US08691484B2
Disclosed is a non-magnetic toner for use in developing electrostatic toner image, wherein the toner is produced by a toner production method that includes: dispersing in an aqueous medium an organic dispersion liquid that comprises in an organic solvent a pigment, a binder resin and/or a binder resin precursor, and a releasing agent; removing the organic solvent to prepare a dispersion slurry in which toner particles are dispersed in the aqueous medium; heating the dispersion slurry to a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point of the releasing agent; and washing the toner particles.
US08691482B2
The instant disclosure describes methods for preparing latex resins for coated carriers using surfactant partitioning, which resins exhibit both lower ζ potential and greater latex stability, while not adversely affecting particle size, toner charge or other metrics.
US08691479B1
An optical mask for forming a pattern is provided. The optical mask includes: a substrate including a light blocking pattern formed on portions of the substrate, wherein the light blocking pattern includes a halftone layer and a light blocking layer formed on the halftone layer, and the halftone layer and the light blocking layer overlap such that at least an edge portion of the halftone layer is exposed. A pitch of the light blocking pattern may about 6 μm, and a transmission ratio of the halftone layer may range from about 10% to about 50%.
US08691475B2
According to embodiments of the invention, a fuel cell fluid flow field plate is provided. The fuel cell fluid flow field plate includes a flexible substrate including a fluid distribution zone having at least one flow channel, a manifold penetrating the flexible substrate and next to the fluid distribution zone, an upward extending portion extending upward at a position near an interface between the manifold and the fluid distribution zone, wherein a bend angle is between the upward extending portion and the fluid distribution zone, and the upward extending portion has at least one through-hole penetrating through the flexible substrate to expose the manifold, and a cover extending portion linking with the upward extending portion and covering a portion of the fluid distribution zone.
US08691471B2
A polymer electrolyte fuel cell of the present invention includes a membrane electrode assembly (5) having a pair of electrodes (4a, 4b) sandwiching a portion of a polymer electrolyte membrane (1) which is inward relative to a peripheral portion thereof, a first separator (6a), and a second separator (6b), the first separator (6a) is provided with a first reaction gas channel (8) on one main surface, the second separator (6b) is provided with a second reaction gas channel (9) on one main surface such that the second reaction gas channel (9) has a second rib portion (12), the first reaction gas channel (8) is formed such that a ratio of a first reaction gas channel width of an upstream portion (18b) to the second rib portion (12) is set larger than a ratio of a first reaction gas channel width of a downstream portion (18c) to the second rib portion (12), and the ratio of the first reaction gas channel width of the upstream portion (18b) to the second rib portion (12) is a predetermined ratio.
US08691451B2
The present invention provides a method for controlling the amount of air supplied to a fuel cell, which can prevent flooding and membrane dry-out in a fuel cell stack and, at the same time, ensure optimal performance of the fuel cell stack and a humidifier by supplying an optimal amount of air to the fuel cell stack at each operation condition.For this purpose, the present invention provides a method for controlling the amount of air supplied to a fuel cell, the method including measuring the temperature and pressure of humidifier outlet (stack inlet) air, the temperature and pressure of stack outlet air, and the relative humidity of the humidifier outlet (stack inlet) air, and determining the stoichiometric ratio of air or the amount of air supplied to the stack based on the measurement results so as to adjust the relative humidity of the stack outlet air reach a target value.
US08691448B2
Provided is a lithium secondary battery comprising an anode, a cathode and a non-aqueous electrolyte, wherein the anode includes an aqueous binder, and the non-aqueous electrolyte contains (a) a cyclic anhydride or a derivative thereof; and (b) any one anion receptor selected from the group consisting of a borane compound, a borate compound and mixtures thereof. According to the present invention, a stable SEI film is formed on the anode, and the life characteristics of the battery are improved by controlling the LiF content in the SEI film.
US08691441B2
A nano graphene-enhanced particulate for use as a lithium battery cathode active material, wherein the particulate is formed of a single or a plurality of graphene sheets and a plurality of fine cathode active material particles with a size smaller than 10 μm (preferably sub-micron or nano-scaled), and the graphene sheets and the particles are mutually bonded or agglomerated into an individual discrete particulate with at least a graphene sheet embracing the cathode active material particles, and wherein the particulate has an electrical conductivity no less than 10−4 S/cm and the graphene is in an amount of from 0.01% to 30% by weight based on the total weight of graphene and the cathode active material combined.
US08691437B2
Provided is a method for evaluating a positive electrode active material. The method evaluates the performance of a positive electrode active material comprising a lithium transition metal oxide that contains a manganese-containing transition metal oxide. In this method, the lithium penetration rate into a transition metal site in the lithium transition metal oxide is evaluated based on the intensity ratio P between a first-neighbor Mn—O peak intensity A and a second-neighbor Mn-M peak intensity B in a radial distribution function obtained from EXAFS at the K absorption edge of manganese (Mn). Moreover, the ratio of excess lithium present in the positive electrode active material may also be evaluated based on the excess amount of added lithium Q contained in excess of the stoichiometric ratio of the lithium transition metal oxide and the intensity ratio P.
US08691430B2
The pouch-type lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly; a pouch for accommodating the electrode assembly; and a variable tab in electrical connection with one electrode tab of two electrode tabs of the electrode assembly and being parallel to the other electrode tab and being drawn outward from the pouch, wherein the position of the variable tab is adjustable with respect to the electrode tab in electrical connection therewith. Therefore, the present invention is capable of achieving easy positional adjustability of an electrode tab protruding outward from the pouch, during a battery assembly process. In addition, the present invention is capable of taking prompt measures in response to consumer demands by improving the design freedom of a battery pack particularly in a large-area battery.
US08691426B2
A secondary battery including a can having enhanced safety against compression. A secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly; a can containing the electrode assembly and including a plate, and a wall extending from the plate in a first direction to define a cavity and an opening opposite the plate, a portion of the wall being thicker than another portion of the wall; and a cap assembly sealing the electrode assembly in the can.
US08691423B2
A rechargeable power tool battery is rebuilt by replacing its spent cells with an array of replacement cells in which connections are made by conductive connectors, ends of which are clamped by bent-over arms of star-shaped malleable metal grips, the hubs of which are spot welded to cell terminals by the replacement cell supplier. Replacement cells can be supplied in pairs with the positive terminal of one cell of the pair permanently connected to the negative terminal of the other cell of the pair and with the other positive and negative terminals each provided with a spot-welded star-shaped grip.
US08691419B2
A cylindrical secondary battery having improved performance in a compression test and a collision test. The cylindrical battery including a ceramic layer coated on at least one of a cathode plate and an anode plate, and a center pin having a wall thickness of 0.05 to 0.1 mm, which is inserted into the center of an electrode assembly of the battery. The ceramic layer can have a thickness of 6.0 μm to 8.0 μm.
US08691417B2
A secondary battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode containing a metal compound having a lithium ion absorption potential of 0.2V (vs. Li/Li+) or more, a separator and a nonaqueous electrolyte. The separator is provided between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The separator comprises cellulose fibers and pores having a specific surface area of 5 to 15 m2/g. The separator has a porosity of 55 to 80%, and a pore diameter distribution having a first peak in a pore diameter range of 0.2 μm (inclusive) to 2 μm (exclusive) and a second peak in a pore diameter range of 2 to 30 μm.
US08691415B2
A power storage apparatus includes a plurality of power storage elements aligned in one direction; and a pair of restraint members placed at both ends of the plurality of power storage elements in an alignment direction in which the elements are aligned, the restraint members configured to give a restraint force to the plurality of power storage elements. At least one restraint member of the pair of restraint members includes, a protruding portion protruding toward the power storage element adjacent to the restraint member, an end of the protruding portion being in contact with the adjacent power storage element to form a space between the restraint member and the adjacent power storage element; and a shield portion protruding in the alignment direction and preventing a heat exchange medium for use in temperature adjustment of the power storage element from entering into the space.
US08691405B2
A secondary battery, including a bare cell provided with coupling portion, a protection circuit module provided with a circuit board, and connecting member electrically connecting the bare cell to the protection circuit module. The coupling portion has a contact recess. The protection circuit module is adapted to control the charging/discharging of the bare cell. the connecting member has a bare cell connecting portion. The bare cell connecting portion has an insertion portion inserted into the contact recess.
US08691396B2
A galvannealed steel sheet obtained by subjecting a base steel sheet to hot-dip galvanization and then alloying the galvanization layer, the base steel sheet being obtained by hot rolling a specified steel. A method for producing the galvannealed steel sheet.
US08691392B2
The present invention relates to asymmetric molecular bilayers for the use in the junctions of electronic devices, such as crossbar junctions, comprising the general structure ET-MT( )MB-EB, wherein ET and EB denote a top and a bottom electrode, MT and MB represent functional molecules both forming a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on said top or bottom electrode, and the symbol ( ) denotes a non-covalent interaction between the two monolayers, resulting in a molecular bilayer, sandwiched between the two electrodes. The electrodes are solid state electrodes and stationary with respect to each other. The present invention also relates to a method of producing such assemblies.
US08691385B2
Methods and apparatus for coating particulate material are provided. The apparatus includes a vessel having a top and a bottom, a vertically extending conduit having an inlet in the vessel and an outlet outside of the vessel, a first fluid inlet in the bottom of the vessel for introducing a transfer fluid, a second fluid inlet in the bottom of the vessel for introducing a coating fluid, and a fluid outlet from the vessel. The method includes steps of agitating a material, contacting the material with a coating material, and drying the coating material to produce a coated material. The invention may be adapted to coat aerogel beads, among other materials. A coated aerogel bead and an aerogel-based insulation material are also disclosed.
US08691380B2
A coated article includes a substrate, an anti-corrosion layer formed on the substrate, a decorative layer formed on the anti-corrosion layer. The substrate is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. The anti-corrosion layer is a silicon layer. The coated article has improved corrosion resistance.
US08691379B2
A coated article includes a substrate, an anti-corrosion layer formed on the substrate and a decorative layer formed on the anti-corrosion layer. The substrate is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy. The anti-corrosion layer is an aluminum layer. The coated article has improved corrosion resistance.
US08691378B2
The invention relates to a cutting tool having a substrate base body and a single or multi-layered coating attached thereupon, wherein at least one layer of the coating is a metal oxide layer produced in the PVD process or in the CVD process and the metal oxide layer has a grain structure wherein there is structural disorder within a plurality of the existing grains that are characterized in that in electron diffraction images of the grains, point-shaped reflections occur up to a maximum lattice spacing dGRENZ and for lattice spacing greater than dGRENZ no point-shaped reflections occur, but rather a diffuse intensity distribution typical for amorphous structures.
US08691374B2
A coated wear-resistant member, as well as a method for making the same, includes a substrate and a coating scheme. The coating scheme has a region of alternating coating sublayers. One coating sublayer is TixAlySi100-x-yN wherein 40 atomic percent≦x≦80 atomic percent; 15 atomic percent≦y≦55 atomic percent; 4 atomic percent≦100−x−y≦15 atomic percent. The other coating sublayer is TipAl100-pN wherein 45 atomic percent≦p≦100 atomic percent. The method for making a coated wear-resistant member includes the steps of providing the substrate, and depositing the region of alternating coating sublayers.
US08691372B2
A polymeric film or sheet comprising an ionomeric composition comprising ionomeric copolymer of an alpha olefin and about 1 to about 30 wt % of alpha,beta-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbons, based on the total weight of the ionomeric copolymer, wherein the carboxylic acid is neutralized to a level of 1 to 100 mol %, with one or more metal ions, based on the total number of moles of carboxylate groups in the ionomeric copolymer, and wherein the ionomeric copolymer has a Melt Index of about 20 to about 300 g/10 min. The ionomeric composition preferably comprises an additive selected from the group consisting of silane coupling agent, organic peroxide, and combinations thereof. In addition, an article comprising an interlayer formed of the polymeric film or sheet and an additional layer selected from the group consisting of glass, other polymeric interlayer sheets, polymeric film layers, and metal films or sheets. Examples of articles include safety windows and solar cells.
US08691371B2
A barrier coating for a composite article is provided. The barrier coating includes an organic zone; an inorganic zone; and an interface zone between the organic zone and the inorganic zone.
US08691363B2
This invention relates to a nonslip decorative and protective coverings in order to cover and protect distinct surfaces, its composition and the manufacturing process thereof; characterized in that it consists of a foamed cellular film based on dry mixed and calendared suspension resins, defining a smooth textured and decorated upper surface, and a rough lower surface with high adherence; said film consists of a composition of: a) suspension resin of vinyl polychloride and/or copolymer of vinyl chloride; b) plasticizers in order to provide flexibility to the covering; c) other components such as elastomers, Barium/Zinc or tin stabilizers; lubricants, biocides, flame retardants, pigments and charges, in order to facilitate the processing thereof, and d) foaming agents.
US08691360B2
Structures are described that create spaces while installing anchor sheet and attachment piece subfloors, but which allow for the expansion and contraction of anchor sheets after installation. The structures may be used on either the attachment pieces, anchor sheets or both. In one embodiment, the structure is a deformable margin; in another embodiment, the structure is a pull-away strip.
US08691357B2
A pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet 1 for an optical data recording medium D1 from which a signal with a mark length shorter than the resolution limit of an optical system of a reproducing device is capable of being reproduced by reproduction light emitted during reproducing, the pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet 1 having an adhesive transparent resin layer 11 to be disposed on an data recording layer 3 of the optical data recording medium D1, the transparent resin layer 11 having a (meth)acrylate copolymer containing no acidic group as a main component, the transparent resin layer 11 having a storage elastic modulus at 23° C. of 1.5×105 Pa or less and a gel fraction of 68 wt % or more. The transparent resin layer 11 of this pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet 1 for an optical data recording medium can be used for producing an optical data recording medium which can reproduce from a mark with a length shorter than the resolution of an optical system of a reproducing device, and which is stable against changes in the external environment when responding to status of use.
US08691354B2
This invention is related to the preparation of polyethylene pipe resins suitable for transporting hot and cold water containing chlorine dioxide.
US08691353B2
Disclosed are: a polarizing plate having visibility and viewing angle characteristics; and a liquid crystal display device using the polarizing plate. Specifically disclosed is a polarizing plate which is obtained by sandwiching a polarizer between first and second cellulose ester films. The polarizing plate is characterized in that the first cellulose ester film is formed from a cellulose ester having a total degree of substitution of acyl groups of 2.8-3.0, and the second cellulose ester film is formed from a cellulose ester having a total degree of substitution of acyl groups of 2.0-2.6, and has a retardation value Ro of 30-200 nm and a retardation value Rt of 70-300 nm. The polarizing plate is also characterized in that the first and second cellulose ester films are subjected to a saponification treatment wherein when the saponification condition is expressed as a saponification index M, the saponification index M1 of the first cellulose ester film and the saponification index M2 of the second cellulose ester film satisfy the relation of M1>M2.
US08691332B2
A silver conductive coating possessing infrared absorbing properties is disclosed. The coating is made from a blend of one or more micron size silver powders and/or flakes together with carbon black, inorganic pigment, glass frit, and powdered selenium or bismuth metal. The foregoing dry ingredients are pasted with an organic vehicle, applied to a substrate, and fired at a temperature of up to 1400° F. The coating absorbs infrared radiation beyond the decomposition of carbon black, thus allowing higher firing temperatures and hence shorter firing times.
US08691331B2
A hydrophobic and/or oleophobic coating system having a reversibly reduced hydrophobicity. A hydrophobic and/or oleophobic coating is applied to and is bonded or otherwise strongly adhered to a substrate, such as an optical lens. The coating has sufficient thickness to provide a weakly adhered, excess portion that is mechanically removable. The excess portion of the hydrophobic and/or oleophobic coating has a surface that is modified to reduce hydrophobicity, such as by ion bombardment. The hydrophobicity of the coating is restored by mechanical removal of the excess portion of the coating.
US08691328B2
This method for producing an aluminum composite including porous sintered aluminum, includes: mixing aluminum powder with a sintering aid powder containing either one or both of titanium and titanium hydride to obtain a raw aluminum mixed powder; adding and mixing a water-soluble resin binder, water, a plasticizer containing at least one selected from polyhydric alcohols, ethers, and esters, and a water-insoluble hydrocarbon-based organic solvent containing five to eight carbon atoms into the raw aluminum mixed powder to obtain a viscous composition; shape-forming the viscous composition on an aluminum foil or an aluminum plate and causing the viscous composition to foam to obtain a formed object prior to sintering; and heating the formed object prior to sintering in a non-oxidizing atmosphere to obtain an aluminum composite which includes porous sintered aluminum integrally joined onto the aluminum foil or the aluminum plate, wherein when a temperature at which the raw aluminum mixed powder starts to melt is expressed as Tm (° C.), then a temperature T (° C.) of the heating fulfills Tm-10 (° C.)≦T≦685 (° C.).
US08691327B2
Provided is a method of manufacturing a solid electrolytic capacitor, including the steps of: forming a capacitor element including an anode body having a dielectric coating film on a surface thereof; impregnating the capacitor element with a polymerization liquid containing a precursor monomer of a conductive polymer and an oxidant; impregnating the capacitor element impregnated with the polymerization liquid with a silane compound or a silane compound containing solution; and forming a conductive polymer layer by polymerizing the precursor monomer after impregnating the capacitor element with the silane compound or the silane compound containing solution.
US08691323B2
A method for monitoring and controlling the thickness of coating on a creping cylinder is disclosed. The methodologies involve a coordinated scheme of apparatuses that function to monitor various aspects of a creping cylinder coating so that the thickness of the coating can be determined.
US08691321B2
A method for fabricating an embodiment of a medical device comprising the steps of: preparing a biodegradable polymeric structure; coating the biodegradable polymeric structure with a polymeric coat including a pharmacological or biological agent; cutting the structure into patterns configured to allow for crimping of the cut structure and expansion of the cut structure after crimping into a deployed configuration.
US08691320B2
A method for coating a stent can involve a device having a drying zone, a spray zone, and movable member for positioning a stent in the drying zone and another stent in the spray zone. Each stent can be on a support. A force can be applied to the outside surface of a stent to prevent rotation of the stent with respect to the support.
US08691319B2
The present invention relates to a particulate composition in the form of a large spherical glassy bead having a cross-sectional diameter greater than 5 mm. The bead comprises an encapsulating carrier composition essentially made of fibrous materials, which are both sugarless and non-cariogenic and an encapsulant, such as a flavor material.
US08691315B2
A process for preparing a food composition that is easily removed from the container by contacting one or more hydrocolloids with water to prepare a colloidal solution, contacting the colloid solution with one or more food ingredients, and allowing the resulting mixture to form a solid mass having a gelatinous texture, and a food composition produced by such process.
US08691312B2
Disclosed are sweetened consumables and methods of forming said sweetened consumables that comprise certain sweeteners and at least one sweetness enhancer in a concentration near its sweetness detection threshold. The sweeteners include sucrose, fructose, glucose, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, xylose, arabinose, rhamnose, erythritol, xylitol, mannitol, sorbitol, inositol, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, neotame, sucralose, saccharine, or combinations thereof. The sweetness enhancer is selected from naringin dihydrochalcone, mogroside V, swingle extract, rubusoside, rubus extract, rebaudioside, and stevioside.
US08691304B2
The present invention relates to cereal products comprising cereals and isomaltulose, methods for their production, and the use of isomaltulose for the production of cereal products.
US08691303B2
A dusted pet food kibble and a process for dusting a pet food kibble comprising providing a pet food kibble in the form of a core matrix, providing a powder comprising a first component that can comprise an active ingredient, such as Probiotic microorganism particles, and dusting the powder onto the pet food kibble to form a dusted kibble. The dusting can occur substantially free of a binder. An animal feed comprising a kibble in the form of a core dusted with active ingredients.
US08691301B2
A self gassing composition comprising at least one surfactant and a fermentation base including a gas producing organism and at least one sugar is disclosed. Use of a nonionic surfactant in the self gassing composition allows the fermentation base to continue reacting and producing gas. Additionally, a personal care cleansing product and method for storing and delivering an aqueous composition having at least one surfactant and pressurized gas dissolved therein is disclosed. In one aspect, the composition is stored in an internal reservoir in a container such that when a sealing device is removed from a valveless opening, the composition foams and plumes out the opening of the container as the gas dissolved in the composition is released. In addition to the self gassing composition, a pressurized gas may be injected into a surfactant composition to produce the gas pressurized cleaning composition.
US08691290B2
A method for killing or substantially eradicating a pathogen in the upper respiratory tract of a mammal is disclosed. The method comprises generating molecular iodine (I2) in situ using an oxidant-reductant reaction with a minimum concentration of at least about 25 ppm of I2 and I2 comprises at least 40% of the total iodine atoms. A method for inhibiting superantigens using molecular iodine is also disclosed.
US08691288B2
Chronic rhinosinusitis and other bacterial sinus conditions may be treated by applying a solvating system containing a surfactant to a bacterial biofilm in a nasal or sinus cavity, disrupting the biofilm, and applying a protective layer of a polymeric film-forming medical sealant.
US08691286B2
A composition for dissolving or reducing the viscosity of sputum on a surface of a device includes an effective amount of glycerol and an effective amount of dextran sulfate in a saline solution. The effective amount of glycerol is between about 30-50% and the effective amount of dextran sulfate is between about 10-30%. The composition may further include an antimicrobial agent.
US08691285B2
Methods of using a non-irritant, low pH acidic composition to destroy undesirable microorganisms are described. The methods may be used on food products, food processing equipment, and in aqueous solutions.
US08691281B2
The present invention relates to a solid pharmaceutical composition including the active principle 6-oxo-6,7,8,9,10,11-hexahydrocyclohepta[c]chromen-3-yl sulfamate. The present invention also relates to polymorphs of the 6-oxo-6,7,8,9,10,11-hexahydrocyclohepta[c]chromen-3-yl sulfamate compound.
US08691274B2
Provided herein is an apparatus for printing cells which includes an electrospinning device and an inkjet printing device operatively associated therewith. Methods of making a biodegradable scaffold having cells seeded therein are also provided. Methods of forming microparticles containing one or more cells encapsulated by a substrate are also provided, as are methods of forming an array of said microparticles.
US08691273B2
This invention relates generally to a preparation of bone repair compositions, and more special refers to a novel technology in preparing a matrix building polymer i.e. collagen with inclusions of hydroxyapatite particles as biomaterial for medical applications. In this composition that consists of hydroxyapatite particles embedded in a matrix at least 50% nm. Said composition is suitable as bone implant material, dental cement and for applications in wound healing.
US08691272B2
A multilayer oral dosage form that provides controlled release of an active compound includes a non-erodible core containing a pharmaceutically active compound and/or a nutritionally active compound, and at least one release-modulating layer laminated to each side of the core layer. The dosage form can be prepared using simple, inexpensive tablet compression techniques.
US08691271B2
Provided are ingestible polymeric formulations and oral dosage forms for the reduction of gastric volume in the treatment of overweight and obese patients. The formulation includes an acid-sensitive, gelatin coating over a dehydrated hydrophilic polymer. When ingested, the acid-sensitive coating is quickly dissolved by gastric secretions and the hydrophilic polymer is exposed to the aqueous environment of the gastric milieu. The polymer absorbs water and expands to the point that will not allow the polymer to pass beyond the pyloric valve, and the expanded polymer is therefore trapped in the stomach.
US08691269B2
Orally administrable polymer-carrying units for expanding in a stomach of a mammal to fill a space in the stomach, the polymer-carrying units including: a carrier; a plurality of polymer molecules expandable in aqueous solutions, releasably coupled to the carrier; and means for selectively decoupling the polymer molecules from the carrier so that the polymer molecules and carrier are released in the stomach, are provided.
US08691267B2
A patch comprising a backing layer and an adhesive layer disposed on the backing layer and compounded with a drug and an adhesive base agent, wherein the adhesive base agent comprises styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate-vinyl acetate copolymer and a basic nitrogen-including polymer including a basic nitrogen and having no adhesion property at normal temperature.
US08691257B2
A water soluble bag for containing soiled textiles, said bag having an open end, a closed end, and sides extending therebetween, said bag made of a plastic film having a thickness of at least 1.3 mils, wherein said bag dissolves in water at a temperature of 165° F. in less than about 250 seconds and does not dissolve in water at a temperature of 85° F. in 7 days, and said bag being capable of containing at least 175 lbs. of soiled textiles and having a capacity of at least 50 gallons. Also disclosed is a receptacle for collecting soiled textiles comprising a container and a water soluble bag. Also disclosed is a receptacle for collecting soiled textiles comprising a container, a sling, and a water soluble bag.
US08691254B2
An antimicrobial coating slurry includes about 15.5 wt % of a wetting agent, about 6.0 wt % of an insolubilizer, about 1.1 wt % of a biocide agent, and about 7.8 wt % of an inorganic material that includes lithium oxide and the balance water. The slurry is applied to a heat exchanger surface, cured, and washed to form a hydrophilic coating that includes lithium silicate. The hydrophilic coating provides improved moisture wicking and a reduced dissolution rate of biocide, which is held within a lithium silicate matrix.
US08691250B2
The invention comprises the use of one or more charged surfactants in preparations having an antiperspirant effect for reducing staining in or on clothing and improving improvement the ability of stains to be washed out of the clothing.
US08691249B2
A cosmetic peeling preparation which comprises a plurality of capsules. A capsule comprises a casing and a filling. The casing material is solid at 25° C. and selected from cosmetically conventional lipids, waxes, emulsifiers, natural polymers, synthetic polymers, and mixtures thereof. The filling comprises an oil or lipid mixture having a viscosity at 25° C. of from 3 to 50,000 mPas and one or more solid substances having an abrasive effect.
US08691243B2
Vaccine compositions and methods for protecting a mammalian subject against infection with S. pneumoniae are disclosed. The vaccines and methods comprise an effective amount of one or more Streptococcus pneumoniae cell wall and/or cell membrane proteins and/or immunogenically-active fragments, derivatives or modifications thereof, wherein the proteins are selected from a defined group of proteins associated with age-dependent immunological responses.
US08691235B2
Bioactive hydroforming luminal liner compositions are formed of an absorbable crystalline amphiphilic polyether-ester-urethane dissolved in a liquid derivative of a polyether glycol that undergoes transformation into a tissue-adhering, resilient interior cover or liner for the controlled release of its bioactive payload at clinically compromised conduits in humans as in the case of bacteria- and yeast-infected vaginal canals, esophagi, and arteries following angioplasty.
US08691230B2
This application pertains to methods and compositions that modulate proliferation and/or differentiation of undifferentiated mesodermally-derived cells so as to have an effect on at least one of vascular growth and hematopoiesis.
US08691222B2
NLRR-1 antagonists and methods of their use in treating cancer and other disorders are provided.
US08691221B2
Use of an anti-TrkA antibody capable of inhibiting the binding between NGF and TrkA, in particular capable of blocking the biological activity of TrkA, for the preparation of a medicament for treating and/or preventing chronic pain.
US08691219B2
Chromobacterium subtsugae sp. nov., a new species of the genus Chromobacterium which possesses insecticidal activity, is described. The invention also relates to insecticidally-active metabolites obtained from the strain and to insecticidal compositions comprising cultures of the strain and/or supernatants, filtrates, and extracts obtained from the strain, and use thereof to control insect pests.
US08691213B2
The invention relates to the use of composition comprising free amino acids as a sole source of protein, a fatty acid source comprising long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, a carbohydrate source comprising digestible and indigestible carbohydrates, and milk protein free Bifidobacteria for treating a person suffering from (a) colic, congestion, runny nose, wheezing, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools, mucus in stools, rash, eczema, gastroesophageal reflux, eosinophilic esophagitis or asthma; (b) cow's milk allergy and/or food protein intolerance; and/or (c) infections, wherein the indigestible carbohydrate is selected from a milk protein free source and the total composition is essentially free of intact proteins.
US08691207B2
A method for the production of retinal cells, useful in transplantation therapy, comprises: (i) obtaining one or more mammalian adult Müller cells; and (ii) culturing the cells in the presence of an extracellular matrix protein and a growth factor to thereby induce dedifferentiation of the Müller cells into a progenitor phenotype.
US08691202B2
Provided are body corrective cosmetic formulations and methods of use thereof.
US08691200B2
The invention concerns aerosol devices comprising a reservoir containing, in a cosmetically suitable medium, a multiple-block polymer (A) comprising at least a polyurethane and/or polyurea unit and a film-forming polymer (B), the polymers (A) and (B) and the device being selected so as to obtain, at the device outlet, droplets of composition with average diameter less than 80 μm. The invention also concerns a hairstyling or hair-fixing method comprising the use of said devices and their use for making a hairstyling product.
US08691195B2
The present invention relates to a transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)-mimicking peptide containing a particular amino acid sequence and a composition for preventing or treating TGF-β-effective disorders or conditions using the same. The peptide of the present invention may be much higher stability than natural-occurring TGF-β and improve drawbacks caused by high molecular weight of natural-occurring TGF-β. The peptide of this invention can be advantageously applied to treatment or improvement of TGF-β-effective disorders or conditions and have excellent efficacies on skin whitening and wrinkle improvement.
US08691193B2
Polycondensate, composition containing it, especially a nail varnish composition, and process for preparation. The polycondensate may be obtained by reacting: a polyol comprising 3 to 6 hydroxyl groups; a saturated or unsaturated non-aromatic monocarboxylic acid; an aromatic monocarboxylic acid containing 7 to 11 carbon atoms; and a saturated or unsaturated, or even aromatic, linear, branched and/or cyclic polycarboxylic acid, comprising at least two carboxylic groups COOH; and/or a cyclic anhydride of such a polycarboxylic acid.
US08691192B1
The disclosure relates to sunscreen compositions having a synergistic combination of ultraviolet light (UV) filtering agents that provide a high sun protection factor (SPF). Compositions according to the disclosure have high SPF values without requiring high overall amounts of UV filtering agents. Furthermore, the disclosure relates to methods of using the described compositions for protecting keratinous substances such as skin and hair from UV radiation.
