US08865197B2
An encapsulated formulation for food and bioactive agent delivery to aquatic animals includes various combinations of nutrients, a digestion enhancer, bioactive agents, and a local absorption enhancer. The bioactive agents and absorption enhancer may be encapsulated within a delay layer for targeted release at an area of the digestive tract distinct from the region of nutrient release. The bioactive agents and absorption enhancer may be coated with a sticky coating so that they tend to adhere to the inner surfaces of the wall of the digestive tract, thereby localizing their release and enhancing their effect. Instead of bioactive agents themselves, precursors may be delivered so as to generate the bioactive agents locally. The encapsulated precursors of a specific bioactive agent are separately contained in capsules which themselves can be adhesive to one another.
US08865192B2
The present invention relates to flavor oils including mint-, fruit- and spice-type flavors that are specially processed to substantially eliminate low-molecular weight sulfur compounds, in particular dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), which has been found to be the main precursor of malodorous species such as dimethyl sulfide and methyl mercaptan. These malodorous species are produced via oxidation-reduction reactions involving such sulfur-containing compounds present in flavor oils. A preferred processing method is an aqueous-washing process, which has advantages of being simple, inexpensive and easy to implement while importantly avoiding the problems of typical processes including non-selective removal of desirable components and subjecting the flavor oils to extreme conditions that may destroy other components and result in undesirable changes in flavor or odor character. Other processing methods to selectively remove non-desired components include (1) distillation to remove polar low boiling point components, (2) filtration through adsorbents selective for sulfur compounds, (3) countercurrent extraction and (4) column chromatography. The processing methods may optionally be followed by reengineering to add back desired components that may have been removed or altered during the processing. The specially processed flavor oils are particularly useful in oral care compositions comprising components with chemical reducing capability such as stannous ions, which react with the sulfur-containing compounds to produce malodorous products.
US08865184B2
The present invention relates to vaccine formulation capable of eliciting protective immune response against Chikungunya virus infection in humans and other mammalian hosts. The immunogenic formulation comprises purified inactivated Chikungunya virus in a stable formulation. Methods of propagation and purification of the virus are discussed. The inactivated virus formulation is non-infectious, immunogenic and elicits protective immune response in mammalian host. The immunogenic composition is formulated for in vivo administration to humans. The invention also discusses the strategy of developing a subunit vaccine using the recombinant viral proteins as antigens for immunization. The recombinant virus antigens that are potentially immunogenic can be used in diagnosing for the presence of the virus.
US08865177B2
Methods for treating a pressure sore or for preventing development of a pressure sore by local administration of a Clostridial toxin, such as a botulinum neurotoxin, to a pressure sore or to a pressure point, or to the vicinity thereof.
US08865169B2
The present invention relates to methods and systems for administering antibody therapeutic agents. The methods include administering one or more (e.g., two or three) binding agents, wherein each of the binding agents has a binding region that is specific to a portion of a disease agent and one or more copies of a tag. The binding agents can be specific to one or more portions of the same or different disease agents. The tag is the same for each of the binding agents. The methods include administering an anti-tag antibody, wherein the anti-tag antibody has an anti-tag region that is specific to the tag, and can have an immunoglobulin (e.g., IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM.). Disease agents include bacterial proteins, viral proteins, cancer cells, and proteins or toxins produced therefrom. In particular, the present invention includes methods and systems for binding agents that are specific to neurotoxins that cause botulism.
US08865167B2
The invention relates to an antibody molecule having specificity for antigenic determinants of IL-17, therapeutic uses of the antibody molecule and methods for producing said antibody molecule.
US08865163B2
The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising an activated potentiated form of an antibody to human cannabinoid receptor and use in the treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders. The present invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising an activated potentiated form of an antibody to human cannabinoid receptor and activated potentiated form of an antibody to protein S-100 for use in the treatment of addiction to psychoactive substances.The present invention provides methods for treating obesity and related metabolic disorders and substance abuse.
US08865147B2
The present invention comprises a composition for hair cleansing and conditioning, including at least one anionic surfactant, at least one cationic hair conditioning agent, and an acrylate-based polymer capable of thickening and stabilizing the composition, wherein the composition is essentially free of sulfate-based surfactant and silicone-based hair conditioning agent. In addition, the invention also comprises a method of cleansing and conditioning hair by providing a composition having at least one anionic surfactant, at least one cationic hair conditioning agent, and an acrylate-based polymer capable of thickening and stabilizing the composition, applying the composition to treat the hair of a user and rinsing the treated hair with sufficient amount of water.
US08865146B2
A hair styling method, including the steps of: applying a hair cosmetic composition containing a component (A) to the hair: Component (A): an organopolysiloxane wherein at least two silicon atoms in organopolysiloxane segments which constitute the main chain of the organopolysiloxane (a) are bound to poly(N-acylalkyleneimine) segments (b) consisting of repeating units represented by the following general formula (1): via respective alkylene groups each containing a hetero atom, wherein the number-average molecular weight of the poly(N-acylalkyleneimine) segments is from 1,200 to 5,500, wherein the mass ratio of the component (a) to the component (b) [i.e., a/b] is from 35/65 to 60/40, wherein the weight-average molecular weights of the organopolysiloxane segments between adjacent two poly(N-acylalkyleneimine) segments (b) are from 1,300 to 5,500, and wherein the weight-average molecular weight of the organopolysiloxane segments (a) is from 7,000 to 100,000; forming the hair style at a hair temperature of 50° C. or higher; and subsequently cooling the hair temperature to lower than 50° C. to fix the formed hair style.
US08865144B2
Personal care compositions comprising responsive particles. In one aspect, the responsive particle comprises: (1) a particle core having an interfacial surface, (2) a first polymer having a first property, and (3) a second polymer having a contrasting property. The first polymer and the second polymer are attached at different locations to the interfacial surface of the particle core. In another aspect, the responsive particle comprises: (1) a particle core having an interfacial surface, (2) at least one block co-polymer comprising a first block and a second block, wherein said first block has a first property and said second block has a second property, and (3) optionally, at least one other polymer having a third property. The block co-polymer and the optional other polymer (if present) are attached to the interfacial surface of the particle core, and at least one of the properties contrasts. The personal care compositions also comprise a dermatologically acceptable carrier. Also disclosed are methods of making responsive particles.
US08865143B2
A reversely thermo-reversible hydrogel composition comprising a water soluble block copolymer comprising at least two blocks of polyethylene oxide and at least one block of polypropylene oxide, and at least one associative gelling adjuvant having water solubility less than 0.5 g/100 ml, preferably less than 0.3 g/100 ml at 20° C., and being capable of forming water soluble inter-molecular complexes with the water soluble block copolymer in water. The hydrogel composition exhibits improved gelling efficiency, enhanced solubility and/or stability for water sparely soluble and insoluble pharmaceutical agents. The hydrogel compositions are useful in a variety of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products and applications, such as esophageal, otic, vaginal, rectal, ophthalmic, treatments of disorders and imperfections of the skin, and treating and/or preventing alopecia and restoring and/or promoting hair growth.
US08865137B2
Disclosed are dentifrice compositions comprising an orally acceptable vehicle and at least one source of metal ions in a polymer matrix, the metal being selected from zinc, stannous, copper or combinations thereof, the at least one source of metal ions comprising from 10 to 75 wt % of the total weight of the polymer matrix and the at least one source of metal ions, and wherein the dentifrice composition comprises less than 10 wt % water based on the total weight of the dentifrice composition. Also disclosed is a method of stabilizing at least one source of metal ions in a dentifrice compositions.
US08865132B2
Certain surfactants suitable for use alone to dissolve a water-insoluble component in compositions is described for providing VOC-free compressed gas aerosol compositions. The compositions include water-insoluble component(s), a surfactant and water. The water-insoluble component(s) can be active agent(s), such as fragrance(s) and/or an insecticide(s). The surfactant is present as a single surfactant which, in the absence of a solvent, dissolves or disperses the water-insoluble component(s) and provides a homogenous blend in water which provides a stable compressed gas emulsion. The surfactant is an anionic surfactant or a nonionic surfactant, in particular nonionic alkylpolyglycosides; nonionic cocoglucoside; nonionic alkylene oxide extended chain alkylpolyglycosides; anionic sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), nonionic C13-C15 oxoalcohol ethoxylate with 8 ethylene oxides (EO), nonionic C12-C14 secondary alcohol ethoxylate with 7EO or 12EO, polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogenated castor oil wherein the PEG is PEG-60 or PEG-40, polyglyceryl-10 laurate and polyglyceryl-6 caprylate.
US08865130B2
The presently disclosed subject matter provides compositions that selectively bind cyclooxygenase-2 and comprise a therapeutic and/or diagnostic moiety. Also provided are methods for using the disclosed compositions for diagnosing (i.e., by imaging) a target cell and/or treating a disorder associated with a cyclooxygenase-2 biological activity.
US08865129B2
The invention relates to compositions of DOTA derivative compounds, lanthanoid-DOTA derivative molecular complex, and lanthanoid-complex encapsulated solid lipid particles or capsules, and methods of making and using the compositions. The solid lipid particles or capsules contain micelle cores stabilized by a hyperbranched polymer shell based from a crosslinked DOTA derivative compound or crosslinked lanthanoid-DOTA derivative complex. These solid lipid particles or capsules can be used in various applications, such as contrast agents or drug delivery vehicles.
US08865124B2
The present invention relates to fluorescent or luminescent probe reagents for measuring oxidative stress in a cell or an organism. Examples of the probe reagents include: a fluorescent or luminescent protein and a marker protein; a fluorescent or luminescent protein, a marker protein, and a regulatory factor; or a fluorescent or luminescent protein, a marker protein, a cleavage sequence, and a regulatory factor. In the probe reagents, the marker protein makes it possible to detect the oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species and comprises a regulatory factor-binding site and a ubiquitin-binding site; and the regulatory factor is a protein making it possible to regulate degradation of the marker protein in response to the reactive oxygen species. The present invention also relates to a method of measuring oxidative stress in a cell or an organism, or a method of screening a substance which suppresses or promotes the oxidative stress in a cell or an organism by using the probe reagent.
US08865118B2
The present invention provides a continuous hydrogen production device and method thereof. The device comprises a reaction chamber, a solid raw material inlet, a liquid raw material inlet, a gas outlet, and a temperature controller. The reaction chamber contains an initiation solution, comprising a saturated aluminum hydroxide solution. The solid raw material inlet is used to add aluminum powders into the reaction chamber and the liquid raw material inlet is used to add water into the reaction chamber. The gas outlet is used to collect the produced hydrogen gas. The temperature controller is used to control the temperature of the reaction chamber within a preset reaction temperature range.
US08865109B2
Systems and methods for the formation of carbon-based nanostructures are generally described. In some embodiments, the nanostructures may be formed on a nanopositor. The nanopositor can comprise, in some embodiments, at least one of metal atoms in a non-zero oxidation state and metalloid atoms in a non-zero oxidation state. For example, the nanopositor may comprise a metal oxide, a metalloid oxide, a metal chalcogenide, a metalloid chalcogenide, and the like. The carbon-based nanostructures may be grown by exposing the nanopositor, in the presence or absence of a growth substrate, to a set of conditions selected to cause formation of carbon-based nanostructures on the nanopositor. In some embodiments, metal or metalloid atoms in a non-zero oxidation state are not reduced to a zero oxidation state during the formation of the carbon-based nanostructures. In some cases, metal or metalloid atoms in a non-zero oxidation state do not form a carbide during the formation of the carbon-based nanostructures.
US08865100B2
The present application is directed to a method and system for monetizing energy. More specifically, the invention is directed to the economically efficient utilization of remote or stranded natural gas resources. The invention includes importing a high energy density material into an energy market and distributing the high energy density material (HEDM) therein. The HEDM is produced from reduction of a material oxide such as boria into the HEDM, which may be boron. The reduction utilizes remote hydrocarbon resources such as stranded natural gas resources.
US08865094B2
A method for extracting a radioisotope from an aqueous solution, the method comprising: a) intimately mixing a non-chelating ionic liquid with the aqueous solution to transfer at least a portion of said radioisotope to said non-chelating ionic liquid; and b) separating the non-chelating ionic liquid from the aqueous solution. In preferred embodiments, the method achieves an extraction efficiency of at least 80%, or a separation factor of at least 1×104 when more than one radioisotope is included in the aqueous solution. In particular embodiments, the method is applied to the separation of medical isotopes pairs, such as Th from Ac (Th-229/Ac-225, Ac-227/Th-227), or Ra from Ac (Ac-225 and Ra-225, Ac-227 and Ra-223), or Ra from Th (Th-227 and Ra-223, Th-229 and Ra-225).
US08865093B2
A polymorph, a polymorph screening system, and a polymorph preparing and screening method are disclosed. The polymorph preparing and screening method includes the following steps: providing a plurality of substrates of different materials; causing an organic material to grow crystals on the plurality of substrates through solution-cooling crystallization process, so that a plurality of polymorphs with different characteristics are prepared; and screening the plurality of polymorphs prepared in the previous step to obtain polymorphs with desired characteristics.
US08865091B2
Sample processing devices that include transmissive layers and control layers to reduce or eliminate cross-talk between process chambers in the processing device are disclosed. The transmissive layers may transmit significant portions of signal light and/or interrogation light while the control layers block significant portions of signal light and/or interrogation light. Methods of manufacturing processing devices that include transmissive layers and control layers are also disclosed. The methods may involve continuous forming processes including co-extrusion of materials to form the transmissive layer and control layer in a processing device, followed by formation of the process chambers in the control layer. Alternatively, the methods may involve extrusion of materials for the control layer, followed by formation of process chambers in the control layer.
US08865082B2
A catalyst and method of forming the catalyst includes a catalyst body having hydrocarbon adsorber material and oxygen storage capacity material disposed thereon.
US08865080B2
Embodiments of a process for production of biodiesel from a transesterification reaction of alcohol and triglycerides in a multi-zone tubular reactor is disclosed. Alkyl esters and glycerin are formed from reactants in a reaction mixture as the reaction mixture flows through the zones. The zones include an entrance zone, an exit zone, and an intermediate zone between the entrance and exit zones. The zones are characterized by physical properties such as viscosity, density, composition, and flow regime. The entrance and intermediate zones include static mixers that perform structured mixing that increases the conversion and yield. The degree of mixing provided by the mixers is different in the zones to account for differences in physical properties. Additionally, the product stream from the reactor is passed through a coalescer to increase droplet size of a dispersed glycerin phase, facilitating both rapid separation of the glycerin phase from the biodiesel phase, and increased conversion and yield in a decanter.
US08865073B2
An air purifier includes a pump that supplies air to an air purifying unit, a filter arranged at an outlet of the air purifying unit, and pipes and that connect these components. The air purifying unit includes an activated carbon tube constituted by a glass tube filled with granular activated carbon, and a soda lime tube constituted by a glass tube filled with granular soda lime. According to a preferred embodiment, three each of the activated carbon tubes and the soda lime tubes are provided, and the activated carbon tubes and the soda lime tubes are connected alternately in series by tubes so that one activated carbon tube is arranged at a most upstream part and one soda lime tube is arranged at a most downstream part.
US08865071B2
A test tape device is disclosed herein for use with a replaceable analytical tape cassette, where the device includes a housing having a cassette compartment covered by a cassette door and a housing opening for sample application, a protective cover that can be moved between a closed position covering the housing opening and a release position allowing access to the housing opening and a door lock for retaining the cassette door in the closed position, wherein the protective cover is coupled with the door lock via an interlocking mechanism, such that the door lock can only be unlocked in the release position of the cover.
US08865070B2
A machine for the preparation of pharmaceutical products has a pocket conveyor, mobile along a loop-shaped path and provided with a plurality of pockets, each adapted to receive and withhold a respective container, and a transfer device for transferring the containers with a rectilinear motion between the respective pockets and at least one operating station for executing an operation on the containers themselves.
US08865068B2
Disclosed is an apparatus for analysis of a mixture of biological and/or chemical components that exposes a spatially arranged chosen component attached to magnetic particles to a magnetic field and records a magnetic induction signal from which the content of the biological and/or chemical components is determined. The magnetic field is alternating and has a pre-set spectrum at least at two frequencies. The apparatus records the signal at a frequency which is a linear combination of the at least two frequencies while the magnetic particles are exposed to the magnetic field.
US08865065B2
A device for sanitizing objects using ozone is disclosed having a container defining an enclosed space and a selectively closeable opening for enclosing the space, an ozone generator, an ozone converter, a controller, and a timer working together to generate a predetermined concentration of ozone within the enclosed space and maintain approximately the same concentration for a predetermined period of time. Also disclosed are assemblies and methods detecting and warning of entrapment within the enclosure and halting ozone production when it occurs. Further disclosed are devices and methods for coupling a maintenance device to the sanitizing system to perform various maintenance operations such as adjusting operational control parameters, and observing conditions within the enclosed chamber in real-time such as temperature, humidity, and ozone concentration.
US08865062B2
A Sn—Sb—Ag—Cu based high-temperature lead-free solder alloy which has excellent connection reliability and which does not form a low melting point phase even when solidified by slow cooling is provided. It has an alloy composition consisting essentially of, in mass percent, Sb: 35-40%, Ag: 13-18%, Cu: 6-8%, and a remainder of Sn.
US08865057B2
Apparatus and methods for industrial-scale production of metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) are provided. The apparatus and methods can be used for the batch production of an MMNC in a volume of molten metal housed within the cavity of a production chamber. Within the volume of molten metal, a flow is created which continuously carries agglomerates of nanoparticles, which have been introduced into the molten metal, through a cavitation zone formed in a cavitation cell housed within the production chamber.
US08865050B2
A composite part layup is cured using a set of tools adapted to hold the layup and which include at least one tool face contacting the layup. Means are provided for heating the tool face to cure the part layup, and for selectively cooling sections of the tool face.
US08865049B2
There are provided a method for producing a transfer structure, in which detachment between a transfer-receiving material and a matrix can be easily achieved without destroying the fine pattern, the transfer pattern of the matrix is satisfactorily transferred to the transfer-receiving material, and the durability of the matrix is maintained for a long time during repeated transfer; and a matrix for use in the method. A film of a silane coupling agent represented by the following formula (I) is formed on a surface of a matrix having a transfer pattern formed on the surface thereof, a transfer-receiving material is applied thereon to transfer the pattern on the surface of the matrix, and the transfer-receiving material is detached from the matrix to obtain a transfer structure formed of the transfer-receiving material. In formula (I), n represents an integer of 8, 10, 12 or 14; m represents an integer of 3 or 4; and X, Y and Z each independently represent a hydrolyzable group that is a methoxy group, an ethoxy group, a propoxy group, an isopropoxy group, or a halogen atom.
US08865044B2
A construct for a hockey blade that includes a foam core. The foam core includes a first core face, a second core face, and a core edge. A first layer of resin preimpregnated tape is wrapped continuously around the first core face, the core edge and the second core face. A thread is stitched along the first layer of preimpregnated tape. A second layer of resin preimpregnated tape wrapped continuously around the first layer of resin preimpregnated tape.
US08865042B2
A process for producing a heat-insulating cavity mold, characterized by producing two members, i.e., a metallic surface layer member (1) for forming a metallic surface layer (5) of a cavity mold in a mold for thermoplastic resin molding and a cavity mold main body member (9) for forming the cavity mold, forming a heat-insulating layer (10′) on a bonding surface of the member (9), bonding the two members to each other, and subsequently eliminating an unnecessary part (3, 12) of the metallic surface layer member to form the metallic surface layer (5); a heat-insulating cavity mold; and a mold for thermoplastic resin molding which employs the cavity mold. The mold for thermoplastic resin molding is characterized by being a heat-insulating mold comprising: the heat-insulating cavity mold produced by the production technique from a metallic surface layer member made of a metal having low thermal conductivity and a cavity mold main body member made of a metal having high thermal conductivity; and a core mold produced from an SUS steel material for molds.
US08865038B2
A double-sided, slip resistant material is produced using a blown film process which produces a film having an interior heat sealable layer, a core layer of flexible polyolefin and an exterior polyolefin elastomer layer in combination with a blowing agent and optionally grit to produce a double-sided slip resistant material. A number of rollers may be provided after nip rollers have fused the film together, and which form part of a machine direction orienter (MDO) that may be used in line in the manufacturing process to heat, and then cool and condition (anneal and relieve any stresses and/or thickness inconsistencies in the film) prior to the film being wound onto a roll for storage.
US08865035B2
Each platform mounted mold assembly for plastic tubing includes a circuit board containing parameters defining elements of the forming, molding, tipping or welding operation to be undertaken on the tubing. A control unit includes an RF generator for providing the RF energy to effect the forming, molding, tipping or welding process, a source of air under pressure to operate the mechanical elements attendant each mold assembly, various sensors and a multiplex unit. In operation, the control unit serially addresses each of the mold assemblies, senses the parameters attendant the mold and applies the appropriate power level of RF energy for a specific duration and temperature while activating the mechanical aspects of the mold assembly. The mold assemblies may be serially activated through a multiplex unit or in a particular sequence that may be operator controlled.
US08865025B2
Use of certain materials in hole injection or hole transport layers can improve the operational lifetimes in organic electronic devices. Compositions comprising a doped conjugated polymer, doped with a redox dopant, including iodonium salt, can increase lifetimes. Inks can be formulated and cast as films in organic electronic devices including OLEDs, PHOLEDs, and OPVs. One embodiment provides a composition with a conjugated polymer doped with a redox dopant. Non-aqueous based inks can be formulated. Iodonium salts can be used.
US08865024B2
The present invention relates to a composition containing a first component selected from the group consisting of at least one polyphenol, at least one phenolic diterpene and combinations thereof, (b) at least one glyceride, (c) at least one hydrophilic emulsifier, and (d) at least one hydrophobic emulsifier. Also disclosed is the use of this composition as a lipophilic antioxidant.
US08865018B2
An anode active-material for rechargeable lithium batteries and methods of manufacturing the same. This includes preparing an anode active-material for rechargeable lithium batteries, including heat-treating a mixture of Li2CO3, MnO2, MgO, Al2O3 and Co3O4 at 900-1000° C. in air or oxygen for 10-48 hours, generating a lithium-containing oxide; generating metal-oxide nanoparticles MO (5-500 nm) (M represents Mg, Co or Ni, with a valence of 2); and dry or wet mixing 0.01-10 wt % of pulverized metal oxide nanoparticles with the lithium-containing oxide to form an anode active-material. Spinel type MgAl2O4 is substituted into a basic spinel-structure (Li1.1Mn1.9O4) for structural stability. Spinel type Co3O4 is substituted to improve electronic conductivity, improving battery performance. Metal-oxide nanoparticles (5-500 nm) act as scavengers of HF generated by electrolyte decomposition, wherein the spinel type anode active-material may be used as an anode active-material of spinel type LiMn2O4 for rechargeable lithium ion batteries, realizing low-price, high-output, long-lifespan and high-capacity.
US08865006B2
The invention pertains generally to waste management and debris removal, and more particularly to systems and methods for separating and recovering the water and solids from a volume of concrete washout following the washing out of concrete mixer trucks and other concrete mixing and delivery equipment.
US08864998B1
Reactive beads interact with a fluid to be treated in a treatment chamber that retains the beads in the chamber and provides a geometry which promotes the fluid flow agitation of the beads to enhance the treatment.
US08864997B2
The present invention relates to methods for conducting maintenance on chromatography columns used in industrial-scale chromatography. In particular, the invention is concerned with safer methods for performing maintenance on such columns, such as cleaning and replacing bed supports, distributors, nozzles, O-rings and other column components, by the use of a handling device to support, lift, carry and manipulate such column components.
US08864996B2
This invention relates to a process for producing a product stream with improved reduction of Conradson Carbon Residue (“CCR”) and a reduced average boiling point from a heavy hydrocarbon feedstream utilizing a high-pressure, low-energy separation process. The invention may be utilized to reduce the CCR content and reduce the average boiling point in heavy hydrocarbon feedstreams, such as whole crudes, topped crudes, synthetic crude blends, shale oils, bitumen, oil from tar sands, atmospheric resids, vacuum resids, or other heavy hydrocarbon streams. This invention also results in a process with an improved CCR separation efficiency while maintaining permeate flux rates.
US08864995B2
The invention relates to a method for separating betaine from fermentation process solutions, vinasse and other sugar beet based solutions on a weakly acid cation exchange resin in H+-form in the chromatographic separation process. The present invention relates also to use of a weakly acid cation exchange resin in H+-form for the chromatographic separation of betaine.
US08864987B2
Disclosed is an internal circulation resin ion exchange adsorption reactor with a mechanical stirrer. The upper part ⅔˜⅘ of the reactor main body is an open cylinder and the lower part ⅕˜⅓ is a cone-shaped body with a slope of 30°±10°. A bell-jar shaped reaction slot with a turbine water stirrer inside is located in the center of the reactor main body. The reactor main body is equipped with a cylindrical guide plate. A water collection weir, an inclined tube separator and an annular resin collection hopper are located between the shell of the reactor main body and the guide plate. The reactor is equipped with a water inlet pipe and a water outlet pipe. A resin removal pipe is connected with the annular resin collection hopper and a resin desorption slot respectively, and a regenerated resin reflux pipe is connected to the bell-jar shaped reaction slot.
US08864979B2
One exemplary embodiment can be a process for fluid catalytic cracking. The process can include sending a first catalyst from a first riser reactor and a second catalyst from a second riser reactor to a regeneration vessel having a first stage and a second stage. The first catalyst may be sent to the first stage and the second catalyst may be sent to the second stage of the regeneration vessel. Generally, the first stage is positioned above the second stage.
US08864975B2
Integrated hydroprocessing methods using high activity, low density catalysts are provided. The high activity catalysts allow for lower temperature operation, which reduces catalyst degradation, while the low density of the catalysts means a corresponding reduction in the amount of metal needed to fill a reactor volume. The methods allow for flexible processing of feedstocks with a variety of wax contents.
US08864974B2
A hydrogen generator comprising an enclosure, a series of spaced plates contained within the enclosure and defining between them liquidtight cells, with a plate forming a first wall of each cell of a nobler material than a plate forming a second wall of that cell, and where a first place of the series is an anode arranged to be connected to a power supply and the last plate of the series is a cathode arranged to be connected to a power supply, an inlet to each cell arranged to allow an electrolyte to flow into the cell, and an outlet from each cell arranged to allow an electrolyte and hydrogen gas to flow out of the cell.
US08864964B2
A system employs a closed electrolyzer vessel into which water is circulated, and an electrode plate assembly is immersed to dissociate water into hydrogen and oxygen gases. Only water is used as the electrolyte fluid. An air injector in the water return line injects air bubbling for enhanced dissociation of water. The electrode plate assembly is formed by one or more unit stacks of 7-plates each, including two outer cathode plates, a middle anode plate, and spaced inner plates. The generated gases are maintained in a stable condition by an electromagnetic coil assembly that separates the hydrogen gas from oxygen gas. The system can obtain 180% reduction in fuel usage in a vehicle engine, and 20 times reduction in carbon exhaust. It can obtain a 500% increase in fuel efficiency in an electrical power generator.
US08864963B2
The present invention provides a resin-wafer electrodeionization (RW-EDI) apparatus including cathode and anode electrodes separated by a plurality of porous solid ion exchange resin wafers, which when in use are filled with an aqueous fluid. The apparatus includes one or more wafers comprising a basic ion exchange medium, and preferably includes one or more wafers comprising an acidic ion exchange medium. The wafers are separated from one another by ion exchange membranes. The fluid within the acidic and/or basic ion exchange wafers preferably includes, or is in contact with, a carbonic anhydrase (CA) enzyme to facilitate conversion of bicarbonate ion to carbon dioxide within the acidic medium. A pH suitable for exchange of CO2 is electrochemically maintained within the basic and acidic ion exchange wafers by applying an electric potential across the cathode and anode.
US08864958B2
A method and sputter-deposition system for depositing a layer composed of a mixture of materials and having a predetermined refractive index are provided. The sputter-deposition system includes a plurality of target cathodes, each of which comprises a target material having a different composition, that are powered by a single DC power supply. The plurality of target cathodes are cosputtered to deposit a layer composed of a mixture of materials on a substrate. The composite refractive index of the layer is controlled by adjusting an operating parameter of the plurality of target cathodes. Suitable operating parameters include cathode power, cathode voltage, cathode current, an angle between a cathode support and the substrate, and a flow rate of a reactive gas.
US08864951B2
Systems and processes for improving quality and yield of one or more distillate products generated in a distillation column are disclosed. The system comprises a feed inlet distributor that reduces the amount of liquid entrained in vapor rising from the feed zone of the distillation column, a wash zone collection apparatus having an improved design for collecting slop wax falling from a liquid/vapor contacting structure provided in the wash zone, a recirculation subsystem for recirculating at least a portion of the collected slop wax to the top of the wash zone for distribution as wash oil, and a control subsystem. The feed inlet distributor ensures a horizontal fluid flow path free of transverse surfaces thereby minimizing atomization of liquid droplets entrained in vapor in the feed stream.
US08864946B2
A method for disposing electrical and electronic equipment comprising plastic and metal components, the method comprising: melt processing the equipment and/or comminuted parts thereof to form a melt processed product; transferring the melt processed product into a vessel and heating the product using far infrared radiation such that it liberates volatile hydrocarbons and leaves behind non-volatile residue comprising metal; and collecting one or both of the volatile hydrocarbons and the non-volatile residue for subsequent use.
US08864945B2
A method of making a multi-ply wiper/towel product with cellulosic microfibers. The method includes compactively dewatering a nascent web that includes at least about 10% fibrillated cellulosic microfibers and has an apparently random distribution of fibers. The dewatered web having the apparently random distribution of fibers is applied to a transfer surface. The web is belt-creped from the transfer surface utilizing a generally planar polymeric creping belt provided with a plurality of perforations through the belt. The belt-creping step occurs under pressure in a belt creping nip defined between the transfer surface and the creping belt. The web is dried to form a dried web that includes a plurality of fiber-enriched hollow domed regions protruding from an upper side of the dried web. The hollow domed regions have a sidewall of a relatively high local basis weight formed along at least a leading edge thereof. The web also has connecting regions of a relatively lower local basis weight forming a network interconnecting the hollow domed regions of the dried web, and transition areas provided with upwardly and inwardly inflected consolidated fibrous regions that transition from the connecting regions into the sidewalls of the hollow domed regions formed along at least the leading edge thereof.
US08864929B2
A method for producing a laminated soft-magnetic sheet including: laminating at least two curable soft-magnetic sheets obtained by applying a soft-magnetic composition, which contains a flat soft-magnetic powder, to a release base; and drying the soft-magnetic composition at a temperature T1 at which curing reaction does not substantially take place, compressing the laminate at a temperature T2 at which the curing reaction does not substantially take place, using a laminator for applying a linear pressure thereon while the linear pressure is sequentially changed, and by applying surface pressure, compressing the compressed laminate at a temperature T3 at which the curing reaction takes place.
US08864924B2
A solid state thermite reaction composition is provided comprising a fuel component, an initiating oxidizer, a primary oxidizer, a fluxing agent and a thermal diluent. According to another aspect, a heating device is provided comprising a heating chamber for receiving and storing a substance to be heated having at least two walls, a reaction chamber affixed to a wall of the heating chamber, a solid state thermite reaction composition located within the reaction chamber and an actuatable trigger mechanism affixed to the reaction chamber such that the trigger mechanism is in contact with the reaction composition. According to another aspect, a solid-state thermite reaction activation mechanism is provided comprising a first compound substantially in contact with a thermite reaction fuel, a second compound and a removable barrier located between the first and second compounds preventing any contact between the first and second compounds.
US08864923B1
A double base propellant modifier uses a combination of a lead component, a tin component and a copper component in physical contact to effect super-rate burning of double base propellants with defined plateau and mesa burning rate characteristics.
