the second end then it locks the trunnion body against movement out from the deployed position. Moving the push member back to the first end transfers a force against the trunnion body to move it to the retracted position. A tray coupled to and movable with the trunnion body retracts vertically in the recess when the trunnion body is in the retracted position and deploys horizontally outward from the recess when the trunnion body is in the deployed position.
US08573658B2
An active hood latch system for a vehicle may include a housing, a locking/releasing bar connected to a cable of a hood latch assembly, a locking/releasing unit configured to release a locked state of the locking/releasing bar using a signal of a pedestrian collision detecting sensor, and a pulling unit configured to rotate the locking/releasing bar by pulling an end of the locking/releasing bar, wherein the hood latch assembly includes a main latch pivotally coupled to the housing, and a flexible member connecting the housing to the main latch, and wherein when the cable may be pulled by operating the locking/releasing unit using the signal of the pedestrian collision detecting sensor, the main latch may be released to pop up a hood and the flexible member connected to the main latch may be selectively extended by the hood to absorb collision energy and reduce damage to a pedestrian.
US08573652B2
An inlet hole capable of inserting a pipe thereinto is formed in a pipe joint body along an axis. Retainer attaching holes for attaching with a retainer that prevents detachment of the pipe are formed in a side surface of the pipe joint body to extend therethrough. These retainer attaching holes are configured symmetrically with respect to an X axis passing through a center of the inlet hole as a symmetrical axis. Thus, a circumference of the inlet hole opens symmetrically, so that the heat shrinkage condition after molding is equalized in the circumferential direction. Accordingly, it is not necessary to process a molding pin for the inlet hole with imbalance of heat shrinkage amount in mind, so that the molding pin becomes easy to process. In addition, the retainer can selectively utilize the retainer attaching holes at two positions, so that selective use depending on installation environment can be achieved.
US08573645B2
A gas generator includes an initiator having a case, two electrodes and a cap having a wall delimiting an aperture for insertion of the case, a part delimiting an aperture for access to the electrodes and a retaining part made of plastic material overmolded into the aperture between the initiator, the cap and the part. The wall includes, near the aperture and the protrusion retaining the cap, a second protrusion for supporting the mold in a support direction having a component extending from the bottom toward the aperture, the second protrusion having an outer edge at least partially not covered by the part for use as a support surface in said support direction for a mold to be used for overmolding.
US08573643B1
An active bolster has an expandable inner wall including a bay having first and second opposing ends and a central bowl. An expandable outer wall overlies the inner wall to provide a main cavity therebetween. An inflator is mounted within the bay having an outlet nozzle with a plurality of outlet passages for radially discharging an inflation gas against the bay and the outer wall in response to inflate the main cavity during a crash. The inner wall of the central bowl includes a plurality of first dispersion ribs substantially parallel with one another and following arcuate paths to provide at least one gas channel with opposite ends emptying from the central bowl into the main cavity. The outer wall includes a plurality of second dispersion ribs oriented to channel inflation gas from the central bowl toward the outer peripheral edges.
US08573642B2
The present invention provides an airbag device that is capable of restraining a rectification cloth that switches a vent hole to an opened or closed state so as not to be twisted, and that is capable of switching the vent hole from an opened state to a closed state, and further, switching to the opened state. At an initial stage at which an airbag main body inflates and expands, the vent hole 8 is arranged between the leg portions 5, and when the airbag main body is in a predetermined internal pressure state, the vent hole is closed by means of the band-shaped portion 4. If an occupant or the like comes into contact with the airbag main body, a tense state of each of the leg portions is released, the rectification cloth is established in a slackened state, and the vent hole 8 is established in an opened state.
US08573637B2
An inflatable cushion for a side of a vehicle is provided, the inflatable cushion having a first portion of material; a second portion of material, the first portion of material being secured to the second portion of material to define the inflatable cushion; wherein at least a portion of a peripheral edge of the inflatable cushion is defined by a seam wherein an inner surface of the first portion is secured to an inner surface of the second portion only by a plurality of stitches; and wherein a strip of a third portion of material is applied to the seam of an outer surface of either the first portion or the second portion when the plurality of stitches are applied.
US08573635B2
A vehicle seat assembly according to the present disclosure includes an air bag module having a front and a side, and the air bag module includes an inflatable air bag and a flexible cover at least partially covering the air bag. The flexible cover may include a protection portion that extends at least partially along the side of the air bag module. The protection portion has an end spaced away from the front of the air bag module, and the end is releasably connected to another portion of the air bag module. The seat assembly further includes a seat pad disposed outside of the air bag module, and a trim cover positioned over the seat pad. Upon inflation of the air bag, the end of the protection portion is configured to disconnect from the another portion of the air bag module and extend forwardly such that the protection portion extends between the seat pad and the air bag, or between the trim cover and the air bag.
US08573632B1
A vehicle interior panel for use over an airbag includes a decorative covering with a grain-coordinated tear seam. The decorative covering includes a visible surface with a grain pattern formed therein, and individual stress risers of the tear seam a located at valleys of the grain pattern. Holes cut through a skin layer of the decorative covering in this manner have reduced visibility, due in part to light reflection characteristics at the grained surface that tend to form shadowed areas in the grain valleys. A method for forming a grain-coordinated tear seam includes determining the location of peaks and/or valleys of the grain pattern and forming a majority of the stress risers at determined valley locations.
US08573626B2
A tractor includes a vehicle coupler which couples with a trailer brake coupler to connect it to a pressure source for the trailer brake system. The pressure source is driven by a controllable drive unit, and an electronic control unit controls the activation of the drive unit. The vehicle coupler includes a first sensor which is connected to the control unit and which senses when the trailer coupler is coupled to the vehicle coupler. The control unit controls the activation of the drive unit in response to the sensor in order to prevent the pressure source from being driven unnecessarily.
US08573621B1
An integrated composite torsion cartridge is molded to size and configuration. The integrated composite torsion cartridge includes a torquearm, bearing surface, shoulder, torsion bar cluster, and mating axle tube countertorque hub in a homogeneous subassembly. A spindle being steel for example, can be secured to torquearm with a typical fastening technique. An extruded length bearing block can be cut to a finished size and mounting holes installed. Using a pair of bearing blocks, one above and one below, the bearing blocks intimately fit about an integrated torsion subassembly bearing area and both bearing block mating edges engaged to maintain location. If desired, the mating bearing block edges can be bonded together for greater retention.
US08573619B2
In a suspension assembling structure, a suspension link has an engagement hole formed in a mounting face for a spring seat. The spring seat has a protrusion formed on the lower face of a seat body and configured to be brought into engagement with the suspension link by insertion into the engagement hole. Also, the spring seat has a flange formed on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical portion in a manner so as to radially protrude through a clearance space defined between adjacent wires of a coil spring, and configured to hold the wire of a first turn at the lower end of the coil spring, while being kept in abutted-engagement with the upper face of the first turn.
US08573615B2
A suspension system suitable for a small-sized vehicle such as an all terrain vehicle. A strut damper is arranged wherein a downwardly extending line of an axis of the strut damper is located in front of a drive shaft extending to the depth of a drawing from the rotational center of a front wheel. As interference between the strut damper and the drive shaft is not a concern, a mounting position of the strut damper can be fully lowered. In addition, the length of the axis of the strut damper can be fully secured. Therefore, the height of the vehicle can be lowered. In addition, the design of a vehicle body is facilitated.
US08573610B1
A footrest apparatus for a wheelchair and the like has a pair of supporting frame configurations supporting a pair of foot plates to be position in a first position for use and a second position for transportation and/or storage. Each of the supporting frame configurations has a connecting shaft rotatably received in a vertical tube of a front wheel assembly. The vertical tube is affixed to a frame structure of the wheelchair and the like. The connecting shaft and the vertical tube in combination bear and transfer a foot load of the user and therefore a locking device provided between the connecting shaft and the vertical tube for locking the connecting frame configuration in a selected one of the first and second positions, will not bear the foot load, resulting a configuration convenience for conducting an unlock action.
US08573609B1
A plurality of tent weight plates are adapted to be stacked one upon another in use on a tent leg and in transport on a cart. A base plate on the lower-most weight plate includes an extension beyond the plates to which a tent leg is secured. The weight plates include a tab matingly received in a track between rails on the cart to prevent shifting of the plates on the cart. The plates also include holes which are aligned when the plates are stacked so as to receive a post through the holes to maintain alignment of the stacked plates in use on the tent leg and during transport on the cart.
US08573607B2
A creeper is provided wherein the creeper has a main frame comprising a front and a rear; wheels attached to the main frame; a handle attached to the mainframe rearward of said wheels; a platform slidably attached to the main frame and rail engagement brackets attached to the mainframe forward of the wheels. Pressure is applied to the handle thereby lifting the front of the main frame thereby supporting the creeper on the wheels. The creeper is moved to a position under the railcar. Pressure is removed from the handle thereby allowing the front of the creeper to lower wherein the rail engagement brackets engage with rails of a track. The personnel lays on the platform and slides the platform under the railcar.
US08573605B2
An active suspension system for a vehicle including at least one fluid operated ram having a cylinder and a main piston mounted therein for reciprocating movement, control means for controlling an equilibrium position of the piston in the ram in response to lateral acceleration of the vehicle in order to counter the effects of body roll of the vehicle, and wherein the ram includes shock absorbing means for permitting rapid movement of the piston from the equilibrium position when operating fluid in the ram is subjected to transient increases in pressure.
US08573598B2
A sootblower isolation wall box provided for sealing the wall box opening of a large scale boiler to provide sootblower lance tube access to the boiler. The wall box assembly includes a clamping seal assembly having radial sealing segments which are individually actuated. Applying fluid pressure to actuating cylinders causes the seal segments to be clamped against the outer circumference of the sootblower lance tube. During cleaning cycles, the segments are actuated to provide a radial clearance with the lance tube. Preferably, the clamping seal assembly is used in connection with another seal assembly which is relied upon to provide sealing during the cleaning steps. In a preferred embodiment, the additional seal assembly is in the form of a labyrinth-type seal assembly.
US08573597B1
A method of playing Baccarat and Baccarat derivative games such as mini-Baccarat and midi-Baccarat which incorporates an optional side bet, without affecting the normal play. The bettors may wager on this side bet, which has a payout based on an occurrence of a natural (two-card) 8-count or 9-count and loses if either no natural occurs, or bettors chose a side that did not have a natural. The Natural side bet may be wagered on either Player side being a natural or the Banker side being a natural. Bettors may win a larger amount on the Natural side bet if specific conditions arise when both the Player and Banker has a natural. In preferred embodiments, the side bets are made electronically via touch screens, and the cards are scanned electronically in a manually dealt shoe or with an electronic shoe simulating physical cards using a computer.
US08573595B2
A variable point generation craps game includes a random indicator generator providing only members of a predetermined set of indicators, at least two point value selectors and a bet. Each of the indicators designates a point value selector, each of which has an initial state providing all possible point values obtainable, and with the same probability, from a single roll of a standard pair of dice. The point value selectors yield at least one point for the craps game upon designation by the random indicator generator. The bet depends upon at least one point value selected by at least one of the point value selectors. In a variation, a single point value selector is used and the random indicator generator designates an integer that determines a predetermined operation to be performed upon the point value selector to yield at least one point for the craps game.
US08573592B2
According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a method and system for measuring and controlling an angular orientation of a printed sheet along a feed path of a print making device, the printed sheet being a sheet of paper with a paper edge moving along the feed path and an image printed thereon. The method includes the following steps. First, moving the printed sheet past at least one pair of optical sensors to determine a first skew of the paper edge with respect to a first fixed reference and a second skew of the image with respect to a second fixed reference. Then, combining the first skew and the second skew to determine the total skew between the paper edge and the image. Finally, correcting the total skew for subsequent sheets using the first skew and the second skew information. Similar steps can be taken to determine the lateral positioning errors which can then be corrected.
US08573588B2
A medium feeding cassette includes a cassette main body, a cassette extension member mounted to the cassette main body so as to be movable with respect to the cassette main body, and a locking mechanism configured to lock the cassette extension member at a predetermined position with respect to the cassette main body according to a size of the medium. The locking mechanism includes a locking member and a first locking groove that engage each other so as to lock the cassette extension member in the predetermined position. The locking member moves in a direction to release locking of the cassette extension member when a force is applied to the cassette extension member in a direction to retract the cassette extension member into the cassette main body.
US08573579B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for static-biasing a pre-metalized non-conductive substrate within a process chamber. A substrate holder that holds a pre-metalized non-conductive substrate is engaged by a lift mechanism that provides movement of the substrate in a first, upward direction to a contact position within the process chamber and in a second direction to a non-contact position. When the substrate holder is moved to the contact position, the substrate electrically engages a conductive spring-loaded compliance mechanism that is mounted in a fixed position within the process chamber. The spring-loaded compliance mechanism is connected to a bias-voltage feed-through for the process chamber that applies a bias voltage to the substrate via the spring-loaded compliance mechanism.
US08573576B2
A clamp has an open state for inserting an object from a front end and a closed state for holding the inserted object relative to a back end. The clamp includes a frame as well as a first arm and a second arm that is positioned within the frame. At least one of the first or second arms is pivotable relative to the other along a range of motion that traverses an open position corresponding to the open state of the clamp and a closed position corresponding to the closed state of the clamp. In one embodiment, at least one of the first and second arms are shaped to position the object between a front end and a back end when the clamp is in the closed state such that a pressure exerted by insertion of the object to the backend causes the front end to move along the range of motion to the closed position. A locking mechanism locks the clamp to the closed state when the front end reaches the closed position and unlocks the clamp to the open state by allowing the front end to move along the range of motion to reach the open position.
US08573571B2
Dissipative structures include at least one panel and a cell structure disposed adjacent to the at least one panel having interconnected cells. A deformable material, which may comprise at least one hydrogel, is disposed within at least one interconnected cell proximate to the at least one panel. Dissipative structures may also include a cell structure having interconnected cells formed by wall elements. The wall elements may include a mesh formed by overlapping fibers having apertures formed therebetween. The apertures may form passageways between the interconnected cells. Methods of dissipating a force include disposing at least one hydrogel in a cell structure proximate to at least one panel, applying a force to the at least one panel, and forcing at least a portion of the at least one hydrogel through apertures formed in the cell structure.
US08573564B2
A lifting system and method are disclosed for lifting bulk sized, extremely high weight objects, such as a house, other buildings, skids, chemical plant modules, refinery modules or storage facility, or the like, from one position to another position. The system includes at least one cylinder housing a respective hydraulically actuated, telescoping piston. A lifting plate having an upper face is in operable communication with the piston and is further horizontally offset from the respective piston whereby, when the lifting system is positioned for lifting the high weight object, each of the upper faces may be positioned in close proximity to the ground and under the high weight object at the lifting points, without positioning any of the pistons under the high weight object. A method of operation is also disclosed.
US08573562B2
A manipulator for separating sub-conductors in an energized single phase bundle includes a rigid support member and first and second actuators mounted on the support member, wherein each actuator is independently actuable of the other. Insulators are mounted on each actuator. A selectively releasable coupler is mounted on each insulator for selectively releasable coupling of each insulator to a corresponding sub-conductor. The actuators extend corresponding insulators independently of one another from the support member to thereby separate from each other by an optimized separation distance the distal ends of each insulator. When the corresponding sub-conductors of the single phase bundle are releasably coupled to the corresponding distal ends of the insulators the surge impedance loading of the single phase bundle may be improved by separation of the corresponding distal ends of the insulators and the sub-conductors by the optimized separation distance.
US08573553B2
A foldable holder for a beverage container comprises a fastening plate, a supporting ring coupled pivotably to the fastening plate, a holding bracket coupled pivotably to the fastening plate, and a supporting plate coupled pivotably to the holding bracket. The supporting ring and the holding bracket share a pivot axis extending from the fastening plate. The supporting plate is coupled to a remote end of the holding bracket so as to be pivotable counter to a pivoting direction of the supporting ring. The holding bracket and the supporting plate are disposed radially within the supporting ring when folded into a retracted state.
US08573549B2
A bracket, for attaching a support to a wheelchair frame, includes a coupling with a first body, a second body, and a link. The first body has a first bore with a clamp there around and has one connector for connection to the support or the wheelchair frame. The second body has a section with a second bore and which is received within the first bore and releasably engaged by the clamp. The second body has a second connector for connection to the other one of the support and the wheelchair frame. Releasing the clamp allows the first and second bodies to be separated so that the support can be moved with respect to the wheelchair frame, while the link, captured in the first and second bores, prevents total separation of the bodies. A key and keyway limit assembly of the first and second bodies in only one orientation.