US08691182B2
Apparatus, methods and systems reside in the decomposition of ammonia into a hydrogen gas mixture. An ammonia-rich gaseous mixture containing ammonia and oxygen enters into a conduit within which combustion and decomposition of the mixture is initiated, thereby liberating hydrogen. A mixture of gaseous products resulting from the reaction is expelled from the outlet of the conduit, the mixture including non-combusted hydrogen gas, which may then be used for other purposes. In the preferred embodiment, the incoming reactants including ammonia and oxygen are heat exchanged with the outgoing product mixture containing non-combusted hydrogen gas.
US08691174B2
The present invention relates to a nitrate salt-based process for preparing a graphite oxide. The invention nitrate salt-based process employs starting materials comprising a sulfuric acid, an inorganic nitrate salt, an amount of water, a first amount of chlorate salt, and a graphite.
US08691162B1
A biomedical diagnostic device includes a hydrophilic layer, hydrophobic layer, and at least one test pad. The hydrophilic layer includes an exposed introductory portion adapted to introduce a test fluid, and is stacked with the hydrophobic layer with multiple access holes. At least one test pad, each of which includes a distinguishing reaction medium, is disposed in the corresponding holes that extend to contact the hydrophilic layer. The relations within the device are as follows: hydrophilicity of any of the test pads>hydrophilicity of the hydrophilic layer>hydrophilicity of the hydrophobic layer.
US08691153B2
A fluorescence reader for an optical assay arrangement includes a polymeric sample substrate having a reaction site-surface and a substrate surface. A light source is arranged to illuminate the reaction site-surface through the substrate surface, and a detector device is arranged to detect fluorescent light emitted from the reaction site-surface and transmitted through the substrate surface, the substrate surface provided, for example, as a light-collecting body to allow fluorescent light rays exceeding a critical emission angle for total internal reflection to escape the substrate and enter the body.
US08691150B2
The invention relates to a system for testing a sample of bodily fluid, comprising a carrier band, which carries a plurality of consumable elements, wherein one end of the carrier band is attached to a wind-up device for winding the carrier band, together with used consumable elements, onto a reel for the band transport, and comprising a display for displaying information regarding the supply of yet unused consumable elements of the carrier band. According to the invention, it is provided that information regarding the supply of yet unused consumable elements of the carrier band is obtained from an angle of rotation and from a band transport length by which the carrier band is moved with a rotation of the reel about said angle of rotation.
US08691136B2
A device is formed by the process into a bone screw or fastener, wherein the head has a degree of polymer alignment and strength, and wherein the shank has a higher degree of polymer alignment and strength. In practice of the present invention, the polymer slug is pressed into the die cavity by the actuation of ram press, causing the slug to conform to the die cavity. Through this process, the polymer molecular orientation is aligned to different degrees, in different zones of the device.
US08691132B2
Stretch film is treated by passing a web of tackifier-containing, unbloomed thin polymer film through a heater so that the web is heated to a temperature sufficient to cause tackifier bloom prior to the web reaching a next stage in an in-line process. Also, a pattern can be applied to a thin polymer film. An oriented web of thin polymer film is passed across at least one heated roller having the pattern engraved thereon to define face regions and relief regions collectively conforming to the pattern. As the web contacts each roller surface, portions of the web positioned over the relief regions receive less heat than portions of the web positioned over the face regions, thereby causing the respective portions of the web to undergo differential, heat-induced shrinkage which imparts the pattern to the thin polymer film.
US08691130B2
Disclosed are multicomponent fibers derived from a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water non-dispersible polymer wherein the as-spun denier is less than about 6 and wherein the water dispersible sulfopolyester exhibits a melt viscosity of less than 12,000 poise measured at 240° C. at a strain rate of 1 rad/sec, and wherein the sulfopolyester comprising less than about 25 mole % of residues of at least one sulfomonomer, based on the total moles of diacid or diol residues. The multicomponent fiber is capable of being drawn at a relatively high fiber speed, particularly at least about 2000 m/min, and may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the multicomponent fibers and microdenier fibers. Also disclosed is a process for multicomponent fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.
US08691127B2
The invention relates to processes for the production of a composite component via multicomponent injection molding, where the composite component comprises a main body composed of a thermoplastic and an external layer composed of a foamed thermoplastic. The main body is produced via injection molding and subsequent hardening of the thermoplastic. A mixture of the foamed thermoplastic and a chemical blowing agent is injected onto the main body, subsequently hardened in the same injection mold, and foamed by heating. The composite component is solidified via cooling. The foamed thermoplastic is at least one polyamide whose modulus of elasticity is from 1 MPa to 250 MPa in the entire temperature range from 70° C. to 180° C. The chemical blowing agent is in non-polymerized form.
US08691123B2
According to one embodiment, a fine processing method includes determining a resist amount required for each first region of a pattern formation surface and a total amount of resist. The method include dividing the total amount of resist by a volume of one resist drop to determine the resist drops total number. The method include determining a provisional position for the resist drop of the total number. The method include assigning the each first region to nearest one resist drop, and partitioning again the pattern formation surface into second regions assigned to the each resist drop. The method include determining a divided value by dividing the volume of the one resist drop by the required total amount of resist determined. The method include finalizing a final position of the each resist drop, if a distribution of the divided value in the pattern formation surface falls within a target range.
US08691120B2
A photochromic chromene compound having an indeno(2,1-f)naphtho(1,2-b)pyran structure as its basic skeleton, an aryl group or a heteroaryl group at the 6-position carbon atom of the structure and an electron donor group having a Hammett constant σp of not more than −0.1 at the 7-position carbon atom.
US08691119B2
The present invention is directed to an electroconductive thick film paste composition comprising electrically conductive Ag, a second electrically conductive metal selected from the group consisting of Ni, Al and mixtures thereof and a lead-tellurium-lithium-titanium-oxide all dispersed in an organic medium. The present invention is further directed to an electrode formed from the thick film paste composition and a semiconductor device and, in particular, a solar cell comprising such an electrode.
US08691117B2
Disclosed is a conductive polymer which is easily dispersed in an organic solvent. A method of preparing the conductive polymer adapted to be dispersed in an organic solvent is also provided, which includes chemically polymerizing a monomer using as a dopant anion a phosphate-based compound having solubility in an organic solvent. The conductive polymer capable of being dispersed in various organic solvents can be obtained through a simple preparation process, and thus can be utilized in the fields of applied materials in which the use of conventional water-dispersible conductive polymers is limited.
US08691113B2
A compound is provided containing silicon, aluminum, strontium, europium, nitrogen, and oxygen is used that enables a red phosphor having strong luminous intensity and high luminance to be obtained, and that enables the color gamut of a white LED to be increased with the use of the red phosphor. The red phosphor contains an element A, europium, silicon, aluminum, oxygen, and nitrogen at the atom number ratio of the following formula: [A(m−x)Eux]Si9AlyOnN[12+y−2(n−m)/3]. The element A in the formula is at least one of magnesium, calcium, strontium, and barium, and m, x, y, and n in the formula satisfy the relations 3
US08691099B2
A process for fabricating a MEMS device with movable comb teeth and stationary comb teeth. A single mask is used to define, during a series of processing steps, the location and width of both movable comb teeth and stationary comb teeth so as to assure self alignment of the comb teeth. MEMS devices are fabricated from a single multi-layer semi-conductor structure of semiconductor material and insulator material. In a preferred embodiment the process is employed to provide a MEMS mirror device having a movable structure, a movable frame, a first set of two torsional members, a first set of at least four comb drives, an outer fixed frame structure, a second set of two torsional members, and a second set of at least four comb drives.
US08691095B2
A high efficiency water purification system is provided incorporating recovery of a portion concentrate wastewater associated with the reverse osmosis unit. This reduces the overall volume of concentrate wastewater requiring discharge/disposal by reusing the purified concentrate of a concentrate recovery units as RO feed water. Initial feedwater is pressurized and passed through an RO membrane, and separated into a permeate flow and a concentrate flow. A portion of the higher pressure concentrate is then directed to an additional set of thin film composite membranes (concentrate recovery membranes). The concentrate recovery membranes are arranged in an array such that the concentrate pressure is adequate to provide the force required to drive the concentrate through the recovery system membranes. The permeate produced by the concentrate recovery system is directed back to the feed of the primary RO unit; thereby, reducing the volume of raw feed water required for system operation.
US08691090B2
Coolant conditioning unit for coolant of an internal combustion engine. The unit includes a cup-shaped housing, a removable cover for closing the housing, a replaceable filter insert arranged in the housing and being detachably connected to the cover, an inlet, an anti-drain valve that is normally open during filtering, and a stop valve arranged in the inlet. The stop valve is held in an open position by the filter insert and closes when the filter insert is removed from the housing and closes before the cover has been completely separated from the housing. This abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US08691084B2
The invention provides systems and methods for extracting and upgrading heavy hydrocarbons from substrates such as oil sands, oil shales, and tar sands in a unitary operation. The substrate bearing the hydrocarbon is brought into contact with a supercritical or near-supercritical fluid, a source of hydrogen such as hydrogen gas, and a catalyst. The materials are mixed and heated under elevated pressure. As a consequence of the elevated temperature and pressure, upgraded hydrocarbon-containing material is provided in a single or unitary operation. In some embodiments, sonication can be used to improve the upgrading process. Fluids suitable for use in the process include carbon dioxide, hexane, and water. It has been observed that upgrading can occur within periods of time of a few hours.
US08691082B2
Two-stage hydroprocessing uses a common dividing wall fractionator. Hydroprocessed effluents from both stages of hydroprocessing are fed to opposite sides of the dividing wall.
US08691081B2
A process for distributing a deflecting media into an axial center of a riser to push catalyst outwardly toward the feed injectors ensures better contacting between hydrocarbon feed and catalyst.
US08691074B2
A method for operating a measuring device comprising the following steps: providing a first sample of the liquid; ascertaining an updated calibration function by means of a standard addition method, wherein the first sample is supplemented at least once with a standard solution, which has a known concentration of the measured ion; determining a measured value of concentration of the measured ion in the first sample; providing a second sample of the liquid; ascertaining a measured value of concentration of the measured ion in the second sample as a reference measured ion concentration (cref) by means of a reference method; and determining a difference (cdisturb) between the apparent measured ion concentration (capparent) and the reference measured ion concentration (cref) and deriving a correction value (ckorr) therefrom for future measured values of concentration of the measured ion in the liquid, as ascertained with the measuring device.
US08691067B2
A technique for controlling the motion of one or more charged entities linked to a polymer through a nanochannel is provided. A first reservoir and a second reservoir are connected by the nanochannel. An array of electrodes is positioned along the nanochannel, where fluid fills the first reservoir, the second reservoir, and the nanochannel. A first electrode is in the first reservoir and a second electrode is in the second reservoir. The first and second electrodes are configured to direct the one or more charged entities linked to the polymer into the nanochannel. An array of electrodes is configured to trap the one or more charged entities in the nanochannel responsive to being controlled for trapping. The array of electrodes is configured to move the one or more charged entities along the nanochannel responsive to being controlled for moving.
US08691064B2
A deposition apparatus includes a deposition source that produces a deposition flow of a deposited material and has an evaporation source with a material to be deposited therein, and a sputtering source that produces sputtering ions directed at the material to be deposited in the evaporation source. A deposition target is in facing relationship to the deposition source. The sputtering source is operated simultaneously with the evaporation source.
US08691058B2
A method of depositing a metallization structure (1) comprises depositing a TaN layer (4) by applying a power supply between an anode and a target in a plurality of pulses to reactively sputter Ta from the target onto the substrate (2) to form a TaN seed layer (4). A Ta layer (5) is deposited onto the TaN seed layer (4) by applying the power supply in a plurality of pulses and applying a high-frequency signal to a pedestal supporting the substrate (2) to generate a self-bias field adjacent to the substrate (2).
US08691057B2
In a dual cathode magnetron, an adjustment circuit is provided between a pair of sputter targets having a coaxial (preferably frusto-conical) relationship to modify the distribution of ion and electron currents flowing from the plasma discharge to a substrate residing within a sputter chamber. A stress adjustment circuit is used to modify the ion bombardment of the growing films on the substrate resulting in a mechanism for control of the stress in the deposited films. In a preferred embodiment, the adjustment circuit comprises a variable resistor disposed between an internal shield that acts as a passive anode and a target. The value of the variable resistor influences the plasma discharge current distribution between the split sputter targets and the internal shields, and can effectively be used to adjust the properties of the deposited films.
US08691053B2
The invention relates to waste processing and to producing hydrocarbons from domestic and industrial organic waste by pyrolysis. The inventive waste processing method involves carrying out the first and second pyrolysis stages, fractionating pyrolysis products and processing each fraction for producing useful products. The second pyrolysis stage is carried out simultaneously with the electromagnetic action produced on the pyrolysis products. The device for carrying out said method comprises a two-sectional pyrolysis reactor. An electromagnetic source is arranged on the second section of the reactor. The output of the second section is connected to a system for dividing the vaporous pyrolysis products. The technical result consists in increasing the waste processing effectiveness and producing solid, liquid and vaporous fuel components.
US08691048B2
A plasma technique in which a plasma generation technique frequently used in various fields including a semiconductor manufacturing process is used, and generation of plasma instability (high-speed impedance change of a plasma) can efficiently be suppressed and controlled in order to manufacture stable products. An apparatus includes a processing chamber, a surrounding member disposed around the processing chamber, an RF induction coil disposed outside the dielectric member, and an air-core coil for generating a direct-current magnetic field supplied to the inner space. The surrounding member seals an opening on top of the processing chamber to create an inner space, and the RF induction coil is above the top surface of the surrounding member.
US08691045B2
A positioning device for positioning a number of two-sided adhesive pieces includes a base, a number of pulling blocks, and a pressing block. The base includes a positioning block defining a number of positioning holes. Each pulling block includes a connecting plate, and a supporting plate protruding out from a top end of the connecting plate. A first surface of each adhesive piece is adhered on a top surface of one of the supporting plate. The connecting plate is received in a corresponding one of the positioning hole. The pressing block is attached to the positioning block. A second surface of each adhesive piece to be adhered to a bottom surface of the pressing block.
US08691036B2
A reusable hose bundling sleeve is provided that is made of a tightly-woven nylon material coated with urethane. Strips of hooks and loops are adhered and stitched to opposite ends of opposite sides of the sleeve. The reusable hose is installed by wrapping the sleeve around the hoses or cables such that the strips of hooks and loops align and engage. Notches can be cut along the length of the reusable hose bundling sleeve to allow for shorter hoses or cables within the sleeve to exit. Because of the materials used, the notches will not weaken the fibers and cause fraying. The reusable hose bundling sleeve is removed by separating the strips of hooks and loops and unwrapping the sleeve. The reusable hose bundling sleeve can be installed, removed, and reinstalled quickly and without diminishing durability. Alternatively, the sleeve may be adapted to be secured and/or hanged.
US08691034B2
The present invention includes methods and apparatus (10) for forming a tire component upon an axially tapered building surface (100). In particular embodiments, such methods include the step of providing a mechanical system, the system including a plurality of cutting members (42) and an application surface (64) for transferring material to the axially tapered building surface, the axially tapered surface comprising a surface of revolution that varies radially along a rotational axis of the surface. Particular embodiments may also include translating a sheet of material along a translation path through the mechanical system, and cutting a strip of material from the sheet with one or more of the plurality of cutting members during the step of translating. Particular embodiments may further include mechanically transferring the strip of material from the application surface to the axially tapered building surface, the axially tapered building surface rotating about an axis of rotation during the step of translating.
US08691025B2
A dishwasher is provided that includes a washing space in which the soiled articles can be positioned for cleaning and an operating device that operates during the cleaning operation and is arranged in an opening in a bounding face of the washing space and/or of a container which can be positioned in the washing space. A spray device for spraying cleaning fluid is integrated into the washing space in the operating device.
US08691021B2
A water-bearing household appliance to which fluid can be supplied during at least one filling step includes at least one drain pump for conveying fluid out of the water-bearing household appliance; and an overfill protection facility to prevent an excessive water level in the water-bearing household appliance. The overfill protection facility is configured to capture at least one operating parameter of the drain pump and after the filling step, in the presence of a malfunction of the drain pump that can be derived from the at least one operating parameter, to prevent execution of a further filling step.
US08691020B2
The invention relates to a container treatment machine, in particular a filling, closing or rinsing unit for containers, such as bottles, cans, barrels, kegs etc., comprising a container feed, a container discharge, at least one feed line for at least one product, and a cleaning device (3) for cleaning the outer surfaces by means of a cleaning fluid (13), characterized in that the cleaning device (3) comprises a robot (4) and a track (5), wherein the track (5) runs around the rotational axis thereof in at least one angular region, wherein the robot (4) is arranged on or at said track (5) and can be driven by means of a linear drive (8).
US08691015B2
A method and apparatus are presented for reducing halide-based contamination within deposited titanium-based thin films. Halide adsorbing materials are utilized within the deposition chamber to remove halides, such as chlorine and chlorides, during the deposition process so that contamination of the titanium-based film is minimized. A method for regenerating the halide adsorbing material is also provided.
US08691010B2
The use of microfluidic structures enables high throughput screening of protein crystallization. In one embodiment, an integrated combinatoric mixing chip allows for precise metering of reagents to rapidly create a large number of potential crystallization conditions, with possible crystal formations observed on chip. In an alternative embodiment, the microfluidic structures may be utilized to explore phase space conditions of a particular protein crystallizing agent combination, thereby identifying promising conditions and allowing for subsequent focused attempts to obtain crystal growth.
US08691009B2
A pulling apparatus and a method with which especially heavy crystals (5) can be pulled using the Czochralski method utilizing the pulling apparatus. For this purpose the neck (4) of the crystal (5) has an enlargement (10) beneath which extends the support device. This device includes latches (7), which are moved from a resting position into an operating position in which the latches (7) extend beneath the enlargement (10). Each latch (7) is supported on the base body such that it is swivellable about a pivot axis (8) and can assume two stable positions, namely the resting position and the operating position. Each of these positions is defined by a stop on the base body. When the latch rests on the one stop, its center of gravity, viewed from the neck (4), is located on the other side of the pivot axis (8). When the latch rests on the other stop, the center of gravity is located on this side of the pivot axis (8). The actuation of the latches (7) takes place with actuation means disposed stationarily in the apparatus.
US08691004B2
The present invention provides a method of ink-jet recording that includes the steps of pretreating by applying a pretreatment liquid onto a recording medium in advance of ink-jet recording, and recording by ejecting a pigment ink onto the recording medium by an ink-jet method. The pretreatment liquid includes the following components (i) and (ii), and water. Component (i): at least one of succinic acid and acetic acid Component (ii): alkali metal halide
US08691003B2
An indicator is useful for detecting pressure points on a denture. The indicator is made of a composition that easily adheres to oral mucosa, has a proper viscosity in an oral cavity environment, can be properly spread between an oral mucosa surface and a denture base, and easily specifies an affected part. The composition includes a fatty acid ester having a melting point of 30 to 50° C., a water-soluble high polymer, and a metal oxide. Preferably, the fatty acid is 40 to 95% by weight of the composition, the water-soluble high polymer is 1 to 59% by weight of the composition, and the metal oxide is 0.1 to 50% by weight of the composition.
US08690997B2
A two-sided attraction structure including an electrostatic chuck portion (2) and a power supply portion (5), the electrostatic chuck portion (2) including a dielectric member (3) in a plate-like shape, which is made of an insulating material and has a front side and a back side, and an internal electrode (4) mounted into the dielectric member, the front side and the back side of the dielectric member each serving as an attraction surface when voltage is applied to the internal electrode (4), the power supply portion (5) applying the voltage to the internal electrode, of the electrostatic chuck portion (2), in which the power supply portion (5) includes a solar cell (6) and a voltage boost circuit (7) for boosting power generated by the solar cell (6).
US08690994B2
In at least certain embodiments, the present invention is directed to contactors, modules, components, systems, and/or methods of manufacture, and/or methods of use including degassing liquids. In at least particular possibly preferred embodiments, the contactor or module is integrally potted, has planar, disc shaped end caps, and a cylindrical housing or shell receiving and supporting a membrane structure. In at least particular possibly preferred embodiments, each of the planar disc shaped end caps has a central opening therein adapted to receive a liquid end port or nozzle, another opening therein adapted to receive a gas end port or threaded pipe, and is held in place in the housing or shell by at least one retaining element such as a retaining or locking ring. In at least particular possibly preferred embodiments, the integrally potted membrane structure is potted in place in the housing or shell by an inverted potting process involving the use of a removable plunger or plug to recess the potting.
US08690986B2
An alternative ironmaking process for simultaneously producing a highly metalized iron/steel product, coke from coal, an iron/steel product from an iron rich feedstock, and, optionally, energy using heat recovery. The simultaneous process is performed in the environment of a non-recovery or heat recovery coke oven. The iron rich feedstock is layered on top of a coal bed. The iron rich feedstock and coal bed are heated in the presence of a reducing gas to reduce the iron oxides of the iron rich feedstock into the iron/steel product and to devolatilize the coal into coke. After quenching the iron/steel product and coke, the iron/steel product is separated from the coke.
US08690983B1
An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous introduction of concentrated raw materials into a high-dilution irrigation-water environment whereby the stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution and reaction exotherms. A system wherein raw materials are efficiently continuously fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm reactor efficiently implements the method.
US08690979B2
A dust collection device for a concrete cutter includes a suction duct disposed on an upstream-most side; a plurality of dust collectors of a cylindrical cyclone system disposed in series downstream of the suction duct; and a plurality of dust collection chambers connected respectively to the plurality of dust collectors and storing individually dust separated in each of the dust collectors. A blower is disposed between any two of the plurality of dust collectors and performs intake and discharge of air by rotation of a built-in fan. A return flow channel communicates the suction duct with the dust collection chamber which is connected via a connection portion to a dust collector disposed on a downstream-most side from among the plurality of dust collectors, or a return flow channel communicates the suction duct with the connection portion.
US08690976B2
A fuel reformer is provided that is capable of improving endurance and performance. The fuel reformer includes a first burner having a first-burner first end, a first-burner second end, and a first opening formed in the first-burner first end; a second burner surrounding the first burner and having a second-burner second end, a second-burner second end, and a second opening in the second-burner first end, wherein the second-burner second end is coupled to the first-burner second end to communicate a fluid. The reforming reactor is configured to generate heat from the first and second burners, and has a fuel supply including a nozzle unit in the first burner and supplies a second oxidation fuel from the outside to the first burner. A first oxidation fuel is introduced into the first opening and flows through the first burner in a first direction and flows through the second burner in a third direction opposite to the first direction. The nozzle unit discharges the second oxidation fuel in a second direction crossing the first direction.
US08690964B2
A method for treating a fabric for protection from ultraviolet radiation is disclosed which comprises the steps of dispensing a suspension of zinc oxide particles treated with an acid polymer into a washing machine during a time in which a fabric is being washed in the washing machine and mixing the treated zinc oxide particles and the fabric for the treated zinc oxide particles to bind to the fabric. Other methods for treating a fabric for protection from ultraviolet radiation are also disclosed.
US08690954B2
An orthopaedic knee prosthesis includes a tibial bearing component with articular features which operate to protect adjacent soft tissues of the natural knee, promote and/or accommodate desired articulation with an abutting femoral component, and facilitate expedient and effective implantation by a surgeon.
US08690953B2
The invention relates to an operation system comprising at least one implant and means for the fastening of the implant to a bone, wherein the fastening means include at least one solid spacer, which can be formed of hardened bone cement and is arranged between the implant and the bone in the implanted state, and hardenable liquid bone cement which can be introduced into hollow spaces or intermediate spaces present between the spacer and the implant and/or between the spacer and the bone and wherein the spacer, on the one hand, and the liquid bone cement, on the other hand, are provided with contrast agents chosen in dependence on an imaging observation process or inspection process, in particular an X-ray process, to be used in or after the operation such that the spacer and the liquid cement can be distinguished from the surroundings and from one another on the observation or inspection of their position, in particular in an X-ray.
US08690948B2
Systems, methods and devices for providing stabilization between first and second vertebrae are provided. More particularly, in one form a system includes an implant configured to be positioned in a disc space between the first and second vertebrae and a freestanding plate for engagement with extradiscal surfaces of the first and second vertebrae. The system also includes an insertion instrument with an engaging portion configured to releasably engage with the implant and the plate such that the implant and plate can be positioned together relative to the first and second vertebrae. In one aspect, an angular orientation of the implant relative to the plate is adjustable when the implant and the plate are engaged by the instrument. In this or another aspect, the implant and plate are held in a contiguous relationship when engaged by the instrument. However, different forms and applications are also envisioned.
US08690941B2
Various systems, apparatuses, and processes may be used for intraocular lens surgery. In particular implementations, a system for intraocular lens surgery may include an intraocular lens insertion cartridge and an intraocular lens interface adapted to engage an intraocular lens for advancement through the intraocular lens insertion cartridge. The system may also include a bracket that is detachably attached to the intraocular lens insertion cartridge and that facilitates securing the intraocular lens interface relative to the intraocular lens insertion cartridge.
US08690940B2
A method and related apparatus to treat a cataract where the cataractous lens is pierced and the resulting opening is mechanically maintained using a lens system device such as a pinhole device, expandable tubular lens, a stent or similar small diameter device, some of which are capable of supporting a secondary intraocular lens. The resulting passageway or lumen created in the cataractous lens allows visible light to better reach the retina, thus improving vision. This lens system device that can be placed into an in situ cataract provides for a much simpler surgical technique and reduces related pre and post operative procedures and potential complications. Intraocular lenses may also be used in concert with this invention. The apparatus and technique can be applied to humans as well as animals.
US08690938B2
An occlusion device for implantation within a body vessel is provided with a screen member and an associated support member. The occlusion device is radially expandable from a compressed condition, suitable for inserting the device in an introducer, to a deployed or expanded condition within a vessel. The screen member includes a plurality of substantially diamond-shaped openings in the compressed and expanded conditions. The porosity of the screen member is less than the porosity of the support member in the expanded condition.
US08690934B2
Method, device and system for modulating an activity of brown adipose tissue in a vertebrate subject
Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein for treatment of a disease, disorder, or condition in a vertebrate subject. A device is provided that includes one or more passive cooling elements configured to be applied to one or more tissues of a vertebrate subject to modulate at least one activity of brown adipose tissue of the vertebrate subject, wherein at least a portion of the one or more passive cooling elements is configured to be implantable, and wherein the one or more passive cooling elements includes a first portion configured to be in association with the one or more tissues to be cooled, and a second portion configured to be placed in association with one or more tissues adjacent to an external epidermal tissue of the vertebrate subject.
US08690929B2
A dual-mode closed-loop measurement system (100) for capturing a transit time, phase, or frequency of energy waves propagating through a medium (122) is disclosed. A first module comprises an inductor drive circuit (102), an inductor (104), a transducer (106), and a filter (110). A second module housed in a screw (335) comprises an inductor (114) and a transducer (116). The screw (335) is bio-compatible and allows an accurate delivery of the circuit into the muscular-skeletal system. The inductor can be attached and interconnected on a flexible substrate (331) that fits into a cavity in the screw (335). The first and second modules are operatively coupled together. The first module provides energy to power the second module. The second module emits an energy wave into the medium that propagates to the first module. The transit time of energy waves is measured and correlated to the parameter by known relationship.
US08690922B2
A dynamic fixation device is provided that allows the vertebrae to which it is attached to move in flexion within the normal physiological limits of motion, while also providing structural support that limits the amount of translation motion beyond normal physiological limits. The present invention includes a flexible portion and two ends that are adapted for connection to pedicle screws. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the normal axis of rotation of the vertebrae is substantially duplicated by the dynamic fixation device. The flexible portion of the dynamic fixation device can include a geometric shape and/or a hinge portion.
US08690916B2
A suture attachment clip and method for assisting in the attachment or re-attachment of soft tissue to bone. The clip generally comprises a head having a shape suitable for allowing the passage of a suture during attachment of soft tissue to bone. One or more clips can be secured to a bone plate through a variety of means, including a snap configuration, a screw configuration, and a bendable prong configuration. The clip can also be continuous with an adjacent clip, thus forming a multi-clip assembly that can either be secured to a bone plate or secured directly to a bone without a bone plate.
US08690907B1
Vascular treatment and methods include a plurality of self-expanding bulbs and a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Joints between woven structures and hypotubes include solder. Woven structures include patterns of radiopaque filaments measurable under x-ray. Structures are heat treated to include at least shapes at different temperatures. A catheter includes a hypotube including interspersed patterns of longitudinally spaced rows of kerfs. Heat treating systems include a detachable flange. Laser cutting systems include a fluid flow system.
US08690904B2
A tubular conduit is used to access blood vessels or other structures in the human body. The conduit has a distal tip angled to match the angle of entry into the body and an end contour adapted for the surface of the target vessel or organ. The contour may be curved to match the curve on the outer surface of the vessel or organ. The conduit's angled and contoured distal end may be adapted to engage, and align the conduit with, the surface of the vessel or organ. The conduit bears a longitudinal groove along its lower, inner surface. When the conduit is appropriately aligned, the groove may be used to guide a needle tip to the desired location, for example, the mid-line of the vessel or organ.
US08690900B2
An apparatus for connecting two elongate body tissues is described. A flexible outer surface has a first outer end longitudinally spaced from a second outer end. A flexible inner surface has a first inner end longitudinally spaced from a second inner end. A first end aperture is defined by a flexible connection between the first outer end and the first inner end. The first end aperture is configured to accept a first elongate body tissue. A second end aperture is defined by a flexible connection between the second outer end and the second inner end. The second end aperture is configured to accept a second elongate body tissue. The outer and inner surfaces are configured for relative eversion operative to longitudinally shift an instantaneous midpoint of the apparatus with respect to a reference location on the inner surface. A method of using the apparatus is also provided.
US08690888B2
A spine measurement system includes a plurality of sensored heads, a spinal instrument, and a remote system. The spinal instrument comprises a handle, a shaft, sensored heads, and a module. The sensored heads includes one or more sensors that couple to module and each has a different height. The module includes an electronic assembly for receiving, processing, and sending quantitative data from sensors in sensored heads. The module can be coupled to and removed from handle. Similarly, sensored heads can be coupled to and removed from shaft. A sensored head can be inserted between vertebra and report vertebral conditions such as force, pressure, orientation and edge loading. A GUI of remote system can display a workflow and report load and position of load during the workflow.