US08864918B2
A method for producing a component of a titanium-aluminum base alloy comprising hot isostatically pressing the alloy to form a blank, subjecting the blank to a hot forming by a rapid solid-blank deformation, followed by a cooling of the component to form a deformation microstructure with high recrystallization energy potential, thereafter subjecting the component to a heat treatment in the range of the eutectoid temperature (Teu) of the alloy, followed by cooling in air, to form a homogeneous, fine globular microstructure composed of phases GAMMA, BETA0, ALPHA2 and having an ordered atomic structure at room temperature. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
US08864916B2
The invention relates to a method and coating agents used in the method which provide good adherence to and good corrosion protection of metal substrates; the coating coating agents are cross-linkable via radical polymerization. Adhesion promoting compounds are present in the conversion layer in a quantity of about 0.01 to 40 weight percent and contain, on average, one reactive unsaturated group and at least one H-active group per molecule.
US08864908B2
A crucible protection sheet is provided that can prevent damages to an inner crucible, hinder an outer crucible from silicon-carbidization, and transmit heat from the outer crucible to the inner crucible uniformly.In a crucible having an inner crucible 2 and an outer crucible 3, the crucible protection sheet is arranged between the two crucibles and is made of expanded graphite. The planar thermal conductivity is 120 W/(m·K) or higher, the gas permeability is less than 1.0×10−4 cm2/s, and the compression ratio is 20% or higher when the sheet is compressed in a thickness direction at a pressure of 34.3 MPa. Since the compression ratio is high, the effect of preventing breakage is great when inserting the inner crucible, improving workability and preventing the inner crucible from tilting inside the outer crucible. In addition, even though the compression ratio is high, the thermal conductivity is kept to such a degree that the inner crucible can be heated uniformly, and the gas shielding capability is also ensured. As a result, the outer crucible is prevented from silicon-carbidization and thickness decrease.
US08864900B2
A useable particulate nepheline syenite having a grain size to provide an Einlehner Abrasive Value of less than about 100 is described. The particulate nepheline syenite is generally free from agglomeration and moisture free. At least 99% of the nepheline syenite particles have a size less than 10 microns. In practice, the nepheline syenite grain size is less than about 5 microns and the distribution profile of the particulate system is generally 4-5 microns.
US08864899B2
A platelet-shaped PVD metallic effect pigment having first and second outer faces, the platelet-shaped PVD metallic effect pigment having at least one PVD layer, the at least one PVD layer including elemental metal with clusters of elemental metal and metal oxide. The amounts of elemental metal in the first outer face and in the second outer face of the PVD metallic effect pigment are different from one another and they differ by at least 10 atom %. The disclosure further relates to a method for producing these platelet-shaped PVD metallic effect pigments, and to their use.
US08864896B2
A method is provided for forming an organic thin film comprising: 1) preparing a hydroxyl group-containing solution by mixing the following (a), (b) and (c) so that the total amount of (A) and (B) in the hydroxyl group-containing solution becomes 0.1 wt% to 80 wt%, and conducting hydrolysis to generate a hydroxyl group-containing compound; a) an adjuvant for forming an organic thin film comprising a metal surfactant (A) having at least one or more hydrolysable group, and a compound (C) that can interact with the metal surfactant in an organic solvent b) a metal surfactant having at least one or more hydrolysable group (B), and c) water 2) preparing a solution for forming an organic thin film by mixing an organic solvent and the hydroxyl group-containing solution of 1); and 3) allowing the substrate to contact with the solution for forming an organic thin film of 2).
US08864895B2
The present invention relates to a furnace (12) for melting heated glass using burners (13), wherein the combustion energy is at least partially produced by oxy-fuel combustion, and wherein at least a portion of the oxygen used in the burners (13) is produced by separation, on a ceramic separation membrane (18), from a gaseous mixture including oxygen, the oxygen from the separation being directly channeled into at least one burner (13).
US08864892B2
A two component adhesive system is described. The first component of the system is made from a sulfonated lignin having at least one amine group containing side arm and at least one hydroxyl group containing side arm. The second component of the system is made from a sulfonated lignin having at least one chloroformate group containing side arm.
US08864891B2
An aqueous black ink composition that produces a black recorded image that is stable even when stored for a long time period, exhibits a neutral black to gray color with low color saturation and no tinge, has a high printed image density and exhibits excellent fastness properties of the recorded image, particularly ozone-gas resistance. The ink composition contain at least one kind of coloring matter (I), which a coloring matter represented by formula (1) below, a tautomer thereof, or a salt of the coloring matter or the tautomer; at least one kind of coloring matter (II), which is a coloring matter represented by formula (2) below or a salt thereof; and coloring matter (III), which is a coloring matter having an azo group other than coloring matters (I) and (II), or a salt thereof.
US08864890B2
A clog indicating device indicating clogging of a dust collecting filter in a dust collector is disclosed. The dust collector includes on an upper region of its casing an exhaust port opening upward, and a cover member is mounted interspatially above the exhaust port. A colored indicating float is so located as to be movable upward between the exhaust port and the cover member due to pressure of an air exhausted from the exhaust port. Clogging of a dust collecting filter is indicated according to a degree of exposure or a position in an up and down direction of the indicating float between the exhaust port and the cover member.
US08864885B2
A sheet-shaped gas adsorbent according to the present invention is composed of at least a thermoplastic resin and copper ion-exchanged ZSM-5 type zeolite (12), and typically represented by, for example, a single layer sheet-shaped gas adsorbent (10), which is configured of dispersing the copper ion-exchanged ZSM-5 type zeolite (12) in the thermoplastic resin sheet (11). Also, the insulating body according to the present invention comprises a sheet-shaped gas adsorbent having the aforementioned configuration, and typically represented by, for example, a configuration, in which a core member and a sheet-shaped gas adsorbent are covered with a sheath member.
US08864883B2
A system and method recover water from an ambient airstream. Dehumidification of the airstream is also achieved by removal of the water. A device of the system includes a chamber having a group of trays that hold respective amounts of liquid desiccant in each tray. A foam media absorbs the desiccant to increase an exposed surface of the desiccant to the airstream. Fans and valves are used to control airflow through the device. A charge cycle circulates air through the device to remove water vapor from the airstream. A subsequent extraction cycle removes water collected in the liquid desiccant by a condenser communicating with the chamber. An integral heat exchanger adds heat to the chamber during the extraction cycle. A controller is used to integrate and manage all system functions and input variables to achieve a high efficiency of operational energy use for water collection.
US08864882B2
An inline water trap including a filter component and a panel connector configured to interface with a patient gas monitor. In one embodiment the inline water trap indicates to the patient gas monitor that it is in place and that the patient gas monitor may begin intaking and analyzing the filtered patient sample. The inline water trap receives a patient sample and filters water and contaminants from the sample before allowing the remaining gas portion of the sample to pass through to the patient gas monitor, thereby protecting the patient gas monitor from damage. One embodiment of the inline water trap additionally contains an RFID tag to indicate to the patient gas monitor that the correct type of inline water trap is engaged.
US08864881B2
A slug suppressor apparatus comprising an inlet separator capable of gas-liquid separation of full well stream fluid and expanded inclined liquid pipe for dampening slugs. The inlet separator has an inlet for receiving the full well stream fluid, a separated gas outlet in its upper section, and a separated liquid outlet in its lower section. The separated gas outlet and the separated outlet are operationally connected to a gas bypass line and the expanded inclined liquid pipe respectively. The expanded inclined liquid pipe has means for dampening liquid slugs and is connectable to a 3-Phase separator.
US08864873B2
The invention provides a method for preparing sponge titanium from potassium fluotitanate by aluminothermic reduction, comprising the following steps: a reaction step: aluminum and zinc are mixed under a vacuum state, and the mixture is then reacted with potassium fluotitanate; a distillation step: KF, AlF3 and Zn generated by reaction are distilled out under a vacuum state; and a cooling step: sponge titanium is obtained subsequent to banking cooling. The invention further provides another method for preparing sponge titanium from potassium fluotitanate by aluminothermic reduction, comprising the following steps: a reaction step: aluminum and magnesium are mixed under a vacuum argon introduction condition, and the mixture is then reacted with potassium fluotitanate; a distillation step: KF, AlF3, MgF2 and Mg generated by reaction are distilled out under a vacuum state; and a cooling step: sponge titanium is obtained subsequent to banking cooling.
US08864871B2
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing copper nanoparticles, in particular, to a method for manufacturing copper nanoparticles, wherein the method includes preparing a mixture solution including a copper salt, a dispersing agent, a reducing agent and an organic solvent; raising temperature of the mixture solution up to 30-50° C. and agitating; irradiating the mixture solution with microwaves; and obtaining the copper nanoparticles by lowering temperature of the mixture solution.According to the present invention, several tens of nm of copper nanoparticles having a narrow particle size distribution and good dispersibility can be synthesized in mass production.
US08864869B2
The hearth roll for a continuous annealing furnace is able to suppress the occurrence of buildup on the hearth roll surface and able to be stably used for a long period under the high temperature environment. The hearth roll has a cermet coating comprised 50 to 90 vol % of ceramic and the balance of a heat resistant alloy on its surface, the ceramic containing Cr3C2: over 50 to 90 vol %, Al2O3: 1 to 40 vol %, Y2O3: 0 to 3 vol %, and ZrB2: 0 to 40 vol % and having a balance of unavoidable impurities and pores, the heat resistant alloy containing Cr: 5 to 20 mass %, Al: 5 to 20 mass %, and one or both of Y and Si: 0.1 to 6 mass % and has a balance of one or both of Co and Ni and unavoidable impurities.
US08864863B1
An air and moisture separator for use with a waste tank and a vacuum source has a canister securable to the waste tank and having an inlet couplable to the waste tank and an outlet couplable to the vacuum source. An air flow path extends through the canister and through at least three different stages of air and moisture separation, including: a first air-turning stage coupled to the inlet; and a second stage of mesh or foam coupled to and subsequent to the first air-turning stage in the air flow path. An annular mesh or foam of greater density defines a third stage subsequent to the second stage, and circumscribes at least a majority of a circumferential perimeter of the mesh or foam of the second stage.
US08864856B2
A circulating fluidized bed gasification furnace has a combustion furnace 1, a cyclone collector 4 to which a combustion exhaust gas 3 from the combustion furnace 1 is introduced to collect a circulating medium 5, a fluidized bed gasification furnace 8 for formation of a fluidized bed 10 by introducing the circulating medium 5 collected in the cyclone collector 4 through a downcomer 7 and by supplying a gasification agent 9 from below and for gasification of a raw material 12 by supplying the same to a freeboard 11, and a circulation flow passage 14 for return of the circulating medium and unreacted char not gasified in the gasification furnace 8 to the combustion furnace 1. The downcomer 7 connected to the collector 4 has a lower end connected through a sealer 18 to the freeboard 11 in the gasification furnace 8. A raw material supply unit 20 is arranged to supply the raw material 12 to the circulating medium 5 between the sealer 18 and the freeboard 11.
US08864855B2
Portable hydrogen generators are disclosed. In the various embodiments, the generator may include a chamber configured to endothermically decompose a material positioned within the chamber to generate hydrogen gas. A heater may be in thermal communication with the material to stimulate a release of the hydrogen gas. An electrical power source may be controllably coupled to the heater, so that electrical power delivered to the heater may be controlled in response to at least one detected property of the hydrogen gas.
US08864852B2
The present invention is directed to the fabrication of thin aluminum anode batteries using a highly reproducible process that enables high volume manufacturing of the galvanic cells. A method of fabricating a thin aluminum anode galvanic cell is provided, the method including, depositing a layer of catalytic metal on a surface of a first substrate, depositing and patterning a benzocyclobutene layer to form a reservoir having four sidewalls of benzocyclobutene on the surface of the catalytic layer, depositing a layer of aluminum on a surface of a second substrate and bonding the first substrate to the second substrate to form a galvanic cell bounded by the catalytic metal layer and the aluminum layer and separated by the reservoir walls of benzocyclobutene, the second substrate positioned in overlying relation to contact the four sidewalls of the reservoir with the aluminum layer facing the catalytic layer.
US08864849B1
The present specification provides for an agent for coloring keratinic fibers. The agent includes, a cosmetic carrier, a compound of formula (I), R1 and R2 independently of one another denote hydrogen, a C1-C6 alkyl group, a C2-C6 alkenyl group, a hydroxyl group, a halogen, a C1-C6 alkoxy group, an amino group, a nitro group, an acetyl amino group, or a sulfonamide group; or when in ortho-position to one another, form a 5- or 6-membered, saturated or unsaturated ring, which optionally include further heteroatoms.
US08864844B2
A tissue engineered construct made totally or in part from biocompatible materials and mammalian cells and/or cell products is provided. These constructs are useful in regenerating complex tissues such as bone, ligament and tendon, which may fabricated into medical devices suitable for use in the treatment of injuries and maladies such as rotator cuff injuries, periodontal disease and hernia.
US08864838B2
A buttress plate for retaining an acetabular cup implanted in an acetabulum is provided. The buttress plate includes a base having a first end and a second end. The first end extends along a plane and includes at least one passage for receiving a fastener to secure the base to the acetabulum. The second end includes a lip extending transverse to the plane for securing the acetabular cup within the acetabulum.
US08864833B2
The present invention provides an expandable fusion device capable of being installed inside an intervertebral disc space to maintain normal disc spacing and restore spinal stability, thereby facilitating an intervertebral fusion. In one embodiment, the fusion device includes a body portion, a first endplate, and a second endplate, the first and second endplates capable of being moved in a direction away from the body portion into an expanded configuration or capable of being moved towards the body portion into an unexpanded configuration. The fusion device is capable of being deployed and installed in both configurations.
US08864826B2
Integrated prosthetic element usable for bone implant operations or as a bone filler or replacement, comprising at least a metal support and an insert made of plastic material coupled with at least a first surface of said metal support so as to define a wear surface, or insert, of adjustable thickness. The metal support comprises, on the side opposite said first surface, a second surface intended to be coupled with the bone part on which the prosthesis or bone replacement is installed. The first surface comprises a layer having cavities or holes distributed in a substantially uniform manner and suitable for anchorage and solidarization of the plastic material that makes up the insert, while said second surface comprises a porous layer suitable to optimize the bone anchorage. The first surface and the second surface are separated by a compact layer that stops the plastic material in the step of forming the plastic insert. The cavities or holes of the first surface have bigger shapes and sizes than, and in any case different from, the pores of the second surface.
US08864825B2
The present invention relates to an implant system comprising implantable material in at least partially uncured form, contained in a closed casing, under vacuum and sterilized, and a closed bag containing the casing. The system is characterized in that at least 5% of the surface of the casing comprises sheet-like material having a thickness of 0.05-5 mm and having an original form, the sheet-like material being selected from the group consisting of metallic materials, polymers, bioceramic materials and composites thereof, provided that the material, once deformed from its original form to a changed form, is capable of maintaining that changed form unless subjected to external forces.
US08864821B2
The invention provides methods and compositions for determining whether a subject containing a stent immobilized in a blood vessel has asymptomatic stent thrombosis or is at risk of developing clinically symptomatic stent thrombosis. In one approach, the method involves imaging a region of the blood vessel that contains the stent using a probe that contains a fluorochrome, for example, a near-infrared fluorochrome, and a targeting moiety that binds a molecular marker indicative of the presence of asymptomatic stent thrombosis or the development of symptomatic stent thrombosis. To the extent that the subject displays one or more such markers, the probe binds to the markers and increases the local concentration of the probe in the vicinity of the stent. The imaging method identifies those patients that display a higher density of such markers in the vicinity of the stent. As a result, those patients can be monitored for, and/or treated to prevent, symptomatic stent thrombosis.
US08864807B2
A thermal regulation blanket includes a plurality of cells with a first reagent. A plurality of pouches with a second reagent are disposed within the plurality of cells. A plurality of dividers are disposed between each of the plurality of cells. A thermally conductive layer is disposed over the cells and the plurality of dividers. When the first reagent and the second reagent mix, a thermal reaction occurs which modifies a temperature of the thermally conductive layer. A method of providing thermal therapy to a patient includes positioning the patient on a thermal regulation blanket, an abdomen of the patient is engaged with at least one abdominal blanket of the thermal regulation blanket. At least one cell of the thermal regulation blanket is activated to begin providing thermal therapy to the patient. A temperature of the thermal regulation blanket is monitored with a temperature sensor. At least one additional cell is activated to adjust the temperature of the thermal regulation blanket.
US08864806B2
Apparatus and method for making and using devices that generate optical signals, and optionally also electrical signals in combination with one or more such optical signals, to stimulate (i.e., trigger) and/or simulate a sensory-nerve signal in nerve and/or brain tissue of a living animal (e.g., a human), for example to treat nerve damage in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) or the central nervous system (CNS) and provide sensations to stimulate and/or simulate “sensory” signals in nerves and/or brain tissue of a living animal (e.g., a human) to treat other sensory deficiencies (e.g., touch, feel, balance, visual, taste, or olfactory) and provide sensations related to those sensory deficiencies, and/or to stimulate (i.e., trigger) and/or simulate a motor-nerve signal in nerve and/or brain tissue of a living animal (e.g., a human), for example to control a muscle or a robotic prosthesis.
US08864800B2
Compression-distraction spinal fixation systems, and methods of performing compression-distraction spinal fixation, are provided that include screw-rod constructs having a ratcheting mechanism. Bone screws of the screw-rod constructs can have a pawl that engages ratchet teeth on the rod of the screw-rod construct. The bone screw can be ratcheted along the length of the rod to apply distractive or compressive forces.
US08864799B2
A rod connector for transversely connecting two vertebral column rods has two clamps and a transverse bridge that fixes the clamps to each other. The clamps have a spring device with a spring force that is low enough to allow the clamp to be manually snapped onto the vertebral column rod, to be slid onto the same in the installed state, and to be released from same. An attaching device for the clamp, which is independent of the spring device, generates a retaining force that is high enough to solidly attach the clamp on the vertebral column rod in the installed state. The transverse bridge has a connection part with a frame for receiving a first branch connected to one clamp and with a ball rotatably mounted in the frame and having a second branch pass therethrough that connects to another clamp.
US08864798B2
A transverse connector system having a first and a second locking head, and a transverse rod that is secured by the first and second locking heads. The first and second locking heads are provided with a first and second pivot arm for engaging and securing first and second elongated rods. The first and second locking heads each simultaneously engage and secure the transverse and elongated rods separately.
US08864796B2
A wound closure system and a method of closing a wound are disclosed. The disclosure is directed to a wound closure system comprising a skin anchor mechanically attached to external skin tissue on a first side of a generally linear wound, an anchorable tensioning apparatus mechanically attached to external skin tissue on an opposite side of the wound, and a line extending between the skin anchor and the tensioning apparatus to movably connect the anchor to the tensioning apparatus. The line is fixedly engaged with an anchor on one side of the wound while the tensioning apparatus provides tension on the line to draw the skin anchor and the tensioning apparatus toward each other and toward the wound.
US08864792B2
A clot removal device may include a tubular clot capture element having a first internal diameter and a clot engaging element having a second external diameter. The first diameter and the second diameter may be selected to permit the clot engaging element to be rotated within the tubular clot capture element. A method of removing a clot from a blood vessel may including delivering the tubular clot capture element and clot engaging element to a clot site such that the clot engaging element may rotate within the tubular clot engaging element.
US08864788B2
A patient's pharyngeal wall is treated by inserting an expander member into the airway and positioning an active portion of the expander member in opposition to portions of the pharyngeal wall to be treated. The expander member is activated to urge the wall portions outwardly to an outwardly displaced position. The expander member is then deactivated while leaving the wall portions in the outwardly placed position and the expander member is removed from said airway. A further aspect of the treatment includes stabilization of at least a portion of the pharyngeal wall after compression of portions of the wall.
US08864777B2
A method is disclosed for facilitating tissue puncture of a portion of biological tissue using a device, the device comprising a tissue supporting member that is adapted to be placed in a proximal position relative to a portion of the biological tissue and a tissue puncturing member that is adapted to be placed in a distal position relative to the portion of the biological tissue, so that the portion of biological tissue is between the tissue supporting member and tissue puncturing member, the method comprising: supporting the portion of biological tissue using the tissue supporting member; and advancing the tissue puncturing member in a distal direction such that the tissue puncturing member passes through the portion of the biological tissue, thereby puncturing the portion of biological tissue.
US08864776B2
A suture deployment system is disclosed including a surgical needle having a flexible suture fixedly attached thereto and a target suture releasably secured to the flexible suture. A collar is positioned between the flexible suture and the target suture and is fixedly secured to the flexible suture. The target suture is releasably secured to the collar is such that the target suture may detach from the collar once a surgical procedure has been completed. The surgical needle is a double pointed surgical needle specifically configured to be manipulated by a surgical suturing apparatus.
US08864772B2
Various methods and devices are provided for implanting a motion segment repair system. In particular, exemplary methods and devices are provided for implanting a spinal disc implant and/or a PDS device using a posterior surgical approach, including methods and devices for distracting adjacent vertebrae using a posterior surgical approach, methods and devices for posteriorly introducing a spinal implant into a disc space between adjacent vertebrae, and methods and devices for coupling a PDS device to the adjacent vertebrae to provide a complete motion segment repair system that is implanted using a posterior surgical approach.
US08864771B2
A targeting device for targeting a cross bore in a bone nail has an arm member coupled to an end portion of the bone nail and an aiming portion forming part of the arm member extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bone nail. An adjustable aiming device is mounted on the aiming portion, the adjustable device having a guide bore alignable with the cross bore in the nail. The adjustable device is moveable with respect to the aiming portion in a direction perpendicular to a plane containing both the nail longitudinal axis and central axis of the cross bore. A target indicator is mounted on the adjustable aiming device. The target indicator has a radiolucent body including a planar portion having spaced parallel radiopaque elements therein.
US08864768B2
A coordinate mapping system is provided for locating a defect in a bone. The system comprises a positioning instrument for controlled delivery of a device to a target site, the instrument comprising a main body and a rail extending from the main body, the rail including a series of indicia corresponding to predefined grid lines, and a template configured to overlay an image of a bone having a defect at the target site, the template including a predefined grid for determining a set of coordinates to locate the target site using the positioning instrument. A method of accessing a target site near a defect in a bone using the radial coordinate mapping system is also provided.
US08864766B2
A Kerrison rongeur employing a shearing/cutting or grasping mechanism, and suited for specific cutting and sampling bone, cartilage and soft tissue. A slideable upper member has on its advancing face a cutting element that moves past an opposing cutting element on a stationary footplate to produce a shearing action of tissue positioned within the jaws. The cutting element of the slideable member may move past the stationary member on the outside in an overbite situation or on the inside in an underbite situation. A hybrid over/underbite jaw is also contemplated along with a guillotine cutting element and a textured grasping element. In operation, the tissue is placed between the jaw and footplate, and the former is advanced towards the latter to cut and/or grasp and remove for a surgical site.
US08864764B2
An osteosynthesis clip for the cicatrization of bone tissue fragments and an insertion tool for inserting the clip are provided. The clip includes at least two engagement legs extending approximately parallel to one another and including respective distal bridging tips and respective proximal insertion tips to be inserted into the bone tissue fragments; and a connecting bridge coupled to the distal bridging tips of the two engagement legs, the connecting bridge including at least two elongated sections extending along side one another, the elongated sections extending along a non-linear trajectory to form a non-linear deformable region, such as a depression or a dome.
US08864761B2
A system for determining proximity of a surgical device relative to an anatomical structure includes at least one surgical device having a sensor assembly operably coupled to a processing unit. The sensor assembly is configured to transmit at least one electrical signal through the target anatomical structure to elicit a measurable response from the target anatomical structure. The processing unit is configured to calculate a signature property value of the target anatomical structure based on the measurable response and to determine proximity of the at least one surgical device relative to the target anatomical structure based on a comparison between the signature property value and at least one other signature property. An indicator is operably coupled to the processing unit and is configured to alert a user of the identified target anatomical structure based on the determined proximity.
US08864753B2
A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members movable relative to one another between a spaced-apart position, a first approximated position, and a second approximated position. One or both of the jaw members including a first stop member coupled thereto and disposed between the jaw members. The first stop member is longitudinally translatable along a surface of the at least one jaw member from a first position, wherein the first stop member inhibits approximation of the jaw members beyond the first approximated position, and a second position, wherein the first stop member inhibits approximation of the jaw members beyond the second approximated position.
US08864752B2
A medical robotic system having non-ideal actuator-to-joint linkage characteristics, includes a control system including a proximal control loop with actuator sensor feedback to control dynamic response of an actuator coupled to a distal joint which in turn, is coupled to an end effector to provide a degree of freedom movement of the end effector, a distal control loop with distal joint sensor feedback and feedforward to the actuator to ensure steady-state convergence of the distal joint position, and an end effector control loop with end-point sensor feedback to control the end effector position to reach a commanded end effector position.
US08864739B2
An improved pump, reservoir and reservoir piston are provided for controlled delivery of fluids. A motor is operably coupled to a drive member, such as a drive screw, which is adapted to advance a plunger slide in response to operation of the motor. The plunger slide is removably coupled to the piston. Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for automatically detecting an occlusion in a medication infusion pump are provided. The electrical current to an infusion pump may be measured. Based on measurements of one or more variables, such as force, the infusion pump detects whether there is an occlusion in the system. The methods of detecting occlusions may be dynamic.
US08864735B2
A bottle-type blow-molded plastic infusion container that can be set in an upright position. When liquid is discharged from the container, almost no dead space occurs in shoulder and bottom portions (required amount of air to be placed in the container to remove residual liquid is less). The blow-molded container has a mouth section (1), a neck section (2), the shoulder section (3), a barrel section (4), and the bottom section (5). The barrel section (4) has a pair of broad side faces (41, 41) and a pair of narrow side faces (42, 42). The bottom section (5) is formed in a shape symmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the bottom section (5) and bent inward in a V shape. Further, the shoulder section (3) has a pair of broad side faces (31, 31) and a pair of narrow side faces (32, 32). In the narrow side faces (32, 32) are formed grooves (33, 33) symmetrical about a longitudinal axis and bent inward in a V shape.
US08864724B2
A catheter including one or more bidirectional valves is provided. The catheter includes a tubular body having proximal and distal ends, and inner and outer surfaces, and at least one valve formed near the distal end of the tubular body. The valve includes a deformation portion that defines a slit that is openable and closable. The openable/closable slit communicates from the inner surface to the outer surface of the tubular body, wherein the distance between the inner surface and the outer surface of the tubular body progressively becomes thinner approaching the openable/closable slit within the deformation portion.
US08864715B2
A system and method for assembling a catheter device, wherein a septum actuator is positioned within the lumen of a catheter adapter to provide a pathway through a septum component, an introducer needle being inserted through the septum via the septum actuator thereby preventing damage to the septum, the septum actuator thereafter being withdrawn from the septum and positioned within a rearward chamber of the catheter adapter lumen.
US08864714B2
A catheter and introducer needle assembly with a needle shield is provided. The needle shield includes a means for preventing unwanted distal movement of the needle once the needle has been withdrawn into the needle shield. The needle shield also includes a means for connecting the needle shield to the catheter hub until the sharp distal tip of the introducer needle has been withdrawn into the needle shield. Thus, when the distal end of the introducer needle extends from the distal portion of the needle shield, the needle shield is connected to the catheter hub and when the sharp distal end of the introducer needle is withdrawn into the needle shield, the needle shield is disconnected from the catheter hub. At that point, the sharp needle tip is secured within the needle shield.
US08864713B2
The invention relates to a hypodermic injection system having a direct-drive motor for moving a ram towards an injectate chamber for discharging injectate therein through a discharge orifice. The system can have an injection head attached to a housing having an injectate chamber for holding injectate to be injected, a remote discharge device with a control apparatus or the structure for holding a cartridge containing injectate. The injectate supply could be a bottle, a remote reservoir or a cartridge. An injection head can have a nose actuator for enabling an injection only if the nose actuator has engaged the body to be injected. A clamping device clamps the body to be injected. Control is effected through a microprocessor to which the electrically-operated parts of the invention are attached. Control and output signals are readable through an electronic display.
US08864705B2
A balloon catheter includes a core wire and an opening control portion. The core wire is formed of a long wire disposed in an outer shaft and includes a pushing portion. The opening control portion is provided in the outer shaft and has a control hole that communicates with an inflation lumen. The opening area of the control hole in the opening control portion is partially closed when the pushing portion of the core wire comes into contact with the control hole.
US08864695B2
An adjustable brace apparatus provides, in an exemplary embodiment, a pair of elongate wings configured for wrapping about and substantially conforming to a portion of a body of a user, an adjustment sleeve configured for slidably receiving each of the wings, and a pair of first and second tightening segments removably engagable with each of the wings and slidably engaged and suspended within the adjustment sleeve, thereby enabling the wings to substantially float and selectively overlap atop one another within the adjustment sleeve. In use, the user is able to selectively position, wrap, and engage the wings around the user's body portion, and selectively draw the wings closer against the user's body portion.
US08864674B2
Rotational intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging devices, systems, and methods are provided. Some embodiments of the present disclosure are particularly directed to compact and efficient circuit architectures and electrical interfaces for polymer piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducers (PMUTs) used in rotational IVUS systems. In one embodiment, a rotational intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) device includes: a flexible elongate member; a piezoelectric micromachined ultrasound transducer (PMUT) coupled to a distal portion of the flexible elongate member; and an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) coupled to the distal portion of the flexible elongate member. The ASIC is electrically coupled to the PMUT and includes a pulser, an amplifier, a protection circuit, and timing and control circuitry for coordinating operation of the pulser, amplifier, and protection circuit.
US08864672B2
A blood rheology measurement device measures a blood rheology of blood flowing through an artery inside of a living body from outside of the living body. The blood rheology measurement device has a sensor that detects a flow rate of blood flowing through the artery and a pulsatile displacement that varies with an elapse of time. The pulsatile displacement corresponds to a displacement of the artery in a diameter direction thereof due to expansion and contraction of the artery resulting from a pulsatile motion of the heart. A calculating section calculates the blood rheology of blood flowing through the artery on the basis of the blood flow rate and the pulsatile displacement detected by the sensor.
US08864665B2
A portable monitoring device for monitoring of the short term, mid term and long term risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and to estimate the risk of onset of positional plagiocephaly. The monitoring device acquires one or more signals associated to the typical breath and positioning patterns of an infant through a tri-axial accelerometer, and registers the data in electronic format, where statistical analysis of the signal and pattern recognition are performed in real time by a processing unit. The device monitors the breath activity of an infant in various conditions, alerting a caregiver when a potentially dangerous situation is detected. The monitoring is attached to the clothes of the infant. Statistical analysis of the registered data is performed for quantifying the long term SIDS risk, the risk of plagiocephaly and for optimizing the functional parameters of the monitoring device.
US08864661B2
A transoral retractor in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a handle, a retractor blade mount attached to the handle, a frame and a pivot mechanism to pivotally mount the frame to the handle. In another embodiment the frame includes side members and is configured with the side members at transverse locations that will be near or beyond the side of the patient's head. The frame and/or pivot mechanism are configured to locate a plane of the frame generally at or near the plane of the patient's oral commissaries, with the side members located below the plane of the oral commissaries.
US08864659B2
A surgical apparatus for positioning within a tissue tract accessing an underlying body cavity, includes a seal anchor member comprising a compressible material and being adapted to transition between a first expanded condition to facilitate securing of the seal anchor member within the tissue tract and in substantial sealed relation with tissue surfaces defining the tissue tract and a second compressed condition to facilitate at least partial insertion of the seal anchor member within the tissue tract. The seal anchor member defines a central longitudinal axis and has leading and trailing ends. At least one longitudinal object port extends between the leading and trailing ends and is adapted for reception of a surgical object whereby compressible material defining the at least one longitudinal object port is adapted to deform to establish a substantial sealed relation with the object. The seal anchor member includes at least two separable anchor segments dimensioned to be positioned in adjacent stacked relation to selectively alter the longitudinal length of the seal anchor member to accommodate tissue tracts of different lengths.