US08573547B2
A ready to assemble chair base includes three leg components. First and second leg components each include two of the five legs, and a third leg component includes a single leg. A hub portion of all three components includes a portion of the central tapered hole. The hub portions of the first and second components join together with vertical interlocking surfaces slidably locking together in the direction of the axis of the central tapered hole. The hub of the third leg component is formed in the shape of a tenon blade and is inserted into a horizontal mortise slot (perpendicular to the axis of the central hole) formed by the interlocked hubs of the first and second leg components. A gas lift post is received into the center, tapered hole of the assembled base locking all three components together.
US08573546B2
A dolly used for filming includes a vertical telescopic column having a filming head or camera positioned on the end thereof. The column includes a movable tube placed externally around a stationary main column; the movable tube is connected to the end of the telescopic column. A camera-supporting element is in turn movably mounted on the movable tube, and a tilting mechanism is included as well.
US08573543B2
A clamp includes first and second parts, each of the parts having a circular central section and a pair of straight extensions extending away from the circular central section in opposite directions. In the first part the holes are closed holes, while in the second part the holes are open holes, connected by slots to an upper edge of the part. Bolts may be pre-located through the closed holes, with nuts threaded onto the bolts, but not tightened. The pre-placed bolts may be received through the slots and into the open holes of the second part. The nuts may then be tightened against the second part to clamp the circular central sections on opposite sides of a circular object, such as a vertical pipe run, between the parts. According to a variant, the bolts are permanently secured to the first part so as to prevent rotation of the bolts.
US08573542B2
An aerofoil defining geometric upper and lower surfaces which together form a leading edge region and a trailing edge region, and comprising a blowing device having a slot in the lower geometric surface in the leading edge region for injecting fluid into the airflow over the aerofoil, wherein the slot is located forward of the leading edge stagnation point at the critical angle of incidence of the aerofoil, and wherein the blowing device is adapted to inject the fluid forwardly of the slot and substantially parallel to the lower surface. Also, a method of improving the performance of the aerofoil by injecting fluid into the airflow over the aerofoil from the slot. The upper surface of the aerofoil can be kept clean, giving the potential for laminar flow during cruise without significantly compromising the high lift performance of a blown leading edge at high incidence.
US08573539B2
The invention comprises a triform fitting 1, essentially made from non-metallic composite materials including several strengthening cross ribs 4 for joining symmetrical flanges 3 and a longitudinal flange 2. The symmetrical flanges 3 include cross slots 8 for receiving the run-out 16 of the webs 11 of several T-shaped internal stringers 9 that form part of the torsion boxes 6. The feet 10 of the stringers 9 are joined along one of their faces to the skins 7 of the torsion boxes 6, while the end zones of the free faces of said feet 10 are placed against the outer face of the symmetrical flanges 3 of the triform fitting 1. This ensures that the symmetrical flanges 3 of the triform fitting 1 remain inside the torsion boxes 6. Alternatively, the fitting 1 may not include the cross slots 8.
US08573538B2
The invention relates to a structural configuration of the rear fuselage (4) of an aircraft with propeller engines (1) comprising propellers (23) formed in turn by blades (3), the mentioned propeller engines (1) being located at the rear part of the aircraft and the empennage (5) of the aircraft in turn being located behind the plane of the propellers (23), characterized in that the structural configuration of the rear fuselage (4) comprises an outer skin (6) and an inner skin (7), both skins (6, 7) being joined by means of radial elements (13) configuring cells (14), such that the obtained structural configuration maximizes the torsional strength of the rear fuselage (4) of the aircraft in the event of damage of the mentioned rear fuselage (4) due to the detachment of one of the blades (3) of the propeller engines (1).
US08573536B2
An aircraft capable of thrust-borne flight can be automatically retrieved, serviced, and launched using equipment suitable for use on a small vessel, or at a base with similarly limited space or irregular motion. For retrieval, the aircraft drops a tether, and pulls the tether at low relative speed into contact with a horizontal guide. The tether is pulled across the guide until the guide is captured by a hook or other end effector. The tether length is then adjusted as necessary, and the aircraft swings on the guide to hang in an inverted position. Translation of the tether along the guide then brings the aircraft to a docking carriage, in which the aircraft parks for servicing. For launch the carriage is swung upright, the end effector is released from the guide, and the aircraft thrusts into free flight. A full ground-handling cycle can thus be accomplished automatically with simple and economical apparatus. It can be used with low risk of damage, and requires only moderate accuracy in manual or automatic flight control.
US08573528B2
A gyroplane comprises a fuselage 1 with a cockpit, with a folding strut mounted on it, a rotor head 3, with adjustable torsional hub 16 and pusher propeller 5 with adjustable pitch. In order to uniformly distribute the load applied on the torsional hub 16, on the rotor head 3 while prespinning of the rotor blades 4, the torsional bar is performed from substantially straight composite plates. In order to reduce vibration on the control stick in-flight, the surface of fastening the rocking joint 15 of the torsional hub 16, is turned at the angle not more than 40 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the torsional hub 16 of the rotor blades 4. In order to reduce the load applied on the gyroplane control stick in-flight, the rotor head 3 is fastened to the strut through a frame joint 9 with trunnion offset forwardly in pitch. In order to set the thrust rating in-flight, the pusher propeller 5 is provided with an adjustable torsional hub 16 performed of composite plates. The propeller 5 with adjustable pitch can be applied in both pushing and pulling variants and can be used in any aircraft plane.
US08573527B2
A device for paying out and retracting an electric power cord (4) comprising two driven cord winder members, the first member being a cord winding reel (1) and the second member being a drive element (7, 8) for engaging the cord (4) at a distance from the reel (1). An electric motor (20) can drive one of the two cord winder members in two directions and is connected with driving force to the other cord winder member (7, 8) by way of a slipper clutch (13) and a one-way clutch (12).
US08573526B2
A webbing take-up device comprising a take-up shaft on which webbing is taken up; a movement member that is moved at a specific occasion such as a vehicle collision is detected or there is rapid vehicle deceleration; a rotation member comprising a coaxially provided rotation shaft support portion and recess portion formed at an end portion in an axial direction of the rotation shaft support portion, the take-up shaft being rotated in the take-up direction by the rotation member meshing with the movement member and being rotated during movement of the movement member; and a cover member disposed on a rotation shaft support portion side of the rotation member, the cover member comprising a plate portion, a substantially ring shaped wall that projects out from the plate portion towards a rotation member side and is accommodated in the recess portion, and a shaft bearing hole formed in the plate portion and the substantially ring shaped wall for supporting the rotation shaft support portion.
US08573523B2
An automatic and continuous rubber extracting device comprises a first grinding stone having a central opening and second grinding stone rotatable mounted against the first grinding stone. The first grinding stone is a top stone and the second grinding stone is a bottom stone. A cone is disposed within the central opening of the first grinding stone. A motor apparatus is provided for rotating the bottom stone and the cone. A screw feed is in communication with the central opening of the first grinding stone. Plant material from the screw feed is fed along the cone and between the first grinding stone and second grinding stone. The cone may be provided with grooves and recesses along an lateral surface thereof.
US08573522B2
A refiner (1, 18, 19) for refining fibrous material has a first refining surface (4, 11) and a second refining surface (4, 11), arranged at least partly substantially opposite to form a refiner chamber (12) to which material to be defibrated is arranged to be fed. The first or second refining surface is arranged to move in relation to the opposite refining surface. The first refining surface has elongated openings (14, 15) through which fibrous material to be refined is arranged to be fed into the refiner chamber, and/or the second refining surface has elongated openings (14, 15) through which fibrous material refined in the refiner chamber is arranged to be discharged. The elongated openings provided through the refining surface are arranged at an angle transverse to the blade bars and blade grooves of the refining surface on the first and/or second refining surface.
US08573521B2
A refining plate for refining lignocellulosic material including: a radially outer peripheral edge and a substrate surface; a refining zone having a plurality of substantially radially disposed bars and grooves between the bars, wherein the bars protrude upward from the substrate surface and the grooves each have a groove width, and a steam channel traversing the bars and grooves of the refining zone, wherein the steam channel has a radially outer end radially inward of the outer peripheral edge of the plate and the steam channel has a width substantially greater than the groove width.
US08573502B2
A modular animal ear tag with both visual identification and RFID identification components, with the visual and RFID identification components being easily mated and subsequently separated to facilitate re-use of either or both such components.
US08573500B2
An electronic token system including a token receptacle and a portable token. The token receptacle includes a receptacle body with an outer surface having a first, generally planar array of electrical contacts, which are arranged in a dense-packed configuration that minimizes the surface area occupied by the planar array, consistent with sufficient electrical separation between adjacent contacts. The token receptacle also includes a first alignment feature and a first retention feature. The portable token includes an enclosure for enclosing at least a portion of the receptacle body, the enclosure having a second alignment feature for mating engagement with the first alignment feature and a second retention feature for holding the portable token in removable connection with the first retention feature. The token also includes a second, generally planar array of electrical contacts for electrical communication with the corresponding electrical contacts of the first planar array mounted in the token receptacle.
US08573497B2
Disclosed systems and methods preferably capture one or more images of an item bearing an optical code and analyze such images to determine whether the item has a highly, or relatively highly, reflective surface or not. Based on such a determination, operating parameters of the system, such as the gain, exposure time, and amount of illumination, are preferably automatically adjusted by the system to capture a subsequent image of the item where the subsequent image has sufficient contrast to decode the optical code. The subsequent image may include a plurality of images, and different operating parameters may be used to capture several, or each, of the plurality of images based on the determination of whether the item has a highly, or relatively highly, reflective surface or not.
US08573486B2
A system is provided that includes a transaction engine running on a mobile device. In response to a financial transaction between a buyer and a seller, the transaction uses the mobile device to accept information selected including but not limited to information from financial transaction or information pertaining to financial transaction card used by the buyer in the transaction. At least a portion of this information is communicated with a third party financial institution or payment network to authorize the transaction. The buyer receives confirmation of the payment.
US08573481B1
An automated banking machine operated responsive to data bearing records includes a card reader that is operative to read data from user cards including financial account identifying data, and to cause financial transfers responsive at least in part to the card data corresponding to stored data for a financial account authorized to conduct a transaction with the machine. The machine includes a plurality of hardware devices and a terminal processor. The terminal processor is operative to cause a hardware device to process sheets in carrying out transactions involving financial transfers. A device processor in a hardware device is operative to communicate certain condition data associated with the hardware device to a portable device.
US08573480B2
An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The automated banking machine includes a card reader operative to read card data from user cards corresponding to financial accounts. The automated banking machine also includes a display and a printer to produce records of financial transactions carried out with the machine. The card reader is operative to read and return card information read from the user card responsive. The automated banking machine further includes a sheet detector that is operative to detect at least one property usable to distinguish between the presence or absence of a sheet and/or determine a property of the sheet.
US08573479B1
A machine (10) is operative to carry out financial transfers responsive to data included on data bearing records including user cards. The machine includes a user interface (15) including a display (24). The user interface includes a card reader (16) which is operative to read data on user cards which identify at least one of user and a user's financial accounts. Records of the financial transfers are provided by a printer (30). A touch screen display module (608) is operative to securely receive manual inputs and/or card data. The touch screen display module includes a contact surface that can be electronically contoured to provide outputs that can be perceived through finger contact with the contact surface.
US08573478B2
A system and related methods of correcting errors during check or financial document processing by a bank of first deposit or other entity receiving a paper check or financial document, or by a second bank on whose accounts the checks were written. These corrections can be performed by the computer system of the bank of first deposit, the computer system of the second bank, or both. MICR or other data may be sent in electronic format from the bank of first deposit or other entity without qualification.
US08573473B1
A receptacle for receiving objects, such as mail or parcels, has a main housing having an input opening through which objects may be placed into the receptacle, and a hopper style door rotatable coupled within the housing. The hopper has bottom for receiving an object and a hopper cover disposed under the bottom. The hopper is rotatable between an open position in which the bottom is accessible through the opening and a closed position in which the hopper cover blocks the input opening. A flap is coupled to the hopper and is rotatable between an up position when the hopper is in the open position in which the flap forms a back wall adjacent the rear edge of the bottom, and a down position when the hopper is in the fully closed position in which the flap allows an object to slide off the bottom and out of the hopper.
US08573466B2
A new anchoring mechanism for the mold-crucible set to the tube, to which the cable is to be welded is described, and the inclusion and use of some bushings which are inserted between the cable and the mold.
US08573464B2
A stapling cartridge assembly for a circular stapling instrument includes a casing, a staple driver, and a blade. The staple driver is receivable within the casing and configured to move within the casing from a pre-fired position to a fired position. The blade is attachable to the staple driver. The blade includes a cutting edge and a breakaway washer attachment member for fixedly attaching to a breakaway washer when the staple driver is moved from the pre-fired position to the fired position.
US08573456B2
A vehicle mounted bicycle carrier having an elongated shaft with a splined profile along at least a portion of its length, a plurality of rotatable members removably mounted to the shaft and a plurality of collar assemblies removably mounted to the shaft. The plurality of members feature a first member having at least one arm with an aperture defined by an edge having a grooved profile in cross-section that is suitable for mating with the portion of the shaft having the splined profile. The plurality of members also having additional members that are suitable for rotating about the splined portion of the shaft. The plurality of members having a plurality of interlocking teeth that facilitate in securing the members together at the desired angular relationship.
US08573452B2
A valve having a valve trigger which operates to provide coincident fluidic coupling of a fluid delivery passage and fluid compensation passage to a fluid source.
US08573450B2
An electrical caulking gun has a gun body and a clutching device. The clutching device has a clutching switch, a linking lever, a clutching block and a block spring. The clutching switch is mounted on the gun body and has a pressed segment and a pushing segment having an inclined pushing surface. The linking lever is pivotally mounted in the gun body and has an abutting end and a pushing end. The abutting end abuts with the pushing surface of the clutching switch. The clutching block has an inclined pushed surface and an engaging rod. The engaging rod detachably engages a transmission device of the caulking gun. The block spring provides a force to push the engaging rod on the clutching block to engage the transmission device.
US08573446B2
A fully articulable feedstock delivery device that is designed to operate at pressure and temperature extremes. The device incorporates an articulating ball assembly which allows for more accurate delivery of the feedstock to a target location. The device is suitable for a variety of applications including, but not limited to, delivery of feedstock to a high-pressure reaction chamber or process zone.
US08573444B2
A fluid delivery device 1000 comprises a piston assembly 1100, a translatable pivot guide system 1200, and a pneumatic aspirator 1300; the piston assembly 1100 functionally acting as the fluid handler, admitting and ejecting fluid from an inlet 1133 to an outlet 1135; the translatable pivot guide system 1200 is a user controllable system adapted to cooperate with the piston assembly 1100 for allowing a user to selectively set the volume of fluid ejected by the piston assembly 1100; and the pneumatic aspirator 1300 is a pressure control system, adapted to cooperate with the piston assembly 1100 and the translatable pivot guide system 1200, for regulating pressure within the piston assembly 1100, effective to allow the piston assembly 1100 to eject fluid during dispensing and to admit fluid during reset; wherein two or more instances of the present invention fluid delivery device 1000 are used together to effect metered fluid mixing applications.
US08573443B2
The present invention is a universal touch free dispenser for dispensing selective amounts of product from varying sized hand pump product containers. There is a touch free sensor on the front of the dispenser and in electrical communication with the drive assembly of the dispenser. An extendable ram pad extends from the drive assembly that is adjustable according to the amount of product a user wishes to be dispensed. With the product container placed within the dispenser, the unit is adjusted such that the pump on the container is in contact with the dispenser ram. When an object is placed within the viewing range of the touch free sensor, a signal is sent to the drive assembly and the dispenser ram is extended thereby depressing the pump head and dispensing the product onto the object.
US08573441B2
The present invention provides for an integrated valve regulator assembly that comprises an integral body having a base portion that includes an axis for mounting on and coaxially with the neck portion of a pressurized source vessel and an assembly outlet, a defined internal passage in the integral body that extends through and between the base portion of the integral body and the assembly outlet, a sub-atmospheric pressure regulator assembled within the integral body of the integrated valve regulator assembly, an isolation valve positioned within the defined internal passage of the integral body and located downstream from and in communication with the sub-atmospheric pressure regulator, and a filling port disposed between the axis for mounting on and coaxially with the neck portion of the pressurized source vessel and the sub-atmospheric pressure regulator. The present invention further provides for a system for the controlled storage and dispensing of a hazardous material at sub-atmospheric pressure that comprises a pressurized source vessel and the integrated valve regulator assembly of the present invention. The present invention further provides for an additional integrated valve regulator assembly as described with the exception that the pressure regulator utilized is for super-atmospheric pressure conditions and also a system that comprises a pressurized source vessel and the integrated valve regulator assembly that includes a super-atmospheric pressure regulator.