US08690886B2
An insertion instrument for inserting an expandable support device, where the insertion instrument includes an actuator device operable to rotate a component of an expandable support device to a rotated position, such that the rotation to the rotated position of the expandable support device causes a first longitudinally extending member of the expandable support device to be longitudinally fixed. The insertion instrument also includes a hollow body, where the hollow body includes a removable gear device or a removable screw driver device. The removable gear device is configurable to cause a first longitudinally extending member of expandable support device to longitudinally extend in a direction away from the center of the expandable support device. The removable screw driver device is configurable to insert a screw into the expandable support device to lock the rotated position into place.
US08690885B2
A hinged pivoting guide for positioning a femoral tunnel in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction locates a drilling hole for placement that optimally penetrates a minimal depth of soft tissue (skin, muscle, etc.) yet directs drilling into a sufficiently rigid and structurally sound area of the femur. The hinged guide allows placement of an aimer point at a desired drilling exit location on the femur. The hinge is adapted to secure the aimer at a degree of rotation about an axis defined by the hinge rotation, such that the axis passes through the aimer point throughout rotation of the hinge while maintaining the aimer point in line with an insertion guide slideably movable through the aperture in the handle, the aperture defined by an insertion axis extending toward the aimer point such that the aimer point remains disposed at the intersection of the hinge axis and the insertion axis.
US08690875B2
A system (10) for preparing a long bone for a prosthetic, the long bone having a long axis comprises a distal instrument (12) and a proximal instrument (14). The distal instrument (12) is configured to remove bone from a distal portion of bone. The distal instrument (12) has a bone removing portion (16) configured to remove bone along the long axis of the long bone and a shaft (18) extending from the bone removing portion (16) along the long axis of the long bone. The proximal instrument (14) is configured to overlie the shaft (18) of the distal element (12) within the long bone. The distal shaft (18) guides the proximal instrument (14) to prepare the proximal portion of the long bone after the distal instrument (12) has prepared the distal portion of the long bone.
US08690874B2
A composition for the induction of bone growth is disclosed. The composition includes a substrate, bone growth protein, and sources of calcium and phosphate. The composition is acidic which promotes high activity of the bone growth protein. The calcium and phosphate sources can be provided as an acidic calcium phosphate salt. Also disclosed are methods of the making the composition and methods of using it.
US08690870B2
The invention relates to an ablation catheter which controls the temperature and reduces the coagulation of biological fluids on an electrode of a catheter, prevents the impedance rise of tissue in contact with the electrode, and maximizes the potential energy transfer to the tissue, thereby allowing an increase in the lesion size produced by the ablation. The electrode includes passages positioned to allow saline flow out of an inner cavity of the electrode. This fluid flow is pulsatile to increase turbulence, reducing areas of stagnant flow, and produces a desired cooling effect.
US08690868B2
A modular biopsy, ablation and track coagulation needle apparatus is disclosed that allows the biopsy needle to be inserted into the delivery needle and removed when not needed, and that allows an inner ablation needle to be introduced and coaxially engaged with the delivery needle to more effectively biopsy a tumor, ablate it and coagulate the track through ablation while reducing blood loss and track seeding. The ablation needle and biopsy needle are adapted to in situ assembly with the delivery needle. In a preferred embodiment, the ablation needle, when engaged with the delivery needle forms a coaxial connector adapted to electrically couple to an ablating source. Methods for biopsying and ablating tumors using the device and coagulating the track upon device removal are also provided.
US08690867B2
An electrosurgical return electrode is disclosed. The return electrode includes a first and second flexible conductive material layers and a material layer disposed between the first and second conductive material layers. The material layer is transitionable between a solid state and a non-solid state, the material layer is also configured to melt upon an increase in temperature beyond a predetermined threshold, thereby increasing conductivity between the first and second conductive material layer.
US08690864B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a system and method for controlling a tissue treatment device using results from a spectroscopic tissue analyzer. One embodiment provides a system that uses a direct signal from a spectroscopic tissue analyzer to control the tissue treatment device. Alternatively, the system may provide an audible feedback signal to a user, allowing the user to choose how to adjust the tissue treatment device. A final embodiment provides a probe that has active sites for treating tissue, and an optical system to convey light to the active sites, allowing an analysis of the tissue parameter at the active sites.
US08690858B2
Implants or systems of implants and methods apply a selected force vector or a selected combination of force vectors within or across the left atrium, which allow mitral valve leaflets to better coapt. The implants or systems of implants and methods make possible rapid deployment, facile endovascular delivery, and full intra-atrial retrievability. The implants or systems of implants and methods also make use of strong fluoroscopic landmarks. The implants or systems of implants and methods make use of an adjustable implant and a fixed length implant. The implants or systems of implants and methods may also utilize a bridge stop to secure the implant, and the methods of implantation employ various tools.
US08690857B2
The intervertebral disc is avascular. Nutrients and waste are diffused through adjacent vertebral bodies into the disc. As we age, calcified layers form between the disc and vertebral bodies, blocking diffusion of nutrients, oxygen and pH buffer in blood. Under anaerobic conditions, lactic acid is produced, irritating nerve endings and causing nonspecific pain. In addition, the disc begins to starve and flatten. The weight shifts abnormally from disc to the facet joints causing strain and back pain.Lactic acid inhibitor inhibits production of lactic acid from pyruvate within the disc to reduce or alleviate back pain.
US08690850B2
A diaper wherein at least one of the waist band, side panels, leg cuffs and fastening system landing zone includes a textile material of stitch bonded construction. The textile material includes selectively applied zones of stitches formed from elastomeric yarns with adjacent zones having stitches formed from inelastic yarns. The textile material provides stretch of a desired degree in the cross-machine direction while maintaining substantial dimensional stability in the machine direction.
US08690845B2
Systems, devices, and methods for treating a tissue site on a patient with reduced pressure are presented. In one instance, a reduced-pressure interface includes a conduit housing having a cavity divided by a dividing wall into a reduced-pressure-application region and a pressure-detection region. The reduced-pressure interface further includes a reduced-pressure port disposed within the reduced-pressure-application region, a pressure-detection port disposed within the pressure-detection region, and a base connected to the conduit housing, the base having a manifold-contacting surface. The dividing wall includes a surface substantially coplanar with the manifold-contacting surface.
US08690829B2
Liquid infusion apparatus includes non-magnetic materials in a pumping structure and drive motor, therefore, and in a controller that supplies drive signals to the motor to facilitate convenient operation in intense magnetic fields without distorting the magnetic fields and without radiating objectionable radio-frequency interference.
US08690823B2
The present invention relates to balloon catheters for treating a luminal system of a patient. Specifically, the invention relates to catheters having a flexible membrane positioned at a distal portion of the catheter, the flexible membrane retained in a substantially unexposed conformation prior to deployment. Preferably the flexible membrane is capable of delivering a therapeutic agent to a localized environment when deployed to an exposed conformation.
US08690813B2
A radiation treatment garment includes, in some embodiments, a window having a visually-transparent material for viewing alignment tattoos on a wearer. In some other embodiments, the radiation treatment garment includes a support pouch for receiving and supporting a male wearer's external genitalia, wherein the support pouch is configured to support the external genitalia in a position that is anterior and superior to the natural gravity-induced position. In some further embodiments, the radiation treatment garment includes both the window and the support pouch.
US08690805B2
A system for performing chest compression for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. The system includes a motor, drive spool and associated couplings which allow for controlling and limiting the movement of the compressing mechanism and includes a control system for controlling the operation and interaction of the various components to provide for optimal automatic operation of the system.
US08690791B2
An apparatus and method for harvesting bone and bone marrow are provided. The apparatus may include a driver operable to be releasably engaged with an intraosseous device. The intraosseous device may include a cannula having a first end operable to penetrate bone and bone marrow and to allow retrieval of portions of bone and/or bone marrow. The cannula may have a second end operable to be releasably engaged with bone marrow sampling equipment. The apparatus may include a removable trocar. The removable trocar may have an inner channel operable to convey portions of bone and/or bone marrow. The removable trocar may have an inner channel and a side port communicating with the inner channel. The removable trocar may have a first end operable to penetrate bone and bone marrow.
US08690786B2
A non-invasive blood pressure system is disclosed herein. The non-invasive blood pressure system includes a pressure transducer configured to obtain pressure data comprising a transient baseline effects component. The non-invasive blood pressure system also includes a processor adapted to receive the pressure data from the pressure transducer. The processor is configured to generate a transient baseline effects model, and to implement the transient baseline effects model to at least partially remove the transient baseline effects component of the pressure data. The removal of the transient baseline effects component from the pressure data eliminates a potential source of error and thereby enables a more accurate blood pressure estimate.
US08690783B2
An ultrasound transducer assembly includes an acoustic focusing lens and a therapy transducer mounted to a holder member so that the lens is movable relative to the transducer. The lens and the transducer are mounted to the holder member so that the lens is spaced a predetermined distance from the transducer element. A liquid layer having a thickness of the predetermined distance is provided between the lens and the transducer element. A solid backing member is disposed on a side of the transducer element opposite the lens. The backing member is spaced by an additional liquid layer of a predetermined thickness from the transducer element. The focusing depth of the lens-transducer assembly is controllable by transducer operating frequency.
US08690782B2
A system and method for storing imaging information of multiple receive events and/or for generating a plurality of beams from a single receive event are disclosed. A transducer has a plurality of elements and is operable to receive a first acoustic signal from a first receive event and a second acoustic signal from a second receive event. A memory is in communication with the transducer to receive element data from the plurality of elements. The memory is operable in a first section and a second section. The memory is further operable to store first and second imaging data in the first and second sections, respectively. The first and second imaging data is based on the first and second acoustic signals, respectively.
US08690781B2
Using parallel receive beamformation, sets of data representing locations in at least a common field of view are obtained, each set in response to a transmit with a spatially distinct phase front. The common field of view receive data are time aligned and amplitude weighted for retrospective transmit focusing and retrospective transmit apodization, respectively. A time offset is applied to the receive data for retrospective transmit focusing. The offset is selected to emulate shifting the transmit delay profile to be tangentially intersecting with the dynamic receive delay profile for each location which is the desired transmit delay profile. A weight is applied to the receive data for retrospective transmit apodization. The offset and weighted data representing a same location from different transmit events is coherently combined. The number of sets of data offset, weighted and combined may vary as a function of depth for dynamic transmit beamformation.
US08690780B2
Systems and methods for noninvasive tissue tightening are disclosed. Thermal treatment of tissues such as superficial muscular aponeurosis system (SMAS) tissue, muscle, adipose tissue, dermal tissue, and combinations thereof are described. In one aspect, a system is configured for treating tissue through delivery of ultrasound energy at a depth, distribution, temperature, and energy level to achieve a desired cosmetic effect.
US08690770B2
A sensor may be placed on a patient to obtain physiological measurements. The application of the sensor on the patient may start a timer set to run for a given time interval. If the sensor is repositioned before the interval is expired, the timer is reset. If the time expires without the sensor being repositioned, a caregiver is prompted to reposition the sensor.
US08690769B2
A metabolic energy monitoring system having one or more physiological measurement platforms and displays enabling the calculation and display of energy balance, kilocalorie energy expenditure and kilocalorie intake is described. In preferred embodiments, the system utilizes one or more on-body monitoring platforms to enable measurement of change in body composition and kilocalorie energy expenditure over a period of time thereby enabling a comparator to calculate net energy balance over this period of time and to calculate kilocalorie intake over this same period of time. Such data may then be displayed on a display device in wireless communication with the on-body monitoring platform to provide the user of the system with useful information and guidance in weight management applications.
US08690755B2
The present invention discloses an endoscope positioning system for maneuvering, orienting and positioning an endoscope relative to an organ within a patient's body during an endoscopic operation. The endoscope positioning system comprises a gripper that reversibly attaches the positioning system to the patient's body while allowing full adjustment of the endoscope in four degrees of freedom.
US08690746B2
A brachytherapy device for the provision of brachytherapy is disclosed. The brachytherapy device has at least one source lumen located outside a movable surface of the device. The source lumen may be secured to the movable outer surface in a manner whereby relative movement of the source lumen relative to the movable outer surface is permitted. The brachytherapy device is inserted into a body cavity. After insertion, the movable surface is moved to position the at least one source lumen closer to the tissue boundary of the cavity. One or more sources of radiation are then placed within the at least one source lumen to provide a customizable treatment. Also disclosed are methods for providing brachytherapy via body cavities.
US08690745B2
Techniques and systems for supplying fluid to a rotating gantry portion of a radiation treatment apparatus are disclosed where a first batch fluid is supplied to the rotating gantry when the rotating gantry is stationary a first time, discontinuing the supply when the rotating gantry is rotating, and supplying a second batch of fluid when the rotating gantry is stationary a second time. A storage component on the rotating gantry allows supplied fluid to be stored in the rotating gantry and used to shape a radiation beam and/or cool an ionizing radiation source, for example, while the rotating gantry is rotating. The techniques and systems may also be utilized to discharge a first fluid from the rotating gantry and supply a second fluid to replace the first fluid.
US08690744B2
The invention relates to a method and to an apparatus for producing packs, in particular cigarette packs, from blanks (11, 44), wherein individual regions of a pack blank (11) are adhesively bonded to one another and, if appropriate, to one or more separate blanks (44) by the pack blank (11) being provided with individual portions of glue (28, 29) by means of a valve or a group of valves (26) and blank regions which are to be adhesively bonded together subsequently being held or pressed on one another, wherein the individual portions of glue (28, 29) are applied to the blank regions by means of the glue valve (27) or the group of glue valves (26), and/or wherein a control and/or regulating device (65) automatically controls and/or regulates the size or quantity of the respectively produced portion of glue (28, 29), which size or quantity is produced by the at least one glue valve (27) during an individual valve opening cycle, as a function of at least one parameter.
US08690743B2
The invention relates to a bearing arrangement and a rolling unit for a rolling-mill roll. The bearing arrangement comprises a bearing housing, a bearing bush (120) rigidly installed in the bearing housing, a journal bush (130) rotatably supported in the bearing bush, a bearing device (140) for the roll journal, and a pressure shoulder ring arranged between the journal bush (130) and the bearing device (140). At least one key (150) is used to connect both the journal bush and the pressure shoulder ring (135) to the roll journal of the rolling mill roll in a rotationally rigid manner. In order to further develop such a known bearing arrangement for a rolling-mill roll and a known rolling unit so that it is easier to remove the bearing arrangement from the roll journal, the bearing arrangement according to the invention has a coupling device between the journal bush (130) and the pressure shoulder ring (135) without or with only low stress.
US08690742B1
A resistance band physical training apparatus includes a wall station, and a pair of floor stations. The wall station is mounted to a vertical mounting surface, such as a wall, and the floor stations are mounted to a horizontal mounting surface, such as a floor. The wall and floor stations include rods and bars about which resistance bands can be arranged to facilitate the performance of a plurality of exercises.
US08690737B2
A dual mode exercise machine which can work in a stepping mode, or in an elliptical mode, and which has an interlock mechanism which ensures that the machine cannot be placed in a condition in which neither mode is engaged.
US08690728B2
A method for controlling a vehicle powertrain during launch includes controlling slip across a first clutch that transmits engine torque through the first clutch and the current gear while a transmission operates in a current gear other than a launch gear, disengaging the first clutch, engaging the launch gear, and controlling slip across a second clutch that transmits engine torque through the second clutch and the launch gear.
US08690725B2
A method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having a traction motor between an engine and a step ratio automatic transmission during a startup of the hybrid vehicle. The method includes performing at least one of adjusting a clutch or an oil pressure to change a transmission tie-up force or downshifting the transmission in response to an actuation rate of a vehicle driver demand.
US08690716B2
Conical disk pairs of a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission include an axially fixed disk and an axially movable disk that are situated on respective shafts on the input side and the output side and are connectable by an endless torque-transmitting component for transmitting torque. At least one of the shafts has at least one axial bore from which at least one connecting bore extends to the surface of the shaft. The outlet of the connecting bore is in a region that is covered by the movable disk independent of the latter's axial position. An annular chamber formed between the shaft outer surface and a radially inner surface of the axially movable disk can be subjected to hydraulic pressure through the connecting bore. A discharge groove is provided for bleeding air bubbles from the annular chamber.
US08690714B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball material producing a high spin rate on approach shots and a low spin rate on driver shots and a golf ball using the same. The present invention provides a golf ball material having a ratio [Shore D/log(bending stiffness)] of Shore D hardness to a logarithm of bending stiffness (kgf/cm2) of 19.0 or more.
US08690713B2
A golf ball includes a single solid core having a surface hardness and a geometric center hardness. The core has an outer diameter of about 1.5 to 1.62 inches. An outer cover layer formed from a polyurea or polyurethane has a first hardness, and an inner cover layer, disposed between the core and the outer cover, has a second hardness greater than the first hardness and within 5 Shore C of the core surface hardness. The geometric center hardness is about 64 to 85 Shore C, and the core surface hardness is greater than 85 Shore C and harder than the geometric center hardness by about 5 to 22 Shore C to define a positive hardness gradient.
US08690709B2
A golf club with a golf club head formed of two distinct parts is presented. The club head includes a lower, ball striking member configured to contact a golf ball. The club head further includes an upper member, connected to the ball striking member at a top surface of the ball striking member. The ball striking member may be formed of a more dense material than the upper portion, thereby lowering the center of gravity of the club to provide improved performance characteristics.
US08690708B1
A golf club head comprising a crown with an edge support structure and a flexible, conformal weight sized to fit within the edge support structure is disclosed herein. The edge support structure preferably is disposed on an internal surface of the crown so that the conformal weight is invisible when the golf club head is viewed at address. The conformal weight can be removed to adjust the vertical center of gravity of the club head, and preferably is oriented in a front-to-back direction along the club head's X-axis. The conformal weight preferably is composed of a high-density polymeric material with a specific gravity ranging from 1.8 to 4.2.
US08690705B2
A golf club head which may include a golf club head body, a ball striking face and a piezoelectric member in the golf club head, wherein the piezoelectric member is configured to be selectively adjusted by an input provided through a controller operably connected to the piezoelectric member. Further, the piezoelectric member may be capable of having a first configuration to provide the golf club head body with a first attribute and may also be capable of having a second configuration to provide the body with a second attribute in response to the input provided by the controller. Further, the second attribute may be different from the first attribute.
US08690702B2
A golf club has a reverse flex of 110 to 160 mm. The face portion includes a central thick part, a toe-crown-side thin part on a crown-side and on a toe-side of the central thick part, and a heel-sole-side thin part on a sole-side and on a heel-side of the central thick part. In the front view of the head, a first straight line passing an area centroid of the toe-crown-side thin part and an area centroid of a back surface of the face portion has an angle θA of 10 to 30 degrees, and a second straight line passing an area centroid of the heel-sole-side thin part and the area centroid of the back surface of the face portion has an angle θB of 36 to 40 degrees, each with respect to the horizontal plane.
US08690699B1
A visual aid device to provide a reference line for a golfer. The device has an elongated linear member held by opposing clips adapted for securement to the bill of a golf cap. The elongated member may be a stretchable elastic member or a rigid member to provide a reference line for a putter or wedge, for example, as the golfer addresses and strikes the golf ball. Spaced markings may further be utilized to provide additional visual aids to a golfer and advertising or logos may be applied to the clip members.
US08690694B2
An amusement ride apparatus comprising: a free fall tower having a proximal end hingedly attached to a base platform and a distal end; a lifting assembly connected to the base platform and the free fall tower so that the free fall tower can transition between a loading position and a free fall position; a trolley slideably attached to the free fall tower; a trolley securing assembly attached to the trolley and releasably attached to the distal end of the tower for securing the trolley to the distal end prior to the free fall tower transitioning from the loading position to the free fall position so that the trolley is held at the distal end when the tower is in the free fall position; a braking assembly carried by the base platform for slowing the downward movement of the trolley when the trolley securing member is released; and, a passenger carriage pivotably carried by the trolley allowing the passenger carriage to pivot to maintain a generally upright orientation as the free fall tower transitions from the loading position to the free fall position.
US08690693B2
The invention relates to a method for producing hollow body elements (200), for example, nut elements which are applied to components which are normally made of steel (280), in particular, for producing hollow body elements having an essentially quadratic or rectangular external profile (202). Said method consists of cutting individual elements of a profile in the form of a profile rod (1) or a winding after holes (204) have previously been stamped in the profile, a threaded cylinder (206) is subsequently, optionally, formed using a follow-on composite tool (10) which consists of several working stations. The invention is characterized in that a penetrating process and a punching process are carried out in the working station. The invention also relates to hollow body elements (200), components, follow-on composite tools (10) and rolling mills (600, 602).
US08690688B2
A double damping flywheel comprises primary and secondary coaxial members. The members are rotatable relative to one another and coupled by first and second damping elements arranged in series by a connecting web. The first damping element includes at least one curved elastic member running circumferentially between two first seatings. The second damping element includes at least two groups of elastic members, each including at least two straight elastic members arranged in series by an intermediate bearing element. Each of the groups of straight elastic members runs circumferentially between two second seatings. An annular member for phasing the straight elastic members, separate from the connecting web, carries the intermediate bearing element of each group. The difference between the maximum angular displacement between the primary member and the connecting web, and the maximum angular displacement between the secondary member and the connecting web, is less than 30°.
US08690674B2
In a coordinate detection step, a series of coordinate values each of which indicates a position which is on a display screen and is inputted through a pointing device, are detected at intervals of a unit time. Further, an operation state determination step determines whether or not a player is controlling a first object with the pointing device. When the operation state determination step determines that the player is controlling the first object, the selection determination step determines whether or not an input track of the pointing device forms an enclosed area for enclosing a second object based on the series of coordinate values. When the enclosed area has been formed, the first object and the second object are caused to perform predetermined actions.
US08690672B2
It is possible to generate a game element in accordance with the customization state of a media reproduction device, which exhibits a uniqueness of user. Provided is a media reproduction device which acquires related attribution information from stored media data, selects an object corresponding to the attribution information from a list, and generates the object during a game.
US08690668B2
A gaming system and method which provides a player with a higher average expected payback for making a gaming system wager on a gaming system wagering event in addition to making a primary game wager on a primary game. If the player places the gaming system wager on the gaming system wagering event, the player obtains the chance to win a gaming system award in addition to the player's chance of winning an award based on the outcome of the primary game, wherein the gaming system award is based, at least in part, on the primary game outcome. By placing a gaming system wager on the gaming system wagering event, the overall average expected payback associated with the play of the game increases, without changing the average expected payback of the primary game.
US08690667B2
This disclosure provides a pari-mutuel wagering system that includes a first wagering facility communicably coupled with a network and operable to receive a bet on a wagering event hosted by a second wagering facility. The first wagering facility is further operable to transmit the bet to the second wagering facility via the network. The system further includes a clearinghouse communicably coupled with the network and operable to capture audit information associated with the bet from the network.
US08690661B2
A gaming method and device includes a game, at least one non-qualifying outcome in the game, and at least one qualifying outcome in the game, wherein a player qualifies for a multi-player tournament to be held in the future when the player achieves the at least one qualifying outcome.
US08690655B2
This document generally describes techniques, methods, systems, and computer program products for providing a three-dimensional (“3D”) sports playbook. Such a playbook may permit someone like a football, basketball, or soccer coach to see a play executed in a classic X's and O's overhead two-dimensional (“2D”) view, and also in a 3D view.
US08690654B2
To run a game in which a life object indicating the value of a life parameter shared by player characters is displayed on a display unit and the life parameter is reduced for an amount equivalent to a damage from which a player character suffers, when at least one of the player character is attacked within an attack invalidation period that starts when one of the player characters is attacked, the life parameter is reduced only for an amount equivalent to the damage that triggers the start of the attack invalidation period.
US08690643B2
A hand held, portable drill bit sharpener is provided which may be powered by a standard commercially available electrical power tool. The power tool may be used to actuate the drill bit sharpener by arranging the drive shaft of the sharpener into the power tool chuck. This drive shaft is connected through a gear set to a biased rotating sharpening stone which is pressed against a drill bit tip. The drill bit may be held in the sharpener using a standard keyless drill bit chuck.
US08690639B2
An aspect of the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing an eyeglass lens, which comprises a step of conducting polishing processing of a non-optical surface of a semifinished lens, one surface of which is an optical surface and the other surface of which is the non-optical surface, to create an optical surface. The semifinished lens comprises an acrylic coating on an optical surface of a lens substrate, a surface of the acrylic coating having a contact angle relative to water of equal to or less than 90°, prior to the polishing processing, a protective film is adhered through an adhesive layer of the film to the surface of the acrylic coating, and the polishing processing is conducted by polishing a non-optical surface of the lens substrate in a state where the protective film surface is secured in a block jig.
US08690638B2
Curved plastic objects and systems and methods for deburring the same are disclosed. The curved plastic object can be the cap or grill of a headphone or earbud.
US08690631B2
A toy building block of a type which may be interconnected with similarly configured blocks has a hollow box-shaped structure having a top with cylindrical stud coupling members, and sides which together with the top define a downwardly opening cavity into which the cylindrical studs of a like configured block may be inserted for frictional interconnection. One or more integrated circuit chips are embedded within the molding material of the block, and leads incorporated within the block studs and sides provide electrical interconnection between blocks when like configured blocks are brought into frictional interengagement. In a described embodiment, components of a digital video recording system are apportioned to different blocks which when interconnected provide the complete system functionality.
US08690625B2
An outboard motor includes a left bank and a right bank. An exhaust port in each of the left bank and the right bank is arranged outward relative to a cylinder axis line in an outer motor width direction. A left exhaust pipe is arranged outward relative to a crankcase and the left bank in the outer motor width direction. A right exhaust pipe is arranged outward relative to the crankcase and the right bank in the outer motor width direction. A catalyst is located in each of the left and right exhaust pipes.
US08690618B2
A marine vessel propulsion apparatus includes an outboard motor, a transom bracket, a steering shaft, a first mount, a second mount, a tilt bracket, a tilt mechanism, and a steering mechanism. The tilt bracket is attached to a transom via the transom bracket and the steering shaft. The outboard motor is joined to the tilt bracket. The tilt bracket includes a first joint portion joined to the outboard motor via a first mount, a second joint portion joined to the outboard motor via a second mount, and a support portion arranged to support the outboard motor at a height different from heights of the first mount and the second mount.
US08690611B2
Disclosed is an ECG electrode lead wire connector which provides improved electrical and mechanical coupling of the ECG electrode press stud to the lead wire, provides enhanced ergonomics to the clinician, and may alleviate patient discomfort associated with the attachment and removal of ECG leads. The connector may be engaged and disengaged with little or no force imparted to the patient or the ECG pad, which significantly minimizes the risk of inadvertent dislodgement of the pad. In one embodiment the disclosed connector provides a thumb cam lever which affirmatively engages the press stud to the connector, and provides tactile feedback to the clinician that the connector is properly engaged. In other embodiments, the connector provides a pushbutton to enable the clinician to easily engage and disengage the connector from the ECG stud. The disclosed connectors may also decrease clinician fatigue, and may provide more reliable ECG results.
US08690578B1
An illustrative mobile computing device executing weight, nutrition, health, behavior and exercise application software serves as a simulated combination personal trainer and dietician/nutritionist for the user using comprehensive databases storing personalized health, nutrition and exercise information. A mobile computing device, such as a smartphone, executing such software monitors, tracks and/or adjusts caloric intake, energy expenditure taking into account nutritional information and behavioral factors. The mobile computing device receives food consumption, exercise-related, behavior and other input using speech input and the device's GPS subsystem to ease data entry burden on users and to promote continued long-term usage. The system rewards user goal achievement in an automatic, seamless manner, through, for example, downloading music, books, or other media. In illustrative implementations, the system assists users to make healthy food and exercise choices by using a comprehensive color code system to identify good choices, bad choices and those in between.
US08690568B2
A system (10) and method by which an orthodontic appliance (25) is automatically designed and manufactured from digital lower jaw and tooth shape data of a patient provides for the scanning of the mouth of a patient (12), preferably from a model (20) of the patient's mouth, to produce a three-dimensional digitized model (26) of the shapes of the patient's teeth and their positions in the patient's mouth. Then a computer (30) calculates the post-treatment positions of the teeth and produces three-dimensional images of the teeth, individually and in their calculated positions. An interactive computer link between the doctor's office (11) and the appliance manufacturing facility (13) allows an orthodontist (14) to control the patient's archform and to modify the suggested computer-determined positions and orientations of the teeth in six degrees of freedom, and to experiment with new positions, extractions, over-corrections and other variations, with the computer recalculating the tooth positions with high precision for the approval of the orthodontist. The appliance is automatically designed according to the final design, which also can be interactively modified and approved by the orthodontist, with the computer recalculating the effects on the treatment as a result of the doctor's changes. Brackets (81) are fabricated as an integrated set, either by cutting slots therein or by building the brackets in layers by, for example, stereo lithography. Three-dimensional custom jigs (87) are automatically made to exactly position the brackets on a patient's teeth.
US08690543B2
An apparatus includes a device including a pair of electrodes and a channel producing an electro-osmotic flow or electrophoretic flow of a liquid by applying a voltage between the pair of electrodes, and an impedance connected to the pair of electrodes, wherein a voltage resulting from thermal noise is applied to the pair of electrodes by giving a temperature difference between the channel and the impedance, and thermal energy corresponding to the temperature difference is converted into a flow of the liquid, the flow of the liquid being mechanical energy.
US08690542B2
A method and arrangement for soft start up of a pump system, that includes a pump for generating a liquid flow, an electrical drive disposed to actuate the pump, and a pressure sensor disposed to measure a liquid pressure at a flow output of the pump. The rate of change of rotation speed of the pump during a start up phase is dependent on a rate of change of measured liquid pressure, wherein the rate of change of the rotation speed is a descending function of the rate of change of the measured liquid pressure.
US08690505B2
A fastener arrangement for fastening two or more articles together, the two or more articles having a first length, the fastener arrangement including: a fastener including an elongate clamping member for being received in an aperture of the two or more articles, the elongate clamping member being moveable between a contracted configuration in which the elongate clamping member has a length which is less than the first length and a lengthened configuration in which the elongate clamping member has a length which is greater than the first length, the elongate clamping member being resiliently biased towards the contracted configuration; and an actuator for moving the elongate clamping member, while in the aperture of the two or more articles, from the contracted configuration towards the lengthened configuration to enable the elongate clamping member to protrude through the aperture and to engage the articles in a clamping manner.
