US08669978B2
A method for modeling and animating an object trajectory in three-dimensional (3D) space. The trajectory includes at least one course which represents a 3D model mesh. A course includes at least one segment which is a display unit of the 3D model mesh. A segment includes two 3D points. Multiple vertices are generated for a first 3D point of the segment to specify a plane such that a normal vector of the specified plane is parallel to a vector directed from the first 3D point of the segment to a second 3D point of the segment. The generated vertices are added to the 3D model mesh so that the generated vertices can be subsequently displayed as an extension of the 3D model mesh.
US08669976B1
Selecting and verifying textures in image-based three-dimensional modeling, and applications thereof
Embodiments relate to selecting and verifying textures in image-based three-dimensional modeling. In a first embodiment, a computer-implemented method for texturing a three-dimensional model. In the method, a polygon orientation of a polygon defining a face of a three-dimensional model is determined. A first camera orientation corresponding to a camera that took a first photographic image in a set of photographic images is also determined. The first photographic image is unconstrained to the three-dimensional model. The polygon orientation is compared with the first camera orientation to determine whether the first photographic image is directed toward the face of the three-dimensional model. If the first photographic image is directed toward the face of the three-dimensional model, a notification is provided for display to a user indicating that the first photographic image could be texture mapped to the three-dimensional model if the first photographic image is constrained to the three-dimensional model.
US08669974B2
A timing controller adapted to a flat display includes a voltage detecting circuit, a clock generator, a first multiplexer and a second multiplexer. The voltage detecting circuit detects a variation of an operating voltage and thus outputs a reset signal. The clock generator outputs a start signal and a first clock signal. The first multiplexer is controlled by the reset signal and coupled to the start signal and a constant voltage. The second multiplexer is controlled by the reset signal and coupled to the first clock signal and a second clock signal. A frequency of the second clock signal is obviously higher than a frequency of the first clock signal.
US08669971B2
Disclosed herein is a display device including: a switching element configured to be formed for each of pixels; a gate line configured to be connected to the switching element; and a scanning line drive circuit configured to be connected to the gate line.
US08669966B2
Systems and methods for implementing touchscreen displays that utilize a transmitter system to dynamically scan at least one light beam across a surface of interest such that substantially every point in a region above the surface of interest is dynamically scanned by a light beam from two directions, a receiver system to receive and detect the at least one dynamically scanned light beams, and a processor configured to determine locations of contact are provided. The systems and methods may utilize a transmitter system that includes dynamic transmitters, which may be in the form MEMS micromirrors used in conjunction with infrared semiconductor lasers.
US08669963B2
A sensor system includes a touch screen and a force sensor. The touch screen has a first and second surface and detects a first surface touch and converts it to data indicative of an X, Y coordinate position upon the touch screen first surface. The force sensor contacts the touch screen second surface and substantially extends around the perimeter of the touch screen second surface. The force sensor measures the force exerted by the first surface touch in the form of force data.
US08669958B2
A method and apparatus for identifying user gestures to control an interactive display identifies gestures based on a bounding box enclosing points at which a user contacts a touch sensor corresponding with the display surface and permits use of inexpensive and highly reliable grid-based touch sensors that provide a bounding box to describe contact information. In identifying gestures, position, motion, shape, and deformation of the bounding box may be considered. Center, width, height, aspect ratio, length and orientation of the bounding box diagonal may be determined. A stretch factor, defined as the maximum of the ratio of the height of the bounding box to the width of the bounding box and the ratio of the width of the bounding box to the height of the bounding box, may also be computed. Gestures may be identified based on the changes in time of these characteristics and quantities.
US08669957B2
An information processing apparatus accepts an input onto a display screen displayed on a display device. The information processing apparatus determines an input method of a first input using a first time and/or a first trajectory information from a start point to an end point of the accepted first input. The information processing apparatus stores the first trajectory information of the first input in a storage unit for storing therein the trajectory information of an input of which the input method has been determined. The information processing apparatus restores trajectory information of the input that was accepted by accepting, using the first trajectory information stored in the storage unit and trajectory information of a second input if a result of determination with respect to the second input accepted within a predetermined time since the first input is input is different from the input method of the first input.
US08669950B2
A computer-implemented method, for use in conjunction with a portable electronic device with a touch screen display, comprises displaying at least a portion of a structured electronic document on the touch screen display, wherein the structured electronic document comprises a plurality of boxes of content, and detecting a first gesture at a location on the displayed portion of the structured electronic document. A first box in the plurality of boxes at the location of the first gesture is determined. The first box on the touch screen display is enlarged and substantially centered.
US08669943B2
The present disclosure discloses an object position detector. The object position detector comprises a touch sensor formed as a closed loop and having a physical constraint formed on an upper surface of the touch sensor and coextensive with the closed loop. The touch sensor is configured to sense motion of an object proximate to the closed loop. The object position detector also comprises a processor coupled to the touch sensor and is programmed to generate an action in response to the motion on the touch sensor.
US08669940B1
An optical navigation apparatus including a package incorporating a light source and a single die of silicon. The single die of silicon includes a photodiode array configured at the detection plane to receive the speckle pattern of the scattered light from the collection optics, circuitry configured to process signals from the photodiode array to determine changes in position of the apparatus relative to the tracking surface, analog circuitry configured to control and drive current through the light source, interface circuitry configured to communicate position data by outputting the position data via a data interface, a microcontroller comprising a processor core and memory for storing computer-readable code and data, and a system bus configured to communicate instructions and data between the microcontroller and said digital, analog, and interface circuitries. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.
US08669928B2
Display bright in contrast can be obtained without discrination and flicker in the display device of the direct vision type whose pixel pitches are short to 20 μm or less. A liquid crystal panel is driven through the frame inverse driving method, and the vertical frame frequency is set to 120 Hz or more. Also, each of the pixels is arranged to correspond to one of R, G and B of color filters disposed on a TFT substrate side.
US08669925B2
An inexpensive light emitting device capable of displaying a bright image and an electric appliance using the light emitting device. In the light emitting device having a pixel portion and a driver circuit formed on one insulating member, all of semiconductor elements for the pixel portion and the driver circuit are formed by n-channel semiconductor elements, thereby enabling the manufacturing process to be simplified. Each of light-emitting elements provided in the pixel portion emits light in such a direction that most of the light travels away from the insulating member, so that substantially the whole of the pixel-forming segment electrode (corresponding to a cathode of an EL element) is formed as an effective light-emitting area. Therefore, a low-priced light-emitting device capable of displaying a bright image can be obtained.
US08669914B2
A dual-band antenna is disclosed including: a first antenna comprising: a first radiating portion including a plurality of separated radiating strips positioned on a first plane of a circuit board; a second radiating portion including a plurality of separated radiating strips positioned on a second plane of the circuit board; and a plurality of vias for coupling the plurality of radiating strips on the first plane with the plurality of radiating strips on the second plane to form a spiral radiating body; a second antenna having a radiating plane coupled with the first radiating portion or the second radiating portion; a shorting element coupled with the radiating plane and shared by the first and second antennas; and a feeding element coupled with the radiating plane and shared by the first and second antennas; wherein the width of part of the radiating plane gradually increases along a direction.
US08669913B2
A multiple input, multiple output (“MIMO”) antenna system is provided for operation on a radio frequency (“RF”) module that may be used in a wireless access device. The MIMO antenna system includes a plurality of multi-band antenna elements connected to a radio in a MIMO configuration. The multi-band antenna elements and the radio are configured to operate on a RF module. A reflector is formed on the RF module to contain the plurality of multi-band antenna elements and to concentrate signal communication in a sector, the plurality of multi-band antenna elements oriented to provide a sector coverage pattern formed by beam patterns generated by each of the multi-band antenna elements.
US08669910B2
An antenna arrangement for a chip card includes an antenna conductor structure that is formed from a surface conductor. The antenna conductor structure includes a dipole arrangement arranged on a card substrate and that has a first antenna strand and a second antenna strand. The antenna conductor structure includes a terminal arrangement connecting the antenna conductor structure to a chip and for forming a transponder including the antenna conductor structure and the chip. A surface of the card substrate is divided into a grasping zone for handling the chip card and a transponder zone for arranging the transponder in such a manner that the grasping zone extends beyond a center region of the substrate surface and at least one lateral edge of the grasping zone is formed by a lateral edge of the substrate surface.
US08669905B2
The invention relates to a communication device comprising a wireless interface for enabling wireless transmission and/or reception at a predefined wavelength λc to be established. The object of the present invention is to provide an antenna suitable for wireless communication in a portable communication device. The problem is solved in that the communication device comprises a housing having an electrically conductive part, the wireless interface comprising an antenna comprising a first quarter wavelength patch and a ground plane comprising an electrically conductive material, the first quarter wavelength patch being at least partially constituted by said electrically conductive part of the housing. This has the advantage of providing an alternative wireless interface for a communication device. The invention may e.g. be used in portable communication devices with a wireless interface for communication with another device, in particular in a headset or a headphone or an active earplug.
US08669898B2
Provided are a ramp wave generation circuit and a solid-state imaging device in which a pulse output unit includes a delay part including a plurality of delay units that delay and output an input signal, and a delay control part that controls a delay time by which the delay unit delays the signal, and outputs a plurality of signals having logic states corresponding to logic states of signals output by the delay units, a time difference between timings at which the logic states of the respective signals are changed being a time corresponding to the delay time.
US08669896B2
A method of controlling a successive-comparing-register analog-to-digital convertor (SAR ADC) is provided. Based upon the method, the SAR ADC receives a conversion clock that controls a conversion rate of the SAR ADC.
US08669889B2
Provided are a computer program product, system, method, and data structure for using variable length code tables to compress an input data stream to a compressed output data stream. If a number of consecutive data units in the input data stream match the number of consecutive data units in a history buffer of previously received data units in the input data stream, a copy pointer symbol is generated indicating the copy pointer symbol referencing previously received data units in the history buffer and indicating a location of a start of the consecutive data units in the history buffer. A determination is made from a variable length code table of an encoding of the number. Indication is made in the generated copy pointer symbol the determined encoding of the number and the copy pointer symbol is outputted in the compressed output data stream.
US08669885B2
A method and system for adding traffic gadgets to a traffic report is disclosed. A traffic gadget is a dynamic object defined by a relatively small code module that is separate from the main traffic report application code. A programmer develops the traffic gadget's visual functionality and specifies the type of data that the traffic gadget can receive. An artist configures the visible appearance of the traffic gadget for a specific end-user application. The end-user may then select a traffic gadget and add the selected traffic gadget to a visual traffic report. The user may also select data to control the functionality of the traffic gadget during the traffic report.
US08669884B2
Methods and systems are provided for generating an electronic map display. In one implementation, a method is provided for determining a route distance based on information for a route, comparing the route distance with a distance threshold, generating a list of points of interest (POIs) when the route distance is less than the distance threshold, the list of POIs identifying POIs that are located along the route, grouping the POIs into one or more buckets based on location, calculating POI densities of the buckets based on the POIs included in each corresponding bucket, ranking the buckets based on the POI densities, providing POI information associated with the POIs included in the ranked buckets, wherein the POI information is provided based on the ranking of the buckets, and generating an electronic map display with the POI information.
US08669872B1
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags may receive one or more encapsulated commands within the payload of an encapsulating command. An encapsulated command includes at least a command code and an instruction. A tag may store the encapsulated command(s) or the instruction portion of the encapsulated command(s) for later execution. A sequence of encapsulated commands may be contained within one encapsulating command or spread across multiple encapsulating commands. The sequence of encapsulated commands, or the sequence of instructions associated with the encapsulated commands, may form a program. The tag may execute the instructions or program upon receipt, upon a trigger event, serially or in parallel, and/or may modify the instructions or program by adjusting parameters. The tag may later be told by a reader to execute the instructions or program via another command which, in some cases, may be sent prior to tag singulation.
US08669871B2
Methods and systems for passive wireless surface acoustic wave devices for orthogonal frequency coded devices to implement ON-OFF sensors reusing orthogonal frequency code and distinguishing between ON and OFF states using additional PN sequence and on/off switches producing multi-level coding as well as external stimuli for switching and identification of a closure system. An embodiment adds a level of diversity by adding a dibit to each surface acoustic wave devices, thus providing four different possible coding states. The PN on-off coding can be with the dibit for coding in a multi-tag system.
US08669868B2
A method for reteaching a switching circuit is provided. The method includes presenting a target within a sensing range of a sensor of the switching circuit for a pre-determined duration and acquiring an identification code of the target via the sensor. The method also includes comparing the acquired identification code with all stored identification codes of other targets previously used by the switching circuit as a basis for switching and reteaching the switching circuit for switching based on the acquired identification code if the acquired identification code is different from all stored identification codes previously used by the switching circuit as a basis for switching.
US08669863B2
The medical information band is an electronic control unit removably attached to a band that may be worn by a user or attached to a medication bottle. The electronic control unit displays all the information of drugs that the user takes, and provides an electronic alert to remind the user when to take the medication, or when the medication has reached its expiration date. The electronic control unit includes a temperature sensor, and alerts the user when the medication must be moved to a different location with a more appropriate storage temperature. Moreover, the electronic control unit may also display the personal information and the health status of the user.
US08669856B2
A method and system for calibrating a digital speedometer display to match an analog speedometer indicated value. The method generally includes calibrating each analog speedometer unit such that the exact deviation or “offset” from the center point of the analog speedometer is known. This measured deviation is then used to adjust the value input to the digital display thereby making the digital display value match the indicated value of the analog speedometer.
US08669851B2
A radio remote controller precisely transfers user's intended control. A radio communication module transmits control data for controlling a controlled device by radio communications to provide remote control to the controlled device. The radio communication module includes a communication control section, and a communication section. The communication control section creates transmission data by adding repeat information to the control data to be transmitted to the controlled device, with the repeat information being indicative of whether to repeatedly control a function of the controlled device controlled by the control data. The communication section successively outputs the transmission data created by the communication control section via a radio signal.
US08669845B1
A system and method monitor skier behavior. An identifier is read from a lift access product when the lift access product is in the vicinity of a lift boarding area and a scan record containing the identifier, location information of the lift boarding area and a time stamp if generated. The scan record is processed to generate a location event record that is stored within a location database. The location database is processed to determine skier behavior based upon the location event records.
US08669839B2
A laminated inductor includes: a laminate constituted by multiple insulator layers; external electrodes formed on the outside of the laminate; and a coil conductor formed spirally inside the laminate, wherein the coil conductor has leaders that electrically connect to the external electrodes and a coil body other than the leaders, wherein the coil conductor has conductive patterns formed on the insulator layers, and via hole conductors that penetrate through the insulator layers and electrically connect the multiple conductor patterns, wherein all of the conductor patterns constituting the coil body are either a C-shaped pattern or line-shaped pattern, wherein the coil body has a partial structure where two or more C-shaped pattern layers are stacked together successively, and wherein the number of C-shaped patterns in the coil body is greater than that of line-shaped patterns.
US08669835B2
Soft-start systems and methods for vehicle starters are provided. Embodiments provide a solenoid including: a first coil that receives power when an ignition switch is closed; a first plunger actuated when the first coil receives power; a first terminal configured to be abutted by a contact bar of the first plunger; a second coil that receives power when the contact bar of the first plunger abuts the first terminal; a second plunger actuated when the second coil receives power; and a second terminal configured to be abutted by a contact bar of the second plunger. Such a solenoid is configured to provide power at a first level to an attached motor when the contact bar of the first plunger abuts the first terminal and at a second level that is higher than the first level when the contact bar of the second plunger abuts the second terminal.
US08669830B2
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing an increased trace width when traversing a void in another layer in a printed circuit board or package design. By increasing the trace width or alternatively increasing the capacitance, the degradation due to the void can be reduced. This approach works for microstrip, stripline as well as other transmission lines that use a reference plane. The void can be the result of an antipad associated with a via, or any other disruption in an otherwise uniform reference plane.
US08669829B2
A multi-octave power amplifier and related method provides an impedance matching unit configured to match impedances of a pair of balanced radio frequency (RF) signals applied thereto and output a pair of impedance-matched balanced RF signals, a converting unit configured to convert the pair of the impedance-matched balanced RF signals to an unbalanced RF signal and a compensation unit configured to compensate at least one rolled-off frequency component of the unbalanced RF signal and output a compensated RF signal.
US08669825B2
A temperature-compensated oscillator includes a temperature compensation circuit adapted to output a temperature compensation voltage, a voltage-controlled oscillation circuit on which temperature compensation is performed based on the temperature compensation voltage, a switch circuit adapted to perform ON/OFF control on power supply to the temperature compensation circuit, and a sample-and-hold circuit adapted to perform switching control between an ON state of outputting the temperature compensation voltage to the voltage-controlled oscillation circuit while being connected to the temperature compensation circuit and holding the temperature compensation voltage output from the temperature compensation circuit when the power is supplied to the temperature compensation circuit, and an OFF state of outputting the temperature compensation voltage held to the voltage-controlled oscillation circuit while cutting connection to the temperature compensation circuit when the power supply to the temperature compensation circuit is cut.
US08669820B2
An oscillator circuit includes a clock oscillator which outputs a main clock signal having an oscillating frequency switched between a high frequency and a low frequency in response to a frequency selection signal, and a frequency divider circuit which outputs a sub-clock signal having a divided frequency equivalent to a frequency division ratio of the oscillating frequency of the main clock signal, the frequency division ratio being switched in response to the frequency selection signal. The divided frequency of the sub-clock signal is predetermined for each of the high frequency and the low frequency to which the oscillating frequency is switched in response to the frequency selection signal.
US08669816B2
An integrated circuit device includes at least one controllable oscillator including a first control port and at least one further control port, at least one frequency control module including an output arranged to provide a frequency control signal. The at least one controllable oscillator further includes at least one compensation module including an output arranged to provide at least one compensation signal. The at least one compensation module includes an integrator component arranged to receive at an input thereof a signal that is representative of a difference between the indication of the frequency control signal and a reference signal, and to output an integrated difference signal. The at least one compensation module is arranged to generate the at least one compensation signal based at least partly on the integrated difference signal output by the integrator component.
US08669813B2
The present invention relates to a device for neutralization of a signal obtained by transposition to a high frequency of a useful signal supplied by a unit of equipment, the said equipment having a spurious capacitance Cparasite that varies over time. The device comprises a neutralization capacitance Cneut and means with adjustable gain G, together with means for feedback controlling the gain G in such a manner that, continuously, G×Cneut=Cparasite.
US08669797B2
In a phase locked loop, a first frequency divider divides the frequency of an input signal. A low-pass filter receives a frequency-divided signal output from the first frequency divider and having an average phase difference calculated by a calculation unit, cuts off high-frequency components of the received signal, and outputs a resultant signal. A voltage controlled oscillator varies the frequency of a signal to be output based on the signal output from the low-pass filter. A second frequency divider divides the frequency of the signal output from the voltage controlled oscillator. The calculation unit calculates a phase difference between signals individually output from the first frequency divider and the second frequency divider for each phase in one cycle of the signal output from the first frequency divider, and calculates an average phase difference based on the calculated phase differences.
US08669796B2
There is provided a clock generator for generating a modulation waveform which is high in the effect of suppressing a spectrum and making a circuit scale smaller than a modulation system using the Hershey-kiss waveform. More specifically, a modulation waveform generation unit generates a tangent waveform or a tangent+triangular waveform as an SSCG modulation waveform and provides an oscillator with a signal in which the SSCG modulation waveform is combined with the output of a low pass filter of a PLL loop.
US08669794B2
A circuit for detecting a voltage change is described. The circuit includes a supply insensitive pulse generator that generates a pulse signal. The circuit also includes a time-to-digital converter coupled to the supply insensitive pulse generator. The time-to-digital converter generates a digital signal based on the pulse signal and a voltage. The circuit also includes a controller coupled to the time-to-digital converter that detects a voltage change based on the digital signal.
US08669790B2
A control circuit arrangement for pulse-width modulated DC/DC converters includes a phase generator for a complementary driver which provides respective gate signals to a first and second driver transistor in response to a control signal. A clock control circuit receives a clock signal and a pulse-width modulated signal and provides the control signal in response to a signal edge of the pulse-width modulated signal and the clock signal applied thereto. A mode selection input terminal receives a mode selection signal to select a first mode or a second mode of operation. The phase generator provides in the first mode each of the gate signals the control signal and the respective other gate signal. In the second mode of operation, it provides each gate signal in response to the control signal.
US08669787B2
An I/O circuit for use with an industrial controller provides a zero-crossing detector circuit with low power dissipation through the use of a zero-crossing circuit that activates a light emitting diode of a photo coupler only for a very brief period of time at the zero-crossing (as opposed to at all times other than the zero-crossing). The circuit is coupled with a power supply circuit that uses a reactive element for voltage dropping as opposed to a resistive voltage drop element further reducing power consumption possible with the low power consumption of the photo coupler.
US08669784B1
In one embodiment, a method includes generating a first signal based on a clock signal and generating a second signal based on a programmable delayed clock signal. The method then generates a reset signal based on the first signal and the second signal. The clock signal is delayed using an inverter chain to generate a delayed version of the clock signal. An output signal is generated based on the delayed version of the clock signal and the reset signal. When a pulse width of the output signal is greater than a data duration determined from the clock signal, the pulse width of the output signal is reset to the pulse width of the data duration.
US08669781B2
A programmable analog device and an analog device that can retain data even when supply of a power supply potential is interrupted and consumes less power. In a semiconductor device, first to fourth transistors are used as switches in a unit cell including an analog element, and the output of the unit cell switches between a conducting state, a non-conducting state, and a conducting state through the analog element by controlling the potential of a first node where the first transistor and the second transistor are connected and the potential of a second node where the third transistor and the fourth transistor are connected.
US08669779B2
Systems, pipeline stages, and computer readable media for advanced asynchronous pipeline circuits are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a configurable system for constructing asynchronous application specific integrated data pipeline circuits. The system includes multiple modular circuit stages that are connectable with each other using transitional signaling and with other circuit elements to form multi-stage asynchronous application-specific integrated data pipeline circuits for asynchronously passing data through a series of stages based on a behavior implemented by each stage. The modular circuit stages each include sets of logic gates connected to each other for implementing the behaviors, the behaviors including at least one of conditional split, conditional select, conditional join, merge without arbitration, and stage arbitration.
US08669775B2
An apparatus includes a plurality of die areas having integrated circuit (IC) die each having circuit elements for performing a circuit function, and scribe line areas between the die areas. At least one test module is formed in the scribe line areas. The test module includes a reference layout that includes at least one active reference MOS transistor that has a reference spacing value for each of a plurality of context dependent effect parameters, and a plurality of variant layouts. Each variant layout provides at least one active variant MOS transistor that provides a variation with respect to the reference spacing values for at least one of the plurality of context dependent effect parameters.
US08669773B2
This invention concerns a method and devices for calibrating a partial discharge measuring device and for locating faults on cables. In the method, calibration signals, which can include a band-limited white noise, are used with a periodically repeated signal course. By averaging over a predetermined period duration (T) of the calibration signal, it is possible, in the case of a partial discharge measurement, to recalibrate the measuring device continuously during the measurement, and additionally on cables to determine the fault location with great precision.
US08669762B2
Methods and apparatus for detecting an electromagnetic wave are provided. A device for use in an electromagnetic wave detector includes a first device layer having a first contact, a second device layer having a second contact, and a tunnel barrier layer and a resonating magnetic layer formed between the first and second device layers. The resonating magnetic layer produces a spin current responsive to an electromagnetic wave that extends into the first and second device layers. A charge differential present between the first and second contacts is dependent on the spin current.
US08669758B2
A voltage measurement circuit is operative to measure a high voltage AC signal and includes a capacitive divider circuit and a compensator circuit. The capacitive divider circuit includes first and second inputs, across which, in use, is received a high voltage AC signal and also includes second and third capacitors. First and second plates of each of the first, second and third capacitors are defined by conductive layers of a printed circuit board and the dielectric of each of the first, second and third capacitors being defined by a non-conducting part of the printed circuit board. A compensator circuit has a configurable transfer function and includes an input connected across the first and second plates of the third capacitor and an output. The compensator circuit is operative to change a voltage received at its input in accordance with the transfer function and to provide the changed voltage at its output.
US08669750B2
A power conversion circuit and method of formation is provided, which in one embodiment includes a transistor, a driver circuit having an output connected to a control electrode of the transistor and having a bootstrap port configured to be connected to a first terminal of a capacitor; a switch circuit having a first port connected to a current carrying electrode of the transistor and having a ground port connected to a ground, a capacitor port configured to be connected to a second of the capacitor, a first switch configuration in which the capacitor port is connected to the first port, and a second switch configuration in which the capacitor port is connected to the ground port.
US08669744B1
A zero voltage switching (ZVS) technique for use in isolated and non-isolated switching power converters and regulators, e.g. based upon buck, boost, buck-boost, and double-clamped topologies is disclosed. During a reverse energy phase of the converter operating cycle, energy is transferred in reverse from the load or the clamp capacitor to the inductor, allowing the current in the inductor to increase in magnitude with a reverse polarity, building up reverse energy. The reverse energy may be used for charging and discharging parasitic and other circuit capacitances for ZVS. The reverse energy phase is adjusted based upon circuit operating conditions, so that the amount of energy stored in the inductor L at the end of the reverse energy phase is approximately equal to, but preferably no greater than, that required to turn the switches ON at substantially zero voltage. Thus full ZVS may be achieved under a wide variety of operating conditions without incurring unnecessary losses. The reverse energy phase may be adjusted on the fly in response to changing operating conditions, e.g. using feedback control, or a look-up table. Alternatively, the reverse energy phase may be factory or field programmed for operation under specific conditions.
US08669739B2
There are provided an electric charging system, an electric vehicle and an electric charger. Upon charging a battery, power supply lines of an electric charger are connected to the power receiving lines of an electric vehicle 12. The power receiving lines have a relay. The electric charger has a voltage sensor that measures a voltage between the power supply lines. The electric charger has a voltage processing portion that applies filtering to the voltage. Upon charging when charging power is supplied from the electric controller, a filtering process with a stability-oriented first filter is applied to the voltage. Upon a relay failure diagnosis that performs a failure diagnosis of the relay based on a change in the voltage due to opening and closing of the relays, a filtering process with a second filter that has a higher responsiveness is applied to the voltage.
US08669732B2
In one implementation, an encoder assembly for a printer includes: an encoder scale having indicators thereon for determining a printing parameter; an encoder sensor for sensing indicators on the scale; and a mechanism configured to alternately attach an encoder part (either the scale or the sensor) to the substrate and detach the encoder part from the substrate. In another implementation, a method includes: attaching an encoder part to a print substrate, the encoder part being either an encoder scale or an encoder sensor; the sensor sensing indicators on the scale while advancing the substrate with the encoder part attached; and detaching the encoder part from the substrate.
US08669731B2
When failure of an inverter or a coil set of one system of a motor drive apparatus having two systems, is detected, a power supply relay of the failing system is interrupted. At the same time, a control circuit sets a same maximum current limitation value as set before detection of failure. When an IG switch is in an ON-state and a steering toque detection value exceeds a predetermined threshold value thereafter, a vibration component, which has a predetermined amplitude and frequency, is added to a current command value so that a steering wheel is vibrated in a direction of rotation so that a driver is cautioned to notice the failure surely.
US08669706B2
Integrated circuits, control methods, and related lighting systems are provided. One integrated circuit controls the currents flowing through light-emitting-diode chains, each having several light emitting diodes forward-connected between a main cathode and a main anode while all the main anodes are connected to a power node. The integrated circuit has a short detection node, a constant current source, a voltage clamping circuit, and a short-circuit comparator. The short detection node detects the highest cathode voltage of the main cathodes. The constant current source provides a constant current to the short detection node. While the light-emitting-diode chains are unlit, the voltage clamping circuit clamps the short detection node at a predetermined voltage. When the voltage of the short detection node exceeds a threshold voltage, the short-circuit comparator asserts a fault signal, indicating a short circuit of a light emitting diode.
US08669703B2
Various embodiments of methods and systems for designing and constructing displays from multiple light emitting elements are disclosed. Display elements having different light emitting and self-organizing characteristics may be used during display assembly.
US08669697B2
A lighting module includes an array of light emitters, a heat pipe having a flat portion, the array of light emitters being mounted to the flat portion, a liquid inside the heat pipe, the liquid selected to vaporize upon exposure to heat from the array, and a cooling unit thermally coupled to the heat pipe configured to cool the vaporized liquid.
US08669696B1
A field emission electron source array includes a number of field emission electron sources aligned side by side. Each field emission electron source includes a linear carbon nanotube structure, an insulating layer and a conductive ring. The linear carbon nanotube structure has a first end and a second end. The insulating layer is coated on an outer surface of the linear carbon nanotube structure. The first conductive ring includes a first ring face and a second ring face, and the first ring face is coplanar with an end surface of the first end of the linear carbon nanotube structure.
US08669692B2
A power recovery device, including an electroactive polymer membrane; an actuator capable of moving along a first direction non-parallel to the mid-plane of the membrane; a member for converting the motion of the actuator into a stretching of the membrane along at least one second direction of the mid-plane of the membrane; and means for biasing the membrane including an electret.
US08669688B1
A Love wave sensor uses a single-phase unidirectional interdigital transducer (IDT) on a piezoelectric substrate for leaky surface acoustic wave generation. The IDT design minimizes propagation losses, bulk wave interferences, provides a highly linear phase response, and eliminates the need for impedance matching. As an example, a high frequency (˜300-400 MHz) surface acoustic wave (SAW) transducer enables efficient excitation of shear-horizontal waves on 36° Y-cut lithium tantalate (LTO) giving a highly linear phase response (2.8° P-P). The sensor has the ability to detect at the pg/mm2 level and can perform multi-analyte detection in real-time. The sensor can be used for rapid autonomous detection of pathogenic microorganisms and bioagents by field deployable platforms.
US08669683B2
The present invention relates to a stator core including at least two or more stator core-continuous bodies each formed by coupling at least two or more unit cores to each other, each unit core consisting of a tooth portion having a coupling slot and a coupling projection formed along both ends thereof and connected to adjacent unit core by means of a connection portion formed at each of both end portions of the tooth portion, wherein the at least two or more stator core-continuous bodies are fitting-connected to each other by means of the coupling slots formed at one side ends thereof and the coupling projections formed at the other side ends thereof to form the stator core having a round shape.
US08669678B2
A wireless power feeder which performs power feed by a non-contact method to a wireless power receiver having a power receive coil, this wireless power feeder having a power feed coil; and a control circuit having a phase delay device which generates a delayed AC voltage where the phase of the output AC voltage is delayed; a magnetic sensor biased by the delayed AC voltage and detects a magnetic field generated by power receive coil; phase detection circuits which generate phase difference instruction voltages corresponding to a phase difference between an output voltage from the magnetic sensor and a comparison voltage, on the basis of the output voltage and the comparison voltage; and AC current generation circuits which generate the output AC voltage having a frequency based on the phase difference instruction voltage, and generate the AC current having a frequency corresponding to the frequency of the output AC voltage.