US08573440B2
A dispensing method and dispenser that dispenses a measured amount of a substance from a container are provided. The dispenser includes a measuring chamber having an adjustable volume, and a conduit section that adjusts the volume of the measuring chamber by moving a plunger that forms a wall of the measuring chamber. The substance is poured into the measuring chamber from the container through a valve, and the valve closes to seal the substance within the measuring chamber. The plunger may include a spout through which the substance is dispensed when the plunger is driven by the conduit section into the measuring chamber to reduce the volume of the measuring chamber.
US08573434B2
The present invention overcomes many of the shortcomings inherent in previous containers for packaging potato chips and/or crisps, corn based chips and/or crisps, cookies and the like. The improved implosion-resistant container of the present invention utilizes flowing geometries mechanisms which allow a hermetically sealed container to smoothly change its geometric shape thereby adjusting its internal volume in response to changes in environmental conditions. These volumetric adjustments compensate for changes in environmental conditions thereby avoiding the random buckling and deformation inherent in current packaging techniques which detracts from the commercial presentation of the container. The improved container of the present invention may also include a variety of other stress dissipating mechanisms that counteract the forces causing thermo-plastic container deformation, implosion and loss of seal integrity. This collection of stress dissipating mechanisms, employed collectively or separately, allows a container for storing fragile food products to be fashioned as a relatively lightweight, thin-walled blow molded thermo-plastic container that is capable of adapting to changing environmental conditions while maintaining its visual aesthetic appearance.
US08573432B2
An improved drink can with a drink opening and a vent opening are positioned opposite from ouch other with respect to a central portion of a top end of a drink can. The tab is attached to the central portion and can be pulled upward to open the drink opening then pushed back downward to open the vent opening. To aid in opening the vent opening with the tab, the vent opening may have a ridge to provide additional leverage when the tab pushes downward on a score line that defines the vent opening. The tab may be enlarged so that upon breakage of the score line to the vent opening, the tab contacts the top end of the can and does not allow the user's finger to proceed into the vent opening and possibly cut the user's finger.
US08573428B2
An article storage case is capable of highly reliable coupling to another such article storage case by simply placing the cases side by side. An article storage case according to the invention is in a substantially cubic or rectangular parallelepiped form having an opening oriented upwardly and has an arrangement in which a sidewall thereof has an outside surface formed with an engagement projection and an engagement recess, and in which when a plurality of such article storage cases are placed side by side, the engagement projection of one of adjacent article storage cases is capable of being movably fitted into the engagement recess of another one of the adjacent article storage cases to couple the adjacent storage cases to each other by engagement between the engagement projection and the engagement recess which are movably fitted with each other.
US08573422B1
An aluminum bottle suitable for containing sparkling beverages such as champagne. The finish portion of the bottle comprises a collar which fits over the neck of the bottle to form a muselet flange.
US08573410B2
A collapsible dish drying rack is provided. A plurality of shaped wires is rotatably mounted on two arms attached to a pivotable first wire support members and on a second wire support member. The first wire support member is pivoted upwardly to raise the shaped wires and pivoted downwardly to lower the shaped wire thereby to position the wires between the wire support members in a relatively flat position. An outside surface of the pivotable first support member can function as a cutting board.
US08573409B2
A cable tray connector that allows for the adjustment of cable trays attached thereto to permit adjustable, angular redirection of the cable tray path within a horizontal plane. Such connector comprises a bed having cable tray attachment zones, where the respective cable trays may be attached; side walls positioned around portions of the bed; and, optionally, a cable guide disposed centrally within the bed. Each cable tray attachment zone may include a first, circular aperture for pivotal attachment of a cable tray and at least one arcuate slotted aperture for adjustable attachment of the same cable tray.
US08573403B2
A blister sheet (1) has a generally rectangular blister (2) formed with one pair of longer side walls (7) having parallel steps (8) and a second pair of shorter side wall (9) devoid of steps. The side walls serve to space a front face (5) of the blister from the plane of a rupturable foil backing sheet (4) which retains medication doses (nor shown) inside the blister until they are to be taken. The medication doses are ejected from the cavity of the blister (2) by depressing its front face with finger pressure so that they are forced against the backing sheet (4) with sufficient force to rupture it. During the application of finger pressure to the front face (5) it bows downwardly in its central region as indicated by the broken outline. Simultaneously the end walls (9) tilt inwardly towards one another so that any medication doses lying against them are forced into the central region of the blister from which they can be ejected more easily by the descending front face (5).
US08573396B2
A flexible sidewall of a package has an inner surface that directly interfaces with product that is contained within an enclosed volume of the package. A sealed closure of the sidewall contains a material that forms a mark on the package, the mark being visible from an outer surface of the package. A production line can form a plurality of the packages, in sequence, after the mark is formed on the sidewall of each package. An outer package of a packaged product can contain a quantity of product and the aforementioned package, such that the outer surface of the package interfaces with the quantity of product. The material forming the mark on the package, being contained within the sealed closure thereof, is not exposed to the product that is contained therein, nor to the quantity of product contained in the outer package.
US08573392B2
A modified atmosphere package for extending the shelf life of a replaceable transducer cartridge having a sealed volume and containing a fluid. The fluid may be fluid or a gas. If a fluid, such as water, then the modified atmosphere package may be configured to prevent the loss of fluid or the entry of gas into the transducer cartridge.
US08573390B2
Material transport systems including a radiation-resistant transport belt and methods of cutting substrates transported in the material transport systems are provided. An exemplary material transport system includes a continuous transport belt entrained on at least a first roll and a second roll. The transport belt includes at least a first layer and a second layer over the first layer. The first layer includes an inner surface of the transport belt and the second layer includes an outer surface of the transport belt. The second layer can be comprised of copper, copper-based alloys, aluminum, aluminum-based alloys or nickel.
US08573381B1
A permanent magnet air heater has a housing with an internal chamber accommodating an electric motor rotating a fan to move air through the housing. A non-ferrous member having bores for cylindrical magnets and a steel member with a copper plate secured to the steel member are rotated relative to each other by the motor whereby the magnetic field between the magnets and copper plate generates heat which is transferred to air in the housing moving through the housing by the fan.
US08573374B2
The invention relates to a hydrodynamic torque converter having an impeller wheel, a turbine wheel and an oscillation damper which is accommodated in the converter housing, and a converter lockup clutch. Two damper stages are arranged here as a serial damper between the output hub of the torque converter and the converter lockup clutch, and a damper stage is arranged between the turbine wheel and the output hub. In order to improve the damping properties, a rotary oscillation absorber is additionally provided which is arranged between the dampers and is also connected to the turbine wheel in a rotationally fixed fashion.
US08573369B2
Methods and brake disc assemblies are disclosed to increase the use of friction material. A disclosed example carbon composite brake disc includes a generally annular body having an opening, an outer axial surface, an inner axial surface, a disc thickness extending radially between the outer axial surface and the inner axial surface, and at least one ring extending radially from the outer axial surface to define an outer diameter of the carbon composite brake disc.
US08573362B2
An application device and a method of use for the lubrication of a chain drive, more preferably for motorcycle chain drives or the like, includes a rail device. The rail device having a longitudinal side that can be brought to bear against a chain of the chain drive. The rail device includes a contact region formed of a consumable solid lubricant that can be applied to the chain and that can be brought in contact with the chain.
US08573359B2
The present invention relates generally to a casualty recovery device that allows for a hands free recovery or extraction, either in a combat theatre or any other emergency rescue operation where hands free operation is of significant benefit and time is of the essence.
US08573358B2
A multilayer sound absorbing structure, comprising a first microperforated film, a mesh layer and a second microperforated film disposed in this order is provided.
US08573350B2
A console assembly having a seal, such as a bead, operable to prevent water seeping though the opening from coming into contact with the electrical component is provided. A top panel of the console assembly includes an opening, and a stick shift disposed within the opening. The shifter housing is disposed within the center console is configured to hold an electrical component. An elongated member extends outwardly from the first shifter housing side wall towards the first cover wall. The seal is disposed above the electrical component. The seal is engaged between the first cover wall and the elongated member. A bead biases a portion of carpet against the side wall to retain the carpet in an upright position and prevent moisture from entering the shifter housing.
US08573346B2
An auxiliary, removable, modular power drive unit has a pivot point that can be attached to any bicycle or vehicle by way of a quick release clamp system. The power for the drive system may be derived from an internal combustion engine or electric motor. The power developed by the engine or motor is delivered to the rear wheel of a bicycle by a friction drive wheel that presses directly onto the tire of the bicycle. The power unit may utilize a clamp joined to an integrated fuel cell by a pivot point, causing the fuel cell to act as a swing arm and a motor mount. This enables the fuel cell to move up and down to compensate for different tire sizes, variations in road conditions, or movement of a suspension system of the bicycle due to imperfections in terrain.
US08573344B2
A vehicle drive system comprises an electrical drive motor and a fuel cell system providing the electrical power. According to the invention, the drive motor and the fuel cell are integrated into a unit and firmly joined together. The fuel cell system may comprise two fuel cells or fuel cell stacks, which are arranged relative to each other so as to form a “V”. Peripheral units for operation of the fuel cell may be arranged in an interior of the V.
US08573342B2
A harvesting machine is provided with a chassis, that includes at its rear an enclosed engine compartment in which an internal combustion engine is arranged. A screen arrangement can be positioned at the forward side of the engine compartment that includes a perforated filter element through which a blower can draw air through it and to the rear into the engine compartment. The screen arrangement is arranged to slide in a direction extending horizontally and transverse to the forward operating direction of the harvesting machine between an operating position of the engine compartment and a maintenance position outside the engine compartment.
US08573333B2
A cutting element for use with an earth-boring drill bit includes a diamond cutting table that is substantially free of a metallic binder. The cutting table may include polycrystalline diamond and a carbonate binder or polycrystalline diamond with silicon and/or silicon carbide dispersed therethrough. A base of the cutting table is secured to a substrate by way of an adhesion layer. The adhesion layer includes diamond. The adhesion layer may also include cobalt or another suitable binder material, which may be mixed with diamond particles from which the adhesion layer is formed, or may leach from the substrate into the adhesion layer as the cutting element is bonded to the substrate. Alternatively, the cutting table may be formed from and consist essentially of chemical vapor deposited diamond that has been diamond bonded to an underlying polycrystalline diamond compact. Processes may include securing substantially metallic binder-free cutting elements to substrates.
US08573326B2
Apparatuses and methods for adjusting weight-on-bit/torque-on-bit sensor bias in a drill bit. The apparatus may include a bit adjustment device disposed at least partially in a cavity in a bit shank. The bit adjustment device includes electronics and sensors for estimating a weight-on-bit/torque-on-bit bias. The method includes adjusting the weight-on-bit/torque-on-bit sensor bias of a drill bit. The method may include adjusting force on a bit adjustment device to adjust weight-on-bit/torque-on-bit sensor bias. The method may also include securing the bit adjustment device within the cavity of the bit shank after the desired weight-on-bit/torque-on-bit sensor bias has been achieved.
US08573324B2
A power tool has a mechanism for ejecting a battery pack which includes a receiving frame which defines a cavity to receive a battery pack. A receiving member is adjacent the cavity. The receiving member meshes with a member on the battery pack to hold the battery pack in the cavity. A biasing member is in the cavity adjacent the receiving member. The biasing member ejects the battery pack from the ejecting mechanism. A member retains the biasing member in the cavity. The member guides a portion of the battery pack meshing with the receiving member into contact with the biasing member such that when the battery pack is locked onto the frame, the biasing member is in a compressed condition and when the battery pack is an unlocked position, the biasing member ejects the battery pack from the frame.
US08573309B2
The present invention comprises a downhole unit that includes at least one plunger and that uses a power fluid to recover production fluid from a well. The downhole unit recovers production fluid and brings it to the surface of the well during both the downward and upward motion of the at least one plunger. The downhole unit can also optionally dispose of unwanted fluids in a formation.
US08573307B2
A high pressure sleeve for a dual bore high pressure riser is provided. The high pressure sleeve is arranged for forming a connection between either the annulus bore and the high pressure sleeve, or for forming a connection between the high pressure sleeve and the production bore. The choice of connection is made by rotation of the sleeve.
US08573306B2
Methods and apparatus for diverting fluids either into or from a well are described. Some embodiments include a diverter conduit that is located in a bore of a tree. The invention relates especially but not exclusively to a diverter assembly connected to a wing branch of a tree. Some embodiments allow diversion of fluids out of a tree to a subsea processing apparatus followed by the return of at least some of these fluids to the tree for recovery. Alternative embodiments provide only one flowpath and do not include the return of any fluids to the tree. Some embodiments can be retro-fitted to existing trees, which can allow the performance of a new function without having to replacing the tree. Multiple diverter assembly embodiments are also described.
US08573303B2
A method and apparatus for hydrocarbon recovery and/or treatment of frac water includes introducing a volume of water into a formation, recovering the introduced water, with the recovered introduced water further comprising suspended hydrocarbon product. The recovered liquid is treated to remove substantial amounts of the suspended hydrocarbon product, provide the treated recovered liquid with a ORP in a range of 150 mv to 1000 mv, and partially desalinated, and is either re-introduced as treated recovered liquid with the ORP into a formation to assist in recovery of additional hydrocarbon deposits in the formation, or is stored to reduce the ORP and then subsequently discharged into surface waters.
US08573284B2
A casting mold made of a copper material having a casting surface (2) that faces a metal melt, at least one expansion joint (3) being situated in the casting surface (2); the expansion joint (3) having a width (B) that is so small that, during the casting process, no metal melt penetrates into the expansion joint (3).
US08573273B2
A pneumatic tire has a plurality of recesses provided on the surface of each figures of a first indication portion. The recesses are provided so as to extend in the tire circumferential direction and are aligned side by side with each other in a direction crossing the extending direction. One end side and the other end side in the width direction of each recess are formed by curved surfaces of which a center of curvature is disposed at the outside in the tire width direction. Therefore, gradation of brightness occurs on the curved surface on the each recess. The gradation on the each recess changes depending on the viewing direction or the lighting direction. Therefore, each figure in the first indication portion looks three-dimensionally and can become more conspicuous than the other portions of a side wall.
US08573269B2
A pneumatic tire including five land portions in a tread surface 1 by providing four main grooves in a ground contact region of the tread surface, wherein positions and groove widths of the main grooves are specified together with only one land portion positioned outermost on a vehicle outer side when mounted on a vehicle being formed into a block row, and the other land portions being formed into ribs, and a groove area proportion of the tread surface is larger on a vehicle inner side than the vehicle outer side with a tire equator and center lines of some of the land portions as boundaries.
US08573267B2
A method for substantially contamination-free transport of pourable bulk product from a dosing unit into a container is proposed, wherein the dosing outlet of the dosing unit is connected in a detachable manner with the receiving inlet of the container, the dosing outlet and the receiving inlet are opened, and the bulk product is transported into the container from the dosing unit via its dosing outlet and via the receiving inlet of the container. The receiving inlet of the container is disposed at the dosing unit by means of an elastic joining element to prevent transfer of forces between the dosing unit and the container during the dosing process. A device for carrying out such a method is also proposed.
US08573263B2
Improved custom cosmetic formulation dispensing system including ingredients reservoirs for syringe dispensing. The ingredients reservoirs are carried by a translatable carrier to bring the respective reservoirs into dispensing alignment with a package, into which a preselected amount of the ingredient is dispensed.
US08573256B2
A revolving switch device with a sleeve and an operating handle comprising: a body with two inlet holes, a first water passage and an installation hole connected between the upper inlet hole and said first water passage; a plug, sealed and mounted in the installation hole, is capable of revolving between a first and second position, said plug having an outer revolving surface with an arc groove, and the bottom of said plug is concave to form a second water passage, said outer revolving surface of said plug has a connecting hole, which having an inner end for connecting said second water passage and an outer end in the outer revolving surface. When the plug occupies the first position, said arc groove connects the upper inlet hole and first water passage. In the second position, the lower inlet connects to the outer end of the connecting hole.