US08864656B2
An endoscope including a shaft having a deflectable distal end; a main section at a proximal end of the shaft, where the main section forms a handle of the endoscope; and a deflection control connected to the distal end. The deflection control includes a combined lock and deflection control member at the main section comprising a control lever pivotably connected to the main section at a pivot and extending away from the pivot in a general cantilever fashion, and a lock lever pivotably connected to the control lever. A first end of the lock lever is configured to contact the main section. A second end of the lock lever is configured to be pressed inward on the control lever towards the main section to pivot the first end out of contact with the main section.
US08864654B2
The foregoing application describes a system and method of performing a minimally invasive surgical operation. More specifically, the invention involves the use of disposable cannula and slender dilators of variable lengths, which incorporate a source of illumination to carry light to a surgical site and video capabilities for capturing and displaying images from a CMOS or CCD camera device. According to one embodiment, fiber optics run semi-circumferentially or along walls of the cannula/dilator and terminate at about a centimeter from the distal end of the cannula/dilator, thereby preventing illumination from “bottoming out” at the floor of the incision. According to one alternate embodiment, the light fibers may be fashioned in an annulus around one or more camera chips to provide illumination and video of the surgical site. In still another embodiment, the light fibers may be replaced by light emitting diodes in a more remote light source or alternatively at the distal-tip of the CMOS or CCD camera device.
US08864643B2
A blood pump includes a hub having an axis of rotation and a generally cylindrical shape. The hub has an upstream end region, a central region, and a downstream end region, and the hub includes a magnetic material. Blades that are disposed on the downstream end region of the hub extend downstream of the hub.
US08864637B2
An exercise device for use with a support surface includes a first elongated member defining an elongated bore extending, a second elongated member defining an elongated bore extending, the first elongated member being removably secured to the second elongated member, and an attachment assembly configured to removable secure the first and second elongated members adjacent to the support surface. A user positions a portion of the user's body between the first and second elongated members and the support surface, thereby securing the portion of the user's body in a substantially stationary position.
US08864636B1
Resistance training exercise apparatus provides load resistance with a vacuum load assembly, and has an adjustment mechanism controlling effective vector force between the vacuum load assembly and a user-engaged exercise member. The adjustment mechanism includes a user-controlled adjustment assembly adjustably varying the vector force. The adjustment assembly includes a coupling mechanism adjustably varying a lever arm distance of at least one of a gym cable and a cylinder cable along the adjustment assembly.
US08864625B2
Disclosed is a controller of a stepped automatic transmission. The stepped automatic transmission has a plurality of lock-up elements and performs downshift during coasting while an engine has a fuel cut-off state by changing over a pair of lock-up elements including an open side lock-up element and a lock-up side lock-up element. Downshift operation includes torque phase control and inertia phase control. The controller includes: a fuel cut-off recovery executing unit that is configured to perform recovery from the fuel cut-off state for an inertia phase control period; and a cylinder number restricting unit that is configured to restrict a count of cylinders recovered from the fuel cut-off state.
US08864619B2
A power take off device includes input and output shafts and an integral planetary gear set. The power take off device may be a single speed or a two speed device. The input shaft and the output shaft are mechanically connected through the planetary gear set. In one mode of operation of the power take off device, a substantial speed reduction and torque increase is provided between the input shaft and the output shaft. The power take off device may change to a second mode of operation without stopping to provide a direct one to one speed and torque ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft. A planetary gear set clutch unit includes a two direction actuator that provides fluid pressure actuation and release of the clutch unit with a single input signal.
US08864609B2
Implementation including an outputter following a control to output a signal, a microphone for acquisition of sound from inside a ball, a determiner working in accordance with a level of sound acquired through the microphone to determine a state of the ball, and a control processor working in accordance with a result of determination at the determiner to generate a signal to output through the outputter.
US08864606B2
A system is generally described which includes a sports system. The sports system includes a wind profile detector, a reference location, and a user interface device. Among other information the user interface device may provide information based on the wind profile from the wind profile detector and the reference location.
US08864604B2
A golf club head having a hollow portion therein, includes a crown portion forming a top surface of the head, a resin member composed of a fiber reinforced resin forming said crown portion at least partially, a reinforcing member attached to said resin member and said reinforcing member integrally comprising a plate-like portion which is embedded in the resin member and extends along a plane direction of the resin member and a rib protruding from the plate-like portion toward the hollow portion.
US08864603B2
A head of a first aspect is provided with a head body h1x, a double-stick tape t1, and an adherend s1x bonded to the head body h1x by the double-stick tape t1. The double-stick tape t1 has a first adhesive layer 30 provided as an innermost layer, a second adhesive layer 36 provided as an outermost layer, and intermediate layers 32 and 34 provided between the first adhesive layer 30 and the second adhesive layer 36. The intermediate layer includes a fiber layer 34 and/or a resin layer 32. The resin layer 32 is free of bubbles. In a head of a second aspect, a head body h1y or an adherend s1y has a recessed part 27y. In a head of a third aspect, an adherend s1 has a metal member 27 and an elastic member 29. The elastic member 29 has a peripheral part 29a directly or indirectly abutting on a side surface 31 of the metal member 27.
US08864600B2
A golf training aid including a generally C-shaped base which snap-fits around the grip of a golf club. A single arm angles downwardly and forwardly away from a top end of the base. A contoured support is provided at the end of the arm which contacts the golfer's wrist and this support substantially prevents the golfer's wrist from breaking, i.e., bending, during the playing of a shot, particularly a chip shot. The arm is adjustable in length and is movable between retracted and extended positions to enable the golfer to customize the training aid to suit his or her body. The training aid assists in keeping the golfer's shoulders and arms in the correct orientation relative to each other to more effectively and consistently play chips shots.
US08864595B2
Present invention is provided with a slide main body 100; a support supporting a upper portion of the slide main body; a reservoir 131 for mechanism circulating fluids such as the water to the slide main body 100; a water supply pump 133; and a pipe 140, a slide main body having a hollow structure opened on a lower portion; a reservoir supporting the opening of lower portion of the slide main body; a reservoir 131 is provided in the water supply pump 133. And, a pipe placed in the hollow portion of the slide main body, one end of the pipe connecting to a discharge opening of the water supply pump, and the other end of the pipe extended to the upper inside of the slide main body; a nozzle connected to the other end of the pipe; the nozzle spurting the fluid filled with the reservoir via the pipe, the reservoir being returned the spurting fluid, the spurting/returning is repeated.
US08864593B2
A seat assembly comprises a plurality of stabilizing members mounted to a base. A passenger support member is moveably mounted along the plurality of stabilizing members. A plurality of spaced apart inflatable actuators are drivingly connected to the passenger support member.
US08864592B2
A ride adapted for providing riders or passengers with a unique ride experience. The ride includes a first turntable assembly including a first turntable and a drive mechanism operable to rotate the first turntable about a rotation axis extending vertically through the first turntable. The ride apparatus includes a second turntable assembly that is supported on the first turntable, and the second turntable assembly includes a second turntable and a drive mechanism operable to rotate the secondary turntable about a rotation axis extending vertically through the second turntable. The ride apparatus includes a number of passenger vehicles mounted on the second turntable that are rotated to maintain an angular orientation to cause the vehicles to face a focal point or area on a projection surface provided about the turntables. The drive mechanisms are operable to independently rotate the first and second turntables about the rotation axes, e.g., no mechanical linkage.
US08864589B2
A video game includes a reader that senses the identity of various game objects. Each game object includes an identification device such as an RFID tag. The game objects may be in a form of characters or items, for example structures or articles. Each of the game objects is associated with a animate game character or an inanimate item, for example a structure or article manipulable by an animate game character, in the video game. Game play proceeds depending on what game object is placed on the reader.
US08864588B2
A method of controlling a game program adapted to operate a game in a device is disclosed. The method comprises accessing configuration data defining one or more states or events which can occur at the device and which are not related to the game program, and specifying for each defined state or event a game action to be performed by the game program in response to the defined state or event. The occurrence of one of the defined states or events at the device is detected, and the game action specified in the configuration data for the detected state or event is performed in response to detection of the defined state or event.
US08864587B2
A mobile computing device includes a processor configured to receive position information from a position sensor and a display controlled by the processor. The device also includes a storage medium accessible to the processor and bearing instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive user input to challenge a friend's mobile device to an exercise, upload the challenge to a server, and receive a signal from the server indicating the challenge is accepted. The instructions cause the processor to upload to the server position information at a predetermined start time and receive from the server map information presenting a position of the mobile device and a position of the friend's mobile device. Further, the instructions cause the processor to receive updates of the map information including updates of the position of the mobile device and the position of the friend's mobile device periodically during the exercise.
US08864583B1
A system which employs a method of creating transferable map schemas, storing the map schemas to storage devices, receiving target device settings, re-sampling the map schemas to fit the target devices using the target device settings, delivering the re-sampled map schemas to the target devices is described. Thereby providing the innovation that map schemas may be accessed by more than one type of device, the method by which maps are scaled from a created map dimension with given details to either a larger map having the ability to be utilized on a more capable playing device or to a map or a smaller map having the ability to be utilized on a less capable device without losing the important game-specific required data is also described.
US08864582B2
Apparatus, systems, and methods to manage attract software package access, storage, and execution scheduling for wagering game machines. A wagering game machine may operate to determine the availability of one or more attract packages, as well as to determine whether any available attract packages comprise an active attract package based on one or more schedules. The gaming machine may access one or more of the available, active attract packages and present them. The attract packages and associated schedules can be loaded into the gaming machine using a number of mechanisms, including a server and a machine-readable medium.
US08864576B2
A trusted disaster tolerant system architecture supporting concurrently a number of distributed online gaming operations such as slip-scan lottery, video lottery, fixed odd betting terminals, Internet gaming, and interactive TV. A personality front end resolves the peculiarities of the various client systems before submitting the relevant transactional payload to a trusted transactional cache. A universal game random generator may be used either at the central game server or at each individual gaming machine, thus conferring a significant trust to the entire estate of gaming machines fitted with the game random generator. An auditable trusted log allows to rapidly resolve any dispute. The instant-draw model and the differed-draw model are supported. The system may advantageously be used in casino environments.
US08864575B2
A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines and a plurality of bonus awards. The central server monitors wagers on the gaming machines. Based at least in part on the wagers the central server determines when bonus events will occur and which gaming machine(s) will provide the bonus awards. In one embodiment, the central server determines which gaming machine will provide a primary bonus award and any secondary bonus awards. In one embodiment, the number of secondary bonus awards is determined based on the number of active gaming machines. The selected gaming machine then determines a component of or the amount of the bonus award to be provided to the gaming machine selected by the central server.
US08864573B2
A gaming method may include receiving a value amount to initially define a value total, and causing video images to be generated, the video images representing a game including at least one value-generating event. The method also may include deducting a fee at intervals from the value total independent of play of the game represented by the video images, determining based on the fee a value payout associated with the at least one value-generating events, and adding the value payout to the value total. A gaming system or gaming apparatus may include a controller programmed to operate according to the gaming method. Further, a memory may have a computer program in accordance with the gaming method stored thereon.
US08864559B2
A multiple outflow valve control system for an aircraft is provided having a plurality of outflow valves that may be controlled independently via an all electrical control system. The outflow valves may be located in various locations in an aircraft. The control system may have a control loop controlling the outflow valve motors via open-loop PWM commands and may not have a motor speed feedback in the control loop. The cabin pressure control system may have manual and auto controls controlling separate motors on each outflow valve. Auto motor control may be performed via software biasing command logic included in the control laws in the control system. Air flow may be biased through selected outflow valves and the degree of biasing may be automatically or manually set.
US08864555B2
A method for mass-production butchering of a beef chuck roll includes locating an anterior side and a posterior side of the chuck roll, and making a first series of cuts into the chuck roll along lines not intersecting the anterior and posterior sides. The first series of cuts form a first set of separate beef portions with increasing weights from initial to final cuts in the first series. The method also includes making a second series of cuts into the chuck roll along lines not intersecting the anterior and posterior sides to form a second set of separate beef portions.
US08864543B2
A sealing apparatus and a method of manufacturing a flat display device using the sealing apparatus. The sealing apparatus to attach a first substrate and a second substrate to each other using an attachment member disposed between the first and second substrates, the sealing apparatus comprises a stage on which the first substrate is seated, a halogen lamp irradiating light, and a reflector reflecting light irradiated from the halogen lamp to the attachment member.
US08864542B2
A method of forming a microplasma device places a curable polymer material between a mold having a negative volume impression of microcavities and/or microchannels and a substrate. The polymer is cured and then the mold is separated from the solid polymer. The method can form a microplasma device that includes a substrate and either or both of a microchannel or microcavity defined in a polymer layer supported by the substrate. Electrodes arranged with respect to the polymer material can excite plasma in a discharge medium contained in the microchannel or the microcavity or both. A flexible mold is preferably used to fabricate transparent polymer microcavities onto rigid substrates. A rigid mold is preferably used to fabricate transparent polymer microcavities onto flexible substrates. Having one of the mold and the substrate flexible and the other rigid aids in the separation of the mold from the cured polymer.
US08864541B2
Pre-manufactured electronic displays and, in particular, liquid crystal flat-panel displays, may be cut to a new size and resealed while preserving their originally-manufactured properties. A display may be cut, and the exposed edge of a target portion may be sealed, e.g., to preserve the integrity of the target portion of the display. It may be desirable to cause a sealant to go in between the plates of the panel, e.g., to achieve improved yield, chemical isolation, dimensional integrity, and/or strength of the seal. Apparatus and methods are disclosed where the sealant is injected or otherwise forced into the region between the plates adjacent the exposed edge. This sealing process may achieve more sealant surface contact area inside the panel in between the plates, e.g., to achieve better bonding strength, chemical isolation, and/or improved yield.
US08864540B2
A gas barrier substrate including a first gas barrier layer, a substrate, and a second gas barrier layer is provided. The first gas barrier layer has a central bonding surface bonded with the substrate and a peripheral boding surface surrounding the central bonding surface. The second gas barrier layer entirely covers the substrate and the first gas barrier layer. The second gas barrier layer is bonded with the substrate and the peripheral boding surface of the first gas barrier layer, wherein a minimum distance from an edge of the substrate to an edge of the first gas barrier layer is greater than a thickness of the first gas barrier layer.
US08864531B2
A cable assembly includes an electrical connector and a cable. The electrical connector defines a mating port and comprising contacts with contacting portions exposing to the mating port and connecting portion. The cable includes conductive wires connecting with the connecting portion of the contact. The cable comprises a main body and an enlarged portion connecting with the contacts. The main body is configured with a same diameter and the enlarged portion is configured with an enlarged diameter than the main portion.
US08864523B2
A connector includes a multi-port shield configured to reduce EMI. A housing is positioned inside the shield and includes one or more projections extending from a first face, the projections aligned with each port. A vertical wall is provided on the first face of the housing. Apertures in the vertical wall are aligned with the projections. The vertical wall helps reduce the amount of EMI generated by the connector.
US08864522B2
A universal serial bus connector includes an insulating housing, a plurality of first terminals, second terminals and third terminals disposed to the insulating housing, an insulating cover disposed to a rear end of the insulating housing, a shielding shell surrounding the insulating housing and the insulating cover. Each of the first terminals has a first soldering portion. Each of the second terminals has a second soldering portion. Each of the third terminals has a third soldering portion. The insulating cover defines one row of first insertion slots and one row of second insertion slots. Rear ends of the first soldering portions and the second soldering portions, and the third soldering portions are respectively inserted into the first insertion slots and the second insertion slots. The rear ends of the first soldering portions, the second soldering portions and the third soldering portions are abreast arranged in two rows.
US08864521B2
An improved broadside coupled, open pin field connector. The connector incorporates lossy material to selectively dampen resonance within pairs of conductive members connected to ground when the connector is mounted to a printed circuit board. The material may also decrease crosstalk and mode conversion. The lossy material is selectively positioned to substantially dampen resonances along pairs that may be connected to ground without unacceptably attenuating signals carried by other pairs. The lossy material may be selectively positioned near mating contact portions of the conductive members. Multiple techniques are described for selectively positioning the lossy material, including molding, inserting lossy members into a housing or coating surfaces of the connector housing. The lossy material alternatively may be positioned between broad sides of conductive members of a pair.
US08864520B2
An electrical connector includes a main housing, an inner housing assembled in the main housing, and a plurality of conductive terminals of which each has a fastening arm molded in the inner housing, a contact arm and a touching arm perpendicular to the contact arm. The contact arms are apart arranged along a transverse direction in front of the inner housing. The touching arms are apart arranged along a longitudinal direction at one side of the inner housing. In use, the touching arms of the conductive terminals are elastically against and further pressed downward by a circuit board to realize electrical connection with the circuit board. It is rather short-time and convenient for mounting the circuit board to the electrical connector. Moreover, the touching arms of the conductive terminals are easily removed from the circuit board for the convenience of replacing the electrical connector when it doesn't work.
US08864518B2
A stacked connector component includes a housing, connectors at a front opening of the housing and arranged in a stacked formation within one or more columns, and a for and exposed at the connectors. The pins include high-speed pins routed within the housing to a bottom side thereof and low-speed pins routed within the housing to a back side or a top side thereof. A circuit board includes pin pads connectable to the pins and disposed on a substrate. The pin pads include high-speed signal pin pads for the high-speed signal pins. The substrate includes contiguous high-speed areas in which the high-speed signal pin pads for the high-speed pins are located, between which no pin pads are located.
US08864516B2
A cable assembly including first and second header connectors. The first header connector has mating and loading sides and includes electrical contacts. The mating side is configured to mate with a first module connector. The second header connector has mating and loading sides and includes electrical contacts. The mating side of the second header connector is configured to mate with a second module connector. The cable assembly also has a cable bundle including communication cables that extend between the loading sides of the first and second header connectors and that connect the electrical contacts of the first and second header connectors. The cables are substantially twist-free between the first and second header connectors when the first and second header connectors face in substantially opposite directions and the first and second module connectors have an orthogonal relationship.
US08864506B2
A cable connector includes an insulative housing including two sidewalls and a mating slot defined between the two sidewalls, and a plurality of terminals received in the insulative housing. The terminals include contacting portions exposed to the mating slot and connecting portions behind a rear end of the insulating housing. The two sidewalls are loaded with a first row and a second row of the plurality of terminals respectively. The first row includes signal terminals and grounding terminals. A grounding plate is inserted in the insulating housing and between two rows of terminals. The grounding plate defines resilient arms and connecting legs, the resilient arms slant to the first row and touch with the grounding terminals.
US08864486B2
A twin screw extruder includes a barrel having a chamber, a discharge port, an extrusion molding die coupled to the discharge port of the barrel, axially extending first and second screw shafts, and a screw shaft support. The screw shaft support includes first and second spacer bearings disposed on the first and second screw shafts, and a first cross member including first and second loops slidably coupled to the first and second spacer bearings. A second cross member is spaced apart from the first cross member by a connection member, and also includes first and second loops slidably coupled to the first and second spacer bearings. The connection member is situated between the first spacer bearing and the second spacer bearing, and connected to the first cross member and the second cross member.
US08864479B2
A machine having two volute casings describing an orbital relative movement, one of the volute casings being fitted with at least one scroll and the other volute casing being equipped with at least two scrolls, the various scrolls delimiting a first series of variable-volume chambers belonging to a first compression or expansion stage, and a second series of variable-volume chambers belonging to a second compression or expansion stage, each stage having a high-pressure fluid passage and low-pressure fluid passage. A portion of the low-pressure fluid passage of the second stage is designed to open into one of the chambers of the second stage and is further away from the zone of convergence of the scrolls delimiting the variable-volume chambers of the second stage than a portion of the high-pressure fluid passage of the first stage that is designed to open into one of the chambers of the first stage.
US08864478B2
The exposure of components to high-pressure fluids can result in the application of high tensile stresses to those components, which may lead to reduced life. The preload system described herein helps to reduce the magnitude of those tensile stresses by providing a body and a plug. The body includes a first bore and a second bore. The first bore is configured to be exposed to high tensile stresses. The second bore includes a first engagement structure and a bottom surface near a first portion of the first bore. The plug includes a second engagement structure and a first end. The second engagement structure engages the first engagement structure to force the first end of the plug against the bottom surface of the bore. The force of the plug against the bottom surface of the bore applies a compressive preload to the first portion of the first bore.
US08864471B2
A rotor for a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of turbine blades extending radially outwardly of a rotor body. A plurality of purge blades are positioned to rotate with the rotor body, and to drive air radially outwardly toward the turbine blades.
US08864468B1
An turbine stator vane for an industrial engine, the vane having a serpentine flow cooling circuit with a first leg located along a leading edge of the vane airfoil and a partition rib separating the first leg from a second leg. A root turn channel connects the first leg to the second leg. A lower end of the partition rib includes a guide vane that directs cooling air from an aft section of the first leg toward a bleed hole for purging an ISSH. A plurality of turning guide ribs located in the aft section of the first leg also directs the cooling air toward the bleed hole.
US08864467B1
A turbine rotor blade with a serpentine flow cooling circuit, especially a blade with a wide open tip turn, where the tip turn includes a main rib separating the two legs that are connected to the tip turn and include a bleed cooling air hole with a mini rib formed along side the main rib in the downstream leg from the tip turn in which bleed cooling air from the upstream leg flows through the hole and is impinged onto the mini rib. The bleed cooling air not only provides additional cooling for the tip turn region of the blade but eliminates the separation and recirculation issues creates in tip turns of the prior art. The bleed cooling air hole and mini rib can also be used in the root turn.
US08864460B2
A bearing assembly that includes a first bearing, a second bearing, a spring and a sleeve. The spring applies a preload to each of the bearings, and the sleeve surrounds the spring and the bearings. The sleeve includes an end portion that extends axially beyond the first bearing. The end portion includes a step down in the outer diameter that defines a seat for an o-ring.
US08864458B2
A stationary vane assembly for a turbine engine including an inner casing and at least two angular sectors forming a high-pressure guide vane assembly, each angular sector including a fastening tab for fastening the angular sector on the casing. The stationary vane assembly including a ring of abradable material fixed on the casing, on the side of a mobile vane assembly using a plurality of screw-nut assemblies, the stationary vane assembly also including radial retaining pins for the angular sectors introduced into first bores formed in the fastening tabs and in the mounting clip, the bores having axes substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, the mounting clip being fixed on the casing by the same screw-nut assemblies as those fixing the ring of abradable material support on the casing.
US08864457B2
A turbine airfoil assembly for installation in a gas turbine engine. The airfoil assembly includes an endwall and an airfoil extending radially outwardly from the endwall. The airfoil includes pressure and suction sidewalls defining chordally spaced apart leading and trailing edges of the airfoil. An airfoil mean line is defined located centrally between the pressure and suction sidewalls. An angle between the mean line and a line parallel to the engine axis at the leading and trailing edges defines gas flow entry angles, α, and exit angles, β. Airfoil inlet and exit angles are substantially in accordance with pairs of inlet angle values, α, and exit angle values, β, set forth in one of Tables 1, 3, 5 and 7.
US08864456B2
A turbine nozzle for an air cycle machine includes a base with a multiple turbine vanes which each extend for a vane height H, a throat width W defined between each of the multiple of turbine vanes, wherein a ratio W/H is 0.101-0.112.
US08864455B2
An impulse wind machine comprises the following: A funnel configured to capture air from the wind. A turbine housing configured to direct the air to the center (eye) of the housing where the air passes through directional vanes. A rotor configured to rotate within the eye of the turbine housing and configured with impulse blades along the longitudinal periphery. Air from the directional vanes impinges the impulse blades to cause rotor rotation. An exhaust deflector configured inside the cavity of the rotor to deflect exhaust air from the impulse blades axially out the ends of the rotor. Spokes on the rotor configured to provide a fan action during rotor rotation aiding removal of the exhaust air. A generator and a gearbox driven by a shaft connected to the rotor for generating electrical power.
US08864443B2
A sealing structure in which free-cutting spacers on a sealing base plate and sealing fins on a rotor are opposed to each other is provided. The sealing base plate is disposed so as to be movable in an axial direction of the rotor. When a steam turbine increases in load, a pressure head moves in an axial steam-pressure loading direction of the rotor and the sealing base plate connected to the pressure head moves in the axial steam-pressure loading direction. Since the free-cutting spacers at positions opposed to those of the sealing fins existing after the movement of the sealing base plate are maintained in a non-contact state, clearances between the sealing fins and the free-cutting spacers are dimensionally minimized.
US08864441B1
A rocket engine turbopump with a main rotor shaft supporting a liquid oxygen impeller on a forward end and a turbine on an aft end, and with a multiple stage liquid hydrogen impeller in-between. Two hydrostatic bearings support the main rotor shaft such that the liquid oxygen impeller and the turbine are both overhung. A balancing piston is used to balance the main rotor shaft in an axial direction. This structure allows for the main rotor shaft to be of such a large diameter that the turbopump is capable of operating at around 70,000 rpm that can produce a liquid hydrogen outlet pressure of around 4,000 psia in a turbopump having a diameter of less than 10 inches.
US08864439B2
A hydroelectric turbine for the production of electricity from tidal flow forces, the turbine having a rotor with an open center such that the blades are mounted between an inner rim and outer rim, wherein retaining members and anti-friction members are provided to limit movement of the rotor relative to the housing in either axial direction, such that water flow in either direction operates the turbine, but wherein the retaining members and the anti-friction members allow the rotor to shift in either axial direction in response to water flow. The anti-friction members limiting rotor travel in the axial direction are preferably of increased thickness, such that as the anti-friction members wear down, the rotor is able to shift relative to the housing in the axial direction.
US08864437B1
Stacking apparatuses and/or equipment for stacking objects with foldably-attached parts (e.g., containers with flaps), methods of stacking objects with foldably-attached parts, and methods of manufacturing stacking apparatuses and/or equipment for stacking objects with foldably-attached parts. The stacking apparatuses have at least two flap guide assemblies with one or more arms and one or more flap guides, one or more cams, each cam having a cam track and a cam follower, and a lift assembly having a lifting mechanism to move the next object to be stacked into a stack of substantially identical objects. The present stacking apparatuses stack objects in a manner that avoids jams or obstructions due to irregular folding and/or obstruction of the stacking process by the foldably-attached parts.
US08864431B2
A screw capable of drilling and cutting includes two inclined cutting planes with a cutting edge formed on a convergence of the cutting planes. A tapered positioning member extends from the convergence of the cutting planes, where the cutting edge is divided into dual sub cutting edges by means of the positioning member. Each sub cutting edge has an inclined angle. An included angle included by the sub cutting edges is smaller than 180 degrees. Threads spiral on a shank and extend to the sub cutting edges. Setting the positioning member against on an object permits a steady performance during the first stage of screwing. Subsequently, the sub cutting edges provides a scraping effect on the object during drilling. Torque is reduced and drilling speed is promoted.
US08864424B2
Described herein is a protected container employed to prevent soil erosion. The protected container is a geotextile container having a debris shield disposed thereon. The debris shield protects the integrity of the geotextile container by providing a strike barrier which has air and water flow capabilities. The debris shield is a composite fabric comprising a woven protective layer having abrasion resistance and a woven three-dimensional layer which provides impact dampening and energy dissipation.
US08864416B2
A method for performing a seismic survey in a water column includes providing a length of flexible cable from a cable storage device disposed on a vessel to a cable handling device adjacent the cable storage device. The flexible cable comprises a specific gravity that is greater than a specific gravity of water in the water column. The method further comprises routing the flexible cable to pass adjacent a workstation disposed on the vessel, deploying a free end of the flexible cable into the water column, attaching at least one of a plurality of seismic sensor units to the cable as the cable passes the workstation, and controlling the motion of the vessel and the rotational speed of the cable handling device to allow the flexible cable to rest on the bottom of the water column.
US08864407B1
A furniture interconnection system for reversibly joining a board element and an upright element perpendicular to each other in a furniture frame. The joint is formed by a tenon and a mortise, the tenon having a novel irregular hexagon shape, the mortise having a novel irregular quadrilateral shape. The tenon is inserted into the mortise and pivoted in stages on a pair of angles of the hexagon, to form a stable joint without fasteners such as glue, screws, and other similar fasteners. As the tenon pivots inside the mortise, pairs of complementary and supplementary angles interact within the furniture interconnection system to position the tenon to form the stable joint without additional fasteners, allowing the furniture frame to be easily dismantled for moving or reconfiguration without damaging the frame, but forming the reversible joint that is sufficiently sturdy to support the load it was designed to bear.
US08864406B2
Apparatus is provided comprising first and second coaxial shafts, the first and second shafts extending along, and being rotatable about, a central axis. The first and second shafts are coupled together by a splined major coupling at a coupling region of the apparatus, which major coupling enables the shafts to co-rotate about the central axis. A torque element is connected to the first and second shafts, the torque element being operable to force the first and second shafts to relatively rotate about the central axis in order to apply a preload to the major coupling. The apparatus may be comprised in a gas turbine engine, whereupon the first shaft may be a fan shaft and the second shaft may be a LP turbine shaft.
US08864404B2
Hydraulically assisted fastener (10) comprises a body (11) with a central bore (12) to engage a connector element (20) and with an annular recess (14) opening outwards to an end surface (15). Annular thrust member (17) fits into and seals the recess (14). Charging medium (50) is injected under pressure into annular chamber (30) defined by recess (14) and member (17) and moves body (11) relative to member (17) to tension element (20). Medium (50) sets in chamber (30) to maintain the tension in element (20). Element (20) may be a bolt or stud, body (11) can be a nut and member (17) can be a plan washer. Medium (50) can be a curable viscous paste, a suspended solid in a self-setting compound or a particulate solid which behaves as a fluid. Suitable materials include graphite, and lead, copper or steel balls.
US08864402B2
A refillable toothbrush and base assembly having a handle assembly, a hinge assembly, a head assembly, brush assembly, a toothpaste cartridge assembly, and a base assembly. The brush assembly is removably mounted to the head assembly. When not in use, the refillable toothbrush assembly rests on the base. A hinge assembly is integrally mounted to the handle assembly. The toothpaste cartridge assembly includes a toothpaste cartridge with an end cap, a plunger and a plunger actuator having a knob. The brush assembly has an internal channel. Upon the rotation of the knob, the toothpaste is forced to travels through the toothpaste cartridge assembly to exit at the brush. A user may rotate the head assembly, with the brush assembly mounted thereto, to a position where the brush assembly is housed within a channel and a cavity disposed at the handle assembly.
US08864397B2
A disposable writing instrument is provided for carpenters, masons and other tradesmen. The instrument is a lead pencil which comprises one or more accessories, including a level and a ruler. The level is positioned about the center of the instrument. Either or both ends of the instrument are adapted to be used to mark a surface.
US08864395B2
A medium feeding apparatus includes: a placement portion on which a medium is placed; a feeding unit which feeds the fed medium placed on the placement portion in a feeding direction; an edge guide which makes contact with the medium placed on the placement portion at a side edge in a width direction so as to determine a position of the medium in the width direction; and an adjustment unit which displaces at least a part of the edge guide such that a contact portion of the edge guide with the medium is placed on a line along the feeding direction so as to adjust a posture of the medium with respect to the feeding direction.
US08864391B2
The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic connector and cable assembly. The fiber optic connector and cable assembly includes a fiber optic connector, a fiber optic cable, and an anchoring mechanism. The fiber optic connector includes a connector housing and a ferrule assembly having a ferrule and a spring. The fiber optic cable includes at least one optical fiber contained within a cable jacket and at least one strength structure for providing tensile reinforcement to the fiber optic cable. The fiber optic cable is attached to the fiber optic connector and the at least one optical fiber runs from the fiber optic cable through a total length of the fiber optic connector. The anchor mechanism anchors the at least one optical fiber to at least one of the cable jacket and the at least one strength structure.