US08690492B2
In the tip section of an end mill body, a plurality of end cutting edges are formed. In the outer peripheral section of the end mill body, a plurality of peripheral cutting edges are formed. Some of the plurality of end cutting edges are long end cutting edges. The angle which is formed by the straight line that connects the axis to a peripheral cutting edge continuous with a long end cutting edge and by the straight line that connects the axis to a peripheral cutting edge continuous with the end cutting edge positioned in forward of the long end cutting edge in the end mill rotation direction, is larger than the angle which is formed by the tangent lines at the inner ends of the long end cutting edge and the end cutting edge positioned in forward of the long end cutting edge in the end mill rotation direction.
US08690491B2
A rotary cutting tool has a main body with one or more segments exchangeably fastened to its circumference or internally thereof. The main body and the segment have fitting elements with mutually contacting faces. The exchangeable fastening is effected by a clamping piece, which is dovetailed on two sides and is additionally configured with a taper that wedges in the axial direction. The first dovetail-shaped part of the clamping piece engages in a corresponding recess of the main body and the second dovetail-shaped part of the clamping piece engages in a corresponding recess of the segment.
US08690488B2
An air distribution apparatus has a manifold body, and ports defined through walls thereof, with a delivery conduit connected to each port. A port valve is configured to connect and disconnect the delivery conduit to the interior of the manifold body. A supply conduit delivers a product air stream with agricultural products entrained therein to the interior of the manifold body. The supply conduit extends vertically up from the manifold to a curved elbow and then extends horizontally from the elbow. An exhaust orifice is defined in the inner radius of the elbow. When an exhaust valve is open, a selected flow of pressurized air flows from the supply conduit through the exhaust orifice. The port valve and exhaust valve are controlled such that when the port valve closes, the exhaust valve opens. The exhaust air can be directed into the delivery conduits to clear product therefrom.
US08690480B2
A freestanding hybrid riser system (FHRS) and a method of installation which makes it possible to use vessels that are more available on the world market. The invention relates to a top riser assembly (TRA) having multiple, offset connection points such that a first bending moment is applied to the TRA by a buoyant unit, and an opposing bending moment is applied to the TRA by a flexible jumper.
US08690467B2
An oval dispenser for stick material suitable for being filled through its base comprises a skeletal platform having a threaded hub, a rim wall, a circular wall intermediate between the hub and the rim defining a filling zone and linked to the hub by at least two spokes and to the rim by at least two spokes, which latter spokes intersect at least one wall and preferably two walls spanning the rim and intermediate between the filling zone and the rim.
US08690465B2
A cosmetic applicator for a cosmetic agent includes a capless housing; a seal for sealing the housing from an exterior; a seal opener for opening the seal to prevent damage to the cosmetic agent; and a control for manipulating the seal opener to open the seal and advancing the cosmetic agent is advanced from a stored position to an advanced position beyond the seal.
US08690458B2
An optical connector mainly includes a base and a mount. The base has a first slot. The base has a receiving space for arranging the optical component. The mount has an adapting end inserted into the first slot. A connecting port is formed on the adapting end. The base is connected with an external wire through the connecting port. The adapting end has an opening corresponding to the position of a tunnel of the base. Thus, when the external wire is inserted into the connecting port, the optical component can receive an optical signal from the external wire through the tunnel of the base and the opening on the mount.
US08690451B2
A cage for a rolling bearing which has pocket-shaped recesses for receiving rolling bodies and at least one guiding means for guiding the cage. The at least one guiding means is detachably connected to the cage. Thus, by design, the structure designed for the guiding of the cage is simple, economical and flexible, and suitable for all kinds of different cage shapes and dimensions.
US08690450B2
A surface shape of a machining surface of a rotating elastic grindstone is rendered to be a shape appropriate to a to-be-machined surface of a work. With the work being rotated, the rotating elastic grindstone is held in engagement to an end of the to-be-machined surface of the work. The elastic grindstone is moved along a machining trajectory effective to allow the machining surface of the elastic grindstone, which is so formed as to suit to the to-be-machined surface, to follow the to-be-machined surface of the work. The to-be-machined surface of the work so superfinished represents a smooth surface free from any machining trace such as a crossing-angle pattern.
US08690445B2
A rolling bearing arrangement, which has at least one angular contact rolling bearing arranged within a housing and at least one lash compensation element that is supported axially in one direction on the housing and is capable of being biased against a bearing ring of the angular contact rolling bearing with the bearing ring being axially movable relative to the housing, and a U-shaped ring which has two radially opposing legs directed in an axial direction. The U-shaped ring rendering the lash compensation element radially immovable by positive engagement while being guided on the bearing ring of the angular contact rolling bearing for axial displacement relative to the bearing ring, and the axial section of the bearing ring projecting axially between the legs of the ring profile.
US08690438B2
The sliding bearing has a metallic outer ring and a self-lubricating liner formed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer ring. The self-lubricating liner has a self-lubricating resin composition consisting of a mixture of 60 to 80% by weight of polyetherketone-based resin, 10 to 30% by weight of polytetrafluoroethylene, 5 to 15% by weight of carbon fiber and not more than 15% by weight of aramid fiber, total amount of the carbon fiber and the aramid fiber being 10 to 25% by weight. The inner circumferential surface of the outer ring has a surface roughness in terms of center line average roughness not less than Ra 4.0 μm and a surface roughness in terms of maximum height not less than Rmax 30.0 μm; and the outer ring and the self-lubricating liner are unified. A method of producing the bearing is also provided.
US08690431B2
The present invention provides a package (10) comprising an outer film layer (32) and at least one inner film layer (34,36), the inner and outer film layers being mutually laminated. The package also comprises a pair of mutually spaced lines of weakness (20) in at least the outer film layer, and means (22) for initiating tearing of the film layers. The lines of weakness and tear initiation means are disposed such that activation of the tear initiation means causes controlled tearing of all the film layers along the lines of weakness. The package is particularly suitable for block products such as chocolate bars.
US08690425B2
Embodiments of methods and apparatus are disclosed for obtaining a digital dual mode mobile x-ray cart from an analog or single mode (e.g., film/CR) mobile x-ray cart. In some exemplary embodiments, a retrofit apparatus does not change interior components or certification of the single mode mobile x-ray imaging system. Further, a single operator switch can be used to initiate x-ray exposure in both operating modes.
US08690422B2
The present invention provides a method for measuring the temperature of a motor for a hybrid electric vehicle. In preferred embodiments, the method of the present invention can preferably ensure the stability and reliability of motor control by extending the linearity of a temperature sensor attached to the motor within a required measurement range. The present invention preferably provides a method for measuring the temperature of a motor for a hybrid electric vehicle, in which a required measurement range of motor temperature is divided into high and low temperature ranges and a hardware gain circuit is divided into first and second gain blocks such that the first gain block measures the temperature of the high temperature range and the second gain block measures the temperature of the low temperature range.
US08690420B2
Mechanical watch movement comprising a mechanical chronograph with a regulator organ for regulating the running of the chronograph, characterized in that the regulator organ of the chronograph is placed in an imaginary circle (A) coaxial to the movement and having a radius (r1) smaller than 50% of the maximum outer radius of the movement.
US08690415B2
An optical display element (10) made up of selectively illuminatable concentric rings (14) is provided, in which the rings (14) are obtained by the light exit surface (20) of a respective optical waveguide body (18). Each optical waveguide body (18) has a light entry surface (22) which couples light in from an associated light source (24) which is adapted to be selectively activated. The light entry surface (22), as related to the common axis (12), has a larger radial extent than the light exit surface (20). Further, the optical waveguide bodies (18) have directly radially adjacent light-blocking side surfaces (30). Owing to this configuration, it is solely the optical waveguide bodies (18) which determine the geometry of the concentric rings (14). Since the optical waveguide bodies (18) can be manufactured with high precision, the intended close tolerances are obtained. In this way, radial distances between the rings (14) of only approximately 0.2 mm or less can be achieved.
US08690409B2
A backlight assembly includes a light guiding plate and a plurality of first light sources. The light guiding plate includes a light exiting surface through which light can exit, a light guiding surface positioned opposite to the light exiting surface, and a first surface extending between the light guiding surface and the light exiting surface and inclined with respect to the light guiding surface by a first angle. The first angle is an acute angle. The first light sources can generate light, and are disposed under the light guiding plate. These first light sources are disposed adjacent to a first edge connecting the first surface with the light guiding surface.
US08690407B2
An illumination unit includes an LED and a tabular light guide plate having a light emitting surface for emitting light from the LED as planar light, wherein a recessed portion is formed in the opposite surface of the tight emitting surface of the light guide plate, and wherein the LED is provided in the recessed portion so that the optical axis of the LED becomes parallel to the light emitting surface of the light guide plate. Further, a plurality of LEDs are arranged along the longer direction of the recessed portion, a dimming pattern is provided at a location corresponding to each of a plurality of LED of the light emitting surface of the light guide plate, and the shape or the size of the dimming pattern is varied with a location on the light emitting surface of the light guide plate.
US08690401B2
A lighting and/or signalling device arranged so as to provide at least a first photometric function and a second photometric function, wherein the device comprises at least one moveable element on which at least the first photometric function is installed and the movement of which is subject to the operation of the second photometric function.
US08690399B2
In a luminaire, comprising a light source (2) having at least one LED and a heat sink (4) for cooling the LED, the light source (2) is arranged pivotably with respect to the heat sink (4), wherein three lever arms (6, 8, 10) that act on the light source (2) are provided and the luminaire is designed such that the light source (2) is pressed against the heat sink (4) by the three lever arms (6, 8, 10). Moreover, a spring element (12), which acts on a first (6) of the three lever arms (6, 8, 10), and an adjusting means (14) for adjusting a second (8) of the three lever arms (6, 8, 10) are provided.
US08690395B2
The invention relates to a light emitting device (2) comprising a primary light source (10), a light converting medium (14) and an optical structure (16). The primary light source is disposed on a substrate (11). The light converting medium comprising phosphors (14) is arranged for converting at least a part of the primary light to secondary light (II) of a different wavelength. The light converting medium is in a remote phosphor configuration. The optical structure is arranged for receiving a part of the secondary light (II) from the light converting medium and is configured for redirecting the part of the secondary light in a direction towards the first plane but away for the primary light source (10). By providing an optical structure redirecting the secondary light away from the primary light source, absorption of the secondary light by the primary light source can be substantially reduced or eliminated. The luminous efficacy is improved by redirecting this secondary light in a direction such that it is transmitted from the light emitting device.
US08690394B2
An illuminating device that can reduce illuminance unevenness of an irradiation target face with a simple construction is provided. In a pseudo sunlight illuminating device 1 having a lamp 22 for illuminating an irradiation target face 10A, a transmission light amount adjusting unit 60 for adjusting a transmission light amount so that the illuminance distribution on the irradiation target face 10a is made uniform is provided between the lamp 22 and the irradiation target face 10A, and the transmission light amount adjusting unit 60 is provided with a light transmission plate laminate member 64 which is constructed by stacking light transmission plates 65 which are constant in transmittance in a wavelength range of light to be transmitted and whose number corresponds to an adjustment amount of the transmission light amount so that incident light is reflected at each boundary of the front and back surfaces of each light transmission plate 65.
US08690388B2
A light emitting diode (LED) cup light includes a base, a substrate, a LED light source and a fixing structure. The base includes a frame and a carrying member. The frame is surroundingly coupled to a periphery of the carrying member. The carrying member has a through hole. The substrate is disposed on the carrying member of the base. The LED light source is disposed on the substrate. The fixing structure presses on substrate and is engaged with a bottom surface of the carrying member of the base through the through hole.
US08690387B2
A lamp module is provided. The lamp module includes a main body and a plurality of light emitting diodes. The light emitting diodes are disposed on the main body. Each light emitting diode emits a light to a illuminated region and form a corresponding light region. The light regions formed on the illuminated region by the light emitted by adjacent light emitting diodes are at least partially overlapped.
US08690372B2
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention discloses a backlight unit having a plurality of light-emitting blocks and a light source driving section. The plurality of light-emitting blocks is arranged in a matrix shape along first and second directions different from each other. Each of the light-emitting blocks includes a light source unit having at least one light-emitting chip to emit light, and a light guiding unit to guide the light. The light source driving section controls the light source unit of the light-emitting blocks to drive the light source unit.
US08690367B2
A mirror housing of an electric door mirror is provided with a partition wall for partitioning a mirror accommodating space and a harness accommodating space. The partition wall is provided with an opening portion for exposing a terminal portion of a mirror surface angle adjusting unit to the harness accommodating space. A peripheral edge portion of the opening portion is provided with a claw portion elastically deformed when a connector portion is pushed to the terminal portion and elastically recovered to be opposed to a back face of the connector portion to thereby prevent detachment of the connector portion after connecting the connector portion to the terminal portion. Further, a peripheral edge portion of the opening portion is provided with a guide portion for restricting a movement of the connector portion against an elastic force of the claw portion.
US08690366B2
A vehicle outside mirror device according to the present invention is provided with a base 2, a shaft 3, a spring 10, a mirror assembly 4, and a washer 6. An annular line contact portion 50 is provided on an abutment face 35 of the washer 6 that abuts against an abutment face 33 of a mount portion 12 of the mirror assembly 4. As a result, the vehicle outside mirror device according to the present invention can prevent generation of abnormal noise further reliably and a further long period of time by means of the annular line contact portion 50. In addition, an abutment plane 301 of a rotation stop portion is provided at a shaft 3. A linear edge 601 of the rotation stop portion is provided at the washer 6. As a result, according to the vehicle outside mirror device of the present invention, the linear edge 601 of the rotation stop portion of the washer 6 is abutted against the abutment plane 301 of the rotation stop portion of the shaft 3, whereby the washer 6 is fixed to the shaft 3 and then generation of abnormal noise can be prevented further reliably and over a further long period.
US08690362B2
The invention describes a method of controlling a lighting of a room (1) in accordance with a still or moving image (2) projected onto a projection surface (3s), which method comprises optically measuring a number of characteristic features (f) of the projected image and adjusting the room lighting of the room on the basis of the measured characteristic features (f). Furthermore, the invention relates to a system for controlling the lighting of a room (1) in accordance with an image (2) projected onto a projection surface (3s), to a control device (9) for use in such a system, and to a projection screen device (3) for use in such a system. Moreover, the invention relates to a room lighting system (1) for lighting of a room in accordance with an image (2) projected onto a projection surface (3s).
US08690359B1
A system for basement window wells that enables internal occupants a view of the surrounding outdoor landscape is herein described, comprising a periscope-type mechanism comprising a pair of mirrors which mount within a window well area. An upper portion of the system comprises a mirror which reflects light and scenery downward. A bottom portion of the system comprises a second minor which projects said light and scenery through a below-grade window portion of a building. A protective transparent plastic cover maintains a watertight construction.
US08690356B2
A video display device includes a light guide unit for guiding outgoing light from a light source unit to a pixel area of a display device. The light guide unit includes a rod integrator having an input opening through which the outgoing light from the light source unit enters and an output opening provided on a side opposite to the input opening, and a light shielding plate provided between the input opening of the rod integrator and the light source unit. The light shielding plate has a plurality of types of openings for passing the outgoing light from the light source unit to the rod integrator. The light shielding plate is arranged in a state where one of the plurality of types of openings, which has a shape similar to that of the input opening of the rod integrator which is actually mounted, is aligned with the input opening.
US08690348B2
Provided is a system for adjusting an image of a beam projector using a camera attached remote controller and a method thereof. The system for adjusting images of a beam projector according to the present invention includes: a remote controller photographing test images projected on a screen and detecting pattern images from the photographed test images and generating control information including at least one parameter necessary to adjust the images through the detected pattern images; and a beam projector receiving the control information for adjusting images from the remote controller and adjusting the input image by using parameters included in the received control information and outputting them to the screen. Therefore, the present invention adjusts colors and geometrical shapes of images at a user's viewpoint, thereby making it possible to improve the satisfaction of user and implement the system in various forms.
US08690347B2
A cooling device and a projection device comprising the same are provided. The projection device comprises a lamp and a cooling device. The lamp has a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and one of the two sides is the upper side of the lamp. The cooling device comprises a first blower and a second blower. The first blower is adapted to generate a first airflow towards the first side, while the second blower is adapted to generate a second airflow towards the second side.
US08690344B2
An illumination system and a projection device comprising the same are provided. The projection device further comprises an imaging system. The illumination system comprises a first light source, a dichroic element and a wheel plate. The dichroic element comprises a first dichroic portion and a second dichroic portion. The first light source provides a first wave band light, which is reflected to the wheel plate by the first dichroic portion. When being projected onto a wave band transforming area of the wheel plate, the first wave band light will be transformed into a second wave band light by the wave band transforming area and then emits through the first dichroic portion and the second dichroic portion. When being projected onto a reflecting area of the wheel plate, the first wave band light will be reflected by the reflecting area to emit through the second dichroic portion.
US08690337B2
A projector producing an imaginary input plane with high operability is provided. A projector according to an embodiment projects a VUI screen picture onto a desk, and projects a main projection screen picture to a wall. The projector includes a light receiving element. The light receiving element is arranged in a position where light emitted toward the desk (VUI screen picture) and reflected (or scattered) by an object near the desk enters. The projector calculates a position of the object based on light sensing timing by the light receiving element and light scan positions at various points in time. The projector changes a projected screen picture when it determines that object is simultaneously in contact with a plurality of portions of the VUI screen picture and at least one of contact positions moves.
US08690328B1
Embodiments of the present disclosure includes optical tomographic methods and systems for acquiring information based on an image precisely in a short time. In one example, an optical tomographic imaging device may irradiate light on an eye which is the object to be measured via an interferometer 13 using a wavelength scanning-type laser light source 11, and acquire a cross-sectional image. The optical tomographic imaging device may include an object lens 23 at the focus position of the two-axis tilt mirror 22. It may deflect light in the x-axis and y-axis direction using the two-axis tilt mirror 22 and obtain a three-dimensional cross-sectional image without having distortion in the optical axis direction.
US08690327B2
This invention discloses an image capture device for fundus and an imaging method thereof. The image capture device includes a lighting module, a splitter, a monochrome image sensor and an image synthesis module. The lighting module emits plurality beams of monochromatic light. The splitter is disposed on a light path of the lighting module. The splitter reflects the plurality beams of the monochromatic light to a fundus of an examinee and forms a plurality of reflecting light respectively through reflection of the fundus. The monochrome image sensor receives the plurality beams of the reflecting light and produces a monochromatic image corresponding to each beam of the monochromatic light. The image synthesis module receives each of the monochromatic images and synthesizes each monochromatic image into a color image. By such arrangements, the invention provides good quality fundus imaging and reduces costs.
US08690307B2
An ink jet ink contains a polyurethane polymer and a pigment. The polyurethane polymer has units derived from a polyisocyanate, a polyether polyol having no acid group, and a diol having an acid group. The pigment is dispersed using a polymer other than the polyurethane polymer. The molar ratio of the percentage of the urethane bond in the polyurethane polymer to the percentage of the urea bond in the polyurethane polymer is 85.0/15.0 or more and 100.0/0 or less.
US08690306B2
An ink composition including: (Component A) a polymerizable compound represented by following Formula (1); (Component B) a monofunctional polymerizable compound having a (meth)acrylamide structure; (Component C) a photopolymerization initiator; (Component D) a colorant; and (Component E) water, wherein in Formula (1), Z represents a polyol residue formed by removing n hydrogen atoms from hydroxyl groups of a trihydric to hexahydric polyol, R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and n represents an integer of from 3 to 6.
US08690302B2
Approaches to remove bubbles from ink in an ink jet printer are described. Bubble removal may be implemented using one or more separator elements configured to separate bubbles of a vapor from ink. Each separator element includes wicking features having dimensions sufficient to allow capillary movement of the ink in the wicking features and to substantially exclude the bubbles from the wicking features. One or more inlets allow passage of the ink that includes the bubbles into the separator element. At least one vapor outlet allows vapor that has been separated from the ink to exit from the separator element. The ink exits from the separator element thought one or more ink outlets.
US08690288B2
In an inkjet printer, a low surface energy material is applied to a printhead face and a drip bib during a printhead maintenance operation. The low surface energy material forms a thin layer on the printhead face and drip bib to resist adhesion of ink to the printhead. The low surface energy material can be a layer of silicone oil.
US08690274B2
A household appliance having a housing defining an interior space. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing may include a plurality of internal walls, wherein at least one of the plurality of internal walls is made of a glass material. Further, the interior space may be under a refrigeration condition.
US08690272B2
A home appliance supported for floor-standing operation, the home appliance including an appliance body, a support member mounted to the appliance body for supporting the appliance on a support surface, a plurality of projections attached to the appliance body adjacent the support member, a first wall member attached to the plurality of projections and extending downwardly from the appliance body and a second wall member attached to the first wall member with the second wall member being movable relative to first wall member, with the wall members covering a side portion of the support member.
US08690268B2
A laundry treating apparatus is provided which can be manufactured easily. The laundry treating apparatus includes a cabinet, a drum rotatably disposed in the cabinet configured to hold laundry therein, a front cover including a door opening to load the laundry in the drum, and at least one panel opening configured to receive a control panel therein.
US08690257B2
An attachment device for securing a trim cover to foam pad. The attachment device includes an elongated attachment component coupled to the trim cover and a base component disposed within the foam pad. The attachment component includes an outwardly protruding barb and a key pad at a distal end thereof. The base component includes a retaining element having a pair of spaced apart fingers defining a gap there between and a keyway at the bottom of the retaining element between the fingers that is adapted for receiving the key. The key of the attachment component is disposed in the keyway of the retaining element and one of the fingers interacts with the barb to prevent removal of the attachment component from the base component.
US08690256B2
A seat cushion having a plurality of foamed-in fastening elements in particular for utilization in vehicle seats. The fastening element has a plate-shaped retainer element foamed into the foam body of the seat cushion, and wherein the fastening element has at least one counter-retainer that is not covered by the foam body of the seat cushion, and wherein a stitching wire fastened at the cushion cover can be connected to the counter-retainer in a load-transmitting manner, wherein the counter-retainer is implemented in the type of a fastening web, the two ends thereof being connected to the plate-shaped retainer element.
US08690251B2
A seatback-motion controller in accordance with the present disclosure is mounted on a vehicle seat in a vehicle. The vehicle seat includes a seat base and a seat back mounted for pivotable movement relative to the seat base between an upright use position and a forward-leaning easy-entry position.
US08690249B2
The present invention relates to a chair having an adjustable backrest for spinal protection in that an inside of a backrest structure is provided with an auxiliary backrest for protecting a lumbar vertebrae, and a rack and pinion structure is employed in the backrest and the auxiliary backrest in such a manner that the backrest slides vertically and the auxiliary backrest also slides vertically by the same ratio such that the backrest and the auxiliary backrest can be adjusted appropriately and used flexibly to match the sitting height of the person sitting on the seat, thereby making it possible to provide effective protection to the spinal joints of the waist, back and neck of the user.
US08690246B2
A reclining seat comprising a seat base (10) and a backrest (11), wherein the seat base is mounted on a support structure moveable along at least one guide path (16, 17) whereby the seat base is moveable between upright and reclined use or seating positions and a retracted state, control means being provided for controlling movement of the seat base along said at least one guide path, preferably with infinite adjustment, between said upright and reclined seating positions.
US08690242B1
The present device includes a sacral support for a person sitting in a chair with a seat back. The sacral support includes a rigid base having a bottom surface, a peripheral edge, and a top surface. The top surface includes a plurality of pegs projecting upwardly away therefrom. An elastomeric cushion includes a bottom surface, a peripheral edge, and a convex top surface. The bottom surface of the cushion includes a plurality of apertures adapted to receive the pegs therein. With the cushion engaged with the base at the pegs and apertures thereof, the sacral support may be positioned against the seat back of the chair to produce pressure against the person's sacrum when seated. The sacral support includes a plurality of elastomeric cushions, each cushion having a unique height to be selected as desired by the person. Further, the device includes a mount to be used with backless chairs.
US08690224B2
A cover assembly for a pick-up truck cargo box includes first and second rails attachable at the sides of the box. A cover has a first resilient hinge strip connecting a first panel to a second panel and allowing the first panel to pivot relative to the second panel. A third panel is attached to the second panel by a second resilient hinge strip, which allows the second panel to pivot relative to the third panel. The panels are supported on the rails. Latches on the panels hold the panels onto the rails. The cover may be opened by sequentially releasing the latches and folding the panels over onto each other.
US08690216B2
The vehicle security partition has a barrier that separates the interior compartment of an automotive vehicle into front and rear seating areas in order to inhibit contact between front seating area occupants and rear seating area occupants. A bi-directional recessed housing is part of the barrier which is supported by a frame and provides legroom for the rear seating area occupant while allowing for full rearward adjustment of the driver's seat. The bi-directional recessed housing also includes a recessed area for storing articles in the front seating area.
US08690212B2
Embodiments are directed to a robot hand including a frame, a link member moving relative to the frame, a joint unit provided between the frame and the link member, a drive unit supplying power to the joint unit so as to rotate the link member, and a backlash removal unit supplying constant torque to the joint unit, even if a relative position of the link member to the frame is changed as the link member is rotated.
US08690210B1
A shell case for use with a pad style computer can have a rotating disc at its bottom. This disc can have a strap which connects to a user's hand to allow the user to rotate and/or hold the computer at a desired position with one hand, thereby allowing the other hand to do other things, such as type on the keypad. Meanwhile the holding hand does not quickly tire out as it is not typically grasping the computer as would often occur without the use of a case.
US08690202B2
A control mechanism has a means for lifting, a lifting cable, and a lifting cable housing. The means for lifting has a control post, and a lift handle attached to a lift body frame about a lift pivot. The lift body frame extends longitudinally perpendicular from the control post. A hydraulic strut extends between an upper lift pivot and a lower lift pivot. A slide rail extends from a roller housing through the slide rail housing. A roller rests between a roller pin and a set pin within the roller housing. A plurality of spacing sliders straddle the slide rail. Removal of one or more of the spacing sliders allows the roller housing and the slide rail to move towards the lift housing member, thereby allowing rotation of the lift body frame and compression of the hydraulic strut.
US08690195B2
A flexible bellows used in a pipe coupling includes composite convolutions having integral extensions forming one or both of an outer shield or inner liner to enhance performance of the coupling. Embodiments incorporate dampers, hangers and convolution modifications. Various embodiments are disclosed.
US08690183B2
A shopping cart composed of biodegradable elements to allow for reusability and easy disposability. The frame of the cart is comprised of interconnected elements to create a sturdy and durable structure. The basket forms in the interior of the frame and is also composed of biodegradable material. The wheels are connected to the frame through a wheel bolt, and both the wheel and wheel bolt are also composed of biodegradable material.
US08690180B1
A towing adapter can be used during towing of an airplane. The adapter is made of rigid steel with a rubber under-coating and includes two Velcro straps. The device is strapped to two folding struts that are folded down from the wheel assembly of the aircraft. It has a specific angle that keeps the struts at a certain angle with respect to each other, so that struts are accessible to users and is prevented from falling down and injuring someone or causing damage. The device can be easily removed when the towing is finished, and the struts are folded back up onto the plane.
US08690177B2
A wheel suspension for a motor vehicle includes a carrier coupled to a portion of the vehicle, and a wheel bearing element mounted on the carrier so as to be rotatable about an axis, wherein a first portion of the carrier is rotatably coupled to the portion of the vehicle by a single link.
US08690174B2
A slewing motor for an active roll stabilizer, which can be connected by its drive to one stabilizer half, and which can be connected on the stator side to another stabilizer half of a divided stabilizer. A torsion element, whose rotational rigidity is lower than the rotational rigidity of the stabilizer, is effectively arranged between the drive and the one stabilizer half.
US08690170B2
A reinforced composite material utility cart comprising a body including two side portions interconnecting an upper portion and a bottom portion adapted to secure ground contacting members thereto is provided, at least one of the portions including composite material and a reinforcement therein adapted to distribute a concentrated stress applied on the body to the composite material to prevent or reduce damages to the composite material. A method of manufacturing a reinforced composite panel adapted to be used in the construction of a utility cart adapted to be stowed in a bay of a galley of an airplane and locked in place with a lock disposed next to the bay in a position suitable to retain the utility cart in the bay by interfering with a reinforced edge of the utility cart is also provided.
US08690167B1
A wheeled transport system for towing an at least one object comprises, in at least one embodiment, a wheel assembly. The wheel assembly comprises an axle, sized and configured for supporting a rear end of the object, and a pair of wheels rotatably engagable with opposing ends of the axle. A frame is integral with the axle and is sized and configured for slidably receiving therethrough the rear end of the object. An at least one retaining strap is configured for selectively engaging and maintaining the rear end of the object in position between the axle and the frame. A pair of storage axles is integral with the axle, with each being configured for selectively receiving one of the wheels in rotatable engagement therewith. Thus, in at least one embodiment, the wheel assembly is capable of being selectively arranged into one of a deployed state and a stored state.
US08690163B2
A gasket stop and gasket housing apparatus are provided. In one embodiment, the invention provides a gasket stop comprising: a body having: a first surface; and a second surface spaced from and substantially parallel to the first surface; an opening extending from the first surface to the second surface; at least one pillar extending at an acute angle from the first surface; and at least one retaining device having: an upright portion with at least one face; and a projecting portion extending outwardly from the body beyond the at least one face of the upright portion, whereby the at least one pillar and the at least one retaining device pass through a slot in a member such that the projecting portion secures the gasket stop against the member.
US08690162B2
A propeller shaft seal for sealing a propeller shaft in a stern tube, comprising a bi-direction rotational sealing body being fitted within the stern tube and wrapped around the propeller shaft in its axial direction; wherein the bi-direction rotational sealing body comprising two metallic helical coils stacking together in a way that is mirroring each other; wherein the first and second metallic helical coils being constructed from helically coiled metal tapes of varying widths linked together and coiled into rings and with the rings tightly bounded; and wherein at any one time during operation, a rotational direction of the propeller shaft is same as coiling direction of one of the two metallic helical coils but opposite to that of the other of the two metallic helical coils.