US08669674B2
A power supply circuit and a method for operating the power supply circuit are described. In one embodiment, a power supply circuit includes at least one input terminal to receive at least one input voltage, a power element including multiple power element components configured to convert the at least one input voltage to at least one output voltage, multiple regulator controllers configured to control the power element components for the conversion of the at least one input voltage to the at least one output voltage, at least one first switch coupled to the regulator controllers and the power element components, and multiple output terminals to output the at least one output voltage. The at least one first switch is used to configure the power supply circuit to function as either one voltage regulator or multiple independent voltage regulators. Other embodiments are also described.
US08669672B2
A wind turbine which includes a direct drive generator is disclosed. The direct drive generator includes an inner stator arrangement and an outer rotor arrangement and a stationary shaft with a center axis. The stator arrangement is arranged on the outside of the stationary shaft, the rotor arrangement is substantially arranged around the stator arrangement, on the front side at least indirectly supported or arranged on the stationary shaft by a main bearing and on the rear side at least indirectly supported or arranged on the stationary shaft by a support bearing. The main bearing and/or the support bearing is a four-point bearing.
US08669671B2
Pressurized hydraulic flow created in wind farms with wind driven pumps (wind-pumps) used for rated electric power production by means of hydraulic motors, or turbines, of constant speed and variable torque which actuate alternately and/or simultaneously rated electric generators as function of wind power availability. Use of positive displacement pumps driven by rotors of fixed pitch blades for maximum capture of wind power enables the attainment tip-speed-ratio of rotors in the range of high power coefficient by means of the pressurized hydraulic flow of the wind farms. Another application of wind farms with wind driven pumps is for the creation of variable hydraulic flow of fixed pressure as function wind power availability which may be used for water elevation as well as for the desalination of salt water solutions by reverse osmosis.
US08669670B2
A system of dense packaging of turbomachinery in a gas turbine engine by means of close-coupling of components and by the ability to rotate various engine components with respect to other engine components is disclosed. In addition, spool shaft rotational direction may be reversed to suit the application. In multiple engine configurations, the same ability to close-couple and rotate components and to reverse shaft rotational direction in order to rearrange the engine geometry package is used for packaging two or more gas turbine engines to achieve high power density. Dense-packing is possible because of a number of features of the basic engine. These features include: the use of compact centrifugal compressors and radial turbine assemblies; the close coupling of turbomachinery for a dense packaging; the ability to rotate certain key components so as to facilitate ducting and preferred placement of other components; the ability to control spool shaft rotational direction; and operation at high overall pressure ratios.
US08669666B2
An integrated circuit includes a substrate. A surface region of the substrate includes a contact pad region. A passivation layer stack includes at least one passivation layer. The passivation layer stack is formed over the surface region and adjacent to the contact pad region. An upper portion of the passivation layer stack is removed in, in a portion of the passivation layer stack proximate the contact pad region.
US08669655B2
A chip package is provided, the chip package including: a chip including at least one contact pad formed on a chip front side; an encapsulation material at least partially surrounding the chip and covering the at least one contact pad; and at least one electrical interconnect formed through the encapsulation material, wherein the at least one electrical interconnect is configured to electrically redirect the at least one contact pad from a chip package first side at the chip front side to at least one solder structure formed over a chip package second side at a chip back side.
US08669653B2
A semiconductor device includes: a wiring board which includes a first face and a second face and in which a conductor pattern and a through part are provided; an electronic component which includes an electrode pad forming face where an electrode pad is formed and which is housed in the through part so that the electrode pad forming face is provided on the first face side; a seal resin which is provided in the through part and the electrode pad forming face, seals the electronic component and includes a first plane exposing a connection face of the electrode pad; and a wiring pattern which is provided in the first face of the wiring board and the first plane of the seal resin and electrically connects the connection face of the electrode pad with a first connected face of the conductor pattern, and which includes a pad part.
US08669648B2
A driver IC which is operated by a power supply system insulated from a control IC is mounted in the vicinity of a switching element on a first conductor pattern. A second conductor pattern connected to a source terminal or an emitter terminal of the switching element is electrically connected to a third conductor pattern on which the driver IC is mounted. A ground terminal of the driver IC is electrically connected to the third conductor pattern, and a drive terminal of the driver IC is electrically connected to a gate terminal or a base terminal of the switching element.
US08669639B2
A semiconductor element, a manufacturing method thereof and an operating method thereof are provided. The semiconductor element includes a substrate, a first well, a second well, a third well, a fourth well, a bottom layer, a first heavily doping region, a second heavily doping region, a third heavily doping region and a field plane. The first well, the bottom layer and the second well surround the third well for floating the third well and the substrate. The first, the second and the third heavily doping regions are disposed in the first, the second and the third wells respectively. The field plate is disposed above a junction between the first well and the fourth well.
US08669638B2
A high power semiconductor device for operation at powers greater than 5 watts for wireless applications comprises a semiconductor substrate including an active area of the high power semiconductor device, contact regions formed on the semiconductor substrate providing contacts to the active area of the high power semiconductor device, a dielectric layer formed over a part of the semiconductor substrate, a lead for providing an external connection to the high power semiconductor device and an impedance matching network formed on the semiconductor substrate between the active area of the high power semiconductor device and the lead. The impedance matching network includes conductor lines formed on the dielectric layer. The conductor lines are coupled to the contact regions for providing high power connections to the contact regions of the active area, and have a predetermined inductance for impedance matching.
US08669630B2
The detection device includes a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type. A matrix of photodiodes organized along a first organization axis is formed on the substrate. Each photodiode is at least partially formed in the substrate. A peripheral biasing ring is formed around the photodiode matrix. The biasing ring is connected to a bias voltage generator. An electrically conducting contact is connected to the substrate and arranged between two photodiodes on the first organization axis. The distance separating the contact from each of the two photodiodes is equal to the distance separating two adjacent photodiodes along the first organization axis. The contact is connected to the bias voltage generator.
US08669629B2
Some embodiments include photonic systems. The systems may include a silicon-containing waveguide configured to direct light along a path, and a detector proximate the silicon-containing waveguide. The detector may comprise a detector material which has a lower region and an upper region, with the lower region having a higher concentration of defects than the upper region. The detector material may comprise germanium in some embodiments. Some embodiments include methods of forming photonic systems.
US08669619B2
A semiconductor device structure includes a substrate having a transistor thereon; a multi-layer contact etching stop layer (CESL) structure covering the transistor, the multi-layer CESL structure comprising a first CESL and a second CESL; and a dielectric layer on the second CESL. The first CESL is made of a material different from that of the second CESL, and the second CESL is made of a material different from that of the dielectric layer.
US08669618B2
A manufacturing method for semiconductor device having metal gate includes providing a substrate having a first semiconductor device and a second semiconductor device formed thereon, the first semiconductor device having a first gate trench and the second semiconductor device having a second gate trench; sequentially forming a high dielectric constant (high-k) gate dielectric layer and a multiple metal layer on the substrate; forming a first work function metal layer in the first gate trench; performing a first pull back step to remove a portion of the first work function metal layer from the first gate trench; forming a second work function metal layer in the first gate trench and the second gate trench; and performing a second pull back step to remove a portion of the second work function metal layer from the first gate trench and the second gate trench.
US08669615B1
Techniques are provided for gate work function engineering in FIN FET devices using a work function setting material an amount of which is provided proportional to fin pitch. In one aspect, a FIN FET device is provided. The FIN FET device includes a SOI wafer having an oxide layer and a SOI layer over a BOX, and a plurality of fins patterned in the oxide layer and the SOI layer; an interfacial oxide on the fins; and at least one gate stack on the interfacial oxide, the gate stack having (i) a conformal gate dielectric layer present, (ii) a conformal gate metal layer, and (iii) a conformal work function setting material layer. A volume of the conformal gate metal layer and a volume of the conformal work function setting material layer present in the gate stack is proportional to a pitch of the fins.
US08669611B2
A MOS transistor comprises a substrate, a first region formed over the substrate, a second region grown from the first region, a third region of formed in the second region, a first drain/source region formed in the third region, a first gate electrode formed in a first trench, a second drain/source region formed in the second region and on an opposite side of the first trench from the first drain/source region and a second trench coupled between the second drain/source region and the second region, wherein the second trench is of a same depth as the first trench.
US08669607B1
Methods and apparatus for non-volatile memory cells with increased programming efficiency. An apparatus is disclosed that includes a control gate formed over a portion of a floating gate formed over a semiconductor substrate. The control gate includes a source side sidewall spacer adjacent a source region in the semiconductor substrate and a drain side sidewall spacer, the floating gate having an upper surface portion adjacent the source region that is not covered by the control gate; an inter-poly dielectric over the source side sidewall spacer and the upper surface of the floating gate adjacent the source region; and an erase gate formed over the source region and overlying the inter-poly dielectric, and adjacent the source side sidewall of the control gate, the erase gate overlying at least a portion of the upper surface of the floating gate adjacent the source region. Methods for forming the apparatus are provided.
US08669604B2
An electronic device can include a nonvolatile memory cell that includes a capacitor, a tunnel structure, a state transistor, and an access transistor. In an embodiment, the capacitor and tunnel structure can include upper electrodes, wherein the upper electrode of the capacitor has a first conductivity type, and the upper electrode of the tunnel structure includes at least a portion that has a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type. In another embodiment, a process of forming the nonvolatile memory is performed using a single poly process. In a further embodiment, charge carriers can tunnel through a gate dielectric layer of the state transistor during programming and tunnel through a tunnel dielectric of the tunnel transistor during erasing.
US08669601B2
A method for producing a semiconductor device includes the steps of forming first and second pillar-shaped semiconductors on a substrate at the same time so as to have the same height; forming a first semiconductor layer by doping a bottom region of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor with a donor or acceptor impurity to connect the first semiconductor layer to the second pillar-shaped semiconductor; forming a circuit element including an upper semiconductor region formed by doping an upper region of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor with a donor or acceptor impurity; forming a first conductor layer in the second pillar-shaped semiconductor; forming first and second contact holes that are respectively connected to the first and second pillar-shaped semiconductors; and forming a wiring metal layer that is connected to the upper semiconductor region and the first conductor layer through the first and second contact holes, respectively.
US08669599B2
A unit pixel of an image sensor and a photo detector are disclosed. The photo detector of the present invention configured to absorb light can include: a light-absorbing part configured to absorb light by being formed in a floated structure; an oxide film being in contact with one surface of the light-absorbing part; a source being in contact with one side of the other surface of the oxide film and separated from the light-absorbing part with the oxide film therebetween; a drain facing the source so as to be in contact with the other side of the other surface of the oxide film and separated from the light-absorbing part with the oxide film therebetween; and a channel interposed between the source and the drain and configured to form flow of an electric current between the source and the drain.
US08669597B2
An integrated circuit memory device, in one embodiment, includes a substrate having a plurality of bit lines. A first and second inter-level dielectric layer are successively disposed on the substrate. Each of a plurality of source lines and staggered bit line contacts extend through the first inter-level dielectric layer. Each of a plurality of source line vias and a plurality of staggered bit line vias extend through the second inter-level dielectric layer to each respective one of the plurality of source lines and the plurality of staggered bit line contacts. The source lines and staggered bit line contacts that extend through the first inter-level dielectric layer are formed together by a first set of fabrication processes. The source line vias and staggered bit line contacts that extend through the second inter-level dielectric layer are also formed together by a second set of fabrication processes.
US08669596B2
In end portions of first and second gate patterns aligned in parallel relation to each other, and opposite end portions of third and fourth gate patterns aligned in parallel relation to each other, the end portion of the first gate pattern extends to be positioned closer to the third and fourth gate patterns than the end portion of the second gate pattern is, and the opposite end portion of the fourth gate pattern extends to be positioned closer to the first and second gate patterns than the opposite end portion of the third gate pattern is.
US08669593B2
A semiconductor integrated circuit according to the present invention includes an I/O cell, a first PAD connected to the I/O cell, first and second PADs, a package wire which is connected to the first PAD and allows connection between the first PAD and an outside of the semiconductor integrated circuit, and a second package wire which is connected to the second PAD and allows connection between the second PAD and an outside of the semiconductor integrated circuit. A connection point between the first PAD and the fist package wire is located in an area where the I/O cell is placed. A connection point between the second PAD and the second package wire is located outside an area where the I/O cell is placed.
US08669591B2
The present invention describes a transistor based on a Hetero junction FET structure, where the metal gate has been replaced by a stack formed by a highly doped compound semiconductor and an insulating layer in order to achieve enhancement mode operation and at the same time drastically reduce the gate current leakage. The combination of the insulating layer with a highly doped semiconductor allows the tuning of the threshold voltage of the device at the desired value by simply changing the composition of the semiconductor layer forming the gate region and/or its doping allowing a higher degree of freedom. In one of the embodiment, a back-barrier layer and a heavily doped threshold tuning layer are used to suppress Short Channel Effect phenomena and to adjust the threshold voltage of the device at the desired value. The present invention can be realized both with polar and non-polar (or semi-polar) materials.
US08669588B2
A unit cell for use in an imaging system may include an absorber layer of semiconductor material formed on a semiconductor substrate, at least one contact including semiconductor material formed on the semiconductor substrate and electrically coupled to the absorber layer, and a cap layer of semiconductor material formed on the semiconductor substrate and electrically coupled to and formed between the absorber layer and the at least one contact. The absorber layer may be configured to absorb incident photons such that the absorbed photons excite electrons in the absorber layer to generate a photocurrent. The at least one contact may be configured to conduct the photocurrent to one or more electrical components external to the unit cell. The cap layer may be configured to conduct the photocurrent between the absorber layer and the at least one contact.
US08669587B2
A vertical topology light emitting device comprises a support structure, a first adhesion layer, a second adhesion layer, a first metal layer, a second metal layer comprising a portion which directly contacts a GaN-based semiconductor structure, an interface layer, and a contact pad.
US08669584B2
A light emitting device, comprises a LED chip, and a case having an accommodating recession accommodating the LED chip, wherein the light emitting device emits light from an opening portion of the accommodating recession, the case is monolithically formed by injection molding of a resin composition preparing by mixing fine grains of specular reflection material and glass fibers as diffusion reflecting material as fillers therein, an inner surface of a side wall portion of the case works as a reflector that reflects the light emitted from the LED chip so that the light is output from the opening portion, and a thickness of the side wall portion is selected to be smaller than an average length of the glass fibers.
US08669571B2
A light distribution controller of a light-emitting device includes a first optical member formed of ZnO disposed over an LED interposing a transparent adhesive, and a second optical member which covers the first optical member. The first optical member includes a first concave portion having an opening in a regular hexagon shape whose area gradually increases. In the first concave portion, inner wall surfaces having inclined surfaces, each of whose bases is formed by one side of the hexagon of the opening shape, are formed. Outside of the first optical member, outer wall surfaces each having a trapezoidal shape are formed. The second optical member includes a second concave portion arranged so that light at an annular peak in the light distribution characteristic of the light traveled through the first optical member is totally reflected.
US08669570B2
A light emitting assembly (10) includes a plurality of light emitting diodes (28) (L.E.D.s) serially aligned along a mounting surface (14) and a light shield (40) is disposed adjacent each L.E.D. An exterior surface of one light shield (40) is exposed to light emitting from an adjacent light shield (40). A non-reflective film (52) comprising a black color is painted over the exterior surface and a reflective material (54) is disposed over an interior surface of each light shield (40). The light shields (40) comprise sections (44) defined by a triangular shape joining at a ridge (48) and extending upwardly from the mounting surface (14) at an angle to define an opening for emitting light. The light shields (40) are spaced from the L.E.D.s at desired locations and angles to achieve full cutoff light emissions.
US08669565B2
LED devices includes a lead frame having a reflector cup with a round bottom surface and a wall surface having a variable inclination with respect to the bottom surface and defining an opening at an upper end thereof. An LED is mounted on the bottom surface of the reflector cup, and an LED module includes first and second LED device that emit different colors. The first and second LED devices have substantially matched far field patterns in a first and second direction, where a first viewing angle in the first direction is less than about 99°.
US08669552B2
The present invention generally relates to an offset electrode TFT and a method of its manufacture. The offset electrode TFT is a TFT in which one electrode, either the source or the drain, surrounds the other electrode. The gate electrode continues to be below both the source and the drain electrodes. By redesigning the TFT, less voltage is necessary to transfer the voltage from the source to the drain electrode as compared to traditional bottom gate TFTs or top gate TFTs. The offset electrode TFT structure is applicable not only to silicon based TFTs, but also to transparent TFTs that include metal oxides such as zinc oxide or IGZO and metal oxynitrides such as ZnON.
US08669551B2
A transistor according to example embodiments may include a channel layer, a source and a drain respectively contacting ends of the channel layer, a gate electrode separated from the channel layer, a gate insulating layer interposed between the channel layer and the gate electrode, and/or an insertion layer that is formed between the channel layer and the gate insulating layer. The insertion layer may have a work function different from that of the channel layer.
US08669546B2
A nitride group semiconductor light emitting device includes a substrate, n-type and p-type semiconductor layers, and an active region. The n-type and p-type semiconductor layers are formed on or above the substrate. The active region is interposed between the n-type and p-type semiconductor layers. The active region includes barrier layers that are included in a multiquantum well structure, and an end barrier layer that has a thickness greater than the barrier layer, and is arranged closest to the p-type semiconductor layer. The average thickness of the last two barrier layers that are arranged adjacent to the end barrier layer is smaller than the average thickness of the other barrier layers among the thicknesses of the barrier layers that are included in the multiquantum well structure.
US08669540B2
An electrostatic clamp includes a heating block for heating a substrate, the heating block having a first surface disposed toward the substrate and a second surface opposite the first surface. A base is arranged to adjoin at least a portion of the second surface of the heating block. The adjoined base and heating block may mutually define an inner gap between a first portion of the heating block and the base. An outer gap is arranged concentric with the inner gap between a second portion of the heating block and the base, the inner and outer gaps being isolated from one another by a first sealing surface formed between the second surface of the heating block and the base.
US08669538B1
A system for improving ion beam quality is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the system comprises an ion source, having a chamber defined by a plurality of chamber walls; an RF antenna disposed on a first wall of the plurality of chamber walls; a second wall, opposite the first wall, the distance between the first wall and the second wall defining the height of the chamber; an aperture disposed on one of the plurality of chamber walls; a first gas inlet for introducing a first source gas to the chamber; and a second gas inlet for introducing a second source gas, different from the first source gas, to the chamber; wherein a first distance from the first gas inlet to the second wall is less than 35% of the height; and a second distance from the second gas inlet to the first wall is less than 35% of the height.
US08669532B2
A process for evaluating a cleaning solution is described. The process includes: (a) subjecting a solution, including a solute and a solvent, to sonic energy to create a sonicated solution; (b) measuring UV absorption of the sonicated solution to produce a sample UV absorbance spectra; (c) obtaining a reference UV absorbance spectra; (d) scaling the reference UV absorbance spectra to the sample UV absorbance spectra at a lower range of the UV spectrum; (e) subtracting from the reference UV absorbance spectra the sample UV absorbance spectra to produce a differential UV spectra; and (f) evaluating at or near a peak of the sample UV absorbance spectra the differential UV absorbance spectra to determine whether the sonicated solution is activated.
US08669529B2
A radiation detection apparatus includes a scintillator, a photoelectric conversion unit, and a grid for removing scattered radiation. The photoelectric conversion unit includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a two-dimensional array on a substrate. Each pixel is configured to convert visible light output from the scintillator into an electric signal. The grid, the substrate, the photoelectric conversion unit, and the scintillator are disposed in this order from a radiation-incident side of the radiation detection apparatus to an opposite side thereof. In this radiation detection apparatus in which the scintillator is disposed on the side opposite to the radiation-incident side, scattered radiation is effectively removed.
US08669525B2
The disclosure relates to sample inspection using an ion-beam microscope. In some embodiments, the disclosure involves the use of multiple detectors, each of which provides different information about a sample.
US08669519B2
Provided are methods for determining the amount of reverse T3 in a sample using mass spectrometry. The methods generally involve ionizing reverse T3 in a sample and detecting and quantifying the amount of the ion to determine the amount of reverse T3 in the sample.
US08669516B2
The present disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for evaluating an earth formation though a drillstring during tripping of the drillstring, particularly locating an area of circulation loss in a wellbore. The apparatus may include a neutron source and at least one radiation detector, which may be disposed on a logging instrument, configured to be dropped or pumped into a drillstring at the end of drilling. The logging instrument may be configured to make measurements through a homogenous portion of the drillstring while the drillstring is being tripped. The apparatus may include a memory and processor for logging data for later retrieval. The method may include adding a radiation absorbing substance to drilling fluid in the wellbore; exposing the earth formation to neutron radiation; and making a plurality of measurement indicative of radiation measurements of sigma or distinct energy peaks along the wellbore.
US08669513B2
A method is provided of at least partly assembling a light sensor module having at least one light sensing element optically coupled to a further optical element, for receiving light therefrom. The method comprises coupling the at least one light sensing element to an intermediate layer, wherein the intermediate layer is adapted to provide at least a predetermined level of optical coupling between the optical element and the at least one light sensing element when assembled by subsequently coupling, for example as part of a separate method, the intermediate layer to the optical element, with the intermediate layer being arranged between the optical element and the at least one light sensing element. An optical element other than a light sensing element, for example a light source element, can be used in place of the or each light sensing element, with in that case the or each optical element providing light to the further optical element rather than receiving light therefrom. Thus, the method can relate to an optical assembly in general rather than to a light sensor module assembly in particular.
US08669509B1
Described herein are technologies pertaining to computing the solar irradiance distribution on a surface of a receiver in a concentrating solar power system or glint/glare emitted from a reflective entity. A mobile computing device includes at least one camera that captures images of the Sun and the entity of interest, wherein the images have pluralities of pixels having respective pluralities of intensity values. Based upon the intensity values of the pixels in the respective images, the solar irradiance distribution on the surface of the entity or glint/glare corresponding to the entity is computed by the mobile computing device.
US08669501B2
A cooking appliance control system for use during the Jewish Holidays or Sabbath. A timer is in communication with the oven heater element programmed to provide for scheduled activations and deactivations of the element during the Holidays. Prior to the Holiday the timer is programmed, the oven is activated to the predetermined temperature, and the timer program is then activated to provide for activation of the heater element to the predetermined temperature and deactivation in accordance with the schedule during the Holiday. Additionally, a switch selectively activates and deactivates the ignition circuits of the burners. This permits, one of the gas burner heater elements to be lighted by the appliance before the Holiday when the ignition circuits are activated to provide a flame to light the other burners when the ignition circuits are deactivated during the Holiday.
US08669497B2
A thermal processing apparatus and method with predictive temperature correction. Distances are measured from a backside of the wafer relative to a reference plane. Heat is transferred to the backside of the substrate in relation to the measured distances. This allows a baking unit to uniformly heat the substrate to compensate for irregularities or warpage.
US08669476B2
There is provided a transparent conductive film which comprises: a film substrate; a plurality of transparent conductor patterns formed on the film substrate; and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer wherein the transparent conductor patterns are embedded. The plurality of transparent conductor patterns respectively have a two-layer structure wherein a first indium tin oxide layer and a second indium tin oxide layer are laminated on the film substrate in this order, and the first indium tin oxide layer has a greater tin oxide content than the second indium tin oxide layer does. The first indium tin oxide layer has a smaller thickness than the second indium tin oxide layer does.
US08669474B2
A power cable includes at least two power conductors, at least one earth conductor, and a tubular outer jacket surrounding the power conductors and earth conductor. Each power conductor may comprise a conductive core and an insulating layer surrounding said conductive core. The power conductors may be twisted and contact each other. The earth conductor may have a diameter smaller than the power conductors and may be positioned in the interstitial area between two adjacent power conductors and the outer jacket. The earth conductor may contact the two power conductors along two respective contact lines and the outer jacket along an extrados portion facing outward with respect to the cable. The outer jacket may have substantially constant thickness. The lateral surfaces of the earth conductor may be free from constraints between the contact lines with the power conductors and the extrados contacted by the outer jacket.
US08669466B2
Electrical contact to the front side of a photovoltaic cell is provided by an array of conductive through-substrate vias, and optionally, an array of conductive blocks located on the front side of the photovoltaic cell. A dielectric liner provides electrical isolation of each conductive through-substrate via from the semiconductor material of the photovoltaic cell. A dielectric layer on the backside of the photovoltaic cell is patterned to cover a contiguous region including all of the conductive through-substrate vias, while exposing a portion of the backside of the photovoltaic cell. A conductive material layer is deposited on the back surface of the photovoltaic cell, and is patterned to form a first conductive wiring structure that electrically connects the conductive through-substrate vias and a second conductive wiring structure that provides electrical connection to the backside of the photovoltaic cell.
US08669465B2
Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a photovoltaic device. The method comprising: forming a first electrode on a substrate; forming a first unit cell comprising an intrinsic semiconductor layer on the first electrode; forming an intermediate reflector on the first unit cell, and the intermediate reflector comprising a plurality of sub-layers stacked alternately by changing a flow rate of non-silicon based source gas; forming a second unit cell comprising an intrinsic semiconductor layer on the intermediate reflector; and forming a second electrode on the second unit cell.
US08669462B2
Systems, methods, and apparatus by which solar energy may be collected to provide electricity, heat, or a combination of heat and electricity are disclosed herein.
US08669450B2
A protective coating is applied to a bell body composed of bronze by simply dip-coating the bell with an outer layer of zinc. The process is carried out by immersing the bell body in a hot aqueous solution containing sodium hydroxide and powdered free zinc. After the bell is removed from the coating solution it is rinsed and then polished. The coating protects the bell from environmental contaminants without changing the frequency or musical quality of the bell and therefore may be used equally with newly manufactured or refurbished bells.
US08669442B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV129342. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV129342, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV129342 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV129342 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV129342.
US08669441B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH602747. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH602747, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH602747 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH602747.
US08669414B2
The present invention is in the field of plant breeding and disease resistance. More specifically, the invention includes a method for breeding soybean plants containing quantitative trait loci that are associated with resistance to Asian Soybean Rust (ASR), a fungal disease associated with Phakopsora spp. The invention further includes germplasm and the use of germplasm containing quantitative trait loci (QTL) conferring disease resistance for introgression into elite germplasm in a breeding program for resistance to ASR.
US08669413B2
The invention provides methods of detecting MeSMV; methods of screening plants for resistance or susceptibility to MeSMV; and methods of breeding to produce plants that are resistant to MeSMV; and to the resistant plants produced by such methods.
US08669410B2
The present invention relates to fluid-absorbent articles, comprising an upper liquid-pervious layer, a lower liquid-impervious layer, a fluid-absorbent core, wherein the fluid-absorbent core comprises a fibrous material and 10 to 95% by weight of spherical fluid-absorbent polymer particles, and an acquisition distribution layer, wherein the acquisition distribution layer comprises a fibrous material and 0 to 20% by weight of spherical fluid-absorbent polymer particles.
US08669405B2
More stable and valuable bio-oil compositions produced from biomasses are provided. Particularly, various embodiments of the present invention provide for a bio-oil composition that has chemical and physical properties that make it more cost effective and useful as a fuel without having to undergo deoxygenating processes such as hydrotreating.
US08669400B2
A process for the selective production of ethanol by vapor phase reaction of acetic acid over a hydrogenating catalyst composition to form ethanol is disclosed and claimed. In an embodiment of this invention reaction of acetic acid and hydrogen over a platinum and tin supported on silica, graphite, calcium silicate or silica-alumina selectively produces ethanol in a vapor phase at a temperature of about 250° C.
US08669398B2
The invention relates to novel O-dialkylamino-isoureas and polymerizable compositions comprising these O-dialkylamino-isoureas of compounds of the general formula (I). The invention further relates to the use of O-dialkylamino-isoureas as polymerization initiators, especially to prepare coatings or for controlled degradation of polyolefins.
US08669397B2
The present invention generally relates to processes for the chemocatalytic conversion of a glucose source to an adipic acid product. The present invention includes processes for the conversion of glucose to an adipic acid product via glucaric acid or derivatives thereof. The present invention also includes processes comprising catalytic oxidation of glucose to glucaric acid or derivative thereof and processes comprising the catalytic hydrodeoxygenation of glucaric acid or derivatives thereof to an adipic acid product. The present invention also includes products produced from adipic acid product and processes for the production thereof from such adipic acid product.
US08669396B2
The present invention generally relates to processes for recovery of phosphorus values and salt impurities from aqueous waste streams. In particular, the present invention relates to processes for recovery of phosphorus values and salt impurities from aqueous waste streams generated in the manufacture of phospho-herbicides, including N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine and glufosinate.
US08669388B2
Amino group-containing organosilicon compounds containing no or only a small fraction of Si-bonded hydroxyl groups are prepared by preparing an organosilicon compound containing amino groups and Si-bonded hydroxyl groups by equilibration in the presence of an equilibration catalyst, and reacting the resultant product with a cyclic silazane. The products are particularly useful as a monomer or macromere for the preparation of high molecular weight organic polymers containing organosilicon blocks.
US08669386B2
This invention relates to an organic tungsten complex prepared by providing a strongly acidic tungsten precursor having pH≦2.5, and either reacting the tungsten precursor with a nitrogenous base to form a tungsten salt intermediate having a pH ranging from ≧5 to ≦8.5, and further reacting the tungsten salt intermediate with a fatty acid derivative of an alcohol, wherein the fatty acid derivative of an alcohol contains at least one free hydroxyl group; or reacting the tungsten precursor with a fatty acid derivative of an alcohol, wherein the fatty acid derivative of an alcohol contains at least one free hydroxyl group and a nitrogenous base. Further, this invention relates to lubricating compositions containing the inventive tungsten complexes.
US08669383B2
Described herein are single step methods of making various classes of alkylamine derivatives of furan and tetrahydrofuran by simultaneous contact of a sugar with H2, an acid catalyst and hydrogenation catalyst in the presence of an alkylamide solvent. The hydrogenation catalyst is a heterogeneous catalyst comprising a metal selected from the group consisting of Pt, Pd, and nickel. The acid catalysts may be homogeneous mineral acid or a heterogeneous acid catalyst on substrate. In a preferred practice the two catalysts are provided on a common heterogeneous bifunctional support. Using similar combinations of acid and hydrogenation catalysts, there is also described single step methods for making furandimethanol by simultaneously contacting a hexose with the two separate catalysts in the presence of H2 in an aprotic solvent, such as dimethylformamide. With the same catalyst system and similar reaction conditions, 2, 5 furan dialkylethers can also be made in a single step when the solvent includes an ROH alcohol.