US08864369B2
The invention relates to a member (1) comprising a ceramic element (3) intended to be fitted against a body (5). According to the invention, the member includes a cooperation device (7) comprising a deformable insert (2) for locking the fit between the ceramic element (3) and the body (5), and a means of adherence (13) between the insert (2) and the ceramic element (3), in order to decrease the relative movement between said ceramic element (3) and said insert (2).The invention concerns the field of external elements for timepieces.
US08864366B2
The invention relates to a drum mixer wherein a drum containing a mixable product and rotatably mounted on a frame and a drive for rotating the drum about the axis of rotation thereof, wherein the mixer is provided with an extraction line which receives the mixable product from the drum by the extracting opening thereof through the front filling opening of the drum. The aim of the invention is to provide an advantageous structural design. For this purpose, the invention provides for a support connected to the frame to which the extraction line, which is projected in the mixable product of the drum is fixed, preferably rigidly, in such a way that forces are removed at least partially.
US08864360B2
A lighting assembly includes a light guide having opposed major surfaces between which light propagates by total internal reflection and a light input edge. The light assembly also includes a light engine. The light engine has a heat conductive armature having a receptacle for a portion of the light guide that includes the light input edge and a light source retained by and thermally coupled to the armature. The armature functions as a heat sink for dissipating heat generated by the light source. The light guide is mechanically retained in the receptacle, and the light guide and the armature cooperate to align the light input edge with the light source for inputting light from the light source into the light guide through the light input edge.
US08864351B2
A vehicle headlamp is provided with a light emitting module. The light emitting module is provided with a light emitting portion and a frame member. The frame member surrounds the light emitting portion to define a light emitting surface. The frame member includes a first surface and a second surface in which a part of an internal diffusing/reflection light reflected on the first surface is to be projected upwardly of a cutoff line of a low-beam light distribution pattern, and a part of the internal diffusing/reflection light reflected on the second surface is to be projected downwardly of the cutoff line. A reflectance of the first surface is lower than a reflectance of the second surface.
US08864346B2
The present subject matter is directed to a system and method for producing a batwing light distribution. A lens is illuminated with a light source, preferably an LED, and the lens is configured to internally reflect a portion of the illuminating light back in a direction generally opposite to the initial illumination direction. Another portion of the light from the light source may pass through other lens surfaces but may also be reflected back past the light source with a reflector positioned on the other side of the lens from the light source. The light source may be mounted on a frame so as to obscure light therefrom from view.
US08864343B2
A light emitting device comprises: a surface light source for a surface-emission; a CPC lens having a light receiving surface, a side reflective surface, and a light emitting surface, the light receiving surface receiving a part of light from the surface light source, the side reflective surface reflecting the light from the light receiving surface, and the light emitting surface facing the light receiving surface and emitting the light; and a reflector containing the surface light source and the CPC lens, and having a concaved reflective surface for reflecting forward the light deviating the light receiving surface from the surface light source, wherein a ratio of a illumination area of the surface light source to an area of the light receiving surface of the CPC lens is not less than 0.63 and not more than 2.93.
US08864340B2
A luminaire to be carried by a lighting fixture. The luminaire may include a housing, a primary optic disposed within the housing having a reflective inner surface defining an optical chamber, a light source, and a heat sink defining an aperture through which light may propagate. The light source may include a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The luminaire may further include a secondary optic positioned adjacent to the light source that may collimate and/or refract light emitted by the light source, and may form a seal between the light source and the optical chamber. The luminaire may further include a color conversion layer configured to change the color of light emitted by the light source.
US08864338B2
The present invention relates to a heat radiating printed circuit board (PCB) and a chassis assembly having the same, the heat-radiating PCB characterized by: a circuit pattern unit mounted with a light emitting diode; and one or more mounting units bent from the circuit pattern unit to be fixed at a chassis providing a lightguide path of a backlight unit, where one of the mounting units is mounted to the chassis via a thermal interface material to maximize the heat radiating characteristic of the PCB and to reduce the manufacturing cost.
US08864335B2
Provided is an illuminating device that is capable of improving use efficiency of cooling fluid used for cooling LEDs. An illuminating device (4) includes LEDs (13), a chassis (14) including a holding surface (14b) on which the LEDs are arranged in a matrix, cooling members (20) that are disposed on the chassis at positions associated with positions of the LEDs, each of the members including a channel (20a) inside, through which cooling fluid runs and a valve (21) opening and closing the channel, a radiator (22) performing heat exchange between the fluid and air, a pump (24) connected to the members and the radiator by pipes (25, 26) and circulating the fluid, an LED control unit (43) controlling driving of the LEDs, and cooling-member control units (44) controlling driving of the valves of the members associated with the LEDs based on the driving of the LEDs.
US08864334B2
Aspects of the disclosure relate to a lighting assembly and method for illuminating a vertical planar area, such as a merchandise display. The lighting assembly can comprise a circuit board having a plurality of LEDs arranged in a substantially straight line and an LED driver circuit, and an integral lens assembly. The integral lens assembly can have a plurality of lenses and each of the plurality of lenses can be placed over a corresponding one of the plurality of LEDs. The lenses capture the light from the respective LED, modify its beam pattern, and re-project the light such that the light emitted from the lighting assembly is distributed substantially evenly in a vertical plane or direction.
US08864331B2
An illumination system is provided for illuminating a planter box used to provide lighting for walkways, stairs, decks and the like. Indirect lighting is provided for illuminating the planter box with up-lighting and the supporting surface for the planter box with down-lighting. In a preferred embodiment, each LED is solar powered and provides both indirect up-lighting and indirect down-lighting simultaneously.
US08864330B2
A back light unit capable of achieving a reduction in thickness and manufacturing costs is disclosed. The back light unit includes light sources arranged in parallel, to emit light, a case receiving the light sources, a diffuser plate diffusing the light from the light sources, condensers laminated on the diffuser plate and having predetermined thicknesses, and a diffuser interposed between the adjacent condensers. The distance from the lamps to the diffuser plate is reduced by the diffuser plate and the optical sheets (three or four sheets) laminated over the diffuser plate, to reduce the total thickness of the back light unit. Also, the number of lamps is reduced by 2 to 4, as compared to the conventional back light unit, so that the manufacturing costs of the back light unit is reduced. The brightness difference exhibited on the display screen is also reduced, so that a brightness uniformity is achieved.
US08864324B2
A monolithic substrate of glass or glass ceramics and methods for manufacturing are provided, where the substrate has a lightweight structure. The lightweight structure includes recesses that are delimited by webs, such webs forming tetragonal or four-corner-shaped pockets. Due to the lightweight structure, the weight of the substrate can be significantly reduced, and at the same time a high rigidity can be ensured. The substrate can be used as a mirror support or a mirror and can be employed terrestrially and/or extra-terrestrially.
US08864323B2
A mirror assembly includes a reflective surface disposed within a housing, and an actuator in operative communication with at least a portion of the housing, wherein the actuator and/or housing comprises an active material element configured to cause or selectively enable the housing and surface to be manipulated.
US08864321B2
A controller or control method may be designed or configured to operate without information about the current temperature of the device and/or the device's environment. Further, in some cases, the controller or control method is designed or configured to control transition of an optical device to an intermediated state between two end states. For example, the controller may be configured to control a transition to a state of transmissivity that is intermediate between two end states of transmissivity. In such case, the device has three or more stable states of transmissivity.
US08864314B2
A stereoscopic digital projection system that projects stereoscopic images including first-eye images and second-eye images. The system includes one or more narrow-band, solid-state, tunable light emitters, each being controllable to alternately provide emitted light in a first state in a corresponding first spectral band and emitted light in a second state in a corresponding second spectral band. An image forming system including at least one spatial light modulator is used to form modulated images by modulating light from the tunable lights emitters. A controller synchronously controls the state of the tunable light emitters and the spatial light modulator pixels, wherein the spatial light modulator pixels are controlled responsive to first-eye image data when the tunable light emitters are in the first state and are controlled responsive to second-eye image data when the tunable light emitters are in the second state.
US08864299B2
An image forming apparatus includes a pretreatment unit to apply a pretreatment liquid on a recording medium before an image is formed on the recording medium, a posttreatment unit to apply a posttreatment liquid on the recording medium after the image is formed on the recording medium, and a dry unit to dry the image formed on the recording medium and the posttreatment liquid. The pretreatment unit controls an applying amount of the pretreatment liquid based on resolution of the image to be formed on the recording medium, the posttreatment unit controls an applying amount of the posttreatment liquid based on the resolution of the image to be formed on the recording medium, and the dry unit controls drying strength based on the resolution of the image to be formed on the recording medium.
US08864297B2
A water-based ink set for ink-jet recording includes two or more kinds of water-based inks; wherein at least one water-based ink among the two or more kinds of water-based inks contains a dye represented by a general formula (1) and at least one water-based inks contains 0.5% by weight to 4% by weight a cationic polymer; and in the general formula (1): n1 is 1 or 2, each of three Ms is sodium or ammonium and the three Ms may be same or different from one another, and R0 represents a monoalkylamino group substituted by a carboxyl group and having a number of carbon atoms of 1 to 8.
US08864295B2
A method of printing including providing an ink delivery system including a print head in fluid communication between a first tank and a second tank; and providing a pressure differential across the print head to cause ink to flow from the print head. With embodiments of the method, ink can be controllably dispensed from the print head at substantially the same velocity irrespective of the orientation of the print head with respect to the direction of the force of gravity.
US08864288B2
A piezoelectric device includes: a substrate; a first electrode which is layered over the substrate; a first piezoelectric film which is layered over the first electrode; a metal oxide film which is layered over the first piezoelectric film; a metal film which is layered over the metal oxide film; a second piezoelectric film which is layered over the metal film; and a second electrode which is layered over the second piezoelectric film, wherein a polarizing direction of the first piezoelectric film and a polarizing direction of the second piezoelectric film are different from each other.
US08864282B2
Images are printed up to the edges of printing paper while preventing ink droplets from depositing on the platen. According to the present invention, an area R for ejecting image-forming ink droplets is specified for a region lying beyond the edges of a printing paper P. The pixels of an external upper edge portion Rfp, extending beyond the upper edge Pf, and the pixels of an internal upper edge portion Rfq, disposed downstream of the external upper edge portion Rfp, are recorded solely by the nozzles disposed opposite the downstream slot of the platen. When dots are recorded, blank spaces are prevented from forming in the edge portions of the printing paper, and ink droplets are prevented from depositing on the platen when the printing paper P deviates from its intended position.
US08864279B2
A communicating section communicates with a memory element of each of first cartridges via first mount sections. The communicating section has first terminals and second terminals. First signal lines connect the first terminals with the first mount sections. Second signal lines connect the second terminals with the first mount sections. The first mount sections form a plurality of groups. The first mount sections in each group are connected in common with one of the first terminals via a corresponding first signal line. The first mount sections in one group are connected with the second terminals that are different from each other via respective second signal lines. Each of the second terminals is connected with one of the first mount sections in one group and with one of the first mount sections in another group via a corresponding second signal line.
US08864278B2
A method of printing on a recording medium using a printhead having a printhead face that includes an array of marking elements, the method includes advancing the recording medium along a medium advance direction toward a printing region; detecting with a sensor whether a portion of the recording medium is positioned such that it would be in a collision path with the printhead face if the recording medium is advanced into the printing region; and advancing the recording medium into the printing region for printing if it is detected that the recording medium would not be in a collision path with the printhead face.
US08864276B2
This invention is directed to real time detection of occurrence of a transfer error and feedback of the detection result to a printing apparatus in consideration of a possible risk that a signal transfer error occurs on a transfer path that becomes longer as the printhead is elongated. To accomplish this, in a printhead configured by cascade-connecting a plurality of element substrates, information of a transfer error detected in real time in each element substrate during transfer of a print data signal is output to an element substrate on the next stage by taking account of information input from an element substrate on the preceding stage. Information containing pieces of information from all element substrates is output from an element substrate on the final stage.
US08864274B2
An image forming apparatus transporting sheets of paper at a predetermined interval and forming an image on the sheets has, as modes for controlling the predetermined interval, a first mode of suspending a next paper feeding operation, for a predetermined time and for every predetermined number of sheets of paper and a second mode of expanding the interval of transportation between the paper feeding operations while continuing the transportation. The image forming apparatus decides whether a predefined first condition for starting control of the interval is satisfied during normal printing, determines a mode of the control in response to a decision that the condition is satisfied, and performs the control in the determined mode. The image forming apparatus calculates power consumption in each mode from the decision that the condition is satisfied to completion of uncompleted printing, and selects a mode in which the power consumption is relatively lower.
US08864273B2
An image recording apparatus includes a recording unit that records an image in a first region, a first control unit that has a drive roller to transport a recording medium and controls a tension of the recording medium in the first region by adjusting a torque of the drive roller based on the tension of the recording medium in the first region, a second control unit that controls the tension of the recording medium in a second region according to the detection result of the tension of the recording medium in the second region. Compared to the frequency response characteristics of the first control unit with respect to the tension fluctuations generated in the first region, the frequency response characteristics of the second control unit with respect to the tension fluctuations generated in the second region responds to the tension fluctuations having a higher frequency band.
US08864271B2
A pair of transportation rollers is configured such that a transportation driven roller is disposed at a position which is displaced downstream with respect to a position vertically above a transportation driving roller and feeds out the paper sheet guiding in obliquely downward direction. The entering direction of the paper sheet fed out from the pair of transportation rollers is determined so as to intersect the plane of the holding surface of the support table. A translucent glass that serves as a detection window of an imaging unit disposed at a position opposite to the paper sheet with respect to the holding surface is located downstream in the transportation direction with respect to an intersection position between the entering direction of the paper sheet and the holding surface. Specifically, the translucent glass is located in the proximity of an abutment position where the paper sheet abuts against the holding surface.
US08864262B2
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes a correction section maintains a predetermined voltage range in which a displacement is greater than a predetermined ratio as a drive voltage range from a relationship between each voltage and the displacement when a reference waveform having a process that changes the voltage from a first voltage to a second voltage having a voltage difference and a process that changes the voltage from the second voltage to the first voltage is supplied by making the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage constant and changing the first voltage and the second voltage, and wherein the correction section changes the drive waveform into a drive waveform having a minimum voltage and a maximum voltage defined within the drive voltage range.
US08864261B2
A nozzle discharge quantity correction method includes performing correction quantity calculation as the number of the nozzle array units in stages such that a total sum C of the weight of droplets in nozzle array units after correction and the weight of the droplets in other nozzle array units in which discharge is performed on the discharge region becomes a previously set predetermined quantity B based on the difference between the total sum A of the weight of all the droplets discharged to a discharge region when the weight of the droplets discharged from a nozzle are not corrected and the predetermined quantity B.
US08864260B1
An integrated circuit (IC) erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) structure for a thermal inkjet printhead includes: a fire line to provide fire line data; a select line to provide selecting data; a firing cell coupled to the fire line; an EPROM cell coupled to the fire line; a selector cell coupled to the select line, the firing cell and the EPROM cell; and a data switching circuit to provide address data to the firing cell or the EPROM cell. The data switching circuit and the selector cell selectively enable transfer of the fire line data from the fire line to the firing cell or the EPROM cell as a function of state of the selecting data on the select line and the address data from the data switching circuit.
US08864257B2
A printer is disclosed. The printer prints a swath of ink across the paper in a first direction. The printer moves the media with respect to the print head in a backwards direction and prints a second swath of ink across the media in a second opposite direction. The printer then moves the media with respect to the print head in a forwards direction by a different amount. The printer then repeats printing the two swaths as describe above.
US08864255B2
Printing methods are provided. In one method, printing an inkjet image using a liquid hydrophilic inkjet ink onto a surface of a semi-absorbent recording medium generating a toner image having toner particles arranged conforming to the inkjet image and transferring the toner image onto the recording medium where an unabsorbed volume of the inkjet ink is present on the recording medium. The toner particles manage unabsorbed volumes of the inkjet ink to protect the recording medium from image artifacts that can be created by an unabsorbed volume of the inkjet ink on the surface without a liquid management toner image.
US08864243B2
The invention relates to a wheel bearing unit (1) for a vehicle wheel, comprising a hub element (2, 3, 2′) which has an axially (a) extending cylindrical section (4) to be supported by a bearing arrangement (5) and which has a radially (r) extending flange section (6) for fixing the vehicle wheel and/or a brake disk at a face side (7) of the flange section (6), wherein the bearing arrangement (5) has an outer ring (8). To ensure a firm and cost effective axial connection between the hub element and the outer ring, the invention is characterized in that the outer ring (8) has a radially extending insection (9) at its a outer circumference (10), wherein the axially (a) extending cylindrical section (4) of the hub element (2, 3, 2′) is deformed partially (11) so that a section of it interferes in the insection (9) for axially fixing the hub element (2, 3, 2′) relatively to the outer ring (8). The invention also relates to a method for producing a wheel bearing unit.
US08864240B2
A boom is made of telescoping boom sections. A movable cutting nozzle is on the boom and sprays water. In one embodiment, the boom is coupled to the climber section of a platform that climbs a tower. A further beam is mounted on the other side of the hydraulic elevating platform and carries a movable power pack/counterweight. In a second embodiment of the present invention, the device is oriented horizontally and the platform moves horizontally on a rail. In this configuration, the elongated boom has a distal end protruding over the top edge of a dam or other structure. Depending vertically from the boom is another vertical boom carrying the cutting nozzle. This boom travels on the outer boom section of the elongated boom and extends downwardly a distance to allow the device to treat the concrete surface downward from the top edge of the structure.
US08864238B2
Provided is a seat pad 1 having a fastener member 4 on a front surface side of a pad body 2 made of a foaming resin, which includes: a ventilation member 5, one end portion of the ventilation member being located in the vicinity of the fastener member 4, and the other end portion of the ventilation member extending on a rear surface side of the pad body 2.
US08864232B2
A vehicle-seat control apparatus includes an operation determination device, an exit determination device, a forward/backward adjusting device and a height adjusting device. The operation determination device is configured to determine whether a passenger operates a vehicle. The exit determination device is configured to determine whether the passenger exits the vehicle. The forward/rearward adjusting device is configured to move the vehicle seat rearward or forward according to a case where the passenger exits the vehicle or a case where the passenger operates the vehicle equipment. The height adjusting device is configured to move a rear part of the seat cushion to an upward state or move a front part of the seat cushion to a downward state when the passenger exits the vehicle.
US08864226B2
An apparatus for hanging on seatback inside vehicle is provided, including a support unit, a platform unit, a fasten unit and a push unit. The support unit and the platform unit are coupled on one side, and can be expanded to an L shape structure. The platform unit includes a first placement area and at least a concave positioning groove on the side facing the support unit. The platform unit includes a hanger shoulder. The support unit is disposed with a press element able to adjust position on side wall facing the platform unit. The fasten unit is coupled to back of the support unit for fastening to column of seat headrest. The push unit is installed at the platform unit, and can extend beyond the platform unit after adjustment. As such, the apparatus allows the backseat passenger to use portable electronic device or hanging clothes.
US08864220B2
A chair according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a seat frame, a plurality of legs, a backrest and an armrest. The plurality of legs are rotatably coupled to the seat frame at front and rear portions of the seat frame. The backrest is rotatably coupled to the seat frame at the rear portion of the seat frame. The armrest is rotatably coupled to upper ends of the legs. The armrest includes a movable member and a first elastic member. The movable member is retained inside the armrest and is movable along the armrest. The movable member is rotatably coupled to the backrest. The first elastic member is located inside the armrest and applies an elastic restoration force against the movement of the movable member.
US08864211B2
A wind deflector system for a motor vehicle having an end segment for limiting extension of the wind deflector system at the top in the vertical direction, a flexible planar structure fastened to ends of the end segment, and a winding shaft for holding the wound-on planar structure. At least one swivel arm is provided, by means of which the wind deflector system can be transferred from a stowed position to a functioning position with a raised end segment, and a retainer is provided on the planar structure which is arranged, at least when in the functioning position, such that, together with the swivel arm, it restricts mobility of the planar structure relative to the swivel arm in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The system is effective for avoiding the formation of creases in the wound-up planar structure of the wind deflector system.
US08864205B2
A patient support apparatus, such as a bed, cot, stretcher, gurney, surgical table, or the like, is disclosed that includes at least one form of wireless energy transfer and/or at least one form of wireless communication amongst its components. The wireless energy transfer may include the inductive transfer of electrical energy from the main body of the patient support apparatus to a mattress positioned thereon that uses electrical energy. Alternatively, the wireless energy transfer may include the inductive transfer or electrical energy from a stationary power station to the patient support itself. Or, the patient support apparatus may include both types of inductive energy transfer. The wireless communication may be between a controller on the main body of the patient support apparatus and a controller within, or coupled to, the mattress.
US08864201B2
A suction lifting tool for fastening an article on a surface of an object, the suction lifting tool having a bowed suction housing which is closed off towards one side by a suction disk, wherein a cavity is formed between the suction housing and the suction disk, and having a tension lever for reducing a spacing between the suction housing and the suction disk to generate a suction effect, wherein a ring-shaped sealing flange is securable on the suction disk, having an inside groove on the sealing flange into which the suction disk is insertable by way of its outside edge, and which has an elastic sealing face for abutment against the surface of the object in order to enable fastening to strongly bowed surfaces in this manner.
US08864200B2
A bellows 10 is configured for connection to an end effector of a robot and includes a valve 28 supported in the interior space of the bellows. A flow of low pressure air is induced from inside the bellows into a vacuum plenum 24 for retrieving a work product by the open end 16 of the bellows. High pressure air is moved through a conduit 50 into the valve to terminate the flow of low pressure air and terminate the suction applied by the bellows to the work product.
US08864197B2
An electromagnetic sensor having a detection zone in a sensor direction is at least partly enclosed by a molded part in the sensor direction and at right angles thereto. The molded part contacts and adjoins a motor vehicle part such as a bumper, whereby the molded part is between the sensor and the motor vehicle part. At least one functional element, such as a radiation absorber, a lense, a waveguide, or a reflector, may be embedded in the molded part. The sensor may be received in a pocket recess of the molded part, with an opening at the back side of the sensor.
US08864188B2
A closure mechanism and in particular to a magnetically operated closure mechanism for doors and the like which includes a first and second magnetic assembly, each of said magnetic assembly comprising a magnet; and a housing to house the magnet, wherein at least one magnetic assembly includes an adjustment mechanism to adjust the position of the magnet relative to its housing.
US08864187B2
The invention provides a vehicle door opening and closing system for making a notice before opening and closing a door by using a motor to enhance the safety. The inventive is a door opening and closing system mounted on a vehicle including a controller generating and sending a first instruction and a second instruction, a motor controlled by the controller so as to open or close the door and an announce mechanism controlled by the controller. The first instruction instructs the motor to drive after a predetermined wait time from the generation of the first instruction; and the second instruction instructs the announce mechanism to announce generation of the first instruction for a predetermined notice time before starting to drive the motor.
US08864186B2
A mortise lock for mounting in a door. The lock includes a bolt movable along a first axis between an extended position and a retracted position. Included are means for biasing the bolt to its extended position. The lock further includes a driven member which is mounted for rotation about a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis. As the driven member is made to rotate about the second axis, it engages the bolt and urges it, overcoming the bias, to its second position. A drive member is mounted for rotation about a third axis, generally parallel to the second axis.
US08864183B1
A latching apparatus includes a catch and a pin to maintain a chassis in a closed configuration. The catch is coupled to a first chassis panel and movable relative to the pin that is coupled to a second chassis panel. In response to relative movement between the catch and the pin along a first axis, a first portion of the pin is positioned within an opening of the catch to maintain the chassis closed. In response to relative movement between the catch and the pin, the catch opening is positioned around a second portion of the pin to define an unlatched position. Whereas the closed configuration inhibits relative movement between the first and second chassis portions, the unlatched position permits relative movement therebetween for separation between the first chassis panel and the second chassis panel.
US08864182B2
A coupling device may increase the integrity of a pipe joint. The coupling device may include a first pipe encircling device and a second pipe encircling device connected across the pipe joint by a spanning element. The pipe encircling device may be made up of at least two approximately c-shaped segments. The multi-part nature of the pipe encircling devices may facilitate installation of the coupling device at an excavation site.
US08864176B2
A mud flap lifter system wherein the rigid upper portion of a bi-fold mud flap is actuated to rotate and thereby raise upwardly the upper portion so as to draw upwards the rigid lower portion hinged to the upper portion. The upper portion rotates relative to the lower portion about a hinge line between the upper and lower edges of the lower and upper portions respectively. The upper and lower portions may be substantially planar.
US08864175B2
A fuel cell powered vehicle fuel storage system is disclosed having a suspension system, a fuel tank, and a support system, wherein the suspension system, fuel tank, and support system cooperate to carry vehicle structural loads and the reaction loads of the suspension system and to maximize a volume of the fuel tank.
US08864171B1
A scooter, for a handicapped person, has a platform. A front wheel is steerably mounted at a front of the platform. A rear drive wheel is mounted at a back of the platform. A motor is connected to drive the drive wheel. There is a power source for the motor. A pair of protective skirts are mounted to the sides of the platform. A pair of casters are mounted below the platform, at the lateral edges of the platform. The casters are within the protective skirts. The casters are protected by the protective skirts.
US08864168B2
A seat belt is wound up in a passenger protection apparatus. An airbag to be inflatable is at a position of a shoulder belt of the seat belt by being folded like a belt in the passenger protection apparatus. The passenger protection apparatus includes a fabric member which configures a bag-like member of the airbag and a partition wall fabric. The partition wall fabric has portions respectively connected to first and second parts of the fabric member and partitions an inside of the bag-like member into a central inflatable portion and supporting inflatable portions each of which is located between a passenger-side surface of the fabric member and a fabric formed of the central inflatable portion. The first and second parts configure inner surface of the bag-like member and hold the seat belt. The second part is configured to face a passenger and opposite to the first part.
US08864165B2
A receiver assembly that attaches to a vehicles step-bumper, drop-center bumper, or other structurally sound mounting surface and provides at least an elongated horizontal box receiver to support cargo carriers, cargo carrier accessories, or other tow-hitch receiver accessories and leaves the vehicles frame mounted tow-hitch receiver available for trailer towing or additional tow-hitch receiver accessories, and in addition the receiver assembly provides at least one cargo anchor point to secure cargo, cargo carriers, cargo carrier accessories, or other tow-hitch receiver accessories.
US08864162B2
A towed vehicle having two towing modes has a first set of wheels positioned on a first axis defining an operative position supporting a frame. A second set of wheels is positioned on a second axis, perpendicular to the first axis. The second set of wheels has a lowered operative position and a raised inoperative position. When the second set of wheels is in the lowered operative position, they lift the first set of wheels off the ground to an inoperative position. A first towing connection is provided for connecting the frame to a tow vehicle when the first set of wheels are in the operative position. A second towing connection is provided, perpendicular to the first towing connection, for connecting the frame to the tow vehicle when the second set of wheels are in the operative position.
US08864158B1
An apparatus may include an elongated support member that when attached to a vehicle is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. A mounting bracket is fixedly attached to the elongated support member and configured for being fixedly attached to a vehicle. The elongated support member is fixedly attached to a stepping surface that provides a back surface to restrict motion of the foot of a user past the elongated support member, a first side surface to restrict motion of the foot of the user in a first direction, and a second side surface to restrict motion of the foot of the user in a second direction that opposes the first direction. The distance between the first side surface and the second side surface is substantially less than a length of the elongated support member.
US08864156B2
A vehicle has a chassis (11) with front and rear axles (12, 13) suspended from the chassis for vertical and roll movement relative to the chassis. The axles are each mounted on the chassis via an upper pivotal mounting means in the form of an upper pair of arms (12a, 13a) which is pivoted on the chassis for vertical pivoting movement relative thereto and which carry an axle support (15, 16) on which the axle (12, 13) is free to pivot in the roll mode. A second lower pair of pivoting arms (12b, 13b) also connect each axle (12, 13) to the chassis to control fore and aft movement of the axle relative to the chassis. The line of action of the forces (F1-F4) applied to the chassis (11) by the upper arms (12a, 13a) at one end of the chassis are be substantially aligned with the line of action of the forces applied to the chassis by the lower arms (12b, 13b) at the other end of the chassis to reduce and tendency for the chassis to be twisted by these forces. A first damping means (19) acts between the chassis (11) and the upper pivotal mounting means (12a, 13a) to control vertical movement of the axle relative to the chassis, and a second damping means acts between the upper pivotal mounting means (12a, 13 a) and the axle (12,13) to provide independent control of the roll movement of the axle relative to the chassis.
US08864152B1
A modular system applicable to a scooter or skateboard is provided comprising a deck, a plurality of rails, a first connector member configured to connect the rails to the deck at a spaced but secured position relative to the deck, a second connector member configured to connect the rails to the deck at a spaced but secured position relative to the deck, and a plurality of spacers configured to be positioned at one of several possible locations within the space defined by the rails and the deck.
US08864149B2
A cart includes a first frame and a second frame supported for vertical movement relative to the first frame between at least one raised position and at least one lowered position. The second frame is adapted to support at least one tray wherein the tray can be moved by the second frame between at least two elevations to facilitate access to or transfer of the tray from the second frame.
US08864147B2
Narrow agricultural vehicles have been invented to make farm labor more attractive, to enable enhanced productivity of workers, and to make possible more complete usage of the land.A low seating position is provided for a worker. The width of the vehicle is approximately the same width as the seated worker, enabling vehicle use with narrowly spaced row crops. The wheel set is configured for both maximum stability and efficient operation on soft surfaces, using large drum wheels that maximize the footprint area.The vehicle structure includes a wide frame section and a low and narrow tongue structure that connects between front and rear wheel arrangements. The tongue configuration minimizes interference with work of said worker.
US08864136B2
A toy projectile is provided which is preferably constructed of TPR, and thus, can be used as an inherently stretchable elastic toy projectile. A handle section is also provided which can be used as a projectile launcher. Further, a storage container is also provided which can also act as a projectile launcher. In a preferred embodiment, a game is also described in which the projectiles are launched by hand, or with the handle or by the storage container/launcher, in order to impact targets, and preferably moving targets. A child's toy projectile and projectile launcher, with a game, are thereby provided.
US08864130B2
An image reading apparatus includes a separator, an image reader for reading an image from a paper, a conveying module for conveying a paper separated by the separator to the image reader, a side wall provided at a side of a conveyance path of the paper, a sound signal generator, provided with a sound detector between the separator and the conveying module and near the side wall, for generating a sound signal corresponding to a sound generated by the paper during conveyance, and a control module for determining whether a jam has occurred based on the sound signal.
US08864129B2
When a second sheet that is different from a first sheet discharged and stacked on a stacking unit is to be stacked on the first sheet, whether or not to apply an alignment process to the second sheet is determined. If it is determined that the alignment process is not to be applied to the second sheet, the second sheet is stacked on the stacking unit. The alignment process is not applied thereto. If it is determined that the alignment process is to be applied to the second sheet, the second sheet is stacked on the stacking unit and the alignment process is applied thereto.
US08864126B2
A document storage assembly for storing documents such as banknotes in a stacked configuration includes a support plate assembly for biasing the stack of documents toward an opening in the housing of the document storage assembly. The housing can include an assist mechanism to facilitate displacement of the stack of documents during the stacking of a newly received document.
US08864111B2
A mist humidifier includes a water supply, at least one nebulization device and at least one heater mechanism. The nebulization device nebulizes at least a portion of a flow of water from the water supply and discharges a flow of mist particles. The heater mechanism selectively heats at least a portion of the flow of mist particles.
US08864108B2
A barrier section which includes at least one connecting assembly at one or both ends of the barrier section, the connecting assembly having: at least one connecting-region which is positioned to be capable of engaging, or being engaged, with at least one connecting-region on an adjacent barrier section, in use; and the at least one connecting-region is configured to selectively engage with at least one connecting-region on an adjacent barrier section via at least one connecting device so the barrier sections have a fixed or pivotable relationship, with one another.