US08690152B2
When a sheet is transported as passed through a first roller pair equipped with a torque limiter and through a second roller pair, a loop formed in the sheet between the first roller pair and the second roller pair is cleared by a method wherein the amount of sheet loop is decreased by driving the second roller pair and disabling the first roller pair and wherein at the time when the sheet loop is decreased to a predetermined amount, a velocity of clearing the loop is lowered by rotating the first roller pair at a lower peripheral velocity than that of the second roller pair.
US08690134B1
An equipment support rack assembly for holding equipment during the maintenance thereof includes a base with a top wall, a bottom wall and a perimeter wall. The perimeter has an aperture to access an interior of the base. A rod is attached to the base and receives a spool of cutting line. A plurality of legs each has a top end and a bottom end. Each of the legs extends upwardly from the upper surface. A platform has a top side and a bottom side. The bottom side is attached to the top ends of each of the legs. The top side has an opening extending through the top and bottom sides. The opening is configured to receive a weed trimmer or to allow access to a bottom side of a lawn mower positioned on the top side.
US08690116B2
A base for a blender housing a motor and including controls for operation of the blender. The base includes an air intake, an air exhaust, and a baffle, wherein the air exhaust and baffle are formed as a part of the bottom of the blender base and act to reduce the sound emitted by the blender. The bottom of the blender base includes an internal cavity defined partially by a support flange where heated air is exhausted. The air is then forced to change directions before exiting through exhaust ports.
US08690105B2
A parachute can be opened automatically without requiring manual operation. In addition, the parachute is capable of staying balanced during the course of landing. The parachute comprises: a spherical canopy, an air guide member and four assistant canopies. The air guide member is a rotation symmetrical structure with respect to the central axis, each of the cylindrical members is also a rotation symmetrical structure with respect to the assistant central axis, and the assistant canopies are also symmetrically arranged with respect to the central axis, so as to maintain the parachute in a stable and balanced state when the parachute is falling.
US08690098B2
An ejector nozzle tube, having along its length an essentially constant, essentially oval hollow cross-section, with a leading edge nozzle, having a rounded exterior cross-section, being arranged at a flow leading-edge area of the ejector nozzle tube. The leading edge nozzle includes a plurality of grooves issuing to the top and bottom sides of the ejector nozzle tube and connecting to an interior of the ejector nozzle tube formed by the hollow profile. An aircraft engine has an optimized oil heat exchanger with at least one oil cooler disposed in a trailing-edge area of an aerofoil-type structure, with at least one flow entrance area being provided to supply ambient air to the oil cooler disposed in a flow duct. The ejector nozzle tube can be arranged downstream of the oil cooler in the flow duct.
US08690093B2
A blender blade or blade for being mounted to an interior base of a blender container for rotation about a vertical axis is described. The blade includes at least two blade wings, such that it may include four blade wings. The blade includes a body, first transition section, second transition section, first blade wing and second blade wing. Body includes an aperture, wherein the body is located on a first horizontal plane. First and second transition sections extend at downward angles from opposite sides of the body. First blade wing extends outwardly from the first transition section, wherein the first blade wing is located on a second horizontal plane. Second blade wing extends outwardly from the second transition section, wherein the second blade wing is located on a third horizontal plane. The blade is a one-piece blade and can process approximately 6-48 ounces of working medium.
US08690090B2
A system for processing a supply of post consumer scrap linear low density or low density polyethylene film into near-virgin quality blown film product. The system includes tearing the supply of film in a shredder, wherein the surface area of the film is exposed, including delaminating the film. The torn supply of film is washed in a water bath including a surfactant. The film is agitated in the bath containing the surfactant wherein contaminants on the film are removed from the film. The washed film is ground into smaller pieces and additional washing of the ground film in a rotating friction washer occurs wherein additional contaminants are removed from the film. The ground film is then dried in a dryer and compacted in a compactor without addition of water into granulated objects of near-virgin quality blown film product.
US08690089B1
A drum rotation machine includes a working drum mounted for rotation within an enclosure. An access door provides access to the interior of the enclosure, and the access door is moveable between a closed position and an open position. A latch assembly is mounted on the enclosure and is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the latch assembly prevents the access door from moving from the closed position to the open position. In the unlocked position, the latch assembly allows the access door to be moved from the closed position to the open position, and engages an anti-rotation catch on the working drum to prevent rotation of the working drum.
US08690067B2
A smart card has an electronic module and a card body carrying the module. The smart card includes a card body provided with a cavity and an electronic module having at least one portion presenting thickness that is less than the thickness of the card body. The electronic module is housed in the cavity and is secured to the card body. At least one through hole passes in succession through the portion of the module that presents a thickness that is less than the thickness of the card body, and through the card body.
US08690065B2
The invention discloses an integrated circuit (10) for securely storing a codeword. The value of the codeword is dependent on the mobility (μA, μB, μC) of at least one transistor (TRA, TRB, TRC) of the integrated circuit. The invention further discloses a reader means (15), a method for determining the value of the codeword from the integrated circuit (10), and a method for altering the value of the codeword.
US08690062B1
Storing an event from a printed source in an electronic calendar can include a barcoded event ID on the printed source. A printed source can be any non-interactive visual display. The event ID can be in the form of a linear or matrix printed bar code and can include encoded information such as, but not limited to, event time and date, and event location. Optionally, the event ID can also include information such as an event contact name and contact information, as well as a possible event RSVP method and address. The event ID can be in lieu of human readable or commonly typed alphanumeric or special text information. In another embodiment, the event ID can be encrypted requiring an individual to have a decryption key to access the event information. An electronic calendaring application can generate and store an event in an electronic calendar from information encoded in the event ID barcode from a printed source. Additionally, the calendaring application can track the generated and stored event status and dynamically update event information.
US08690060B2
A card reader payment terminal including an electronic circuit including at least one printed circuit board, to which are connected electronic components, including a microcontroller designed to control different peripherals, where the microcontroller is connected to an associated microprocessor, where the card reader payment terminal is configured to receive a smart card comprising the associated microprocessor, where the associated microprocessor comprises a connector compatible with the standardized connector of smart cards for connection with the microcontroller, where the microcontroller and the associated microprocessor operate in parallel for executing a task, and where the associated microprocessor is adapted to calculate a security operation.
US08690048B2
A reinforced container system comprises a container having a bottom wall, a pair of opposite side walls, a pair of opposite end walls, and opposed pairs of diagonal corner panels interposed between adjacent side and end walls to form an interior space. The bottom wall includes two opposed glue panels each of which is foldably joined to respective longitudinal edges of the bottom wall and each of which attached to the respective side walls. A protective sleeve is configured to detachably attach to the container. The protective sleeve includes two side walls, two end walls and opposed pairs of diagonal corner walls interposed between adjacent side and end walls. The side walls, the end walls and the diagonal corner walls are joined to one another along four vertical hinges to whereby protect the container against tremendous forces and inertia caused by mixing or shaking machinery.
US08690046B2
The present disclosure relates to rigid or semi-rigid cartons with zipper-type reclosable elements, particularly self-mating zippers. The cartons can be formed from blanks which have a self-mating zipper on the inside of the carton. Additionally, the zipper can be attached to a flexible film which is, in turn, attached to the package.
US08690035B2
An apparatus wearable on a torso of a user to support and article such as a fishing rod is disclosed. The apparatus includes a primary panel defined by an external side and an internal side that has a contour substantially conforming to the torso. The primary panel is also defined by a central section interposed between a left peripheral section and a right peripheral section, with the central section including at least one open recess that is receptive to the article. The recess is defined by an outline on the primary panel and a depth that extends into the primary panel. The apparatus also includes at least one harness member that cooperates with the primary panel to secure the same to the torso and redirect horizontal forces against the primary panel to a vertical direction. The harness member is engageable to the shoulders of the user.
US08690034B2
The Elastic Suspension Apparatus for Beverages is an elasticized drink holder for use in vehicles. The apparatus expands in width as well as depth to accommodate many sizes of drink containers including 44 oz. and 64 oz. The elasticity of the Elastic Suspension Apparatus for Beverages also allows the drink container to move with the motion of the vehicle, reducing spills and toppling.The ESAB has an uppermost suspense/mounting portion that would be mounted in the upper portion of the vehicle, a lowermost anchor/mounting portion that would be mounted in the lower portion of the vehicle, a main body portion to hold a drink container, and an object with a vacant center that can be adjusted to help stabilize a drink container within the main body portion.
US08690032B2
A firearm holster system is described that includes a body configured to receive a firearm mounted with a firearm accessory. The holster includes an engagement member including two rail interfaces: one for detachably mounting the engagement member to the firearm, and another for detachably mounting a firearm accessory to the engagement member. The body of the holster is adapted to receive and detachably secure the engagement member. The holster can accommodate most standard firearms, and most firearm accessories. The holster includes a lockable lever to secure the engagement member to the body of the holster.
US08690023B2
A dispenser includes a hollow containment body (2) able to be inserted in a bottle and including an orifice (5) for the suction of liquid from the bottle, a ring nut (21), able to be screwed onto the neck of the bottle, including an annular shoulder (22) covering and associated to an annular lip (2d) of the containment body. The dispenser further includes a piston (10) able to slide within the containment body between a raised position and a lowered position, a hollow stem (7) axially able to slide within the containment body, associated inferiorly to the piston and superiorly to a dispensing spout (8) to command the actuation of the piston and dispense fluid contained in the bottle. Also provided is a retaining ring (11) integral with the containment body and inserted therein to guide the stem in its travel within the containment body.
US08690022B2
The present invention relates to a button-sliding-type opening/closing device for a cosmetic container consisting of a vessel for storing cosmetics in a liquid or gel state, and a discharge pump coupled to a top inner portion of the vessel for discharging cosmetics by applying external pressure thereto, wherein the button-sliding-type opening/closing device comprises: a shoulder (20) coupled to the top portion of the vessel (10); a button body (30) inserted into the shoulder (20) and upwardly and downwardly movable; and a button (40) slidably coupled to a top surface of the button body (30), for opening and closing a cosmetic pumping hole (31) in the button body (30), as well as for preventing the button body (30) from being pressed and actuated.
US08690021B2
The present invention concerns a container liner with an aerate system which reduces the specific bulk density of the powder material inside the liner and thereby improves the flowability of the product. This significantly reduces the unloading time and increases the safety in relation to the discharge process due to a lower response angle and thereby that the required tilting angle of the cargo container is reduced.
US08690017B2
A powder dispenser for a waste disposal system includes a mounting portion that is adapted to be secured to a waste disposal unit, and a container defining an interior space in which a powder such as sodium bicarbonate may be stored. The container is releasably mounted to the underside of a hinged lid member of the waste disposal unit. A directional dispensing system is provided for dispensing powder from the container into a targeted portion of the waste disposal system. The directional dispensing system is constructed and arranged to concentrate initial dispersal of the powder to a single side of the container and includes a dispensing orifice. The dispensing orifice is preferably oriented to limit initial dispersal of the powder within a defined angular range with respect to the longitudinal axis of the lid member, and is spaced axially and laterally with respect to the waste disposal unit at distances that facilitate distribution of the powder to desired targeted portions of the waste disposal unit. The container and waste disposal unit also define a venting path so that the powder within the container can also absorb odors within the waste disposal unit.
US08690011B2
Device for emptying a bag containing a frozen blood-derived product, including: a cutting device; an extractor for the product, a hopper for receiving the product, a device for transporting the bag from a receiving area to the plasma extractor, this transporting device including a robotic arm with a gripper which, in turn, includes: two catching arms, each defining at least a distal end and a proximal end, and an actuator, in which the actuator controls a mechanism for modifying the distance separating the distal ends of the gripper arms to catch the bag by its lower surface.
US08690007B2
A lid for industrial or commercial large size solid waste containers has a ribbed single layer central portion and a peripheral edge having a hollow double wall boxed configuration. The lids have substantial symmetry so that the lids may be stacked and nested with alternate lids oriented in opposite front-to-back directions.
US08690001B1
A drain pan for vehicle axle is adapted for being positioned to a circular margin of a hub. The drain pan includes a front wall, a rear wall, a bottom connecting the front wall and the rear wall therebetween, two lateral walls connecting the front wall and the rear wall therebetween, two cambered walls connecting the bottom and the lateral walls therebetween, and at least one magnetic member. The magnetic member is disposed on an outer surface of the one of the cambered walls. Each cambered wall and the magnetic member contact the circular margin of the hub for positioning the drain pan onto the circular margin by magnetic force. Thereby, the drain pan can be positioned quickly, and the drain pan is able to be utilized on hubs in various sizes.
US08690000B2
A cryogenic tank for a space launcher, comprising a partition and delimiting top and bottom volumes communicating via at least one free central opening formed in the partition, so as, on the one hand, to allow for the flow of liquid by gravity from the top volume to the bottom volume via the central opening or openings and, on the other hand, to prevent the rising of the fluid from the bottom volume to the top volume via the central opening or openings under the action of acceleration forces, the tank also comprising at least one vent forming separate from the central opening or openings and providing fluid communication between the top and bottom volumes, the vent being configured to favor the migration of vapor from the bottom volume to the top volume and to prevent the rising of liquid from the bottom volume to the top volume.
US08689998B2
Liquid containers featuring multiple apertures for accessing the contents in one of a number of selected fashions. In one illustrative embodiment, the container is shaped as a bottle, having a body and neck, with a first aperture at the top of the neck. A flat bottom or base opposite the neck features at least one aperture, such as a traditional soda can opening with a scored section and a tab. In some embodiments, the bottom includes multiple apertures of different sizes, allowing for the selection of an aperture of desired size for a particular application. In some embodiments, the entire bottom may function as a removable lid.
US08689994B2
A safety device for a fluid storage tank having a first port for filling the tank with fuel oil and a second port for allowing airflow therethrough is disclosed. The safety device includes a tubular body having a first open end and a second open end connectable to the second port, and a flow check valve contained within the tubular body and configured to remain open when air flows through the safety device and configured to close based on a predetermined fluid force of the fuel oil through the safety device. Related systems and methods are also disclosed.
US08689989B2
A drink bottle with a removable lid includes an inner lid attached to the mouth of the bottle and an outer lid pivotably mounted on the inner lid. A drink spout extends from the inner lid. The outer lid may be locked into a closed position covering the drink spout. A push button on the inner lid can be operated to release the locked outer lid, permitting the outer lid to open to permit drinking from the drink spout. The push button moves a lid slide that extends opposite to the hinge and contains an extension that engages with a notch in the upper lid to hold the upper lid closed. On actuating the push button, the lid slide is pulled toward the push button and the extension at the other end of the lid slide moves out of engagement of the outer lid, thereby opening the outer lid.
US08689988B2
An indexing cap assembly indexes visual cues or indicia during an open and close cycle so as to help users more easily track container entry as for example with regard to medications so as to ensure proper dosage. The indexing cap assembly basically incorporates six components, including a cover construction, an indexing plate or wheel, a compression coil or spring, a push plate construction, a gear tray or swing plate construction, and an assembly ring. The cover construction and assembly ring are joined together to essentially form or close the cap assembly with the other parts coaxially aligned and operable therebetween. The indexing wheel is rotatively received within the cover construction such that axial displacements of the push plate advance the indexing wheel and indicia upon its upper surface are sequentially revealed by way of the window formed in the cover construction.
US08689986B2
The invention relates to a system for bracing a telescopic crane, in particular a mobile crane, with a bracing unit which can be mounted on the jib. The bracing unit comprises erectable bracing supports and a holding frame for securing the bracing unit to the jib. The holding frame has a cross-section which is open at the top and allows the jib to be inserted from above the bracing unit The invention also relates to a method of positioning and mounting such a bracing unit on the jib of a telescopic crane.
US08689977B2
The invention relates to a product and method for dispensing and packaging items comprising at least two nestable complementary components. The complementary components are provided in stacks where each stack comprises a nested portion of each of the complementary components. One stack will have one complementary component located on the top end of the stack and the other complementary component will be present on the bottom end of that stack. As presented for use in a carton, each stack will have a different complementary component on the respective top end of the stack. A user will select a complementary component from each stack to provide a completed item for use. The invention is particularly suited for lidded cups or containers where the cups or containers and lids are packaged together for complementary use.
US08689974B2
An article sorting apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a container having a bottom and a longitudinally extending sidewall extending therefrom and a panel positioned proximal the container. The panel includes a cylindrically shaped shoulder extending therefrom and that defines a channel in alignment with the shoulder and that extends through the panel for allowing pass-through of a matched pair of socks. The cylindrically shaped shoulder is configured for receiving an open end of a first sock. A second sock is positioned proximal the first sock and inserted into and through a respective channel and disposed into the container.
US08689961B2
The present invention provides an arrangement of a vehicle with a clutch release bearing and a lubrication path through a bell housing of a transmission.
US08689958B2
A dual-clutch transmission with individual clutches, which are axially arranged one behind the other and are hydraulically actuated, with one drive-side individual clutch, one gearbox-side individual clutch, one drive-side clutch housing and two cylinder/piston pairs, whereby the first of the individual clutches connects by switch the clutch housing with one of the first gearbox input shafts and the second of the individual clutches connects by switch the clutch housing with one of the second gearbox input shafts, whereby the clutch housing is connected drive-side with a drive shaft and gearbox-side with internally arranged input lamellae supports relating to the single clutches and torque conducted to the dual-clutch transmission via the clutch housing can be conducted to both individual clutches, whereby the clutch housing supports an actuating force from the gearbox-side single clutch and a second support area supports the actuating force from the drive side clutch is provided.
US08689954B2
A vehicle suspension system that inhibits a pressure within a gas chamber from reducing below a threshold value. In one arrangement, the suspension system includes a shock absorber associated with a motorcycle. The shock absorber includes an upper gas chamber that is filled with air. An air pressure adjustment valve operates to supply air into the upper gas chamber from a supply of air outside of the shock absorber when the air pressure in the upper gas chamber becomes smaller than a lower threshold value.
US08689951B2
A torsional vibration damper comprises an outer housing, an inner part that is concentric relative to the outer housing, a plurality of chambers formed between the outer housing and the inner part, which are filled with a damping medium and are connected to one another through overflow channels, and a plurality of leaf spring assemblies that are arranged in the chambers and join the outer housing and the inner part with one another in a torsionally flexible manner. The leaf spring assemblies have machining-induced deflections. Two leaf springs with substantially similar deflections are each arranged within a chamber. The leaf spring pairs may be arranged in a mirror-image array or in parallel to one another. Thus, the manufacturing cost of a torsional vibration damper can be reduced, while its compact outer dimensions can be maintained.
US08689947B2
In a disc brake device, a piston is movably supported to a cylinder portion of a caliper, friction pads are operable to push a disc rotor as the piston moving frontward during pressurization, a seal mechanism arranged at the cylinder portion is operable to return the piston to an initial position during depressurization, and the seal mechanism is constituted with a movable element arranged between the cylinder portion and the piston (15) as being movable frontward in the same direction of the piston, a first seal member elastically arranged between the piston and the movable element to make the movable element accompany the piston, a low elasticity member being compressively deformable with initial pressurization of the piston via the movable element, and a high elasticity member being compressively deformable with pressurization of the piston via the movable element.
US08689943B2
A lift truck includes a secondary rechargeable energy storage device on a vertically movable platform that is separate from a primary rechargeable energy storage device on the lift truck's main tractor unit without the use of wires or hoses for transfer of power or controls between the main tractor unit and the platform. The quantity of energy stored in the secondary rechargeable energy storage device is sufficient to power platform electrical loads for a predetermined amount of time until the platform is lowered. When the platform is lowered, the secondary rechargeable energy storage device is recharged by the primary energy storage device.
US08689938B2
A collapsible safety rail system for providing a portable or permanent protective barrier to provide for fall prevention from elevated or other work areas. Lockable pivot assemblies are located between heavy bases and the end posts of collapsible safety rail assemblies. Removable detent pins are utilized to lock the pivot assemblies to maintain the erected position of the collapsible safety rail assemblies in protective vertical orientation or are removed to allow maneuvering of the collapsible safety rail assemblies to a minimum viewable profile position when not required for personnel protection.
US08689937B2
A cargo lifting apparatus for use with a ladder includes a lift track coupled to each ladder side rail. Each lift track includes first and second adjacent channels, the first channel defining a longitudinal slot. The apparatus includes a carrier assembly having a back portion, a pair of support members extending perpendicularly and forwardly from the back portion, opposed mounting members configured to be received in a respective first channel slot, and rollers attached to the back portion configured to bear against respective ladder side rails. A motor/brake combination is coupled to a lower rung of the ladder. A pulley assembly includes a lower sprocket operatively coupled to the motor, an upper sprocket, and a cord extending between the sprockets and coupled to the carrier assembly for selectively raising and lowering the carrier assembly when the motor is activated or deactivated.
US08689935B2
Air bubbles may be used to reduce radiated underwater noise. Two modalities of sound attenuation by air bubbles were shown to provide a reduction in radiated sound: bubble acoustic resonance damping and acoustic impedance mismatching. The bubbles used for acoustic resonance damping were manifested using gas-filled containers coupled to a support, and the acoustic impedance mismatching bubbles were created using a cloud of freely-rising bubbles, which were both used to surround an underwater sound source.
US08689931B2
An ear protector (1) with a sound damping filter (3), comprises a membrane (5). The membrane is composed of a material that permits the transmission of air and water vapor with respect to the ear from the into the outside of the ear protector, the membrane is pre stressed mounted in the filter, enabling a bigger surface and hence bigger air and water transport at same sound attenuation.
US08689929B2
An excitation device for downhole seismic testing, includes an excitation hammer, a holding arm connected at one end thereof to the excitation hammer to allow the excitation hammer to rotate about the other end thereof, a support post having the other end of the holding arm rotatably coupled to an upper end thereof to support the excitation hammer and the holding arm at a certain height, and an excitation source configured to allow the support post to stand upright on the upper side thereof and which generates a seismic wave when struck by the rotated excitation hammer. The support post is formed at a lower end thereof with a securing section detachably inserted into a groove for the support post formed on the upper side of the excitation source such that the support post, the holding arm, the excitation hammer and the excitation source can be separated from each other.
US08689910B2
A rotary drag bit for drilling subterranean formations includes a bit body having a face extending from a centerline to a gage. A plurality of blades may be disposed on the face, and may generally extend radially outwardly toward the gage. The bit may further include a plurality of discrete impregnated cutting posts, each of which may extend outwardly from an associated blade. Each discrete impregnated cutting post angles generally toward a front edge of the associated blade and generally toward the intended direction of rotation of the bit. The rotary drag bit may further include a plurality of matrix pockets disposed on the blades. The discrete impregnated cutting posts may be housed within corresponding matrix pockets.
US08689900B2
A rotary tool includes an externally operable operation switch; a motor serving as a power source; a power transfer block for transferring the rotation of the motor; a load detection unit for detecting an amount of load of the motor; and a control unit for controlling the motor. The control unit is configured to perform an operation control by which the motor is controlled so that a rotation speed of the motor is increased in proportion to the operation amount of the operation switch and a feedback control by which the rotation speed of the motor is controlled depending on the detection result of the load detection unit. The control unit inhibits the feedback control during the time when the operation amount of the operation switch is equal to or less than a threshold and performing the feedback control only when the operation amount of the operation switch is greater than the threshold.
US08689898B2
A multi-use attachment device that is easily attached to and removed from an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or a utility-terrain vehicle (UTV) comprises a lift frame including an inner lift frame, an outer lift frame, a first pivotal axis and a second pivotal axis, and is configured to pivot about the first pivotal axis with a first electrical device, and has a second electrical device mounted on the lift frame to pivot the outer lift frame with respect to the inner lift frame. One end of the multi-use attachment is attached to the ATV/UTV, and the other end is attached to an implement such as a loader bucket, a pallet fork, or a plow blade. Some embodiments of the multi-use attachment use tension devices both for pivoting the lift frame about the first pivotal axis and for pivoting the outer lift frame with respect to the inner lift frame about the second pivotal axis.
US08689894B2
The invention provides a system comprising: a tubular containing a first surface comprising a coating made of a first swellable material coating said first surface, wherein said coating has a second surface and said first swellable material is able to swell in contact with a first fluid on said second surface; and a composition made of a settable material and a second swellable material able to swell in contact with a second fluid. The invention also discloses the method associated with the use of such a system.
US08689887B2
A radial flow valve is disclosed which includes a plurality of flow openings, a first piston and a second piston, the first and second pistons being independently actuable relative to one another, and a sleeve operatively coupled to the second piston, the sleeve adapted to be positioned so as to cover the plurality of flow openings. A method is also disclosed which includes positioning a radial flow valve in a subterranean well bore having an upper zone pressure and a lower zone pressure, increasing a pressure within the valve to a value above the upper zone pressure to release a first piston within the valve and, after releasing the first piston, reducing the pressure within the valve to a value that is less than the lower zone pressure to thereby cause a second piston within the valve to move and thereby permit fluid flow through the valve.
US08689881B2
An offshore unit includes a hull and/or a deck frame, a mat attached to at least one connecting leg or a spud can attached to each of at least one connecting leg or lower hull attached to at least one connecting means. A wellhead deck is removably attached to the hull and/or deck frame and a sub-sea clamp in conjunction with a caisson or a sub-sea conductor frame is removably attached to the mat or to the at least one connecting leg, where a spud can is attached to each of the at least one connecting leg, or to the lower hull. The offshore unit is relocatable and is a platform or a rig capable of performing drilling, production, construction, accommodation, hook-up and commissioning or a combination of any of these functions thereof. The offshore unit is a self-elevating mobile platform or submersible platform or semi-submersible platform.
US08689879B2
The method for subsea well intervention includes creating a lubricator section within the production tubing of the well. The lubricator section can then be flushed of hydrocarbons facilitating further well intervention from the open water. An intervention device that facilitates flushing production tubing that has equipment, such as electric submersible pumps, is deployed in the wellhead, for example in the valve tree.
US08689872B2
Provided herein are methods for controlling the migration of particulates within a portion of a subterranean formation that comprise aqueous tackifying treatment fluids, curable resin compositions, and/or noncurable resin compositions.
US08689867B2
A well logging instrument deployment device according to this aspect of the invention includes a housing configured to be coupled to a pipe string. A latch disposed in the housing and is configured to retain a well logging instrument in a first longitudinal position inside the pipe string. An actuator is configured to release the latch to enable longitudinal movement of the well logging instrument inside the pipe string. A signal detector is operatively coupled to the actuator and is the configured to detect a command signal for operating the actuator.
US08689866B2
An automated tubular handling system adapted to make-up or break-out tubulars that includes a rotary drive adapted to operatively grip a tubular to be connected to or disconnected from a tubular string, a controller adapted to receive and process data indicative of a rotation, torque, and minimum time value associated with a make-up or a break-out of the tubular string, and a user interface adapted to convey the received data, the predetermined values, or both, of the tubular make-up or break-out to an operator. The controller compares the rotation, torque, and minimum time values to acceptable predetermined values to determine when the make-up or the break-out is complete. Automated methods are also disclosed.
US08689862B2
A reel assembly for supplying a continuous composite tubing of a type used in oilfield operations, which reel assembly comprises a stand onto which a spool of continuous composite tubing is lowered and a drive coupling for transmitting rotational force from the stand to the spool. A removable cage is connected with the stand. The continuous composite tubing is arranged around the outer periphery of the spool, in a U-formed housing.
US08689852B2
The present invention describes a window covering which is useful for securing to objects having windows without using permanent attachment devices. The window covering preferably contains a plurality of magnets arranged along the upper end and along the lower end. The magnets are arranged so that they are coupleable or securable to a metal part of a window itself or a metal surface which houses the window as well as one or more additional magnets positioned within the window covering.
US08689841B2
A compartmented bag having a cavity, comprising a coiled strap having at least one compartment thereon, and a fastener about a circumference of the strap linking adjoining coiled edges of the strap.
US08689823B2
A hydro-pneumatic system has an air powered motor driving a hydraulic pump with a pressure limiting valve that turns off air flow to the air motor when a hydraulic pressure output by the pump at a sense port of the valve reaches a certain limit. A valve element of the valve has spring, hydraulic and pneumatic sections, with an unbalanced area of the hydraulic section in a sealed pressure chamber of a cartridge that is part of the valve housing. The pneumatic section extends out one end of the cartridge to fill a bore between the air inlet and outlet ports when the pneumatic section is extended, and allow air to pass when it is retracted.
US08689822B2
A pressure control system remotely controls pressure within one or more remote zones, each respectively connected to an enclosure through a conduit, by controlling flow of a fluid into and out of each enclosure. The pressure of the fluid is measured within each enclosure. An estimated pressure within each zone is computed, as a function of the measured pressure in the enclosure and known characteristics of the conduit and the zone. For each zone, an inlet proportional valve and an outlet proportional valve of each enclosure is operated so as to control the input flow rate of the fluid into the respective enclosure and the output flow rate of the fluid out of the enclosure as a function of a pressure set point and the estimated pressure, thereby regulating pressure within the zone in accordance with the pressure set point.
US08689817B2
A diaphragm valve including a valve body, a diaphragm assembly and an actuator assembly having a housing body that isolates the actuator from the ambient atmosphere. The diaphragm assembly is welded to the valve body to reduce and/or eliminate fluid leakage around the diaphragm assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the housing body for the actuator assembly may be welded to the valve body to reduce fluid leakage. The welding may be performed using ultrasonic welding techniques.
US08689808B2
An applicator may include an applicator member including an inorganic material. The applicator member may include a core that is different from a twisted core, and projecting applicator elements extending from the core. The applicator member may further include a stem supporting the applicator member. The stem may include a rigid portion and a flexible portion extending between the applicator member and the rigid portion.
US08689801B2
Targeting sensors for use in targeting landmarks of orthopaedic devices. The sensors include a non-cylindrical mounting platform such as a printed circuit board and at least two mounted or printed sensor coils to provide a low profile sensor assembly which can be placed in a predetermined position and orientation on or in an orthopaedic device. The platform has a non-circular cross-section having an aspect ratio of greater than about 1.5:1. The non-circular cross-section of the platform enables the sensor to be placed in a known fixed position within the implant. The sensor coils may be partially or fully embedded in the platform.