US08669374B2
The invention provides a novel class of cyanine dyes that are functionalized with a linker moiety that facilitates their conjugation to other species and substituent groups which increase the water-solubility, and optimize the optical properties of the dyes. Also provided are conjugates of the dyes, methods of using the dyes and their conjugates and kits including the dyes and their conjugates.
US08669372B2
The present invention relates to a new process for preparing dithiine-tetracarboxy-diimides.
US08669370B2
The present invention relates to compounds of the formula I, wherein A, D, E, L, G, R10, R30, R40, R50 and R60 have the meanings indicated in the claims, which are valuable pharmaceutical active compounds. They are inhibitors of the protease cathepsin A, and are useful for the treatment of diseases such as atherosclerosis, heart failure, renal diseases, liver diseases or inflammatory diseases, for example. The invention furthermore relates to processes for the preparation of the compounds of the formula I, their use and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them.
US08669366B2
An improved process for the N-alkylation of tertiary morphinan alkaloid bases to form the corresponding quaternary morphinan alkaloid derivatives.
US08669363B2
The present invention provides oxazine compounds, method of using and method of making oxazine compounds and its pharmaceutical use.
US08669361B2
Pyrazol-4-yl-heterocyclyl-carboxamide compounds of Formula I, including stereoisomers, geometric isomers, tautomers, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein X is a thiazolyl, picolinyl, pyridinyl, or pyrimidinyl, are useful for inhibiting Pim kinase, and for treating disorders such as cancer mediated by Pim kinase. Methods of using compounds of Formula I for in vitro, in situ, and in vivo diagnosis, prevention or treatment of such disorders in mammalian cells, or associated pathological conditions, are disclosed.
US08669356B2
The invention provides a universal linker capable of synthesizing nucleic acid having a phosphate group at the 3′ terminal, a universal support carrying the linker, and a synthesis method of nucleic acid using the universal support. The linker for solid phase synthesis of nucleic acid contains a compound represented by at least one of the following formulae wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification.
US08669353B2
The present invention concerns a process for producing compositions that are rich in secretory IgA (S-IgA) by fractionating milk containing S-IgA. Such compositions may be used in particular for treating and/or preventing infections and/or inflammation of the mucosal surfaces, e.g. the gastro-intestinal tract, urogenital tract, respiratory tract, nasal cavity or oral cavity, treating and/or preventing obesity and related diseases, or treating and/or preventing food allergies in subjects in need of such treatment. Briefly stated, the current invention provides a process for producing milk fractions rich in secretory Immunoglobulin A, using one or more microporous membrane filtration steps. A preferred protocol of the present process involves de-fatting, micro-filtration and ultrafiltration-concentration through a number of diafiltration cycles. The process of the invention, apart from the unexpectedly high yields achievable, offers advantages which are of particular interest in view of the scalability, application in existing diary factories and controllability of process parameters influencing the S-IgA quality and stability.
US08669349B2
This invention relates to chimeric and humanized antibodies that specifically bind the BCR complex, and particularly chimeric and humanized antibodies to the BCR complex. The invention also relates to methods of using the antibodies and compositions comprising them in the diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of diseases such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory disorders, and infectious disease.
US08669343B2
Compounds having a core comprised of an aromatic ring and at least two annulated beta-substituted fused thiophene ring systems of the general formula: -(β-R2—FT2ArFT2-β-R2)—, and polymers or copolymers thereof, of the general formulas: -{-(β-R2—FT2ArFT2-β-R2)-G1-}n-, or -{-G1-(β-R2—FT2ArFT2-β-R2)-G1-G2-}n-, where β-R2—FT2ArFT2-β-R2, -G1-, -G2-, and n are as defined herein. Also disclosed are compositions, articles, or devices comprising the polymers, and methods for making and using the polymers. The compositions, articles, or devices can be used, for example, for electronic applications, such as light emitting devices and semiconductor devices.
US08669341B2
A method for forming a high molecular weight thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer is provided. The method includes melt polymerizing two or more monomers in the presence of a unique aromatic amide oligomer to form a prepolymer, and then solid-state polymerizing the prepolymer to achieve a target molecular weight. The present inventors have discovered that a unique aromatic amide oligomer can be employed to help increase the “low shear” complex viscosity of the resulting solid-state polymerized composition. This allows for the attainment of higher than conventional “low shear” complex viscosity values and/or a substantial reduction in the solid-state polymerization time needed to achieve a target complex viscosity. In addition, the oligomeric flow aid can also accelerate the extent to which the “high shear” melt viscosity is increased during solid-state polymerization, which may also contribute to a substantial reduction in the solid-state polymerization time needed to achieve a certain molecular weight.
US08669340B2
Organopolysiloxanes containing both acidic and basic groups are prepared by reacting oganopolysiloxanes with primary or secondary amino groups with a stoichiometric deficiency of isocyanates containing sulfonyl-group-containing electron withdrawings groups in the presence of acidic or basic moderators.
US08669336B2
The invention relates to a coating composition comprising short chain fluorinated acrylates and to the use of short chain fluorinated acrylates as levelling agents for pigmented and unpigmented coating compositions. The coating composition comprises a) a film forming binder resin, and b) a copolymer made by controlled polymerization or by conventional radical polymerization comprising a monomer (M1x) selected from unsaturated monomers out of the group of (meth)acrylates, styrenic monomers or (meth)acrylamides whereby the copolymer contains at least >30 wt % (meth)acrylates; and a monomer (M2y) selected from C1-C4-fluoralkyl(meth)acrylates; x denotes the total number of monomers M1 within the structural element (M1x): x>5, preferred, 10-1000, most preferred, 10-500; y denotes the total number of monomers M2 within the structural element (M2y): y>1, preferred, 2-20, most preferred 2-10; c) optional other conventional coating components and/or additives.
US08669332B2
A thermoplastic composition that includes a poly(arylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer is prepared by a method that includes oxidatively copolymerizing a monohydric phenol and a hydroxyaryl-terminated polysiloxane. The oxidative polymerization includes a monohydric phenol addition period characterized by a first temperature, a build period following the addition period and characterized by a second temperature greater than the first temperature, and a temperature ramp period between the addition period and the build period. During the temperature ramp period, the temperature is increased at an average rate of about 0.01 to about 0.35° C. per minute, which improves the efficiency with which the hydroxyaryl-terminated polysiloxane is incorporated into the poly(arylene ether)-polysiloxane block copolymer.
US08669325B1
The invention relates to compositions for forming an aesthetic image that is a work or object of art, design or architecture. These compositions generally include a synthetic polymer or a polymer that is transparent or synthetic and translucent, with this polymer present in an amount sufficient to enable the image to have at least one aesthetic or formal element. In different embodiments, the image support medium may be an image support stabilizer, the polymer may be a conductive polymer, a light emitting conductive polymer or a synthetic absorbent polymer, it may be a transparent or synthetic translucent polymer with a property provided or enhanced to facilitate the creation or preservation of the image by at least one stabilizer, or this composition may be a work or art, design or architecture. The invention also relates to a method for preparing the composition and a method for using it to make art, design or architecture.
US08669324B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a binder for inks and for use in producing an inkjet printing ink that has both good ink dischargeability and blend stability. A method for producing a binder for inkjet printing inks, the binder containing a hydrophilic-group-containing urethane resin (A), an acetylene compound (B), and an aqueous medium (C), includes step (1) of allowing Ga polyol (a1) containing a hydrophilic-group-containing polyol to react with a polyisocyanate (a2) in an organic solvent or in the absence of a solvent and feeding the organic solvent as needed to prepare an organic solvent solution [I], step (2) of mixing the organic solvent solution [I] with the acetylene compound (B) and the aqueous medium (C) to prepare a mixture [II], and step (3) of removing the organic solvent contained in the mixture [II].
US08669322B2
The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing an adhesive by extrusion, wherein the adhesive comprises at least one degraded polypropylene(co)polymer and at least one additional additive.
US08669317B2
The present invention provides a rubber composition for a tire containing 1 to 20 parts by weight of nonmetal fibers having an average fiber diameter of 15 to 100 μm and 1 to 30 parts by weight of fillers having at least 2 protrusions in which the length of the protrusion is 0.5 to 3.1-fold of the average fiber diameter of the nonmetal fibers, based on 100 parts by weight of a diene rubber and a pneumatic tire using thereof for a purpose of improving frictional performance on ice.
US08669316B2
Magnetic ion-exchange polymer microspheres and a method for preparing the same are provided. The method for preparing the magnetic ion-exchange polymer microspheres includes swelling the ion-exchange resins and allowing the magnetic nano-particles to enter the interior of the ion-exchange resins. The magnetic ion-exchange resins of the present invention have various functional groups can be introduced onto the surfaces thereof. Therefore, the magnetic ion-exchange resins of the present invention can be applied in many areas, and thereby they have high economic value.
US08669313B2
The invention provides a golf ball material which is a resin mixture composed of (a) an olefin-methacrylic acid copolymer and/or an olefin-methacrylic acid-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester copolymer having a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of from 120,000 to 200,000 and a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) to number-average molecular weight (Mn) ratio of from 4.0 to 7.0, or a metal neutralization product thereof, (b) an olefin-acrylic acid copolymer and/or an olefin-acrylic acid-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester copolymer having a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of from 150,000 to 220,000 and a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) to number-average molecular weight (Mn) ratio of from 5.5 to 8.5, or a metal neutralization product thereof, (c) an organic acid or a metal salt thereof, and (d) a basic inorganic metal compound for neutralizing at least 70 mol % of acid groups in components (a) to (c), which resin mixture has a Shore D hardness of from 30 to 60. The golf ball material of the invention is a low-hardness material. Golf balls in which an injection molding of the golf ball material is used as a cover material have an excellent rebound and durability.
US08669305B2
Disclosed is a polyamideimide-based film coating composition free from any restricted substance or a substance which might possibly be a restricted one such as N-methyl pyrrolidone and N-ethyl pyrrolidone and capable of replacing a conventional coating composition using a solvent such as N-methyl pyrrolidone. The polyamideimide-based film coating composition of the present invention is a polyamideimide-based film coating composition comprising a polyamideimide resin and a solvent, the polyamideimide resin being dissolved as a binder in the solvent, wherein the solvent contains γ-butyrolactone and cyclopentanone, and a volume of γ-butyrolactone is 50% by volume or more compared to a total volume of γ-butyrolactone and cyclopentanone.
US08669304B2
A drag reducing composition comprising a primary polyolefin obtained by polymerizing mono-olefins containing from about 2 to about 30 carbon atoms, and a surfactant having an HLB in the range of 6.5 to 8.5 in an aqueous suspending media.
US08669302B2
Composite material comprising a monomer with a polyalicyclic structure element as a sealing material
The application of certain (preferably photocurable) composite materials comprising a monomer with a polyalicyclic structure element as a dental sealing material is described herein. A description is also provided of novel polymerizable monomers comprising at least one polyalicyclic structure element and certain ethylenic structure elements, which are particularly suitable for use in a composite material to be applied and their application in a composite material.
US08669301B2
The present invention relates to urethane(meth)acrylate resins obtained from the reaction, in a first step, of at least one polyisocyanate (I) with at least one compound (II) containing at least two reactive groups capable to react with isocyanate groups and at least one (meth)acrylate (III) containing essentially one reactive group capable to react with isocyanate groups, and, in a subsequent step, reacting the product obtained from the first step with at least one polyisocyanate (IV) different from the poly-isocyanate (I) used in the first step, and their use for making radiation cured pressure sensitive adhesives.
US08669291B2
Phenyl-substituted cyclohexylamine derivatives and method for their synthesis and characterization are disclosed. Use of these compounds to treat/prevent neurological disorders as well as methods for their synthesis are set forth herein. Exemplary compounds of the invention inhibit reuptake of endogenous monoamines, such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine (e.g., from the synaptic cleft) and modulate one or more monoamine transporter. Pharmaceutical formulations incorporating compounds of the invention are also provided.
US08669287B2
An emulsifying preparation for an oil-soluble component, which is sensorily superior when applied to an aqueous phase, can maintain stability for a long time, and imposes less restriction for formulation or production is provided. The emulsifying preparation of the present invention contains (A) an oil phase component containing an oil-soluble component, (B) an aqueous phase component containing a polyol, and (C) an emulsifier containing polyglycerol fatty acid monoester having an average degree of polymerization of not less than 10, and having an HLB value of not less than 14 and not more than 18 or showing a transmittance of 1 wt % aqueous solution at 600 nm of not less than 80%.
US08669284B2
Disclosed is a method for stabilizing a pharmaceutically active bi-cyclic compound of formula (I): comprising the step of: admixing the same with a polyol and/or a fatty acid ester other than glyceride and a composition obtained by the method. In addition a soft gelatin capsule formulation of the compound of formula (I) obtained by incorporating the compound in a soft gelatin capsule shell comprising gelatin and a polyol plasticizer.
US08669278B2
N-Substituted (6-haloalkylpyridin-3-yl)alkyl sulfoximines are effective at controlling insects.
US08669276B2
The present application describes deuterium-enriched lenalidomide, pharmaceutically acceptable salt forms thereof, and methods of treating using the same.
US08669274B2
The instant invention describes compounds having metalloenzyme modulating activity, and methods of treating diseases, disorders or symptoms thereof mediated by such metalloenzymes.
US08669270B2
The present invention relates to SNS-595 and methods of treating cancer using the same.
US08669268B2
The present application describes deuterium-enriched prasugrel, pharmaceutically acceptable salt forms thereof, and methods of treating using the same.
US08669261B2
Acrylamido derivatives useful as therapeutic agents, particularly for the prevention and/or treatment of diseases and conditions associated with the activity of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), such as the diseases characterized by ischemia/reperfusion, oxidative or degenerative tissue damage, are herein described. These compounds belong to the structural formula (I) wherein R, R′, R″, W and a are as defined in the specification. The invention also relates to the preparation of these compounds, as well as to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them.
US08669258B2
Embodiments of the invention are directed to the treatment of gastroparesis by administering sepiapterin.
US08669257B2
The present invention provides compounds of Formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein each of W, Q, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, m, and n is as defined herein, pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, and methods of using the same.
US08669252B2
Compounds of structural formula I are inhibitors of prolylcarboxypeptidase (PrCP). The compounds of the present invention are useful for the prevention and treatment of conditions related to the enzymatic activity of PrCP such as abnormal metabolism, including obesity; diabetes; metabolic syndrome; obesity related disorders; and diabetes related disorders.
US08669241B2
The ophthalmic composition of the invention comprises (A) lecithin and (B) at least one refrigerant selected from the group consisting of camphor, borneol, eucalyptus oil, and bergamot oil. In the ophthalmic composition, the odor of lecithin is efficiently masked by the refrigerant. The odor of lecithin after aging is also masked by the refrigerant. Since the refrigerant is volatile, the concentration thereof in a composition tends to gradually decrease. It is surprising that the odor of lecithin after aging can nevertheless be masked.
US08669236B2
Novel biotinylated composition comprising a nucleic acid, e.g. siRNA, that are useful for targeting therapeutic and imaging agents to sites of infection and tumors are disclosed.
US08669232B2
The present invention provides a flavonol compound and a bioactive extract/fraction from Ulmus wallichiana useful for the management or prevention or treatment of bone disorders. Said extract/fraction comprising marker compounds of general formula 2, K058: R1═R2═OH K012: R1═R2═OH, 2,3 double bond K068: R1═R2═H KIOOi R1═OH, R2═H mula 2 Wherein the marker compounds K012, K058, K068, K1OO ranges 6.7-12%, 1.7-4.5%, 0.6-1.2%, 1.7-4.5% respectively in alcoholic extract and a process of extraction thereof. According to another aspect of the invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising the said compound. The present invention further provides a method of treating bone disorders by administering the pharmaceutical composition by oral, intravenous, subcutaneous, intra-peritoneal or intramuscular route.
US08669231B2
The invention provides novel peptide prodrugs that contain cleavage sites specifically cleaved by human kallikrein 2 (hK2). These prodrugs are useful for substantially inhibiting the non-specific toxicity of a variety of therapeutic drugs. Upon cleavage of the prodrug by hK2, the therapeutic drugs are activated and exert their toxicity. Methods for treating cell proliferative disorders are also featured in the invention.
US08669230B2
The present invention relates to peptides, nucleic acids and cells for use in immunotherapeutic methods. In particular, the present invention relates to the immunotherapy of cancer. The present invention furthermore relates to tumor-associated T-helper cell peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumor-associated peptides that serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions which stimulate anti-tumor immune responses. The present invention relates to novel peptide sequences and their variants derived from HLA class I and class II molecules of human tumor cells which can be used in vaccine compositions for eliciting anti-tumor immune responses.
US08669224B2
The present invention relates to compositions including threshold agents, and methods of use thereof. The threshold agents can include hydroxycarboxylate compounds present at an amount sufficient to control water hardness. The threshold agents are present in the wash solution at a molar amount less than the molar amount of water hardness ions present.
US08669216B2
The present invention relates to concentrated hard surface treatment compositions which are primarily intended to be dispersed in a larger volume or quantity of water prior to use by a consumer, in order to produce a ready to use type composition.
US08669212B2
The present invention relates to fluids useful for subterranean operations, and more particularly, to fluorosurfactants useful for the reduction of water blocks, gas blocks, and/or gas condensates and their associated treatment fluids and methods. Provided is a method of treating a subterranean formation. The method may comprise contacting the subterranean formation with a fluorosurfactant. The fluorosurfactant may comprise an amine group, wherein the amine group comprises at least one substituent selected from the group consisting of a fluoroalkyl group, a fluoroalkenyl group, and combinations thereof, wherein the at least one substituent comprises about 3 carbons to about 22 carbons. Also provided are polymeric surfactants and treatment fluids that comprise fluorosurfactants.
US08669203B2
Compositions and methods for producing a manufactured product, a method for making a liquid absorbent, and processes for disposal of flammable liquids with a flue gas desulfurization by-product. The compositions for the manufactured products combine a binder and the by-product. The composition contains a greater percentage by weight of the by-product than the binder. The methods for producing manufactured products include dewatering the gypsum-depleted waste stream to reduce a water content, and forming the manufactured product. The method for making a liquid absorbent includes dewatering, granulating, drying, heating, and packaging a granulated gypsum-depleted composition as the liquid absorbent. The processes for disposal of flammable liquids include distributing a by-product into contact with flammable liquid, absorbing the liquid, transporting, and igniting the flammable liquid. The artificial soils are a combination of by-product and animal waste.
US08669200B2
A hollow fibre containing one or more layers having a mean pore size in one or more of said layers of less than 100μm. The invention also extends to a method for preparing porous hollow fibres and to the apparatus for preparing said fibres.
US08669197B2
A grey glass composition employing in its colorant portion at least iron (Fe2O3/FeO), cobalt and selenium is provided. The glass allows high visible transmission, and good IR absorption, while at the same time achieving desired grey color. In certain example embodiments, the colorant portion includes, or may consist essentially of: total iron (expressed as Fe2O3)0.20 to 0.35% selenium0.0002 to 0.0020% cobalt oxide0.0025 to 0.0060% titanium oxide0 to 1.0% glass redox:<=.27; or 0.10 to 0.25.
US08669194B2
An air bag formed from a one piece woven air bag material having warp threads (10) and weft threads (20) composed of different polymeric fibers. The air bag in accordance with this invention is inexpensive to fabricate without compromises on strength by providing the weft threads (20) and the warp threads (10) have the same thread linear density.
US08669192B2
First and second vapor deposition particles (91a, 91b) discharged from first and second vapor deposition source openings (61a, 61b) pass through first and second limiting openings (82a, 82b) of a limiting plate unit (80), pass through mask opening (71) of a vapor deposition mask (70) and adhere to a substrate (10) so as to form a coating film. If regions on the substrate to which the first vapor deposition particles and the second vapor deposition particles adhere if the vapor deposition mask is assumed not to exist are respectively denoted by a first region (92a) and a second region (92b), the limiting plate unit limits the directionalities of the first vapor deposition particles and the second vapor deposition particles in a first direction (10a) that travel to the substrate such that the second region is contained within the first region. Accordingly, it is possible to form a light emitting layer with a doping method by using vapor deposition by color.
US08669186B2
In one example, the method includes forming a hard mask layer above a semiconducting substrate, forming a patterned spacer mask layer above the hard mask layer, wherein the patterned spacer mask layer is comprised of a plurality of first spacers, second spacers and third spacers, and performing a first etching process on the hard mask layer through the patterned spacer mask layer to define a patterned hard mask layer. The method also includes performing a second etching process through the patterned hard mask layer to define a plurality of first fins, second fins and third fins in the substrate, wherein the first fins have a width that corresponds approximately to a width of the first spacers, the second fins have a width that corresponds approximately to a width of the second spacers, and the third fins have a width that corresponds approximately to a width of the third spacers.
US08669182B2
An interconnect structure is provided that has enhanced electromigration reliability without degrading circuit short yield, and improved technology extendibility. The inventive interconnect structure includes a dielectric material having a dielectric constant of about 3.0 or less. The dielectric material has at least one conductive material embedded therein. A noble metal cap is located directly on an upper surface of the at least one conductive region. The noble metal cap does not substantially extend onto an upper surface of the dielectric material that is adjacent to the at least one conductive region, and the noble cap material does not be deposited on the dielectric surface. A method fabricating such an interconnect structure utilizing a low temperature (about 300° C. or less) chemical deposition process is also provided.
US08669178B2
A semiconductor device has a through electrode formed in a through hole which penetrates a Si substrate from one surface to the other surface of the Si substrate, wherein a rectangular electrode pad is provided on the other surface with an insulation film laid between the electrode pad and the other surface, an opening of the through hole on the one surface side is circular, an opening of the through hole on the other surface side is rectangular, and the area of the opening on the other surface side is made smaller than the area of the opening on the one surface side.
US08669166B1
One illustrative method disclosed herein includes forming a plurality of die above a crystalline semiconducting substrate, irradiating and cooling an edge region of the substrate to form an amorphous region in the edge region of the substrate and, after forming the amorphous region, performing at least one process operation to reduce the thickness of the substrate.
US08669165B2
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device is disclosed, the method generally including the steps of: forming a gate dielectric layer on a semiconductor substrate; forming a gate electrode on the gate dielectric layer; forming an etch stop layer on the gate electrode; forming a capacitor on the semiconductor substrate adjacent to the gate electrode; after forming the capacitor, forming a contact hole passing through the etch stop layer on the gate electrode; and, diffusing deuterium into the gate dielectric layer through the contact hole.
US08669161B2
A device and method employing a polyoxide-based charge trapping component. A charge trapping component is patterned by etching a layered stack that includes a tunneling layer positioned on a substrate, a charge trapping layer positioned on the tunneling layer, and an amorphous silicon layer positioned on the charge trapping layer. An oxidation process grows a gate oxide layer from the substrate and converts the amorphous silicon layer into a polyoxide layer.
US08669153B2
A method is provided that includes providing a substrate; forming a transistor in the substrate, the transistor having a dummy gate; forming a dielectric layer over the substrate and transistor; forming a contact feature in the dielectric layer; and after forming the contact feature, replacing the dummy gate of the transistor with a metal gate. An exemplary contact feature is a dual contact.
US08669147B2
Disclosed herein are various methods of forming high mobility fin channels on three dimensional semiconductor devices, such as, for example, FinFET semiconductor devices. In one example, the method includes forming a plurality of spaced-apart trenches in a semiconducting substrate, wherein the trenches define an original fin structure for the device, and wherein a portion of a mask layer is positioned above the original fin structure, forming a compressively-stressed material in the trenches and adjacent the portion of mask layer, after forming the compressively-stressed material, removing the portion of the mask layer to thereby expose an upper surface of the original fin structure, and forming a final fin structure above the exposed surface of the original fin structure.
US08669138B2
A substrate and a semiconductor chip are connected by means of flip-chip interconnection. Around connecting pads of the substrate and input/output terminals of the semiconductor chip, an underfill material is injected. The underfill material is a composite material of filler and resin. Also, a first main surface of the substrate, which is not covered with the underfill material, and the side surfaces of the semiconductor chip are encapsulated with a molding material. The molding material is a composite material of filler and resin. An integrated body of the substrate and the semiconductor chip, which are covered with the molding material, is thinned from above and below.
US08669131B1
Gas sensor materials and methods are disclosed for preparing and using the same to produce gas sensor structures. Also disclosed are gas sensor structures and systems that employ these disclosed materials. A gas sense-enhancing metal such as platinum may be added to a gas sensitive metal oxide material in a manner that more highly disperses the added platinum than conventional methods so as to more effectively utilize the platinum at a lower concentration, thus achieving a more cost effective solution. An ink vehicle may also be used for deposition of a gas sensitive material (e.g. on the surface of integrated circuit) that is formulated to allow “burn-out” of ink vehicle components at relatively low temperatures as compared to conventional ink vehicles.
US08669130B2
A fringe field switching (FFS) liquid crystal display (LCD) device which uses an organic insulating layer and consumes less power, in which film quality of an upper layer of a low temperature protective film is changed to improve undercut within a pad portion contact hole, and a method for fabricating the same is provided.
US08669123B2
In a method of determining the distance (d) between an integrated circuit (1) and a substrate (2) emitted light enters the at least semi transparent substrate (2), passes through the substrate (2) and an at least semi transparent material (8), is reflected by the integrated circuit (1), passes again through the material (8) and the substrate (2), and leaves the substrate (2). The at least semi transparent material (8), particularly is an at least semi transparent adhesive, provided between the substrate (2) and the integrated circuit (1). The distance (d) between the substrate (2) and the integrated circuit (1) is determined by evaluating the intensities of the light leaving and entering the substrate (2), particularly by evaluating the ratio between the intensities of the light leaving and entering the substrate (2).
US08669122B2
According to this method for producing a magnetic tunnel junction, a film of a dielectric material capable of acting as a tunnel barrier is deposited between two nanocrystalline or amorphous magnetic films. The dielectric material constituting the tunnel barrier consists of an at least partially crystalline perovskite, and said material is deposited by ion beam sputtering in a vacuum chamber.
US08669120B2
A high capacity solid phase for bioaffinity assays and other solid phase applications prepared by coating a solid support with an analyte-specific biomolecule in the presence of a zwitterionic additive is described. Structures prepared according to the invention provide high capacity solid phases with enhanced binding properties, which are advantageous for any solid phase based assay.
US08669117B2
Optimized enzymatic conditions incorporate a single oxygen atom into digested peptides using a peptidase. The incorporation of a single oxygen atom is especially useful for proteolytic 18O labeling in comparative proteomics. The optimized proteolytic 18O labeling minimizes the generation of a mixture of isotopic isoforms of the peptides resulting from incorporation of either one or two 18O atoms. The outcome is accurate quantification of isotopically labeled peptides.
US08669111B2
The present invention provides reagents and methods for limiting adsorptive and/or oxidative protein losses in a sample.
US08669099B2
Bioreactors are provided that include a vessel and a jet mixer disposed in the vessel. Methods that utilize the bioreactors are provided, involving placing a microorganism or cells and a fluid medium in the bioreactor.
US08669095B2
The present invention provides a biological H2S removal system for the treatment of process gas, comprising: a housing that receives a process gas stream through a gas inlet, the housing comprising a plurality of layers through which the process gas stream flows while it is treated for H2S removal, and a gas outlet through which a treated gas stream exits; wherein air is added to the process gas stream prior to the process gas stream entering the housing.
US08669091B2
A Escherichia, Salmonella, Yersinia, Vibrio, Listeria, Shigella, or Pseudomonas bacterium that has the following components: (I) a polynucleotide encoding a heterologous antigenic determinant that induces a CTL response against a tumor cell; (II) a polynucleotide encoding a heterologous protein toxin or toxin subunit; and (III) (a) a polynucleotide encoding a transport system that expresses the products of (I) and (II) on the outer surface of the bacterium or that secretes products of (I) and (II) from the bacterium; and (IV) a polynucleotide that activates the expression of one or more of (I). (II), and/Or (III) in the bacterium wherein polynucleotides (I), (II), (III) and (IV) are different from each other and polynucleotides (I), (II) and (III) encode proteins that are different from each other.
US08669089B2
The present invention notably relates to ulvan lyases, to nucleic acid sequences coding for these ulvan lyases, to vectors comprising these coding sequences, to a method of manufacturing these ulvan lyases, as well as to a method of degrading ulvans using these ulvan lyases and applicable applications to the degradation products of the ulvans. The ulvan lyases of the present invention, or ulvanolytic protein, are notably defined as proteins of 30 or 46 kD comprising the following four sequences in their peptide sequence: PNDPNLK, LLEVGNTGTFGSTGS, DLANPDNV and WNLPE.
US08669085B2
The present invention provides a sonoporation-based method that can be universally applied for delivery of compounds into Gram positive bacteria. Gram positive bacteria which can be transformed by sonoporation include, for example, Bacillus, Streptococcus, Acetobacterium, and Clostridium. Compounds which can be delivered into Gram positive bacteria via sonoporation include nucleic acids (DNA or RNA), proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, viruses, small organic and inorganic molecules, and nano-particles.
US08669080B2
A D-aminotransferase can be modified so as to efficiently produce (2R,4R)-monatin having high sweetness intensity from 4-(indol-3-ylmethyl)-4-hydroxy-2-oxoglutaric acid by mutating the amino acid sequence of a wild-type D-aminotransferase represented in SEQ ID NO:4.
US08669068B2
A method for determining pectin content in a plant sample includes: 1) adding an acidic alcohol solution to the plant sample, heating in a water bath and filtration; 2) soaking residue from step 1 with an acidic solution, heating in a water bath, a second filtration, bringing to volume after cooling and obtaining filtrate; 3) adding an acetic acid/sodium acetate buffer solution to residue of step 2, adding a pectinase solution, heating under vibration in a water bath, and a third filtration to obtain a filtrate; 4) adding an acetic acid/sodium acetate buffer solution and a pectinase solution to filtrate from step 2, heating the mixture under vibration in a water bath to obtain an enzymatic hydrolysate, adding filtrate obtained in step 3 to the enzymatic hydrolysate, bringing to volume, and obtaining a test solution; 5) drawing the test solution into a continuous flow analyzer to perform analysis.
US08669064B2
The presently disclosed subject matter relates to processes that comprise the vacuum extrusion of plant materials. In some embodiments, the plant materials are subjected to a change in pressure of −3 kPa or more. The vacuum extrusion can be used to break open the cell walls of the plant material and of any undesirable micro-organisms associated with the plant material. In some embodiments, the vacuum extrusion can be used as a step in a process for producing ethanol from plant materials, such as from sugar beets. In some embodiments, the vacuum extrusion can be used in a process for providing a desired plant cell-derived molecule, such as a sugar or starch.
US08669059B2
The present invention provides a method and compositions for high throughput screening of genetically modified photosynthetic organisms for plasmic state. The present invention provides methods of producing one or more proteins, including biomass degrading enzymes in a plant. Also provided are the methods of producing biomass degradation pathways in alga cells, particularly in the chloroplast. Single enzymes or multiple enzymes may be produced by the methods disclosed. The methods disclosed herein allow for the production of biofuel, including ethanol.