US08573252B2
Disclosed herein is a shape optimized header comprising a shell that is operative for collecting a fluid; wherein an internal diameter and/or a wall thickness of the shell vary with a change in pressure and/or a change in a fluid flow rate in the shell; and tubes; wherein the tubes are in communication with the shell and are operative to transfer fluid into the shell. Disclosed herein is a method comprising fixedly attaching tubes to a shell; wherein the shell is operative for collecting a fluid; wherein an internal diameter and/or a wall thickness of the shell vary with a change in pressure and/or a change in a fluid flow rate in the shell; and wherein the tubes are in communication with the shell and are operative to transfer fluid into the shell.
US08573239B2
A collapsible portable structure which may provide a play environment for children has side walling defining an upright corner region with a free side edge and a canopy which straddles the corner region. The canopy may provide a roof-like cover or at least a partial enclosure. The side walling is formed by at least one continuous loop of a flexible coilable rod supporting a flexible fabric panel. Thus there may be one curved or angular panel, or two adjoining panels or panel sections. The canopy is of flexile fabric and is attached to the fabric of the side walling at a location spaced inwardly from the free edge of the side walling. The canopy is supported separately from the side walling panels by at least one separate pole. A ground sheet may optionally be provided extending across the corner region between the lower edges of the side walling.
US08573227B2
A method and apparatus that will alter the fibrous strands in the fatty layers of the skin to reduce the appearance of cellulite and adipose tissue. Electromagnetic energy is used to selectively shrink or alternatively photoacoustically ablate the collagen in the constricting bands of connective tissue that causes the dimpled appearance of cellulite and adipose tissue while avoiding damage to the surrounding fatty cells.
US08573225B2
The subject devices and methods retain surgical instruments and sterile portions of any accompanying cables within sterile surgical fields. One such surgical device includes a surgical instrument for performing surgical procedures within a sterile field. A cable is attached to the surgical instrument for connecting the surgical instrument located within the sterile field to support equipment located outside the sterile field. A self-retracting coil is operatively connected to the surgical instrument. The self-retracting coil is adapted and configured to be anchored within the sterile field to ensure that the surgical instrument and the sterile portion of the cable remain within the sterile field during performance of the surgical procedure.
US08573218B2
An improved tracheostomy tube providing a decreased tendency to produce rubbing, pressure necrosis, ulceration and scarring of the tracheal mucosa. The tube typically includes a rigid proximal section, a flexible intermediate section, a rigid distal section, and a beveled distal tip. The flexible intermediate section has a smooth surface and bends easily in response to pressure asserted by the tracheal walls, allowing the distal rigid section of the tube to remain in a parallel orientation relative to the tracheal lumen. The distal tip of the tube is beveled to provide a greater cross-sectional area at the tube's distal section. This beveled distal tip prevents the distal section of the tube from becoming obstructed by the back wall of the trachea or causing erosion of the tracheal mucosa. The distal tip also has a beaded or rounded edge, which further minimizes the risk of damage to the tracheal mucosa and provides a guide to the clinical care specialist during suctioning.
US08573217B2
A mask assembly (10) is provided for delivering gas to a patient that includes a mask body (12) and a breathing circuit interface (16). The mask body includes an opening (13) for reception of the gas and includes a seal structure (20) for sealingly engaging with the face of the patient and surrounding at least the nose and mouth of the patient. The breathing circuit interface includes a first portion (17) rotatably connected with the mask body and a second portion (19) that is constructed and arranged to releasably connect with a conduit (18) for delivering the gas to the patient through the opening.
US08573215B2
A cushion for a patient interface that delivers breathable gas to a patient includes a base wall structured to be connected to a frame, an underlying support cushion extending away from the base wall towards the patient's face in use, and a membrane provided to substantially cover at least a portion of the underlying cushion. The membrane is adapted to form a continuous seal on the patient's face. The underlying cushion has a spring-like connection with the base wall. The underlying cushion and/or base wall define a spring constant that varies along a length of the seal.
US08573213B2
A cushion for a patient interface that delivers breathable gas to a patient includes a base wall structured to be connected to a frame, an underlying support cushion extending away from the base wall towards the patient's face in use, and a membrane provided to substantially cover at least a portion of the underlying cushion. The membrane is adapted to form a continuous seal on the patient's face. The underlying cushion has a spring-like connection with the base wall. The underlying cushion and/or base wall define a spring constant that varies along a length of the seal.
US08573191B2
An improved paintball gun uses a pneumatic sear to hold the firing valve closed against the high pressure gas occupying the other side of the valve. In this manner, only one operation is required between depressing the trigger and the firing of the paintball gun because a double-acting cylinder is not required as an interface between the trigger depression and actuation of the valve. The paintball gun is also substantially faster than existing electro-pneumatic paintball guns because it uses a blow forward bolt, in which higher-pressure gas is held directly behind the bolt and has only one direction to travel during the firing of the paintball gun.
US08573189B2
In a method for operating an internal combustion engine, a computer program product, a computer program, and a control and/or regulation device for the internal combustion engine, the internal combustion engine is allowed to be operated using an enriched air/fuel mixture, without exceeding a rich combustion limit of the internal combustion engine. In the process, a setpoint value for a variable characterizing the air/fuel mixture is specified in at least one operating state of the internal combustion engine. A value of at least one variable characterizing the quality of combustion is determined. The determined value for the at least one variable characterizing the quality of combustion is compared to a first specified threshold value. If the determined value for the at least one variable characterizing the quality of combustion deviates from the first specified threshold value by an amount that exceeds a second specified threshold value, then the setpoint value is corrected.
US08573169B2
A variable valve device of the invention has a structure in which, as connecting means for connecting a movable cam 22 located in an outer periphery of an outer camshaft 17a and an inner camshaft 17b located inside the outer camshaft 17a, there are provided a pin-like member 24 that is movably inserted so as to penetrate the movable cam 22, the outer camshaft 17a and the inner camshaft 17b along a diametrical direction of a shaft member 17 that is formed by turnably encasing the inner camshaft 17b in the outer camshaft 17a, and an escape-preventing portion 50 disposed in the end portion of the pin-like member 24. The movable cam 22 and the inner camshaft 17b are thus connected together while preventing large press-fit load and axial force from acting on components.
US08573168B2
A hydraulic pressure valve apparatus includes a housing of which a first chamber and a second chamber are formed therein, wherein a diameter of the second chamber is bigger than that of the first chamber, a first piston disposed within the first chamber, an elastic portion disposed within the first chamber for elastically supporting the first piston and a second piston disposed within the second chamber and connected to a valve.
US08573160B1
A sanitary pet walking system for providing a lit walking path while safely restraining the pet and further providing a sanitary system for managing pet feces features a hollow base having a light located on a base first end terminating end. The system features a handle with a power switch on a base top and a retractable leash located on a base bottom. A disposable glove designed to pick up pet feces is constructed from a water resistant material. The glove features a first plastic zipper component located on a glove face close to a glove terminating end and a mating second plastic zipper component located opposed to the first plastic zipper component on a glove back close to the glove terminating end.
US08573156B2
An animal feeding device for feeding animals, including wildlife, is disclosed. The animal feeding device includes a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment inside the first storage compartment. Both storage compartments have openings on the upper ends thereof. The first and second storage compartments have feed assemblies engaged to the lower end thereof, to provide a first feed from a first storage compartment to a first feed assembly, and a second feed from a second storage compartment to a second feed assembly. In this manner, two different types of feed may be poured into one device, but kept separate, a first feed, for example, in a first storage compartment, and a second feed in a second storage compartment. Moreover, a first and second feeding assembly can be engaged with the first or second storage means and below the first and second storage means to gravity feed the first feed to the first feed assembly and the second feed to the second feed assembly. By having two different feeds kept separate, two different types of animals can be fed.
US08573155B2
An identification arrangement identifies animals, and only when a milk permission criteria is fulfilled is that animal provided with access to the milking machine. The milking machine extracts milk from the animal. In connection with the milking, a cell counter unit determines a quality parameter reflecting a somatic cell count for the milk extracted from the animal. The cell counter unit includes a sampling unit for taking samples from the extracted milk and a counter unit, which determines the quality parameter by registering a true number of somatic cells per unit volume in said samples. A control unit receives the quality parameter and in response thereto assigns a milk permission interval determining an earliest point after a completed milking at which point the set of milk permission criteria for the animal are again enabled to be fulfilled.
US08573150B2
An automated apparatus and method for coating medical devices such as an intravascular stent, are disclosed in the method, a 2-D image of a stent is processed to determine (1) paths along the stent skeletal elements by which a stent secured to a rotating support element can be traversed by a dispenser head whose relative motion with respect to the support element is along the support-element axis, such that some or all of the stent skeletal elements will be traversed (2) the relative speeds of the dispenser head and support element as the dispenser head travels along the paths, and (3), and positions of the dispenser head with respect to a centerline of the stent elements as the dispenser head travels along such paths The rotational speed of the support and relative linear speed of the dispenser are controlled to achieve the desired coating thickness and coating coverage on the upper surfaces, and optionally, the side surfaces, of the stent elements.
US08573144B2
An exhaust conditioning system for use with a tractor towing an air seeding implement comprises an exhaust duct arranged to communicate exhaust emissions from the engine of the tractor to the seed fan of the air seeding implement. A condenser receives the exhaust emissions of the exhaust duct therethrough between the engine and the seed fan. A condenser fan cools a surface of the condenser. A computer controller controllably varies a rate of at least one of the condenser fan, the seed fan or revolutions per minute of the engine responsive to a sensed temperature of the exhaust emissions to maintain the temperature of the exhaust emissions within a selected temperature range and such that the exhaust emissions are arranged to influence germination of the seeds either by humidity, oxidised organic matter or bio-char.
US08573142B2
Foliage separator for a transplanter, and more particularly an apparatus for separating the foliage of adjacent rows of seedlings which are grown in trays having a plurality of side-by side rows of seedling cells. The foliage separator includes a rotating beater bar, the beater bar being positioned at an angle with a progressive taper, the beater bar being mounted for movement with a carriage which carries a subassembly for picking up an entire row of seedlings from a nursery tray and positioning them for hand-off to a seedling loader group. An air knife may be mounted on the same carriage, the air knife facilitating separation by keeping the seedling foliage and stems up and helping the beater bar enter between adjacent rows.
US08573139B2
A table may include a table top and a leg assembly. The leg assembly may be moved between use and storage positions, and the movement of the leg assembly may move a cross member between a first position in which the cross member resists folding of the table top and a second position in which the cross member facilitates folding and unfolding of the table top. The table top may include first and second sections with portions that overlap and/or interlock when the table top is unfolded. When the table top is in the unfolded position, movement of the leg assembly towards the use position may move the cross member towards the overlapping and/or interlocking portions, which may move the overlapping and/or interlocking portions towards each other. When moved towards each other, the overlapping and/or interlocking portions may be securely connected.
US08573133B2
A public passenger transport installation includes two end stations connected via two tracks for inbound and outbound travels. At each station, both tracks join into a common single connector track section via a switch. Each of the tracks is associated with at least two endless cables, which extend from one of the station to the other one, and more precisely from one of the connector track section to the other. The endless cables associated with one track run in parallel to one another, and are laterally offset with respect to one another by a given distance, which is constant along the track and at the stations. Vehicles provided with releasable clamps can be individually coupled to the cables. Each clamp is movable between at least four indexed lateral positions, each corresponding to one of the cables on the connector track section. Each cable can be individually driven at continuously variable speed between standstill and a cruising speed.
US08573126B2
A cartridge for ammunition has a base with an axial end section. An annular wall extends from the enlarged outer peripheral lip section to an opposite end. The axial end section has a primer cavity therein and a radially outwardly extending peripheral extraction lip. An annular ledge is axially positioned at an inner end of said primer cavity and radially extends inwardly from said annular wall. A passage has a reduced diameter compared to the primer cavity and extends through the annular ledge. A main charge cavity is at an opposite side of the ledge from the primer cavity. A knurl section is on an outer surface of said cylindrical wall. A cartridge case is attached to the base about said knurl section.
US08573125B1
A relatively lightweight, modular, blast control system utilizes a plurality of fabric panels that may be joined to form a matrix or blanket to protect or control the blast. The panels are preferably made from layers of auxetic woven fabric, with each successive fabric layer oriented between 0-90 degrees from the previous layer. The panels may be connected together via a locking mechanism or assembly comprising a cable which runs the length of the perimeter of each fabric panel, and a torque pin rotated about two adjoining cables to form an interlocking connection. The panels connected in this manner form the fully assembled blast control blanket.
US08573118B2
A food tray adapted for holding previously cooked food items is provided. The food tray has one or more sidewall structure openings to allow venting of the interior volume of the tray through the tray sidewall structure openings. The food tray allows food items contained in the volume of the food tray to be stored over an extended period of time at an elevated temperature without significant deleterious effects to the appearance, taste and texture of the food. The food tray may also include a slide member for adjusting the amount of venting through the sidewall structure openings. Also provided is a method of storing food within a food tray to be contained in a heated compartment.
US08573110B2
A counter offensive weapon system is provided for use on a vehicle to fire upon and neutralize those launching projectiles, including RPG's, at the vehicle. A muzzle flash detected by an on-board monitoring device allows the distance and direction to the projectile launch site to be calculated so that an offensive weapon may be immediately deployed to the projectile launch site to neutralize the enemy weapon and shooter. An air burst munition is programmed to detonate just prior to reaching the measured distance to create a conical dispersion of fragments that are effective at destroying weapons such as RPG tubes. A related method for protecting a vehicle and launching counter offensive weapons is also provided.
US08573109B2
An armament system for aircraft includes an ammunition system and a mount system for a machine gun. The ammunition system includes an ammunition canister and feed system, the canister having a pair of brackets releasably coupled to a pair of receivers supported by a vertical mounting surface.
US08573107B1
An apparatus usable for loading a plurality of burster tubes with an energetic mix which may include a polymeric suspension. A cooling cylinder is positioned upon a base. A distribution fixture situated upon the cooling cylinder is used for simultaneously and continuously loading the burster tubes with the energetic mix. There are also a plurality of receiving fixtures on the base each one for receiving an end of one of the plurality of burster tubes.
US08573103B2
A method and apparatus for chopping long unwound items like fiber, fiber strands, yarn, etc. The chopper has a backup roll comprising a wheel and a working layer on the outer peripheral surface of the wheel and an engaging blade roll. The outer peripheral surface of the wheel contains spiral grooves or ridges that mate with ridges or grooves on an inner peripheral surface of the working layer such that a worn working surface can be quickly and easily unscrewed from the wheel and a new working surface can be quickly and easily screwed into place, making the job of replacing the working surface faster, easier and less costly than prior art practice.
US08573098B2
A cutting tool has a cutter body, which carries a cutting insert, and an adapter, which has a longitudinal adapter axis, wherein a locking screw attaches the cutter body to the adapter. A coolant volume is defined in a vicinity of a meeting of the cutter body, the adapter and the locking screw. The adapter contains an axial adapter bore. The locking screw contains a transverse locking screw bore in fluid communication with the axial adapter bore. The locking screw further contains a peripheral transverse locking screw bore passage in fluid communication with the coolant volume and the transverse locking screw bore. The coolant volume and the transverse locking screw bore are in fluid communication with the cutter body coolant passage.
US08573094B2
An oil filter wrench includes a flexible stainless steel band having a pattern of sputtered alloy material coating at least part of the inside surface of the band to enhance the gripping ability of the oil filter wrench as the band is tightened above the outside surface of a cylindrical canister during removal or installation of the oil filter canister.
US08573090B2
A remote controlled actuator includes a spindle for holding a tool, a spindle guide section of an elongated configuration, a distal end member rotatably supporting the spindle, and a drive unit housing connected to a base end of the spindle guide section. The distal end member is fitted to the spindle guide section for alteration in attitude. The spindle guide section includes an outer shell pipe, a rotary shaft, and guide pipe. Within the guide pipe, an attitude altering member is inserted to alter the attitude of the distal end member. A connection device detachably connects the spindle guide section with the drive unit housing.
US08573086B2
A rotating knob is rotatably attached to an outer peripheral portion of an operation lever. The rotating knob has a lead thread portion on the inner surface thereof, and the lead thread portion meshes with external teeth of a ring gear. Internal teeth of the ring gear mesh with speed-increasing gears, and permanent magnets are fixed to the speed-increasing gears. A circuit board is arranged in the operation lever so as to extend along the axial direction thereof, and magnetic sensors mounted on the circuit board are opposed to the permanent magnets at positions close thereto. Accordingly, the operation position of the rotating knob can be detected by the magnetic sensors. The gears, the circuit board, etc., are supported by a support case and a cover case to form a switch unit.