US08864098B2
A plate carrier for mounting at the upper end of the upper element of a central pole of a plate hoist device includes at least one longitudinal central body formed by two substantially rectangular plates separated by three longitudinal walls forming two central sheaths and two peripheral grooves. Each central sheath accommodates a generally T-shaped transverse arm which includes a longitudinal median branch slidably mounted in a sheath and a transverse tubular part welded to a free end of the median branch. The transverse tubular part extending substantially in a plane of the central body.
US08864092B2
A television mount assembly suitable for mounting a television to a wall, especially over fireplaces and other obstacles. The mount assembly secures a television (TV) to a wall via two arms and a spring mechanism thereby allowing it to extend away from the wall while at the same time allowing the television to swivel. It includes a mechanism to straighten the television as it is positioned close to the wall. The spring mechanism is calibrated by means of a calibration screw, spring block, and locking screws. A handle enables a user to grasp the mount assembly for changing the position of the television. A temperature gauge on the handle displays ambient temperature proximate to the television to warn users if the temperature is too high for the television to safely operate. A means of setting a maximum extension prevents the television from extending beyond a point set by the user.
US08864085B2
A mounting device for securing a cable assembly includes a chassis and a mounting member. The chassis includes a sidewall, and a limiting portion and a positioning portion extending from the sidewall. The mounting member is removably mounted to the chassis and includes a mounting piece and a latching portion. The positioning portion defines a positioning hole. The mounting piece clasps the limiting portion. The latching portion is received in the positioning hole and engaged with the positioning portion. A receiving space is defined between the mounting member and the sidewall for securing the cable assembly therein.
US08864082B2
A device for reducing the aerodynamic drag of a leading surface of an aircraft includes at least one air permeable structure disposed in an area of the leading surface and a suction device configured to interact with the at least one air permeable structure.
US08864079B2
An aircraft cargo compartment container crane system including an aircraft having an upper passenger compartment and at least one lower cargo compartment, wherein the passenger compartment and the cargo compartment are separated by a floor and a crane assembly connected to a structural element of the cargo compartment beneath the floor, wherein the crane assembly is configured to lift and move a cargo container within the cargo compartment along a longitudinal axis of the aircraft.
US08864078B2
According to the invention, on at least one of the faces (1E, 1I) of said leading edge (1), forward of the partition (3), an action is exerted on the fluid flow (EF) so as to cause the latter to switch from the laminar state (EFL) to the turbulent state (EFT) in order to increase the thermal exchanges and minimize the thermal stresses on said leading edge.
US08864070B2
An assembly that includes a first part composed of a fibrous structure that includes fibers and a cured resin matrix. The fibrous structure has at least one surface and a layer that is located on the surface. The layer includes a discontinuous fiber composite that is composed of randomly oriented short fibers and a cured resin matrix wherein the layer has been machined to provide a machined surface. The assembly also includes a second part that is attached to the first part. The second part includes at least one surface that fits against the machined surface on the first part.
US08864066B2
An engine assembly for an aircraft, including a rigid structure including a box rib extension protruding from a box of the structure, in a line of separation, towards a fuselage of the aircraft. The extension supports a first attachment in a position separating it from a second attachment in the line of separation. The first and second attachments enable the moment being exerted in a lengthways direction of the turbine engine to be transmitted jointly.
US08864065B2
An air vehicle wing includes foldable ribs coupled to a leading-edge spar. The ribs each have multiple rib segments which are foldable (hinged) relative to each other. Extension linkages, each with multiple extension linkage segments, pass through openings in the rib segments, and may be coupled to the rib segments with pin couplings, able to change relative angle between the individual rib segments and the extension linkage segments to which they are coupled. A skin may cover the ribs, to provide an outer surface of the wing that may be unfolded as the wing is expanded from a stowed, small-chord condition, to a deployed, large-chord condition.
US08864058B2
The method of producing a colored powder of a polymeric material includes the steps of selecting a feedstock of said polymeric material, pulverizing said polymeric material in a pulverizer to produce a powder, moving the powder directly from the pulverizer to a mixer; spraying a liquid formulation including a colorant into the powder within the mixer, and mixing the liquid formulation and powder.
US08864056B2
The present invention provides a process for generating fine particles in a jet mill which operates at a pressure of a milling gas of less than or equal to 4 bar in abs value and a temperature of the mill of less than 100° C., a process for simultaneous milling and surface modifications of the fine particles, a jet mill for operating the process and products obtained by the process.
US08864054B2
The invention relates to a fuel injector and, in particular, to a common-rail injector for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine with a multi-part injection valve element, which can be adjusted between an open position and a closed position. A first part and a second part of the injection valve element are coupled to one another via a hydraulic coupler, which is bounded radially by a first guide for the first part and by a second guide for the second part. According to the invention, at least some sections of the first and the second guide are surrounded at their outer radii by fuel under high pressure, and the pressure realized in the hydraulic coupler is lower than the pressure radially outside the guides.
US08864051B2
Disclosed is a rotary spraying device in which a fluid tube is assembled with a rotary means formed to have a channel structure. A portion of a fluid which flows through the fluid tube flows into the rotary means so as to provide a rotation applying force for rotating the rotary means when the fluid flows through the channel structure in the rotary means. Thus, the fluid is sprayed rotatably from the fluid tube which is rotated with the rotary means.
US08864037B2
Coding flake or film including at least two chiral liquid crystal polymer (CLCP) layers with a first CLCP layer that has a first detectable parameter and a second CLCP layer including a second detectable parameter; at least one additional layer including a third detectable parameter, the at least one additional layer comprising a material that is not a chiral liquid crystal polymer; and wherein at least the third detectable parameter is different from each of the first detectable parameter and the second detectable parameter.
US08864024B1
A system, method and computer program product is capable of proactive assessment of transactions and communication of alerts based on pre-set rules to increase transaction integrity and mitigate fraud. Unauthorized transactions may be stopped before processing through an account to enhance the security of transactions and decrease fraudulent transactions without the account holder seeing a negative transaction in their account. Chip-enabled cards may be configured to alert account holders of transactions prior to being processed through an account based on pre-set rules stored on the chip or in a remote data store. The transaction can be stopped until the account holder authorizes the transaction based on the alert. The alert can be sent through the merchant system or wirelessly from the chip-enabled card.
US08864021B1
A system for tracking a multi-component, tamper evident closure assembly for a pre-filled syringe along a distribution route, including a predetermined code applied to each of a plurality of components of the same closure assembly and comprising electronically readable coded indicia, is structured to identify and distinguish each of a plurality of closure assemblies from one another. A reading and recording of predetermined code for each closure assembly along the distribution route is accomplished. The location at which tampering of a closure assembly has occurred along the corresponding distribution route can be accomplished by reading the coded indicia segments on any of detached or assembled ones of the plurality of originally assembled components of the same closure assembly.
US08864016B2
A vessel composed of a sheet of flexible material, cut, rolled, and affixed to form a frusto-conically shaped base region. The sheet when rolled including an upper region having two opposing flaps, each flap delineated from a remaining portion of the sheet by a path along which the sheet is scored, so that the flaps, when folded along their respective paths, define a single elevated drinking portion having a spout formed between an extension of the base region and at least one of the two flaps.
US08864014B2
The present invention is directed to a shipping and display tray a having a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall, and a pair of opposed side walls foldably joined with one another for holding different products contained therein in an upright position at a point of sale. The shipping and display tray comprising a one-piece shallow tray having a plurality of different sizes of compartments each of which contains a different product size and count therein. Each of the plurality of different sizes of compartments includes an adjustable buffer configured to change the size of the compartment and to accommodate the different product size and count while maintaining a fixed perimeter or outside dimension of the one-piece shallow tray.
US08864002B2
A side trunk mounting structure which enhances the external appearance of a two-wheeled motor vehicle. Mounting holes (113F, 113r) for mounting the side trunk (111) are formed in a rear fender (17). The side trunk mounting holes are located below a rider's seat (15).
US08864000B2
A portable visual display panel mounting device is provided, the device comprising: a backing plate, having a visual display mounting side and an arm mounting side; a pair of articulating arms, each articulating arm including a ratcheting surface and a curved free end having an outermost tip; wherein the pair of articulating arms are pivotably connected at a common axis so that the ratcheting surfaces abut, and wherein at least one of the articulating arms is movably attached to the arm mounting side of the backing plate; and a common pin operable with a biasing member, wherein the common pin and the biasing member are located to facilitate pivotable connection of the articulating arms at the common axis so that the articulating arms are movable between a first position, wherein the curved ends of each articulating arm are proximately located next to each other, and a second position, wherein the curved ends of each articulating arm are disparately located away from each other; wherein, when the pair of articulating arms is in a second position, each tip of each curved free end of each articulating arm, being disparate each other, is located closer to the arm mounting side of the backing plate, than a resultant apex portion of the curved free end of each articulating arm.
US08863999B2
A casting nozzle suited to manufacture a casting material of pure magnesium or magnesium alloy is provided. A nozzle 1 is utilized to manufacture a casting material 100 by supplying molten metal to a portion between rolls 10 which become a casting die, and arranged so that a pouring port 4 is located between a pair of rolls 10 opposed to other. This nozzle 1 includes a main body 1a formed of oxide material such as alumina, and a coating layer 3 which is provided on the inner surface of the main body 1a which comes into contact the molten metal, and formed of material that does not include oxygen substantially. Since the main body 1a does not come into direct contact with the molten metal due to the coating layer 3, it is possible to prevent oxygen included in the main body 1a from reacting with the molten metal. Further, in the nozzle 1, a casting die contact portion 2 which comes into contact with the rollers 10 is formed of thermal insulation material, whereby it is prevented that the molten metal in the nozzle 1 is cooled through the casting die contact portion 2 by the rollers 10.
US08863996B2
A storage device includes a storage chamber, a dispensing chamber, an intermediate chamber, a first channel, and a second channel. The intermediate chamber adjusts relative to the storage chamber to select a predetermined amount of fluid to flow into the intermediate chamber from the storage chamber. The first channel is located between the storage chamber and the intermediate chamber having at least two interchangeable conformations, a first open conformation to allow fluid flow between the storage chamber and the intermediate chamber, and a first closed conformation to prevent fluid flow between the storage chamber and intermediate chamber. The second channel is located between the intermediate chamber and the dispensing chamber having at least two interchangeable conformations, a second open conformation to allow fluid flow between the intermediate chamber and the dispensing chamber, and a second closed conformation to prevent fluid flow between the intermediate chamber and dispensing chamber.
US08863983B2
A lid for a pail includes a panel portion and a wall portion extending about the periphery of the panel portion. The wall portion partially defines a pail wall receiving recess. A shoulder protrudes into the pail wall receiving recess. The shoulder prevents damage to a seal in the lid.
US08863980B2
An inverted bottle holder is described for holding a bottle with a neck upside down inside a container having an exterior wall. The bottle holder includes a first clip that is intended to fit glasses with a first range of angles of exterior wall, and a second clip that is intended to fit glasses with a second range of angles of exterior wall, wherein each clip is formed having an arc corresponding to the arc of the container, and a deck integrally formed with the first and second clips and extending into the container, the deck including an aperture sized to accept the neck of the bottle, such that the bottle is held upside down in the container when inserted into the aperture.
US08863977B2
Vessel, comprising a substantially fluid tight liner provided with a layer of fiber material, and a mount for mounting appendages to the vessel. The mount comprises a substantially cylindrical neck portion with a radially outwardly extending base flange. The base flange is axially fixedly but rotationally free held between the liner and the layer of fiber material.
US08863976B2
A lid member includes a tubular section housed inside an opening section, an external flange section closing the tubular section and extending therefrom across an outer boundary, and a seal-member mounting section extending downward from the edge of the external flange section and having a seal member. A flange-equipped sleeve includes a sleeve section attached to a neck section and an internal flange section extended from the sleeve section across the outer boundary and attached to an inner wall of the tank body. The flange-equipped sleeve contains a resin having a higher heat-resistant temperature than a resin constituting the tank body. When the lid member closes the opening section, the tubular section is housed inside the sleeve section. The external flange section contacts the top of the neck section and the sleeve section. An inner circumference of the seal member is attached to the outer boundary of the neck section.
US08863975B2
A container includes a container body having a base and walls extending upward from the base to define a container interior and an open upper end. A lid extends over at least a portion of the upper end of the container body. The lid is movable between an open position and a closed position. A latch selectively secures the lid in the closed position. The latch includes a first latched position and a second latched position, which may be more secure than the first latched position. The lid may be a primary lid or a secondary, sub-lid within the primary lid.
US08863971B2
A crate includes a base and a plurality of walls including a front wall. The front wall is movable between a retracted, open position and a closed position. In some embodiments, the front wall includes a frame, a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is hingeably connected to the frame and the second portion is hingeably connected to the first portion.
US08863961B2
A system, method and apparatus for sorting items for delivery. A smart case module includes a plurality of bins. Each bin includes a display for a sort criteria for the bin and a first indicator to indicate that the bin is active. The bin also includes an input device for an operator to use to indicate that an item has been placed in the bin. The bin further includes a second indicator to indicate that the bin contains a sufficient number of items for a shipping container.
US08863957B2
A wafer separation apparatus improves wafer separation performance in separation and transfer and suppresses the occurrence of wafer breakage in separation and transfer, while remaining inexpensive and small. The apparatus includes: a cassette that vertically accommodates a large number of single wafers in intimate contact with each other, the cassette being at least vertically opened; a cassette support that removably supports the cassette, the cassette support being at least vertically opened; a hoisting unit that hoists and lowers the cassette support integrally with the cassette; a liquid bath that accommodates a liquid into which the cassette support is immersed integrally with the cassette when the hoisting unit descends; a nozzle in the inside of the liquid bath to issue micro bubbles from the underside of the cassette support toward a large number of the wafers; and a micro bubble generator that generates micro bubbles to be issued from the nozzle.
US08863950B2
A hanging pail comprising a hanger pocket comprising an aperture for a hook portion of a clothes hanger, a mouth portion comprising an arcuate edge, a top half and a bottom half, wherein the top half overlaps the bottom half at a center of the mouth portion, a front body portion comprising a semi-rigid frame that extends around the arcuate edge of the mouth portion, a bottom portion comprising a top edge, a zipper that extends around a portion of the top edge of the bottom portion and connects the bottom portion to the front body portion and the rear body portion, and a connecting portion that connects the bottom portion to the rear body panel when the zipper is fully unzipped.
US08863947B2
The present application provides a unique process of canning a controlled substance where the cans are hermetically sealed and clearly identified in a number of different ways. The process will begin by inserting a packing and dehumidifying agent, preferably a formed rice cake. The controlled substance is then inserted. In some cases the rice cakes will be eliminated or just a single rice cake will be used on the top or the bottom. If the process of storing the controlled substance in an inert atmosphere is desired, the oxygen in the container is replaced with gaseous nitrogen. After the container has been sealed in the conventional pop-top canning procedure; an identifying scent substance is permanently adhered to the can or label. An internal or external microchip could be used to detect, track and trace the container filled with a controlled substance.
US08863946B2
Disclosed is a sports container apparatus including a rigid tube or shell with opposing open ends. First and second opposing ends having a first end cap and a second end cap, respectively. The first and second end caps are radially fluted and operably attached to the rigid tube in a sealed manner. The sports container is operative for use as a golf bag or transport container and configured to balance stored articles such as golf clubs. The sports container configured to carry golf clubs or other items while being protected from an exposed environment where collisions with other hard surfaced items or the elements could cause damage. The device easily and safely mounts golf clubs or other items to a motorcycle, bicycle, ATV, or other vehicle without the use of brackets or other mounting devices while maintaining a balanced equilibrium.
US08863942B2
A conveyor and a dowel assembly. The dowel assembly may generally include a dowel body positioned between the frame and the housing and a seal arrangement. The seal arrangement may include an end seal member engageable with the end wall of the recess, and a side seal member engageable with the side wall of the recess, and a carrier member supported by the dowel body and supporting one of the end seal member and the side seal member, the carrier member being supported for movement relative to the dowel body to provide engagement of the one of the end seal member and the side seal member with the associated one of the end wall and the side wall.
US08863941B2
In a device for regulating the linear stability of a revolving belt (10) of a conveying system, a control roller (20) disposed transversely with respect to a belt running direction is pressed against the belt. The control roller (20) can be displaced by means of an actuator co-operating with a sensor detecting the lateral position of the belt (10) in order to displace the control roller (20) to align the belt if the belt (10) drifts laterally. The control roller (20) is mounted on an axle (21) which in the region of a first edge of the belt is pivotably mounted and in the region of a second edge of the belt is connected and movably guided at the second end thereof using guiding and adjusting means. The control roller (20) is disposed with a high degree of looping on the inner face of the belt in a belt loop (22) located substantially perpendicular to a conveying plane and can be pivoted substantially perpendicularly to the conveying plane.
US08863937B2
The invention concerns a conveyor lane divider for dividing trays that are received in one lane from an infeed conveyor and are passed on to a two-lane production unit. The conveyor lane divider has a line motion control system that can be automatically initialized when starting.
US08863935B2
A conveying direction switching apparatus includes a first and a second blade assembly, and auxiliary blades rotatably provided at a shaft. The auxiliary blades are arranged between the first and second blade assemblies. When conveying bills, the portions of the bills passing between the first and second blade assemblies in the longitudinal direction of the shaft are guided by the auxiliary blades toward the conveying direction of the bills. Thus, the conveying direction of the medium is appropriately switched.
US08863932B1
A system and method for changing a flow rate and direction of dry bulk material supplied from an elevated source, via an angled spout to an adjustable spout end having no internal baffles therein and having readily interchangeable wear pads therein which are accessible through an access door.
US08863929B2
Some embodiments of a clutch system may drive an output portion to rotate at a first rotational speed when the clutch surfaces are engaged and to rotate at a second rotational speed when the clutch surfaces are shifted to a disengaged position. The viscous two-speed clutch system may employ a viscous drive system that causes the output portion to rotate even when the clutch surfaces are disengaged. In such circumstances, the cooling fan can be driven to rotate at a first rotation speed due to interconnection with a drive source and to rotate at a second rotational speed even when the clutch surfaces are disengaged. Thus, the clutch system facilitates the flow of cooling air both when the vehicle cooling system activates the fan (e.g. by causing the clutch surface to engage) and when the vehicle cooling system deactivates the fan (e.g. by causing the clutch surfaces to disengage).
US08863923B2
A fluid transmission device comprises: a cover member coupled to a drive shaft; a converter mechanism constituted by a pump impeller coupled to the cover member, a turbine runner connected to a driven shaft, and a stator disposed between the pump impeller and the turbine runner, a converter chamber through which a working fluid flows being formed in the interior thereof; a lockup mechanism having a clutch piston provided in a lockup chamber that is surrounded by the cover member and the turbine runner, which engages and disengages the drive shaft and driven shaft by supplying a control fluid to a clutch oil chamber surrounded by a back surface of the clutch piston and the cover member; an inlet passage for leading the working fluid into the lockup chamber from the outside; a communicating passage for leading the working fluid into the converter chamber from the lockup chamber; and an outlet passage for leading the working fluid to the outside from the converter chamber.
US08863918B2
In a hydraulic shock absorber, upper and lower pistons forming upper and lower two stages are fixed to a leading end portion of a piston rod. An intermediate oil chamber is provided between the upper and lower pistons. An intermediate air chamber is provided in such a manner as to compensate an oil amount change in an oil chamber by coming into contact with the intermediate oil chamber and expanding and compressing on the basis of the oil amount change of the oil chamber caused by an extension and compression stroke of the piston rod, and an air compression rate of an upper portion air chamber of the oil reservoir chamber is set to be equal to or more than an air compression rate of the intermediate air chamber, with respect to the extension and compression stroke of the piston rod.
US08863907B2
An elevator has a car movable within a hoistway, a rack extending along the hoistway, the rack having a toothed profile with wave troughs and wave crests and a drive mounted in proximity to the rack so that the drive interacts with the rack to move the car. The drive includes a roller pinion unit fixedly mounted on a shaft and having a predetermined number of roller pinions arranged in a circle around the shaft and extending parallel to the shaft. The roller pinion unit interacts with the toothed profile of the rack. The drive also includes a motor unit configured to rotate the shaft. Optionally, the drive includes a brake unit configured to act on the shaft.
US08863905B2
A transmission for a wheel loader includes a first oil accumulating part accumulating scattered lubricating oil and a second oil accumulating part accumulating the lubricating oil from the first oil accumulating part. The first oil accumulating part communicates with the second oil accumulating part through a communication oil path. Lubricating oil accumulated in the second oil accumulating part is directed to a lubricated part through a lubrication oil path when a rotary shaft is rotated at a rotational speed less than a predetermined rotational speed. The second oil accumulating part includes a shaft end space disposed at an end of the rotary shaft that accumulates the lubricating oil from the first oil accumulating part. A horizontal hole formed in a center part of the rotary shaft and extending axially allows the shaft end space and the vertical hole to communicate with each other.
US08863899B2
A lift safety system that prevents the lifting of a support platform from a support base until all of the support legs for the support base are supporting a minimum amount of weight to ensure stability of the lift. The support base includes a plurality of legs that extend outwardly with each of the legs having an adjustment member with a pad that engages a ground surface. As the adjustment member is adjusted downwardly with respect to the leg, a first engaging member connected to the adjustment member is elevated upwardly to engage a second engaging member thereby releasing a corresponding finger member attached to the support platform from the support base. Once all of the legs are supporting a minimum amount of weight, all of the finger members are released from the support base thereby allowing elevation of the support platform.
US08863895B2
A matrix or array of elongated tubular members, each member being formed by spirally winding a piece or pieces of material into a generally cylindrical shape, wherein the matrix or array is mounted in an airflow to reduce the noise associated with and/or produced by the airflow.
US08863890B2
The invention relates to a speaker dome comprising: a polycrystalline diamond dome body formed of a material of high stiffness with a Young's modulus greater than 50 GPa and having respective inner and outer surfaces; and a coating on at least one side of the dome body, wherein the coating comprises an optically refractive metal compound layer which is semi-transparent and which forms one or more colors via interference of reflected light from front and rear surfaces of the layer. The invention also relates to a diamond component comprising: a diamond body; and a coating on at least one side of the diamond body, wherein the coating comprises at least two layers including a first layer bonded to the at least one side of the diamond body and a second layer disposed over the first layer, the second layer being an optically refractive metal compound coating which is semi-transparent and which forms one or more colors via interference of reflected light from front and rear surfaces of the second layer.
US08863883B2
A vehicle seat includes a load sensor for measuring a load applied from an occupant and a seat cushion frame, wherein the seat cushion frame comprises right and left side frames extending in a front-and-rear direction, the load sensor is attached to the seat cushion frame, and a concave portion is formed in at least one of the right and left side frames at a position opposite to the load sensor.
US08863882B2
A hydraulic steering actuator system for a forklift with front and rear sections includes a hydraulic steering motor. The forklift front section includes a mast mounting a pair of fork blades and a pair of wheels. The forklift rear section mounts a pair of drive wheels. The forklift front and rear sections are connected by an articulated connection with a vertical rotational axis. The steering actuator motor driveshaft extends along the vertical rotational axis. First and second actuator mounting brackets are connected to the forklift front and rear sections respectively. One of the mounting brackets includes upper and lower locking assemblies locking the hydraulic steering motor driveshaft whereby torque applied to the steering motor is transmitted to the articulated connection for turning the forklift front section relative to the forklift rear section. The range of motion is preferably 180°-205° for accommodating side-loading operations from relatively high storage shelves.
US08863872B2
“Bumper car” amusement rides are disclosed. An exemplary bumper car comprises a frame, a seat, multiple drive wheels, a motor controller, and at least one rider control. The seat is configured to hold and position at least one rider of the bumper car. The car is electrically powered from an internal and/or external power source. Each drive wheel comprises a respective hub motor that, when supplied with the electrical power from the source, rotates the respective drive wheel relative to the frame and propels the bumper car. The controller is connected to the source and to the hub motors. The controller is configured: (a) to limit a maximal current supplied by the source to the hub motors during a surge-current situation to a preset maximum, and (b) to ramp down the maximal current over a preset time interval during the surge-current situation. The at least one rider control is interconnected with the source and the hub motors and is configured to be manipulated by a rider for maneuvering the bumper car.
US08863860B2
A method of configuring a depth of cut controller (DOCC) of a drill bit comprises determining a desired minimum depth of cut for a radial swath of the drill bit. The method additionally comprises identifying a cutting edge of a cutting element located on the drill bit. The cutting edge is located within the radial swath and a cutting zone of the cutting element. The method further comprises identifying cutting elements that each include at least a portion located within the radial swath. The method also comprises determining a radial position and an angular position of a depth of cut controller (DOCC) for placement on the bit face based on the cutting edge of the cutting element. The method additionally comprises determining an axial position of the DOCC based on each portion of the cutting elements located within the radial swath.
US08863858B2
A system compensates for heave-induced pressure fluctuations on a floating rig when a drill string or tubular is lifted off bottom and suspended on the rig, such as when tubular connections are made during NIPD, tripping, cementing operations or when a kick is circulated out during conventional drilling. In one embodiment, a pressure relief valve or adjustable choke allows the movement of fluid from the riser when the tubular moves down, and a pump with a pressure regulator moves fluid to the riser when the tubular moves up. The system also compensates for heave induced pressure fluctuations on a floating rig when a riser telescoping joint located below an RCD is moving between its retracted and extended positions while drilling.
US08863851B2
A grapple device is secured to a mill to allow relative rotation between them. The grapple has an outward bias to allow it to grip the packer bore or an extension from the packer. The mandrel has a wedge adjacent its lower end and torque fingers that fit between grapple segments when relative longitudinal movement occurs between the mandrel and the grapple assembly. The grapple assembly has a left hand thread so that it comes out of the packer if the mandrel engages the grapple assembly in a manner for tandem rotation. The torque fingers on the wedge on the mandrel support the grapple fingers over their length as rotation to the right removes the grapple assembly from the packer bore. Reverse circulation takes away the cuttings into the mill bore where they are separated from the reverse circulating fluid.
US08863844B2
A subsea arrangement comprising an external casing and a pressure equalizing valve for equalization of the fluid pressure in an internal space of the casing. The pressure equalizing valve comprises a swing arm and a valve member arranged inside the casing. The swing arm carries the valve member and is pivotable about a pivot axis, under the effect of an external fluid pressure acting on the valve member, from a resting position, in which the valve member covers an opening provided in the casing and prevents fluid flow through this opening, to a raised position, in which the valve member uncovers said opening and allows fluid flow through it from the surroundings into said space for equalization of the fluid pressure therein when the arrangement is lowered into the sea. The swing arm is pivotable from the raised position to the resting position under the effect of gravity.
US08863834B2
In one embodiment, a wear band comprises a rotating element having a bore receivable on a tubular, the bore comprising first and second bore portions slidably receiving first and second sleeve bearings. Outer surfaces of the sleeve bearings slidably engage the bore portions and the bores of the sleeve bearings slidably engage the tubular. A first stop collar and a second stop collar may be received on the tubular to together straddle the rotating element and sleeve bearings to longitudinally secure the rotating element in a position on the tubular. The tubular may be included within a tubular string run into a borehole or into the bore of an installed casing, such as in casing while drilling. The rotating element provides stand-off between a tubular and the wall of a bore, reduces frictional resistance to longitudinal sliding and also to rotation of the tubular string within the bore.
US08863830B2
An embodiment of a pressure control assembly for a wireline cable disposed in a wellbore comprises a housing frame, at least a pair of sealing devices disposed in the housing, the sealing devices defining an aperture for a cable to pass therethrough and a chamber therebetween, and a lubricant recirculation system for injecting and recirculating a lubricant into the chamber, the assembly operable to lubricate the cable and seal the cable, and maintain a predetermined pressure within the housing frame while the cable is disposed therein.
US08863829B2
A wellhead assembly is provided including a casing and a tubular member mounted over the casing. A flange extends from the tubular member. A generally elongated annular member is provided in the tubular member. The generally elongated annular member has a first end portion above the tubular member and second end portion below the first end portion. A hanger may be suspended within the tubular member. In such case, a seal may be formed between the elongate annular member and the hanger.
US08863807B2
The present disclosure describes a taping tool for dispensing tape and mastic over gaps, seams, and/or joints between wallboard members that includes improved creaser wheel operation. The taping tool comprises an elongate body having first and second ends, and a creaser wheel pivotally mounted near the second end thereof for creasing dispensed tape. The creaser wheel is pivotable into a plurality of positions between a first position farthest away from the elongate body's first end and a second position nearest the elongate body's first end. The taping tool also includes an actuator for receiving user input indicative of a position of the creaser wheel desired by a user. In the absence of user input, the creaser wheel is configured to reside substantially in the first position. The creaser wheel is configured to pivot from the first position toward the second position in response to the receipt of user input.
US08863806B2
The invention relates to a labelling plant and method for containers. Heat shrinkable sleeves are supplied and containers are supplied. A device for arranging the sleeve around the container will arrange the sleeve in a position with respect to the container. In a heat shrink oven the sleeves are fixed to the container forming the label. A conveyor will transport containers from the container supply and sleeves from the sleeve supply into the heat shrink oven. According to the invention a sleeve support will hold one or more sleeves in a predetermined position with respect to the container. The sleeve support comprises a platform supporting a part of a circumferential edge of the sleeve. Further one or at least two sleeve support elements are arranged to abut on an external side of the sleeve and to support the sleeve in an opened state.
US08863800B2
A pneumatic tire includes a carcass having a first portion in which a distance between ply cords of a carcass body section and a carcass folded section gradually decreases from a position of a bead core toward outside in a radial direction of the tire, a second portion in which the distance between the ply cords gradually increases from the first portion toward outside in the radial direction of the tire, and a third portion in which the distance between the ply cords gradually decreases from the second portion toward outside in the radial direction of the tire. A notched portion is provided on a widthwise outer skin rubber of the carcass folded section of the second portion by notching the widthwise outer skin rubber inwardly in the width direction of the tire.
US08863798B2
An airless vehicle tire, in particular for road vehicles, has a tread, which rolls on a road surface, and a reinforcing strip made of elastomeric material and for reinforcing the tread; the reinforcing strip being located inwards of the tread, being connected integrally to the tread, and having a number of adjacent blocks movable with respect to one another, and a circumferential forcing device for exerting force and a circumferential preload on the blocks.
US08863796B2
Provided is a tire exhibiting improved wear resistance, partial wear resistance, and traction performance on the wet road surface. The tire has block land portion arrays 5 defined on a tread portion 1. Between two block land portion arrays 5 located adjacent to each other while sandwiching a circumferential groove 2, a block land portions 4 constituting the block land portion arrays are arrange so as to be positionally displaced from each other, and a groove portion 6 located between the block land portions adjacent in the tire width direction extends obliquely with respect to tire width direction and the tire circumferential direction. At this time, a distance d2 between the block land portions adjacent in the tire width direction is shorter than a distance d1 between the block land portions adjacent in the circumferential direction. In the block land portion arrays 5 adjacent in the tire width direction, an inclined angle α of a side wall 9 of the block land portion 4 located on the groove portion 6 side with respect to the tire circumferential direction is larger than an inclined angle β of the other side wall 10 located on the opposite side to said groove portion 6 with respect to the tire circumferential direction.
US08863793B2
The current invention comprises a mechanical enclosure capable of unifying a plurality of individual personal organization devices into one interchangeable platform. The apparatus maintains high spatial efficiency by use of materials and geometry allowing miscellaneous items to be carried in single compact space, while also allowing for convenient attachment and removal of modular elements for a variety of applications and uses.
US08863788B2
A medical liquid filling system and associated methods are provided, the system comprising a disposable and a drive system. The disposable includes a tubular member and a piston slidably disposed within the tubular member for retraction and advancement within at least a first portion of the tubular member. The disposable may include a seal member for sealing the first portion of the tubular member and may be interconnected to the piston for co-movement therewith. The drive system may include a piston drive member selectively interconnectable to the piston for driven advancement and retraction of the piston within the tubular member. The drive system may be interconnected to a controller, which may be operable to automate or semi-automate various filling operations. A user interface may be interconnected to the controller for providing input of various system operation parameters, which may be communicated to the controller to facilitate automated or semi-automated operation of the filling system.