US08669057B2
The present invention relates to compositions, kits, and methods for molecular profiling and cancer diagnostics, including but not limited to genomic DNA markers associated with cancer. In particular, the present invention provides molecular profiles associated with thyroid cancer, methods of determining molecular profiles, and methods of analyzing results to provide a diagnosis.
US08669051B2
This invention relates to the field of biotechnology or genetic engineering. Specifically, this invention relates to the field of gene expression. More specifically, this invention relates to novel substitution mutant receptors and their use in a Group H nuclear receptor-based inducible gene expression system and methods of modulating the expression of a gene in a host cell for applications such as gene therapy, large scale production of proteins and antibodies, cell-based high throughput screening assays, functional genomics and regulation of traits in transgenic organisms.
US08669049B1
The invention relates to extracorporeal methods of analyzing the presence or absence of mutations which cause familial hypercholesterolemia. The inventive methods describe the way in which said mutations can be detected using a DNA sample from an individual and comprising the following: chain reaction of the polymerase with primers which are complementary to the low-density lipoprotein receptor gene; analysis of the amplified product by sequencing; restriction analysis; single strand conformation polymorphism techniques; heteroduplex analysis and analysis of a device on top of a biochip glass support on which oligonucleotide probes are disposed, which can be used to detect the aforementioned mutations in the DNA.
US08669048B2
Methods of generating cell lines with a sequence variation or copy number variation of a gene of interest, methods of use thereof, and cell lines with a sequence variation or copy number variation of a gene of interest are provided.
US08669041B2
A method of making a relief image printing element having a relief pattern comprising a plurality of relief dots, wherein the photocurable printing blank comprises a backing layer having at least one photocurable layer disposed thereon and a masking layer on the at least one photocurable layer is provided. The method comprising the steps of: a) selectively ablating the masking layer to create an overall image in the masking layer, such that the overall image comprises a sub-image, comprising a pattern of cells, in it; b) applying an oxygen barrier layer on top of the masking layer; c) exposing the printing element to actinic radiation through the oxygen barrier layer and the masking layer; and d) developing the printing blank by removing the barrier layer and the uncured portions of the photocurable layer to reveal the relief image.
US08669039B2
A mixture of an elastomer, carbon black, and inorganic fillers provides a highly useful laser-ablatable flexographic printing plate precursor formulation. This formulation is sensitive to infrared radiation. Both flexographic printing plates and printing sleeves can be made using the mixture.
US08669027B2
The present invention is an electrophotographic photosensitive member including a charge-transporting layer as the surface layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member having a matrix-domain structure including: a matrix including a component β (at least one resin of a polycarbonate resin C having a specific repeating structural unit and a polyester resin D having a specific repeating structural unit), and γ (charge-transporting substance having a specific structure); and a domain including a component α (polycarbonate resin A having a repeating structural unit containing a specific siloxane moiety).
US08669022B2
A photomask includes a transparent substrate for passage of an exposure light, and a plurality of photomask pattern units formed on a surface of the transparent substrate. Each of the photomask pattern units includes a first light-blocking layer connected to the surface of the transparent substrate, and a second light-blocking layer formed on a surface of the first light-blocking layer opposite to the transparent substrate. The first and second light-blocking layers block the exposure light, or permit passage of light energy lower than threshold energy of photoresist on the substrate.
US08669020B2
A membrane electrode assembly including an anode that incorporates a porous support and a hydrogen permeable metal thin film disposed on the porous support; a cathode; and a proton conductive solid oxide electrolyte membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode.
US08669019B2
A water vapor transfer device for a fuel cell includes a pair of diffusion medium layers, a pair of edge strips, an array of elongate cords, and a pair of polymer membranes. One of the edge strips is disposed between the first edges of the diffusion medium layers. Another of the edge strips is disposed adjacent the second edge of each of the diffusion medium layers. The edge strips are bonded to each of the diffusion medium layers with a hot-melt adhesive. The elongate cords are disposed between the diffusion medium layers and intermediate the edge strips. The elongate cords are bonded to each of the diffusion medium layers with a hot-melt adhesive and define a plurality of flow channels between the diffusion medium layers. The polymer membranes are bonded to the diffusion medium layers adjacent the edge strips with the hot-melt adhesive from the edge strips.
US08669015B2
A solid-state fuel cell includes: an anode; an anode side chemical electrolyte protection layer disposed on the anode; a hydrogen ion conductive solid oxide film disposed on the anode side chemical electrolyte protection layer; a cathode side chemical electrolyte protection layer disposed on the hydrogen ion conductive solid oxide film; and a cathode disposed on the cathode side chemical electrolyte protection layer.
US08669001B2
A device for joining and storing energy storage cells having a flexible envelope and which are arranged in a rigid housing having a window opening on a planar side thereof and two openings for the metallic current leads of the energy storage cell.The device includes a sheet metal frame in which the energy storage cells are inserted and in which a heat sink is arranged.
US08668999B2
A lithium primary battery 10 includes an electrode group in which a positive electrode 1 having iron disulfide as a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode 2 having lithium as a negative electrode active material are wound, with a separator 3 interposed between the positive electrode 1 and the negative electrode, wherein a density of the iron disulfide in a positive electrode mixture containing the positive electrode active material is in a range of 2.2-2.9 g/cm3, and the separator 3 is made of a non-woven fabric whose tensile strength is in a range of 6-30 N/mm2.
US08668997B2
A method is provided for mitigating hydrogen evolution within a flow battery system that includes a plurality of flow battery cells, a power converter and an electrochemical cell. The method includes providing hydrogen generated by the hydrogen evolution within the flow battery system to the electrochemical cell. A first electrical current generated by an electrochemical reaction between the hydrogen and a reactant is sensed, and the sensed current is used to control an exchange of electrical power between the flow battery cells and the power converter.
US08668995B2
A compound of the formula (1), lubricant containing the compound and magnetic disk C6H4—(O—Z—R—X)2 (1) wherein Z is —CH2CH2O— or —CH2CH(OH)CH2O—, R is —CH2CF2CF2CF2O(CF2CF2CF2CF2O)nCF2CF2CF2CH2—, n is a real number of 0 to 20, X is —OH, —O(CH2)mOH, —OCH2CH(OH)CH2OH, —OCH2CH(OH)CH2O—C6H5 or —OCH2CH(OH)CH2O—C6H4—OCH3, m is an integer of 1 to 6.
US08668993B2
Disclosed is an aluminum alloy clad material which includes a core material; a sacrificial anode material on one surface of the core material; and a filler material on the other surface of the core material and composed of an Al—Si alloy, in which the core material contains 0.3 to 2.0 percent by mass of Mn, 0.15 to 1.6 percent by mass of Si, 0.1 to 1.0 percent by mass of Cu, and 0.1 to 1.0 percent by mass of Mg, with the remainder including Al and inevitable impurities, the sacrificial anode material contains 7.0 to 12.0 percent by mass of Zn, 0.3 to 1.8 percent by mass of Mn, and 0.3 to 1.2 percent by mass of Si, with the remainder including Al and inevitable impurities, and has a thickness of 10 to 30 μm. The sacrificial anode material shows resistance to both local corrosion and general corrosion.
US08668990B2
A coated article includes a heat treatable (e.g., temperable) antireflection (AR) coating having four layers. The AR coating includes a layer adjacent the glass substrate having an index of refraction substantially matching that of the glass substrate, and having a compressive residual stress. In certain example embodiments, the coating may include the following layers from the glass substrate outwardly: stress-reducing layer/medium index layer/high index layer/low index layer. In certain example embodiments, depending on the chemical and optical properties of the high index layer and the substrate, the stress-reducing layer of the AR coating is selected to cause a net compressive residual stress and thus improve the overall performance of the antireflection coating when the coated article is heat treated.
US08668989B2
A sliding window assembly for a vehicle includes a frameless fixed portion having first and second glass window portions and includes a sliding portion having a glass window panel. The sliding window assembly is a horizontal sliding window assembly and is configured for mounting at an opening of a bodywork of the vehicle. Upper and lower track members are adhesively attached at the rear surface of the first and second fixed glass window portions and no portion of the upper and lower track members is in contact with the front surface of the first and second fixed glass window portions. A glide member is longitudinally movable along the lower track member to facilitate movement of the glass window panel between its opened and closed positions. The fixed portion is adhesively bonded to the bodywork at a frameless periphery of the fixed portion that faces the interior of the vehicle.
US08668986B2
The present invention relates to aromatic aldimines, which are based on primary aromatic polyamines, which are solid at room temperature and liquid at room temperature and which have the lowest possible viscosity, hydrolyze with little odor, and can be used as blocked amines in curable compositions, in particular in compositions having one-component and two-component isocyanate groups. Said compositions have a relatively long open time, but cure surprisingly rapidly, said curing occurring without strong odor formation and without bubbling. In addition, the compositions have outstanding mechanical properties after curing, in particular high strength with high ductility, and good resistance to heat and moisture.
US08668981B2
Shape memory polymer compositions and methods of using those compositions to make products are provided. The compositions include a thermoplastic polymer and a high thermal stability free radical source, and they are extruded together to form the final shape memory product.
US08668973B2
A three-part laminated surface construction can be shaped and molded by hand and will retain that shape until the particular need is met, such as controlling the flow of liquids and resins, or establishing a protective cover. The surface construction includes a center layer of pliable hand-moldable sheet with pliable sheet outer layers secured over the hand-moldable sheet. The perimeter of the pliable outer layers are secured together. The pliable hand-moldable sheet can be provided with diagonal slots to form quadrants for folding around and protection from sharp objects. In one form cloth inserted rubber material is used for the outer layers. In one form, a strap with loop and hook fastener is provided to aid in securing the protective cover in place.
US08668969B2
Heat shrinkable, oxygen barrier, packaging films, methods of packaging and packages are provided having a myoglobin blooming agent to provide, promote, enhance or maintain a desirable coloration on the surface of a myoglobin-containing meat product.
US08668963B2
A method for diffusing metal particles including a composite layer deposited on a substrate, with the composite layer further including at least one dielectric matrix, and where the diffusion of the metal particles towards the substrate is achieved by means of a plasma treatment.
US08668962B2
New and improved microwave plasma assisted reactors, for example chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) reactors, are disclosed. The disclosed microwave plasma assisted reactors operate at pressures ranging from about 10 Torr to about 760 Torr. The disclosed microwave plasma assisted reactors include a movable lower sliding short and/or a reduced diameter conductive stage in a coaxial cavity of a plasma chamber. For a particular application, the lower sliding short position and/or the conductive stage diameter can be variably selected such that, relative to conventional reactors, the reactors can be tuned to operate over larger substrate areas, operate at higher pressures, and discharge absorbed power densities with increased diamond synthesis rates (carats per hour) and increased deposition uniformity.
US08668954B2
Algae-resistant roofing shingles are formed by extruding a mixture of mineral particles and a binder to form porous granule bodies, and algaecide is distributed in the pores to provide alqae-resistant granules, which are subsequently applied to roofing shingles. Release of the algaecide is controlled by the structure of the granules.
US08668952B2
There are provided a carbon wire using CNT or a similar carbon filament having a sufficiently low electrical resistance value, and a wire assembly employing that carbon wire. A carbon wire includes an assembly portion and a graphite layer. The assembly portion is configured of a plurality of carbon filaments implemented as carbon nanotubes in contact with one another. The graphite layer is provided at an outer circumference of the assembly portion.
US08668947B2
A first preliminary product comprising individual frozen pieces of a first food and a second preliminary product comprising individual frozen pieces of a second food are combined by precompacting the frozen individual pieces of the first preliminary product in a premolding process so as to form a concavity in the first preliminary product and placing the frozen individual pieces of the second preliminary product into the concavity of the first preliminary product to form a single frozen starting product that is put into at least one mold cavity. There the single frozen starting product is molded into a ready-to-prepare frozen end product by compacting the single frozen starting product.
US08668945B2
The present invention relates generally to herbal milk replacer compositions for feeding animals, particularly young animals, and its method of making and feeding, and more particularly relates to shelf-stable and cheaper herbal milk replacer compositions for body weight gain along with overall development of calves to early complete functional maturity and also prevents any infection by acting as immunobooster. The herbal milk replacer compositions comprises effective amount of an mixture of herbal extract and/or at least one bioactive fraction from medicinal herbs and one or more additives selected from Energy Source, Protein Source, Chelated/organic Mineral Mixture, Vitamins, Salt, Toxin destroyer and Biocide; and process for the preparation of such extracts and herbal milk replacer compositions. The mixture of herbal extract comprising medicinal herbs selected from Emblica officinalis, Tinospora cordifolia, Embelia basaal, Cyprus rotundus, Asparagus racemosus and Lepidium sativam. The effective amount in the composition is 1 to 10% (w/w) herbal mixture, 30 to 70% (w/w) Energy Source, 20 to 70% (w/w) Protein Source, 2% (w/w) Chelated/organic Mineral Mixture, 1% (w/w) Salt, 0.1% (w/w) Vitamins, 0.1% (w/w) Toxin Destroyer, 0.03% (w/w) Biocide.
US08668932B2
A controlled release dosage form of venlafaxine that comprises an immediate release pellet and an extended release pellet.
US08668914B2
Equol (7-hydroxy-3(4′hydroxyphenyl)-chroman), the major metabolite of the phytoestrogen daidzein, specifically binds and blocks the hormonal action of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in vitro and in vivo. Equol can bind circulating free DHT and sequester it from the androgen receptor, thus altering growth and physiological hormone responses that are regulated by androgens. These data suggest a novel model to explain equol's biological properties. The significance of equol's ability to specifically bind and sequester DHT from the androgen receptor have important ramifications in health and disease and may indicate a broad and important usage for equol in the treatment and prevention of androgen-mediated pathologies of skin and hair. Thus, equol can specifically bind DHT and prevent DHT's biological actions in physiological and pathophysiological processes affecting skin and hair.
US08668911B2
The present invention provides methods and compositions for the stimulation of immune responses. In particular, the present invention provides immunogenic nanoemulsion compositions and methods of using the same for the induction of immune responses (e.g., innate and/or adaptive immune responses (e.g., for generation of host immunity against a bacterial species of the genus Streptococcus (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae))). Compositions and methods of the present invention find use in, among other things, clinical (e.g. therapeutic and preventative medicine (e.g., vaccination)) and research applications.
US08668903B2
This invention provides, inter alia, commensal organisms engineered to express antibody fragments, which inhibit sperm motility or fertilization and compositions comprising the same. The present invention provides for the use of the engineered commensal organisms or compositions comprising the same as effective contraceptive means in females.
US08668897B2
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for producing hydrogen from water involving reacting metal particles with water in the presence of an effective amount of activator. In particular the invention pertains to compositions and methods for producing hydrogen upon reaction of metal particles selected from the group consisting of aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), boron (B), silicon (Si), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) with water, in the presence of an effective amount of an activator catalyst, wherein the activator is selected from the group consisting of: alkali metals, earth alkali metals, hydrides of alkali metals, hydrides of earth alkali metals, hydroxides of alkali metals, and hydroxides of earth alkali metals.
US08668877B2
Diesel oxidation catalysts, catalytic articles, methods of making catalytic articles, emissions treatment systems and methods of treating an exhaust gas stream using the catalytic articles for the treatment of exhaust gas emissions, such as the oxidation of unburned hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) are described. Specific catalytic articles comprising a substrate with a first washcoat layer comprising greater than or equal to about 2% by weight palladium dispersed on a ceria support and a second washcoat layer comprising a platinum group metal and a refractory metal oxide are described.
US08668858B2
A method for manufacturing rigid panels made of a composite material requires a caul sheet having a smooth surface that is formed with a plurality of grooves. A first layer of the composite material is laid on the caul sheet, and is cut to create flaps that extend into the respective grooves. Strips of composite material are then placed along the edges of the groove to extend and overlap each other in the groove. Next, a unidirectional ply is placed along the length of the groove, and this combination is then covered with a second layer of the composite material. Together, the combination of the first and second layers, the strips and the unidirectional ply are co-cured to create a rigid panel with integral stiffening members.
US08668854B2
The disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for producing nanofibers and non-woven nanofibrous materials from polymer melts, liquids and particles using a two-phase flow nozzle. The process comprises supplying a first phase comprising a polymer melt and a second phase comprising a pressurized gas stream to a two-phase flow nozzle; injecting the polymer melt and the pressurized gas stream into a mixing chamber within the two-phase flow nozzle wherein the mixing chamber combines the polymer flow and pressurized gas into a two-phase flow; distributing the two-phase flow uniformly to a converging channel terminating into an channel exit wherein the converging channel accelerates the two-phase flow creating a polymeric film along the surface of the converging channel and fibrillating the polymeric film at the channel exit of the converging channel in the form of a plurality of nanofibers.
US08668853B2
A method for manufacturing a three-dimensionally deformable, sheet-like reinforcing structure, wherein material attenuations (3) are incorporated into a sheet-like, cellular base material, distributed over an area of the base material, by means of cutting or sawing, said material attenuations (3) sub-dividing the base material into a plurality of material cells (1) which are delineated from each other by the material attenuations (3) but are still connected to each other.
US08668848B2
A composition for the fabrication of reflective features using a direct-write tool is disclosed. The composition comprises metal nanoparticles having an average particle size less than 300 nm and which carry thereon a polymer for substantially preventing agglomeration of the nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles exhibit a metal-polymer weight ratio of 100:1 to 10:1. The composition further includes a vehicle for forming a dispersion with the metal nanoparticles. A number of electronic devices comprising a reflective layer formed from the composition are also disclosed. One example case provides an electronic device having a reflective electrode. The reflective electrode comprises a percolation network of the metal nanoparticles embedded in a matrix of the polymer and having an average particle size of less than 300 nm, wherein the reflective electrode is reflective in the visible light range and does not diffract incident light.
US08668847B2
A conductive paste including a conductive powder, a metallic glass, and an organic vehicle, wherein the metallic glass includes an alloy of at least two elements selected from an element having a low resistivity, an element which forms a solid solution with the conductive powder, or an element having a high oxidation potential, wherein the element having a low resistivity has a resistivity of less than about 100 microohm-centimeters, and the element having a high oxidation potential has an absolute value of a Gibbs free energy of oxide formation of about 100 kiloJoules per mole or greater.
US08668846B2
A dye-sensitized photoelectric conversion element, comprises a pair of electrodes arranged opposite to each other; a semiconductor layer including a semiconductor supporting a sensitizing dye; and an electrolyte layer. At least the semiconductor layer and the electrolyte layer are provided between the pair of electrodes, and the sensitizing dye contains a compound represented by the following Formula (1).
US08668845B2
A method for preparing an electrostatic dissipative polymer and a blend of a thermoplastic polymer and the ESD polymer is disclosed. The method for preparing an electrostatic dissipative polymer includes the step of polymerizing the electrostatic dissipative polymer in the presence of a reactive solvent and lithium salt dissolved in the reactive solvent, wherein the amount of the reactive solvent is from 0.1 to 20 weight parts based on 100 weight parts of the produced electrostatic dissipative polymer, the amount of lithium salt is from 0.1 to 5 weight parts based on 100 weight parts of the produced electrostatic dissipative polymer, and the reactive solvent is aliphatic glycol having from 2 to 8 carbon atoms and having a primary alcohol group, or aromatic glycol having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms.
US08668843B2
An M-C—N—O based phosphor including a group IIIB element (M), carbon (C), nitrogen (O), wherein an amount of the group IIIB element (M) contained is 1%<(M)<50% by mass, an amount of carbon (C) contained is 0.005%<(C)<10% by mass, an amount of nitrogen (N) contained is 1%<(N)<60% by mass, an amount of oxygen (O) contained is 1%<(O)<75% by mass, and (M)+(C)+(N)+(O)=100% by mass. Colors of the M-C—N—O based phosphor can be changed by adjusting a peak top of an emission spectrum. Highly environmentally-compatible polymer dispersions, inorganic EL devices, light emitting devices, fluorescent tubes, and the like are also provided, which use the M-C—N—O based phosphors.
US08668842B2
A process for preparing an alkali metal oxyanion electrode material having a carbon coating deposited by a thermal treatment, said process comprising a thermal step under a humidified atmosphere of: (i) said alkali metal oxyanion electrode material having a carbon coating deposited by a thermal treatment; (ii) precursors of said alkali metal oxyanion electrode material and an organic precursor of carbon; or (iii) said alkali metal oxyanion electrode material and an organic precursor of carbon, wherein said thermal step is performed at a temperature in the range of about 300° C. to about 950° C.
US08668835B1
A multi-step etch process wherein elliptical via openings and trench openings are formed in a dielectric layer includes supporting a multi-layer film stack on a temperature controlled electrostatic chuck in a plasma etch reactor. The multi-layer film stack has a dielectric layer and a patterned metal hard mask layer above the dielectric layer. An etchant gas is supplied to the plasma etch reactor. The etchant gas is energized into a plasma state, and via openings in a photo resist are transferred into a planarization layer and then into elliptical portions of the trench openings in a patterned hard mask layer while maintaining the chuck at a temperature of about 30 to 50° C. The elliptical openings are extended into a lower layer of the hard mask and into an underlying dielectric layer while maintaining the chuck at a temperature of 20° C. or below. After stripping the planarization layer to expose the trench pattern in the hard mask, trench openings are formed in the dielectric layer while maintaining the chuck at a temperature of about 55° C. or higher. The process can thus provide enlarged via contact areas while etching trenches with pitches of 80 nm or less.
US08668834B2
A method of protecting a mold having at least one substantially planar surface provided with a plurality of mold cavities includes inserting a plurality of mandrels into respective ones of the plurality of mold cavities, depositing a layer of mold protection material onto the at least one substantially planar surface and the plurality of mandrels, and removing the plurality of mandrels from the mold substrate.
US08668830B2
A method for operating a water softening system (1) comprising an automatically adjustable blending means for mixing a blended water flow V(t)blended from a first, softened partial flow V(t)part1soft and a second untreated water partial flow V(t)part2raw and comprising an electronic control means (11), wherein the control means (11) readjusts the adjustment position of the blending means by means of one or more experimentally determined instantaneous measured values in such a fashion that the water hardness in the blended water flow V(t)blended is adjusted to a predetermined desired value (SW), is characterized in that the control means (11) ignores at least one of the one or more instantaneous measured values for readjustment of the adjustment position of the blending means in one or more defined operating situations, and instead uses the respectively last corresponding measured value that was valid prior to occurrence of the defined operating situation, or a standard value for the corresponding measured value, which is stored in the electronic control means (11). The inventive method reduces the wear of the automatically adjustable blending means and improves the reliability of the adjustment of the water hardness of the blended water.
US08668828B2
Sanitary elements and cartridges of high performance are described which utilize a thin surrounding tubular shell with an exterior textured surface. Through the use of an overwrap material of particular design and by wrapping an assemblage of sheets of semipermeable membrane material, permeate carrier material and feed spacer material using a high tension, a spirally wound crossflow filtration element is constructed which has a substantially cylindrical outer surface of closely controlled OD that smoothly fits within such shell and which resists telescoping as a result of its radial compression.
US08668822B2
A method for operating an ion-sensitive sensor with a measurement circuit which includes an ion-sensitive electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor structure (EIS); wherein the measurement circuit is embodied to issue an output signal which is dependent on ion concentration, especially a pH value, of a measured liquid; and wherein the method comprises the steps of: introducing the ion-sensitive electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor structure into a measured liquid; accelerating charging processes in the region of an insulator layer of the ion-sensitive electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor structure by operating the sensor over a predetermined time span at least a first working point; and dynamically adapting the working point to set a second working point, and registering and processing the output signal of the measurement circuit at the second working point.
US08668815B2
Embodiments of the invention generally relate to a process kit for a semiconductor processing chamber, and a semiconductor processing chamber having a kit. More specifically, embodiments described herein relate to a process kit including a cover ring, a shield, and an isolator for use in a physical deposition chamber. The components of the process kit work alone and in combination to significantly reduce particle generation and stray plasmas. In comparison with existing multiple part shields, which provide an extended RF return path contributing to RF harmonics causing stray plasma outside the process cavity, the components of the process kit reduce the RF return path thus providing improved plasma containment in the interior processing region.
US08668813B2
A plasma generation apparatus and method, which achieve both sterilization and deodorization of attached bacteria even under the condition that steam or fine droplets of water are present. A pair of electrodes is prepared, plasma discharge is carried out by applying designated voltage between the pair of electrodes, fluid passage holes are provided at corresponding parts of respective electrodes so as to communicate with each other, and steam or fine droplets of water are applied to the fluid passage holes and plasma generated around the fluid passage holes.
US08668811B2
Disclosed herein is an apparatus and a method for producing a pyrolysis liquid, wherein the pyrolysis liquid is formed by means of pyrolysis from a raw material by forming, and a pyrolysis reactor, a gaseous pyrolysis product by pyrolysis and condensing it in a condenser into a pyrolysis liquid, and feeding circulation gas into the pyrolysis reactor. The circulation gas is conducted by a liquid ring compressor into the pyrolysis reactor and purified before being conducted into the pyrolysis reactor, and the pyrolysis liquid is used as the liquid layer in the liquid ring compressor.
US08668808B2
A flushable moist wipe or hygiene tissue including a hydraulically entangled nonwoven material impregnated with a wetting composition. The nonwoven material contains at least 70%, by fiber weight, pulp fibers and the rest manmade fibers and/or natural fibers with a length of at least 6 mm. The moist wipe or hygiene tissue has a length in the machine direction which exceeds the width in the cross-machine direction with at least 25%. The moist wipe or hygiene tissue has a wet strength in machine direction which is at least 3 times higher than the wet strength in cross-machine direction, wherein the wet strength in cross-machine direction is between 50 and 200 N/m.
US08668805B2
A semiconductor device may be formed by the method comprising providing a patterned photoresist mask over the etch layer, the photoresist mask having at least one photoresist line having a pair of sidewalls ending at a line end, placing a coating over the at least one photoresist line comprising at least one cycle, wherein each cycle comprises: a) depositing a polymer layer over the photoresist line, wherein an amount of polymer at the line end is greater than an amount of polymer on the sidewalls, and b) hardening the polymer layer, and etching features into the etch layer through the photoresist mask, wherein a line end shortening (LES) is less than or equal to 1.
US08668804B2
The invention is a two-part composition comprising: A) in one part (i) one or more isocyanate functional prepolymers; and B) in a second part (ii) one or more compounds having isocyanate reactive groups; (iii) one or more fillers selected such that the composition is nonconductive; (iv) one or more catalysts for the reaction of isocyanate groups with active hydrogen containing compounds wherein either or both of the one or more isocyanate functional prepolymers and the one or more compounds having isocyanate reactive groups have solid organic particles grafted thereto such that the composition contains from about 6 to about 13 percent by weight of the total composition of solid organic particles. In a preferred embodiment, the second part comprises from about 35 to about 65 percent by weight of one or more compound having isocyanate reactive groups which have solid organic particles grafted to the backbone. In another preferred embodiment, the one or more isocyanate functional prepolymers comprise about 14 to about 20 percent by weight of solid organic particles grafted to the backbone of the prepolymers. In another preferred embodiment, the solid particles comprise a thermoplastic polymer or rubber-modified thermoplastic polymer.
US08668803B1
A sandwich of impact resistant material comprising: a first tile comprising a plurality of nano-particles bonded together, wherein the nano-structure of the nano-particles is present in the first tile and the first tile comprises a hardness value; a second tile comprising a plurality of nano-particles bonded together, wherein the nano-structure of the nano-particles is present in the second tile and the second tile comprises a hardness value; and a third tile comprising a plurality of nano-particles bonded together, wherein the nano-structure of the nano-particles is present in the third tile and the third tile comprises a hardness value, wherein the second tile is coupled in between the first tile and the third tile, and the second tile comprises a hardness value greater than the first tile and the second tile.
US08668793B2
Systems and methods for in-process vision inspection for automated machines are disclosed. In one embodiment, a head assembly includes a tool moveable over a workpiece and adapted to perform a manufacturing operation on the workpiece, and an inspection unit operatively positioned proximate the tool and moveable with the tool relative to the workpiece. The inspection unit is adapted to perform a vision inspection of a portion of the workpiece simultaneously with the performance of the manufacturing operation on the workpiece. In a particular embodiment, the inspection unit includes a camera adapted to monitor an area including the portion of the workpiece upon which the tool has performed the manufacturing operation, and a processor operatively coupled to the camera and adapted to receive an image from the camera and to analyze the image to determine a presence of a defect within the portion of the workpiece.
US08668783B2
A steel wire rod is obtained, in which a gas flow rate during gas stirring in molten steel treatment is controlled to be 0.0005 Nm3/min to 0.004 Nm3/min per molten steel of 1 ton, thereby the rod satisfies a specified composition, and oxide base inclusions in any section including an axis line of the steel wire rod satisfy the following composition X, the inclusions having width of 2 μm or more perpendicular to a rolling direction, wherein the number of the oxide base inclusions of the following composition A is 1 to 20, and the number of the oxide base inclusions of the following composition B is less than 1: composition X: when composition of inclusions is converted to Al2O3+MgO+CaO+SiO2+MnO=100%, Al2O3+CaO+SiO2≧70% is given. composition A: when composition of inclusions is converted to Al2O3+CaO+SiO2=100%, 20%≦CaO≦50% and Al2O3≦30% are given; and composition B: when composition of inclusions is converted to Al2O3+CaO+SiO2=100%, CaO>50% is given. In the steel wire rod, drawability and fatigue properties are improved to the utmost.
US08668782B2
An apparatus for cleaning air filters utilizes a pressurized fluid flow, preferably air, to rotate a set of air spraying jets inside a hollow interior of a filter in order to remove particles from the filter. To ensure proper positioning of the jets in relation to the filter the present invention uses a set of plates with slots and pins, wherein the pins secure the apparatus on one end of the filter. The set of plates also at least partially blocks the flow of air out of the ends to more efficiently direct the flow of air from the jets to the filter. The jets then may be moved reciprocated along the length of the filter for cleaning purposes.
US08668779B2
A method of simultaneously cleaning and disinfecting an industrial water system is described and claimed. The method involves the addition to the water of the industrial water system of a Compound selected from the group consisting of the alkali salts of chlorite and chlorate and mixtures thereof; and an acid, followed by allowing the water in the industrial water system to circulate for several hours. The reaction of the alkali salts of chlorite and chlorate and acid produces chlorine dioxide in-situ in the water of the industrial water system. The chlorine dioxide kills microorganisms and the acid acts to remove deposits upon the water-contact surfaces of the equipment. This cleaning and disinfecting method works in a variety of industrial water systems including cooling water systems.
US08668778B2
The present invention provides methods of removing liquid from a barrier structure in the context of treating microelectronic workpieces with one or more treatment materials, including liquids, gases, fluidized solids, dispersions, combinations of these, and the like.