US08573082B2
A drive cartridge comprises an actuating mechanism, in which a spindle can be guided in a hollow cylindrical drive element between two end positions at an axial distance from one another. The positions are defined by the axial length of the drive element. A dome-shaped casing surrounds the drive element in a non-rotatable and non-displaceable manner. The drive element has an external contour with an eccentric profile and the internal contour of the dome-shaped casing has a positive fit only in those areas of the drive element in which the permissible normal stress exceeds a predefined upper limit.
US08573075B2
The liquid droplet discharging apparatus includes an image formation area and two inspection areas. The apparatus includes a pair of workpiece stages each configured to support a workpiece thereon, an inspection stage arranged between the two workpiece stages, a pair of image recognizing sections configured to execute image recognition with respect to an inspection discharge result discharged onto the inspection stage, and a stage moving mechanism configured to selectively move one of workpiece stages between the image formation area and one of the workpiece exchange areas, to selectively move the other of the workpiece stages between the image formation area and the other of the workpiece exchanges areas, and to move the inspection stage between the inspection areas.
US08573062B2
The disclosure relates in some aspects to an implantable pressure sensor and a method of measuring pressure. In some embodiments pressure may be measured through the use of an implantable lead incorporating one or more pressure sensors. In some aspects a pressure sensor is implemented in a micro-electromechanical system (“MEMS”) that employs direct mechanical sensing. A biocompatible material is attached to one or more portions of the MEMS sensor to facilitate implant in a body of a patient. The MEMS sensor may thus be incorporated into an implantable lead for measuring blood pressure in, for example, one or more chambers of the patient's heart.
US08573061B2
A pressure indicator for indicating pressure of a pressure source. The indicator comprises a first reservoir which defines a first enclosed volume having a first inlet pipe for communication between the first enclosed volume and a first source of pressurised fluid. A damping passage is provided in fluid communication with the first enclosed volume. A pressure oscillation damping means is provided in the damping passage. The damping means comprises a moveable body constrained within a limited range of motion along the damping passage.
US08573058B2
An acceleration sensor includes: a support member; a fixed electrode provided on the support member; a movable unit; a movable electrode provided on the movable unit and disposed opposed to the fixed electrode to generate capacity; and a projection extending from the opposed surface of at least either the fixed electrode or the movable electrode in one direction within the surface.
US08573050B2
Disclosed are methods and systems for controlling depth profiles of marine geophysical sensor streamers as they are towed in a body of water. An embodiment discloses a method for marine geophysical surveying, the method comprising: towing a geophysical sensor streamer in a body of water having a surface and a floor, the geophysical sensor streamer being coupled to a survey vessel by a lead-in cable, the lead-in cable having a length that extends from the survey vessel; adjusting the length of the lead-in cable to cause a forward end of the geophysical sensor streamer to follow a depth profile; and deflecting the geophysical sensor streamer in the vertical plane at one or more spaced apart locations.
US08573042B2
This disclosure provides a method for measuring an output characteristic of an air fuel ratio sensor based on an output value of the air fuel ratio sensor at the time of changing a fuel injection amount. Under a predetermined condition, an increase in the fuel injection amount is started from a particular cylinder and the increase in the fuel injection amount is continued for a given time period, or a decrease in the fuel injection amount is started from the particular cylinder and the decrease in the fuel injection amount is continued for the given time period. Therefore, the output characteristic of the air fuel ratio detecting module can be measured with sufficient accuracy, regardless of the contacting strength of emission gas for every cylinder against the air fuel ratio detecting module.
US08573031B2
A tunable nanoscale resonator has potential applications in precise mass, force, position, and frequency measurement. One embodiment of this device consists of a specially prepared multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) suspended between a metal electrode and a mobile, piezoelectrically controlled contact. By harnessing a unique telescoping ability of MWNTs, one may controllably slide an inner nanotube core from its outer nanotube casing, effectively changing its length and thereby changing the tuning of its resonance frequency. Resonant energy transfer may be used with a nanoresonator to detect molecules at a specific target oscillation frequency, without the use of a chemical label, to provide label-free chemical species detection.
US08573029B2
A configuration capable of suppressing a variation in the measurement result of a falling body viscometer is proposed. Provided is a method of sending a falling body of a falling body viscometer when sending the falling body loaded in a loading unit of a loading holder into a measured substance, in which the falling body of the falling body viscometer is sent out in a manner such that the falling body is sent out from the loading unit by pressing the falling body using an extruding pin, thereby suppressing a variation in the measurement result.
US08573022B2
The invention relates to enhanced heat transfer surfaces and methods and tools for making enhanced heat transfer surface. Certain embodiments include a boiling surface that include a plurality of primary grooves, protrusions and secondary grooves to form boiling cavities. The boiling surface may be formed by using a tool for cutting the inner surface of a tube. The tool has a tool axis and at least one tip with a cutting edge and a lifting edge. Methods for making a boiling surface are also disclosed, including cutting through the inner surface of a tube to form primary grooves, then cutting and lifting the inner surface to form protrusions and secondary grooves.
US08573015B2
The present invention relates to the providing of a rolling mill that makes it possible to more accurately control the shape of a plate material than has hitherto been possible, and to a rolling method, and is a rolling mill that rolls a plate material using vertical work rolls, and that includes: a coolant jet spray unit that has a plurality of nozzles that are arranged at predetermined intervals in the direction of the rotation axis of the work rolls, and that sprays jets of coolant from the respective nozzles onto the work rolls; a roll temperature estimation unit that estimates a mean temperature of the work rolls; a coolant temperature detection unit that detects a temperature of the coolant; a shape detection unit that detects the shape in the width direction of the rolled plate material; a shape deviation calculation unit that calculates an amount of deviation between a plate material shape detected by the shape detection unit and a target shape; and a shape control unit that controls the shape of the plate material by controlling the spray quantity and/or temperature of the coolant which is sprayed from the coolant jet spray unit based on a difference between the mean temperature of the work rolls and the temperature of the coolant, and on the amount of deviation between the plate material shape and the target shape.
US08573014B2
A quill supporting member supporting a quill may include a movable body, e.g. Z-axis movable body that moves in a Z-axis direction of an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system representing a shaft core of the quill as an Z-axis. A tool holder supporting member supporting a tool holder for holding a tool may include the other movable bodies, e.g. an X-axis movable body that moves in an X-axis direction and a Y-axis movable body that moves in a Y-axis direction. Therefore, the quill is shortened in the Z-axis direction, and a contact area is reduced between a guide path of the quill and a wire rod.
US08573009B2
A steam-augmented washing machine includes a casing, a tub disposed within the casing, and a basket configured for receipt of articles to be washed. A steam generator is disposed within the casing and is in communication with the tub to introduce steam into the wash basket. A plurality of fluid vanes are circumferentially spaced around the side wall adjacent the top end of the wash basket. The fluid vanes have a radial aspect so as to extend radially from side wall, wherein upon rotation of the wash basket within the tub, the fluid vanes generate a circulating vertically oriented steam flow path through the wash basket.
US08573007B2
The present invention provides a process for producing a molten glass which can produce a molten glass having a good quality, a glass-melting furnace, a process for producing glass products and an apparatus for producing glass products.While an oxygen combustion burner 20 is rotated by a motor 38, glass raw material particles (not shown) are dropped into a high-temperature gas phase atmosphere produced by a flame F of the oxygen combustion burner 20, to be changed into liquid glass particles. By rotation of an outlet (nozzle) of the oxygen combustion burner 20, the falling position of the liquid glass particles 26, changes with time. Accordingly, generation of bubbles caused by continuous fall of the liquid glass particles in a particular position on a molten glass liquid surface is prevented. Accordingly, it is possible to produce a molten glass having a good quality with few bubbles.
US08573005B2
An apparatus for mass production of 3D articles from 2D glass-containing sheets includes a heating section having a heating station that includes a heating chamber adapted to receive a 2D glass-containing sheet, a pneumatic bearing system proximate to the heating chamber for suspending the 2D glass-containing sheet inside the heating chamber, and a heater system proximate to the heating chamber for supplying heat to the heating chamber. A forming section downstream of the heating section has a forming station that includes a mold system adapted to shape a heated 2D glass-containing sheet into a 3D article. A cooling section downstream of the forming section has a cooling chamber adapted to controllably cool off one or more 3D articles. A method of mass producing 3D articles from 2D glass-containing sheets involves use of the apparatus.
US08573002B2
A portable cooler has a thermally isolating outer shell defining an internal compartment for holding contents to be kept cool, such as, for example, food, drinks and temperature-sensitive medicine. The portable cooler has a door connected to the outer shell for providing unrestricted access to the internal compartment. The portable cooler may have a shelf for holding a cold gel pack to help keep the contents cool. The cooler may also have a plurality of dividers (that are optionally reconfigurable) for defining variously sized storage spaces for the contents. The cooler may have an aesthetically pleasing curved outer shell and an adjustable shoulder strap so that the cooler can be carried on a person's shoulder. Because the cooler is easy and comfortable to carry and because its large swing-open door provides full and quick access to its contents, this cooler is more ergonomic and aesthetic than traditional designs.
US08572999B2
An ice maker is installed at a refrigerating chamber, and an ice bank is installed at a door of the refrigerating chamber. A cooling air duct extends along a wall surface of the refrigerating chamber and is positioned on an upper side of the ice bank so that ice stored in the inside of an ice bank is prevented from sticking to each other due to the melting of ice.
US08572981B2
A combustor structure includes a combustor fuel-air mixing apparatus having a mainstream airflow region. One or more concavities are disposed within the mainstream airflow region of the fuel-air mixing apparatus. At least one fuel injection hole is disposed within an upstream base region of at least one concavity. Passing a stream of air through the main airflow region causes fuel injected into the upstream base region of at least one concavity to passively mix with a naturally oscillating vortex of air within the concavity.
US08572964B2
In a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine providing a hot exhaust gas flow which is used as heat source for a Clausius-Rankine cycle process, wherein a pump is provided in the cycle for pumping, pressurizing and circulating an operating fluid, the pumping operation is controlled by a controller depending on the exhaust gas mass flow through an evaporator and possibly also the exhaust gas temperature to vaporize the operating fluid and expanding the vapor under pressure in an expander while generating energy. The vapor is condensed in a condenser to form a condensate which is again returned to the pump.
US08572951B2
Various methods and systems are provided for a vehicle with an engine. In one example, a method includes identifying an approaching tunnel. The method further includes, responsive to a particulate load of a particulate filter, the particulate filter disposed in an exhaust treatment system of an engine of the vehicle, initiating regeneration of the particulate filter at a selected distance before the tunnel such that regeneration is performed before the vehicle enters the tunnel.
US08572948B1
A rocket propulsion system having a liquid fuel tank and a liquid oxidizer tank, where a liquid inert gas tank supplies liquid inert gas to a liquid inert gas pump driven by a turbine of the engine to pressurize the liquid inert gas, which is passed through a heat exchanger around the nozzle to vaporize the inert gas, that is then used to pressurize the liquid oxidizer tank so that a liquid oxidizer pump is not needed, or to pressurize both the liquid oxidizer tank and the liquid fuel tank so that a liquid oxidizer pump and a liquid fuel pump are not needed in the rocket engine.
US08572945B2
To explore deeper expanses of space, rocket ships need rockets that can last twice as long as conventional rockets. Modern rockets use the electric field to attract and accelerate charged particles out and away from the combustion chamber. Space qualified components to increase the electric field are difficult to obtain. Various embodiments of the present subject matter use multiple phases of an input signal into the power supply to cause the output DC voltage signal to be substantially smooth. These smoother signals reduce the voltage requirements of the output diodes and capacitors thereby making them easier to obtain.
US08572939B2
A riding work vehicle that includes a running electric motor unit running and driving a driving wheel unit; a speed setting operation unit operated by a driver to set a target running speed; a working electric motor driving a work device that performs work on a worked object around a vehicle body corresponding to running of the vehicle body; and an exceptional speed controller that performs exceptional speed control to control the running electric motor unit at an exceptional speed lower than the target running speed in a case where load of the working electric motor evaluated by a work load evaluator that evaluates load of the working electric motor is abnormal load higher than a threshold value.
US08572936B2
A sealing jaw for producing sealed packages of a food product from a tube of packaging material fed along a path, the jaw having a first work surface which interacts with a second work surface on a counter-jaw to grip the packaging material and form a sealing strip crosswise to the path. One of the jaw and counter-jaw defines an anvil, and the other defines a heating device which interacts with the anvil to form the strip. The first surface has at least two projections elongated along respective first axes, and which, when forming the strip, compress respective areas of the packaging material against the second surface; and at least one cavity which extends along one of the first axes, is interposed between the projections along a second axis crosswise to the first axis, and is located laterally with respect to a central plane of the first work surface.
US08572935B2
An assemblage of reams of paper includes a plurality of layers of reams of paper. The plurality of layers includes a first layer having a first arrangement of reams, a second layer having a second arrangement of reams disposed on top of the first layer, and a third layer having a third arrangement of reams disposed on top of the second layer. The second arrangement is different from the first arrangement so as to form interlocking first and second layers, and the third arrangement is different from the second arrangement, so as to form interlocking second and third layers.
US08572932B2
The present invention discloses a flat bottom pillow pouch that can stand upright on its bottom transverse seal. The flat bottom pillow bag can be made from the same film as a standard pillow pouch and requires less film than prior art stand up packages. The flat bottom pillow pouch disclosed herein has no gussets.
US08572929B2
In the case of a window or door element (1) having a metal frame and an insulated glass pane (7) inserted into the frame (2), a solution is to be created, with which such window or door elements can be produced without requiring cold-forming, extrusion production of light-metal profiles, or another form of production of the frame elements. This is achieved in that the outer and/or inner surface of the frame (2) is formed, in each instance, by a flat metal frame (4, 5), wherein an insulation body (3) is positioned between the frame elements (4, 5), using sandwich construction.
US08572928B2
A system for erecting structures, includes at least one support profile and at least one clamping profile. The clamping profile is attachable to a lateral face of the support profile and has at least one laterally open first groove, which, in the state of the clamping profile attached to the lateral face, extends parallel to the lateral face of the support profile in relation to its longitudinal direction.
US08572927B1
A tile aligning and leveling method and system that uses an under tile base re-usable upright connecting tab, which is detachably connected to said under tile base, a re-usable flexible edge slotted cap configured to slip over the connecting tab and latch thereto as the cap is slid further down the connecting tab. The cap has an edge slot so that the connecting tab can be separated from the cap, by merely sliding the cap, so that the connecting tab passes through the slot. A flexible spring-like portion of the cap provides increased force on the tile even if undesired elongation of the connecting tab occurs.
US08572923B2
A removable flooring system includes modular floorboard panels having one or more latches, placed on longitudinal support structures having mating locking disks, so that the floorboard panels can be readily secured to the longitudinal support structure. In one embodiment, the floorboard panel comprises a top skin, a frame, and a bottom skin. Two latches may be located in the panel, where each latches comprise a latch handle, a moveable cam, and a board disk. The locking disk is affixed to the longitudinal support structure, and is designed to receive the board disk. The latch can be rotated so the cam readily engages and disengages with the locking disk. To use the system, a plurality of longitudinal support structures are placed in a plane, and a plurality of floorboard panels are placed over the longitudinal support structure, and affixed by rotating the cam in the latch.
US08572921B2
The invention provides a one piece shingle for use on roof ridges and hips. Shingles of the invention are preferably formed from synthetic materials and preferably comprise a blend of high and low molecular weight polyethylene resins. The unique blend of materials provides a shingle that is both strong while retaining sufficient flexibility to permit the shingle to bend to accommodate a variety of pitches at a ridge or hip. Unique features of the shape and structure of the shingle also make it particularly suited to hip and ridge applications. Furthermore, methods of manufacturing hip and ridge shingles are also disclosed.
US08572911B1
The subject invention relates to a protective window covering system comprising a conventional building window having a window frame and an inflatable protective window covering, wherein multiple hooks are mounted around the perimeter of the window frame, wherein the inflatable protective window covering is comprised of a single, uninterrupted inner cavity and walls wherein the walls of the protective covering enclose the inner space of the protective covering, and wherein the walls of the protective covering include at least two rows of fibers extending throughout at an angle that is offset by 15° to 75°, and a securing means wherein the securing means attaches loosely to the window frame in an uninflated state, wherein inflation of the protective covering applies tension to the securing mechanism thereby securing the protective covering.
US08572887B2
A collapsible luring dredge device includes a hub assembly having a plurality of separate hub sections each adapted to hold an extended spreader bar and together joined into a stacked unit assembled along a central axis with a pair of spring-loaded detents disposed within the stacked unit on opposite sides of the central axis. Inner surfaces of the hub sections at each end of the hub assembly are formed with a plurality of concave cavities arranged in a circular pattern intended to engage the detents as the hub sections are selectively rotated about the central axis. The hub assembly may thus be moved through a set of registered positions between a deployed configuration wherein the spreader bars are maintained in a substantially radial pattern for trolling use and a folded configuration wherein the bars are substantially aligned for storage.