US08863785B2
In the mounting device (1) in accordance with the invention, the mounting arm (4) is held on a guide arrangement (11), the guide direction of said guide arrangement being oriented parallel to the rotational axis of the drum (3) to be fitted. A force measuring arrangement 21 is provided to detect the tensile force in the profile wire 9, said force measuring arrangement detecting the total force acting on the mounting arm (4), at least in longitudinal direction of the wire. In doing so, essentially all the forces acting on the profile wire (9) are detected, namely, the braking forces of a brake arrangement (25) as well as the braking forces of other arrangements such as, for example of alignment arrangements 28, tilting arrangements 32 or the like.
US08863774B2
An automatic water flow controller for a faucet includes an outlet member, a manual valve device, one or more inlet pipes supplying water to the manual valve device, a coupling tube coupled between the outlet member and the manual valve device, a solenoid valve attached to the coupling tube for controlling the water to selectively flow through the coupling tube, and an infrared ray detector attached to the outlet member for detecting an approaching of a user within a detection zone of the infrared ray detector, the infrared ray detector is electrically connected to the solenoid valve for operating the solenoid valve to control the water to selectively flow through the coupling tube.
US08863773B2
A fluid metering device may meter the flow of fluid. The device may have a main chamber and a piston configured and oriented to reciprocate within the main chamber. The piston may be configured and oriented to define a first and a second sub-chamber whose volumes vary inversely as a function of the position of the piston during its reciprocation. The fluid metering device may have a first inlet valve configured to controllably regulate the flow of fluid into the first sub-chamber, a first outlet valve configured to controllably regulate the flow of fluid out of the first sub-chamber, a second inlet valve configured to controllably regulate the flow of fluid into the second sub-chamber, and a second outlet valve configured to controllably regulate the flow of fluid out of the second sub-chamber. A valve controller may be configured to control each of the values in a manner that causes fluid to flow through the each of the sub-chambers at an average rate that substantially tracks a control signal which is delivered to the valve controller.
US08863769B2
A sprayer seating assembly is disclosed for more securely docking a sprayer head to an escutcheon positioned on a countertop or the like. The escutcheon has a bore extending there through and a recess adjacent the bore. A sprayer head is linked to a supply hose and has a recess adjacent a base portion of the sprayer head. A flexible snap member is mounted in one of the recesses such that it can flex at least partially into the other of the recesses when the recesses are aligned. The escutcheon forms a rest seat for the sprayer head and the flexible snap member assists in removably retaining the sprayer head against the rest seat.
US08863763B1
A sonication cleaning tank containing a liquid is monitored. A first opacity count is generated indicative of contaminants and/or bubbles in the liquid. At least some of the liquid is filtered to remove contaminants from the liquid, and a second opacity count indicative of contaminants and/or bubbles in the filtered liquid is generated. Based at least in part on the first and second opacity counts, a contaminant count corresponding to an estimated number of contaminants in the liquid is then determined.
US08863756B2
A chewing gum formulation including tobacco particles and a gum base, where the gum base includes one or more hydrophobic gum base polymers, and where the tobacco particles are made from tobacco leaves. The amount of tobacco particles is between 0.5 and 30% by weight of the chewing gum formulation, and nicotine is released from the tobacco particles when chewing the chewing gum formulation.
US08863749B2
One embodiment is directed to a method for interfacing an ophthalmic intervention system with an eye of a patient, comprising: placing a patient interface assembly comprising a housing, an optical lens coupled to the housing, and an eye engagement assembly coupled to the housing, the eye engagement assembly comprising an inner seal and an outer seal, into contact with the eye of the patient by sealably engaging the eye with the inner and outer seals in a vacuum zone defined between the inner and outer seals; applying a vacuum load between the inner and outer seals to engage the eye using the vacuum load; and physically limiting an amount of distension of the eye in the vacuum zone.
US08863746B2
The present invention is directed to a novel device and method for providing a disposable endotracheal intubation device for use with an auxiliary passageway serving as a guide for the placement of an orogastric or other enterally directed device in a patient. The present invention pertains to a medical catheter device, removably attachable to an endotracheal tube, for guiding the path of an enteral tube into the esophagus of a patient. The catheter device preferably employs an adjustable clamp to fix the position of the catheter relative to the endotracheal tube. The present invention also pertains to a combination medical intubation device comprising an endotracheal tube and a catheter proximate the endotracheal tube to guide the path of an enteral tube. The present invention also pertains to a method of intubating a patient using this combination medical intubation device.
US08863739B2
It allows lifting the heliostat in the warehouse and placing it on the cart, and once it reaches the installation spot in the field, the lifting structure is used to lift the heliostat from the cart and place it on a previously installed pedestal. The structure formed by an upper arch and two lower bases, being the upper arch, comprised at the same time by a central, elongated and horizontal profile, which presents two lateral profiles on its ends, from which vertical plates start at the bottom, provided with a hole in the proximity of its lower ends, through which the upper arch (2) is linked to the lower bases through some fixing mechanism, having the lower bases a semicircular support adapted to receive one of the support arms of the heliostat.
US08863736B2
Provided is a portable heater supplied by an associated fuel source, comprising a housing, a fuel connection fitting, an orifice, a burner assembly, a regulator, a controller for selectively switching among operation states including at least a 4000 BTUs and a 9000 BTUs per hour state, a power source adapted to generate electrical power from heat, and a detector system adapted to use the electrical power generated by the power source, detect the level of a particular gas in the atmosphere, and interrupt combustion of the air-fuel mixture. A housing may comprise an air inlet and may define an interior region. A burner assembly may comprise a fuel valve adapted to control communication between the burner assembly and the associated fuel source, a venturi for mixing air and fuel into a fuel-air mixture, a combustion region adapted for the combustion of the air-fuel mixture to produce combustion products and heat.
US08863730B2
The invention relates to an HF ignition device for igniting a combustible gas mixture in an internal combustion engine, comprising a center electrode (2), an insulating body (3) through which center electrode (2) extends, a housing (4) that carries, on one end thereof, a metallic housing body (5) that encloses at least one section of insulating body (3), and comprising an external thread (5a) to be screwed into an internal combustion engine, and a circuit for the HF excitation of the center electrode (2). According to the invention, the section of the insulating body (3) that encloses the housing body (5) comprises an electrically conductive coating (6).
US08863725B2
An apparatus for reducing a pumping loss may include an auxiliary runner formed in an air-intake unit supplying air to a cylinder, wherein intake air may be temporarily stored in the auxiliary runner by using a flow of an exhaust gas during an exhaust stroke, and the intake air stored in the auxiliary runner may be supplied to the cylinder together with the air introduced to the air-intake unit during an intake stroke.
US08863718B2
A piston and method of construction are provided. The piston includes an upper crown having a combustion surface with an upper land depending therefrom and a lower crown having a pair of pin bosses that depend to a pair of laterally spaced, axially aligned pin bores. The upper crown is constructed as a monolithic piece of a first material having a thermal conductivity within a range of about 7 to 25 W/m-K. The lower crown is constructed from a low grade steel material having a thermal conductivity higher than the upper crown. The upper crown is joined directly to the lower crown, wherein the upper crown acts as a barrier to thermal conductivity and thus, the heat within a combustion chamber housing the piston for reciprocation therein is maintained and maximized.
US08863716B2
The invention relates to a tappet (1) for a high-pressure fuel pump or for a valve drive of an internal combustion engine, comprising a housing (2) which has a cam run-on surface (4) on the drive side (3) thereof, wherein an output side (5) of the housing (2) rests on a lower face (6) of a bridge piece (8) that projects through an inner shell (7) of the housing (2), wherein an anti-turn lug (11) protrudes from the outer shell (10) of the housing (2) and is arranged in a window (9) in the latter, wherein said lug is substantially present as an upright body similar to a semi-cylinder in the region thereof protruding from the housing (2), and the outer surface (15) of said lug, in cross section, results in an ogival curve made up of two or more circular arcs (16).
US08863714B1
A camshaft assembly includes a base shaft extending along a longitudinal axis. The base shaft is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis. The camshaft assembly further includes a series of lobe packs mounted on the base shaft. The lobe pack includes a first cam lobe, a second cam, and a third cam lobe. The lobe pack further includes a barrel cam defining a control groove. The camshaft assembly further includes an actuator including an actuator body and at least one pin movably coupled to the actuator body. The lobe pack is configured to move axially relative to the base shaft between a first position, a second position, and a third position. These three lobe pack positions are used to define three discrete valve lift profiles for the intake or exhaust valves in the cylinder. The lift profiles can be different for each engine valve.
US08863711B2
An adjustable camshaft sprocket assembly includes a hub and a sprocket body secured to the hub. A stud-receiving opening is defined in one of the hub flange and the sprocket body, and a tool-receiving opening is defined in the other of the hub flange and the sprocket body. The tool-receiving opening is aligned with the stud-receiving opening and is adapted to receive a body portion of an adjustment tool, and the stud-receiving opening is adapted to receive an eccentric stud of the adjustment tool. Either the stud-receiving opening or the tool-receiving opening is elongated. Rotation of the adjustment tool when its body is located in the tool-receiving opening and its eccentric stud is located in the stud-receiving opening causes relative angular movement between the hub and the sprocket body. One or more fasteners are used to immovably secure the sprocket body to the hub after adjustment. A tool includes cylindrical base, a driving head, and an eccentric stud. The stud comprises a spring pin press-fit into a bore.
US08863705B2
A hand-held power tool has a two-stroke engine with a cylinder with combustion chamber and a piston disposed therein that drives a crankshaft supported in a crankcase. In at least one piston position, crankcase and combustion chamber are connected by a transfer passage. An air passage supplies in at least one piston position combustion air to the transfer passage. A mixture passage for fuel/air mixture is provided. Air and mixture passages in operation are at least partially connected to each other. Part of the mixture passage is formed in a carburetor where a fuel port opens into the mixture passage. The mixture passage opens into the crankcase with a piston-controlled mixture inlet having a width in circumferential direction of the cylinder. Upon upward piston stroke the mixture inlet is connected to the crankcase with a portion of the width before a connection of air passage and transfer passage is established.
US08863687B2
A rotary parlour for milking of animals includes a rotary platform unit and storing devices connected to the platform unit and adapted to hold a number of teat cups in predetermined parking positions. The storing devices are supported by a supporting mechanism comprising an elevating part adapted to move the storing device between an operating position in which the storing device holds at least a part of the parked teat cups at a higher level than the lowest level of the upper surface of the platform unit and a non-operative position in which both the storing device and the parked teat cups are located at a lower level than the lowest level of the upper surface of the platform unit.
US08863686B2
A fluid bed apparatus for coating solid particles. The apparatus includes a housing having upwardly extending walls surrounding a perforated base plate, a nozzle for atomizing a coating liquid, the nozzle being provided in the upwardly extending walls, and a device for providing fluidisation gas through the perforations of the base plate for the maintenance of a fluidised layer. The coating liquid nozzle is provided in a channel for co-current introduction of a dispersion gas, the channel debouching into the fluid bed through an orifice having a radius of 5 mm or more. The apparatus provides for the production of particles having smooth surfaces, high yield and a low tendency to form agglomerates.
US08863680B2
A marine craft recovery system for recovering a marine craft to a mother ship comprises a marine craft engagement apparatus and at least a pair of tensile members between the marine craft engagement apparatus and the mother ship. The marine craft engagement apparatus is configured to engage at least a portion of the marine craft, such as the hull. The pair of tensile members is configured to pull the marine craft engagement apparatus towards respective first and second anchor points on the mother ship. The system is configured to transport the marine craft engagement apparatus across a body of water towards the mother ship.
US08863678B2
A ship for use at high speed and/or heavy seas having a single long and slender hull, a sharp bow and the aft end of the hull has a flat or slightly V-shaped bottom with at least one aft rudder, and at least one propeller or water jet for propulsion whereby the foreship has a draught that is equal or more than the draught of the aft end. The bow has a control surface that converts the water flow along the forward moving ship into an adjustable lateral force.
US08863673B2
An outdoor table is divided into two or more sections to allow one or more heaters to be placed and accessed within the perimeter of the table top without removing any support parts of the table. The table top includes at least one aperture through which a heater projects. Each section of the table may be hinged to one or more adjacent sections at one or both ends of the separation between the sections so that the table sections may be swung open and closed. The hinging mechanisms may have a removable pin or bolt that may be removed to open the table from either side of the separation. The table sections may be used as a stand-alone table when detached from each other. One or more inserts may be used to cover the aperture, to change the size of the aperture, or to accommodate additional table features.
US08863670B2
A rail draft vehicle for moving railcars along a pair of rails includes a frame having a front end and a rear end. The vehicle also has a front wheel assembly associated with the front end of the frame as well as a rear wheel assembly associated with the rear end of the frame. Each of the wheel assemblies includes an axle housing with a differential and a pair of road wheels connected for rotation relative to the axle housing. Each wheel assembly pivots as a unit relative to the frame about a vertical axis. The vehicle also includes an engine attached to the frame. In addition, a power train powered by the engine drives each of the wheel assemblies and is connected to each wheel assembly.
US08863668B2
A transport system includes a main cable, a track assembly, and a conveyance assembly, wherein the track assembly is suspended from the main cable to allow unimpeded translational movement of the conveyance assembly along the track assembly. In another aspect according to the present invention, the track assembly has a track changing assembly that includes a track changing section rotatably coupled to a primary track section for selective alignment of the track changing section to any one of a plurality of exit track sections. A method of conveyance along a suspended track includes suspending a main cable between natural or artificial support structures, suspending a track assembly from the main cable, and mounting a conveyance assembly on the suspended track assembly to provide unimpeded translational movement of the conveyance assembly along the track assembly.
US08863658B2
A pad printing machine comprising a work board. The work board is situated in front of the pad printing machine and fitted with an optical display displaying given operational states of the pad printing machine to an operator.
US08863646B2
A system, in certain embodiments, includes a barrier with magnetic coupling between opposite sides of the barrier. For example, the system may include a first member with a first magnet that translates along with the first member, and a second member having a second magnet that translates along with the second member. The system also may include the barrier completely isolating the first member from the second member, wherein the first magnet magnetically couples with the second magnet through the barrier to impart translational motion from the first member to the second member.
US08863644B2
A lubricant supply mechanism is provided to an upper portion of a cam. A fixing member of the lubricant supply mechanism includes a recovery blade as a lubricant recovery member having lower end portions in contact with side face peripheral edge portions of the cam. The lower end portions of the recovery blade are in contact with the side face peripheral edge portions of the cam. An angle θ, which the lower end portions of the recovery blade make with a direction of rotation of the cam is smaller than 90°.
US08863639B2
An adjustable gas block for a gas operated firearm offering a means to adjust a volume of gas directed to the host rifle's operating system. The adjustable gas block provides two positions of adjustment that are selectable based on the presence of a pressure increasing device being mounted on the firearm. A first position provides an optimal volume of gas into the gas operating system absent a back pressure increasing device. A second position usable in the presence of a back pressure increasing device causing venting of a portion of the volume of gas into a secondary chamber prior to release into the atmosphere. The amount of gas received by the operating system due to venting is reduced to a volume that is substantially equal to the volume of gas that would be received by the operating system absent a back pressure increasing device.
US08863625B2
A method is disclosed for trimming elastomeric gasket squeeze-out from between a removeable workpiece and a static base, when there is compression between the workpiece and the base. The elastomeric gasket is deformable and compression causes squeeze-out along the edge. The method comprises using a tack release agent to remove the tackiness from the elastomeric squeeze-out and, following wetting of the squeeze-out, applying a thin blade adjacent the workpiece and trimming the excess squeeze-out by moving the blade along the workpiece.
US08863623B2
An open-close work implement is provided, wherein an object can be easily held without being damaged by a simple operation of merely gripping or squeezing the open-close operation part (5) with the fingertips. A first half member (1) and a second half member (2) are intersected and pivotally fitted together, an open-close working part (4) is provided to the distal end, and an open-close operation part (5) is provided to the proximal end. When increasing closing force is applied to the open-close operation part, the open-close operation part flexes and a contact part (7) and a receiving part (6) come in contact. Even though the closing force is further increased while the receiving part and the contact part are in a state of contact, the closing force is not transmitted to the open-close working part, and the holding force of the open-close working part does not increase.
US08863622B1
Magnetic Wrench can provide people with a convenient way to install and remove nuts and bolts with a wrench without the nut or bolt slipping out of the wrench and falling onto the floor. This unique product can comprise a wrench with built-in, internal magnets on the openings on both ends. The magnets comprise three small washers placed around the wrench's openings, or a magnetic strip that can follow the curve of the opening. This concept can be applied to both metric and standard wrenches, as well as various shapes and sizes of wrenches. The exact specifications, materials used, and method of use of Magnetic Wrench may vary upon manufacturing.
US08863621B2
A power tong includes a rotor, driven by a primary drive, for spinning and torquing threaded connections of a tubular gripped in the rotor. A grip in the rotor grips the tubular. A serpentine member supplies power to actuate the grip. The serpentine member is driven by a secondary drive. The primary and secondary drives are mounted on a stator frame. The rotor is rotatably mounted to the stator frame and driven by the primary drive during continuous three hundred and sixty degrees of rotation. A fixed or backup jaw may also be mounted to the stator frame. Tubular grippers on the fixed jaw grip a first side of a tubular joint. The grip on the rotor grips the opposite side of the tubular joint. High torque low-rotational speed applied to the rotor torques the joint. Low torque high-rotational speed applied to the rotor spins the joint.
US08863617B2
A motor vehicle transmission having an input shaft, which can be coupled to a drive aggregate, an output shaft, which can be coupled to an output, and several shift elements. At least two shift elements, designed as clutches, are each coupled via an outer clutch plate carrier with the input shaft in such a way that an outer clutch plate carrier of a first radially outer clutch encloses an outer clutch plate carrier of a second radially inner clutch at least sectionally and radially outside. A drive gear is coupled to the input shaft through which a power take-off can be coupled to withdraw power from the input shaft or through which an auxiliary drive aggregate can supply power to the input shaft. The drive gear is linked through the outer clutch plate carrier of the radially inner clutch to the input shaft.
US08863616B2
A bicycle pedal crank has an elongated body and a first end portion with a first seat for coupling with a bottom bracket of the bicycle, a second end portion with a second seat for coupling with a pedal, and an intermediate portion extending between the first end portion and said second end portion and having an inner portion substantially without structural strength and a first reinforcement structure. The first reinforcement structure has a tubular structure arranged around said inner portion and extending longitudinally not longer than the longitudinal extension of the intermediate portion. The extension of the tubular element is limited to the intermediate portion of the pedal crank. The crank may be manufactured in a simple, quick way in a completely automated manner, using a filling material molded under high pressure.
US08863613B2
A control module, which is mounted on a handlebar of a bicycle, includes a base, a grip, a control bar, and a bolt. The base has a hole, and the hole has a first section and a second section, wherein the second section is bigger than the first section. The base is fitted to the handlebar whereby a sidewall of the first section touches the handlebar. The grip is fitted to the handlebar, and has a portion received in the second section of the hole of the base. The control bar is provided on the base to control a brake module or a derailleur module. The bolt is provided on the base, wherein both the base and the grip are fixed to the handlebar at the same time by tightening the bolt.
US08863608B2
The invention concerns a fluidically operable manipulator made up of several manipulator segments stacked along an extension curve, each comprising at least one connecting plate and at least two fluidically separated fluid chambers spaced apart on the connecting plate at right-angles to the extension curve, wherein each of the fluid chambers has at least one elastically deformable wall section which is designed to make possible, on pressurization of the respective fluid chamber with a fluid, a change in volume of the fluid chamber for a linear movement substantially parallel to the extension curve, and wherein a main extension surface of the connecting plate is provided for an arrangement at least substantially at right-angles to the extension curve, wherein the two or more fluid chambers are made integral with the connecting plate or plates.
US08863596B2
A Scotch yoke actuator is disclosed with a dual yoke and a diagonally symmetric design. A pair of shafts and pushing devices apply equal, opposing forces to the yoke, causing end loading forces applied to a rotatable shaft attached to the center of the yoke to be cancelled. In embodiments, the weight of the pushing devices is balanced about the yoke, each shaft extends in only one direction from the yoke, and/or the shafts are supported only by the yoke and the pushing devices. In embodiments that use yoke pins, the yoke pins include rollers or bearings to reduce friction, and/or two pair of yoke pin slots support protruding ends of the yoke pins. The yoke pin slots can extend to edges of a yoke housing face, allowing easy shaft removal and reinstallation, and each shaft can include a split end with extensions on opposing sides of the yoke.
US08863581B2
A digital pressure gauge is configured for coupling with an external fluid pipe, and includes a housing, a pressure sensing unit, a battery seat and a cover. The housing includes an inlet for coupling with the external fluid pipe to permit flow of fluid from the external fluid pipe into the housing. The pressure sensing unit is operable to sense fluid pressure of the fluid flowing through the inlet. The battery seat is disposed in the housing for receiving a battery. The housing is formed with an opening registered with the battery seat to permit placement of the battery in and removal of the battery from the battery seat through the opening. The cover is removably attached to the housing.
US08863579B2
A resonant sensor is disclosed which may be arranged to measure the pressure of a fluid. The resonant sensor comprises a diaphragm which may be exposed to a fluid; two supports provided on the diaphragm and a resonator having at least two beams with each beam being suspended between the two supports. The ends of each beam are attached to a corresponding support at more than one point. By attaching each end of the beams to a support at more than one point, the moments and reaction forces to which the support is subjected may be balanced so that distortion of the support and diaphragm due to vibration of the resonator beams is reduced. Consequently, the resonant sensor is able to provide more precise measurements.
US08863578B2
A pressure gauge mounted to a pump or a back pressure regulator in an HPLC, SFC, or SFE system provides improved solvent exchange and improved measurement precision. A through hole having an inside diameter of 1.0 mm is made in a hexagonal member similar in shape to a pipe joint. A part of the hexagonal member is cut away to form a flat surface such that the distance to the outside periphery of the through hole is 0.5 mm to serve as a strain-measurement strain gauge attaching surface. One strain gauge is attached to the center of the strain-measurement strain gauge attaching surface, and two strain gauges are attached for temperature correction, one on the same surface as the strain-measurement strain gauge attaching surface and the other on an outside surface of the hexagonal member.
US08863561B2
A door stop includes a body having a longitudinal axis and having angled sides defining an apex. A rotating toggle having angled sides defining an apex and a longitudinal axis is operably connected at its apex to the body at about the apex of the body. The toggle is rotatable such that the longitudinal axis of the toggle aligns with the longitudinal axis of the body in an insertion position and the longitudinal axis of the toggle is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the body in a locked position. A lock assembly is operably mounted to the body to lock the toggle in the locked position.
US08863556B2
The invention provides techniques for drawing fibers that include conducting, semiconducting, and insulating materials in intimate contact and prescribed geometries. The resulting fiber exhibits engineered electrical and optical functionalities along extended fiber lengths. The invention provides corresponding processes for producing such fibers, including assembling a fiber preform of a plurality of distinct materials, e.g., of conducting, semiconducting, and insulating materials, and drawing the preform into a fiber.
US08863550B2
A cool storage material container is formed by brazing together peripheral edge portions of two aluminum plates. A cool storage material for storing cool is charged into a cool storage material accommodation space. The cool storage material container has a seal portion provided by closing a thermal storage material charging inlet which is formed at the peripheral edge portions of the two aluminum plates and is used to charge the cool storage material into the cool storage material accommodation space. The seal portion includes two outward protrusions which are formed by pressing and collapsing the thermal storage material charging inlet such that they project outward from the two aluminum plates and are brought into close contact with each other. The outward protrusions are bonded together by an anaerobic adhesive and are bent in the thickness direction of the aluminum plates such that their bent portions have a V-shaped cross section.
US08863547B2
The invention relates to a desalination method and system that uses freeze crystallization technology that incorporates the use of compressed air energy as the source for freezing temperatures. When compressed air is released by a turbo expander, chilled air is produced as a by-product, wherein the chilled air is introduced into a crystallization chamber. Also injected into the chamber is a spray cloud of seawater droplets, which has been pre-chilled by heat exchange with the cold chamber walls, and which is then circulated and exposed to the chilled air in the chamber. The sizes of the droplets can vary, but are preferably predetermined, along with the relative temperatures, flows and speeds of the spray and chilled air, such that when the droplets are circulated within the chilled air, and settle at the bottom of the chamber, they are deposited at slightly above the eutectic temperature. This way, the ice/snow mass that forms at the bottom of the chamber will consist of frozen ice crystals, and a residue of salt water brine, which can runoff from the mass, either from the sides, or through any voids or channels that may form within the mass.
US08863541B2
A temperature-controlled case is provided including a rear wall spaced apart from an intermediate wall, forming a cavity therebetween. The intermediate wall includes a first set of openings disposed below a second set of openings. A deck may be disposed proximate to the first set and the shelves proximate to the second set of openings. Each shelf may include a shelf base and cover, the cover having openings through which air may be directed. An air distribution system having an air diverting device provides for improved air flow and cooling of products within the case. The air diverting device directs a first portion of an air flow toward the deck and permits a second portion to be directed toward the shelves. The air diverting device may direct the first portion of the air flow through the cavity and towards the deck, or away from the cavity and towards the deck.
US08863529B2
A compressor of a gas turbine engine may have a bypass that routes a compressed air flow from within the compressor and directs the compressed air flow to a combustor. The bypass may have an inlet positioned just ahead of a downstream stage of the compressor and an outlet positioned to route the compressed air flow from the bypass to a diffuser or directly to a combustor. A valve may be used within the bypass and may be located near the inlet, near the outlet, or both. The valve may have the form of an annular sleeve in some embodiments and may be actuated with an actuator. The various arrangements allow for a compressor having a variable compression ratio.
US08863528B2
A combustor assembly having a support assembly between a metal support assembly and a ceramic combustor can section that accommodates a thermal expansion difference therebetween. An air fuel mixer and an igniter are mounted to the support assembly secured to the ceramic combustion can which receives the ignition products of the ignited fuel and air mixture.
US08863520B2
Methods and apparatus for a power and/or propulsion system comprising an external combustor, a steam generator, and a radial piston engine. In one embodiment, an undersea vehicle is powered by a propulsion system including a steam generator having a series of coiled tubes in which water is heated to generate steam by combustion of a monopropellant fuel ignited in the external combustor.
US08863518B2
A process for the production of a synthesis gas containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide utilizes shredded waste tires that are substantially free of metal particles as a feedstream, either alone or in combination with a residual oil feedstream, for gasification in the combustion chamber of a tubular wall membrane partial oxidation gasification reactor in the presence of a predetermined amount of oxygen. Optionally, the product synthesis gas is introduced as the feedstream to a water gas shift reactor to enhance the hydrogen content of the final product stream.
US08863494B2
A turbine outlet frozen gas capture apparatus is provided and includes an enclosure divided into first and second chambers, the first chamber being receptive of turbine outlet exhaust including frozen gas, a wheel disposed and configured to be rotatable such that frozen gas received in the first chamber is captured and transported into the second chamber and a heater disposed within the second chamber and configured to vaporize the frozen gas transported therein to thereby produce vaporized gas.
US08863492B2
A combined cycle power plant including a gas turbine engine having a first compressor providing compressed air for combustion to form a hot working gas, and a turbine section for expanding the hot working gas. A first heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) is provided for receiving an exhaust gas flow from the turbine section to form a reduced temperature exhaust gas and to produce a high pressure steam flow which is provided to a high pressure steam turbine. A second compressor is provided for receiving and compressing the reduced temperature exhaust gas to add energy and form a reheated exhaust gas. A second heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) is provided for receiving and removing heat from the reheated exhaust gas to produce a low pressure steam flow, and a low pressure steam turbine is provided for receiving and expanding the low pressure steam flow.
US08863483B2
A swather tractor has hydraulically driven wheels at a cab end and castor wheels at an engine end. It can be driven cab forward in a working mode with a header on the forward end. It is rotated to engine forward in the transport position for more stable higher speed travel. There is provided a float module with adjustable and calibrated springs connected between a mounting assembly on the tractor and pivotal support arms of the float assembly where the mounting assembly can be raised and lowered by a lift system on the tractor. This allows the header to float relative to the lift system on the tractor. The float force of the springs is adjusted by raising and lowering the lift system in dependence on an angle measurement of the lift position of the header as it floats relative to the mounting assembly.
US08863482B2
An adjustable equestrian saddle and adjusting and reinforcing system for adjusting an equestrian saddle to permit the saddle fit several sizes of the back and withers of one or more horses, wherein the adjusting system comprises a plurality of reinforcing members having different angular dimensions with the saddle having a headplate for interchangeably receiving the reinforcing members and a lid to have access to the reinforcing members.
US08863448B2
A node for connecting together at least a first support element, a second support element and a third support element of a support frame such as a solar frame which supports solar reflectors. A method for connecting together at least a first support element, a second support element and a third support element of a solar frame which supports solar reflectors. A system for supporting solar reflectors includes a first support frame upon which the solar reflectors are disposed. A method for forming a support frame for solar reflectors. A system for constructing a support frame from parts, including chords, for solar reflectors. A method for constructing a support frame for solar reflectors. A support frame for solar reflectors.
US08863446B2
A foldable structure is adjustable between a folded condition for storage and shipping, and an unfolded condition for occupation by one or more users. The foldable structure may be substantially prefabricated at a manufacturing facility, transitioned into its folded condition, and placed into a shipping container for shipping to a destination site. A single foldable structure may be placed in the shipping container, or multiple foldable structures may fit in a standard shipping container. For example, in some embodiments, as many as six foldable structures may fit in a single standard shipping container.
US08863444B2
An assembly system for modular building units having a floor and a plurality of walls is provided. The assembly system includes a floor platform, a plurality of wall platforms, and a plurality of hinge assemblies. Each of the plurality of hinge assemblies may be rotatable to at least a first position and a second position when attached to the floor and the one of the plurality of walls. In the first position, the walls and the floor are generally parallel while in the second position the wall and the floor are generally perpendicular. Methods of use are also provided, in which, during use, the hinge assembly of the system may be rotated from the first position to the second position at least in part by moving the walls in an upwards direction relative to the floor.
US08863443B2
This invention relates to a lightweight housing module comprising at least one stretched fabric intended to form the roof of said module and fixed along its lower edge on a rigid frame maintained at a distance from the ground by a plurality of lateral posts, remarkable in that it comprises vertical panels and/or opening frames in order to close in a substantially sealed manner its vertical facades and a false ceiling arranged in order to be arranged under said fabric inside said lightweight housing module and fixed to the frame. This invention also relates to a modular building remarkable in that it comprises a plurality of lightweight housing modules, according to the invention, arranged next to one another, and a system for sealing between the adjacent lightweight housing modules. This invention also relates to their method of assembly.
US08863440B1
A force resistant panel system is provided where a window pane is bordered by a sash and magnetically attracted to an exterior flange. The exterior flange is attached to an opening in a wall, facing outward. An interior flange with a channel is attached to the inside and facing inward. The exterior flange and interior flange combine to form a channel for which the window pane can travel in the event of a blast. Decorative trim snaps into a groove on the interior flange and generates static outward pressure against the sash.
US08863427B2
An automatically adjustable comb for a firearm that extends a predetermined distance from an initial position, flush with the top of a stock, when the firearm moves to a predetermined angular orientation. The automatic adjustable comb may include a detector that detects when the firearm and/or comb has moved to a predetermined angular orientation with respect to a horizontal orientation. The detector may actuate an actuator to extend the comb the predetermined distance from the initial position. The extension of the comb elevates the top of the comb with respect to the top of the stock. The user may be able to vary both the predetermined angular orientation and the predetermined distance. The detection device may detect when the firearm is lowered to a horizontal orientation from an elevated angular orientation causing the actuator to lower the comb so that it is flush with the stock of the firearm.