US08668775B2
A shower head for a chemical vapor deposition chamber can have a housing, a plurality of bosses formed upon the housing, and an inside cover. The bosses can have bores formed therethrough. The inside cover can be attached to the bosses and can have apertures formed therein such that the apertures are generally contiguous with the bores. The housing, the bosses, and the inside cover cooperate to communicate water through the shower head. The water can cool the shower head to a temperature that is substantially lower than the temperature of other parts of the chemical vapor deposition chamber, e.g., the susceptor thereof.
US08668771B2
Provided are a cellulose resin composition which can give a cellulose ester film free from the problems with bleeding and has excellent moisture permeability, even when containing a plasticizer in a relatively large amount, and a cellulose resin film which is obtained from the cellulose resin composition.The present invention relates to a cellulose resin composition obtained by adding (A) a polyester plasticizer to a cellulose resin. The aforementioned (A) polyester plasticizer is obtained from a polybasic acid, a glycol and a stopper, wherein 70 to 30 mol % of the aforementioned polybasic acid is a succinic acid and/or an adipic acid; 30 to 70 mol % of the aforementioned polybasic acid is at least one selected from a group consisting of a terephthalic acid, a phthalic acid and an isophthalic acid; the aforementioned glycol is at least one selected from a group consisting of an ethylene glycol, a 1,2-propylene glycol, a 1,3-butanediol and a 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol; the aforementioned stopper is an acetic acid and/or a benzoic acid; and the weight-average molecular weight is 600 to 2,000.
US08668768B2
The present invention is directed to the prevention of an exothermic reaction in the gas purifier of an ultra-high purity gas system.
US08668766B2
The invention relates to a gas liquid contactor and effluent cleaning system and method and more particularly to individually fed nozzle banks including an array of nozzles configured to produce uniformly spaced flat liquid jets shaped to minimize disruption from a gas. An embodiment of the invention is directed towards a gas liquid contactor having a plurality of modules including a liquid inlet and outlet and a gas inlet and outlet. An array of nozzles is in communication with the liquid inlet and the gas inlet. The array of nozzles is configured to produce uniformly spaced flat liquid jets shaped to minimize disruption from a gas flow and maximize gas flow and liquid flow interactions while rapidly replenishing the liquid.
US08668752B2
The present invention provides a gas generator that may be used for startup and shutdown of a fuel cell. In one non-limiting embodiment, the gas generator may include a nitrogen generator structured to receive air, extract oxygen (O2) from the air and discharge the balance in the form of a nitrogen-rich gas; a merging chamber structured to receive a hydrocarbon fuel and the nitrogen-rich gas and to discharge a feed mixture containing both the hydrocarbon fuel and the nitrogen-rich gas; and a catalytic reactor structured to receive the feed mixture and to catalytically convert the feed mixture into a reducing gas.
US08668748B2
An emulsifying composition intended to homogenize and reemulsify a fuel, includes by weight, with respect to the total weight of the composition, a) from 5% to 40% of N-oleyl-1,3-propylenediamine, b) from 50% to 95% of N,N′,N′-polyoxyethylene-N-tallowpropylenediamine and c) from 5% to 40% of a solvent. A fuel including the abovementioned composition, a process for the manufacture of the composition and its use are also described.
US08668743B2
An orthopedic prosthesis, system and method has a dual bearing component that, along with first and second bone anchoring components, provides multi-axial movement separately with respect to both the first and second bone anchoring components. An ankle prosthesis, system and method may thus be fashioned utilizing these principles that includes a dual bearing component, a tibial component adapted for attachment to the tibia bone, and a talar component adapted for attachment to the talus or calceneus bone of the foot. The dual bearing component includes a superior bearing providing gliding articulation/translation between it and the tibial component, and an inferior bearing providing gliding articulation/translation between it and the talar component. A bearing component plate provides a base or foundation for the superior and inferior bearings. The superior bearing is bonded to the bearing component plate while the inferior bearing moves with respect to the bearing component plate.
US08668739B2
The present disclosure relates to an orthopedic implant that may be used to repair and/or replace focal defects in an individual's articular cartilage. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a unitary orthopedic implant that includes a bone contacting layer and an articulating layer. In exemplary embodiments, the bone contacting layer may have a thickness of between about 1 millimeter and 3 millimeters. In exemplary embodiments, the articulating layer may have a thickness of between about 1 millimeter and 2 millimeters. As a result, the orthopedic implant may have an overall thickness of between about 2 millimeters and about 5 millimeters.
US08668735B2
Devices and methods for handling and depositing corneal implants onto corneal tissue. Devices and methods for packaging and storing corneal implants.
US08668728B2
The invention relates to a system for dilatation of a body passage and delivery of a stent into the body passage of a patient, and related methods of using such a system. The dilatation and stent delivery system may comprise a dilatation catheter having an expandable member on a distal end, and a stent delivery catheter configured to retain a stent and deliver the stent to a body passage. The stent delivery catheter defines a lumen sized to receive the dilatation catheter and permit movement of the dilatation catheter relative to the stent delivery catheter.
US08668716B2
A modification to allow delivery of a two port medical flow restrictor over a guidewire, and a means to mechanically collapse the new device. A thin walled, foil-like shell, is compacted for delivery. The invention includes the device, delivery assemblies, and methods of placing, and using, the device. A device with an aneurysm lobe and an artery lobe self-aligns its waist at the neck of an aneurysm as the device shell is pressure expanded. Mechanical force collapses both the aneurysm lobe and the artery lobe, captivating the neck of the aneurysm and securing the device. The device works for aneurysms at bifurcations and aneurysms near side-branch arteries. The device, unlike endovascular coiling, excludes the weak neck of the aneurysm from circulation, while leaving the aneurysm relatively empty. Unlike stent-based exclusion, the device does not block perforator arteries. This exclusion device can also limit flow through body lumens or orifices.
US08668712B2
A combined multi-lumen central access catheter and an embolic filter including ports proximal and distal the filter for fluid infusion and/or pressure sensing and infusion ports in the catheter to permit infusion of bioactive agents, flushing agents and/or contrast agents. The embolic filter may be removably coupled to the multi-lumen catheter for temporary placement and retrieval under recommended indications.
US08668711B2
A medical instrument has a cannula and a seal disposed in the cannula. An expansion device serves for expanding an opening in the seal for guiding shafts of other instruments of greater diameter in a sealed manner through the expanded opening. The expansion device has an expansion cone with a plurality of slats mounted pivotably on an annular body at a first end thereof, a second end of the slats being connected to the seal in an area of the opening. The slats are connected at its first ends to the annular body via spherical heads engaged into corresponding openings in the annular body.
US08668709B2
Ultrasound catheter devices and methods provide enhanced disruption of blood vessel obstructions. Ultrasound catheter devices generally include an elongate flexible catheter body with one or more lumens, an ultrasound transmission member extending longitudinally through the catheter body lumen and a distal head coupled with the transmission member and positioned adjacent the distal end of the catheter body for disrupting occlusions. Improved features of ultrasound catheters include catheter bodies and ultrasound transmission members with increasing distal flexibility, guidewire tubes allowing contact between a guidewire and an ultrasound transmission member, distal heads with improved guidewire lumens, and torquable proximal housings for enhancing disruption of blood vessel occlusions.
US08668695B2
The present invention provides an intramedullary nail having a body with a transverse bore extending through the body and having an area of enhanced stress distribution on at least the lateral side of the transverse bore. In one exemplary embodiment, the intramedullary nail includes a cutout adjacent to the transverse bore, such as an oblique cutout, that enhances the stress distribution of the intramedullary nail in the region around the lateral opening of the transverse bore. In one exemplary embodiment, the cutout includes a ramp portion or area that defines the lateral opening of the transverse bore. In other exemplary embodiments, the cutout includes a runout or a substantially flat portion that defines the lateral opening of the transverse bore.
US08668694B2
Intramedullary rod and blade assemblies and methods of implanting said assemblies are disclosed herein. The assemblies provided herein are useful in treating distal, proximal fractures, among other conditions, in large bones including, but not limited to: femurs, tibias, and humeri. Preferred assemblies can include an intramedullary rod having a proximal end and coupling means configured to securely attach to a blade, such that no portion of the rod or the coupling means extend into the fractured fragment beyond the blade. Further preferred assemblies include intramedullary rods that connect in the center of the internal blade, or substantially so, such that the rod and blade form a “T-shape,” or substantially so.
US08668671B2
An intravenous (IV) pump system is disclosed. The IV pump includes a pumping segment and an IV pump. The pumping segment comprises a receptacle configured to hold a medical fluid and an alignment feature attached to the receptacle. The alignment feature comprises one of a magnetic or a magneto-sensitive material. The IV pump includes a housing having a shaped cavity configured to accept the alignment feature of the pumping segment and an attraction element comprising the other of the magnetic or the magneto-sensitive material. The attraction element is configured to attract the alignment feature toward the shaped cavity.
US08668663B2
The invention relates to a device for the repeated piercing of a skin, with a hand-held device (1), which has a drive module (2) with a drive unit (4) that is configured for the purpose of producing a driving force, and a needle module (3) in which a piercing apparatus (6) is moveably located in the longitudinal direction of the needle module (3) and which is detachably coupled to the drive module (2) in such a way that the driving force is conducted into the piercing apparatus (6), wherein the needle module (3) has identification means (14) which can be evaluated with an evaluation apparatus (13) allocated to the identification means (14) and enclosed by the drive module (2). Furthermore, the invention relates to a needle module as well as a method for assembling the hand-held device.
US08668652B2
This invention relates to systems and methods for site selection and placement of extra-anatomic passages altering gaseous flow in a diseased lung.
US08668639B2
In an image-obtainment-apparatus that obtains an image of an observation-region by imaging, by an imaging-device, light output from the observation-region illuminated with illumination-light, when the light-amount of the illumination-light illuminated the observation-region is less than or equal to first-threshold-value, the electronic-shutter-speed is controlled at first-constant-speed, and the light-amount of the illumination-light is controlled based on the light-amount of the illumination-light illuminated the observation-region. When the light-amount of the illumination-light illuminated the observation-region is greater than first-threshold-value and less than or equal to second-threshold-value, the electronic-shutter-speed is controlled at a speed based on the light-amount of the illumination-light illuminated the observation-region, and the light-amount of the illumination-light is controlled at a predetermined constant light-amount. When the light-amount of the illumination-light illuminated the observation-region is greater than second-threshold-value, the electronic-shutter-speed is controlled at second-constant-speed, and the light-amount of the illumination-light is controlled based on the light-amount of the illumination-light illuminated the observation-region.
US08668637B2
An endoscopic image pickup device includes a sheath functioning as insertion section which is inserted in a body cavity, a camera head body which is coupled to a proximal end portion of the sheath in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the sheath, is rotatable about the axis of the sheath as a rotational axis, and has a center of gravity below the rotational axis, and a remote control section which is provided at a position with an extension below the camera head body. With this structure, even if an endoscope is rotated about the axis of the sheath of the endoscope, the camera head body is always kept in a constant attitude by its own weight. In addition, blurring of an image can be prevented at a time of capturing a still image by the operation of the remote control section.
US08668632B2
A complex exercise machine utilizes a horizontally extending frame assembly having a plurality of resistance elements. A plurality of foot pedals are included that are slidably mounted on the frame assembly. The foot pedals are moveable between a first position, proximate to the user, and a second distal position. The resistance elements have a first end and a second end. The first end of the resistance element is removably anchored to the frame assembly A first resistance element includes a handle at its second to exercise upper body muscle groups, while a second resistance element includes the pedals at its second end to exercise lower body and abdominal muscle groups. A seat is provided that is adjustably mounted to the frame assembly. The angulation between the seat back and seat bottom is also adjustable.
US08668611B2
The present invention is structured by a dual-drive electric machine being combined with an epicycle gear set (EG101) and a controllable brake device, through controlling the controllable brake device to perform brake locking or releasing, the operations of transmission function of combining transmission or releasing between a rotation shaft (S101) at an output/input end, a rotation shaft (S102) at an output/input end and a sleeve type rotation shaft (AS101) at an output/input end of the epicycle gear set (EG101) are enabled to be controlled, and the interacting operation between the dual-drive electric machine (EM100) and the output/input ends are also enabled to be controlled.
US08668604B2
The present application is directed to a throwing target method. The throwing target comprises a baseball strike zone, one or more target zones located in the strike zone and one or more target zones located around the strike zone. The throwing target also comprises one or more non-target zones located in the strike zone. The total surface area of the target zones located around the strike zone is greater than the total surface area of the target zones located within the strike zone.
US08668598B2
An iron-type golf club includes a conventional-weight section, a lightweight section and a heavyweight section. The conventional-weight section includes the hitting face and at least a portion of the hosel. The heavyweight section, made of a denser material than the conventional-weight section, includes the sole and an optional back flange. The lightweight section, made of a material less dense than either of the other sections, includes a core to which the other two sections are secured, such as by co-molding the core to the other two sections. In the co-molding context, the components need not be constrained by their respective weight and density, but could be classified more generically as having a pre-formed component and a molding component irrespective of the densities of the components.
US08668584B2
For a user having a user input actuator, a virtual interface device, such as for a gaming machine, for determining actuation of a virtual input by the input actuator is disclosed. The device comprises a position sensing device for determining a location of the user input actuator and a controller coupled to the position sensing device, the controller determining whether a portion of the user input actuator is within a virtual input location in space defining the virtual input.
US08668577B2
A gaming system whereby the gaming system receives a wager to initiate a first play of a game, the first play of the game having a first average expected payout and including a plurality of symbols, wherein at least two of the symbols are different. In one embodiment, for the first play of the game the gaming system randomly generates a plurality of the symbols, displays the randomly generated symbols, determines any awards associated with the displayed symbols, and displays any determined awards. If the displayed symbols include a designated symbol, the gaming system of this embodiment accumulates the designated symbol. When a designated quantity of the designated symbol is accumulated, for a subsequent play of the game, the gaming system automatically causes the subsequent play of the game to have a second different average expected payout.
US08668564B2
A method and system for playing jackpot and casino games are provided, comprising dealing cards to a player hand and a bank hand according to a set of conventional casino game rules, allowing at least a first player to place a bet on the casino game, granting a right of first refusal to place a bet on jackpot to the first player by virtue of the first player's bet on the casino game, allowing the first player to exercise the right of first refusal to bet on the jackpot or at least a second player to place a bet on the jackpot if the first player declines the right to place a bet on the jackpot, determining the outcome of the live casino game according to the set of conventional casino game rules, and determining the outcome of the jackpot according to a combination of cards.
US08668563B1
Systems and methods of asynchronous interactive game play are described. In some embodiments, a method permits a first player to access a first game instance of a multiplayer online game and access a second game instance of the multiplayer online game. The second game instance is accessed at a first time. The first game instance is associated with the first player and the second game instance is associated with a second player. The method receives an identification of an in-game action performed by the first player in the second game instance while the first player accesses the second game instance. The second player is permitted to access the second game instance at a second time, which is later than the first time. The method causes display to the second player an identification of the in-game action performed by the first player in the second game instance.
US08668562B2
A method of playing a game for two or more players comprising each player selecting a predetermined number of figures from a plurality of figures, a first player executing a turn, wherein the first player has an option of at least one of moving one of the first player's selected figures from one location to another and attacking one of another player's selected figures using one of the first player's selected figures, wherein a result of said attacking is determined by the first player performing a predetermined action using one of said first player's selected figures and another player performing the predetermined action using one of another player's selected figures.
US08668561B2
A video gaming console and related network interfaces with a server computer hosting an online fantasy sports game. The video game machine acquires a fantasy team roster of the fantasy sport game over a network that includes the Internet and the video game console is programmed to create a video game team using at least a portion of the fantasy team roster. The video game team created is playable on the video game console.
US08668560B2
Shielding liquid from electronic components may be accomplished by a variety of systems, devices, and techniques. A shielding may include a substantially vertical channel mounted to a fuel dispenser component; an airflow inlet; a plurality of arrays of angled protrusions; and a plurality of substantially vertical protrusions. The channel is adapted to guide an airflow. The plurality of arrays of angled protrusions are, disposed within the channel and are substantially parallel in arrangement within each array. The angled protrusions within each array are angularly offset in arrangement relative to the angled protrusions within adjacent arrays. The arrays of angled protrusions are adapted to form a tortuous path for the airflow through the channel. The plurality of substantially vertical protrusions are disposed within the channel and are located between the airflow inlet and the plurality of arrays. The vertical protrusions are adapted to substantially straighten the airflow within the channel.
US08668555B2
A tool-support apparatus for attachment to a grinding machine, in particular to a wet grinding machine, which has at least one grinding disc arranged on a rotatably drivable grinding-disc shaft and a machine frame or housing in which the grinding-disc shaft is supported. The tool-support apparatus has a tool-support, which can be secured on a machine frame or housing of the grinding machine, for the support during the grinding process of a tool that is to be ground, and an arresting apparatus for securing the tool support on the machine frame or housing. The tool-support can be secured on the machine frame or housing in such a way that it can be swivelled about the grinding-disc shaft or about a swivel axis parallel to the grinding-disc shaft and can be arrested by way of the arresting apparatus in a plurality of angular positions.
US08668554B2
A device (33) for blast-machining or abrasive blasting objects such as structural elements, tools, household objects, pots, pans or the like, has a blast pot (3) for holding a blasting abrasive (35) which is connected via at least one line (21) to a blasting nozzle (24) which extends into a blasting space (1) in which the objects which are to be blasted can be placed. Compressed air is introduced above the blasting abrasive mixture (35) provided in the blast pot (3) by means of a pressure-generating means (43) and the blasting abrasive (35) thus being forced into the blasting space (1), the compressed air conveying via a second line (10) the granular material or the granular material mixture (35) and/or a suspension formed from granular material and liquid out of the blasting space (1) and back into the blast pot (3), which also takes the form of a pressurized space.
US08668547B2
Nursing bras with at least one cup (1) for supporting a breast, wherein the cup comprises a first part (2) for supporting of the breast, characterized in that the cup is provided with a second part (4) which at least in part overlaps with the first part (2).
US08668545B2
An apparatus for creating a flying effect. The apparatus includes a mounting assembly on a body and a wing assembly attached to the mounting assembly. The wing assembly includes right and left wings and a span member extending between the wings. A drive assembly is provided with a reciprocal drive shaft and a drive for reciprocating the shaft. A contact member extending from an end of the reciprocating shaft contacts the span member to apply a drive force at a drive frequency. The mounting assembly includes a recessed surface, and the span member is positioned over the recessed surface such that the span member is urged toward the recessed surface when the drive force is applied. The span member is formed of flexible material, and the wings move with the spring-like span member as it is urged toward the recessed surface and as it returns to its at-rest position.
US08668544B2
A plurality of individual toys, at least a first one of which generates acoustic signals and at least a second one of which receives acoustic signals. When the second toy receives acoustic signals from the first toy, it responds, for example, by generating a sound and/or controlling its motion. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the toys flock and/or form a procession of toys which follow a leader toy, for example a mother goose and a plurality of following and preferably quacking goslings.
US08668543B2
A kit for a child's play structure includes poles removably attached to one another and arranged to form a three-dimensional box-like structure of a size to permit a child to fully enter therein. A plurality of panels are attached to the poles. The panels have graphic representations thereon corresponding to at least a portion of a story or illustration, such as depicted in an accompanying storybook. Three dimensional objects may be positionable within, or removably attached to the panels, and which correspond to objects in the storybook to enhance the play experience. Multiple structures may be placed side-by-side so that a child can move from one structure to another, and thus from one portion of the story to the next.
US08668535B1
An amphibious vehicle, mostly watercraft in appearance, has a single drive system that accelerates, propels, steers, reverses, and brakes the vehicle on land or in the water. This control is effectuated by one or both twin control levels positioned to the left and right of the vehicle operator. Rear mounted propulsions units include a paddlewheel and tire combination, which operate independently and are rotatable in either direction.
US08668533B2
A waterjet based propulsion system and method that utilizes more than one waterjet outlet port and controls the selective application of power to the waterjets with a splitter gearbox thereby improving the efficiency of the marine craft at low and high speeds.
US08668531B2
A terminal 1 which maintains electrical connectivity between a mating terminal and contact spring pieces, reduce size and firmly fixes the contact spring pieces at a terminal main body, includes the conductive, rectangular tube-shaped terminal main body 3 into which the mating terminal 2 is inserted, the plurality of one conductive contact spring pieces 18 extending from one wall 5 to the other wall 6 of the terminal main body and tilted relative to a mating terminal insertion direction, and a plurality of the other conductive contact spring pieces 19 extending from the other wall to the one wall and tilted relative to the insertion direction. The one and the other contact spring pieces 78, 79 are arranged alternatively along the insertion direction. The terminal main body includes a spring member 4 having one and the other basal plate portions 15, 16, a connecting plate portion 17 connecting the respective basal plate portions, and an engagement portion 20 at the connecting plate portion which engages with a locking portion 11 of the terminal main body 3.
US08668525B1
A method of forming a colored appearance suitable for forming a colored appearance for a conductive casing of a connector is provided. The conductive casing has a body and at least one lead. The lead extends from the body. The method of forming a colored appearance includes the following steps. A surface of the conductive casing is roughened. A conductive metal layer is formed on the roughened surface of the conductive casing. A shielding layer is formed on a part of the conductive metal layer located on the lead. A colorful conductive layer is formed on the conductive casing. The shielding layer and a part of the colorful conductive layer located on the shielding layer are removed to expose the part of the conductive metal layer on the lead. Therefore, the conductive casing has a colored appearance.
US08668522B2
An electrical connector can be provided having a plurality of connector pins, and an electrically conductive connector housing with a bottom wall and a receiving opening for receiving a counter-connector. A plurality of pin receiving openings formed in the bottom wall accommodate a dielectric insert. At least one of the connector pins extends through the dielectric insert and is fastened by the dielectric insert within the respective pin receiving opening. A slide-in module can be provided with such an electrical connector, and a method for producing such an electrical connector may also be provided.
US08668515B2
An electronic module (100) for mating with a complementary connector, comprises: a housing defining a recess area and a printed circuit board (3) disposed in the housing. A slider member is (61) assembled to an exterior surface of the housing and defining a pair of arm portions (612) formed on a front end thereof. And a gasket (5) is assembled to the recess area and defining a pair of curved portions (543) located above two free ends of the pair of arm portions. Whereby movement of the slider by a user along a front to rear direction, the two free ends of the pair of arm portions respectively raise up the pair of curved portions.
US08668507B2
A lamp holder connector includes a lower holder having a bottom board with two positioning pillars protruding upward thereon, and an upper holder covered on the lower holder to together define a receiving chamber. An electrical terminal is fastened in the receiving chamber, and has a base plate with two positioning holes opened therein for inserting the positioning pillars therein, and a pair of clamping plates connected with two opposite side edges of the base plate and facing each other for clamping one end of a lamp therebetween. A top end of each positioning pillar projects upward beyond a top side of the base plate and then is pressed downward by an external jig to have a deformation and form a blocking eave so as to tightly clip the base plate between the bottom board and the blocking eave.
US08668506B2
A charging receptacle having a barrel and a base configured to facilitate interconnecting electrical elements of a cordset with a vehicle charging system. The barrel may be configured to facilitate alignment of the electrical elements and the base may be configured to facilitate mounting the charger receptacle to a vehicle or other device having a system reliant on electrical energy provided through the cordset.
US08668495B2
A ceramic and metallic dental abutment for use with a dental implant is disclosed. The abutment can generally include a body having a base region, a coronal region, and a transgingival region disposed between the base and coronal regions. The body regions can define a longitudinal axis. The base region can include an anti-rotational feature such that, when engaged with the dental implant, an anti-rotational connection exists. The coronal and transgingival regions can include a ceramic exterior surface. The abutment can further include a metal contact portion having an annular shape and positioned to engage the dental implant. The metal contact portion can include a conical outer contact surface, disposed at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis, to match an angle of a chamfer of the dental implant.
US08668487B2
A micro-pattern transferring stamper includes a supporting base material and a microstructure layer formed on the supporting base material, the microstructure layer is a polymer of a resin composition that mainly contains a silsesquioxane derivative containing a plurality of polymerizable functional groups, and one or plural kinds of monomer elements containing a plurality of polymerizable functional groups.
US08668485B1
An improved dough-rolling apparatus and method for rolling sheeted dough. The proposed invention comprises a dough-rolling apparatus having a dough sheeter that cuts a dough sheet into preforms having a concave leading edge and convex trailing edge. A rolling curtain creates a rolled preform with the leading edge on the inside and the trailing edge on the outside. The rolled preform is cooked to produce a rolled snack product with consistent thickness throughout its length and a round outer flap.
US08668483B2
A facility for using powder materials to produce a solid product having multiple layers includes a supply of powder material(s), a die for receiving the powder material(s) and shaping the solid product, the die being secured in a reversible manner to a die-holding table secured to the frame of the facility, and translatable upper and lower punches that engage with one another at the die to compress the powder material(s). The lower punch is connected to a system for uncoupling the members that provide the movement thereof, the system having a brake for limiting the downward travel of the lower punch to keep it in contact with the powder material contained in the die when producing the solid product to avoid the generation of additional compression during the receipt of powder material in the die during the intermediate filling phases for each layer of the product.
US08668480B2
A vane liner for use in a vane pump has a vane liner body defining an inner bore for providing a cam surface in a vane pump. The cam surface has a suction opening formed through the body at one circumferential extent, and a discharge opening through the body at a distinct circumferential extent. A pre-pressurization opening extends through the body at a location upstream of an upstream end of the discharge opening, but spaced by at least 90 degrees from a downstream end of the suction opening. A vane pump incorporating the above-discussed liner is also claimed. Further, a vane pump is also disclosed and claimed having the spacing from the downstream end of the suction opening at least X degrees wherein X equals 360 divided by N, N being the number of vanes in the vane pump.
US08668477B2
A series-connected fan unit includes a first fan frame, a second fan frame, a first motor, a second motor and two impellers. The first fan frame has a first base and a first positioning member coupled with the first base. The second fan frame is connected to the first fan frame in series and has a second base and a second positioning member coupled with the second base. The first motor is disposed in the first base and has a first circuit board coupled with the first positioning member. The second motor is disposed in the second base and has a second circuit board coupled with the second positioning member. The two impellers are respectively coupled with the first motor and the second motor, and an insulation area is formed between the first circuit board and the second circuit board.
US08668473B2
An axial-flow blood pump for pumping blood includes a substantially cylindrical outer enclosure. A tubular housing concentric with and located within the outer enclosure has at one end an inlet and at an opposite end an outlet. A motor stator is concentric with and located between the outer enclosure and the tubular housing. An impeller is concentric with and located within the tubular housing. The impeller is suspended in operation by a combination of passive magnetic forces between magnets within the impeller or magnetized regions of the impeller and the motor stator and hydrodynamic thrust forces generated as blood flows between the tubular housing and a plurality of hydrodynamic thrust bearing surfaces located on the impeller. A volute may be in fluid-tight connection with the outlet of the tubular housing for receiving blood in the axial direction and directing blood in a direction normal to the axial direction. The volute has a flow-improving member extending axially from the volute and into and coaxially with the tubular housing.
US08668460B2
A turbo fan includes a main plate for rotation in a rotational direction about a rotational axis and a plurality of blades arranged at intervals around the rotational axis of the main plate. At least one blade includes: a first blade section having a leading end and a trailing end; a second blade section having a leading end and a trailing end, wherein the first blade section is between the main plate and the second blade section; and a third blade section having a leading end and a trailing end, wherein the third blade section is between the first blade section and the second blade section.
US08668459B2
A turbine assembly has a casing, a turbine ring and a blade. The blade has a root portion having an axially extending first shape, an airfoil attaching to the root portion and having a trailing edge and a radially outward tip. The tip has a first portion disposed in parallel to the axis of rotation for minimizing escape of air between the tip and the casing and a second portion extending aft from the first portion at an inward angle. The ring has a cut-out having a second shape mating with the first shape.
US08668456B2
A turbomachine blade having features arranged to initiate bending of the leading edge towards the pressure surface upon impact of a foreign object on the leading edge. The features may be features weaker than the material of the leading edge located on the pressure surface side of a mid-thickness line. By causing the leading edge to bend towards the pressure surface on impact the volume of the foreign object, typically a bird, that passes over the suction surface is reduced.
US08668452B2
The invention relates to an device for production of energy from currents in water, comprising a first element (10), a second element (20) and a plurality of turbine modules (750) connected to the first element. The second element is mounted on the first element in an approximately perpendicular relationship, the first element is adapted for submersion below a water surface, and an upper part of the second element projects up above the water surface when the plant is in production. The invention also relates to an anchoring device for a floating plant (10, 20), comprising mooring lines (24a, 24b) which are connected at one of their respective ends to the plant and which are connected at their respective second ends to buoys (50, 52), where the mooring lines (24a, 24b) extend substantially horizontally between the plant and the respective buoys.
US08668438B2
A turbine assembly having a bladed turbine wheel and a turbine casing (1000), extending axially of the turbine assembly, radially outwardly surrounding the tips of the blades of the turbine wheel, the casing having at least one radially outwardly extending dummy flange (2100, 2200) off which, in axial direction, one or more cooling manifolds (1100, 1200, 1300), wrapping radially outwardly around the casing, are mounted, the or each cooling manifold being adapted to receive cooling air and to discharge the cooling air radially inwardly towards the casing, for cooling the casing.
US08668427B1
A tailgate bridge apparatus for a vehicle with a bed and a tailgate includes a conventional receiver hitch secured to a rear of the vehicle; a base member with a shank releasably securable to, and adjustable relative to, the conventional receiver hitch, and an upright; a cross member having an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion releasably securable to, and adjustable relative to, the upright; platforms having aft ends supported by the upper portion of the cross member wherein the platforms span the tailgate without being supported by the tailgate, platform positioning mechanisms to position the aft ends of the platforms relative to the upper portion, ramps, and ramp positioning mechanisms to align the ramps with the platforms.
US08668423B2
A grasping device includes a first member, a fixed member fixed to the first member, a first finger member fixed to one end of the first member, a slide mechanism fixed to the first member, a first slider member slidably attached to the slide mechanism, a second member fixed to the first slider member at one end thereof, a guide mechanism fixed to the second member, a second slider member slidably attached to the guide mechanism, a second finger member fixed to the second slider member, and a displacement increasing mechanism that transmits a relative displacement between the fixed member and the first slider member to the second slider member.
US08668422B2
As part of a system for processing workpieces, a workpiece support arrangement, separate from a process chamber arrangement supports at least two workpieces at least generally in a stacked relationship to form a workpiece column. A transfer arrangement transports at least two of the workpieces between the workpiece column and the process chamber arrangement by simultaneously moving the two workpieces at least generally along first and second transfer paths, respectively, that are defined between the workpiece column and the first and second process stations. The transfer arrangement can simultaneously move untreated and treated workpieces. Vertical motion swing arms and coaxial swing arms are described. A pair of spaced apart swing arms, the workpiece column and the processing stations can cooperatively define a pentagonal shape. Timing belt backlash elimination, a dual degree of freedom slot valve and low point chamber pumping, for removing chamber contaminants, are also described.