US08572884B1
This surrogate lower receiver tool makes it possible to retract the slip ring element on a conventional M16/M4 family weapon when the hand guards must be removed or reinserted. As will be appreciated by those in the gun repair trade, in the disassembly or reassembly of such weapons the handling of the slip ring element is often a manually challenging and painstaking activity. This disclosed tool handily is an assist in such activities. The surrogate lower receiver tool makes it possible to remove and install hand guards without a lower receiver being installed on the firearm, thus avoiding the risk of damage to or loss of the lower receiver.
US08572881B2
A modular system for mounting firearm accessories includes a first accessory mounting member attachable directly to the firearm accessory and a second firearm mounting member to which first accessory mounting member may be removably joined. The first and second mounting members are frictionally engaged with interlocking barb(s) and a retention pin. One or more of barbs project from the first mounting member, each having a substantially rounded tip and a tapered or gradually decreasing diameter shaft, and are received within a complementary shaped aperture on the second mounting member. A retention pin disposed within a transverse channel in the second mounting member, and having corresponding area(s) of reduced diameter along the shaft thereof, is removably secured against the barb(s) at a right angle thereto when the barbs are received within the second mounting member, frictionally securing the two members together. The first mounting member may have various shapes and configurations, as well as attachment mechanisms, for securing a firearm accessory directly thereto prior to its engagement with the second mounting member on the firearm.
US08572880B2
In at least one embodiment, a firearm trigger group comprises a trigger arranged to pivot on a trigger axis and a hammer arranged to pivot on a hammer axis. A hammer biasing member is arranged to bias the hammer in a predetermined rotational direction. A secondary biasing member is also arranged to bias the hammer. The hammer is moveable from a first position to a second position upon actuation of the trigger. The secondary biasing member counteracts the hammer biasing member in the first position, and cooperates with the hammer biasing member in the second position.
US08572876B2
A system detects that an electronic control device for inhibiting use of skeletal muscles by a human or animal target has been used. The system includes a radio receiver and a circuit. The electronic control device causes a radio signal when used. The circuit detects a plurality of properties of a received radio signal and outputs a signal in response to comparing the received properties to expected properties.
US08572862B2
A drying apparatus is disclosed that includes a drum and an open-loop airflow pathway originating at an ambient air inlet, passing through the drum, and terminating at an exhaust outlet. A passive heat exchanger is included for passively transferring heat from air flowing from the drum toward the exhaust outlet to air flowing from the ambient air inlet toward the drum. A heat pump is also included for actively transferring heat from air flowing from the passive heat exchanger toward the exhaust outlet to air flowing from the passive heat exchanger toward the drum. A heating element is also included for further heating air flowing from the heat pump toward the drum.
US08572859B2
A portable golf club face measurement device, which accurately and quickly measures data regarding, for example, the orientation of the golf club face relative to the shaft and the orientation of the golf club face relative to a point located on the toe of the club, is disclosed herein. The measurement device has a face probe, a retaining arm, at least one gauge, and at least one clamp.
US08572858B2
A portable articulated arm coordinate measurement machine is provided. The coordinate measurement machine includes a manually positionable articulated arm having opposed first and second ends. The articulated arm includes a plurality of arm segments, each including encoder configured to produce a signal corresponding to an angle of rotation. A base section is connected to the second end. A measurement probe is connected to the first end. The measurement probe receives an externally mounted sensor having an attachment ring, the measurement probe having an alignment surface and external threading. A retaining ring having internal threading is threadably receives the external threading; the retaining ring further couples the attachment ring to the surface. An electrical circuit is configured to receive the signal and to provide data corresponding to a coordinate of the externally mounted sensor, the data based at least in part on the signal.
US08572854B2
A cutting tool includes: a plurality of shaft parts having blades at respective one ends and projections at the other ends; a shaft-receiving part having cylindrical parts fitting to portions of the shaft parts; a guide part having projection-receiving parts extending in one direction, respectively; and stretchable elastic bodies positioned between the blades and the shaft-receiving part, wherein the projections are movably fitted to the respective projection-receiving parts.
US08572850B2
A carpet knife having a housing, an active blade installed in the housing, and a blade clamping means having a clamping cover and a thumb screw. The housing has a thumb screw hole, a pin hole, at least one side guiding groove, and an active blade installation bar. The clamping cover has at least one side guiding bar having a wedge outer surface, and a rear eccentric guiding groove. The thumb screw has a head having an under surface and a shank formed on the under surface. The head has a pin formed on the under surface thereof which is able to enter and move in the rear eccentric guiding groove.
US08572848B2
A method for manufacturing a dental implant including an abutment is manufactured through the following steps. A titanium molded body production step molds a titanium molded body composition to obtain a titanium molded body having one of male and female thread portions. A ceramic molded body production step molds a ceramic molded body composition to obtain a ceramic molded body having the other thread portion which makes thread coupling with the one thread portion. An assembling step assembles the titanium molded body and the ceramic molded body together so that the one thread portion makes thread coupling with the other thread portion, to obtain an assembled body. A degreasing step degreases the assembled body. A sintering step sinters the degreased assembled body.
US08572846B2
A method for assembling an exhaust component includes providing a substrate assembly with a substrate body and a mat wrapped around the substrate body. A gauging system is used to determine a hoop stress for the substrate assembly and is used to predict a shrinking diameter for an outer shell that is to receive the substrate assembly based on the hoop stress.
US08572842B2
A method for enhancing the dielectric properties of at least one in-service electrical cable section having a central stranded conductor encased in a polymeric insulation jacket and having an interstitial void volume in the region of the conductor. The method includes filling the interstitial void volume with at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid and then confining the fluid within the interstitial void volume at a residual pressure greater than about 50 psig, with the pressure being imposed along the entire length of the cable section and being below the elastic limit of the insulation jacket. The cable section is heated by imposing a potential of no more than about 500 volts across the conductor during at least a portion of the time required to complete the other described steps.
US08572839B2
A fabrication method for a multi-piece board having a frame part and multi piece parts each having a printed wiring board includes producing the frame part having a first coupling portion, and the multi-piece parts including piece parts each having a second coupling portion coupled to the first coupling portion at a production panel with at least the frame part and the piece parts being separated from each other, separating the frame part and the multi-piece parts from the production panel, and coupling the first coupling portion to the second coupling portion to couple the frame part and the piece parts and combine the frame part and the multi piece parts so as to yield the multi-piece board.
US08572833B2
A method and apparatus for retaining an ornament, for example, an ornamental crystal, on a frame or plate is provided. The method includes providing a pin having a first end and a second end, opposite the first end, the second end comprising a projection, for example, a head; inserting the first end of the pin through an aperture in the ornament and through a hole in the frame wherein the projection obstructs the aperture in the ornament; deforming, for example, twisting, the second end of the pin to provide a deformation of the second end that obstructs passage of the second end through the hole in the frame; and retaining the ornament on the frame by the projection of the first end of the pin and the deformation of the second end of the pin. Aspects of the invention facilitate the mounting of ornaments to ornamental fixtures, for example, chandeliers.
US08572832B2
Various systems for compressing and loading an expandable medical device into a sheath are disclosed. One system comprises an array of moveable blades radially disposed about a central axis and forming a radially contractible aperture. The blade array includes at least a first plurality of blades and a second plurality of blades. The first plurality of blades is independently moveable with respect to the second plurality of blades. Additional aspects of the invention include methods of using the various compressor systems to compress and load an expandable medical device into a sheath.
US08572827B1
This disclosure provides a tool or an apparatus that can be held and operated with one hand to attach a corner bead to an outside corner of drywall. In one example, the tool includes a frame, a pair of contact surfaces rigidly coupled to the frame, a handle pivotally attached to the frame, a pair of stapler units rigidly coupled to the frame, and a linkage mechanism comprising a pair of transmission arms and mechanically coupling the handle to the stapler units for translating a force displacing the handle from a first position into a controlled motion of the transmission arms, thereby triggering the stapler units to release fastening pieces.
US08572824B2
A method for manufacturing a quartz crystal unit comprises disposing a metal film on a surface of a quartz crystal wafer, disposing a resist on the metal film, forming a tuning fork shape pattern on the surface, etching the quartz crystal wafer to form a quartz crystal tuning fork shape having a base and first and second tines, forming electrodes on opposite side surfaces of the first and second tines so that the electrode of the first tine has an electrical polarity opposite to an electrical polarity of the electrode of the second tine to form a quartz crystal tuning fork resonator that vibrates in a flexural mode of an inverse phase, removing the resist before forming the electrodes, mounting the tuning fork resonator on a mounting portion of the case, disposing a metal or a glass into a through-hole of the case, and adjusting an oscillation frequency of the tuning fork resonator.
US08572822B2
A metallic male snap part capable of coupling with a female snap part where the projection of the male snap part can be coupled to a depression of the female snap part. The projection includes multiple relatively highly deformable portions and multiple relatively low deformable portions, the highly and low deformable portions being arranged alternately in the circumference direction of the projection. The highly deformable portions are more deformable elastically in the radial direction of the projection than the low deformable portions. Each of the highly deformable portions has a relatively large, outer bulge which bulges more outward in the radial direction than a relatively small, outer bulge of each of the low deformable portions. The projection further includes longitudinal slits and lateral slits to partition the projection into the highly deformable portions and the low deformable portions.
US08572821B2
A metallic male snap part is capable of enhancing coupling strength with a female snap part by giving appropriate and sufficient elastic deformability to the projection of the male snap part which can be coupled to a depression of the female snap part. The projection includes a plurality of relatively highly deformable portions and a plurality of relatively low deformable portions, the highly and low deformable portions being arranged alternately in the circumference direction of the projection. The highly deformable portions are more deformable elastically in the radial direction of the projection than the low deformable portions.
US08572820B2
A dual release buckle can be released either as a side-release buckle or as a remotely-released cable actuated buckle and can be incorporated into a garment, for example, a soldier's vest.
US08572819B2
An enhanced safety hook includes a hook body, a latch member, an operation handle and a spring member. The hook body includes a hook hole having a hook opening, a hook end formed at a top end thereof, a pin slot at a position below the hook opening, and a guide slot. The latch member includes a main plate and two side plates define an upside-down U-shape frame, a peripheral edge bridged between the two side plates in such a manner that a top end of the latch member constructs a mouth for receiving the hook end, a guide arm connected to the two side frames to couple with the guide slot, and a pin element coupling with the pin slot. The pin element is movably provided in the pin slot in such a manner that the mouth of the latch member is capable of detaching from the hook end, so that the latch member unlocks the hook opening by means of rotation of the pin element in the pin slot, while the guide arm slides in the guide slot for preventing the latch member from having contact with the inner wall of the hook body along the hook hole. The operation handle has a rotation hole for the pin element to pass through so as to enable the pin element to move in the pin slot. The spring member retains the latch member in a position that the latch member tends to lock the hook hole.
US08572803B2
A support assembly for a surface treating appliance includes a central roller arranged to engage a surface and outer rollers at either end of the central roller. The rollers together define a rolling support surface, and the outer rollers rotate about an axis spaced from the rotational axis of the central roller. This arrangement of rollers provides a rolling support surface over a wide range of motions, and spacing the rotational axes of the rollers permits the rollers to be arranged relative to one another to define a region into which components of the appliance are mountable.
US08572797B2
In general, a Buffing Pad Centering System (“BPCS”) for centering a back plate having an edge and a front surface is described. In an example of an implementation of the BPCS, the BPCS may include a centering ring having a top boundary and a bottom boundary and a buffing pad attached to the bottom boundary of the centering ring, where the centering ring is centered on the buffing pad. The centering ring may include a cylindrical vertical member extending between the top boundary and bottom boundary, where the cylindrical vertical member has an inner cylindrical surface and an outer cylindrical surface, and where the inner cylindrical surface is capable of snuggly receiving the back plate.
US08572794B2
An oral-care brushing implement having a circumferential bristle arrangement secured to a cushioned surface head with an annular guard to facilitate effective, efficient, and safe use by a user with impaired dexterity and/or skill, and an ornamental appearance to incentivize use by the user.
US08572791B2
The invention relates to a device for cleaning vehicle wheels that contains a rotary body driven rotationally by a drive motor about a central axis, with cleaning elements arranged on its front end face. An improved cleaning can be achieved by virtue of the fact that the rotary body contains at least one rotary plate equipped with additional cleaning elements that is rotated by the rotation of the rotary body, not only about the central axis but also, via a gear assembly, about its own longitudinal axis.
US08572783B2
The invention provides a variety of devices for supporting at least a portion of a user's body. In some embodiments, the invention provides a support device which includes a bladder capable of containing a fluid and a post adjacent the bladder. The bladder may form a rolling diaphragm portion with the post such that when a force is applied to the bladder, the rolling diaphragm portion of the bladder rolls along the post decreasing the volume of the bladder. In some embodiments, the invention provides a post which includes a reduced cross-sectional area in comparison to an adjacent region of the post such that the resistance of the rolling diaphragm portion of the bladder to rolling movement along the post due to the applies force decreases as the bladder rolls along the reduced cross-sectional area region. In some embodiments, the support device includes a plurality of bladders and/or a plurality of posts.
US08572782B1
A infant positioning kit assembly for positioning an infant in a supine position while in a crib includes a mattress cover that has a top wall, a bottom wall and a perimeter wall that is attached to and extends between the top and bottom walls. The bottom wall has a mattress aperture extending therethrough for inserting a mattress into the mattress cover. An elastic band is attached to and is coextensive with a perimeter edge of the aperture and a first mating member is attached to the top wall. An attachment member is configured to be worn by an infant and a second mating member is attached to the attachment member. The second mating member is releasably attachable to the first mating member to retain an infant in a selected position on the mattress cover. The first and second mating members comprise hook and loop couplers.
US08572774B1
An apparatus for moving a limb of a bedridden person, including a substantially “T” shaped member including a first member having a first end and a second end and a second member secured transversely to the second end of the first member, a pulley secured above the bedridden person, and, a cable secured to the first end of the first member, the cable supported and arranged for movement about the pulley.
US08572765B2
A single use disposable glove utilizing the cutting and sealing process. The various layers of the glove are produced from an extrusion process made from a variety of materials including, but not limited to, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyurethane, polybutene, styrene-butadiene copolymers, ethylene-propylene copolymers, their mixtures and blends.
US08578509B2
A packaging film which contains pigment particles randomly distributed in a low surface-area density is used for the authentication of products. An imaging device is used to record a first digital image of a packaged product. The positional coordinates, and optionally the color values, of the pigment particles contained in the packaging film are determined from the digital image by means of a computer program and an identification code is calculated from the coordinate or color values and stored in a database. To authenticate the product at a later time, a second digital image is recorded and a test code is determined and compared with the recorded identification code.
US08578506B2
A method of controlling access to content comprises receiving, at a domain gateway (3) of a domain (4), a request from a device (5) in the domain for access to the content. It is determined at the domain gateway whether the number of devices in the domain currently accessing the content is equal to a specified maximum number of devices that may simultaneously access the content. The maximum number of devices that may simultaneously access the content is independent of the number of devices in the domain. If the determination is that the number of devices in the domain currently accessing the content is less than the specified maximum number the request is allowed, otherwise it is refused.
US08578505B2
The present invention concerns a method for controlling the use of a conditional access content (C0), said content being sent to a plurality of multimedia units (STB) connected to a management center (CG). The method comprises the steps of defining controlled content usage types; defining a set of usage rules (UR) for at least two controlled content usage types by setting condition values for these controlled content usage types; defining at least two content profiles (CP) by associating one usage rule of said at least two controlled content usage types; sending management messages containing the content profiles (CP) to at least a set of multimedia units (STB) linked to said management center; storing the content profiles (CP) in the concerned multimedia units; sending the conditional access content (C0), and joined sending of a control message (ECM) containing at least a means for determining the content profile (CP) that is to be linked to the content (C0); further to the reception by a multimedia unit of the encrypted content (C0) and of the corresponding control message (ECM), extracting the means for determining the content profile that is to be linked to the content; searching in the multimedia unit, the content profile corresponding to the means for determining the content profile that is to be linked to the content; and of using the content (C0) by the multimedia unit according to the usage rules contained in the content profile that is to be linked to the content. The invention further concerns a multimedia unit for implementing said method.