US08863415B2
A decorative device for use with a medical instrument having a tubing structure, the decorative device including at least one connector configured to removably couple to the tubing structure on the medical instrument, the connector having a face plate engaging structure configured to attachably engage at least tone decorative face plate member.
US08863411B2
An article of footwear with a detachable wrap is disclosed. The detachable wrap removably attaches to a lacing area of an upper and extends under the article of footwear through a channel in a midsole of the sole structure. The detachable wrap may change the appearance of the article of footwear and additionally provide support to a foot of the wearer.
US08863410B2
To improve the grip of the shoe at the ground, especially when playing golf, the shoe has a cleat with a cleat base body which can be connected to the sole and that at least one extension is arranged at the cleat base body which extends to the ground. The vertical projected area (AF) of the end of the extension which is facing the ground is arranged at least partially, preferably completely, outside of the vertical projected area (AG) of the cleat base body. The cleats are arranged on a carrier plate.
US08863407B2
An athletic shoe suitable for efficient running. A depression is formed in the rear foot portion which extends forward from the calcaneal bone and which does not contact the ground. A band-like area is provided in the middle foot portion extending in the front-rear direction in the central portion between the medial side and the lateral side of the shoe sole so as to be continuous with the depression. The reinforcement member and the midsole are provided in the middle foot portion so that the upper surface of the midsole less easily sinks downward due to a load from above on the medial side than in the band-like area and on the lateral side. In the front foot portion, a longitudinal groove is formed which extends in the front-rear direction in the central portion of the midsole body so as to be continuous with the band-like area. The longitudinal groove is curved so as to be generally parallel to the lateral edge of the front foot portion of sole.
US08863388B2
A method for adhesive stacking includes dispensing a first line of adhesive onto a first substrate; dispensing at least one additional line of adhesive stacked onto the first line of adhesive; and placing a second substrate onto the at least one additional line of adhesive to join the first and second substrates.
US08863385B2
A reactor including a monolith having a plurality of fins in an annular arrangement for receiving fluid flow through the reactor. The monolith is disposed within a generally cylindrical outer tube, and around a corrugated inner tube. The reactor includes a device for urging the monolith radially outward, so as to maintain contact between the monolith and the outer tube.
US08863377B2
According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for manufacturing a circuit board comprises covering with a metal layer a surface of a first resin layer including polyimide resin; forming a plurality of conductive layers arranged on the metal layer with the conductive layers apart from each other in a planer view; roughening surfaces of the conductive layers with an alkaline aqueous solution; and etching a part of the metal layer between the conductive layers in the planer view to expose the surface of the first resin layer after roughening the surfaces of the conductive layers.
US08863376B2
The removing jig includes a frame member and an arm member. The arm member includes a pair of side plates each provided with an axial hole. The arm member further includes an engagement portion that engages with the lever portion at its tip. The frame member includes a contact portion that contacts with a back surface of the connector body, a pair of side frame plates each provided with a guide groove formed with respect to the axial hole, and a first window portion from which the engagement portion protrudes.
US08863349B2
The steering and cleaning mechanism for reflector arrays includes at least one fixed rail and a movable rail slidably movable along the at least one fixed rail. The at least one fixed rail is disposed adjacent a plurality of reflectors arranged in an array. A positioning/cleaning carriage is disposed on the movable rail and slidably movable thereon. The positioning/cleaning carriage includes a positioning module and a cleaning module. The positioning/cleaning carriage is positioned over a select reflector by the combined movement of the movable rail and the carriage along the movable rail. Once positioned, the positioning module and the cleaning module are selectively actuated to both orient the target reflector in the desired position and to clean the same.
US08863328B2
The present disclosure and related inventions describe various embodiments of cover assemblies for bed frames which are both structural and aesthetic which provide a wide variety of bed frame assemblies of unique construction. The bed frame assembly removably attaches to the outer surface of the longitudinal members of a bed frame to conceal exposed bed frame members and provide a more pleasant, customized view of an entire sleep structure.
US08863324B2
A bathtub rim assembly is disclosed that includes a support structure that is capable of engaging a rim of a bathtub to prevent substantial deformation and damage to a cantilevered ledge of the bathtub. The rim assembly further includes a skirt that obscures the support structure to maintain a unitary appearance of the overall bathtub assembly.
US08863317B2
Provided is a work glove which has further improved wear resistance and workability while ensuring functions such as dielectric breakdown strength and water proofing. In such a work glove, a fabric material, which is formed of one selected from cloth, knitted fabric and meshed fabric and has a predetermined area, is affixed to an outer surface of a glove base which is made of an elastic material, and a coating film having a higher friction coefficient than the fabric material is formed on a surface of the fabric material.
US08863315B1
An apparatus for holding a shirt collar in stasis while being worn by a user to provide a desired formal look. The decorative collar stay system includes a collar link to bridge the gap between the right side and the left side of a shirt collar and can be adorned with decorative items as determined by the user to affect the desired look. Clips on each end of the collar link may have alligator-type clips that secure to the right side and left side of a shirt collar.
US08863313B2
A drag harness (20) is provided and includes two arm loops (40), each of which is adapted to receive a separate arm (42) of a wearer (24), and an elongate handle (44) having a length (L) extending from a first end (46) to a second end (48) spaced from the first end (46) by the length (L). One of the arm loops (42) extends from the first end (46), and the other of the arm loops (42) extends from the second end (48). The handle (44) is a separate component that is attached to the arm loops (42) whereby a rescuer (26) grasping the handle (44) can drag the wearer (24) with the wearer (24) in a supine position.
US08869305B1
A computer-implemented method may include maintaining a set of password-protection policies configured to prevent unauthorized access to a mobile device at different physical locations. The computer-implemented method may also include identifying a current physical location of the mobile device and searching a database that stores the set of password-protection policies for a particular password-protection policy that corresponds to the current physical location of the mobile device. The computer-implemented method may further include identifying, based on the search of the database, the particular password-protection policy that corresponds to the current physical location of the mobile device and then implementing the particular password-protection policy on the mobile device in response to the identification of the particular password-protection policy. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US08869294B2
To provide hardware protection against timing based side channel attacks, a processor's microarchitecture enables an OS to determine which applications have the privilege to read timestamp and performance counters. Using a white list of applications, and an authentication mechanism to authenticate applications, a legitimate Protection Required Application (PRA) may temporarily prevent other applications from reading timestamp and performance counters while it executes (or excutes sensitive operations).
US08869281B2
In one implementation, a computer-implemented method can identify abnormal computer behavior. The method can receive, at a computer server subsystem and from a web server system, computer code to be served in response to a request from a computing client over the internet. The method can also modify the computer code to obscure operational design of the web server system that could be determined from the computer code, and supplement the computer code with instrumentation code that is programmed to execute on the computing client. The method may serve the modified and supplemented computer code to the computing client.
US08869263B2
A wireless communications system may include a user-wearable device including a clasp having open and closed positions, a first wireless security circuit (WSC), and a first controller coupled to the clasp and the first WSC. The system may further include a mobile wireless communications device including a portable housing, an input device(s), a second WSC carried by the portable housing and configured to communicate with the first WSC when in close proximity therewith, and a second controller carried by the portable housing and coupled to the second WSC and the input device(s). The second controller may be configured to enable mobile wireless communications device(s) function based upon a manual entry of an authentication code via the input device(s), and bypass the manual entry and enable the mobile wireless communications device function(s) based upon a communication from the user-wearable device and a position of the clasp.
US08869262B2
A method for allowing or denying, by an appliance, access to a resource by an application on a client via a virtual private network connection includes basing the decision to allow or deny access on identification of the application. The appliance intercepts a request from an application on a client on a first network to access via a virtual private network connection a resource on a second network. The appliance identifies the application and associates with the intercepted request an authorization policy based on the identity of the application. The appliance determines, using the authorization policy and the identity of the application, to either allow or deny access by the application to the resource.
US08869256B2
A device, system and method for aggregating resources, services or data across a network in which data and services from various source networks can be converted into an internal, aggregatable form (or vice versa) that can be sent to relevant properties or systems on request or through scheduling. The framework of the device, system and method permits scalability and potentially support any number of users, applications and services.
US08869255B2
A security system and method for authenticating a user's access to a system is disclosed. The security system receives an authentication request from the user and responds by generating a security matrix based on a previously stored user keyword and user preference data, the security matrix being different for each authentication request. The security system sends the security matrix to the user and awaits a one-time code in response to the security matrix. The user forms the one-time code based on the user keyword, the user preferences, and the security matrix. The security system validates the one-time code against the security matrix, the keyword, and the user preferences, and responds by sending an authentication result to the user that either permits or denies access to the system. Additionally, the security system sends a success or fail message to the system to be accessed.
US08869248B2
A communication system may include a server configured to provide data access based upon an authenticated logon, and a computer configured to access the server to receive a temporary authenticated logon identification (ID) for the server. The communication system may further include a mobile wireless communications device including a housing, a wireless transceiver carried by the housing, a sensor carried by the housing, and a controller carried by the housing, the controller being coupled to the wireless transceiver and the sensor. The controller may be configured to cause the sensor to wirelessly retrieve the temporary authenticated logon ID from the computer, and cause the wireless transceiver to wirelessly communicate logon data to the server for providing data access via the computer based upon the temporary authenticated logon ID.
US08869247B2
An apparatus with a single function or plural functions includes a user information receiving unit that receives user information about a user; a request unit that requests use permission information from a server; a receiving unit that receives the use permission information transmitted from the server; a memory that stores the received use permission information; a use permission determining unit that performs a first determination process and a second determination process; and an operation controller that, when the use of the function is permitted in the first determination process, performs control such that operations other than a predetermined operation are available before the second determination process is performed and, when it is determined that the function permitted to be used in the first determination process is also permitted to be used in the second determination process, performs control to permit the user to use all operations of the function.
US08869244B1
Techniques for providing role-based access control using dynamic shared accounts are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a system and method for providing role-based access using dynamic shared accounts. For example, the system may comprise one or more processors communicatively coupled to a network. The one or more processors may be configured to: receive a request for access to an account, wherein the request comprises an identifier associated with a user; authenticate the user for access to the account; identify one or more predetermined roles associated with the account for the user; identify one or more pseudo accounts corresponding to the one or more predetermined roles; map the user to the one or more pseudo accounts; and provide user access to the account based on the mapping and with access privileges associated with the one or more predetermined roles associated with the user.
US08869239B2
Examples of systems and methods are provided for rendering a composite view of an application. A system may display a local graphical user interface (GUI) and a remote application view associated with a remote application running at a remote server. The system may provide a message directed to a remote server to launch a remote application at the remote server. The system may receive a configuration file from the remote server. The system may register a GUI event listed in the configuration file. The system may display a local GUI based on the configuration file. The system may receive display output data of the remote application running on the remote server. The system may render a composite view including the local GUI based on the configuration file and a remote application view based on the display output data.
US08869229B1
A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc. At receiver stations, signals in received transmissions and from local inputs (225, 218, 22) cause control processors (200) and computers (205) to automate connection and operation of converters (201), tuners (215), decryptors (224), recorder/players (217), computers (205), furnaces (206), etc. Processors (71, 200) meter and monitor availability and usage of programming.
US08869222B2
Methods, systems, devices and computer program products are provided to facilitate enhanced use and interaction with multimedia content using a variety of content identification techniques. After identifying a content that is being presented by a first device, the content identification information is used to retrieve and present a second content that would render at least a portion of the first content comprehensible to particular users or audience of the first content. The second content can be tailored to accommodate physical disabilities or special needs of a user or a group of users.
US08869206B2
A digital television and a channel editing method are provided wherein various channel information is edited efficiently. In the channel edit method of the digital TV, the channel information stored according to a user's request is displayed on a multi-window. If the user selects a channel based on the multi-window, the channel selected by the user is tuned by a tuner and displayed as a moving picture. The user can edit the corresponding channel referring to the multi-window. In another embodiment, the user can edit the set favorite channel(s) separately. The broadcast status of all channels can be recognized almost instantaneously by viewing the multi-window displaying all the broadcast programs of multiple channels.
US08869197B2
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) system having a controller to retrieve a user profile associated with a user of the IPTV system, cause a set-top box (STB) operating in the IPTV system to present an avatar having characteristics that correlate to the user profile, receive from the STB one or more responses of the user, wherein the one or more responses are collected by the STB from a communication exchange between the avatar and the user, identify from the one or more responses a need to communicate with a content source, establish a communication session with the content source, receive from the content source an avatar profile, adapt the characteristics of the avatar to correlate at least in part to the avatar profile, and cause the STB to present the adapted avatar. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08869192B2
A method and apparatus for setting a TV operation environment for users submitting authorizing passwords. The method of setting a user environment of a television (TV) includes displaying a plurality of icons of Identifications (IDs) for respective users, each of the IDs corresponding to an operation environment for a user. If an ID icon is selected among the displayed icons, a password corresponding to the selected ID icon is authenticated, and if a user is authenticated by the password, a preset operation mode for the user is set.
US08869189B2
The exemplary embodiments of the method and system according to the present invention provide a system and method for controlling access to audiovisual content such as television shows, video-on-demand services or streaming video which can be delivered by cable, satellite, wired or wireless networks, cell phones, the Internet, etc. More particularly, the present invention provides a capability to define certain criteria which can be used to restrict access to content based on combinations of various parameters including, but not limited to, time of day, day of the week, type of content, source of content, content display device, etc. These criteria may also be provided by data storage arrangements or a network, and access restrictions specified by such criteria can be associated with a plurality of display devices.
US08869180B2
A system and method for data storage and retrieval include a rotational head carriage unit having a plurality of heads. A tape drive unit moves a tape media length-wise across the head carriage unit while the head carriage unit rotates. The tape drive unit is adapted to use a tape comprising multiple recordable layers. The heads are adapted to read data from or write data to one recordable layer while rotating toward one edge of the tape media, and read data from or write data to another recordable layer while rotating toward the other edge of the tape media.
US08869177B2
A method, system and computer program product for decoupling components of a software system at load/compile time to accelerate application startup times. In particular, a software components partitioning (SCP) utility pre-defines a number of (implementation) classes to initiate and facilitate the decoupling process. The SCP utility allows the method names and argument lists to be recorded from a remote interface into a local interface which emulates the remote interface. The local interface is augmented with an annotation to define the remote interface. Additionally, a pre-defined keyword is appended to the name of the local interface to enable the creation of a (pre-defined) classname. Furthermore, when the classname is loaded, an implementation (via a Java implementation class, for example) for the remote class is loaded, and the implementation is associated with a dynamic proxy that implements both the local and remote interfaces, on demand.
US08869175B2
An apparatus having an OS to perform exclusive control among programs that are based on a predetermined API on a channel for communicating with a peripheral, a first driver for the peripheral to startup based on a request that is based on the predetermined API and communicate with the peripheral via the channel, a second driver for the peripheral to startup based on a request that is not based on the predetermined API and communicate with the peripheral via the channel, a program to communicate with the peripheral via the channel, and a controller to, when the second driver is started up based on a request that is not based on the predetermined API, if the program is using the channel, close the channel that the program is using based on exclusive control by the OS by starting the first driver.
US08869173B2
A method and system for adaptive processing of alert messages exchanged between applications is disclosed. The system may include a diagnostic engine coupled to a plurality of applications. A plurality of application alert messages may be monitored to determine if the alerts exceed a predetermined threshold. If a threshold number of alert messages is exceeded, an interface status based on a diagnostic code for the interface may be determined. A query value for the interface may be adjusted. Based on the amount of the increase in the alert messages, different actions may be indicated. An administrator for the application interface or for equipment associated with the interface may be notified for servicing the equipment.
US08869172B2
A method and system is disclosed which alters the performance of computer systems to make exception-less system calls, thus avoiding or reducing the direct and indirect overheads associated with making an exception-based system call. The invention can be employed with single core processor systems and with multi-core processor systems.
US08869164B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for scheduling parallel jobs in a system of virtual containers. At least one parallel job is assigned to a plurality of containers competing for a total capacity of a larger container, wherein the at least one parallel job comprises a plurality of tasks. The assignment method comprises determining a current utilization and a potential free capacity for each of the plurality of competing containers; and assigning the tasks to one of the plurality of containers based on the potential free capacities and at least one predefined scheduling policy. The predefined scheduling policy may comprise, for example, one or more of load balancing, server consolidation, maximizing the current utilizations, minimizing a response time of the parallel job and satisfying quality of service requirements. The load balancing can be achieved, for example, by assigning a task to a container having a highest potential free capacity.
US08869163B2
There is provided a system and method for providing an integrated environment for execution monitoring and profiling of applications running on multi-processor system-on-chips. There is provided a method comprising obtaining task execution data of an application, the task execution data including a plurality of task executions assigned to a plurality of hardware resources, showing a scheduler view of the plurality of task executions on a display, receiving a modification request for a selected task execution from the plurality of task executions, reassigning the plurality of task executions to the plurality of hardware resources based on implementing the modification request, and updating the scheduler view on the display. As a result, the high level results of specific low level optimizations may be tested and retried to discover which optimization routes provide the greatest benefits.
US08869161B2
A method for managing computing resources includes generating a first workload metadata for a first workload, generating a second workload metadata for a second workload, and comparing the first workload and the second workload metadata against resource metadata. The method includes, based upon the comparison of workload metadata against resource metadata, identifying a potential conflict in resource requirements between the first workload and the computing resources available to the processing entity, and assigning the second workload for execution by one of the processing entities. The metadata characterize computing resources required by the associated workload. The first workload metadata is initially prioritized over the second workload metadata. The workloads are to be executed by processing entities. The resource metadata is available to the processing entities. The potential conflict in resource requirements does not exist between the resource requirements of the second workload and the computing resources of the processing entity.
US08869160B2
A method, information processing system, and computer readable storage medium are provided for dynamically managing accelerator resources. A first set of hardware accelerator resources is initially assigned to a first information processing system, and a second set of hardware accelerator resources is initially assigned to a second information processing system. Jobs running on the first and second information processing systems are monitored. When one of the jobs fails to satisfy a goal, at least one hardware accelerator resource in the second set of hardware accelerator resources from the second information processing system are dynamically reassigned to the first information processing system.
US08869154B1
A method for controlling processor usage on a computing device is described. The method includes identifying targeted processes and obtaining a total processor usage for a processor on the computing device. The method also includes determining an amount of time to suspend threads within the targeted processes and suspending the threads for the determined amount of time.
US08869150B2
Described embodiments provide for queuing tasks in a scheduling hierarchy of a network processor. A traffic manager generates a tree scheduling hierarchy having a root scheduler and N scheduler levels. The network processor generates tasks corresponding to received packets. The traffic manager performs a task enqueue operation for the task. The task enqueue operation includes adding the received task to an associated queue of the scheduling hierarchy, where the queue is associated with a data flow of the received task. The queue has a corresponding scheduler level M, where M is a positive integer less than or equal to N. Starting at the queue and iteratively repeating at each scheduling level until reaching the root scheduler, each node in the scheduling hierarchy maintains an actual count of tasks corresponding to the node. Each node communicates a capped task count to a corresponding parent scheduler at a relative next scheduler level.
US08869143B2
A system selects an application program for download. The system includes a host system, such as a personal computer, having a disk sub-system storing a plurality of application programs. The disk sub-system includes a file storing a plurality of identifiers, with each of at least some of the identifiers being associated with one or more of the application programs. A target system, such as a wireless handheld electronic device, includes a hardware identifier and a vendor identifier. A communications channel connects the host system and the target system. An application loader routine executes at the host system, communicates with the target system through the communications channel, requests the hardware and vendor identifiers as a received identifier from the target system over the communication channel, and employs the identifiers and the received identifier to select one of the application programs for download from the host system to the target system.
US08869142B2
Sending installation information. A method may be performed, for example, in a network computing environment including one or more servers connected to one or more clients. The method includes signing a package including installation information. A hash of the package is created. A metadata data set is created. The metadata data set includes a description of the package, an identification for the package, applicability rules describing intended recipients of the installation information, the hash of the package, and installation instructions for the package. The metadata data set is sent to a target group of systems in the network computing environment.
US08869140B2
Methods and systems are disclosed herein for deploying software modules in a computer system. In one embodiment, a number of containers are registered with a deployer. At least one container provides runtime environment for a corresponding type of software module in the computer system. The software modules are one of standalone software modules and components of software applications. From an archive file a number of files that include deployable software modules are extracted. The software modules corresponding to at least one of the containers are detected based on container specific detecting mechanisms. The detected software modules are validated in order to test their functionality and interoperability. When the software modules are validated, they are distributed for implementation in the corresponding containers.
US08869139B2
A method for converting a disk of a physical computer into a virtual disk for use by a virtual machine is described. Contents of the disk of the physical computer are copied into an image file, wherein the image file has a different sector-by-sector organization of the contents than the disk but a logically equivalent file system organization. Hardware configuration information from the image file is then extracted, wherein the hardware configuration information relates to hardware of the physical computer and, based on a comparison of the extracted hardware configuration information and a virtual hardware configuration of the virtual machine, hardware-dependent files in the image file are replaced with substitute files that are compatible with the virtual hardware configuration of the virtual machine.
US08869131B2
A method for downgrading firmware in a controller is provided. The method includes receiving a request, by the controller, to downgrade the firmware from a current version to an older version. For a feature implemented in the current version and not implemented in the older version, the method includes determining if the feature is currently in-use by the controller. If the feature is currently in-use by the controller, the method includes warning a user and abandoning the request. If the feature is not currently in-use by the controller, the method includes checking other features implemented in the current version and not implemented in the older version, and repeating determining, providing, abandoning, and checking, and downgrading the firmware, if all of the features implemented in the current version and not implemented in the older version are not currently in-use by the controller.
US08869128B2
A method, program, and apparatus for optimizing compiled code using a dynamic compiler. The method includes the steps of: generating intermediate code from a trace, which is an instruction sequence described in machine language; computing an offset between an address value, which is a base point of an indirect branch instruction, and a start address of a memory page, which includes a virtual address referred to by the information processing apparatus immediately after processing a first instruction; determining whether an indirect branch instruction that is subsequent to the first instruction causes processing to jump to another memory page, by using a value obtained from adding the offset to a displacement made by the indirect branch instruction; and optimizing the intermediate code by using the result of the determining step.
US08869126B2
A method and apparatus is disclosed for compilation of an original Cobol program with support for improved performance by increased parallelism during execution using multiple threads of processing. The approach includes a two stage compilation process, the first compilation/translation step by a first specialized compiler/translator that takes as input a Cobol source program that includes parallelization directives, and produces as output an intermediate computer program in a second computer programming language, the intermediate program including parallelization directives in the second computer programming language. The intermediate program is then compiled utilizing a selected second compiler that provides support for parallelism described in the second programming language. The approach optionally allows for use of pragmas serving as parallelization directives to the compiler in the original Cobol program or in the intermediate program.
US08869125B2
The invention relates to a system and method for demarcating information related to one or more blocks in an application source code. This invention provides a means to annotate block information in the source code. It parses the application source code to generate an abstract syntax tree and instruments the source code to capture information related to the one or more blocks generated at the time of dynamic analysis of the application. The information related to the one or more blocks are stored in Hash Map and based on this information the abstract syntax tree is modified to add the information related to the one or more blocks and inserting this information in the application source code.
US08869119B2
Affinity-based preferential call technique, in one aspect, may improve performance of distributed applications in a hybrid system having heterogeneous platforms. A segment of code in a program being executed on a processor may be intercepted or trapped in runtime. A platform is selected in the hybrid system for executing said segment of code, the platform determined to run the segment of code with best efficiency among a plurality of platforms in the hybrid system. The segment of code is dynamically executed on the selected platform determined to run the segment of code with best efficiency.
US08869117B2
Provided are techniques for the tracing of computer processes and, more specifically, to techniques that enable a work unit to be traced across multiple processing components. A data structure is created and associated with a work unit. The first time a unit of work is processed a tracing context is retrieved form a pool and associated with the data structure. As the unit of work is passed from component to component, the data structure is passed so that each component has access and is able to augment the same tracing context associated with the unit of work.
US08869111B2
The present invention provides a method, system and computer program product for generating one or more test cases for testing a software application by identifying one or more units of functionalities of the software application, structuring use cases of the software application, using the identified units of functionalities, generating a first set of use case activity diagrams from the structured use cases, and generating test cases from the generated use case activity diagrams.
US08869110B2
The invention concerns a method for assigning a value to at least one data item of a test case instance. The invention is characterized in that the method comprises steps of selecting an input data item from a test design library, the library comprising a plurality of input data items and information about semantics and/or data type of the input data items and assigning the selected input data item as a value of data item of the test case instance. Also an arrangement and a computer readable media comprising a computer executable program are disclosed.
US08869098B2
A Model Transformation Authoring Framework (MTAF) method and apparatus for authoring and providing model-to-model transformations from one domain to another domain is disclosed. Given a domain and a target domain, at least the given domain having a respective structured hierarchy, the invention system enables a user to specify a declarative mapping (transformation declarative) between a domain specific language modeling the given domain and a modeling language modeling the target domain. The declarative mapping models how the domain specific language modeling the given domain relates to the modeling language of the target domain. The system generates a transformation code implementation of a transformation from the given domain to the target domain. The MTAF provides to the user design decisions with respect to Specification, Transformation Rules, Rule Organization, Rule Application Control, Source-Target Relationship, Incrementality, and Directionality and Tracing. The generated transformation code is executed at runtime to perform the transformation of the domain specific language of the given domain to the modeling language of the target domain. Instances of models of the target domain resulting from the performed transformation at runtime may be output to other model transformations, to JET templates, or may be persisted, merged or chained among other post processing.
US08869096B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a requirement management method and apparatus. The method mainly includes: dividing all requirements of a system into layers from top to bottom according to a service object, a value and granularity of every requirement; obtaining a direct progress rate of any requirement in the system; obtaining direct progress rates of all lower-layer requirements of the any requirement; and calculating a mean of direct progress rates of all the lower-layer requirements to obtain a verification progress rate of the any requirement, and performing a weighting operation on the direct progress rate and the verification progress rate of the any requirement to obtain a progress rate of the any requirement.
US08869091B2
Methods and apparatuses are described for optimizing local clock skew, and/or for synthesizing clock trees in an incremental fashion. For optimizing local clock skew, the circuit design can be partitioned into clock skew groups. Next, for each clock skew group, an initial clock tree can be constructed that substantially minimizes worst case clock skew in the clock skew group, and then the initial clock tree can be further optimized by substantially minimizing worst case local clock skew in the clock skew group. For performing incremental clock tree synthesis, a portion of a clock tree in the circuit design can be selected based on a set of modifications to the circuit design. Next, a new clock tree can be determined to replace the selected portion of the clock tree. The circuit design can then be modified by replacing the selected portion of the clock tree with the new clock tree.
US08869087B2
A method of operation of an computing system includes: providing a microkernel; controlling a reconfigurable hardware device by the microkernel; configuring an event scoreboard module for monitoring the reconfigurable hardware device; and implementing an application configured in the reconfigurable hardware device including receiving a machine identifier for the reconfigurable hardware device.
US08869084B2
A method for generating a layout for a cell of an integrated circuit (IC) guided by design rule checking (DRC) is disclosed. In the method, a model is defined, wherein the model comprises a plurality of parameters for generating a layout of the cell. Next an initial layout for the cell can be generated according to an initial set of values for the plurality of parameters. Then design rule checking (DRC) is performed for the initial layout based on a set of design rules. If any violations are found, the corresponding violation reports will be associated with the model. Therefore, a new set of values for the plurality of parameters can be generated by analyzing the violation reports collectively based on the model. With the new set of values for the plurality of parameters and above steps repeated, until no violation is found, a “DRC clean” layout can be generated.
US08869076B2
Data associated with a substrate can be processed by measuring a property of at least a first type of specific features and a second type of specific features on a substrate. The first type of specific features is measured at a first plurality of locations on the substrate to generate a first group of measured values, and the second type of specific features is measured at a second plurality of locations on the substrate to generate a second group of measured values, in which the first and second groups of measured values are influenced by critical dimension variations of the substrate. A combined measurement function is defined based on combining the at least first and second groups of measured values. At least one group of measured values is transformed prior to combining with another group or other groups of measured values, in which the transformation is defined by a group of coefficients. Variations in the critical dimension across the substrate are determined based on the combined measurement function and a predetermined relationship between the measured values and the critical dimension.
US08869058B1
One or more interactive controls are displayed on an online map that allow a user to provide attributes about a photograph including the location from which the photograph was taken and the location of the subject in the photograph. The system receives the input and stores the information as associated with the photograph.
US08869051B2
Systems and methods are disclosed that facilitate launching separate editing applications from within an electronic content creation application. A content creation application can provide one or more launch editing features for launching separate editing applications to edit the objects or object parts within content that is being created. Such launch editing can involve the content creation application analyzing one or more selected objects and/or object parts and identifying which portions should be sent to a separate editing application. The separate editing application modifies the portions and returns modified portions to the content creation application where the modified portions are incorporated or merged into the electronic content being created.
US08869044B2
Techniques are disclosed that allow a user to efficiently move their online presence from a current location in a virtual world to a target location near a friend or character. The target location may be in another instance of the virtual world or in another virtual world. Further, the movement of the user—referred to as a jump—may be in response to a request from the user to jump their online presence to the target location of a friend or character. In the other direction, a user can send a “jump to me” request to their friends.
US08869031B1
A system, a computer readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for playing intro music while an online game loads on a client system. One or more intro songs are identified, and the stages of loading are monitored. Once the loading reaches a stage where interactivity between the user and the online game is possible, the currently playing intro song finishes playing while interactivity is permitted, but after the currently playing intro song finishes, the intro music has ended.
US08869015B2
A device user interface in which language is decoupled from a document is disclosed. The language content is stored separately from the document structure and may be located on a content specific server or on a language server. The language server permits centralized collection of language-related content and language services. The document without the language content acts like a template that can be populated with any type of language-related content. The language content can be provided in a separate file together with associated identifiers, and can be loaded into a cache or document object model (DOM) for processing. An XML file may be used for the language file, and the document may be constructed using HTML code. Document components can be assigned event handlers that cause pop-up boxes to be loaded and displayed with language-related content upon an event trigger.
US08869013B1
A circuit enabling generating a product in a decoder circuit is disclosed. The circuit comprises a first memory element coupled to receive a first error value and a first portion of a second error value; a second memory element coupled to receive the first error value and a second portion of the second error value; and an adder circuit coupled to add an output of the first memory element and an output of the second memory element. The output of the first memory element is generated in response to an address based on the first error value and the first portion of the second error value, and the output of the second memory element is generated in response to an address based on the first error value and the second portion of the second error value. A method for generating a product in a decoder circuit is also disclosed.
US08869011B2
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a headerized SDS protected by unequal error protection; decoding a header from the headerized SDS and removing an impact of the header from C1 row parity to obtain a SDS; for a number of iterations: performing C2 column decoding, for no more than a number of interleaves in each row of the SDS: overwriting a number of columns with successfully decoded C2 codewords, erasing a number of C2 codewords, and maintaining remaining columns as uncorrected, performing C1 row decoding; for no more than a number of interleaves in each row of the SDS: overwriting a number of rows with successfully decoded C1 codewords, erasing a number of C1 codewords, and maintaining remaining rows as uncorrected; and outputting the SDS when all rows include only C1 codewords and all columns include only C2 codewords; otherwise, outputting indication that the SDS cannot be decoded properly.
US08869010B1
Apparatus having corresponding methods and storage devices comprise: an iterative decoder configured to generate codewords based on input samples, wherein the iterative decoder is further configured to perform a number of decoding iterations for each codeword, wherein the number of decoding iterations is an integer greater than zero, and wherein the number of decoding iterations does not exceed a limit number; and a sensor configured to generate one or more measurements of a physical variable, wherein the limit number is set in accordance with the one or more measurements generated by the sensor.