US08668405B1
An improved road maintenance truck includes a pair of hydraulically powered roller assemblies mounted to the underside of the vehicle frame and a vertically movable compression plate mounted to the vehicle frame. Each roller assembly has a compressive roller which runs the width of the truck. Two hydraulic actuators on each end of the vehicle raise and lower the roller into place. These independent rollers allow a road patching crew to selectively lower the roller for repairing road while initially flattening the patching material with the front roller and compacting the patching material with the rear. The compression plate is mounted to an actuator which selectively raises and lowers the compression plate to compress road patching materials. A roller heating system draws engine coolant through the rollers to heat the rollers and to reduce the heat built-up in the engine.
US08668404B2
A covering unit for use in combination with similar units for covering a surface with a natural random look, the unit having an hexagonal body comprising first, second and third pairs of opposed and parallel sides. Each side has a central point of angular symmetry. The second and third pairs are similar to each other while the first pair is different from the others. The sides of the second and third pairs are provided with at least one split deviation along their length arranged so that each side of the second pair is a rotational image of the sides of the third pair, whereby in use in combination with other covering units: each side is matingly engageable with the sides of an equivalent pair of a neighboring unit; and the unit has a central point of angular symmetry and is matingly engageable with a plurality of neighboring unit.
US08668396B2
Thermal transfer printing method and apparatus are provided to make initial character image data left on a spent ink ribbon illegible. In the method, after forming an initial character image on an ink layer in black of the ink ribbon, a forefront of the ink layer is aligned with a forefront position of an intermediate transfer film. Then, overwrite character image data is applied on a thermal head to produce a first superimpose character image on the ribbon and a first superimpose character image on the film. After that, the forefront position of the ink layer is shifted from the forefront position of the film by a predetermined distance and the overwrite character image data is applied on the thermal head to produce a second superimpose character image on the ribbon and a second superimpose character image on the film.
US08668383B2
Methods and apparatus for wafer temperature measurement and calibration of temperature measurement devices may be based on determining the absorption of a layer in a semiconductor wafer. The absorption may be determined by directing light towards the wafer and measuring light reflected from the wafer from below the surface upon which the incident light impinges. Calibration wafers and measurement systems may be arranged and configured so that light reflected at predetermined angles to the wafer surface is measured and other light is not. Measurements may also be based on evaluating the degree of contrast in an image of a pattern in or on the wafer. Other measurements may utilize a determination of an optical path length within the wafer alongside a temperature determination based on reflected or transmitted light.
US08668381B2
A system for monitoring performance parameters of an apparatus operating at an elevated temperature, such as a gas turbine engine. The system includes sensors for sensing the performance parameters and generating analog sensor outputs, at least one hub unit mounted sufficiently close to the apparatus so as to be subjected to a first temperature in excess of 125° C., a collector unit subjected to a second temperature of less than the first temperature, and a distributor computer unit subjected to a third temperature of less than the second temperature. The hub unit has control and signal conditioning circuit boards that operate together to condition the analog sensor outputs of the sensors and produce corresponding digital data. The collector unit transmits the digital data from the hub unit to the distributor computer unit, which processes the digital data to assess the performance parameters of the apparatus.
US08668360B2
A light source system comprising an illumination component, a color wheel and a light uniformization module is provided. The illumination component is disposed on a first axis to provide light beams. The color wheel defines a second axis to rotate thereabout, wherein the second axis is deflected from the first axis by an angle. The light beams provided from the illumination component are substantially focused at the first axis and onto the color wheel. The light uniformization module is disposed on the first axis after the color wheel to receive a portion of the light beams and uniformize the light beams to travel along the first axis.
US08668353B1
Lighting devices are disclosed having a light-transmissive resin sheet and one or more light sources disposed within the light-emitting resin sheet. The light sources may, in some embodiments, be oriented so that a large portion of light emitted from the light sources exhibits total internal reflection within the light-transmissive resin sheet and is trapped inside the sheet. This total internal reflection may, for example, advantageously provide a more uniform light emitted from the lighting device when scattered from objects inside the sheet. Methods of making and using the lighting device are also disclosed.
US08668350B2
A lighting system includes a first LED array which includes a plurality of LED sub-arrays, and a plurality of inputs operatively coupled to a corresponding LED sub-array through a controller. The intensity of light emitted by the LED sub-arrays is adjustable in response to adjusting input signals provide by the inputs. In this way, the intensity of light emitted by the LED sub-arrays is adjustable, in response to adjusting the input signals, to drive a wavelength spectrum of the first LED array to match the action spectrum of a physiological activity of a plant.
US08668349B2
A solar-powered attachable light is adapted for use as a holiday decoration and includes a lamp pivotably mounted to an enclosure. A solar cell charges an internal rechargeable battery during daytime hours and the rechargeable battery powers the lamp during nighttime hours. A rear of the enclosure includes a clip assembly for removable attachment of the device to various outdoor structures. The device eliminates the presence of wires and the requirement of connection to a fixed power source in a manner particularly beneficial when simultaneously arranging decorative outdoor lighting in a variety of locations.
US08668336B2
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging systems for imaging an eye are provided including a source having an associated source arm path and a reference arm having an associated reference arm path coupled to the source path, the reference arm path having an associated reference arm path length. A sample having an associated sample arm path coupled to the source arm and reference arm paths is provided. A reference arm path length adjustment module is coupled to the reference arm. The reference arm path length adjustment module is configured to automatically adjust the reference arm path length such that the reference arm path length is based on an eye length of the subject. Related methods and computer program products are also provided.
US08668334B2
A binocular viewer, a method of measuring and training vision that uses a binocular viewer and a vision measurement and training system that employs a computer to control the binocular viewer. In one embodiment, the binocular viewer has left and right display elements and comprises: (1) a variable focal depth optical subsystem located in an optical path between the display elements and a user when the user uses the binocular viewer and (2) a control input coupled to the left and right display elements and the variable focal depth optical subsystem and configured to receive control signals operable to place images on the left and right display elements and vary a focal depth of the variable focal depth optical subsystem. In another embodiment, the binocular viewer lacks the variable focal depth optical subsystem, but the images include at least one feature unique to one of the left and right display elements.
US08668332B2
A toric contact lens having a prism ballast structure, wherein a center optical area, an annular transition area surrounding the center optical area determining a refractive degree, and an annular peripheral area surrounding the transition area, are defined on a lens front surface. A shape of the lens front surface has a mirror symmetry with a vertical meridian as a boundary, in such a manner that a thickness is smoothly decreased toward a lens lower end portion from two maximum thickness portions and where the thickness of the lens is maximum, and a valley-shaped slab-off is formed between these maximum thickness portions.
US08668330B2
Eyewear is provided that can comprise a frame, a lens, and at least one lens retention mechanism that can secure the lens relative to the frame. The frame can support at least one lens in a field of view of a wearer. The frame can include a first ear stem and a second ear stem that allows the frame to be worn on the wearer's head. The retention mechanism can be supported by the frame and/or the lens and can be movable or fixed relative to the frame and/or the lens. In some embodiments, the retention mechanism comprises a latch device having an engagement structure that moves along a path of motion that intersects the lens. The retention component can engage an engagement portion of the lens to securing the lens relative to the frame.
US08668307B2
A printing system including an ink deposition unit that could be oriented and move along a long axis of an image segment to be printed. The system prints images occupying a number of segments of a substrate surface at a substantially shorter time than the existing printing systems operating in raster mode would print.
US08668303B2
An image recording device which includes a control unit which alternately performs, main-scannings in which the recording head is moved in the main-scanning direction while the recording head ejecting the liquid to form line images that extend in the main scanning direction and are adjacent to each other in the sub-scanning direction, and sub-scannings in which the recording head is moved in the sub-scanning direction, and a detection unit which detects a displacement of a mark which is formed on the recording medium in the sub-scanning direction, wherein the control unit adjusts a movement amount of the recording head which is moved in the sub-scanning direction in the sub-scannings on the basis of a detection result of the detection unit.
US08668302B2
An inkjet printer includes a plurality of color separation modules. Each color separation module includes an image receiving member and a printhead module configured to eject ink drops onto the image receiving member to form a color separation on the image receiving member. The printer is configured to transfix each color separation on each image receiving member to a single sheet to produce a composite ink image on the print medium after the print medium has passed by all of the color separation modules in the printer.
US08668291B2
An apparatus and method for a metal clad facade includes a thin metal cladding having at least one edge. The facade or the object with which it is associated has at least one edge around which the metal cladding edge can be wrapped. The wrapped edge could optionally be crimped. Optionally, exposed edges of the cladding could be covered by raised bosses or ribs on the façade. Optionally, a projection or extension of the cladding, oblique to other parts of the cladding, could extend into an opening in or near a surface of the facade or its underlying object. Wrapping of at least one edge with the metal cladding provides the appearance of a more substantial metal part than if the edge were not wrapped and provides for a more securement and durable attachment between the cladding and the underlying object.
US08668288B2
The self-closing and opening device (1) particularly of a movable furniture part (103) comprises a fixed guide (8) having a supporting body (2) in which a first slider (3) can slide reversibly along a sliding axis (100) in opposition to and through the action of first elastic means (5), the first slider (3) being engageable with first driving means (106) present on a driving element (6) which slides reversibly in the direction of the sliding axis (100), the supporting body (2) comprising first movement means (4) for movement of the first slider (3) suitable to engage with guide means (12, 13) of the first slider (3), so as to release it from the driving means (106), also provided with a mechanical or elastically yielding stop (9, 120) against which the first slider (3) rests directly or indirectly before it engages with the guide means (12,13) in the first movement means (4) the driving element (6) being then pushed by an ejector (20) generating an initial opening movement of said movable furniture part (103).
US08668274B2
In a method for optimizing a cutting process in milling machines which are used to machine road coverings, which comprise a milling device fitted with milling tools which is sprayed with liquid in order to cool the milling tools, in addition to a drive motor, the following steps are provided: detection of the at least one parameter which is representative of the instantaneous power output of the milling device and controlling the amount of cooling liquid supplied according to the at least one parameter which is representative of the instantaneous power output of the milling device.
US08668270B2
An improved head and neck support couples to an upper back edge of a chair. In a preferred embodiment, the support couples to an upper back edge of a reclining salon chair. The improved support comprises a rigid inner clamping means, an inner filling of compressible memory material, all enclosed by an outer covering with a sufficiently high coefficient of friction to grip the front and the back of an upper back of the chair under the weight of a user's head as the user reclines in the chair. The composite filled support further comprises an upper portion, and a lower portion, said lower portion defining a groove along the length of the support, into which an upper back edge of a reclining salon chair may be wedged by friction fit.
US08668247B2
A segmented tube formed of a magnesium-based alloy and wrapped or jacketed with a reinforcement to apply a restraining force on the external surface of the tube for resisting fragmentation of the tube by the compressive force applied to the end of the tube serves as a structural member for receiving a compressive stress applied to an end of the tube and acting along the axis of the tube toward the opposing end of the tube. The magnesium alloy tube is comparatively light, and the segmented and wrapped or jacketed tube has an increased capacity to absorb compressive forces. The tubes are useful as components of automotive vehicles.
US08668243B2
A vehicle boundary layer air flow control structure is provided with a vehicle body and a side view mirror. The vehicle body includes an exterior contoured surface with an air flow deflector. The side view mirror is attached to the vehicle body to provide a diagonally rearward direction to be viewed from a driver's seat. The air flow deflector has a downward air flow guiding surface provided in a vehicle body region of the exterior contoured surface of the vehicle body along which an air flow heading toward the side view mirror passes. The downward air flow guiding surface extends in an air flow direction of the air flow with respect to the side view mirror to divert the air flow underneath the side view mirror.
US08668240B2
Disclosed is a vehicle gap cover, such as a tailgate gap cover, for covering a gap defined between two moving components of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the gap cover is a tailgate gap cover for covering the tailgate gap defined between a truck bed and a gate of a truck. The tailgate gap cover includes a cover having a first edge portion, a second edge portion and an exposed portion therebetween. The first edge portion is connected to one of the gate and the truck bed while the second edge portion is slideably received at the other of the gate and the truck bed so that the exposed portion covers the tailgate gap.
US08668232B2
A threaded connection design having a double ellipse in the thread root for reducing stress fatigue is illustrated in this disclosure. The root groove includes a first portion comprising a first elliptical surface being part of a first ellipse. The root groove further includes a second portion comprising a second elliptical surface, being part of a second ellipse, and the second elliptical surface being joined tangentially at a first end to the first elliptical surface at a junction point that defines the bottom of the root groove. The second elliptical surface is joined tangentially at a second end to the load flank.
US08668229B2
A contamination resistant connecting system includes, a first conduit, a first connector in operable communication with the first conduit, a first seal configured to seal at least part of the first connector from an environment, a second conduit operationally connectable with the first conduit, a second connector in operable communication with the second conduit that is operationally connectable with the first connector and a second seal configured to seal at least part of the second connector from an environment. Additionally, at least one piercing device is configured to pierce through the first seal and the second seal to allow operational connection of the first conduit with the second conduit.
US08668227B1
A debris barrier for a vehicle receiver hitch with a hitch interface (such as a ball mount or clevis hitch) installed thereon includes a cross-member having a length sufficient to extend between the rear tires of an ATV/UTV. One or more fenders and/or mudguards are removably and replaceably securable to the cross-member in various configurations, with the fenders extending upwardly and the mudguards extending downwardly. The cross-member with fenders and/or mudguards is securable to a ball mount drawbar forward of the hitch ball or clevis, leaving the hitch interface functional so that, e.g., a trailer may also be secured to the vehicle. The fenders/mudguards block debris propelled backwards by the tires and guide the debris downward. The heights and left/right positions of the fenders and/or mudguards on the cross-member are adjustable, as is the forward/rearward position of the cross-member on the drawbar.
US08668219B1
Disclosed herein is a bicycle thrust apparatus coupled to a bicycle having: a frame, a front wheel having a front wheel axle coupled to a forward portion of the frame, a rear wheel having a rear wheel axle coupled to a rearward portion of the frame, a seat attached to the frame via a seat post. A thrust brace having a lower portion coupled to the frame adjacent the rear wheel axle is also disclosed wherein the thrust brace comprises an upper portion telescopically coupled to the lower portion such as to provide adjustability to the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the thrust apparatus. A cushioned back engagement pad may be utilized pivotably coupled to the upper portion of the thrust brace; and a cross member interconnecting the thrust brace and the bicycle frame at a location vertically above, and horizontally forward of the rear wheel axle.
US08668215B2
A vehicle drive arrangement for a vehicle of the type having differential power transmission arrangement that converts the rotatory motion of the rotatory power shaft to rotatory motion of first and second drive shafts disposed substantially orthogonal the rotatory power shaft. Primary leaf springs are each coupled at their respective centers to respective drive shafts by pivotal arrangements. The first and second primary springs may include helical springs that are used in place of, or in combination with, the primary leaf springs. Secondary leaf springs may be splayed and therefore need not be arranged parallel to the primary leaf springs. Control over vehicle kinematics is enhanced by configuring the resilience of a fulcrum bumper using resilient, rheological, or active systems. An active system will control vehicle height while stationary to facilitate loading and unloading of the vehicle.
US08668203B2
A valve stem seal can include an elastomeric component having a first portion for having a sealed engagement with a valve stem, and a pressure relief lip engaging a valve guide. The pressure relief lip can have a sealing configuration and a venting configuration. The venting configuration can allow excess exhaust gases to vent from a combustion chamber. After the venting of excess exhaust gases, the pressure relief lip can close to the sealing configuration to prevent oil from entering the combustion chamber. The elastomeric body or the valve guide can include a pressure relief channel. The elastomeric body can also include a bumper engaging the valve guide. The pressure relief channel can be disposed in the bumper.
US08668193B2
A sheet processing apparatus includes a conveying unit that conveys a booklet formed by folding a sheet bundle; a processing unit that performs a predetermined process on the booklet; a booklet holding unit that includes first and second holding members to hold the booklet and varies a gap distance between the first and second holding members depending on a state of processing the booklet while the sheet processing unit is performing the process on the booklet; and a pressing unit that presses and fixes the booklet while the processing unit is processing the booklet.
US08668181B2
Devices associated with an interface that is advantageous for the customized attachment of pieces of furniture to the floor of an aircraft. The interface includes rails extending longitudinally in the aircraft cabin, able to receive anchoring devices for connecting the furniture elements to these rails. The anchoring devices include axial and radial claw clamping devices which are associated together in pairs and operated together in pairs by a single and same lever (58, 95).
US08668169B2
A train equipped with an onboard system for determining its position and a track database for determining the positions of upcoming grade crossings sends activate after expiration messages to control wayside warning systems at the crossings to achieve a constant warning time while maintaining a safety margin that ensures the train can be stopped if the wayside systems do not respond correctly to the activate after expiration messages. The system may be used in place of existing track-based crossing warning system control circuits. Communications between the train may be radio-based, and may be direct between the train and wayside devices or may be routed through a central station, which may act as a relay or maintain a database. The train may control multiple crossings at one time, thereby eliminating the need for downstream adjacent crossing control.
US08668168B1
The present invention is a space vehicle valve system which controls the internal pressure of a space vehicle and the flow rate of purged gases at a given internal pressure and aperture site. A plurality of quasi-unique variable dimension peaked valve structures cover the purge apertures on a space vehicle. Interchangeable sheet guards configured to cover valve apertures on the peaked valve structure contain a pressure-activated surface on the inner surface. Sheet guards move outwardly from the peaked valve structure when in structural contact with a purge gas stream flowing through the apertures on the space vehicle. Changing the properties of the sheet guards changes the response of the sheet guards at a given internal pressure, providing control of the flow rate at a given aperture site.
US08668164B2
An apparatus and method are provided for reducing the drag caused by a complex-section part in an airflow, for example the landing gear of an aircraft, making it possible to optimize the lift/drag ratio and to reduce the aerodynamic noise by reducing the local noise source. To do so, the complex-section part is masked with a special casing. More specifically, the aero-acoustically optimized complex-section metal mechanical part is fitted with an aerodynamically shaped cover made of several longitudinal parts articulated with hinges to facilitate their installation. This cover is attached to at least two supports placed away from one another along the axis of the part, each support locally mating with the section of the part.
US08668156B2
A direct injection injector for an engine includes a body forming the outer structure and having a space therein, a needle inserted to slide linearly in the body and having a hole therein forming a fuel channel, and a cylinder nozzle fitted on needle to communicate with hole and having a nozzle hole for injecting fuel, such that it is possible to prevent caulking in which the nozzle of the injector is clogged with soot while injecting fuel at relatively low pressure, change the spray type of the injected engine in various shapes, and sufficiently decrease the size of droplet of the fuel.
US08668152B2
A rail securing system comprising at least one angle guide plate allows a perfect retention of the tension clamp in its pre-assembly position and facilitates final assembly. The angle guide plate has recess, which is designed as a seat for a free end section of a spring arm of a tension clamp to be mounted on the angle guide plate, wherein the recess engages around the end section by less than half of its circumference. The transition between the recess and the section of the angle guide plate which follows on from the recess in the direction of the rail is formed such as to be free of any abrupt change, so that the tension clamp can be pushed in a simple manner on the angle guide plate into its assembly position.
US08668149B2
Misreads in decodable indicia by terminals such as bar code scanners (e.g., laser, image sensors) can occur. Solutions can include increasing redundancy or screening out erroneous data. Embodiments of screening error reduction circuits, terminals, and/or methods for processing decodable indicia data are provided.
US08668145B2
An automatic identification system for communicating identifying information by coupling signals through the human body is provided. The system includes a battery powered identification device that transmits an identifying signal via a modulated carrier. The identification device is coupled to the body of the user via a coupling plate. The signal from the identification device is received by a reading device that is also coupled to the body of the user via a coupling plate. The reading device may display and/or enunciates the identifying information to the user. The coupling technique, carrier frequency, and construction of the devices are such that the identification information is not inadvertently radiated or coupled to unintentional users or receivers.
US08668138B1
A method of inputting medical information comprises the step of printing a two-dimensional barcode from a first system, wherein the two-dimensional barcode comprises embedded data to input into a second system and wherein the data is separated by embedded key strokes that emulate entry of data into a user interface associated with the second system. The method further includes the steps of scanning the two-dimensional barcode utilizing a scanner associated with the second system and entering the embedded data into the user interface of the second system.
US08668137B2
Methods and systems are described for communicating encoded information using barcodes. Symbologies that permit linking of two or more barcodes may be used to create animated linked barcodes, in which successive barcodes in the series that encodes a string of information are displayed within a display area of a dynamic medium. Barcode animations may be displayed in webpages, television broadcasts, video media, favicons, etc. An optical layer such as a lenticular lens may be used to affect display of different barcodes at different viewing angles.
US08668134B2
Provided is a fare box which enables passengers to smoothly pay fares using bills without hesitation even when a bill transportation passage is disabled due to jamming of a bill or a breakdown. Two entrances, which are a bill normal receiving opening and a bill backup receiving opening, are provided as bill receiving openings of the fare box. Either of the bill normal receiving opening and the bill backup receiving opening is allowed to be selectively opened by a shutter member. At normal times, the bill normal receiving opening is put into operation with the shutter member positioned at a normal position. When a bill normal transportation passage has become jammed with a bill, the shutter member is shifted from the normal position to a bypass position on the basis of an operation performed on a bill receiving opening switch lever, whereby the bill backup receiving opening is opened instead of the bill normal receiving opening.
US08668121B2
Filling device (1, 101) including a reservoir (3, 103) intended to contain liquid, a valve (4, 104) connected to the reservoir and a spout (20, 120), in which the valve has a shutter (10, 110) and a shutter seat (11), a flow circuit having a liquid inlet adjacent to the shutter seat and a liquid outlet adjacent to the spout, the liquid outlet being located lower than the liquid inlet, and an air intake circuit separate from the flow circuit, in which a pushrod (22, 122) has an upper end adjacent to the shutter. The pushrod includes a first duct (27) and a second duct (28), the air inlet circuit including the first duct, the flow circuit including the second duct.
US08668104B2
A collapsible protective case for surfboards, musical instruments, or other large asymmetrically shaped objects, including a housing having a rigid, impact-resistant outer surface, the housing being formed from a multiplicity of adjoining subsections that are selectively configurable between an expanded transport position and a collapsed storage position.
US08668086B2
A cover for a welding wire container has a body portion provided with an elongate slot through which the welding wire can be withdrawn from the container, and at least one flap formed integrally therewith and partially defining the slot.
US08668078B2
A conveyor segment for clean manufacturing applications. Each conveyor belt segment includes a pair of side rails parallel to each other; a pair of belt-drives for transporting work pieces from a first end to a second end of the belt segment; a pair of driving wheels for turning the belt-drives. The belt of each of the belt-drives is disposed in a serpentine path about plural, load-bearing upper idler wheels, around either a lower loop-back idler wheel or a driving wheel, and back up and around another pair of upper idler wheels. This sequence is repeated a selected number of times about additional pairs of upper idler wheels and lower loop-back idler wheels or a driving wheel before the belt is disposed beneath plural return idler wheels and back up to the starting point. Slipping between the belt and wheels is thus minimized, even in the absence of a work piece on the belt segment.
US08668077B2
A belt plough assembly is used to deflect material on a conveyor belt. The belt plough assembly includes a support structure, and a blade operatively positioned by the support structure on the material carrying side of the conveyor belt and orientated to deflect or redirect outlying material on a conveyor belt back inside the alignment of the skirts. The support structure includes a housing having an upright slot within which the blade is slidably mounted. The blade rests on the belt under its own weight, but is freely movable relative to the support structure. This enables the blade to maintain contact with the belt and follow any undulations in the belt, and self-adjust for wear on the blade. A damper may be provided for damping movements of the blade.
US08668068B2
The coin handling apparatus configured to handle the first coin of the first nation and the second coin of the second nation includes a recognition unit 48 configured to recognize a coin and detects a feature amount of the recognized coin. The recognition unit 48 is configured to regard the recognized coin as the first coin when the feature amount of the detected coin conforms to feature amount information including a feature amount of the first coin and a feature amount of the second coin.
US08668067B2
A vehicle parking lock device having a parking rod; a tapered parking cam disposed at a leading end portion of the parking rod; and a cam guiding device that guides the parking cam moved together with the parking rod in association with a projection of the parking rod toward the leading end portion to move a parking lock pole with the parking cam to a position of engagement with a parking lock gear rotated together with a transmission output member, the cam guiding device including a first guiding member in a cylindrical shape and a second guiding member in a half cylindrical shape that is disposed subsequently to the first guiding member, the second guiding member having a tapered guiding concave surface that guides the parking cam toward the parking lock pole in association with the projection of the parking rod toward the leading end portion.
US08668065B2
A torque limiting coupling rotatably arranged around a longitudinal axis A has a coupling hub (2, 102, 202), drivers (6, 106), a coupling sleeve (3, 103, 203) and a switching disk (4, 104, 204). The switching disk (4, 104, 204) is rotatably arranged between a switched-on position and an idling position relative to the coupling hub (2, 102, 202). The drivers (6, 106) engage the coupling sleeve first recesses (7, 107,207) in the switched-on position. The drivers (6, 106) engage the switching disk second recesses (8, 108, 208) in the idling position. A first spring mechanism (25, 125, 225) urges the switching disk (4, 104, 204) in the direction towards the switched-on position. A second spring mechanism (12, 112, 212) acts axially on the switching disk (4, 104, 204) and urges the drivers (6, 106) against the coupling sleeve (3, 103, 203).
US08668060B2
An electromagnetic absorber (10) for a vehicle including (a) a threaded rod (78) which is disposed on one of a sprung portion and an unsprung portion and which has a threaded groove (76) formed in its outer circumferential portion and an axial groove (90) extending in its axis direction (b) a nut (80) which is rotatably disposed on the other of the sprung portion and the unsprung portion and which is screwed with the threaded rod and (c) a rod-rotation inhibiting member (82) which includes a fitting portion configured to be fitted in the axial groove and which is disposed on the other of the sprung portion and the unsprung portion, the rod-rotation inhibiting member being configured to inhibit the threaded rod from rotating while permitting the threaded rod to move in the axis direction. In the electromagnetic absorber, the threaded groove is not formed at a section of a fitting range at which the fitting portion is fitted in the axial groove when the fitting portion is located at an end of the fitting range that extends in the axis direction on the outer circumferential portion of the threaded rod.
US08668055B2
An elevator load receiving apparatus or a compensating weight connected thereto by a suspension device is released from a safety device in a stopping position after downward travel, the load receiving apparatus and the compensating weight being moved by a drive unit including a reversible electric motor and a traction sheave engaging the suspension device. Many safety devices, after stopping must be moved counter to the travelling direction of the load receiving apparatus before stopping in order to release (moved upwards in the case of stopping after downward travel). The safety device is easily released by activating the drive unit for a time (tmax1) or a certain distance (smax) with a predetermined torque (Mmax) counter to the direction of release and subsequently activated as abruptly as possible with the predetermined torque in the direction of release. This method can be used to release the compensating weight from its stopped position.
US08668052B2
Methods and apparatus relates to a tool with a laser to assist with adjustment of a constant level oiler associated with rotating equipment. The tool projects light from the laser onto a housing of the rotating equipment to identify position of a level adjuster of the oiler relative to an oil level marker on the housing of the rotating equipment. The tool includes a portion that is inserted into part of the oiler during use of the tool and is coupled to the laser, which may be moveable from the portion inserted and may have extension from the portion inserted counterbalanced by a weight also coupled to the portion inserted.
US08668047B2
A toeboard system for scaffolding has telescoping, articulating, and interlocking members. The telescoping member has inner and outer sleeves configured in telescope arrangement for linear extension of the inner sleeve. Connecting brackets are positioned between the telescoping member and the articulating member to facilitate rotational positioning of the articulating member. In addition, the telescoping member and the articulating member, respectively, include a mounting structure and a receiving structure, which are configured to interlock one toeboard system to another toeboard system. Alternative toeboard systems with the mounting structure and the receiving structure but without telescoping members or articulating members are also disclosed.
US08668045B2
The present invention is a chair or similar body-supporting apparatus for sitting on, reclining on or lying upon. The chair or similar apparatus is capable of transmitting sound and vibrations generated by a sound source and/or a vibration source to a user's body. The sound and vibrations are transmitted through speakers, transducers, or a combination thereof which are connected to the chair or similar apparatus. The present invention is also a method of providing vibrational energy to a user, including regulating sound and vibrations transmitted through speakers, transducers, or a combination thereof which are connected to a chair or similar body-supporting apparatus.
US08668044B2
There is provided a circulation line (39) for circulating pressurized oil from an accumulator (11) into a housing (15) of a steering valve (14). An orifice joint (41) is provided along the path of the circulation line (39). The orifice joint (41) is removably mounted on the housing (15) of the steering valve (14) from outside. An orifice portion (42) of the orifice joint (41) applies a throttling function to the circulating oil liquid whereby a frictional heat is generated therein. The oil liquid in a warm state flows through a communication passage (21), passages in a spool valve (16), and a low pressure side passage (18B), thus enabling the steering valve (14) to be always in a warm state.
US08668028B2
The invention relates to an underwater drilling arrangement for introducing a tubular foundation element into the bed of a body of water comprising at least one rotary drill drive, whereby a drill rod running inside the foundation element can be set into rotation by means of the rotary drill drive. The invention is characterized, among other things, in that a submersible working platform for placement onto the bed of a body of water is provided, whereby on the working platform at least one holding means for securing the foundation element in a rotationally fixed manner on the working platform is arranged and in that at least one mounting part for placement onto the foundation element is provided, whereby the mounting part has a clamping means for securing the mounting part on the foundation element, and the rotary drill drive is arranged on the mounting part. The invention also relates to a method for introducing a tubular foundation element into the bed of a body of water, which can be carried out, in particular, by means of the underwater drilling arrangement according to the invention.
US08668026B2
A hammer drill equipped with a main body part; a drive motor; a motion conversion mechanism, and a vibration absorber which are housed in the main body part; and a handgrip which is provided as a continuation of the main body part at a position closer to the rear end side of the tool than the drive motor and used for gripping the tool. The vibration absorber is in a configuration where vibrations of the main body part are suppressed during a machining operation.
US08668022B2
A system and method for cracking, hydrogenating and extracting oil from underground deposits is presented. A system includes injecting carbon dioxide and syngas into a deposit of oil under the ground to crack and hydrogenate the heavy oil to produce upgraded oil with a reduced density and reduced viscosity. The carbon dioxide acts as a pressurization agent to further reduce the viscosity of the heavy oil. The method transports the reduced density and reduced viscosity oil aboveground. The carbon dioxide is left underground after the reduced viscosity oil is transported aboveground.