US08689796B2
A mouthguard has an initial, substantially linear configuration and may be worn in a variety of applications including to protect a person's teeth when the person is engaged in a sports activity such as football, lacrosse, and other contact sports, as well as for concussion protection, user performance enhancement and so forth. The mouthguard includes a first end trough region generally shaped to cooperatively enclose one or more teeth on a first side of a mouth, a second end trough region generally shaped to cooperatively enclose one or more teeth on a second side of the mouth and a connection region spanning between the first end trough region and the second trough region. The connection may include a shaping element for reversibly forming a second, generally non-linear configuration.
US08689788B2
The present invention relates to methods and systems for resuscitation of an infant which maintains healthy blood oxygen saturation values in the infant by titration of supplemental oxygen concentrations.
US08689775B2
A compound bow comprises a bow handle that a user holds with his or her hand. A pair of bow blades are combined with both ends of the bow handle, of which at least one bow blade is rotatably combined with the bow handle. A pair of pulleys are rotatably combined with respective rear ends of the pair of the bow blades so as to rotate around a rotating axis of each pulley. A bow string extends between the pair of pulleys and is pulled for discharge of an arrow. A blade rotating unit rotates the bow blade and is rotatably combined with the bow handle, in order to adjust or release tension of the bow string by adjusting distance between the pair of the pulleys in the case of controlling the tension of the bow string or disjointing or repairing the bow.
US08689768B2
The present invention relates to a fuel injection control apparatus for controlling fuel injection and a method therefor in an engine having first and second intake passages provided with first and second fuel injection valves, respectively. Fuel injection modes using the two injection valves include an alternative injection mode in which the first and second fuel injection valves are alternately operated every predetermined number of cycles and a combined injection mode in which both the first and second fuel injection valves are used for each cycle. Then, the combined injection mode is selected in a full load range. In a partial load range, the alternative injection mode is selected in a cold state and the combined injection mode is selected after warm-up. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce an equilibrium amount of adhering fuel to an inner wall of an intake passage.
US08689762B2
A process for remanufacturing a cylinder head that includes a worn or damaged rocker arm stand adapted to receive a rocker shaft to which at least one rocker arm is mounted, the steps including machining a channel in a surface of the worn or damaged rocker arm stand, securing an insert into the channel, and machining the insert to form a remanufactured inner facing surface. The remanufactured cylinder head includes at least one rocker arm stand that has a machined channel with a remanufactured insert secured therein, the rocker shaft being disposed adjacent the inner facing surface, not the rocker arm stand.
US08689761B2
A forged exhaust poppet valve and a method of solution heat treating the same are provided. The forged exhaust poppet valve (10) includes a head portion (12) which has a seat portion (14) on the outer periphery thereof and is integral with a diametrically tapered neck portion (16) connected to a stem portion (18). Using a radio-frequency heating apparatus, a solution heat treatment is given to a predetermined transitional region (A) of the neck portion and the stem portion that is exposed to exhaust air during a valve opening period such that the grain size in the region (A) does not exceed ASTM 10, thereby securing a necessary high-temperature creep strength in the region (A) and a necessary hardness (wear resistance) in the seat portion (14) and thereby rendering the exhaust poppet valve highly durable.
US08689758B2
An ECU for controlling a starter includes a transistor in addition to transistors, which turn on relays provided for a pinion gear and a motor of the starter, respectively. The transistor is provided in a current path, which connects a line of a battery voltage and a junction between upstream side ends of coils of the relays. The ECU operates the starter by turning on the three transistors, which turn on the relays. It further detects abnormality based on voltages of terminals.
US08689754B2
An assembly for a valve drive of an internal combustion engine, which has a hydraulic support element and a cam follower connected by way of a clamp. The follower rests on one end via a cap on a spherical head of a pressure piston of the support element. The piston extends in a bore of a housing of the support element. The clamp flanks the cap with holding strips along the sides. The inner sides run in a guide zone on the outer shell of the piston. The housing has an opening for hydraulic fluid that can be conducted between the housing and the piston through at least one passage in the piston to a storage chamber. The guide zone on the piston is also designed as an anti-rotation mechanism therefore. The piston is installed in a defined manner and is torsionally oriented in relation to the cam follower.
US08689753B2
The roller finger follower employs two independent lost motion arms and a coupling device that locks both arms. A coupling element allows for changing from locked to unlocked mode. Components of the coupling element include a shuttle pin with a head, a shank and a cutout on which a rod is positioned, a coil spring which surrounds the outside diameter of the shuttle pin shank, and an end cap. By positioning the spring on the shuttle pin shank, a large spring diameter and short spring height can be used which allows for compact packaging. Also, a low spring rate is required.
US08689752B2
A vertical-type air-cooled OHV engine includes a valve operating system and has a shroud guiding cooling air, which is generated by a cooling fan driven by a crankshaft such that the cooling air flows in an up-down direction with respect to a cylinder head. Intake and exhaust valves are arranged respectively on opposite sides of a vertical plane that is parallel to an axis of the crankshaft and that includes an axis of a cylinder bore. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a vertical-type air-cooled OHV engine capable of evenly cooling both of intake and exhaust valves without changing a route of cooling air.
US08689751B2
The disclosed structure achieves a desired balance between higher-rigidity and weight saving in a connection-type rocker arm which integrally rocks a plural of arm portions. The rocker arm has a plurality of arm portions integrally formed on a swinging base end side of the rocker arm which are forked and extend towards a swinging end of the rocker arm, a connecting portion which integrally connects each swinging end of the arm portions, and a concave thinning portion which overlaps a swinging trajectory of the connecting portion, when viewed in the axis direction of the pivot shaft of the rocker arm.
US08689741B2
The present invention features a thermal management system for a hybrid electric vehicle. Such a system includes a heater core supplies heat for heating the vehicle's interior by heat exchange between a coolant and air of the vehicle's interior, a coolant line fluidly coupling an engine and heater core so the coolant being circulated by a coolant pump passes there through. A bypass valve is located in the coolant line in proximity to the engine and is selectively opened and closed according to the on/off state of the engine and so that the coolant does not pass through the engine but passes through only the heater core in the engine off state. Such a system includes a heat exchanger fluidly coupled to another heat source so the coolant is heated by the heat exchanger and supplied to the heater core when in the off state.
US08689737B2
A wildlife feeder having a hopper, a manifold, and a removed head at a removed end of the manifold. The hopper is designed to enclose particulate feed, such as corn, for dispensing through the manifold and head to wildlife. The head has a multiplicity of feed troughs and each feed trough has an angled top wall and an angled bottom wall, angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the manifold and a plane of a tabular floor of the head.
US08689733B2
This invention includes a first filter (27) connected between a susceptor (21) and ground and having a variable impedance, a sensor (28) for detecting an electrical signal based on the state of a plasma (P) generated in a process chamber (11), and a control means (36) for controlling the impedance of the first filter (27) on the basis of a detection result output from the sensor (28). Thus, a preferable plasma distribution to match the object of the plasma process can be realized.
US08689729B2
An apparatus is provided for forming coatings on stents. The apparatus includes a temperature adjusting element that can increase or decrease the temperature of the stent.
US08689725B2
A process device for coating particles in which, on the inside wall (1), there are one or more units installed. Each unit includes a swirl flow generator (4) around which a straight or curved perforated plate (3) and draft tube (5) are located in cross-section. A single or multi-phase spraying nozzle (6) is installed centrally through the swirl flow generator (4) with a conduit (7) for dispersion for coating and a conduit (8) of compressed air. The swirl flow generator (4) has at an angle from the vertical adjacent grooves (18) that open outwards, with the angle of grooves (18) to the vertical line are between 10 and 45°.
US08689716B2
A servo-assisted steering device for vehicles includes a manual control member connected to a shaft driving a pressurized control fluid supplying and conveying unit, which has at least two fluid conveying lines connected to one of two chambers of one or more steering actuators. A hydraulic power unit is connected to the supplying and conveying unit and includes a reservoir for the hydraulic fluid and powered pumping means, which are driven by an electric motor and which are connected to the fluid supplying/conveying circuit to supply the pressurized fluid alternately to either one or the other of the two chambers of the actuator (or actuators) depending on the rotational direction of the control member. The electric motor is energized and/or de-energized upon operation of the control member, causing the pumping means to increase the amount of pumped fluid and reduce resistance upon steering the manual control means.
US08689708B2
Method and device for combusting a solid phase fuel, where the fuel is caused, by the help of a non-pneumatic feeding element (11), to be fed to an inlet opening (11a) in a burner device (10), where the burner device (10) includes a first inlet (13a) for the oxidant through which an oxidant is caused to flow via a first supply conduit (13). The first inlet (13a) for oxidant is arranged in the form of a first opening arranged by the inlet opening, through which the oxidant is caused to flow out, through a burner pipe (16) and out through a burner orifice (17) to a combustion space (18), so that the oxidant by ejector action causes the fuel to be conveyed through the burner pipe and out through the burner orifice (17), and water vapour is added to the oxidant before the oxidant reacts with the fuel.
US08689698B2
An apparatus includes: a fixed primary anchoring element, a beam mount movably connected to the primary anchoring element, a beam connected to the beam mount, a vessel mount movably connected to the beam, a vessel connected to the vessel mount, the vessel being movable along at least a vertical axis, and a control unit within the vessel. The control unit is configured to accept control input from a passenger within the vessel and transmit at least one control signal to cause the beam to move relative to the primary anchoring element, the vessel mount to move relative to the beam, and the vessel to move relative to the vessel mount independently.
US08689694B2
A flying bomb includes a standardized bomb casing formed of steel and having a nose opening and a tail opening. A thin penetrator is disposed in the bomb casing in order to achieve high effectiveness with little collateral damage when the flying bomb strikes a target. A distance between the tip of the penetrator and the nose opening is greater than 100 mm.
US08689693B2
An active body (1) includes flares (2, 6, 7) arranged adjacent, above, or behind each other, wherein at least one hydrophobic separating layer (3, 5) is integrated between the flares, or flare disks (2, 6, 7), thereby preventing the flares (2, 6, 7) from attaching or sticking. In one embodiment, the hydrophobic separating layer (3) is applied to at least one side of the flares (2), preferably as a powder preferably consisting of microspheres, or the like. In another embodiment, a separating disk is disposed between the flares (6, 7) as the separating layer (5), which in addition is anti-cohesive and anti-adhesive.
US08689692B2
A method for operating a guided munition with a switchable fuze arrangement includes launching the guided munition towards a target. During flight of the guided munition, images are provided to a remote operator, who supplies a switching input. Responsive to said switching input, the fuze arrangement is switched to either of at least two of the following states: a delayed detonation state in which detonation of the explosive charge is delayed by a time delay after impact of the guided munition, an impact detonation state in which detonation of the explosive charge occurs on impact of the guided munition, a proximity detonation state in which detonation of the explosive charge is triggered by a proximity sensing arrangement, and a disabled state in which the guided munition functions as a guided kinetic shell without detonation of the explosive charge.
US08689690B2
A micro-machined or micro-engraved safety and arming device for a projectile pyrotechnic train, said device comprising a substrate onto which a shutter is positioned to ensure the blocking of a channel, said shutter being mobile in translation on said substrate, said shutter being held immobile in the safety position by at least one acceleration lock that is released further to the application of the axial acceleration imparted to said projectile during firing, wherein said acceleration lock is constituted by at least one breakable tongue linking said shutter to said substrate, said tongue being oriented and dimensioned such that the axial inertial stresses developed during firing and exerted on said shutter cause said tongue to break.
US08689689B2
An apparatus for applying a marking to an elongated sheet material is provided. The apparatus includes a processing machine through which an elongated length of the sheet material is passed. A marking system is arranged to apply a marking to the elongated length of sheet material passing through the processing machine. The marking system comprises at least one spray gun and a pump for supplying marking fluid to the spray gun. The pump is operable at selectively variable speeds. A controller controls the speed of the pump based upon a speed at which the sheet material is passed through the processing machine.
US08689686B2
A screen printing device is disclosed. The screen printing device includes a screen printer workstation having a work path. The work path has an input end, an output end, and a conveyor for transporting a workpiece between the input end and the output end. A stencil assembly is adapted to engage the workpiece as the workpiece is transported between the input end and the output end. The stencil assembly includes a stencil having an endless loop. A method of applying a substance to a workpiece using an endless loop stencil is also disclosed.
US08689670B2
A composite material comprising a plurality of fiber tape strips woven or braided together. Each of the plurality of fiber tape strips is made of a single layer of unidirectional fibers. The fibers are at least partially embedded in a thermoplastic matrix. A tubular composite part is made from this composite material and of an internal film. A method of manufacturing the composite material comprises weaving or braiding the fiber tape strips, especially in the form of a tube. A method of manufacturing a composite part comprises pressurizing the film inside the tube while heating both the tube and the film up to their forming temperature so as to bond the film to the woven fiber tape strips.
US08689653B2
A pipeline inspection device, for example a pipeline inspection gauge or pig, is configured for inspecting a pipeline. The pipeline includes a plurality of pipes of varying orientations and a radio frequency identification device (RFID) provided on each pipe. Each RFID contains information indicative of the identity of each respective pipe. The inspection device includes a RF transceiver configured to receive the identity information from each RFID; an inertial navigation unit configured to generate three-space position information indicative of the position of the inspection device in the pipeline; and a processor configured to synchronize the identity information of each RFID with the position information to determine a three-space location of each pipe in the pipeline. A method of inspecting a pipeline that has a plurality of pipes includes collecting identity information indicative of the identity of each pipe; generating three-space position information indicative of the position of each pipe; and synchronizing the identity information and the position information.
US08689641B2
A method of determining satellization of a laundry load in a washing machine by filtering a drum motor torque signal to block drum frequencies and pass high frequencies to enable further conditioning of the high frequencies and facilitate efficient and accurate determination of satellization.
US08689638B2
An ultrasonic flow sensor comprises a flow cell body with an inlet on one side and an outlet on the other side through which the liquid or gaseous media flows; an inner flow conduit with rough surface which not only decreases the flow transition point from turbulence regime to laminar regime but also suppresses the parasitic multi-mode ultrasonic waves; one pair of electro-ultrasonic transducers for transmitting and receiving ultrasound signals; one pair of ultrasonic wave reflecting mirrors for guiding ultrasonic waves from one transducer to the other; and two reflecting mirror support fixtures which set the position and orientation of the ultrasonic wave reflecting mirrors in such a way that their disturbance to the flow inside the inner flow conduit is minimized while the ultrasonic signal strength is maintained.
US08689633B2
A micromechanical system includes a first movable element, which is connected to a substrate via a first spring element, and a second movable element, which is connected to the substrate via a second spring element. The first movable element and the second movable element are movable in relation to the substrate independent of one another. Furthermore, the first movable element and the second movable element are situated one above the other in at least some sections in a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface.
US08689627B2
The invention discloses a low liquid level detecting device comprising a float sensor and a casing. The casing has first to third chambers formed between an upper wall and a bottom wall. The top portion of the first chamber is formed with a top opening. The bottom portion of the first chamber communicates with the bottom portion of the second chamber. The top portion of the second chamber communicates with the top portion of the third chamber. The bottom portion of the third chamber is formed with a bottom opening. A float sensor is mounted inside the third chamber. A drain hole is formed through the bottom part of a chamber wall surrounding the third chamber. A method for detecting a low liquid level using the above low liquid level detecting device is also disclosed.
US08689615B2
The present invention relates to a method for determining the presence or absence of bubbles inside pipes in a dispensing apparatus and a dispensing apparatus.
US08689613B2
A vapor management system (10) includes a fuel tank (12), a canister (14), a pressure control valve (16) between the tank and canister and defining a high pressure side (34) and a low pressure side (32), a vacuum source (18), a purge valve (19) between the canister and vacuum source, a leak detection valve (20) connected with the canister and including a processor (30). A pressure sensor (24) and a temperature sensor (26) are disposed in a fuel vapor cavity of the fuel tank, with signals from the sensors being received by the processor. Based on an absolute temperature measured by the temperature sensor, the processor compares a predicted pressure in the fuel tank to the measured absolute pressure, and identifies a leak on the high pressure side if the predicted pressure is outside a tolerance range, while maintaining pressure in the fuel tank.
US08689607B2
A photoacoustic detector includes first and second microphones carried by an acoustic sensing chamber. Signals from the microphones are processed using lock-in detection to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. An acoustic pressure generator can be incorporated to calibrate the microphones.
US08689604B2
An integrated circuit includes a transducer and transducer circuitry and additional elements useful in testing the transducer and transducer circuitry. A first power supply terminal and a second power supply terminal are for being directly connected to an external power supply terminal. A power bus is connected to the first power supply terminal. A logic function is for determining if the second power supply terminal is receiving power and if an automatic calibration test of the transducer and transducer circuitry has been run. An automatic calibration is for running an automatic calibration test on the transducer and transducer circuitry if the logic means determines that the second power supply terminal is receiving power and the automatic calibration test of the transducer and transducer circuitry has not been run.
US08689597B2
This ring rolling mill includes a main roll and a mandrel that are brought close to or separated from each other, and roll a peripheral portion of a ring-shaped body in a radial direction of the ring-shaped body while the ring-shaped body is rotated along its peripheral direction in a state where the peripheral portion of the ring-shaped body is pinched in the radial direction between an outer peripheral surface of the main roll, and an outer peripheral surface of the mandrel. This ring rolling mill further includes a mechanism which inclines and supports the mandrel with respect to the rotation axis of the main roll such that the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the mandrel and the outer peripheral surface of the main roll differs on one side and on the other side as seen in a direction along the rotation axis of the main roll.
US08689595B2
The invention relates to a disc tumbler cylinder lock and a key for it. The key according to the invention comprises a groove that is transverse to the key shank. The groove comprises a bottom section and side sections that are transverse to the bottom section between the bottom section and the outer surface of the key shank. The bottom section of the groove is the key's main driving surface used to transfer turning force to the disc tumbler cylinder lock. This reduces wear on the O-surfaces of the key because the O-surfaces do not transfer the majority or any of the key turning force to the disc tumbler cylinder lock.
US08689593B2
The invention relates to an anti-theft device for the steering column of a motor vehicle, comprising a locking device including: a sensor (4) located close to the input of the rotor (2) such that it can be biased by the key (3) once it has been introduced into the rotor (2), and a retractable retaining member which can move between a locked position in which it acts on the control finger (7) in order to prevent the longitudinal movement of the slide (6) in the direction of the cam (8) counter to elastic means and an unlocked position in which the slide is released and can move under the action of the elastic means. In addition, coupling means between the sensor (4) and the retaining member enable said retaining member to be moved into: the locked position when the rotor (2) is in the rest position and the key (3) is engaged therein, and the unlocked position when the rotor (2) is in the rest position and the key is removed therefrom.
US08689588B2
An object of the present invention is to effectively reduce mixing of bubbles into a spun glass fiber. A glass-melting device 10 for producing glass fibers includes; a first glass-melting tank 12 exposed to a reduced-pressure atmosphere; a second glass-melting tank 14 and a third glass-melting tank 16 arranged below the first glass-melting tank 12; an ascending conduit 18 that sends up molten glass resulting from melting in the second glass-melting tank 14 to deliver the molten glass to the first glass-melting tank 12; a descending conduit 20 that sends the molten glass down from the first glass-melting tank 12 to deliver the molten glass to the third glass-melting tank 16; a decompression housing 22; and a bushing 24. The glass-melting device 10 further includes heating means for separately heating the first glass-melting tank 12, the second glass-melting tank 14, the third glass-melting tank 16, the ascending conduit 18, the descending conduit 20 and the bushing 24.
US08689584B2
The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a vitreous silica crucible including: a silica powder supplying process of supplying a material silica powder into a mold for molding a vitreous silica crucible, to form a silica powder layer, and an arc fusing process of arc fusing the silica powder layer by arc discharge generated by carbon electrodes, wherein the arc fusing process includes processes of measuring temperatures at measuring points provided on different heights of an inner surface of the silica powder layer while rotating the mold, and controlling the arc discharge to enable detection, at each measuring point, of a local maximum point which appears first in the arc fusing process.
US08689567B2
A locking plate for use in an air turbine starter has a lock plate body including an oil slinger extending away from a base. The base is positioned on an outer peripheral surface of a clutch frame. The slinger extends away from the base for a distance, and a ratio of the distance to a thickness of the base is ten and thirty. A clutch and air turbine starter, and a method of assembly are also disclosed.
US08689562B2
In one embodiment, alternative combustion cavity layouts are provided for practicing fuel staging in a trapped vortex (TVC) combustion apparatus comprising an inlet premixer, for injecting fuel-air mixture into the inlet of the combustion apparatus and one or more vortex premixers, for injecting fuel-air mixture into the recirculating vortex within each of one or more trapped vortex cavities. A plurality of TVC cavities, may, for example, be laid out axially, radially, peripherally, internally, or in combinations of such arrangements. These layouts may be used in conjunction with a fuel staging method whereby the relative proportion of mixture introduced through the inlet and the respective vortex premixers can be varied as a function of operating conditions.
US08689560B2
A gas turbo set including a first turbine, a second turbine, and a combustion chamber connected between the first and second turbines and operated by auto-ignition is provided. The turbines and the combustion chamber are located on a common shaft that may be rotated about an axis. To increase the efficiency of the gas turbo set, the outer periphery of the second turbine is at a greater distance from the axis than that of the first turbine, leading to a reduction in the size and/or the number of turbine blades.
US08689557B2
A steam seal dump re-entry system delivers steam dump flow to an LP steam turbine. The system includes a steam seal header receiving steam leaking from turbine end seal packings, and a desuperheater receiving and cooling the steam from the steam seal header. The desuperheater outputs cooled steam. A temperature sensor is disposed downstream of the desuperheater and detects a temperature of the cooled steam. A flow control circuit communicating with the temperature sensor selectively delivers the cooled steam to at least one of the condenser and to the LP steam turbine depending on the temperature of the cooled steam.
US08689555B2
A vehicle includes an intercooler cooling fluid circuit coupled to and in fluid communication with a turbocharger of an internal combustion engine for circulating a flow of cooling fluid to the turbocharger to cool the turbocharger. A turbocharger cooling control valve controls fluid flow between the turbocharger and an intercooler. The turbocharger cooling control valve directs the flow of the cooling fluid to the intercooler when the engine is running, directs the flow of cooling fluid to the turbocharger when the engine is not running. The vehicle uses an intercooler pump for circulating the cooling fluid to both the intercooler when the vehicle is running and the turbocharger when the vehicle is not running.
US08689547B2
An annular heat exchanger for cooling hot gases comprises an inner shell, an intermediate shell and an outer shell. Where the heat exchanger is integrated with a catalytic converter for treatment of hot exhaust gases in a motor vehicle, the inner shell contains a catalyst for treatment of the exhaust gases. Inner and outer gas flow passages are provided between the shells, and a coolant flow passage is provided, either on the outer surface of the outer shell, or between the intermediate and outer shells. The exhaust gases change direction twice as they pass through the heat exchanger, and the annular structure of the heat exchanger provides a large surface area, and a large flow section, relative to volume, and thereby provides effective heat exchange without significantly increasing space requirements.
US08689542B2
One embodiment is a method including determining whether an ammonia storage device has a stored quantity of ammonia, predicting an impending ammonia release from the ammonia storage device, determining a NOx increase amount in response to the impending ammonia release, and increasing an amount of NOx provided by an engine based on the NOx increase amount. In certain embodiments, determining the NOx increase amount in response to the impending ammonia release comprises determining a NOx increase schedule based on the stored quantity of ammonia. In certain embodiments, the NOx increase schedule comprises a specified NOx increase time period, and in certain further embodiments, the method further includes decrementing the specified NOx increase time period based on an estimated catalyst degradation value.
US08689540B2
A component configured for being subjected to a high thermal load during operation includes a wall structure with cooling channels adapted for handling a coolant flow. At least one first cooling channel is adapted to convey the coolant from a first portion of the component to a second portion of the component. At least one second cooling channel in the second portion is closed so that the coolant is at least substantially-prevented from entering the closed second cooling channel from a cooling channel in the first portion.
US08689531B2
A bag making and packaging machine includes a conveying unit, a transverse sealing mechanism, and a gusset forming mechanism. The conveying unit is configured and arranged to continuously convey a tubular packaging material. The transverse sealing mechanism has a pair of sealing jaws configured and arranged to revolvingly move while following annular loci to seal the tubular packaging material in a transverse direction with respect to a conveyance direction of the tubular packaging material. The gusset forming mechanism has a pair of folding members configured and arranged to be pressed against side portions of the tubular packaging material to form gussets in the side portions of the tubular packaging material while the folding members move along the conveyance direction of the tubular packaging material before the transverse sealing mechanism seals the tubular packaging material.
US08689526B2
A plastic bag for retaining a food product is formed of first and second plastic sheets sealed along the bottom and sides. The bag has an exterior increased friction surface section proximate the mouth. The bag is used in combination with a glove having an exterior increased friction surface portion. The exterior increased friction portion of the glove engages the increased friction section of the bag to facilitate opening of the mouth of the bag. Preferably, aligned increased friction sections are formed on the exterior surface of opposite sides of the bag and the glove has exterior increased friction portions on the tips of the finger stalls. When the bag is held between the thumb and index finger of the glove user, movement of the thumb and index finger of the glove in opposite directions facilitates opening of the bag.
US08689516B2
A device and method for the protection of a first member and second member from corrosion by utilizing a connector that bonds the members without allowing direct contact of the members.
US08689515B2
A hinge assembly is provided for a frame structure. The hinge assembly includes a first generally flat plate having an inner face, an outer face and a bolt-receiving bore therethrough. The bolt-receiving bore extending between the inner face and the outer face along a bore axis at an acute angle to the outer face. A second generally flat plate has an inner face, an outer face and a bolt-receiving bore therethrough. The bolt-receiving bore in the second plate extending between the inner face and the outer face thereof along a bore axis at an acute angle to the outer face. A pin pivotably connects the first plate to the second plate. A first lip extends from the inner face of the first plate and a second lip extends from the inner face of the second plate.
US08689510B1
A roofing system and kit including a texture layer for application to an upper surface of the deck of the roof with an upper face of the texture layer being contoured to resemble a different roofing material, a transition texture strip for positioning across gaps between texture layer occurring at transitions in the upper surface of the roof deck and having a contoured upper surface, and an edge strip for application along the perimeter edges of the roof to create an outer perimeter for the roofing system. A finish layer is applied to the texture layer, transition texture strip and edge strip positioned on the roof deck in a liquid sprayable form as a coating onto the texture layer, transition texture strip and edge strip to solidify into a solid layer such that the finish layer forms a continuous membrane over the texture layer, transition texture strip and edge strip.
US08689509B2
A panelized cladding system including a plurality of battens securable to a building structure, each batten having a structure engaging surface and an integrally formed finish ready panel supporting surface, and fiver cement cladding panels secured to or through the battens such that the finish ready panel supporting surface of each batten forms an external recessed surface of an express joint formed thereon.
US08689503B2
An embeddable device (11, 41) for passing conduits through a constructional component (6), includes a tubular housing (12, 42) having an attachment flange (14) provided at one of its ends for temporary securing the device on a formwork (7) of the subsequently cast constructional component (6), and a receptacle (15) for isolation means (8) and which surrounds, at least regionwise, an axially extending through-opening (16). A connection device (21, 44) connects a plurality of embeddable devices (11) with each other and includes at least one connection element (23, 24, 26, 27) provided on the housing (12) and extending parallel to a plane (E) defined by the attachment flange (14) at a distance from the plane (E).
US08689500B2
A method of removing accumulated frozen rain/ice/snow from a metal roof. The method comprising the steps of inducing vibration into the metal roof, via at least one vibration imparting member attached to the metal roof, to break up the frozen rain/ice/snow accumulated on the metal roof and separate the frozen rain/ice/snow from the metal roof; and allowing the frozen rain/ice/snow to slide off the metal roof under an effect of gravity.
US08689498B2
A deterrent device can include an elongated base having a plurality of spikes coupled to the base that are configured to extend from the base such that the spikes alternate on each side of the base between a lower-angled spike and an upper-angled spike. The base can further include first and second wings that each has a width that is at least twice a width of the base.
US08689497B2
An adjustable bird slope has a face that can be extended or contracted so that the bird slope can effectively fit almost any perching area.
US08689496B2
A mechanism including a hinge and movement assembly having a first fastening region, a second fastening region, and a hinge defining an axis of rotation of the second fastening region relative to the first fastening region is provided. The mechanism further comprises an assembly for maintaining a releasable portion of the partition relative to a stationary portion of the partition, the maintenance assembly having at least one frangible connection that can be broken to rotationally free the second fastening region relative to the first fastening region. The hinge and movement assembly includes relative movement means for the second fastening region relative to the first fastening region at least in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.
US08689491B2
A low cost method and device for diverting water away from a flat roof's low spots, thus preventing it from puddling there during a rainstorm. Such puddles, if allowed to stand, can damage a roof deck structurally. The device includes a flexible membrane, an air valve mounted thereon, and mechanical fasteners for attaching the membrane along its periphery, to both the roof deck and its existing covering. Ideally, the membrane can be heat welded, taped or glued to the roof covering and joined thereto to form an airtight seal, thus simplifying construction of inflatable barriers for the roof's low spots. For each such barrier, a membrane, sized and shaped to cover at least one low spot, substantially overlaps the latter's edges and defines, in combination with the roof covering, an air pocket which, when inflated via the air valve, causes the membrane to protrude upwardly, effectively elevating the covered spot.
US08689489B2
A glass run includes an outer side wall, an inner side wall and a bottom wall, which define a generally U-shaped cross-section. A first outer seal lip and an inner seal lip are respectively formed in the outer side wall and the inner side wall. An extension part is formed to extend from an open end of the outer side wall of the glass run for attachment to vertical side portions of the door frame in an extending direction thereof, and a second outer seal lip is formed to extend from a tip end of the extension part in a direction of a front side of a vehicle body such that the second outer seal lip seals the door glass on a front side of a part sealed with the first outer seal lip.