US08868998B2
Packet communication apparatus connects plural LANs to each other, in termination of a WAN that conducts data communication using handshake communication protocol. Apparatus buffers data packets between the LANs, and transfers, as a proxy, response packets and data packets to a terminal device. The apparatus stops transmission of data packets belonging to an arbitrary packet flow when the reception of the response packets belonging to the packet flow from the WAN is ceased for a network outage detection time or more set, while transmitting data packets belonging to the arbitrary packet flow. The apparatus retransmits a first data packet whose corresponding response packet is not received, belonging to the packet flow immediately after the data packet transmission stops, and retransmits all data packets whose corresponding response packets are not received, belonging to the packet flow, when receiving the response packets from the WAN.
US08868997B2
A data transfer method having a data retransmission function, in which a sending side saves data that was sent in memory, a receiving side uses a transmission confirmation signal to request the sending side to retransmit the data when the data was not properly received, then monitors the elapsed time, and when the data is not retransmitted after the elapsed time has exceeded a set time, uses a transmission confirmation signal again to request that the data be retransmitted, and where in response to that transmission confirmation signal, the sending side retransmits the saved data to the receiving side.
US08868996B2
An apparatus and method are provided for transmitting a symbol group in a mobile communication system. The method includes generating a symbol group to which an orthogonal sequence is applied; mapping the generated symbol group to an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple (OFDM) symbol based on a symbol group index and a Physical HARQ Indicator Channel (PHICH) group index; and transmitting the mapped symbol group. The generated symbol group is mapped to the OFDM symbol in an alternating pattern in accordance with the symbol group index.
US08868992B2
REUT (Robust Electrical Unified Testing) for memory links is introduced which speeds testing, tool development, and debug. In addition it provides training hooks that have enough performance to be used by BIOS to train parameters and conditions that have not been possible with past implementations. Address pattern generation circuitry is also disclosed.
US08868979B1
Critical resources are identified within a computer system such as operating system files, drivers, modules and registry keys that are used to bootstrap the computer. During a successful bootstrap, these resources are saved into persistent storage during the bootstrap phase. Changes to critical resources are monitored and these resources are backed up if they are changed. Upon computer system failure, steps of identifying the type of failure and an analysis of its root cause are optionally performed. A user is presented with a bootstrap menu and critical resources necessary to bootstrap the computer are retrieved from persistent storage and saved into their appropriate locations. A successful bootstrap is then performed of the computer system in order to recover from the failure.
US08868970B2
A method and a storage system for managing logical objects, wherein the storage system includes a plurality of control servers and the method includes: (i) defining a plurality of object pools and associating each logical object, hosted in the storage system, with one of the plurality of object pools; (ii) configuring each control server to have a primary responsibility over at least two of the object pools, such that each object pool is controlled by one primary control server, configured to handle requests directed to logical objects associated with the object pool; and (iii) in response to a failure of one of the plurality of control servers, configuring each operational server of the plurality of control servers to take over primary responsibility for at least one object pool, originally defined under the primary responsibility of the failed control server.
US08868963B2
A stream application may allocate processing elements to one or more compute nodes (or hosts) to achieve a desired optimization goal. Each optimization mode may define processing element selection criteria and/or host selection criteria. When allocating a processing element to a host, a scheduler may place each processing element individually. Accordingly, the scheduler may use the processing element selection criteria for selecting which processing element in the stream application to allocate next. The scheduler may then determine, based on one or more constraints, which host the processing element can be placed on. If the scheduler determines that multiple hosts are suitable candidates for the processing element, it may use the host selection criteria to pick one of the candidate hosts that further optimize the stream application to meet the desired goal. Examples of different optimization goals that may be achieved using processing element and host selection criteria include optimizing performance, decreasing maintenance and operating costs, increasing solvability, sharing limited computer resources with other applications, and the like.
US08868962B2
A monitoring circuit for an integrated circuit comprises a non-temperature-inverted circuit and a temperature-inverted circuit. Operating parameters of the two circuits are measured, representing the propagation speed of signals in the respective circuits. In response to a change in temperature, the non-temperature-inverted circuit slows down and the temperature-inverted circuit speeds up. In contrast, in response to a change in operating voltage both circuits either speed up or slow down. This divergence in response to temperature and similar response to voltage enables the monitoring circuit to distinguish between changes in operating voltage and changes in operating temperature.
US08868956B1
A system and method are provided for using feedback to control processor frequencies in a system-on-chip (SoC). The method is associated with an SoC having a processor operating frequency responsive to a processor supply voltage on a first SOC interface, and a controller for managing the operating frequency. The controller accepts a frequency selection command associated with a first operating frequency, at a second SoC interface. The controller sends a first voltage command associated with the first frequency, via a third SOC interface, to a voltage regulator supplying the processor supply voltage. Then, the controller monitors the processor supply voltage. In response to detecting a processor first supply voltage, the processor is enabled to operate at the first frequency.
US08868946B2
A powered device receives electrical power through a data transmission cable from a power supplying device that monitors a load on the data transmission cable and turns off the power to the load if the load is outside of a range. The powered device draws a first current at least part of a time during which the powered device is in a low power mode. The powered device is operable during the low power mode to draw a second current. And the powered device increases and decreases the second current to maintain a sum of the first current and the second current, or a level of a current into the powered device, at least at a minimum level for at least a portion of a cycle time.
US08868943B2
A remote power management system and method for awakening a remote computing device over a computer network. A wakeup event is initiated by a client on the network, and an application server publishes the wakeup event. A subscriber, such as the subnet where the remote computing device resides, picks up the wakeup event and gives it to a computing device on the subnet that is awake. The awake computing device constructs a “magic packet” to take advantage of the automatic wakeup feature of the network card on the remote computing device, and broadcasts the “magic packet” throughout the subnet. Stateless handling of wakeup events is used to alleviate any need for a dedicated proxy server on the subnet to send the “magic packets.” The computing device on the subnet that constructs and broadcasts the “magic packets” is rotated to provide equitable rest time for each of the computing devices.
US08868939B2
One or more embodiments include an outlet interface that is configured to mate with an electrical outlet. The outlet interface is provided as an integral structure of the housing.
US08868931B2
A system and a method are provided for activating one or more security functions of a mobile electronic device. The system and method provide for the activation of one or more security functions when the mobile electronic device is stored in a mobile electronic device holder. Security functions include, for example, closing a data item currently being displayed on the mobile electronic device, erasing decrypted information stored on the mobile electronic device, locking the mobile electronic device, and performing a secure garbage collection operation.
US08868928B2
A system and method for issuing a cryptographic certificate comprises describing prerequisite condition on the cryptographic certificate. The prerequisite conditions comprise membership in prerequisite group of entities. An entity may be a participant, a resource or a privilege, etc. One or more target groups of entities may be named on the cryptographic certificate. One or more prerequisite group stakeholder that authorizes an entity in the prerequisite group of entities to be added as members in another group of entities sign the cryptographic certificate. The cryptographic certificate may also be signed by target group stakeholders that authorizes an entity to be added as a member of the one or more target groups. Exemplary prerequisite conditions relate to one or more of a membership in another group of entities, a physical characteristic, a temporal characteristic, a location characteristic or a position characteristic, among others.
US08868924B1
Disclosed are systems, methods and computer program products for modifying a software distribution package. In one aspect, the system receives a software distribution package including one or more compressed files and one or more digital signatures of the one or more files; determines whether it is necessary to modify the software distribution package; determines a size of modifications to the software distribution package; if the size of the modifications does not exceed a size threshold, modifies a commentary section of the software distribution package without recalculating of the digital signatures for the files included in the software distribution package; and if the size of the modifications exceeds the size threshold, modifies an offset region between a file structure of the software distribution package and the compressed files of the software distribution package without recalculating the digital signatures of the files included in the software distribution package.
US08868920B2
Method of securing a digital storage device, wherein a host is connected to the storage device, the host digitally locks the storage device so that unauthorized data access to the storage device is denied, the host sets the encryption conditions of the storage device in one of a condition wherein encryption of data on the storage device is enabled, and a condition wherein encryption of data on the storage device is disabled.
US08868918B2
Method enabling a user to verify the operation of a personal cryptographic device, comprising the following steps: a) a user (2) enters an access request in a terminal (3) (100), d) a personal cryptographic device (1) of the user (2) calculates and displays a response (105), g) the user (2) verifies the operation of the personal cryptographic device (1) by requesting the terminal (3) to display the expected response to the challenge (110), i) the terminal (3) displays the expected response to the challenge (113), j) the user (2) compares the response displayed by the personal cryptographic device with the response displayed by the terminal.
US08868916B2
Techniques for providing a self-contained electronic signature are disclosed. In some embodiments, techniques for providing a self-contained electronic signature include recording an audit trail for a plurality of events associated with an electronic signature of an electronic document; embedding the audit trail in the electronic document; and digitally signing the electronic document, in which the electronic document including the embedded audit trail and the electronic signature are secured by the digital signature. In some embodiments, the audit trail is embedded in metadata of the electronic document, a body of the electronic document, or both the metadata and body of the electronic document. In some embodiments, digitally signing the electronic document includes a certifying signature provided by a service provider of an electronic signature service.
US08868903B2
A method for resolving disputes between users in network communications using digital arbitration. The method comprising the steps of agreeing on a contract between the users and choosing a set of arbitrators; appealing to the arbitrators by a first user, if he/she suspects the second user violates the agreement; and giving the information needed to reconstruct a resource of the second user, if a large enough number of arbitrators agree that the second user actually violated the agreement.
US08868890B2
An apparatus generally including a memory and a circuit is disclosed. The memory may be configured to store a plurality of instructions. Each of the instructions generally includes a corresponding command and a corresponding command repeat count. At least one of the instructions may include a subprocedure call. The circuit may be configured to (i) decode the instructions one at a time and (ii) present a sequence of the commands at an interface. The sequence (i) may be based on the decoding and (ii) may have no delays between consecutive the commands at the interface.
US08868889B2
Described embodiments provide a packet classifier for a network processor that generates tasks corresponding to each received packet. The packet classifier includes a scheduler to generate threads of contexts corresponding to tasks received by the packet classifier from a plurality of processing modules of the network processor. A multi-thread instruction engine processes instructions corresponding to threads received from the scheduler. The multi-thread instruction engine executes instructions by fetching an instruction of the thread from an instruction memory of the packet classifier and determining whether a breakpoint mode of the network processor is enabled. If the breakpoint mode is enabled, and breakpoint indicator of the fetched instruction is set, the packet classifier enters a breakpoint mode. Otherwise, if the breakpoint indicator of the fetched instruction is not set, the multi-thread instruction engine executes the fetched instruction.
US08868888B2
A device is disclosed that includes an instruction execution pipeline having multiple stages for executing an instruction. The device also includes a control logic circuit coupled to the instruction execution pipeline. The control logic circuit is adapted to skip at least one stage of the instruction execution pipeline during execution of the instruction. The control logic circuit is also adapted to execute at least one non-skipped stage during execution of the decoded instruction.
US08868882B2
Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to a storage architecture. In aspects, an address provided by a data source is translated into a logical storage address of virtual storage. This logical storage address is translated into an identifier that may be used to store data on or retrieve data from a storage system. The address space of the virtual storage is divided into chunks that may be streamed to the storage system.
US08868874B2
Various systems, processes, and products may be used to manage remote replication of data. In particular implementations, a system, process, and product for managing remote replication of data may include the ability to receive writes from an external system, request an ordered index for the writes, and send the writes to at least one storage system. The system, process, and product may also include the ability to receive writes from the at least one storage system, receive ordered indexes for the writes from the external system and the at least one storage system, and store the writes based on the indexes.
US08868868B1
Method and system for providing information regarding a plurality of storage devices managed by a plurality of storage servers are provided. The storage space at the storage devices is presented to a plurality of computing systems as logical storage space. A plurality of searchable data structures having a plurality of data object types are stored at a temporary memory storage device of a management console that interfaces with the plurality of computing systems and the storage servers. Each data object type stores information regarding the storage device. The searchable data structure includes information regarding the storage devices and the logical storage space presented to the computing systems. A lock data structure for tracking locks that are assigned for accessing information pertaining to a storage server and a data object type is maintained to prevent unauthorized access to at least one of the searchable data structures.
US08868863B2
Various embodiments provide a method and apparatus of providing a frugal cloud file system that efficiently uses the blocks of different types of storage devices with different properties for different purposes. The efficient use of the different types of available storage devices reduces the storage and bandwidth overhead. Advantageously, the reduction in storage and bandwidth overhead achieved using the frugal cloud file system reduces the economic costs of running the file system while maintaining high performance.
US08868852B2
A control system includes a control module configured to control data transfer events of blocks of data between an interface management module and a non-volatile semiconductor memory based on at least two descriptors for each one of the data transfer events. The non-volatile semiconductor memory is prepared for a read event or a program event of the data transfer event. The interface management module and the non-volatile semiconductor memory are configured to operate within a solid-state memory drive. A command management module is configured to generate a parameter signal based on the at least two descriptors. The interface management module is configured to generate instruction signals based on the parameter signal and transmit the instruction signals to the non-volatile semiconductor memory to perform the read event or the program event.
US08868851B2
The invention provides a data access method of a memory device. In one embodiment, the memory device comprises a plurality of memories. First, a plurality of commands sequentially received from a host is stored in a command queue. A target command is then retrieved from the command queue. A target memory accessed by the target command is then determined. Whether the target memory is in a busy state is then determined. When the target memory is not in a busy state, access operations requested by the target command are then performed. When the target memory is in a busy state, a substitute command is selected from a plurality of subsequent commands stored in the command queue and access operations requested by the substitute command are performed, wherein the sequence of the subsequent commands in the command queue is subsequent to the target command.
US08868849B2
In a shared memory process different threads may attempt to access a shared data variable in a shared memory. Locks are provided to synchronize access to shared data variables. Each lock is allocated to have a location in the shared memory relative to the instance of shared data that the lock protects. A lock may be allocated to be adjacent to the data that it protects. Lock resolution is facilitated because the memory location of a lock can be determined from an offset with respect to the data variable that is being protected by the lock.
US08868842B2
A WC resource usage is compared with an auto flush (AU) threshold Caf that is smaller than an upper limit Clmt, and when the WC resource usage exceeds the AF threshold Caf, the organizing state of a NAND memory 10 is checked. When the organizing of the NAND memory 10 has proceeded sufficiently, data is flushed from a write cache (WC) 21 to the NAND memory 10 early, so that the response to the subsequent write command is improved.
US08868839B1
A computer-implemented method may include identifying a file that includes one or more data blocks stored within a storage device. The computer-implemented method may also include determining that the file has been accessed more frequently than one or more other files stored within the storage device and then tracking the number of times that at least one data block associated with the file is accessed in the storage device. The computer-implemented method may further include determining that the number of times that the data block associated with the file has been accessed in the storage device is above a predetermined threshold. In addition, the computer-implemented method may include caching the data block associated with the file in a caching mechanism to decrease the amount of time required to access the data block. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US08868837B2
In a multiprocessor system, with conflict checking implemented in a directory lookup of a shared cache memory, a reader set encoding permits dynamic recordation of read accesses. The reader set encoding includes an indication of a portion of a line read, for instance by indicating boundaries of read accesses. Different encodings may apply to different types of speculative execution.
US08868835B2
A cache control apparatus according to the present invention includes a cache allocation control unit which allocates each of a plurality of ways included in a cache memory to one or more of tasks to be executed by a plurality of processors. In the case where a group of ways includes an unallocated way that is not allocated to any of the tasks and a way allocated to one or more of the tasks which is to be executed by one of the processors, the cache allocation control unit allocates the unallocated way included in the group to the one or more of the tasks to be executed by the one of the processors.
US08868833B1
Approaches for caching addressable items in a multiprocessor system. Instructions are cached in a plurality of first-level instruction caches respectively coupled to a plurality of processors of the multiprocessor system. First-type data items are cached in a plurality of first-level data caches respectively coupled to the plurality of processors. Second-type data items are cached in a second-level cache and are not cached in any of the plurality of first-level data caches.
US08868829B2
A method includes presenting multiple memory circuits to a system as a virtual memory circuit having at least one characteristic that is different from a corresponding characteristic of one of the physical memory circuits; receiving, at an interface circuit, a first command issued from the system to the virtual memory circuit; and in response to receiving the first command, 1) directing a copy of the first command to a first physical memory circuit of the multiple physical memory circuits, and 2) performing a power-saving operation on at least one other physical memory circuit of the multiple physical memory circuits.
US08868826B2
According to one embodiment, an apparatus comprises one or more memory devices and one or more processors coupled to a circuit board. The memory devices are configured according to a second memory technology. The processors are configured to receive messages conforming to a first memory technology, translate the messages from the first memory technology to the second memory technology, and send the translated messages to the memory devices.
US08868824B2
Various techniques of solid-state drive (“SSD”) management systems, components, modules, routines, and processes are described in this application. In one embodiment, a management engine for controlling a solid-state drive includes an input interface configured to receive a target operation profile from an input source. The management engine also includes a process component g configured to receive the target operation profile from the input interface, retrieve an operating policy from a database based on the target operation profile, and determine operating parameters for the SSD based on the retrieved operating policy. The management engine further includes a device interface coupled to the process component, the device interface being configured to transmit the determined operating parameters to the SSD for controlling operation of the SSD.
US08868820B2
A random-access memory block for a field programmable gate array includes a random-access memory array having address inputs, a data input, a data output and including a plurality of storage locations. At least two programmably invertible enable inputs are provided. Hardwired decoding logic is coupled to the at least two programmably invertible enable inputs to selectively enable the random-access memory array. A gate is coupled to the output of the random-access memory array and is configured to pass the output of the random-access memory array only if the random-access memory is enabled for a read operation, and otherwise generate a preselected logic state.
US08868818B2
A method for associating a physical address with a logical communication address for an Ethernet-connected media drive (22A1-22A4, 22B1-22B4) in a media library assembly (10) includes the steps of providing a first media drive (22A1) having a first physical address; sending a request for a first logical communication address from the first media drive (22A1) to a library controller (16) via an Ethernet switch (18) the first physical address being imbedded in the request; and recording the first physical address with the Ethernet switch (18). The method can include associating the first physical address with one of a plurality of Ethernet switch ports (26A1-26A4, 26B1-26B4) using a mapping server (25) of the library controller (16). The method can include searching a routing table (228) of the Ethernet switch (18) with the library controller (16) to determine the first physical address. The method can also include assigning the first logical communication address to the first physical address with the library controller (16). The step of assigning can include basing the first logical communication address on an Ethernet switch port (26A1-26A4, 26B1-26B4) that is associated with the first physical address.
US08868812B2
A conversion module contains an asynchronous analog-to-digital converter (AADC) with the output signal generated at irregular time intervals, whose output is connected to the input of the buffer memory module (BUF), and the output of the buffer memory module (BUF) is connected through the internal bus (BUS) simultaneously to the source address module (SADR), to the configuration registers module (REG), to the control module of the interface (CM), which the reference generator (RG) is connected to, and to the destination address module (DADR), to the selection register module (SELREG), to the transmitter/receiver module (SDM), and moreover the control inputs/outputs (1, 2, . . . , 8) of the control module (CM) are connected respectively to the asynchronous analog-to-digital converter (AADC), to the buffer memory module (BUF), to the source address module (SADR), to the configuration registers module (REG), to the destination address module (DADR), to the selection register module (SELREG), to the transmitter/receiver module (SDM), and to the clock control module (SCM), and on the other hand, the transmitter/receiver module (SDM) output is connected through the controller (SDD) to the data line (SDA) of the I2C bus whose clock line (SCL) is connected through the other controller (SCD) to the clock control module (SCD) output, and what is more the write control output (9) of the asynchronous analog-to-digital converter (AADC) is connected to the write control input (10) of the buffer memory module (BUF).
US08868810B2
A method, system, and computer program product identify extraneous input/output interrupts for a queued input/output device architecture. At least one interrupt is determined to have been generated for at least one queue in a plurality of queues of a queued input/output device architecture. An interrupt handler of an operating system determines at least one of if the queue is associated with at least one reply message waiting to be dequeued for a previously processed interrupt, and if the queue fails to include at least one pending reply for a previously received unprocessed interrupt. The interrupt is identified as an extraneous interrupt in response to the determining one of that the queue is associated with at least one reply message waiting to be dequeued for a previously processed interrupt, and that the queue fails to include at least one pending reply for a previously received unprocessed interrupt.
US08868808B1
The present disclosure relates to a configurable simulator comprising at least one configuration component and a plurality of configurable modular cards. The configuration component determines configuration parameters of the cards and exchanges configuration messages with the cards. Each card comprises a configurable input/output unit comprising a plurality of configurable inputs and outputs, and a power supply comprising a plurality of configurable power supply circuits. The input/output unit exchanges configuration messages with the simulation controller. Each card further comprises a processor for configuring the plurality of inputs and outputs of the configurable input/output unit, and the plurality of power circuits of the power supply. The processor also executes a simulation code to implement a functionality of the simulator. The present disclosure also relates to a method for operating a configurable simulator comprising a plurality of configurable modular cards.
US08868800B2
Technologies are generally described for methods and systems effective to provide accelerator buffer access. An operating system may allocate a range of addresses in virtual address spaces and a range of addresses in a buffer mapped region of a physical (or main) memory. A request to read from, or write to, data by an application may be read from, or written to, the virtual address space. A memory management unit may then map the read or write requests from the virtual address space to the main or physical memory. Multiple applications may be able to operate as if each application has exclusive access to the accelerator and its buffer. Multiple accesses to the buffer by application tasks may avoid a conflict because the memory controller may be configured to fetch data based on respective application identifiers assigned to the applications. Each application may be assigned a different application identifier.
US08868797B1
Described are techniques for discovering physical device dependencies. A set of baseline response times for logical devices of a data storage system are received. A first of the logical devices is selected and a remaining set of logical devices includes each of the logical devices other than the first logical device. Data operations are issued to the first logical device at a first rate while also issuing data operations to the remaining logical devices. A set of observed response times for the remaining logical devices is received. For each remaining logical device, it is determined whether the logical device has a corresponding observed response time that is significantly more the logical device's baseline response time. A first logical device set is determined having physical device dependencies that includes the first logical device set and each remaining logical device having an observed response time significantly greater than it's baseline response time.
US08868796B1
An electronic device executes a software application that includes instructions for updating firmware of a peripheral device and one or more firmware images. The electronic executes the firmware update instructions to initiate the firmware update of the peripheral device and transfers a firmware image from the software application to the peripheral device according to a response from the peripheral device. The software application sends information to the peripheral device for verifying the transferred firmware image and causes the peripheral device to use the transferred firmware image upon successful verification.
US08868789B2
A method for synchronizing local clocks in a distributed computer network includes a number of components that are connected to each other via bi-directional communication links. An a priori configured set of components generates synchronization messages and sends these messages to the network. An a priori configured set of components consumes the generated messages. One or more message-relaying components in between a component that generates a synchronization message and the component that consumes the message adds delay value to the message reflecting the delay imposed by the message-relaying component. A component that is configured to consume a synchronization message delays a received synchronization message upon reception for a duration that is calculated by an a priori configured value for the maximum transmission delay minus the value of the sum of all delay values added to the received message before further usage of the message in the synchronization process.
US08868788B2
A method includes receiving a registration request including a first dictionary definition. The registration request is associated with user equipment. The method includes transmitting to the user equipment a response including a second dictionary definition. The method includes transmitting subsequent messages to the user equipment if the first and second dictionary definitions agree, the subsequent messages being compressed using the first static dictionary.
US08868786B1
A web services hub receives a request from a data source system, transforms the request, and transmits the transformed request to an external system. A secure service router is coupled to the web services hub. The secure service router authenticates the data source system and locates a transformation service to transform the request.
US08868781B2
A message sent to a first service addressed in a distributed computing environment having a service oriented architecture is received, wherein the message is directed to a service that is no longer present at the first service address. The message is forwarded to a second service address at which the service is located.
US08868780B2
A data processing system with routing tables comprising an operating system for supporting processes, such that the process are associated with one or more resources and the operating system being arranged to police the accessing by processes of resources so as to inhibit a process from accessing resources with which it is not associated. Part of this system is an interface for interfacing between each process and the operating system and a memory for storing state information for at least one process. The interface may be arranged to analyze instructions from the processes to the operating system, and upon detecting an instruction to re-initialize a process cause state information corresponding to that pre-existing state information to be stored in the memory as state information for the re-initialized process and to be associated with the resource.
US08868775B2
Disclosed are, inter alia, methods, apparatus, computer-readable media, mechanisms, and means for load balancing manipulation of packet flows within a transport conduit (e.g., a tunnel, pseudo wire, etc.), typically using a load balancing value which is independent of standard routing-based parameters (e.g., source address, destination address, source port, destination port, protocol type, etc.). A load balancing value is included in encapsulated packets transported across a network using a transport conduit. This load balancing value can be used to load balance the individual flows/microflows within the transport conduit.
US08868772B2
An apparatus for adaptive-rate shifting of streaming content includes an agent controller module configured to simultaneously request at least portions of a plurality of streamlets. The agent controller module is further configured to continuously monitor streamlet requests and subsequent responses, and accordingly request higher or lower quality streamlets. A staging module is configured to stage the streamlets and arrange the streamlets for playback on a content player. A system includes a data communications network, a content server coupled to the data communications network and having a content module configured to process content and generate a plurality of high and low quality streams, and the apparatus. A method includes simultaneously requesting at least portions of a plurality of streamlets, continuously monitoring streamlet requests and subsequent responses, and accordingly requesting higher or lower quality streamlets, and staging the streamlets and arranging the streamlets for playback on a content player.
US08868769B2
A method of automatically forwarding a response to a message to the sender of the message, wherein the sender is prompted to provide a message, the sender is prompted to identify a recipient, the recipient having a plurality of associated contact numbers, a user is prompted to rank the identified associated contact numbers relating to the recipient from highest to lowest, the message is sent to the highest ranked associated contact number to which the message has not yet been sent, the recipient of the message is prompted to provide a reply to the message, at least a predetermined amount of time is waited, until a response is received or the message has been sent to all associated contact numbers, the message is repeatedly sent to the next highest ranked associated contact number (and the recipient is prompted and the predetermined amount of time is waited), and the response is forwarded to the sender.
US08868765B1
The inventive system includes a host, a network including a security gateway, and a public application. Established are an access session between the network and the host and an application session between the public application and the network. An application session record is created for the application session, and includes the user's public user identity used to access the public application, the user's private user identity used to access the network, a host identity, and an application session time. To determine the private user identity for the application session, the security gateway sends a query with the host identity and the application session time. These are compared with the host identity and access session time in an access session record. If they match, then the private user identity in the access session record is returned, and it is stored as the private user identity in the application session record.
US08868751B2
Implementations of the present disclosure include methods for provisioning services in a business network. In some implementations, methods include receiving data corresponding to a first service, receiving data corresponding to a second service, processing the data corresponding to the first service and the data corresponding to the second service using a computer-executable tool selected from a plurality of computer-executable tools to enable provisioning of a service using the business network, and the processing being performed in a situational modeling layer of a service provisioning framework, generating a kernel model corresponding to the service, the generating being performed in a kernel modeling layer of the service provisioning framework, and storing the kernel model in computer-readable memory.
US08868749B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide for optimizing workload placement in a networked computing environment (e.g., a cloud computing environment). Specifically, a workload placement technique is applied to determine an optimal platform for handling an identified workload. The workload placement technique comprises one or more of the following: a shadow placement technique; a simultaneous placement technique; and/or a single platform placement technique. Once an optimal platform is identified, a workload timing method may be applied to determine when the workload should be placed thereon. The workload timing method can comprise one or more of the following: a time-based method whereby the workload is placed on the optimal platform at a predetermined time or time interval; and/or an event-based method whereby the workload is placed on the optimal platform based on an occurrence of one or more events external to the workload itself.
US08868741B2
The system provides a way for a parent or other custodian or guardian to control content to be accessed by a child or children on a network. In one embodiment, the system logs all activity on a network by a child and sends regular historical reports to the parent for review. The parent can set certain triggers that will provide more immediate feedback when certain events occur or when certain types of data are accessed, or an attempt is made by the child for such access. The system allows the parent to control the filters and options from a variety of sources, including via the child's computer, texting, instant messaging, cell phone, other web enabled computers, and PDA's.
US08868727B2
Provided are methods and computer program products for monitoring application performance in a networked device. Methods may include collecting performance data corresponding to at least one application running on the networked device; generating multiple metrics based on the collected performance data; generating an event incorporating at least one of the multiple metrics; and storing the event and an associated timestamp in a persistent data store. Methods may also include transmitting a listing of one or more persistent data store files responsive to receiving a query from a network health data processing application for existing persistent data store files, and transmitting a specified persistent data store file responsive to receiving a request for the specified persistent data store file by a network health data processing application.
US08868718B1
A method, apparatus and computer program product for providing scalability of a resource management and analysis system is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of receiving and storing information associated with each of a plurality of managed elements by the first system, determining a topology of the resource from the received managed element information, providing selected information regarding the resource topology from the first system to the second system, receiving at the second system information regarding status of the managed elements and the selected topology information and performing, at the second system, an analysis based on the received status information.
US08868711B2
Systems and methods are provided that enable a general framework for partitioning application-defined jobs (e.g., computation) in a scalable environment. The general framework decouples partitioning of a job from the other aspects of the job. As a result, the effort required to define the application-defined computation in a scalable environment is reduced or minimized, as the user is not required to provide a partitioning algorithm. The general framework further allows a user to provide load balancing conditions to allow for modification of how partitions are assigned.
US08868709B2
A method including querying a service provider for functional and nonfunctional qualifications of the service provider to provide a service having functional and nonfunctional requirements; responsive to input from the service provider, receiving by a requestor the functional qualifications and nonfunctional qualifications of the service provider including attesting by a third party, not the service provider or requestor, to at least the nonfunctional qualifications of the service provider; evaluating the functional qualifications and attested to nonfunctional qualifications of the service provider; and selecting a service provider having functional and attested to nonfunctional qualifications complying with the functional and nonfunctional requirements of the requestor. The method may be performed on one or more computing devices. Also disclosed is a computer program product.
US08868700B2
Systems and methods associated with distributing an application's network interface over nodes of a networking fabric are presented. Nodes of the fabric can operate as interface modules, each taking on a role or responsibility for a portion of the application's network address including IP address, port assignments, or other portions of the network address. Interface modules of the networking nodes can then spoof or cloak the application to provide security against internal or external threats.
US08868690B2
To meet the needs for storing larger volume personal information for user of wireless device, it is desire to provide extra storage space to the wireless device such as for cell phone etc due to the limited storage space that the wireless device has. Instant application disclosed a system and method for the wireless device to efficiently and effectively use remotely located storage space provided by a server.
US08868683B1
A system and method for securely storing, retrieving and sharing data using PCs and mobile devices and for controlling and tracking the movement of data to and from a variety of computing and storage devices.
US08868679B2
Network communications, Web-based services and customized services using the Web-based services may be provided over a peer-to-peer network from a first peer to a second peer (e.g., automobile head unit) wherein the first peer has a separate connection to a more general server-based network such as the Internet. A communications device application based on a peer communications framework component in communication with a peer network stack on the communications device may work as middleware, with a connection to both a more general server-based network such as the Internet and to an external device, such as a head unit of an automobile. Although the communications device has a separate connection out to the Internet via a general network stack co-existing on the same communications device, the peer network stack and the general network stack are not directly connected.
US08868677B2
Approaches for a digital storage device that moves or transforms data between various storage locations based on anticipated use. A digital storage device comprises one or more processors and one or more storage mediums for storing digital data. The digital storage device comprises a software agent. The agent maintains a local index to a set of data sets stored on the storage mediums. The indexed files are associated with an identifier, which may identity any unique entity. The software agent sends the local index over a network to an index manager. The agent receives, from the index manager, a remote index that identifies storage locations for other data sets associated with the identifier. The agent may use the local and remote index to move data sets between storage locations and/or transform data sets based on which device they will be accessed.