US08668021B2
A wellhead seal assembly that forms a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead members. A metal seal ring has inner and outer walls separated by a slot. An elastomeric seal is located below the seal ring and has a bottom portion that contacts an upward facing shoulder of a hanger. An energizing ring with a tapered nose is moved into the slot. The tapered nose has a compound angle that determines how much the nose travels into the slot when a force is applied to the energizing ring. Once the elastomeric seal is compressed to a desired level, the load on the energizing ring has increased to the point that the tapered nose of the energizing ring will further enters the slot and force the outer and inner walls of the metal seal into sealing engagement with the inner and outer wellhead members.
US08668020B2
An assembly supports a control line of a downhole tool, such as a downhole deployment valve. The tool deploys on casing and has a control line extending from the wellhead to the tool. To support the line separately from any casing hanger, a split bowl disposes around the casing and lands on a shoulder in the head. A port in the bowl has one opening that aligns with a side port in the head. Another opening of the bowl's port connects to the control line that extends to the downhole tool. A section of the control line from the split bowl can be flexible to help prevent kinking or breaking of the line during installation procedures. A hanger disposes on another shoulder in the head uphole from the bowl. The hanger supports the casing in the head separate from the bowl's support of the control line.
US08668011B2
A method of hydraulically fracturing a formation comprises controlling a pump rate during hydraulic fracturing of the first section of the horizontal well bore during a first period to break down the formation while reducing pick up of sand positioned in the well bore; during a subsequent second period to pick up the sand positioned in the well bore generally at a rate at which the formation will accept the sand; and, during a subsequent third period to fracture the formation.
US08668007B2
A non-rotating downhole sleeve adapted for casing centralization in a borehole. The sleeve includes a tubular body made of hard plastic with integrally formed helical blades positioned around its outer surface and an inner surface which allows drilling fluid to circulate to form a non-rotating fluid bearing between the sleeve and the casing. The tubular sleeve comprises a continuous non-hinged wall structure for surrounding the casing. The non-rotating centralizer sleeve reduces sliding and rotating torque at the surface while drilling the casing, for example, with minimal obstruction to drilling fluid passing between the casing and the surrounding borehole.
US08668003B2
A cement head used for performing cementing jobs in downhole operations is provided. The cement head includes wireless signaling means, an integrated energy supply, activating means for pneumatic operated valves in cement head, and controller means for controlling said energy supply for activation of at least one valve based on received signals through the wireless signaling means.
US08668002B2
A roller-shade winding roman style shade is provided. A technical feature thereof is to utilize an actuating member of a cord or a band-shaped long strip of fabric to connect a blind material and a roller shade. Thus, as the roller shade rises, the parts where the blind material and the actuating member are connected are pulled up sequentially from the bottom up, and when reaching the top end, the points where the blind material and the actuating member are connected are kept at approximately the same height, such that the roman style shade is in a retracted and folded state. The blind material of the whole roman style shade can be folded up or dropped down merely through connection of the actuating member between the blind material and the roller shade, the roller shade has diversified applications and is more flexible in use and pleasant to look at.
US08667991B2
A liner tube is provided for repairing either a single pipe line or a main pipe line having a lateral pipe line connected thereto. The liner tube assembly includes a liner tube impregnated with a liquid material capable of curing and hardening. The liner tube includes a gasket or band positioned about the juncture of the pipe lines. The gasket or bands form a tight seal between the liner tube and the pipe line.
US08667984B2
To reduce a weight of a valve main body of an expansion valve formed by an extrusion molding of a metal material such as an aluminum alloy or the like. A valve main body 100 is made of a material obtained by an extrusion molding of a metal material such as an aluminum alloy or the like. Two pair of holding faces 101a and 101b, and 102a and 102b are formed on both side face 100a and 100b in the extruding direction of the valve main body 100, and the other portions are to be concave as much as possible, so that the weight can be reduced. The holding faces 101a and 101b and the holding faces 102a and 102b are parallel faces, and come to be holding faces for chuck claws C1 and C2 at a time of machining.
US08667982B2
An air valve device is adapted to be fitted into an opening of an inflatable article, and includes a valve seat having a seat body that is disposed between an inflating port and a conduit, and a valve disc unit disposed in the conduit to be moved between opened and closed positions, and having a valve disc connected with a plunger, an elastomeric seal ring superimposed on a padded region of the valve disc. A rigid retaining cap is disposed to bring a base layer of the seal ring in an abutting engagement with the padded region of the valve disc so as to secure the seal ring to the valve disc while permitting a sealing marginal layer of the seal ring to be air-tightly engaged with the seat body in the closed position.
US08667977B1
Methods and embodiments are described for sampling and measuring oxygen concentrations of flowing samples drawn from the ullage of a chemical or fuel tank and from a source of inerting gas used for purging the tank. The sampled flows are drawn with a venturi pump or a pneumatically driven turbine pump and returned to the ullage of the tank. An optical absorption spectrophotometer is used having a diode laser sensor, and both sensor and the pump can be safely located near to the tank. Control systems and apparatus are disclosed for controlling the oxygen level within the ullage of the tank.
US08667968B2
This invention relates to condoms, prophylactics and contraceptive devices made of silicone rubber having a body comprising a plurality of sections that are capable of folding telescopically, such that each section folds into an adjoining section.
US08667962B2
A flow generator for generating a flow of pressurized breathable gas includes a cylindrical housing and a motor supported in the housing. The motor has a shaft having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The shaft is generally coincident with an axis of the motor. A first impeller is attached to the first end of the shaft and a second impeller is attached to the second end of the shaft. A stator directs an air flow from the first impeller back towards the motor axis. The housing includes an inlet adjacent the first end of the shaft having an inlet axis generally coincident with the motor axis and at least one outlet between the first and second impellers. The at least one outlet has an outlet axis generally tangential to the motor axis.
US08667946B2
A multi-cylinder engine with a crankcase integrated cylinder block including a cylinder block having a plurality of cylinder bores, a plurality of crank chambers formed by an upper crankcase and a lower crankcase, a bulkhead that partitions between the cylinder bores and the crank chambers, and a honing release portion having a cylindrical honing release surface formed continuously with the cylinder bore in the upper crankcase and the bulkhead. The honing release surface forms an arcuate recessed portion in the bulkhead, the bulkhead is formed with a communication hole that includes a first opening edge on a side of the cylinder bore, a second opening edge on a side of the crank chamber having an opening width decreasing with a distance from the cylinder bore, and a third opening edge that extends substantially in parallel with the cylinder axis.
US08667945B2
A piston for an internal combustion engine includes a piston base material including a pair of skirt portions opposed to each other in a radial direction of the piston base material. The piston includes a multiple-layer coating formed on at least one of surfaces of the pair of skirt portions. The piston further includes marks provided to respective layers of the multiple-layer coating at locations different from each other.
US08667944B2
An engine provided herein. The engine includes a cylinder head assembly, a cap including an opening, an oil routing plug positioned in the opening including a recess traversing the plug, the recess and a portion of the wall of the opening defining a boundary of a plug oil passage, and an oil supply passage extending through the cylinder head assembly including an inlet fluidly coupled to a lubrication circuit and an outlet opening into the recess.
US08667943B2
An internal combustion engine (1), including a cylinder head (2) and a cylinder block (3), with a crankcase (10) being fixed to the cylinder block (3), and with at least one mass balancing shaft (20) being held in the crankcase (10). In order to reduce the production effort it is provided that—when seen in the direction of the axis (19a) of the crankshaft (19)—a first pin (26) which is arranged in a borehole (6) and arranged as an alignment pin is positioned in the region of the face side (5) of the crankcase (10) on a straight connecting line (27) between the axis (20a) of the mass balancing shaft (20) and the axis (19a) of the crankshaft (19), with preferably the first pin (26) being arranged in the crankcase (10) and the borehole (6) in the flanged bush (24).
US08667941B2
A fuel cock-integrated engine switch is provided that reduces wear resulting from mechanical contact and that can thereby enhance durability. A magnet 14 is provided in a lever 11 that is pivoted turnably between an ON position and an OFF position. A reed switch 12 connected to an ignition device 17 is arranged in the ON position. A shutoff valve 2 of a fuel passage is arranged in the OFF position of the lever 11. In the OFF position, the magnet 14 of the lever 11 approaches a valve 3 formed with a magnetic member, and the member 3 is shifted upward within the case 4 to shut off the fuel passage. When the lever 11 is operated to shift to the ON position, the valve 3 is shifted downward within the case 4 or receives a force applied by a spring to open the fuel passage.
US08667939B2
In one form a rocker is disclosed coupled with a valve stem at one end and a cam follower at the other end. The rocker is operable to rotate about a fixed axis. In one form the cam follower includes a set of lower rollers operable to follow one cam lobe and an upper roller operable to follow another cam lobe. A leaf spring can be used to couple the cam follower with the rocker. A cam shaft can have a nested configuration including an inner shaft, an intermediate tube, and an outer tube. Cam lobes can be fastened to the cam shaft in one form by fastening through each of the inner shaft, intermediate tube, and outer tube, and in another form by attaching at least two devices inserted from either side of the cam shaft and that are not inserted at least through the inner shaft.
US08667935B2
An intake/exhaust valve control device for an internal combustion engine including a cylinder having an intake valve and an exhaust valve includes: solenoids for driving at least one of the intake valve and the exhaust valve; a battery for supplying an electric current to the solenoids, a battery state predicting unit for predicting the voltage state of the battery; and an energization start timing setting unit for setting the current carrying start timing of the battery with respect to the solenoids based on the result of the prediction by the battery state predicting unit. According to the intake/exhaust valve control device, since it is possible to obtain the amount of energization necessary for driving the solenoids at an appropriate timing, it is possible to secure the responsiveness of the solenoids.
US08667934B1
An engine may include a crankshaft, a piston, a connecting rod that connects a crank pin of the crankshaft with the piston, and a compression ratio variable device that varies a distance between the piston and the crank pin, wherein the compress ratio variable device includes: a block cover mounted on an outside of the engine block and a cover journal portion and a worm wheel mounting space are formed therein, a control shaft contacting the cover journal portion and an operating arm protruding from an exterior circumference of the control shaft, and a motor portion, wherein a worm connected to the motor portion is mounted to the block cover, the worm being engaged with the worm wheel so as to rotate the control shaft according to the motor portion, wherein a distance between the piston and the crank pin is varied by a rotation of the control shaft.
US08667932B2
A spacer covets intermediate portions of respective cylinder bores in a depth direction of a water jacket throughout the entire peripherics of the intermediate portions in the peripheral direction. Accordingly, the intermediate portion of each cylinder bore becomes higher in temperature than any other portion, and is thermally expanded. Thereby, the clearance between the cylinder bore and the corresponding piston increases. Thus, the friction decreases to improve fuel efficiency of an internal combustion engine. Furthermore, the temperature of oil lubricating the intermediate portion of the cylinder bore rises, and the viscosity decreases. Accordingly, the effect of friction reduction is enhanced more. Furthermore, upper and lower portions of the cylinder bores in a cylinder axis direction are sufficiently cooled. Therefore, the cooling performance of a top part and a skirt part of each piston, which tends to become higher in tempera lure, is secured. Accordingly, overheat can be prevented.
US08667918B2
Provided is an apparatus for reducing the pitching and rolling motion of a vessel, the apparatus including a plurality of buoyancy members spaced apart from each other and vertically slidably mounted on a vessel, a plurality of hydraulic cylinders that are connected to the upper end portions of the respective buoyancy members and receive the locomotive power of the buoyancy members that rise from waves, and a hydraulic connection line provided in such a manner that the hydraulic pressures of the hydraulic cylinders are interconnected, so that the hydraulic pressures, which are generated from the rise of the hydraulic cylinders due to the rise of the buoyancy members located at the peaks of the waves, can be supplied to the hydraulic cylinders located at the troughs of the waves to cause the buoyancy members to fall, thereby increasing the buoyancy of the vessel and restraining the pitching and rolling thereof.
US08667915B2
A fertilizer stabilizer tank and tank mounting system for mounting the tank to the tongue or hitch frame of a fertilizer applicator is provided. The mounting system mounts the stabilizer tank in a manner that does not interfere with operation of the tractor or reconfiguration of the applicator as the applicator is folded/unfolded.
US08667907B2
A portable and collapsible table structure comprises a tabletop, a table frame, and a plurality of folding legs pivotally attached to the table frame. The tabletop is independently collapsed to a bundled condition, for example, by folding or rolling. Similarly, the table frame and the folding legs are collapsed so as to minimize the amount of space taken up by the collapsed and bundled table frame and legs. The bundled tabletop and the collapsed table frame and legs can be further bundled or packed together for transport and/or storage. The table frame comprises adjustable members that permit the size and footprint of the table frame to be expanded to multiple usable table sizes without compromising the size of the collapsed and bundled table. The folding legs may be adjustable to reduce the size taken up by the legs in the compressed and bundled condition of the table.
US08667905B2
A method to improve a pallet may include joining into a pallet four C-brackets, a pallet-deck, a first bottom-deck member, and a second bottom-deck member where two of the four C-brackets insides face two of the other four C-brackets' insides. The method may also include sizing a port to receive load-handling equipment tines formed by the four C-brackets, the pallet-deck, the first bottom-deck member, and the second bottom-deck member.
US08667901B2
A bogie for a vehicle which is guided by guide wheels that rotate while keeping contact with a guide rail arranged along a guideway of the vehicle. The bogie comprises a guide frame which includes a pair of transverse beams and a connecting member arranged between the pair of the transverse beams and each of the traverse beams being equipped with the guide wheels rotatably on both ends thereof, an axle supported on a non-turning part of the bogie such that the axle is capable of turning and running wheels which are attached to both ends of the axle. The running wheels are rigidly fixed to the axle and the guide frame is fixed to the axle so as to steer the guide frame, the axle and the running wheels integrally.
US08667896B2
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a screen print reflection transfer product and to reflection transfer systems produced by this method. According to said method, the reflecting color is provided with a multitude of reflecting particles, said reflecting particles protruding from the surface of the top color coat.
US08667895B2
The invention relates to a device for printing one multiple-pass print on each packaging container (2), on which the packaging containers are moved in a transport direction past printing stations or printing heads for applying the multiple-pass print. The device is constructed from a plurality of modules (4.1-4.8) in at least a partial area. Each module comprises at least one transport element having an associated drive. The transport elements of the module adjacent to each other form at least one part of the transport path.
US08667892B2
A beverage forming method and system employing the introduction of air into the heater tank and/or an expansion chamber after liquid delivery is complete. An expansion chamber may be provided at the top of the heater tank and provide a tortuous flow path from an air inlet to the tank outlet.
US08667872B2
A socket holder may be designed as part of a socket extension or built into a socket holding end of a ratchet. The socket holder may have a mechanism to hold the socket at a conventional position. However, unlike conventional socket holders, the present invention may allow the socket to push past the holding mechanism, allowing the socket holder to fill an inside of the socket and provide pressure on the head of the bolt being applied by the socket. A magnet may be disposed on the end of the socket holder facing the bolt to help secure the bolt within the socket holder.
US08667870B2
A torque driver includes a driver arm with a pivot mounting hole formed adjacent one end, a driver spindle mounting slot or sockets spaced from the pivot mounting hole providing multiple mounting positions for retaining the driver spindle, and a locking detent. A locking element engages the locking detent, a load applicator generates a selected load onto the locking element, and a handle is pivotally attached to the driver arm at the pivot mounting hole and has finger groove for applying a tightening force. The locking detent, the locking element and the load applicator cooperate to permit relative movement between the driver arm and the handle when the tightening force applied at the finger groove is at a pre-determined value.
US08667859B2
In a parking position lock shifting device of a motor vehicle including an internal combustion engine, particularly a parking lock shifting device with at least one hydraulic shifting unit, the shifting unit is designed so as to be operable by a drive unit that is operable separately from the internal combustion engine.
US08667853B2
Measuring transducer of vibration-type for a fluid flowing in a pipeline. The measuring transducer includes, in such case, a curved measuring tube for conveying the fluid, a counteroscillator having two counteroscillator arms, which are arranged on both sides of the measuring tube, and which, in each case, essentially follow the curve of the measuring tube, and which are coupled to one another in such a manner, that, during operation, they oscillate in phase with one another, and which are affixed to the measuring tube on the inlet side and outlet sides for forming corresponding coupling zones. The measuring transducer also includes an exciter mechanism, via which, during operation, the measuring tube and the counteroscillator are excitable to oscillations of opposite phase to one another. In such case, the counteroscillator arms are formed from a different material than the measuring tube, and the material of the counteroscillator arms has a thermal expansion coefficient essentially equal to that of the material of the measuring tube.
US08667840B2
There is provided a water level sensing apparatus including: a body disposed to be exposed within a liquid tank and having an accommodating space therein; and a capacitance detecting unit accommodated in the accommodating space of the body, wherein the capacitance detecting unit compares an upper side capacitance value and a lower side capacitance value and turns on or off an output signal. Because a changeable reference that the capacitance values of a reference surface and a detected surface of the body are simultaneously changed is used, even if the body comes in contact with moisture or debris, the reference surface and the detected surface are equally affected by the moisture or debris, thus reducing the occurrence of malfunction.
US08667837B2
A wireless tire pressure sensing device, a method for setting a standard tire pressure thereof and a wireless tire pressure sensing activation device adjust the tire pressure of each tire in a vehicle to a standard tire pressure according to a requirement of the vehicle after the wireless tire pressure sensing device is mounted in each tire, maintain each tire at the standard tire pressure for a preset time period or employ the wireless tire pressure sensing activation device to transmit a setup instruction to the wireless tire pressure sensing device to set a current tire pressure as the standard tire pressure. The wireless tire pressure sensing device can be set up with the standard tire pressure and conveniently modified. As no threshold value of tire pressure needs to be pre-stored, wireless tire pressure sensing devices with different threshold values are not necessarily prepared beforehand, thereby effectively lowering the stocking pressure on inventory management.
US08667829B2
A breath test simulator for supplying a breath test analyzer with a vapor including ethyl alcohol includes a heated thermal mass to heat an inlet passage.
US08667822B1
Described herein are examples of concealed handcuff keys including a key concealed as a bracelet.
US08667816B2
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a primary preform for optical fibers, using an internal vapor deposition process, wherein a gas flow of doped undoped glass-forming gases is supplied to the interior of a hollow substrate tube having a supply side and a discharge side via the supply side thereof, wherein deposition of glass layers on the interior of the substrate tube is effected as a result of the presence of a reaction zone.
US08667815B2
In order to permit more effective cooling in comparison to the prior art, in particular in its floor area, of a hollow glass article (1) standing upright on the base (2) of a setting plate (4) provided with transcurrent orifices (9, 9′, 9″) forming a cavity (8) between a base (2) and the facing surface of the setting plate (4) of the standing surface (2″), it is proposed to utilize a part of the orifices (9) situated inside the standing surface (2″) for the supply of cooling air into the cavity (8), and to utilize the remaining orifices (9′) inside the standing surface (2″) only for the extraction of cooling air from the cavity (8). By configuring the orifices (9, 9′) that are utilized in each case for the supply and extraction of cooling air into and out of the cavity (8) so that they are at least approximately cross-sectionally identical, a throughput of cooling air through the cavity (8) and thus the available cooling performance can be varied within broad limits, but in the absence of an adverse effect on the stability of the hollow glass article (1) or a resulting risk of uncontrolled positional displacements on the setting plate (4).
US08667810B2
An air conditioner for communication equipment is provided. The air conditioner includes an indoor module disposed at an indoor space of a base station having communication equipment and including an indoor heat exchanger and an indoor ventilator disposed closely to the indoor heat exchanger, an outdoor module disposed at an outside of the base station and including an outdoor ventilator, a brine cooling cycle including the indoor heat exchanger on a brine pipe, a brine pump, first and second outdoor brine heat exchanger, and first and second brine coolers, which are connected in a brine circulating direction, and a refrigerant cooling cycle including first and second expansion valves on a refrigerant pipe, the first and second brine coolers on the brine pipe, first and second compressors, first and second outdoor refrigerant heat exchangers, which are connected in a refrigerant circulating direction.
US08667809B2
A refrigerator includes a main body having a storage chamber, a door provided to the main body, including an outer door and a door liner. The door liner includes support steps, a liner plate, and a seating step that define an installation space. An ice maker is located at least partially in the installation space. A cold air duct is provided in one side of the storage chamber to supply the ice maker with cold air. An ice maker cover is provided having a cold air inlet on a top portion thereof and a viewing window on a lower portion thereof. The viewing window allows the ice maker to be seen from outside of the ice maker cover. An ice bank is removably located below the ice maker to transfer ice received from the ice maker to a dispenser.
US08667800B2
A flameless burner for a gas turbine engine includes a burner body having a longitudinal axis, an upstream section and a downstream section. The upstream section of the burner body defines a primary swirl generating chamber having air swirlers associated therewith. The primary swirl generating chamber is adapted and configured to receive compressor discharge air through the air swirlers. The strong swirl of the compressor discharge air forms a recirculation zone that entrains combustion product gases toward the burner body. Fuel injectors are operatively connected to the downstream section of the burner body for issuing fuel into the recirculated combustion product gases.
US08667795B2
Disclosed is a turbocharged internal combustion engine having at least one intake for supplying the internal combustion engine with fresh air or fresh mixture on an inlet side, a cylinder head having at least two cylinders which are arranged along a cylinder head longitudinal axis and each of which has at least one outlet opening which is adjoined by an exhaust line for discharging the exhaust gases out of the cylinder, the exhaust lines of at least two cylinders being merged on an outlet side, so as to form an integrated exhaust manifold within the cylinder head, to form an overall exhaust line. Also disclosed is at least one exhaust-gas turbocharger which comprises a turbine arranged in the overall exhaust line and a compressor arranged in the at least one intake.
US08667791B2
The present invention relates to a damper for damping the reactionary motion of a wave energy conversion device to wave motion, comprising a damping energy absorber (7) having a reversible non-linear stress-strain response, arranged to damp the reactionary motion of the WEC. According to a first aspect, there is provided a damping structure (2) for a wave energy conversion device (1). The structure comprises a fixed member (6), and a damping member (7) having a reversible non-linear stress-strain response. The present invention also relates to a mooring component (2) for a mooring system (1) and to a method for manufacturing a mooring component (2). The component comprises a deformable element (6) having a reversible non-linear stress-strain response, wherein the response is a composite reversible non-linear stress-strain response.
US08667790B2
The present invention discloses a universal hole cutter in the field of mechanics, comprising an oil pump body, an oil cylinder and an oil storage chamber, in which the oil pump body could be fixedly connected with the oil storage chamber and the oil paths thereof could be communicated with each other. A pressure mechanism could be provided on the oil pump body for pressing the power oil within the oil storage chamber into the oil cylinder. The oil cylinder could be fixedly threaded with a pipe joint communicating with the internal cavity of the oil cylinder, and the pipe joint could be communicated with the oil pump body through a rigid movable linkage mechanism which could rotate the oil cylinder with respect to the oil pump body. Compared to the prior art, in the universal hole cutter thus described, the thread connection of the pipe joint and the oil cylinder is reliable and convenient. Furthermore, no welding site exists between the pipe joint and the oil cylinder, which makes a tidy connection and an aesthetic appearance of the complete hole cutter. The universal hole cutter tends not to have a blocking defect and has a good reliability in use.
US08667782B2
An exhaust gas purifying apparatus for an internal combustion engine is provided. A selective reduction catalyst is disposed in an exhaust passage of the engine for reducing NOx in exhaust gases from the engine under existence of a reducing agent. The reducing agent or a reactant for generating the reducing agent is supplied to the upstream side of the selective reduction catalyst. Occurrence of a reducing-agent slip in which the reducing agent is discharged to the downstream side of the selective reduction catalyst is determined. A storage amount indicative of an amount of the reducing agent stored in the selective reduction catalyst is temporarily reduced from the state where the storage amount is at the maximum, and thereafter the storage amount is increased until the occurrence of the reducing-agent slip is detected. An accuracy of the reducing agent supply is determined according to an occurrence state of the reducing agent slip when the storage amount is changed.
US08667770B2
A header has a middle section disposed on a base frame, and at least two side sections disposed adjacent the middle section and comprising a flexible cutter bar and at least one conveyor device located downstream of the cutter bar, which, on the respective side sections, is in the form of an endless belt disposed adjacent the middle section in order to transport crop cut by the cutter bar parallel to the longitudinal axis of the header in the direction of the middle section, wherein the side sections comprise a large number of supporting arms which are pivotably mounted on the base frame, wherein the supporting arms of the particular side section carry the cutter bar, and at least one supporting element is provided which carries at least one belt, thereby enabling them to move independently of one another.
US08667761B2
A frame for doors, windows, and the like of buildings includes upper and lower portions that are both made of wood. The upper portion of the frame is made of a conventional wood, and at least a portion of the lower portion of the frame is made of a wood that is naturally resistant to weathering, decay, rot, insects, or the like. According to other aspects of the present invention, other building components such as doors, trim, and the like may also be constructed utilizing different wood species for different parts of the component to provide different levels of rot and/or decay resistance for different parts of the component.
US08667758B2
Covering for a roof and vertical surfaces, constituted by a prefabricated element includes a base layer (1) of a waterproofing substrate; an upper covering (2) made of slate parts (3) fixed by adhesive. A mechanical fastener for the slate parts and anchor for anchoring the prefabricated element to the roof.
US08667756B1
Noise dampers of sound absorbent material are inserted on the metal grid beams in a suspended ceiling.Hangers, embedded in a structural ceiling, that support the beams, are insulated from the beams by the noise dampers.Sound vibrations generated in the structural ceiling, which is often a floor, are not transmitted through the hangers, to the suspended ceiling, or to the room, below, but are absorbed in the dampers before reaching the grid beams.
US08667753B1
A system includes a plurality of modules configured for attachment to a mounting surface. At least some of the plurality of modules include a panel having a decorative major surface disposed opposite an interior surface and a structural web element extending from the interior surface, thereby defining a cavity on the interior surface, the cavity at least partially bordered by the structural web element. An attachment surface of the structural web element opposite the interior surface is configured to abut the mounting surface or to abut the attachment surface of another module. At least two modules are configured for adjacent attachment to the mounting surface so that their decorative major surfaces are co-extensive at a joint between the two modules. A method of modifying a mounting surface of a room includes attaching first and second modules to the mounting surface co-extensively at a joint between the modules.
US08667752B2
The disclosure provides, among other things, a paver that includes a body having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a peripheral side. The peripheral side is defined about a perimeter of the paver and joins the bottom and top surfaces. The peripheral side defines a peripheral edge displaced from the top surface and the bottom surface that traverses the perimeter of the body along the peripheral side. The edge is adapted to engage a complementary edge on a peripheral side of an adjacent paver, such that the pavers interlock when a vertical force is applied to the paver. In another aspect, a masonry wall unit is provided for building walls similar in concept to the paver.
US08667739B2
A method and resultant apparatus for a window seal assembly is shown and described. A thin layer of elastomer is introduced between a reinforcement member and a first surface of a window member. The subassembly of the glass member, elastomer, and rigid reinforcement is then introduced into a mold. Preferably, the thin layer of elastomer is provided by an extrusion process, such as on a metal reinforcement member, or as a co-extrusion process when an extruded reinforcement member is formed. A curable, elastomer/plastomer material is then injection molded to provide a flush glass appearance where an outer surface of the window is devoid of any seal material.
US08667738B2
A glass run channel assembly which is made of an elastic polymeric material and which is capable of being mounted to a vehicle, including: a first long glass run channel, a second long glass run channel and a connecting glass run channel which connects the first and second glass run channels, the connecting glass run channel comprising a base bottom portion. The base bottom portion is provided with a projection portion which projects from an outer circumferential side surface of the base bottom portion. The projection portion includes at least a portion of a reinforcing member. The reinforcing member is molded in advance from a material which is harder and more rigid than the elastic polymeric material of the connecting glass run channel, and the reinforcing member includes a base portion arranged at the base bottom portion and a trunk portion which projects towards an outer circumferential side.
US08667737B2
A weather seal for a door of a vehicle includes a base configured to be attached to the door. At least one seal lip extends longitudinally along the base and outwardly from the base, the seal lip configured to sealingly engage a door sill of the vehicle to close a gap formed between the door and the sill. At least one shield is coupled to at least one of the base and the seal lip. The shield is located proximate a predetermined exterior portion of a body of the vehicle when the door is proximate the sill, the shield covering the exterior body portion.
US08667733B2
A first instruction is provided to add the contents of a container to the reservoir bowl portion of a tree stand, where the material includes an amount of a SuperAbsorbent Polymer (SAP). A second instruction is provided to add ice. In one example, an assembly includes a container, where the SAP is in the container, and where the container bears the instructions. This assembly is provided to the user. The user follows the instructions, and pours the contents into the reservoir bowl, and then adds ice to the reservoir bowl. The melting ice hydrates the SAP. The hydrated SAP then transfers moisture to a cut tree held by the stand. Water is replenished by adding more ice. No water must be poured or handled to hydrate the tree, so spilling and difficulties associated with pouring volumes of water into the bowl portion are avoided. The SAP is reusable and biodegradable.
US08667731B2
A method and apparatus are disclosed that can sample a wide variety of mosquitoes attempting to rest. Because all mosquitoes rest daily, biases of typical mosquito traps are avoided, such as targeted collections of host-seeking mosquitoes or gravid female mosquitoes. A particular advantage is the inclusion of blood-engorged mosquitoes in the resting collections. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an open-sided pot designed to attract mosquitoes seeking a daytime resting location. The mosquitoes that enter a dark space of the pot are aspirated into a screened collection receptacle by means of a battery-powered fan.
US08667718B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure include an apparatus for displaying sign on a vehicle, the apparatus having a first sleeve and a second sleeve. Further, the apparatus may include one or more first sleeve fasteners capable of being coupled to the first sleeve and one or more second sleeve fasteners capable of being coupled to the second sleeve. In addition, the apparatus may have a main housing capable of being fastened to the first sleeve and a receiving housing capable of being fastened to the second sleeve. Also, a winding mechanism may be coupled to the main housing and indirectly or direct coupled to the first sleeve. Moreover, such an apparatus may include a rollable vehicle sign capable of rolling and unrolling on the winding mechanism, a first end of the vehicle sign coupled to the winding mechanism and a second end coupled to the receiving housing.
US08667717B2
A mobile digging and backfill system for removing and collecting material above a buried utility. The system comprises a mobile chassis, a collection tank mounted to the chassis, a water pump mounted to the chassis for delivering a pressurized liquid flow against the material for loosening the material at a location, a vacuum pump connected to the collection tank so that an air stream created by the vacuum pump draws the material and the fluid from the location into the collection tank, and at least one backfill reservoir mounted to the chassis for carrying backfill for placement at the location.