US08689488B2
A locking core plug includes an upper plate, an insertion portion extending outward from the upper plate and forming an outer perimeter, and a locking mechanism positioned within the outer perimeter of the insertion portion. The locking mechanism includes a rotating member, a plurality of locking arms having a first end connected to the rotating member and a second end extending outward toward holes in the outer perimeter, and a plurality of guides fixedly mounted to the upper plate. Each guide engages a corresponding locking arm to convert the circular movement of the first end of the arm as rotating member rotates into a generally linear movement of the second end between a release position retracted toward or within the outer perimeter of the insertion portion and a locking position extended outward from the outer perimeter of the insertion portion.
US08689480B2
A collapsing trap is described. The collapsing trap includes a base and a plurality of surrounding panels pivotally attached with the base. An outer panel is attached with one of the surrounding panels. A locking mechanism is attached with the surrounding panels to selectively hold the panels in an open configuration. A trigger is operably connected with the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a locking pivot that is attached with the base and connected with the trigger. The locking pivot is adapted to rotate and lock onto each of the surrounding panels to hold the surrounding panels in an open and substantially planar configuration. When the locking pivot is activated by the trigger, the locking pivot rotates to release the surrounding panels and cause the surrounding panels (and outer panel) to collapse up and around the base to trap the item therein.
US08689479B1
Method and apparatus for a hard body fishing lure having a cavity disposed therein which conceals a fish hook held internal the body by a magnet. An axle is provided near the front of the lure about which the hook rotates from the internal position to an external position when the lure is struck by a fish and back pressure is placed on the fishing line so that the hook is deployed from internal the body to external the body so as to hook a fish in the mouth. A tube for receiving the line is placed between two halves of the lure wherein weights are placed near the bottom edges of the halves in order to properly weight the lure body. An additional embodiment is shown wherein a bill or lip is placed on the front of the halves of the lure body in order to make the lure dive deeper into the water column.
US08689467B2
A multi-colored effect for a sole structure for an article of footwear is disclosed. The sole structure comprises a sole member having a first color and an exterior layer having a second color that is different from the sole member. A plurality of slots are formed in the sole structure and the second color is visible on an outer surface of the sole structure through the plurality of slots.
US08689463B2
A method and apparatus for removing lint from air that is discharged from a clothes dryer uses a lint filtration housing mounted on the frame of the clothes dryer, the filtration housing having an interior that contains a filter for removing lint from the dryer exhaust air flow stream. The housing provides an influent fitting for transmitting heating exhaust air from the drying chamber to the housing interior. An ambient air supply enables ambient air to be added to the filtration housing interior. One or more vanes is provided that create an annular vortex within the filtration housing interior. The flow of the annular vortex within the filtration housing interior can be between about 500 and 3,000 cubic feet per second. A flow line transmits pre-heated air from the filtration housing interior to the dryer interior.
US08689462B2
The present invention relates to a steam laundry drier, and more specifically to a steam laundry dryer capable of removing or preventing crease or wrinkle occurring in cloth, etc. and capable of improving assembling efficiency by easily mounting a steam generator provided to remove the crease or the wrinkle and a water supply source supplying water to the steam generator in the inside of the steam laundry drier.
US08689460B2
This application discloses devices, articles, and methods useful for producing lyophilized cakes of solutes. The devices and articles provide for a method of freezing liquid solutions of the solute by the top and the bottom of the solution simultaneously. The as frozen solution then provides a lyophilized cake of the solutes with large and uniform pores.
US08689452B2
A grooving sled for use with a pre-formed groove blade and hot knife, for making grooves in expanded polystyrene foam boards or walls. The grooving sled includes a built-in straight edge guide, one of two cutting position margins, and a stabilizer plate that fits inside a freshly-cut groove to keep the grooving sled straight while operating along the cutting layout line established on the board or wall. The stabilizer plate aligns with the groove blade by use of an angular adjuster, and if necessary, an insert bar. The stabilizer plate can also be adjusted vertically.
US08689441B2
A method is provided for machining a slot having a slot base in a turbine engine rotor disk. The method includes forming a preform slot that extends along a longitudinal axis through the rotor disk. The preform slot includes a preform slot endwall connected laterally between a first slot sidewall and a second slot sidewall. A cutting tool is rotated about its axial centerline, which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The preform slot endwall is machined with the rotating cutting tool to form the slot base.
US08689440B2
A method of forming a hollow component with an internal structure from first and second panels includes the step of forming at least one protrusion on a surface of at least one of the first and second panels by a material deposition process. The first and second panels are assembled into a preform the panels being oriented such that each panel defines an interior and an exterior facing surface, with the at least one protrusion extending from an exterior facing surface of a panel. The preform is expanded against a die, such that the at least one protrusion is transferred from the exterior surface of a panel to the interior surface of a panel so as to define an internal structure. Forming the at least one protrusion may include encapsulating an elongate member on the surface of a panel by a material deposition process.
US08689431B2
An apparatus for the connection of articles via at least one connection element plasticizable by heat includes a heatable cap, which is movable toward and away from the connection element and which has a shaft, for the forming of a rivet head at the connection element and having means for the direct heating of the cap. In this respect, the means for the direct heating of the cap include at least one ceramic heating element.
US08689429B2
A method of reworking a head suspension removes a slider from the head suspension by pressing a blade from a first side toward a second side in a longitudinal direction of the slider to solder ball bonding, stopping the second side of the slider in the longitudinal direction with a holding mechanism, and forcing the blade to bite and cut the solder ball bonding to remove the slider from the flexure. The solder ball bonding is cut without applying extra force to components of the head suspension except the slider. The method improves product yield.
US08689425B2
A humeral head augment device for use in a modular shoulder prosthesis. The humeral head augment device has an external bearing surface with at least one surface portion that includes a radius of curvature. The radius of curvature is configured to constrain translational movement of the implanted shoulder prosthesis when the humeral head augment device is positioned within the shoulder prosthesis. The humeral head augment device also includes a coupling mechanism designed to lock the humeral head augment device to either the stem or the humeral head, thereby ensuring proper operational positioning of the device within the shoulder prosthesis and allowing the implanted shoulder prosthesis to function in a patient suffering from rotator cuff arthropathy. A shoulder prosthesis using a humeral head augment device, a method for assembling a shoulder prosthesis and method for using a humeral head augment device in a shoulder prosthesis are also disclosed.
US08689424B2
One embodiment of the invention is directed to a shipping container forming a rectangular box shape, comprising a pair of side walls, a front wall and a rear wall coupled to the pair of side walls, a top wall coupled to the side walls and the rear walls, a bottom wall coupled to the side walls and the rear walls. The side walls, the front wall, the rear wall and the top wall form top corners. The sides walls, the front wall, the rear wall and the bottom wall form bottom corners. The shipping container further comprises a set of top corner fitting elements disposed at the top corners of the shipping container, each top corner fitting element having an outer aperture, and a set of bottom corner fitting elements disposed at the bottom corners of the shipping container, each bottom corner fitting element having an outer aperture.
US08689422B2
A keyboard assembly for a small form factor computer includes a number of keys and associated electrical contacts positioned between the top case portion of the computer and the feature plate. The attachment of the keyboard assembly during the manufacturing process can be accelerated by welding securing fasteners through small holes in the feature plate directly to the top case portion of the computer.
US08689417B2
Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for providing a precision laser adjustable (e.g., trimmable) thin film capacitor array. A plurality of individual capacitors are formed on a common substrate and connected together in parallel by way of fusible links. The individual capacitors are provided as laddered capacitance value capacitors such that a plurality of lower valued capacitors corresponding to the lower steps of the ladder, and lesser numbers of capacitors, including a single capacitor, for successive steps of the ladder, are provided. Precision capacitance values can be achieved by either of fusing or ablating selected of the fusible links so as to remove the selected subcomponents from the parallel connection. In-situ live-trimming of selected fusible links may be performed after placement of the capacitor array on a hosting printed circuit board.
US08689414B1
Crimp-imbalanced protective fabric is accomplished by varying the levels of yarn crimp within and across a layer or layers of a multi-layer fabric armor system. The method includes developing a crimp in the yarn (utilized for producing a fiber layer) by pulling the yarn through a solution that substantially coats the yarn. The removable coating has a thickness that ensures a proper amount of crimp in the yarn. The tension in the yarn is controlled; the yarn is weaved; and a crimp is applied in the yarn. Once the crimp is applied, families of the crimped yarn are utilized as a layer or layered to produce a soft armor form.
US08689406B2
The clamping band has a simple structure and is capable of preventing crush of an engaging claw and buckle of an inner band part, which are caused when an outer band part and the inner band part are moved close to each other to reduce an inner diameter of a band section. In the clamping band, an overriding guide is formed between the engaging claw and a second tool-catching claw of the inner band part. The overriding guide is outwardly projected to radially outwardly guide an outer end of the outer band part when the engaging claw is moved to an engage hole from a temporary engage hole.
US08689404B2
A rotary shaft structure is provided with rotational and locating functions based on a compact request condition. The rotary shaft structure includes a combination of a shaft body and a braking device, in which the braking device includes a first end provided with a limiting portion and a second end provided with an assembling portion, thereby preventing an axial displacement of a rotary shaft. The shaft body corresponding to the first end of the braking device and the limiting portion thereof includes a base portion and at least one braking portion formed on the base portion, in which a locating function is formed when an interference state of the limiting portion of the braking device and the braking portion of the shaft body is formed, thereby improving the conditions of assembly and fitting difficulties, complication and time-consuming process in conventional skills.
US08689403B2
A motor vehicle door hinge, having a pillar fitting able to be mounted on a vehicle body, and a door fitting able to be mounted on a motor vehicle door, which are connected to each other in an articulated manner by a hinge pin connected to either the pillar fitting or the door fitting in a rotation-resistant manner and to the remaining one of the pillar fitting or the door fitting in an articulated manner, and an arresting unit having a detent body carrier connected to the hinge pin in a rotation-resistant manner and radially extending to the latter and having a detent body, and a detent element adjustable on the other one of the pillar fitting or the door fitting with respect to the detent body carrier, coaxially arranged with respect to the hinge pin axis and in engagement with the detent body and including at least one detent notch, and arranged within a housing surrounding the hinge pin and the detent body carrier.
US08689400B2
A vacuum cleaner is provided that includes a main body, a dust-collecting unit mounted in the main body, a suction force generating unit mounted in the main body, a first filter unit disposed upstream from the suction force generating unit, and a second filter unit disposed downstream from the suction force generating unit, wherein the first filter unit and the second filter unit are disposed adjacent to each other, and are individually, detachably mounted in the main body.
US08689398B2
The disclosure provides a cleaning apparatus and detecting method thereof. The cleaning apparatus includes a fan, a motor, a detecting device and a control unit. The motor drives the fan to create an air flow through the cleaning apparatus. The detecting device is electrically connected to the motor, and is utilized detected an impedance of the motor. The control unit is electrically connected to the motor and the detecting device respectively, for comparing the impedance of the motor with a predetermined value and outputting a signal indicative of a comparison result.
US08689393B2
A device for cleaning a collector of a solar thermal electric power generation system is provided which does not need to secure any water source or the like and which improves the flexibility of selection of a place for installing the solar thermal electric power generation system. The cleaning device includes an air supply device and an air nozzle configured to blow air supplied from the air supply device, which are mounted on a self-propelled truck. The cleaning device is capable of blowing air blown from the air nozzle against a sunlight reflecting surface of a collector to clean up the sunlight reflecting surface. The air nozzle is configured to be capable of moving up and down. The cleaning device further includes a soiling degree measuring device for measuring soiling degrees of the sunlight reflecting surface before and after air blowing by the air nozzle.
US08689389B2
A connecting unit for a flat wiper blade is provided. The connecting unit separably connects the flat wiper blade to a wiper arm having one of the following: a first coupling element including a top plate and a pair of side plates having a concave portion at a rear end; a second coupling element including a top plate and a pair of side plates; and a third coupling element including a side pin and a clip arm. The connecting unit has a bracket fixed to a frame of the flat wiper blade and an adaptor. The adaptor is pivotally mounted on the bracket via a pivot shaft of the bracket. The adaptor has first to third fixing devices separably fixing the adaptor to the first to third coupling elements respectively. The flat wiper blade is connected to the wiper arms via the adaptor.
US08689385B2
A tire-shine system includes a housing, at least one manifold supported by the housing, and a brush rotatably supported by the housing. The brush is spaced apart from the at least one manifold and includes a plurality of bristles each including a feather-tipped end. The feather-tipped end of the plurality of bristles selectively receives a first fluid from the at least one manifold.
US08689383B2
An upper structure for a bridge includes a coping placed on the top of a pier, and girders held by the coping, wherein the coping has girder holding grooves. The girders are installed continuously without using bridge bearings. The coping and the girders behave in an integrated state. The girders are held by being fitted into the grooves, so the coping is not excessively exposed to the outside. The girders and the coping are dry joined together in a prestressed state using prestressed steel strands. Further, the girders and the coping can be integrated with each other without being processed by site work.
US08689375B2
The embodiments described herein generally relate to a system and method for joining a detachable fabric sheet to a cover through the use of one or more corresponding fastening or temporary joining mechanisms located on the cover and fabric sheet. In an embodiment, the cover includes one or more mechanisms to align and/or secure a filling material to the cover, as well as one or more fastening or temporary joining mechanisms for attaching the detachable fabric sheet to the cover. Methods and systems are provided for detachably joining the fabric sheet to the cover, for creating a multi-layer unit of a cover and detachable sheets, as well as for aligning and securing the filler to the cover. A method is also provided for manufacturing the integrated bedding cover system.
US08689373B2
A fitted top sheet is provided with a lip having an elastic member that runs side to side along at least a portion of the lip. This provides corners that grab the corners of the mattress for a form fit, while at the same time permitting movement of the sheet upwardly to accommodate an individual's toes without having to provide a so-called zone of expansion.
US08689370B2
A jet for a spa or bathing system that has a water flow modifier, where the water flow modifier is controlled independently from the flow rate of water through the jet.
US08689366B2
A strap for use in a mask attachment assembly. The strap includes a hook pad provided on a first portion of a surface of the strap located and having a first width extending perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the strap. The hook pad includes a plurality of hooks. Loops are provided on a second portion of the surface of the strap. The second portion has a second width extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the strap. The plurality of loops extend entirely across the second width and are configured to engage the plurality of hooks in a releasable and engageable manner. The second width is greater than the first width, and an outer edge portion of the first portion of the surface surrounding at least a portion of the hook pad, wherein the outer edge portion does not include any hooks.
US08695110B2
In a near-field scanning microscope using an aperture probe, the upper limit of the aperture formation is at most several ten nm in practice. In a near-field scanning microscope using a scatter probe, the resolution ability is limited to at most several ten nm because of the external illuminating light serving as background noise. Moreover, measurement reproducibility is seriously lowered by a damage or abrasion of a probe. Optical data and unevenness data of the surface of a sample can be measured at a nm-order resolution ability and a high reproducibility while damaging neither the probe nor the sample by fabricating a plasmon-enhanced near-field probe having a nm-order optical resolution ability by combining a nm-order cylindrical structure with nm-order microparticles and repeatedly moving the probe toward the sample and away therefrom at a low contact force at individual measurement points on the sample.
US08695108B2
To measure surface potentials in a liquid, the in-liquid potential measurement device according to the present invention includes: a cantilever having a probe at its free end; a displacement measurement unit that measures a voltage corresponding to a displacement of a tip of the cantilever; an AC source that applies an AC voltage between the probe and the sample; and a signal detection unit. A frequency of the AC voltage is 10 kHz or higher. The signal detection unit detects, from the voltage measured by the displacement measurement unit, an amplitude of a frequency component having the same frequency as that of the AC voltage, an amplitude of a frequency component having double frequency of that of the AC voltage, and a frequency component having the same phase as that of the frequency of the AC voltage.
US08695106B2
The invention relates to a computer implemented method for analyzing data of a first user, wherein an asymmetric cryptographic key pair is associated with the first user, said asymmetric cryptographic key pair comprising a public key and a private key, the data being stored pseudonymously in a database with the data being assigned to an identifier, wherein the identifier comprises the public key, the method comprising: receiving a set of rules, the set of rules describing data processing steps, receiving the identifier, retrieving the data assigned to the identifier from the database, analyzing the retrieved data by applying the set of rules, providing a result of the analysis.
US08695104B2
A data storage system includes a storage device and a data handler that receives an object, creates metadata for the object that includes a key and an authorization, stores the object on the storage device, receives a request for the object, determines if the request includes the key, and, if the request has authorization information, permits access to the object. The data handler receives another request for the object, determines if the request includes the key, and, if the request does not have the authorization information, denies access to the object.
US08695102B2
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for assuring data integrity is shown. A partition receives a request to execute an executable file from a source external to the partition. A memory region is created within the partition. The partition or service interface makes an authentication determination. The partition executes an executable file in the memory region based on the request, provided there is a positive authentication determination.
US08695097B1
In a networked computer system, a user accesses a webserver via a web interface presenting credentials comprising a user identification. The webserver is communicatively connected to an application server. If fraud with respect to the user identification is detected, the application server sends a notification or alert to add the user identification to a list of compromised user identifications. The system also comprises a database for storing the list of compromised user identifications on a computer. Another category of user identifications is created referred to as phish phood which is comprised of fabricated user identifications.
US08695095B2
Mitigation of malicious software in wireless networks and/or on mobile devices is provided. A mobile malicious software mitigation component is provided that obtains an internet protocol address that is exhibiting malicious software behavior, a profile of the malicious software behavior, and a time of the malicious software behavior. The malicious software mitigation component can determine an identity of a mobile device that was assigned the internet protocol address during the time it was exhibiting malicious software behavior, and transmit the profile to the mobile device. In addition, the malicious software mitigation component determine if the duration of the assignment of the internet protocol address to the mobile device is sufficient for positive identification.
US08695091B2
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for systems and methods that enforce policies with respect to proxy communications.
US08695081B2
A system and related methods for providing a handler for requests to access a wireless network, operable by or separate from an enhanced personal firewall system, which obtains connection-related information from the operating system, network interface drivers, or both, and then provides that information to a controller which determines to allow or deny access. By collecting certain connection-related information, new levels and granularities of control are allowed and enabled. The process is equally well suited for implementation by a wireless device which may be in range of multiple servers or networks, such that the device may allow different levels of access to the device by the different servers or networks according to the collected connection-related information.
US08695079B1
Disclosed are various embodiments for allocating shared resources. A request to allocate a shared isolating resource is received. The shared isolating resource operates to isolate a plurality of customer resources in a multi-tenant environment. In response to the request to allocate, a least recently deallocated shared isolating resource is removed from a pool of available shared isolating resources. The least recently deallocated shared isolating resource is provided to at least one device using the shared isolating resource.
US08695074B2
Architecture for providing pre-authenticated information from an endpoint for subsequently authenticating a device and/or user associated with the previously-authenticated information. A pre-authentication module of the architecture can be a trust component as part of an application that facilitates the utilization of user information and/or endpoint information in a media session protocol message to replace information that would otherwise be gathered via a dialog. In the context of IP-based voice communications, a call can be made from a client that is pre-authenticable, and no longer requires that an IP-based telephone interact with the phone user to facilitate sign-on.
US08695071B2
A system and method whereby the identity of a person, entity, device or the like attempting to gain access to a secured resource may be securely authenticated includes a means for receiving from a service client (such as a retail store, service station, on-line service provider or merchandiser, healthcare provider, medical insurer, information consumer or the like) a request for access to a secured resource, where the request for access was previously submitted to the service client by a requester purporting to be an authorized user of said secured resource; means for generating and communicating to the purported authorized user a challenge string adapted to provide a basis for authenticating the identity of the requester; a means for receiving from the service client a response string corresponding to the challenge string; and a means for evaluating the response string to authenticate the identity of the requester.
US08695060B2
A method for generating a secure application is described herein. The method can include the steps of obtaining a target application and decomposing the target application into original files that contain predictable instructions. One or more predictable instructions in the original files may be identified. In addition, the target application may be modified to create the secure application by binding one or more intercepts to the target application. These intercepts can enable the modification of the predictable instructions in accordance with one or more policies such that the behavior of the secure application is different from the original behavior of the target application. Modification of the target application may be conducted without access to the source code of the target application.
US08695052B2
A network system includes an image projection apparatus that projects image data; a first terminal; and a second terminal where the first terminal includes an original image data storing unit that stores original image data and a corresponding information generating unit that generates corresponding information in which image identification data of the image data for projection, generated from the original image data, capable of identifying the original image data and terminal identification data for identifying the first terminal correspond with each other, and the image projection apparatus includes a corresponding information sending unit that sends, upon receiving the request for delivering the corresponding information of the image data being projected from the second terminal, the corresponding information stored in the storing unit, to the second terminal.
US08695051B2
A video quality monitoring method includes a distribution server measuring first video quality index values according to a full-reference method by comparing a video, distributed from the distribution server to a client through a network, with a degraded video, generated by causing multiple scenarios of quality degradation due to the network in the video in a pseudo manner, creating characteristic data of first quality degradation values, obtained by causing the quality degradation to vary with the scenarios at regular intervals, and the first video quality index values corresponding to the respective scenarios, and transmitting the characteristic data to the client; and the client measuring a second quality degradation value in the video distributed through the network, and calculating a second video quality index value, equivalent to a value according to the full-reference method, of the distributed video from the measured second quality degradation value and the characteristic data.
US08695049B2
The content switching apparatus includes at least a position identifying unit (800) and a play control unit (700). In switching from a first content (broadcast program) to a second content (VOD content), the position identifying unit identifies the position of the image in the second content, the image being the same as the first image of the first content. The play control unit determines a play starting position in the second content based on the position identified by the position identifying unit. By determining the play starting position of the second content in this way, the image can be properly switched even in the case where the time length or the content configuration is different.
US08695047B2
System and method for protecting video stream quality during transmission over a wireless medium. A plurality of video streams may be transmitted to one or more clients in a wireless manner. It may be determined that a size of a transmit queue is above a first threshold. The plurality of video streams may be differentiated, as part of which a video stream may be selected for penalization in order to protect the other video streams of the plurality of video streams. A scheduling penalty may be imposed on the selected video stream based on determining that the size of the transmit queue is above the first threshold and based on differentiating the plurality of video streams.
US08695046B2
The present invention is related to a bilateral control system and method of a vehicle-use front seat audio device and a back seat entertainment device according to the present invention, the system includes a vehicle-use front seat audio device, a back seat entertainment device and a connection cable, the control method is provided to copy the signals and pictures of the vehicle-use front seat audio device or the back seat entertainment device and transmit mutually by utilizing the connection cable as the bilateral transmission passageway, the signals and pictures may be mutually bilateral controlled and transmitted via the connection cable by controlling the physical keys or operating on the touch panel.
US08695044B1
A wireless multimedia content brokerage service can provide for real time selective content extraction in a manner that allows users to easily obtain, at a mobile device, one or more portions of a real time multimedia composite content presentation. The brokerage service ensures that the experience is transparent from the point of view of the user, and additionally does not require any specific interaction between the user and the display, or interaction between the user and the content service provider (or providers). Instead, the brokerage service handles the transactional details involved in subscribing to content and in obtaining, formatting, and forwarding content to the mobile device. Additionally, since the content of interest is not forwarded from the display itself and since some embodiments of the system do not rely on any interactivity at the display to identify the display device or content, relatively unsophisticated display devices can be used.
US08695018B2
A computing device programmed with an extensible framework that accepts one or more mark-up language parsers and/or generators, each implemented as plug-ins to the framework, with different plug-ins enabling different kinds of mark up languages to be handled by the device. In this way, the client is no longer tied to a single kind of parser or generator; it can operate with any different kind of parser compatible with the intermediary layer, yet it remains far simpler that prior art clients that are hard-coded to operate directly with several different kinds of parsers and generators.
US08695015B2
An indication of a configuration policy of a plurality of configuration policies is received at a feed adapter. The configuration policy of the plurality of configuration policies is selected based, at least in part, on the received indication of the configuration policy. The configuration policy of the plurality of configuration policies specifies a conversion rule from an input message format to an output message format using at least one conversion function of a plurality of conversion functions. The conversion rule specifies types of arguments that the at least one conversion function receives and returns. An application message having the input message format is received in the feed adapter. The feed adapter converts the application message having the input message format to an application message having the output message format according to the conversion rule specified by the configuration policy of the plurality of configuration policies.
US08695014B2
A method includes processing an application by a host including one or more processors and distributing at least a portion of the application to an accelerator for execution. The method includes instructing the accelerator to create a buffer on the accelerator and instructing the accelerator to execute the portion of the application, wherein the accelerator writes data to the buffer. The method also includes instructing the accelerator to transmit the data in the buffer to the host before the application requests the data in the buffer. The accelerator aggregates the data in the buffer before transmitting the data to the host based upon one or more runtime conditions in the host.
US08695012B2
Among other things, embodiments described herein enable systems, e.g., Availability Management Forum (AMF) systems, having service units to operate with balanced loads both before and after the failure of one of the service units. A configuration can be generated which provides for distributed backup roles and balanced active loads. When a failure of a service unit occurs, the active loads previously handled by that service unit are substantially evenly picked up as active loads by remaining service units.
US08695008B2
A method and system for dynamically determining the degree of workload parallelism and to automatically adjust the number of cores (and/or processors) supporting a workload in a portable computing device are described. The method and system includes a parallelism monitor module that monitors the activity of an operating system scheduler and one or more work queues of a multicore processor and/or a plurality of central processing units (“CPUs”). The parallelism monitor may calculate a percentage of parallel work based on a current mode of operation of the multicore processor or a plurality of processors. This percentage of parallel work is then passed to a multiprocessor decision algorithm module. The multiprocessor decision algorithm module determines if the current mode of operation for the multicore processor (or plurality of processors) should be changed based on the calculated percentage of parallel work.
US08694993B1
A modular virtualization platform is provided for secured communications between a user device and an application server. A client-side computing device performs secured communications during a virtual session with an application server across a network. The client-side computing device loads a virtual machine client; and selects a remote module to serve as a virtualization server for the virtual session based on one or more performance factors. The virtual session is established with the selected module, and secured communications can occur between the client-side computing device and the application server via the virtual session of the selected module. The performance factors can be collected from a plurality of modules using a peer-to-peer gossip-based state notification process. A route list preferably stores the performance factors for a plurality of modules. The route list can contain pointers to a plurality of remote modules in a plurality of virtualization platforms, to increase reliability.
US08694981B2
Described herein are methods for sharing resource dependencies between applications stored on a system. For example, in at least certain embodiments, a computer-implemented method for sharing resource dependencies includes installing or initiating installation of multiple application bundles having one or more applications and respective resources on the system. Next, an installer determines identifiers (e.g., hash signatures) for first and second resources and determines whether the resources are identical if an identifier for the first resource matches an identifier for the second resource. Then, a link is created from the second application bundle to the first resource of the first application bundle if the first resource is identical to the second resource. The second resource may be removed from the system if it has been installed. Alternatively, installation of the second resource is terminated if it has not been installed on the system.
US08694978B1
Methods, systems, computer-readable media, and apparatus for determining function side effects of a program function are disclosed. Source code of one or more prototype functions that is configured to simulate the function side-effect behaviors of a program function can be provided, and the compiler can determine the functional side effects of the program function in various specific program contexts based on the source code of the prototype functions rather than the source code of the program function. Optimization procedures can be performed based on the function side effects of the program function derived from the prototype functions and the program contexts.
US08694974B2
A compiled program has an advanced-load instruction and a load-checking atomic section. The load-checking atomic section follows the advanced-load instruction in the compiled program. The advanced-load instruction, when executed, loads a value from a shared memory address. The load-checking atomic section includes a check instruction for checking the validity of the shared memory address.
US08694973B2
Methods and systems for executing a code stream of non-native binary code on a computing system are disclosed. One method includes parsing the code stream to detect a plurality of elements including one or more branch destinations, and traversing the code stream to detect a plurality of non-native operators. The method also includes executing a pattern matching algorithm against the plurality of non-native operators to find combinations of two or more non-native operators that do not span across a detected branch destination and that correspond to one or more target operators executable by the computing system. The method further includes generating a second code stream executable on the computing system including the one or more target operators.
US08694964B1
Documentation having code samples is managed. Documentation describing programming code for a software product is received. The documentation references a code sample having an associated test module for determining whether the code sample is valid. The code sample is tested by executing the associated test module to produce a test result indicating whether the code sample is valid. The documentation, code sample, and test result are stored. The documentation, code sample, and test result may be provided to a client adapted to display the code sample and test result to a user of the client. Invalid code samples in the documentation may be identified using the test modules and the invalid code samples may be replaced to make the code samples valid.
US08694961B2
Methods are provided for thread-agile script execution. Thread-agile script execution may be carried out by receiving, in a message queue, a message for an instance of a script and determining whether the web browser has a stored state object for the instance of the script identified by the message. If the web browser has a stored state object for the script, thread-agile script execution may be carried out by retrieving the state object; preparing a thread available from a thread pool for execution of the instance of the script in dependence upon the state object and an execution context for the instance of the script; providing, to an execution engine for executing the script, the state object and the prepared thread; and passing the message to the execution engine.
US08694958B1
A system associates at least one review indicator with at least one of multiple elements of a model, where the at least one review indicator indicates whether a corresponding element of the model has or has not been reviewed by a reviewer. The system further displays a status of the at least one review indicator in a user interface.
US08694956B2
An objected oriented shell code generating tool receives data that identifies a Web service hosted by a server. The tool creates proxy code to generate a Web service client proxy to identify a plurality of methods for the Web service. For each method, the tool automatically creates object driven shell commands code that defines a class implementing parameters of the Web service method, wherein the object driven shell commands code is to be executed in an object driven shell platform to communicate with the Web service method via the client proxy. The tool generates invocation infrastructure code for communicating to the Web service method via the client proxy and deploys the proxy code, the invocation infrastructure code, and the object driven shell commands code in the object driven shell platform on the client to call a Web service method via the invocation infrastructure and the client proxy.
US08694955B2
A technique for determining thermal design point (TDP) power efficiency for an integrated circuit is disclosed. A simulation executes a set of input vectors on a model of an integrated circuit to generate a first estimated power consumption data during a first number of clock cycles. A simulation executes the set of input vectors on a model of an integrated circuit to generate a second estimated power consumption data during a second number of clock cycles. TDP power efficiency for the integrated circuit is calculated based on the first estimated power consumption data and the second estimated power consumption data.