US08578489B1
A method and an apparatus to perform multiple packet payload analysis have been disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving a plurality of data packets, each of the plurality of data packets containing a portion of a data pattern, determining whether each of the plurality of data packets is out of order, and making and storing a local copy of the corresponding data packet if the corresponding data packet is out of order. Other embodiments have been claimed and described.
US08578481B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for determining a probability that a suspected domain name of a domain accessed using a universal resource locator (URL), which can be entered as a character string into a browser associated with a client in a net environment, is a counterfeit of a legitimate domain name. Characters in the suspected domain name can be identified as known as likely to be deceptively substituted for corresponding legitimate characters of a legitimate domain name. An alternate domain name is generated by substituting predetermined characters with the corresponding legitimate characters. An attempt can be made to resolve alternate domains of the alternate domain names. If the names are successfully resolved, a non-zero probability is assigned to the suspected domain name as being counterfeit.
US08578476B2
A system and method is provided for determining a risk associated with a login transaction. A password received during the login attempt and determination is made regarding whether the received password is derived form user information. A risk is determined based on a determination that the received password is derived from the user information.
US08578475B2
An image forming apparatus extracts, from image data, authentication data by which a user is identified, sends the extracted authentication data to a control terminal that recognizes a function available to the user identified by the extracted authentication data, and then receives, from the control terminal, available-function data indicative of a result of the recognition. Then, the image forming apparatus chooses, in accordance with the available-function data thus received, a function that is available in the image forming apparatus. This enables the image forming apparatus to validate or invalidate each function in accordance with a user on the basis of the extracted authentication data.
US08578459B2
Methods and apparatus to control network access from a user device, are disclosed. An example method includes receiving a request from a user device for access to a network, receiving a first password from the user device, determining that the first password is invalid, and sending a second password and a command to the user device to cause the user device to execute an application to store the second password on a network access device associated with the user device.
US08578458B2
In at least one implementation a method includes receiving an identifier associated with a device, entering the identifier into a network controller device, inviting the device associated with the identifier to join a network, admitting the device associated with the identifier to the network, sending the device associated with the identifier a name of the network, and confirming that the device has joined the network as a device recognized by the network controller device.
US08578453B2
The invention describes a system, method and computer product to regulate user access to websites. The system receives a URL request by a user corresponding to a website that the user wishes to access. Thereafter, the system determines the associated group of the user and the associated category of the website. Subsequently, a message to be displayed to the user is determined based on the associated group of the user and the associated category of the website. The message is included in a block page and then displayed to the user.
US08578450B2
A method for providing access to secure peer-to-peer communications to a device can include receiving a request to join an interest group. The request can include a device identification number of the device. The method can further include determining access rights for the device. The access rights can include permission to access shared messages of the interest group. Additionally, the method can include providing an access key to the device. The access key can enable the device to access shared messages of the interest group.
US08578445B2
A method and system are disclosed. In one embodiment the method includes calculating a trust level of a first entity. The first entity has a plurality of components. Each component in the first entity has at least the trust level of the first entity.
US08578443B2
Some embodiments relate to mobile application management. An example embodiment includes a method of mobile device management. The method includes installing a client-side engine of an enforcement engine on a mobile device. The enforcement engine further includes a runtime engine. The method also includes routing communications between the mobile device and a network/cloud or an enterprise network through the enforcement engine. In addition, the method includes generating a policy regarding the mobile applications from a signature database (“SigDB”). The SigDB includes signatures pertaining to mobile applications. Compliance of the mobile device with the policy is enforced in real time.
US08578441B2
A secured network is disclosed configured to carry data, comprising a plurality of network bubbles and a plurality of network control points, wherein each network bubble comprises one or more bubble partitions and each bubble partition comprises at least one networked device configured to transmit and receive data, and all of the network devices corresponding to at least one of the plurality of network bubbles have a common network security policy. At least one network control point, such as a router, is provided with a marker module arranged to mark outgoing packets with a label corresponding to the network bubble from which the packets originate that can be used to enforce the network security policy of the at least one network bubble.
US08578440B2
A video processing apparatus includes a conversion unit and a transmission unit, and an external device includes a reception unit and a restoration unit. The conversion unit converts one or a plurality of elementary streams complying with ISO/IEC 14496-1:1999 into one data stream. The data stream includes a plurality of multiplexed packets, each multiplexed packet including both a Synchronization Layer (SL) packet and an elementary stream identifier of the SL packet. The transmission unit transmits the data stream to the external device using an isochronous or bulk transfer. The reception unit receives, from the external device, the data stream that is transmitted using the isochronous or bulk transfer. The restoration unit restores the data stream to one or a plurality of elementary streams complying with ISO/IEC 14496-1:1999.
US08578436B2
A method for two time-scales video stream transmission control is proposed, which mainly includes the following three steps. Firstly, a model-based long time-scale bandwidth trend extraction step is proposed to calculate a current bandwidth through a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) throughput model, and predict a trend of network bandwidth by using an Exponential Smooth Model (ESM) according to the calculated current bandwidth. Secondly, a short time-scale bandwidth fluctuation detection step is proposed to divide a network status into three categories and according to different network statuses, additively increase or multiplicatively decrease the estimated bandwidth. Thirdly, a target bit rate adjustment step based on two asymmetrical thresholds is proposed to set an up-threshold and a down-threshold of bandwidth to avoid frequently adjusting a target bit rate of an encoder. The method can satisfy the requirements of TCP-friendliness, real-time, and smoothness for the video transmission.
US08578433B2
There are provided methods and apparatus for measuring a received quality of at least one of a video multicast and a video broadcast for a plurality of users. A method includes receiving data from the plurality of users regarding the received quality, and increasing a weight of the data for any of the plurality of users having the received quality greater than a threshold.
US08578432B2
A method is described that includes receiving a program request from a transceiver that includes a program request to receive a video program at the transceiver. The method also includes determining an amount of bandwidth on a channel available to the transceiver. The method further includes determining whether to provide a unicast stream or a multicast stream to deliver the requested video program to the transceiver in response to the program request based on a result obtained after implementing a policy control function that considers an amount of bandwidth on the channel to the transceiver. The method further includes formatting and selecting an incoming media stream in accordance with the result of the policy control function to provide a corresponding formatted unicast or multicast media stream that includes video data for the requested video program. The method further includes outputting the associated formatted unicast or multicast media stream on the channel.
US08578427B2
A method of swapping channels in a broadcast system includes a broadcast operation channel management system receiving broadcast operation channel swap data for a first station and a second station. The channel swap data comprises an effective date, a first station identifier and a first position and a second station identifier and a second position. A traffic scheduling system database communicates a first channel mapping data for a first channel to the broadcast operation channel management system. The traffic scheduling system database communicates a second channel mapping for a second channel to the broadcast operation channel management system. The broadcast operation channel updates the first channel mapping to form a first updated first channel mapping by setting a first end date of the first channel mapping to the effective date for the first station and communicating the first updated first channel mapping to the traffic scheduling database. The broadcast operation channel updating the second channel mapping to form a first updated second channel mapping by setting a second end date of the second channel mapping to the effective date for the first station and communicating the first updated second channel mapping to the traffic scheduling database. The broadcast operation channel forms a first new channel mapping for the first station with the effective date as the first start date and forms a second new channel mapping for the second station with the effective date as the second start date.
US08578424B2
Disclosed are a digital broadcasting system and a method for transmitting and receiving electronic service guide data in a digital broadcasting system, which communicates applications capable of executing content files downloaded through a file download service. The digital broadcasting system includes a digital broadcasting transmitter for broadcasting Electronic Service Guide (ESG) data which includes application information corresponding to respective content files, and a digital broadcasting receiver for receiving the broadcasted ESG data and executing applications corresponding to the respective content files by using the application information included in the ESG data.
US08578414B2
An on-screen menu method and system for controlling the functions of integrated electronic devices and a television schedule system and method for displaying television schedule information on a television screen includes a program guide having a schedule information area that depicts the programs that are being presented on each channel at each time during the day and an interconnected series of menus to control the features of the integrated electronic devices. An input device allows the viewer to move a pointer over different interactive areas of the guide and the function performed when the area is activated is displayed in a contextual help window. Various control glyphs provide for recursive interaction with the guide.
US08578412B2
A method includes displaying a second user interface while a subscriber is interacting with a first user interface during playback of at least a portion of a first content segment. The second user interface includes one or more selectable transition options associated with performing a transition with respect to a second content segment. The first user interface includes one or more selectable options associated with the first content segment. The method includes receiving input indicating a selection of a particular transition option of the one or more transition options via the second user interface.
US08578407B1
A computerized process for REAL TIME AUTOMATED UNOBTRUSIVE ANCILLIARY INFORMATION INSERTION INTO A VIDEO is described that requires no manual operations by the Source advertising business entity. A USER who has access to any computer hardware device chooses his Selected Video but sees on his Monitor that Selected Video with an Advertising Segment or a User clickable Logo inserted at some position in the video that does not distract from the dynamic content.
US08578405B2
A system includes a receiver to receive content and an advertisement. The system further includes a cache, coupled to the receiver, to store the content and the advertisement. An interface in the receiver receives an updated advertisement and updating instructions, the updating instructions to enable the receiver to replace the stored advertisement with the updated advertisement. The receiver detects a starting point of the advertisement and creates a marker and inserts it into the content to indicate said starting point, and stores the advertisement from the content to a memory storage location separate from the content, and creates and stores a pointer to the memory location. The interface detects a user-initiated pause in the viewing of content, retrieves the updated advertisement from storage, and provides a user interface that enables the user to view the retrieved advertisement for as long as the viewing of the content remains paused. The receiver is configured to overlay the retrieved advertisement with material descriptive of upcoming content in the received content.
US08578398B2
A system for application management. A plurality of applications, each having an associated precedence, an include data string and an exclude data string. A plurality of daemons, each for monitoring a data port and extracting a data stream received at the data port. A system manager for receiving the precedence, the include data string and the exclude data string for each application and an extracted data stream from one of the daemons and selecting one of the plurality of applications as a function of the precedence, the include data string and the exclude data string for each application.
US08578394B2
Only a particular number of applications on a computing device are active at any given time, with applications that are not active being suspended. A policy is applied to determine when an application is to be suspended. However, an operating system component can have a particular application be exempted from being suspended (e.g., due to an operation being performed by the application). Additionally, an operating system component can have an application that has been suspended resumed (e.g., due to a desire of another application to communicate with the suspended application).
US08578391B2
A group of IT devices is divided into zones according to a predetermined condition. An IT managing server that manages the group of IT devices sends a control request for changing the state of IT devices included in one of the zones according to the state of those IT devices under its management. The control request specifies the zone as a control target. A facility managing server that manages a group of facility devices receives the control request and controls a facility device that exerts effect on the zone, which is specified as the control target in the control request.
US08578387B1
An embodiment of a computing system is configured to process data using a multithreaded SIMD architecture that includes heterogeneous processing engines to execute a program. The program is constructed of various program instructions. A first type of the program instructions can only be executed by a first type of processing engine and a third type of program instructions can only be executed by a second type of processing engine. A second type of program instructions can be executed by the first and the second type of processing engines. An assignment unit may be configured to dynamically determine which of the two processing engines executes any program instructions of the second type in order to balance the workload between the heterogeneous processing engines.
US08578383B2
A method, apparatus, and program product select a pre-started job from among a plurality of pre-started jobs in which to perform a task in a computer system with a NUMA configuration. An attempt to perform a task is received as a connection. Information associated with the connection is compared to information associated with a plurality of pre-started jobs. In response to comparing the information, it is determined either that a pre-started job was previously used to perform the task or that no pre-started job was previously used to perform the task. In response to either determination, another pre-started job is determined in which to perform the task. The other pre-started job is determined based on affinity with the task, and may be reallocated to perform the task.
US08578375B2
Virtual machine administration for data center resource managers including discovering resources of the datacenter to be managed by a resource manager; determining, in dependence upon attributes of the resources, processing capabilities of the discovered resources; determining, in dependence upon attributes of the resources of the datacenter to be managed, memory capabilities of the discovered resources; determining, in dependence upon attributes of the resources, minimum memory requirements for managing the discovered resources; determining, in dependence upon attributes of the resources of the datacenter to be managed, minimum processing requirements for managing the discovered resources; deploying, in dependence upon the determined processing capabilities and memory capabilities upon one or more of the resources of the datacenter to be managed, a virtual machine having at least the minimum memory requirements and the minimum processing requirements; and deploying the resource manager on the virtual machine.
US08578370B2
Virtual machines are managed by obtaining software hierarchy information of a current virtual machine to be installed. Then logical memory assigned to the current virtual machine is divided into a private part and a shared part based at least in part upon existing software hierarchy information of at least one virtual machine already installed and the software hierarchy information of the current virtual machine. Then, the shared part of the logical memory is mapped to shared segments of a physical memory, wherein the shared segments are used by at least one installed virtual machine.
US08578368B2
Techniques for the BIOS to install a file into the runtime environment of an operating system of a computer. A system management interrupt (SMI) handler, resident within the BIOS, receives a first request. The SMI handler identifies an address in memory at which a first file is to be stored, and determines how to access a function provided by a kernel of the operating system. The SMI handler calls the function using the address as an argument to create a thread in the runtime environment of the operating system. Upon the SMI handler receiving a request from the thread, the SMI handler stores a second file in the memory of the runtime environment of the operating system. The thread may, but need not, store the second file to a file system provided by the operating system. In this way, the BIOS need not include a driver to the file system.
US08578365B2
A method in a computer system for performing a data transfer between a first data processing device (1) and a second data processing device (2) comprises providing a downloading process (10) configured for downloading of data (120) from the first data processing device (1) to the second data processing device (2) via a connection between the first data processing device (1) and the second data processing device (2) Further, the method comprises providing at least one download parameter (101-111) for the downloading of the data (120), the down load parameter containing information for indicating a downloading destination (8, 81) on the second data processing device (2), and providing a loader data file (5) as an input to the downloading process (10), the loader data file including the at least one download parameter (101-111) and the data (120) to be downloaded.
US08578359B2
Method and apparatus for in-place updating an old version of a file stored on a storage device to form a new version, wherein the old version includes blocks. The form of the old version is determined for indicating at which end of the old version free space is located, as well as determining whether an update package is a corresponding update package for the form. If the update package is a corresponding update package, blocks in the old version are updated according to the update package, giving rise to a new version having an alternative form, where free space in the new version is at an opposite end to the old version.
US08578357B2
In one embodiment of the invention code (e.g., compiler, tool) may generate information so a first code portion, which includes a pointer value in a first endian format (e.g., big endian), can be properly initialized and executed on a platform having a second endian format (e.g., little endian). Also, various embodiments of the invention may identify problematic regions of code (e.g., source code) where a particular byte order is cast away through void pointers.
US08578353B2
A method, system and computer program product for enabling automated analysis of an extracted eScript to identify one or more problems within a configuration and script. The eScript is extracted from a Siebel repository and received in a DAVID (Development Application Verification Information on Demand for Siebel application where the VB.NET application, called SiebelParser, is utilized to conduct the analysis of the eScript. Occurrences of issues within an eScript are detected by SiebelParser. Issues within the eScript may include one or more of: empty event handlers, explicit object release, setting field values utilizing hard coded values, unnecessarily activated fields, call to next record after a call to delete record, and functions containing unnecessary code. Results from the analysis are reported to one log file document. The results of SiebelParser's log file are later incorporated to a spreadsheet by DAVID, to provide a more readable output format.
US08578351B2
In a host system, a method for using instruction scheduling to efficiently emulate the operation of a target computing system includes preparing, on the host system, an instruction sequence to interpret an instruction written for execution on the target computing system. An instruction scheduling on the instruction sequence is performed, to achieve an efficient instruction level parallelism, for the host system. A separate and independent instruction sequence is inserted, which, when executed simultaneously with the instruction sequence, performs to copy to a separate location a minimum instruction sequence necessary to execute an intent of an interpreted target instruction, the interpreted target instruction being a translation; and modifies the interpreter code such that a next interpretation of the target instruction results in execution of the translated version, thereby removing execution of interpreter overhead.
US08578350B2
A system controls operation of a business system having a processor, memory, and a hard drive. The system comprises a specification language file stored on a hard drive, the file containing specification language statements defining a state machine implementation of a business system, a parser for extracting specification language statements from the specification language file and interpreting the extracted specification language statements, a business logic application program comprised of business logic modules, the business logic modules including executable compiled program statements, and the parser calls at least one of the business logic modules to process a message extracted by the parser from the specification language file.