US08667713B2
An article of footwear which includes a midsole and foot stabilizer. The foot stabilizer includes a longitudinally extending spine portion and a plurality of ribs extending laterally therefrom from opposing lateral and medial sides. The plurality of ribs being positioned to at least partially underlie a foot of a user. The spine portion is disposed above and affixed to the midsole and the ribs are contoured to partially enclose the foot of the user.
US08667711B2
An article of footwear for use in sporting activities such as snowboarding is disclosed. The article of footwear can include a flex notch and a coupled lace loop design. The article can further include an internal harness to enhance stability of the foot. The article can also include a threading layer configured to strengthen the upper and a corresponding connecting layer to bond the threading layer to the upper and to provide protection to other areas of the upper.
US08667710B2
A fluid-filled structure, such as a bladder, is disclosed. The bladder has a first surface and an opposite second surface that are peripherally joined to define various edges. The bladder encloses a fluid between the first surface and the second surface. A portion of the edges may have a concave configuration, or the edges may have both concave and convex configurations. A shape of the bladder may be a tessellation pattern so that a plurality of the bladder may be efficiently. The edges may also have a linear configuration, and the bladder may enclose a tensile member.
US08667709B2
This invention relates generally to footwear with a shoe sole, including at least one insertable midsole orthotic. The insertable midsole orthotic is removably inserted within the shoe upper, the sides of which hold it in position. The shoe sole includes a concavely rounded side or underneath portion, which may be formed in part by the insertable midsole orthotic. The insertable midsole orthotic may extend the length of the shoe sole or may form only a part of the shoe sole and can incorporate cushioning or structural compartments or components. The insertable midsole orthotic permits replacement of midsole material which has degraded or has worn out in order to maintain optimal characteristics of the shoe sole and allows customization for the individual wearer to provide tailored cushioning or support characteristics for the purpose of orthopedic, podiatric, corrective, prescriptive, therapeutic and/or prosthetic purposes.
US08667704B2
Disclosed is an air knife chamber constructed such that water flowing down along a partition wall is allowed to fall in front of a slit. Due to this construction, the water can be effectively removed by air knives, thus contributing to a reduction in the defective proportion of substrates.
US08667703B2
An apparatus for drying wood veneer includes an elongate drying chamber including a conveyor for conveying material to be dried from an input end to an output end; and a cooling section for cooling veneer leaving the output end of the drying chamber, the cooling section including a pressure controller for maintaining a pressure in the cooling section that is slightly higher than pressure in the drying chamber while maintaining a near-zero pressure differential between the drying chamber and the cooling section.
US08667697B2
The invention relates to an eccentric gear arrangement of a motor-driven, hand-guided hedge trimmer (1). The eccentric gear arrangement includes two shearing blades (2, 3) driven in mutually opposite directions over a displacement path (a). Each shearing blade has a connecting link (4, 5) as well as an eccentric wheel (6) having a drive wheel (7) and two eccentrics (8, 9). The eccentric wheel (6) rotates about a rotational axis (10). The two connecting links (4, 5) lie directly above one another. The two eccentrics (8, 9) are arranged on the same side of the drive wheel (7) and engage each in one of the two connecting links (4, 5). The two shearing blades (2, 3) have contact pressure surfaces (11, 12) in the region of their two connecting links (4, 5) and are offset with respect to each other in such a manner that they are exposed at least over a portion of the displacement path (a). Two downholders (13, 14) are provided which act each on one of the assigned contact pressure surfaces (11, 12).
US08667696B2
Embodiments according to the present invention provide improved rotary cutters and associated methods. A cutter includes a handle coupled to a plurality of rotary cutting elements which may be rotatable substantially within the same plane, within closely spaced parallel planes, or within intersecting planes, wherein the intersection of such planes occurs substantially tangential to the rotary cutting elements. The rotary cutting elements are preferably different sized and preferably becoming smaller distally from the handle. A method includes cutting an article with a plurality of rotary blades with a single motion of a human hand and/or arm. Such article may be, for example, a food article, such as pizza, or a textile article, such as leather, vinyl, or even gypsum board.
US08667693B2
A flange bolt cutter for separating two connected flanges. The flange bolt cutter contains a circular saw blade pivotally connected to an adjustable flange band. The flange band contains an alignment ring for aligning the circular saw blade about the midpoint between two connected flanges. The flange bolt cutter is hydraulically operated. The adjustable flange band may be formed in two band sections hinged together and containing a rotatable bolt and handle for tightening and loosening the band sections around the flange connection.
US08667684B2
An exemplary flat heat pipe includes a hollow, flattened casing and a first wick structure and a second wick structure received in the casing. The casing includes a top plate and a bottom plate opposite to the top plate. The first wick structure is formed by weaving wires, and the second wick structure is made of sintered metal powder. The first and second wick structures are disposed at inner sides of the bottom and top plates of the casing, respectively. The first and second wick structures contact each other. The casing defines two vapor channels at opposite lateral sides of the combined first and second wick structures, respectively. A method for manufacturing the heat pipe is also provided.
US08667681B2
A catalytic unit, a process for providing a support mat for the catalytic unit, and a process for assembling the catalytic unit are provided. An installed mat density for the support mat being calculated based upon a desired annular cross-sectional area of a gap between a catalyst carrier and a shell of the catalytic unit, with the support mat being sandwiched therebetween. The support mat for the catalytic unit can be provided by first slitting a bulk roll of support mat to form a plurality of end unit specific mat rolls. The support mat can be wrapped around the catalytic carrier to form multiple layers of support mat, with the support mat having beveled leading and trailing edges to reduce variation in material density in the layers of support mat overlying and underlying the leading trailing edges. The support mat can be free of any binder.
US08667680B2
The present invention relates to a method for replacing an inner disk element of a blade integrated disk wherein the blade integrated disk has a plurality of recesses in the form of axial through-bores in the joining area. The method begins with filling the axial through-bores, after which the inner disk element of the blade integrated disk is separated from the remaining blade ring. Next a new inner disk element is inserted into the remaining blade ring and the new inner disk element and the remaining blade ring are joined. Finally the axial through-bores are restored.
US08667678B2
An assembly device for assembling and disassembling a rotor of a turbomachine with rotor disks that are clamped together by at least one tie rod is provided. The assembly device includes a turning block that is secured to a base and a securing device that secures the rotor against tilting. The rotor is arranged in a transversal manner in relation to a horizontal plane of the base and pivotably mounted on the turning block. The securing device is fixed to the base by several supports and the turning block is arranged inside the surface of the base that is clamped by the supports. Large forces and torque coming from the rotor that is arranged in a perpendicular manner are guided from the securing device to the base.
US08667677B2
A method for top-loaded assembly of an internal combustion engine includes providing a carrier base having a lower portion configured as a crankcase and an upper portion having a number of upwardly directed assembly provisions such as a crankshaft bay and at least one cylinder deck. Arranging the crankshaft bay and cylinder deck so that the engine may be assembled from a position above the engine, without the necessity of attaching connecting rods or crankshaft main bearing bolts from underneath the engine.
US08667658B2
A calibration method and machine for detecting a location mark (12) printed on plate elements (10) within a processing machine (1) having an introducer (20) for positioning the plate elements (10) into a plurality of gripping members (31) of a conveyor (30) which conveys them in rhythmical motion into successive stations (3, 4, 5). The introducer (20) includes a fastening device to the plate elements. The introducer (20) is driven by a control unit (40) that also drives at least one illuminating device and at least one sensor (7). A plate element (10) is selected from a batch of them. The fastening device fixes the plate element (10) to the introducer (20). The introducer (20) is driven to perform a succession of back-and-forth movements with the plate element (10). At the time of each back-and-forth movement, the illumination device subjects the location mark (12) printed on the plate element (10) to a different illumination, and the sensor (7) performs a corresponding measurement, so as to obtain a succession of measurements. The calibrated illumination parameters that will be used during the processing of the whole batch of plate elements (10) are determined according to the succession of measurements obtained.
US08667639B2
A vacuum cleaner having a filter assembly 12 disposed on grill 16 between the bag chamber 7 and motor chamber 13. Bag chamber 7 has a cover 8. Filter assembly 12 has an upstanding wall 15 provided with a covering of resilient material, e.g. rubber. The cover 8 is formed with a grill 14 in a lower region. When the filter assembly is correctly installed, and the cover 8 is in position, the resilient covering of the upstanding wall 15 rests in sealing contact against the inner surface of the cover 8 and over the grill 14. If the filter assembly 12 is absent, the grill 14 provides direct fluid communication between the bag chamber 7 and the atmosphere. The cleaner will be ineffective in picking up dirt thereby alerting the user to the absence of the filter assembly.
US08667638B2
A robot cleaner comprises a main body having a suction port at a bottom surface thereof, a pair of wheel assemblies disposed at both sides of the main body, and configured to move the main body, a dust box mounted to contact the bottom surface of the main body, and configured to collect dust sucked through the suction port, a filter unit configured to filter air discharged from the dust box, a suction fan configured to form a suction pressure on a suction channel defined by the suction port, the dust box and the filter unit, and a battery disposed at a side of the dust box.
US08667633B2
Structural assemblies for constructing bridges and other structures. A structural assembly may comprise an elongated member defining an internal space. The structural assembly may also comprise a plurality of framing members connected to the elongated member at a plurality of pin connection nodes, each pin connection node comprising a pin interconnecting the elongated member, a first one of the framing members, and a second one of the framing members, the pin having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, at least one of the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end of the pin being located in the internal space of the elongated member.
US08667630B2
A furniture cushion comprises a matrix of interconnected pocketed springs, each spring of which is contained within a pocket of fabric. Foam at least partially surrounds the matrix. A fiber pad is wrapped bull-nose around the matrix so the pad overlies an upper surface of the matrix of pocketed springs, the fiber pad having a first layer in contact with the upper surface of the matrix of pocketed springs and a second layer in contact with the first layer, the first layer having a first density and said second layer having a second density, the first density being greater than the second density.
US08667626B2
A baby play station has a planar mat portion having a plurality of side edges, and a plurality of walls, each wall having incorporated therewith a panel, and each wall having a lower side that is hingedly coupled to one of the plurality of side edges of the mat portion. Each panel includes a foldable frame member having a folded and an unfolded orientation, the frame member defining a periphery for the panel with an interior space inside of the peiphery, and a fabric material covering the interior space defined by the frame member to form the panel when the frame member is in the unfolded orientation.
US08667625B2
A connecting structure for a faucet contains an inlet assembly including at least one intake and an outlet; the outlet including a connecting head; an outlet pipe including a locking loop; a nut fitted with the outlet pipe and screwed with the connecting head and including at least two outer contacting faces; a plastic housing including a chamber, a fitting opening, and a hole; the chamber including at least two inner contacting faces axially extending from an inner peripheral surface thereof, and at least one of the at least two inner contacting faces being a tangent plane, such that when the outlet pipe is inserted into the hole and the chamber to extend out of the fitting opening, the at least two inner contacting faces slide along the at least two outer contacting faces of the nut respectively and contact with the at least two outer contacting faces tightly.
US08667624B2
A segmented door for a shower stall, built within a fixed structural frame with a horizontal upper and lower channel. The door is constructed using a plurality (often four or more) of vertically disposed, side by side arranged, moveable panels that are hung from the upper channel by a plurality of moveable and pivoting wheeled hangers engaged with this upper channel. These moveable panels are connected to each other by a plurality of pivotally joined horizontal rods, which enables the moveable panels to move as a group. Often one of the moveable panels is joined to the upper and lower channel by clamp-on hinges, so that this panel is only able to move by pivoting. The moveable panels are able to move between an open door configuration and a closed door configuration, and can be designed with slight overlap so as to prevent shower spray from going beyond the panels.
US08667615B2
A pair of pants that allows a wearer to easily don and remove the pair of pants while the wearer wears other articles of clothing, apparel or footwear (such as shorts, gym shoes, golf shorts or boots), a cast, a leg brace or the like. The pair of pants has a waistband that encircles a waist of the wearer of the pair of pants, a first leg having a first inner leg seam and a first outside leg opening, a second leg having a second inner leg seam and a second outside leg opening, a crotch seam between the first and second legs, the pair of pants being made of a fabric that is slidably supported on the waistband, at least a portion of the pair of pants enabling the fabric to slidably move on the waistband to enable the wearer to increase a size of at least one of the first outside leg opening or the second outside leg opening to facilitate the easy donning and removal of the pants. The pants have overlapping portions or wings that can wrap around the pants to close the first and second outside leg openings.
US08671458B2
A computer-implemented method includes generating data indicative of one or more times in which to sample content of a first resource and content of a second resource; receiving, from a client device, content of the first resource sampled at the one or more times; comparing the sampled content from the first resource to content sampled from the second resource at the one or more times; determining, based on comparing, that the first resource includes a same resource as the second resource; verifying, based on determining, ownership of the second resource; generating, based on a verifying, a user key specifying ownership of the second resource; and transmitting the user key to the client device.
US08671452B2
An apparatus and method for transferring a Rights Object (RO) for a content between devices via a server, wherein a sending device converts a first RO taken by itself to encode into a second RO, and sends an RO move request message including the second RO to the server, whereas the server converts the second RO included in the RO move request message into a third RO and transfers the third RO to a receiving device, whereby the receiving device receives the third RO from the server for installation, wherein the sending device deletes or modifies the first RO at an appropriate time point.
US08671449B1
A computer-implemented method for identifying potential malware may include (1) identifying a file that is subject to a reputation evaluation, (2) identifying at least one client submission received from at least one computing system that identifies (a) an instance of the file created on the computing system and (b) at least one additional file created on the computing system at substantially the same time as the instance of the file and within the same file path as the instance of the file, (3) identifying a reputation associated with the additional file(s), and then (4) generating a reputation rating for the file based at least in part on the reputation associated with the additional file(s). Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US08671447B2
A local gateway device receives email across the internet from a sender of the email and forwards it across the internet to an email filtering system. The email filtering system analyzes the email to determine whether it is spam, phishing or contains a virus and sends it back to the local gateway device along with the filtered determination. The local gateway device forwards the received email and the filtered determination to a local junk store which handles the email appropriately. For example, if the email has been determined to be spam, phishing or containing a virus, the junk store can quarantine the email and if the email has been determined to be non-spun and/or not phishing and/or not containing a virus, the junk store can forward the email to a local mail server for delivery.
US08671445B1
Method and system for transferring replicated information from source storage to destination storage
Machine implemented method and system for transferring replicated information from a first storage location managed by a storage operating system at a first storage system node and accessible to a client computing system to a second storage location managed by a second storage system node are provided. A resource pool having a plurality of tokens is maintained for authorizing a replication engine to transfer replicated information from the first storage location to the second storage location. The number of available tokens is increased when traffic due to client requests for accessing the first storage location is less than a first threshold level. The number of available tokens is decreased for reducing transfer of information via the replication engine, when latency in responding to the client requests reaches a second threshold value and the traffic due to client requests reaches the first threshold value.
US08671443B2
A system and a method are described for presenting media content for users to view over the internet. Rights pertaining to said media to be viewed are uploaded to servers by users holding such rights to rent or resell such media content. Servers restrict the viewing of the content in accordance with the limitations of the uploaded rights such that copyright rules are respected at all times.
US08671442B2
Techniques are described for repairing some types of user account problems that interfere with granting a user access to a computer system and doing so during a process to authenticate the user in a way that does not require the user to re-enter authentication information or require the user to restart a communication session with the computer system. In response to a determination that a user's account has a problem during an authentication process, techniques are provided to enable a user to execute an appropriate process or processes to fix the user account, after which the authentication process continues. In this way, the correction to the user account may appear to be seamless to the user.
US08671439B2
Architectures and techniques that allow a firmware agent to operate as a tamper-resistant agent on a host platform that may be used as a trusted policy enforcement point (PEP) on the host platform to enforce policies even when the host operating system is compromised. The PEP may be used to open access control and/or remediation channels on the host platform. The firmware agent may also act as a local policy decision point (PDP) on the host platform in accordance with an authorized enterprise PDP entity by providing policies if a host trust agent is non-responsive and may function as a passive agent when the host trust agent is functional.
US08671438B2
A method for enabling security on a mobile terminal having a communication link with a circuit switched network against suspicious activities is provided. Activities performed at the mobile terminal are performed according to a security policy provided from the circuit switched network. Detection of a suspicious activity is alerted to the circuit switched network when the suspicious activity is detected. A policy manager server of the circuit switched network changes the security policy to cure the suspicious activity on the mobile terminal. Call traffic delivered to/sent from the mobile terminal is filtered out, which causes the suspicious activity according to the security policy. The mobile terminal enforces a security measure on a suspicious activity according to the security policy.
US08671430B2
A system enables dynamic linking between a variety of video formats including television broadcasts, web pages, and video displays which are stored on magnetic or optical media. Each frame of the video information is identified together with a plurality of locations within that frame. The locations selected by the user for example using a pointing device is then used to access associated information either within the system itself or on an external system. Thus, in some embodiments of the present invention, any item on a given frame may be linked initially or thereafter to other information within or without the particular system containing that information.
US08671418B2
Embodiments of the invention provide techniques that improve resource management on a massively parallel computing system having a plurality of hybrid compute nodes. For example, a job scheduler may be provided which determines a library to link to an application based on system and user requirements. In one embodiment, the libraries may provide optimizations for job execution time, and also provide optimizations directed towards a specific processor architecture. Once the library is determined, the job scheduler may configure the environment of the application so that the application links with the optimized library during run-time. Doing so may improve overall system performance of the massively parallel computing system.
US08671413B2
A method of executing a dynamic clock and voltage scaling (DCVS) algorithm in a central processing unit (CPU) is disclosed and may include monitoring CPU activity and determining whether a workload is designated as a special workload when the workload is added to the CPU activity.
US08671411B2
Systems and methods are provided for scheduling the processing of a coprocessor whereby applications can submit tasks to a scheduler, and the scheduler can determine how much processing each application is entitled to as well as an order for processing. In connection with this process, tasks that require processing can be stored in physical memory or in virtual memory that is managed by a memory manager. The invention also provides various techniques of determining whether a particular task is ready for processing. A “run list” may be employed to ensure that the coprocessor does not waste time between tasks or after an interruption. The invention also provides techniques for ensuring the security of a computer system, by not allowing applications to modify portions of memory that are integral to maintaining the proper functioning of system operations.
US08671401B2
Described is a technology by which a series of loop nests corresponding to source code are detected by a compiler, with the series of loop nests tiled together, (thereby increasing the ratio of cache hits to misses in a multi-processor environment). The compiler transforms the series of loop nests into a plurality of tile loops within a controller loop, including using dependency analysis to determine which results from a tile loop need to be pre-computed before another tile loop. For dependency analysis, the compiler may use a directed acyclic graph as a high-level intermediate representation, and split the graph into sub-graphs each representing an array. The compiler uses descriptors processed from the graph to determine the controller loop and the tile loops within that controller loop.
US08671392B2
Techniques for integrating software applications include identifying an enterprise application executable in a first computing environment, where the enterprise application is compatible with a first version of a network application executable in a second computing environment so that a first set of functionality of the first version of the network application is exposed through the enterprise application. The features include identifying a second version of the network application executable in the second computing environment. The second version of the network application includes a second set of functionality at least partially distinct from the first set of functionality. The features include delivering an integration component from the second computing system to the first computing system. The integration component includes a non-modifying add-on component to the enterprise application that exposes at least a portion of the second set of functionality of the second version of the network application through the enterprise application.
US08671386B2
The apparatus of the present invention includes a block diagram dividing unit that divides a block diagram into a plurality of pieces at a branch point, connects a branch point block element to one end of a data line which has been connected to the branch point at each divided piece and thereby generates a plurality of block diagram pieces, a program instruction generator that generates program instructions for performing processing on each block diagram piece, an execution sequence determining unit that determines an execution sequence of generated program instructions, a structural information generator that generates structural information of each of the block diagram pieces and a program generator that arranges the program instructions according to the execution sequence, writes structural information of each block diagram piece into a comment line of each of the program instructions corresponding to each of the block diagram pieces and thereby generates a program.
US08671385B2
A method and system for throttling a volume of request messages to a service application stored within a service provider (SP) computer system through an open application programming interface (API) platform is provided. The SP computer system is in communication with a memory device. The method includes storing a throttling profile for a developer application within the memory device wherein the throttling profile includes at least a throttling amount threshold and a throttling time period, receiving at the API platform a request message initiated by the developer application wherein the request message is included within a volume of request messages initiated by the developer application, identifying the request message as being associated with the developer application, retrieving the throttling profile for the developer application, and validating the volume of request messages as complying with the throttling profile.
US08671372B2
A verification support program that causes a computer to execute identifying from a finite state machine model related to a circuit-under-test, an input count of transitions to a transition-end state and an output count of transitions from the transition-end state; determining the transition-end state to be a record/restore subject, if the identified output transition is greater than the identified input transition count; embedding record-instruction information causing the record/restore subject to be recorded to a database, if a first element causing transition to the record/restore subject is included in a first test scenario that is in a test scenario group related to the circuit-under-test; and embedding restore-instruction information causing the record-restore subject to be restored from the database, if a second element causing transition to the record-restore subject is included in a series of elements making up a second test scenario that is in the test scenario group.
US08671365B2
An apparatus, method and computer program product are provided for providing a cursor for indicating context data in a mapping application. An electronic device may display a map to a user via a mapping application having a cursor. A user may provide input selecting a type of context data to be represented by the cursor. The cursor may be positioned at a location on the map, and the electronic device may obtain context data based on the user input relating to the position and area proximate the position of the cursor on the map. The electronic device may then update a representation of the cursor using visual and other indicia to reflect the context data.
US08671356B1
A first desktop icon is displayed on a computer desktop. The icon is configured to enable execution of a first application. Based on an evaluation of business rules, the first icon is changed to a second icon. The second icon is configured to execute a second application.
US08671355B2
Methods and systems are provided for decluttering icons on a map graphically presented on a display. In one implementation, a method is provided for decluttering icons representing points-of-interest on a map, wherein the method includes determining whether icons in a map view are overlapping and grouping the icons which are determined to overlap into at least one icon group. The method may also include repositioning the icons in each icon group into a decluttered icon patterns, wherein repositioning includes repositioning the icons at a predetermined distance from a common focal point. In addition, the method may include adjusting the repositioned icons to a different position in the map view when the repositioned icons overlap. Additionally, or alternatively, the method may include repositioning an icon in at least one decluttered icon pattern to a new position in the map view based on input from a user.
US08671349B2
The present invention is directed to a system, method and program product for providing teleportation suggestions to avatars in a virtual universe. A service is provided that determines the set of teleportation suggestions for the avatar based on at least one of: an inventory analysis of the avatar, a historical teleportation analysis of the avatar, a motion analysis of the avatar, a social network analysis of the avatar, or a ratings analysis of locations within the virtual universe.
US08671347B2
Method, apparatus and system to modify a user interface implemented in a communication network associated with a plurality of mobile devices. In one embodiment a mobile device associated with a communication network is configured to sense mood data that quantifies a frustration parameter based at least in part on interaction of a user with a user interface mode portion of a user interface and associates the mood data with mode data, wherein the mode data identifies the user interface mode operation of a user interface and transfers the mood data and the mode data to a mobile service provider portion of the communication network. Furthermore, the mobile service provide may transfer at least a portion of an updated user interface to one or more of the plurality of mobile devices based at least in part on the identification of the one or more user interface modes that are frustrating.
US08671345B2
Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods that provide a workflow-based session manager or workflow engine for a content delivery system, such as for delivering video-on-demand, streaming audio, streaming video, etc. Such techniques increase velocity and flexibility of deploying new features and services in a video delivery system. Techniques include a session management model provides a service-oriented and workflow-based approach. As a service-oriented approach, each functional session management step can be represented as a business service. As a workflow-based solution, a sequence of steps to be performed can be defined as data, rather than being hard-coded inside an application. Defined as data, steps (nodes, tasks) can then be created and changed using a graphical editor. New services can be added by defining actions for the new service, and adding a node to a given session management workflow sequence. Techniques include a workflow engine that initiates session management in realtime.
US08671337B2
Embodiments of the present invention comprise systems, methods and devices for determining by-storyline data from by-episode data.
US08671328B2
A decoding system includes a decoder, a first module and a second module. The decoder is configured to receive data read from an optical storage medium and perform a first decoding iteration and a second decoding iteration to decode the data. The first decoding iteration includes generating a resultant matrix. The first module is configured to, based on first decoding statuses of multiple bytes in the resultant matrix, determine second decoding statuses of bytes proximate to failed bytes of a feedback matrix. The feedback matrix is generated based on the resultant matrix. The first module is configured to mark selected ones of the failed bytes as erasures based on the second decoding statuses. The second module is configured to correct one or more of the bytes marked as erasures during the second decoding iteration.
US08671319B2
An operating system independent JTAG debugging system implemented to run in a web browser. The software executing in the browser identifies the JTAG enabled components in the target system that is to be tested, and automatically downloads the latest versions of the appropriate software, JTAG drivers and configuration information from a test server.
US08671318B2
Connection circuitry couples scan test port (STP) circuitry to test access port (TAP) circuitry. The connection circuitry has inputs connected to scan circuitry control output leads from the TAP circuitry, a select input lead, and a clock input lead. The connection circuitry has outputs connected to a scan enable (SE) input lead, a capture select (CS) input lead, and the scan clock (CK) input lead of the STP circuitry. The connection circuitry includes a multiplexer having a control input connected with a clock select lead from the TAP circuitry, an input connected with a functional clock lead, an input connected with the clock input lead, an input connected with a Clock-DR lead from the TAP circuitry, an OFF lead, and an output connected with the scan clock input lead.
US08671309B2
Embodiments of a hardware processor including a plurality of machine state registers (MSRs) are described. At least one of the MSRs includes an erroring logical processing (ELP) bit which when set, indicates that a particular thread executing on the hardware processor caused an error.
US08671307B2
A computer which takes over a task managed by a server apparatus from another computer which occupies the task, the computer including, a processor to detect an error of the other computer, to transmit, when an error of the another computer is detected, a task relaying request for taking over the task to the server apparatus, and to allow when a permission of the takeover of the task is received from the server apparatus processes of application programs in standby states in the computer to occupy the task.
US08671301B2
A recording medium, method and apparatus for managing data are discussed. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a method of reproducing main data and additional data. The method includes receiving the additional data associated with the main data, the additional data being divided into a plurality of segment units; and reproducing the additional data in a synchronous manner with the main data using time information if indication information indicates a presence of the time information. The time information indicates a presentation time of the additional data with respect to the main data. The main data and the additional data are reproduced according to management data, the management data including link information for linking the main data and the additional data.
US08671299B2
According to one general aspect, a method may include operating a computing device in a first power mode. The method may also include executing, by a processor of the computing device, at least one non-interactive task. The method may also include detecting, by a processor of the computing device, a request to place the computing device in a second power mode, wherein the second power mode consumes less system resources than the first power mode. The method may further include delaying the transition of the computing device to the second power mode until either the completion of the non-interactive task or an overriding triggering event.
US08671289B2
In one aspect, a multi-port interface circuit applied to a playback apparatus which is able to switch among a plurality of input ports coupled to a plurality of source devices for playing back. Each input port has a receiver, the receiver including a front-end for receiving and processing a data stream from the source device and providing a data enable signal, and further including a content protection circuit for performing content protection according to the data enable signal. Each receiver records data enable information associated with the data enable signal of the data stream in an initial status. When one input port is selected, receivers of the other input ports operate in a power saving mode, the front-end circuits stop receiving the data stream, and the content protection circuit maintains operation according to a regenerated enable signal, which is regenerated according to the data enable information.
US08671288B2
Methods and apparatuses are provided for controlling power consumption in a processor (or computational unit thereof). The method comprises monitoring power consumption in a processor (or computational unit) and determining that the power consumption of the processor (or computational unit) exceeds a threshold. Thereafter, instruction issuance if modified (such as by slowing or ceasing instruction issuance) within the processor (or computational unit) until the power consumption is below the threshold. The apparatus comprises a power consumption monitor for determining when power consumption within the processor exceeds a threshold. Upon that determination, a scheduler begins modify instruction issuance to one or more execution units until the power consumption is below the threshold. The modification of instruction issuance can be to slow instruction issuance or cease instruction issuance for a time period or until the power consumption is below the threshold.
US08671286B2
In one embodiment, a power supply switching circuit may automatically provide power to a clock circuit from one of an auxiliary power supply and a main power supply, based on a voltage of the main power supply. To provide automatic switching, a switch circuit coupled between the power supplies and the clock circuit may be controlled by a voltage detector, in some embodiments.
US08671284B1
An application includes: a programming model including a service provider, first components, second components, and sinks communicating via messages. Each of the second components is assigned a unique capability. A given one of the first components routes a message from the given first component to second component(s) and then to a sink. Each of the second component(s) sends the message to the service provider. The service provider creates a token corresponding at least to a received message and a unique capability assigned to an associated one of the second component(s) and sends the token to the associated one of the second component(s). The selected sink receives the message and a token corresponding to each of the second component(s), verifies each received token, and either accepts the message if each of the received tokens is verified or ignores the message if at least one of the received tokens is not verified.
US08671280B2
An electronic document management program, an electronic document management method and an electronic document management apparatus acquire a plurality of pieces of part identification information respectively identifiably expressing a plurality of parts of document information and a digital signature corresponding to the document information, acquire the preparation type, the preparer's name and the time and date of preparation of the document information as tracing information of the document information, manage the part identification information, the digital signature and the tracing information in association with each other and present information relating to the tracing information to the user in response to a request from the user. Additionally, they acquire new document information and tracing information according to a directive from the user.
US08671270B2
A computer system including no basic input/output system (BIOS) for operating bootstrap used in initial activation of a legacy operation system is allowed to perform booting of legacy operation system therefor and includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a memory, in which extended firmware and bootstrap program are stored. The extended firmware includes BIOS emulator and a plurality of device drivers. The extended firmware uses the device driver to make the BIOS emulator perform emulation of BIOS operation in response to a BIOS call issued by the bootstrap program.
US08671269B2
A method and apparatus are provided for increasing the accuracy of a branch predictor. A branch prediction table provides a first instance of a branch prediction value associated with an instruction being speculatively executed a first time; and provides a second instance of the branch prediction value associated with the instruction being speculatively executed a second rime. The first instance of the branch prediction value may be subsequently revised after the instruction associated with the first instance of the branch prediction value is retired. Information regarding whether that branch instruction was accurately predicted may then be used to update the branch prediction table and the second instance of the branch prediction value.
US08671266B2
Techniques are described for decoupling fetching of an instruction stored in a main program memory from earliest execution of the instruction. An indirect execution method and program instructions to support such execution are addressed. In addition, an improved indirect deferred execution processor (DXP) VLIW architecture is described which supports a scalable array of memory centric processor elements that do not require local load and store units.