US08694954B2
The present invention is a system to develop mobile applications from a mobile device that includes a database with a memory, a hosting space, an app-creation application with a plurality of options stored on a mobile application repository on said memory over a communications network or within the mobile device. A client device downloads and installs the app-creation application from the mobile applications repository over a communications network to create said mobile applications. There are four methods for mobile application development created by the mobile device that utilize this system.
US08694952B2
A method of designing a wiring harness using a wiring harness design tool can include allowing a first user to access and edit a first wiring harness design component in a wiring harness design workspace, allowing a second user to access and edit a second wiring harness design component in the wiring harness design workspace at least during a portion of the time that the first user is allowed to access and edit the first wiring harness design component, and displaying the first and second wiring harness design components to the first and second users during at least a portion of the time that access is allowed to the first and second users.
US08694949B2
A microcomputer provided on a rectangular semiconductor board has memory interface circuits. The memory interface circuits are separately disposed in such positions as to extend along the peripheries of the semiconductor board on both sides from one corner as a reference position. In this case, limitations to size reduction imposed on the semiconductor board can be reduced compared with a semiconductor board having memory interface circuits only on one side. Respective partial circuits on each of the separated memory interface circuits have equal data units associated with data and data strobe signals. Thus, the microcomputer has simplified line design on a mother board and on a module board.
US08694948B2
A reconfigurable circuit generation device comprises: a netlist generation unit that generates as a shared netlist a netlist that can be shared among a plurality of netlists having a common portion, and a resource reduction unit that reduces resources of the reconfigurable circuit where the plurality of netlists are to be implemented, in a range in which the shared netlist can be implemented.
US08694945B2
The present disclosure relates to an electromigration tolerant power distribution network generated by an automatic place and route (APR) methodology. In some embodiments, an automatic place and route tool constructs a local power network having multi-level power rails. The multi-level power rails have interleaved segments of vertically adjacent metal layers, wherein each interleaved segment is shorter than a predetermined characteristic length corresponding to a Blech length. By limiting the length of the interleaved metallization segments, electromigration within the multi-level power rails is alleviated, allowing for the maximum current density requirement (Jmax) for mean time to failures (MTTF) to be increased.
US08694936B1
Various embodiments include computer-implemented methods, computer program products and systems for terminal metal connector inspection. In some embodiments, a computer-implemented method for identifying a set of critical terminal metal connectors (TMCs) in an integrated circuit (IC) layout includes: identifying a group of necessary terminal metal connectors (TMCs) in the IC layout to form a first portion of the set of critical TMCs; forming a rule including a limit on a number of redundant connections that can be noncompliant between each terminal metal connector (TMC) and a connecting surface in the IC layout without impacting a circuit parameter; and inspecting at least one of the IC layout or the connecting surface to identify each TMC that violates the rule, wherein each identified TMC that violates the rule forms a second portion of the set of critical TMCs.
US08694934B2
Some embodiments of the invention provide a method for performing thermal analysis of a multi-die integrated circuit (IC) design layout. The thermal analysis produces a temperature distribution for analyzing internal properties of each die within the multi-die design and for analyzing thermal interactions between two or more dies of the design based on an internal configuration of the two or more dies. Therefore, in some embodiments, the temperature distribution shows a temperature distribution for each die and the individual temperature distributions show varying temperature across each of the dies. Some embodiments reduce the number of iteration required to perform the thermal analysis by constructing a high quality preconditioner based on thermal conducting segments introduced to model thermal effects at the boundaries between two dies.
US08694933B2
Disclosed are methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for implementing electronic designs with simulation awareness. A schematic is identified or created and simulated at the schematic level to characterize the functional behavior of the circuit or to ensure the circuit design meets the required design specifications. Physical data of a component of the design is identified, created, or updated, and the electrical parasitic associated with physical data is characterized. One or more electrical characteristics associated with the parasitic is further characterized and mapped to the simulator to re-simulate the circuit design to analyze the impact of parasitics. Some embodiments re-run the same simulation process incrementally in an interactive manner by accepting incremental design or parameter changes from the design environment.
US08694923B2
A device with a touch-sensitive display may be unlocked via gestures performed on the touch-sensitive display. The device is unlocked if contact with the display corresponds to a predefined gesture for unlocking the device. The device displays one or more unlock images with respect to which the predefined gesture is to be performed in order to unlock the device. The performance of the predefined gesture with respect to the unlock image may include moving the unlock image to a predefined location and/or moving the unlock image along a predefined path. The device may also display visual cues of the predefined gesture on the touch screen to remind a user of the gesture.
US08694921B2
The subject matter described herein is directed to controlling presentation and selection of objects that are digital images depicting subjects. According to one aspect, a plurality of objects arranged in a plurality of rows and columns is presented via a presentation device. Each object in one of a second row and a second column is associated with an object in one of a first row and a first column. A first object presented in the one of a first row and a first column is selected in response to a first selection event associated with the first object. A second object non-adjacent to the first object is determined based on a predefined relationship associating the first object with the second object. The second is presented via the presentation device adjacent to the first object in the one of the second row and the second column in response to the determination.
US08694917B2
In menu structure, information is separately displayed on a menu item-by-menu item basis. Therefore, the adoption of menu structure involves inconvenience. (For example, pieces of information under different menu items cannot be viewed at the same time.) A portable information communication terminal eliminates this inconvenience. Information is configured in list structure wherein items (A1, . . . , A5, B1, . . . , B4, B5, B6, C1, . . . , C5, D1, . . . (A to D represent groups.)) are arranged in succession. List information (B5 to C5) which is within a predetermined range (the second precedent line through the fourth subsequent line) from a specific item C1 of a predetermined serial number (top number) in a selected group (group C) is displayed. Since the top item in group C is the specific item, items corresponding to group B are also displayed. Thus, items corresponding to different groups (group B and group C) can be displayed at the same time.
US08694916B2
An apparatus, method, and computer program product are provided for spatially indicating notifications to a user via display regions that are arranged (e.g., perimeterally) about the display of an apparatus. The apparatus may include a processor and a memory including computer program code which provide for the presentation, in a first display region, of an indication of a notification associated with a first application and provide for the presentation, in a second display region, of a non-pictorial indication of a notification associated with a second application. The first and second display regions may, for example, be arranged along the edges of a polygonal display. As such, a user may be able to quickly discern which application is responsible for a particular notification, and the user's view of an underlying application provided on the display may not be obscured or diminished as a result of the issuance of the notification.
US08694894B2
A method for displaying building control system information includes receiving an interpreted program over the Internet using a web-browser. The method further includes executing the interpreted program to display at least a first graphical element, the first graphical element having a fixed element and a variable element, the variable element representative of a first value. The method also includes executing the interpreted program to receive at least a second value over the Internet, the second value comprising non-graphical information, and executing the interpreted program to display the first graphical element such that the variable element is representative of the second value.
US08694892B2
A method and system for generating and presenting a display page before all the desired computations are performed needed to fully populate the display page. The presentation system receives a request to present the display page that includes realtime information and non-realtime information. When generating a display page including both realtime and non-realtime information, the presentation system retrieves the realtime information and requests that the non-realtime information be generated. The presentation system then creates an initial display page that includes the realtime information along with an indication that the generation of the non-realtime information has been requested. When the presentation system next generates that display page, it checks whether the non-realtime information has been generated. If so, the presentation system adds the realtime information and non-realtime information to the display page.
US08694890B2
In the context of a site analysis report showing paths between nodes, color is used to indicate a direction of traffic that follows a particular node-to-node path. Different colors are assigned to different nodes in a site analysis report. Paths are color-coded according to their destination nodes, so as to provide a distinctive visual identification of a traffic flow direction. Node connection direction can be reinforced by static or moving arrows.
US08694886B2
A method, system, and computer program product for providing dynamic context assistance to a user of a system, such as a storage system. One or more current command line interface (CLI) entries that are entered in a CLI of the system are received and a current state of the system is determined. Dynamic context assistance is then generated for one or more current CLI entries based on entered values of the one or more CLI entries. In this regard, the dynamic context assistance can be generated and displayed in a text or graphical form when one or more dynamic context assist keys are entered in the CLI in conjunction with the current CLI entry.
US08694878B2
Viterbi decoding is performed on a microcontroller by initializing a state-metric array by executing load instructions to load state-metric data from a memory module into a set of registers in the microcontroller. Butterfly processing on the state-metric array is performed by executing Viterbi processing instructions fetched from a program storage module to manipulate the state-metric (SM) data in the set of registers for each Viterbi butterfly in a stage of Viterbi decoding to form a final set of state-metric data and trace bits. After completing each stage, a final set of state-metric data is stored in the memory module by executing store instructions.
US08694876B2
A method and apparatus for increasing the data rate and providing antenna diversity using multiple transmit antennas utilize a set of bits of a digital signal to generate a codeword. Delay elements may be provided in antenna output channels, or, with suitable code construction, delay may be omitted. n signals represent n symbols of a codeword are transmitted with n different transmit antennas. At the receiver, the noisy received sequence is decoded. The parallel transmission and channel coding enables an increase the data rate over previous techniques, and recovery even under fading conditions. The channel coding may be concatenated with error correction codes under appropriate conditions.
US08694874B2
A circuit and a method for parallel perforation in rate matching can adopt three selector arrays and three register groups. The first selector array is configured to remove null bits in input data and output the remaining data to the first register group; the second selector array is configured to combine the first register group and the third register group and then output the combined data to the second register group; during the combination, the valid data in the third register group are preferentially selected, and then the data in the first register group are selected; Further, the third selector array is configured to output remaining valid data in the first selector group to the third register group if the valid data in the first selector group are not used out while combining the first register group and the third register group by the second selector array.
US08694858B2
A controller to control a memory system including a memory device. The controlling the memory system may include calculating an error location polynomial in a received read vector with a key equation solving unit of the memory system to read data from the memory device, estimating the number of errors in the received read vector with a control unit of the memory system according to at least one of the calculated error location polynomial and information on the error location polynomial, searching error locations of the received read vector according to the calculated error location polynomial with a chien search unit of the memory system with the control unit. A cycle-per power consumption of the chien search unit may be adjusted with the control unit. A maximum correction time may be adjusted according to the number of errors of the read vector.
US08694857B2
The present systems include a memory module containing a plurality of RAM chips, typically DRAM, and a memory buffer arranged to buffer data between the DRAM and a host controller. The memory buffer includes an error detection and correction circuit arranged to ensure the integrity of the stored data words. One way in which this may be accomplished is by computing parity bits for each data word and storing them in parallel with each data word. The error detection and correction circuit can be arranged to detect and correct single errors, or multi-errors if the host controller includes its own error detection and correction circuit. Alternatively, the locations of faulty storage cells can be determined and stored in an address match table, which is then used to control multiplexers that direct data around the faulty cells, to redundant DRAM chips in one embodiment or to embedded SRAM in another.
US08694848B2
An image processing apparatus and a method for controlling an image processing apparatus are disclosed. The method includes: primarily processing a first thread from among a plurality of threads for a preset process; generating and storing a first error correction code for data recorded in a stack area of a random access memory (RAM) corresponding to the first thread when a primary process terminates; processing a second thread which is different from the first thread from among the plurality of threads; determining whether the data of the stack area is valid on the basis of the stored first error correction code at a point of time when the process for the second thread terminates and a secondary process for the first thread begins; and secondarily processing the first thread by restoring the data having an error in the stack area in response to a determination that the data of the stack area is invalid.
US08694846B2
The present invention provides a scalable and reliable feedback suppression method for receiving and transmitting data block. The method comprises receiving at least one initial data packet of the data block which is sent by the transmitter to the multicast group of receivers; and sending at least one NAK packet indicating packet loss to the transmitter by at least one receiver of the multicast group, wherein the at least one NAK packet is sent in a single uplink time slot dedicated to said multicast group of receivers, and wherein the NAK packet is identical for all receivers of said multicast group.
US08694845B2
A system for testing electronic circuits is configured to receive a test signal and an ideal response signal and output a test result signal. The system for testing electronic circuits includes a circuit portion to be tested, a comparator and a comparison result recorder. The circuit portion to be tested receives a test signal from a test instrument, and outputs a system response signal. The comparator receives the system response signal from the circuit portion to be tested and receives an ideal response signal from the test instrument. Then, the comparator outputs a comparison result according to the system response signal and the ideal response signal. The comparison result recorder receives and records the comparison result. The comparison result recorder may record comparison results within a period of test time. The test instrument can obtain a record of the comparison results from the comparison result recorder.
US08694840B2
An integrated circuit is described that has a substrate with a memory array with dedicated support hardware formed on the substrate. An access wrapper circuit is coupled to address and data lines of the memory array and to control lines of the dedicated support hardware. The wrapper circuit is configured to provide an access port to the memory array. A test controller is formed on the substrate and coupled in parallel with the access wrapper circuit to the address and data lines of the memory array and to the control lines of the dedicated support hardware, wherein the test controller is operable to perform a test of the memory array by manipulating control signals to the support hardware in addition to those required to write data patterns into the memory array and to read the contents of the memory array.
US08694834B2
A shell debug application avoids loss of debug log data for configured commands during the operation of an operating system. A shell debug application executes a command shell script, by a computer, to control an amount of code path debug data captured in memory buffers and saved. The shell debug application obtains, by the computer, a configuration file that includes at least one command. The shell debug application runs the command shell script in the configuration file in response to detection of at least one script associated with the at least one command in the configuration file.
US08694833B2
Methods, media, and systems for detecting an anomalous sequence of function calls are provided. The methods can include compressing a sequence of function calls made by the execution of a program using a compression model; and determining the presence of an anomalous sequence of function calls in the sequence of function calls based on the extent to which the sequence of function calls is compressed. The methods can further include executing at least one known program; observing at least one sequence of function calls made by the execution of the at least one known program; assigning each type of function call in the at least one sequence of function calls made by the at least one known program a unique identifier; and creating at least part of the compression model by recording at least one sequence of unique identifiers.
US08694827B2
A method of managing the workload in a computer system having one or more semi-redundant hardware components is provided. The method comprises detecting loss or degradation of the level of performance of one or more of the semi-redundant hardware components, identifying hardware components affected by the loss or degradation, migrating a critical job from an affected hardware component to an unaffected hardware component, and performing less-critical jobs on an affected hardware component. Loss or degradation of the semi-redundant component reduces the capacity of affected hardware components in the computer system without entirely disabling the computer system. Jobs identified as critical run on hardware components having the most capacity and reliability, while less-critical jobs use the remaining capacity of affected hardware components. Examples of semi-redundant hardware components include a memory module, CPU core, Ethernet port, power supply, fan, disk drive, and an input output port.
US08694822B2
In general, embodiments of the present invention provide a DR solution for a networked computing environment such as a cloud computing environment. Specifically, a customer or the like can select a disaster recovery provider from a pool (at least one) of disaster recovery providers using a customer interface to a DR portal. Similarly, using the interface and DR portal, the customer can then submit a request for DR to be performed for a set (at least one) of applications. The customer will then also submit (via the interface and DR portal) DR information. This information can include, among other things, a set of application images, a set of application files, a set of recovery requirements, a designation of one or more specific (e.g., application) components for which DR is desired, dump file(s), database file(s), etc. Using the DR information, the DR provider will then generate and conduct a set of DR tests and provide the results to the customer via the DR portal and interface. In one embodiment, a temporary DR environment can be created (e.g., by the DR provider or the customer) in which the DR tests are conducted.
US08694813B2
Devices and methods for storage power management that depend at least partly on the operational component requesting access to the storage. For example, an electronic device may include storage and data processing circuitry. The storage may be capable of being activated and deactivated. The data processing circuitry may be configured to include several operational components and to obtain data from the storage upon request by the operational components. Additionally, the data processing circuitry may manage when the storage is activated and deactivated. In particular, the data processing circuitry may manage when the storage is activated and deactivated according to a first storage power management scheme when a first of the operational components (e.g., an operating system component) requests the data and according to a second storage power management scheme when a second of the operational components (e.g., an application program component) requests the data.
US08694806B2
An apparatus and method for transferring power in an inline switch device are provided. The method comprises drawing power from an inline power source and transferring, by the powered device subsystem, a portion of the power that is not consumed by the powered device subsystem to one or more connected powered devices. The method further comprises determining a limit of current drawn by the powered device subsystem during transfer of power by the powered device subsystem to the one or more powered devices that results in the transfer of a desired amount of power to the one or more powered devices, and adjusting the limit for the current drawn by the powered device subsystem to the determined current limit.
US08694784B1
Implementations of the present disclosure include methods, systems, and computer-readable storage mediums for secure client-side key storage for authentication tracking. Implementations include actions of determining, at a browser executed on a client-side computing device, that an application is authentic, the application being executed on a server-side computing device, in response to determining that the application is authentic, receiving a session signing key (SSK) at a sub-domain of an application domain, the sub-domain including a static script that handles the SSK and that selectively provides request signatures, receiving, at the sub-domain, a message requesting a request signature, determining that the message originated from an authentic origin, and in response to determining that the message originated from an authentic origin, providing a request signature to a source of the message, the request signature being based on the SSK.
US08694776B2
Systems and methods that can facilitate the utilization of a memory as a slave to a host are presented. The host and memory can provide authentication information to each other and respective rights can be granted based in part on the respective authentication information. The host can determine the available functionality of the memory. The host can activate the desired functionality in the memory and can request memory to perform the desired function(s) with regard to data stored in the memory. An optimized controller component in the memory can facilitate performing the desired function(s) associated with the data to generate a result. The result can be provided to the host, while the data and associated information utilized to generate the result can remain in the memory and are cannot be accessed by the host.
US08694775B2
The present invention discloses a method for implementing a real-time data service, a real-time data service system and a mobile terminal. Said method for implementing a real-time data service includes the following steps: before encapsulating a Media Access Control Protocol Data Unit (MPDU), a Wireless Local Area Network Privacy Infrastructure (WPI) module in an Access Point (AP) needs to determine the type of the data to be encapsulated in the MPDU; if the data is a control signalling message of a real-time data service, the WPI module encrypts said data, then encapsulates the encrypted data in a data (e.g. PDU) field of the MPDU, and transmits the encapsulated data to the mobile terminal; if the data is an audio/video data message of a real-time data service, the data is not to be encrypted, but is encapsulated directly into the data (e.g. PDU) field of the MPDU in plaintext, and then transmitted to the mobile terminal. The present invention can reduce the processing load and the software and hardware costs of the AP and the mobile terminal.
US08694766B2
Systems and methods are provided for using a NAND-type non-volatile memory (“NVM”), such as NAND flash memory, to store NV pre-boot information for a bootloader (e.g., a second state bootloader) or an operating system. The NV pre-boot information can include, for example, environment variables storing the configuration or state of an electronic device. In some embodiments, an electronic device including the NAND-type NVM may allocate a portion of the super blocks in the NAND-type NVM to storing the NV pre-boot information. The electronic device may store a redundant copy of the NV pre-boot information into the allocated portion of each IC die of the NAND-type NVM.
US08694765B2
Provided are a booting apparatus and method using a snapshot image. A snapshot image may be divided into a plurality of blocks. Each of the blocks may be stored in a nonvolatile memory in a compressed or non-compressed format. The snapshot image may be incrementally loaded in units of the blocks during booting. The loading and decompression of the blocks may be performed in parallel.
US08694759B2
A method and apparatus to utilize a branch prediction scheme that limits the expenditure of power and the area consumed caused by branch prediction schemes is provided. The method includes accessing a first entry and a second entry of the data structure, wherein each entry stores a portion of a predicted target address, determining the predicted target address using the portion of the predicted target address stored in the first entry and a portion of a branch address of a fetched branch instruction for a fetched branch instruction of a first type, and determining the predicted target address using the portion of the predicted target address stored in the first entry and the portion of the predicted target address stored in the second entry for a fetched branch instruction of a second type.
US08694750B2
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method and system for allowing data structures to be moved between storage locations of varying performance and cost without changing the application firmware. In one embodiment, rather than application firmware directly accessing memory, the application firmware requests a data structure by parameters, to which the implementation returns a pointer. The parameters can be, for example, the logical block address of a data sector, and the data structure can be mapping and associated information of that logical block address (LBA) to a location in the flash device.
US08694741B2
A storage subsystem capable of processing time-critical control commands while suppressing deterioration of the system performance to a minimum. When various commands are received in a multiplex manner via the same port from plural host devices, the channel adapter of the storage subsystem extracts commands of a first kind from the received commands. Then, the adapter executes the extracted commands of the first kind with high priority within a given unit time until a given number of guaranteed activations is reached. At the same time, commands of a second kind are enqueued in a queue of commands. After the commands of the first kind are executed as many as the number of guaranteed activations, the commands of the second kind are executed in the unit time.
US08694738B2
A system and method in one embodiment includes modules for detecting an access attempt to a critical address space (CAS) of a guest operating system (OS) that has implemented address space layout randomization in a hypervisor environment, identifying a process attempting the access, and taking an action if the process is not permitted to access the CAS. The action can be selected from: reporting the access to a management console of the hypervisor, providing a recommendation to the guest OS, and automatically taking an action within the guest OS. Other embodiments include identifying a machine address corresponding to the CAS by forcing a page fault in the guest OS, resolving a guest physical address from a guest virtual address corresponding to the CAS, and mapping the machine address to the guest physical address.
US08694736B2
A method and apparatus for preserving memory ordering in a cache coherent link based interconnect in light of partial and non-coherent memory accesses is herein described. In one embodiment, partial memory accesses, such as a partial read, is implemented utilizing a Read Invalidate and/or Snoop Invalidate message. When a peer node receives a Snoop Invalidate message referencing data from a requesting node, the peer node is to invalidate a cache line associated with the data and is not to directly forward the data to the requesting node. In one embodiment, when the peer node holds the referenced cache line in a Modified coherency state, in response to receiving the Snoop Invalidate message, the peer node is to writeback the data to a home node associated with the data.
US08694735B2
A memory hub includes first and second link interfaces for coupling to respective data busses, a data path coupled to the first and second link interfaces and through which data is transferred between the first and second link interfaces, and further includes a write bypass circuit coupled to the data path to couple write data on the data path and temporarily store the write data to allow read data to be transferred through the data path while the write data is temporarily stored. A method for writing data to a memory location in a memory system is provided which includes accessing read data in the memory system, providing write data to the memory system, and coupling the write data to a register for temporary storage. The write data is recoupled to the memory bus and written to the memory location following provision of the read data.
US08694733B2
Approaches for replicating data in a distributed transactional system. At a first node of a cluster, a per-transaction write set, comprising a plurality of write operations, is committed against a first MySQL database. One or more per-transaction write sets are replicated from the first node to a second node. Upon receiving a read query, the second node parses the read query to identify a read set, calculates a write set conflict window for the read query, and upon determining that the read set conflicts with one or more write sets in the write set conflict window, waits to process the read query until all conflicting write sets are committed. However, upon determining that the read set does not conflict any write sets in the write set conflict window, the read query is processed without first committing any write transactions in the write set conflict window for the read query.
US08694729B2
A storage system, according to one embodiment, includes a processor and logic integrated with and/or executable by the processor. The logic is configured to: search for an instance of a file or portion thereof on a second storage tier; at least one of: associate the instance of the file or portion thereof on the second storage tier with a first user when the instance of the file or portion thereof is not associated with any user, and replicate the instance of the file or portion thereof on the second storage tier and associate the replicated instance of the file or portion thereof on the second storage tier with the first user; and disassociate an instance of the file on a first storage tier from the first user.
US08694727B2
An object of the present invention is to allocate a volume to an appropriate tier in a pool in accordance with the performance of the volume. Multiple tiers 1K are created in a pool 1B. A pool volume that matches the performance required by a tier is allocated to each tier. An information acquisition part 1D acquires information related to respective storage apparatuses 1, 2, and information related to the performance of each volume. A tier control part 1E allocates a pool volume to any tier of the respective tiers, based on the performance information.
US08694726B2
A memory module system, a method for operating a memory module system, and an adapter card is disclosed. One embodiment provides last one memory buffer device, and a first plug mechanism for connecting the adapter card to a memory module system, and a second plug mechanism for connecting the adapter card to a memory module.
US08694714B2
Methods and systems are herein disclosed for write operation retry using the data stored and retained in an internal buffer within the non-volatile memory device. By using the data stored in the internal buffer, the systems and method of the present invention eliminate the need to include a dedicated retry buffer at the system level. Thereby, reducing the system cost, minimizing space consumption on a board within the system and, in some instance, limiting the latency attributed to a retry that relies on retrying the write based on re-transferring of the data contents to the internal non-volatile memory buffer.
US08694701B2
A method for operating a peripheral device includes receiving at the peripheral device service orders, which are identified with respective service instances and are submitted to the peripheral device over the bus by software applications running on a host processor, which write copies of the service orders to a memory. The received service orders are queued for execution by the peripheral device. When one or more of the service orders have been dropped from the queue prior to execution, a recovery of a selected service instance is initiated by submitting a read request from the peripheral device to the memory over the bus to receive a copy of any unexecuted service order associated with the service instance.
US08694700B1
Methods and apparatus for eliminating the need for a complete synchronization due to failure of a data protection appliance in a continuous data protection system having a replication splitter. In one embodiment, a continuous data protection system includes a source side having a source side storage array with a splitter and a data protection appliance, where processing includes initiating a source side splitter session, initializing a first I/O tracking mechanism for the splitter session, and activating the splitter to a source side processing active state to continuously push I/O data from the source side to the target side.
US08694699B2
Systems and methods for path selection for application commands are described. To this end, information associated with at least one application command that were processed at least one port of a target device is received. For a subsequent application command, a set of ports of the target device is determined. In one implementation, the set of ports is determined based on information associated with the subsequent application command. Once the set of ports is determined, the subsequent application command is directed to a port selected from the set of ports.
US08694695B2
The present disclosure relates to a system and method for remotely operating one or more peripheral devices of a wireless device using a server and client architecture. In one aspect, the system may comprise a wireless device that includes a processor, a memory, a peripheral device, and a server adapted to communicate with the peripheral device; and a removable media device that includes a memory, a processor, and a client adapted to communicate with the server of the wireless device. In another aspect, the method may comprise the steps of emulating a hardware interface on a removable media device; mapping a peripheral device of a wireless device to the interface; mapping a processor of the media device to the peripheral device; wrapping and sending hardware commands from a client of the media device to a server of the wireless device; and executing the commands on the peripheral device.
US08694688B2
A hardware support system for implementing accelerated disk I/O for a computer system. The system includes a bus interface for interfacing with a processor and a system memory of the computer system, a disk I/O engine coupled to the bus interface, and a device interface coupled to the disk I/O engine for interfacing the disk I/O engine with a disk drive. The disk I/O engine is configured to cause a start up of the disk drive upon receiving a disk start up command from the processor. The disk I/O engine is further configured to execute a disk transaction by processing the disk transaction information from a bypass register coupled to the disk I/O engine.
US08694681B2
A microbrowser such as web-enabled wireless telephones and personal digital assistants allows a user to configure types of objects to be blocked from download including object memory consumption, display area, download time, and restrictions on animated images and executable scripts. Microbrowser state conditions such as battery level and network connection mode are considered when providing said limitations such that more restrictions may be placed during low battery periods to maximize battery life. For example, during low battery conditions or analog connection mode, a user may configure an enhanced microbrowser not to download advertisements, run scripts or animated objects in order to maximize remaining battery life. In another example, a user may configure an enhanced microbrowser to block the download of objects containing audio, or which will occupy more than a certain percentage of the available display area.
US08694664B2
Techniques are provided for two peer edge switches in an edge switch cluster of a first data center site to actively provide traffic flow redundancy in an active-active configuration and provide multi-homing support over an overlay transport virtualization (OTV) protocol. Information is stored indicating a media access control (MAC) address of at least one endpoint device at the first site. An edge switch in the edge switch cluster at the first site sends via an OTV protocol a Layer-3 message that is configured to advertise the MAC address of the at least one endpoint at the first site to enable at least one edge switch at a second site to perform multipath routing to the endpoint device at the first site based on each of the edge switches in the edge switch cluster at the first site.
US08694662B2
Methods and apparatus supporting group communications in a peer to peer wireless network are described. Methods and apparatus are directed to implementations with closed groups, e.g., where the number of group members are fixed at a given time and known to one or more members of the group. Various embodiments are well suited to decentralized peer to peer wireless networks including a plurality of individual traffic resources, e.g., traffic slots and/or traffic segments, which may be independently scheduled. Approaches for implementing distributed scheduling for traffic air link resources which may carry group traffic signals and/or peer to peer traffic signals are described. Various aspects are directed to the transmitter side including: group traffic transmission request transmissions, reception of request response signaling, transmitter yielding decisions, group rate determination and/or group traffic data signaling. Other aspects are directed to the receiver side including: reception of group traffic transmission request signals, receiver yielding decisions, transmitting group request responses signals, and/or receiving group traffic signaling.
US08694655B2
In one general sense, display of content communicated by a sender communication device to a destination communication device may be enabled by receiving, at a destination communication device, content to be displayed by the destination communication device. Characteristics of a display of the received content by the destination communication device may be algorithmically identified in accordance with display configuration settings for the destination communication device. Based on the identified characteristics, at least one change to be made to capture configuration settings at a capturing communication device used to capture the received content may be identified. At least one alternative capture configuration setting may be communicated to the capturing communication device. Content that is captured by the capturing communication device is received at the destination communications device based on the alternative capture configuration setting communicated.
US08694645B2
A web server is disclosed that is configured to track requests for web pages on a third party web server. The tracking web server traps a web page request, such as a PURL (Personalized URL) for a personalized web page, before it attempts to serve the web page requested. The URL of the web page request is analyzed to determine the location of the requested page on a third party server, and details of the contact with which the personalized web page is associated. Receipt of the web page request is then recorded in a memory associated with the server, and the web page request is forwarded to the third party server for processing. The redirection to the third party web server may be seamless, such that the contact requesting the page does not know of the redirection. In this way, a tracking web server is provided which can supply a personalized tracking and forwarding function.
US08694644B2
Systems and methods are disclosed to schedule virtual machine (VM) migrations by analyzing VM migration behavior; building a simulation tool to predict time for multiple migrations under different links conditions and VM characteristics; determining a predetermined bandwidth sharing policy for each network link; applying a bin-packing technique to organize bandwidth resources from all network links, and allocating the links to different migration tasks.