US08578349B1
A system, method, and computer readable medium for integrating an original language application with a target language application comprises receiving properties related to a source file in the original language application, parsing the source file based on the received properties into a common format for the original language application and the target language application, receiving the parsed source file by a repository module, and placing contents of the received parsed source file on an interface.
US08578344B2
Concepts and technologies are described herein for incremental compositional dynamic test generation. The concepts and technologies described herein are used to increase the code coverage and security vulnerability identification abilities of testing applications and devices, without significantly increasing, and in some cases decreasing, computational and time costs associated with the testing. Test summaries that describe how code is tested by a test engine are generated and stored during testing of code. These test summaries can be evaluated when additional iterations or versions of the code are tested. If functions corresponding to the test summaries are unchanged from, or logically equivalent to, a version of the function previously tested, the test summary may be used when testing the new version of the code.
US08578340B1
A computer program execution record and replay system providing recorded execution event breakpoints is described. In one embodiment, for example, in the record and replay system, a method for providing recorded execution event breakpoints, the method comprising: recording information about one or more execution events that occur during a recorded execution of a computer program; during a replay execution of the computer program in which a particular execution event of the one or more execution events is faithfully reproduced, determining whether a breakpoint is to be set in the replay execution of the computer program based on the recorded information about the particular execution event; and if the breakpoint is to be set, then setting a breakpoint in the replay execution of the computer program such that the replay execution breaks at a point corresponding to the faithful reproduction of the particular execution event.
US08578338B2
Methods and systems for creating, producing, and submitting new wager game packages for approval from regulatory bodies. A game development system includes a creative environment, a production environment, and a submission environment. In the creative environment, new wager game code is developed using pre-approved game components and other components provided by the game provider/publisher. In the production environment, the game code is tested and converted to operate in multiple platforms, to meet the requirements of various jurisdictions, and the like. In the submission environment, the game code and various submission documents are bundled into a game package for submission to a regulatory body.
US08578337B2
Embodiments pertain generally to a method of providing a quality assurance subscription service for a customer. The method includes determining a new software configuration for the customer and instantiating a test virtual machine based on state information of the customer in a secure location. The method also includes executing the new software configuration on the test virtual machine to verify operational stability of the new software configuration.
US08578333B2
A system for integrating and interoperating multiple heterogeneous applications, the system comprising: an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) to enable human users to define the integration and interoperation points of the multiple applications; a configuration file format based on which the IDE generates specific configuration instances; and a runtime engine that understands configuration files adhering to the file format and performs the necessary integration and interoperation actions on the various constituent applications that have been referred to in the configuration file.
US08578330B2
An enhanced widget composition platform, in which code is automatically generated based on receiving a selection of at least a first service and a widget engine via the web-based widget composition platform, the code, when invoked by the selected widget engine, implementing a widget that is operable to communicate with the first service.
US08578316B1
A method of automatically generating structure files employing a full structure generator automated program is provided. An annotated device layout file is generated from a design layout by annotating the codes for design shapes with additional text representing the functionality of a physical structure associated with each design shape. Functioning individual semiconductor devices are identified from the annotated device layout file, and a circuit area including multiple interconnected semiconductor devices are identified. A front-end-of-line (FEOL) device structure file and a back-end-of-line (BEOL) device structure file are generated from layer by layer analysis of the components of the annotated device layout within the circuit area. Finite element meshes (FEMs) are generated for the FEOL and BEOL structure files and merged to provide a structure file that can be employed for simulation of semiconductor devices therein.
US08578308B2
A variable is allocated to a statement that designates an event associated with a function call in an assertion. Generation of the event at an arbitrary time on a continuous time series is detected, and a value corresponding to a meaning of the statement is assigned to the variable. Whether or not a condition corresponding to the meaning of the statement is satisfied is determined based on the value of the variable at each time on a discrete time series.
US08578307B2
Systems and methods for automated control/monitoring code development for ASICs and PLDs are provided. Control/monitor structures associated with a module may be inputted into a standard specification file. One or more default configurations for each control/monitor structure may also be inputted into the specification file. Fields of the specification file may be automatically populated or updated in response to user input in another field, and input and consistency errors may be automatically detected and/or corrected. After a request to build a module is received, one or more source or header output files may be automatically generated using information from the specification file. Automatically generated documentation may also be inserted into the output files, and links may be generated to and from hardware specifications and programmer's manuals.
US08578305B2
A semiconductor device having a tensile and/or compressive strain applied thereto and methods of manufacturing the semiconductor devices and design structure to enhance channel strain. The method includes forming a gate structure for an NFET and a PFET and forming sidewalls on the gate structure for the NFET and the PFET using a same deposition and etching process. The method also includes providing stress materials in the source and drain regions of the NFET and the PFET.
US08578298B2
There is provided a display control apparatus comprising: an input unit configured to designate a position on a display screen; a display control unit configured to control to identifiably display a set region set on the display screen; and a control unit configured to control to, when a trajectory of the designated position after a start of designating the position by the input unit does not satisfy a predetermined condition while the set region is set on the display screen, change a portion occupied by the set region on the display screen in accordance with the trajectory, and when the trajectory satisfies the predetermined condition, set a new set region different from the set region on the display screen in accordance with the trajectory.
US08578290B2
The present invention relates to a system and method for displaying information or a part within a second application, such as a sidebar application. The part can be docked in the sidebar application or undocked from the sidebar application and can send corresponding docking messages in a docking protocol to the sidebar application based on the docking status of the part or the location of the part in relation to the sidebar application. Graphically depicted animations indicate to a user the docking and/or undocking processes.
US08578284B2
A hardness tester includes a monitor capable of displaying a main screen and an assistant screen; a first test location setter setting an indentation formation location on a test specimen for an initial test; and a second test location setter setting an indentation formation location on the test specimen for a retest. The second test location setter judges whether a new indentation formation location is suitable for a test based on a surface image of the test specimen and a setting condition obtained during the initial test, and, in a case where it is judged that the new indentation formation location is unsuitable for a test, sets again a coordinate point different from the coordinate point of the new indentation formation location as another new indentation formation location.
US08578271B2
Systems and methods for nested roadmap information navigation in a graphical user interface (GUI) where a sequence of items is generated and stored in a memory of a computer system. The sequence of items includes at least one compound item. A number of user interface (UI) elements are displayed in a GUI screen, wherein each UI element represents an item of the sequence of items, and wherein the UI elements are ordered according to the sequence of items. The displayed UI elements include a UI element representing a compound item of the sequence of items. The compound item could be selected as a currently active item. The UI element representing the selected compound item can gradually expand to display one or more new UI elements representing component items subordinate to the compound item. The first of the component items is automatically selected as a currently active item.
US08578270B2
A method and module for a mobile terminal that enable A user to freely create an offset clock and reset the time on the offset clock are disclosed. The clock operation method includes: generating a time offset value using a reference time signal from an internal clock and using a time gap value input by a user while at least one offset clock created in advance is in operation on the basis of the reference time signal; creating a new offset clock using the generated time offset value; and displaying the time of the created new offset clock. As a result, the user can operate a plurality of personalized offset clocks, each of which keeps time relative to a reference clock.
US08578265B2
A dynamic document generator system and method provides a web-based visual editor which includes a drag-and-drop mechanism structured to facilitate generation of a markup language version of a dynamic document including data indicative of a dynamic field. The markup language version of the dynamic document is then converted to a stylesheet version of the dynamic document. The stylesheet version of the dynamic document is deployed via a wide area network, wherein a plurality of different users are able to execute the deployed stylesheet version of the dynamic document. When one user executes the dynamic document, the dynamic field takes on one value. When another user executes the dynamic document, the dynamic filed takes on another value.
US08578261B1
In one embodiment, a method is illustrated as including receiving a digital content request relating to digital content accessible using a resource identifier, retrieving the digital content using the resource identifier, converting the digital content into formatted digital content having a file format different from that of the digital content, and compatible to be displayed in a preview frame, and transmitting the formatted digital content. Further, in some embodiments, a method is illustrated as including receiving a search result containing a resource identifier, extracting the resource identifier from the search result, and associating a file format description with the resource identifier, and displaying the search result and the file format description.
US08578241B2
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for data processing. For example, a data processing system is disclosed that includes: a data detector circuit, a low density parity check data decoder circuit, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is operable to: reconstitute a second encoded sub-codeword from a combination of data including the first encoded sub-codeword and the composite sub-codeword; and correct an error in one of the first encoded sub-codeword and the second encoded sub-codeword based at least in part on a combination of the first encoded sub-codeword, the second encoded sub-codeword, and the composite sub-codeword.
US08578235B2
Disclosed is an apparatus having a detector for an iterative LDPC-coded MIMO-OFDM system, where the detector is configured to use a structured irregular LDPC code in conjunction with a belief propagation algorithm. Also disclosed is an apparatus having a detector for a structured irregular LDPC-coded MIMO-OFDM system, where the detector is configured to use an iterative Recursive Least Squares-based data detection and channel estimation technique. Corresponding methods and computer program products are also disclosed.
US08578233B2
A method and device for handling hybrid automatic repeat request (‘HARQ’) operations during transmission mode changes, the method detecting a transmission mode change; and manipulating an HARQ process buffer based on the detecting. Further, a method and network element for handling hybrid automatic repeat request (‘HARQ’) operations during transmission mode changes, the method checking when a user equipment is in a transmission mode uncertainty window; and blocking communications to the user equipment or utilizing a downlink control information format 1A for communications to the user equipment.
US08578230B2
Embodiments disclosed herein address the need in the art for enhanced block acknowledgement. In one embodiment, a receiver indicates a decoding delay for a maximum size aggregate frame in Block Ack negotiation, which may be used by a transmitter to determine to which Block Ack Request a Block Acknowledgement is responsive. In another embodiment, a Transmission Sequence Number (TSN) may be included in a Block Ack Request. The receiver includes the TSN in the corresponding Block Ack response. This allows the transmitter to determine which frames are “in transit.” The TSN may be used to identify blocks. In another embodiment, a TSN may be associated with one or more transmitted frames. While, the TSN is not transmitted with the Block Ack Request, the transmitter may determine which TSN corresponds with a Block Ack response in accordance with acknowledgements contained therein. Combinations of these techniques may be deployed. Various other aspects are also presented.
US08578219B2
A mechanism is provided for monitoring and verifying a clock state of a chip that does not write out clock state information. Responsive to identifying an access to the chip, the access is scanned to identify a chip register and a clock domain that will be accessed. A determination is made as to whether a bit of a clock trust unit associated with the chip register and the clock domain indicates whether to trust a clock state associated with the bit in a logical clock state unit. Responsive to the bit of the clock trust unit indicating that the clock state associated with the bit in the logical clock state unit is trusted, the clock state from the logical clock state unit is identified. Responsive to the clock state matching the clock state required by the access, the access is forwarded to the chip for execution.
US08578210B2
A supporting apparatus includes a configuration-information storage unit having stored therein dependencies among devices in association with a list of the devices. When information about a device where a failure has occurred is input, a dependency among devices including the faulty device is obtained from the configuration-information storage unit. Based on the obtained dependency among devices including the faulty device and information about the faulty device, learning data with the dependency and a cause of failure being associated with each other is created. Then, based on the created learning data, a solution procedure indicative of a procedure for specifying the cause of failure is generated by using, for example, algorithm ID3.
US08578194B2
Embodiments provide improved modes of control of banked data buffer architectures. Embodiments provide modes of control of a central buffer pool (CBP) of a memory management unit (MMU). Embodiments are enabled by a cell free address pool (CFAP) module. The CFAP module may be implemented according to a banked structure. The CFAP module provides CBP/CFAP bank arbitration for selecting enqueue data cells. The CFAP module includes a green mode control module for controlling the power up/down of CBP banks according to expected data traffic through the MMU.
US08578192B2
Some embodiments describe techniques that relate to power efficient, high frequency displays with motion blur mitigation. In one embodiment, the refresh rate of a display device may be dynamically modified, e.g., to reduce power consumption and/or reduce motion blur. Other embodiments are also described.
US08578191B2
In one embodiment, a method includes accessing a first utilization value, accessing a second utilization value, defining a third utilization value, and sending to a first switching portion of a distributed network switch a deactivate signal in response to the third utilization value. The first utilization value is associated with the first switching portion of the distributed network switch. The second utilization value is associated with a second switching portion of the distributed network switch. The third utilization value is associated with the second switching portion of the distributed network switch and is based on the first utilization parameter and the second utilization parameter. The first switching portion of the distributed network switch ceases communication within the distributed network switch in response to the deactivate signal.
US08578190B2
According to one embodiment, an information processor, includes: a storage module which stores a plurality of charging modes associated with a plurality of external devices to be charged when an operating system is not in operation; an input module which receives a charging mode selection request; and a test module which receives the charging mode in the received selection request from the storage module, and tests the charging mode on at least one of the external devices connected to the information processor.
US08578189B2
Methods and apparatuses for dynamically budgeting power usage in a data processing system. In one aspect, a data processing system, includes: one or more first components capable of being dynamically throttled to a plurality of different performance level settings; one or more second components; and one or more power usage sensors. The one or more power usage sensors are to determine information on power usage during a first time period of operation of the data processing system. The one or more first components and the one or more second components may include a computing element to determine one of the performance level settings of the one or more first components of the data processing system for a second time period subsequent to the first time period using the information on the power usage during the first time period.
US08578176B2
A method and system for secure handling of sensitive sets of characters in a distributed hierarchical system are disclosed, comprising at least one local server on a lower hierarchic level and at least one central server at a higher hierarchic level. The method comprises the steps: receiving a sensitive set of characters in said local server; replacing a part of said sensitive set of characters with a token to form a tokenized set of characters, said token belonging to a subset of possible tokens assigned to the local server by the central server; transferring at least one of said sensitive set of characters and said tokenized set of characters to the central server; and canceling said sensitive set of characters from said local server within a limited time from said transferring, while maintaining said tokenized set of characters in a local database connected to said local server.
US08578172B2
One embodiment is an information processing device for obtaining an HMAC, including a padding circuit for generating first key data by adding a first constant with respect to secret key data, setting the secret key data as second key data when the secret key length is equal to the block length, generating third key data by adding the first constant with respect to a first digest value; a hash calculation circuit for obtaining the first digest value; and a control unit for managing a processing state for calculating the HMAC, wherein the hash calculation circuit outputs a first midway progress value when interrupting a calculation process of the first digest value, and resumes the calculation process of the first digest using the first midway progress value when a signal indicating resuming instruction of the calculation process of the first digest value is input to the control unit.
US08578158B2
An information processing apparatus includes a memory that stores command execution right information including execution right information indicating whether a command is executable, and a command determination unit that determines whether an entered command is a target of a command execution determination where it is determined that whether a command is executable based on whether the entered command is invoked by a user command or a system command, and determines whether the entered command is executable with reference to the command execution right information stored in the memory when the entered command is determined as the target of the command execution determination.
US08578151B2
The present invention provides systems and methods for making efficient trust management decisions. A trust management engine is provided that processes requests for system resources, authorizations or certificates, and the identity of one or more root authorities that are ultimately responsible for granting or denying the requests. To determine whether a request should be granted, the trust management engine identifies a set principals from whom authorization may flow, and interprets each of the certificates as a function of the state of one or more of the principals. The processing logic iteratively evaluates the functions represented by the certificates, updates the states of the principals, and repeats this process until a reliable determination can be made as to whether the request should be granted or denied. The certificates may be evaluated until the state of the root authority indicates that the request should be granted, or until further evaluation of the certificates is ineffective in changing the state of the principals.
US08578149B2
A TCP communication scheme which ensures safe communication up to the communication path near a terminal and eliminates direct attacks from hackers, etc. A terminal (A) and terminal (B) are connected to a relay apparatus (X) and relay apparatus (Y), where the terminal (A) and the terminal (B) are the endpoint terminals positioned at the two ends of a TCP communication connection. The relay apparatuses (X, Y) are each connected to a network (NET). The relay apparatuses (X and Y) are provided so as to be between the terminals (A and B) which had been performing conventional TCP communication, and neither of the relay apparatuses (X and Y) have IP addresses. The relay apparatuses (X and Y) take over the TCP connection between the terminal (A) and the terminal (B), divide the connection into three TCP connections, and establish TCP communication.
US08578147B2
A computing device boot-up method begins by a processing module detecting a boot-up of the computing device. The method continues with the processing module addressing a distributed basic input/output system (BIOS) memory to retrieve a plurality of error coded BIOS data slices. The method continues with the processing module reconstructing BIOS data from the plurality of error coded BIOS data slices using an error coding dispersal function. The method continues with the computing device booting up in accordance with the BIOS data.
