US08877482B2
The present invention relates to microbial variants producing homo-succinic acid at high yields and a method for producing homo-succinic acid using the same, more particularly, to a microbial variant constructed by disrupting a lactate dehydro-genase-encoding gene (idhA) and an acetate kinase-encoding gene (ackA), as well as a method for producing homo-succinic acid at high concentration, which comprises culturing such variants using glucose as a carbon source in anaerobic conditions.
US08877475B2
The present disclosure provides engineered ketoreductase enzymes having improved properties as compared to a naturally occurring wild-type ketoreductase enzyme. Also provided are polynucleotides encoding the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, host cells capable of expressing the engineered ketoreductase enzymes, and methods of using the engineered ketoreductase enzymes to synthesize a variety of chiral compounds. The engineered ketoreductase polypeptides are optimized for catalyzing the conversion of N-methyl-3-keto-3-(2-thienyl)-1-propanamine to (S)—N-methyl-3-hydroxy-3-(2-thienyl)-1-propanamine.
US08877471B2
The present invention relates to a phytase which has at least 74% identity to a phytase derived from Citrobacter braakii and comprises at least one alteration as compared to this phytase. These phytase variants have amended, preferably improved, properties, such as thermostability, temperature profile, pH profile, specific activity, performance in animal feed, reduced protease sensitiliby, and/or an amended glycosylation pattern. The invention also relates to DNA encoding these phytases, methods of their production, as well as the use thereof, e.g. in animal feed and animal feed additives.
US08877467B2
Biomass feedstocks (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) are processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce a product or intermediate, e.g., energy, a food, a fuel, or a material.
US08877466B2
The present invention is concerned with bacteria for the production of succinic acid. Specifically, the invention relates to a bacterial cell of the genus Pasteurella comprising a heterologous polypeptide having isocitrate lyase activity and a heterologous polypeptide having malate synthase activity. Further, the present invention contemplates a polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having isocitrate lyase activity and a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having malate synthase activity. Finally, the present invention relates to the use of a bacterial cell of the invention for the manufacture of succinic acid.
US08877463B2
The present invention relates to Rhodanobacter ginsenosidimutans KCTC22231T-derived ginsenoside glycosidase and use thereof. The polypeptide has an activity of converting PPD (protopanaxadiol)-type saponins into in vivo absorbable and highly active deglycosylated saponins, by selective hydrolysis of a bond at a particular position of ginsenoside. The present invention also relates an amino acid sequence constituting the polypeptide, a nucleic acid sequence encoding the protein, a recombinant vector comprising the nucleic acid sequence, and a transformant transformed with the vector. The invention further provides a method for preparing Rhodanobacter ginsenosidimutans KCTC22231T-derived ginsenoside glycosidase by culturing the transformant, a method for converting PPD (protopanaxadiol)-type major ginsenoside into a rare ginsenoside that is absorbable in vivo using the protein, and a composition for converting PPD-type saponins into in vivo absorbable saponins, having the protein as an active ingredient.
US08877462B2
The present invention relates to eukaryotic host cells having modified oligosaccharides which may be modified further by heterologous expression of a set of glycosyltransferases, sugar transporters and mannosidases to become host-strains for the production of mammalian, e.g., human therapeutic glycoproteins. The invention provides nucleic acid molecules and combinatorial libraries which can be used to successfully target and express mammalian enzymatic activities such as those involved in glycosylation to intracellular compartments in a eukaryotic host cell. The process provides an engineered host cell which can be used to express and target any desirable gene(s) involved in glycosylation. Host cells with modified oligosaccharides are created or selected. N-glycans made in the engineered host cells have a Man5GlcNAc2 core structure which may then be modified further by heterologous expression of one or more enzymes, e.g., glycosyltransferases, sugar transporters and mannosidases, to yield human-like glycoproteins.
US08877459B2
Identification of infectious pathogens, particularly viruses, bacteria and other microorganisms is effected with a method whereby pathogens of acute infections can be identified, without first culturing them in external nutrient media, by mass spectrometric measurement of their protein profiles obtained from pathogens directly precipitated from body fluid into pellets by centrifuging. With this method, pathogens which cause acute infections can be identified in less than one hour.
US08877455B2
Methods and processes for conducting genetic analysis through protein polymorphisms, including identification of individuals, establishment of paternity and measurement of genetic diversity and distance. Some illustrative embodiments of methods of the present invention include the identification of peptide biomarkers using proteomic techniques, including liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry from biological samples, using hair, dentin, or bone as a source of the protein to be analyzed. Other illustrative embodiments include the determination of allelic frequency and feasibility of protein polymorphism peptide biomarkers, and the application of these frequencies to allow statistical analysis and population genetics to be applied to collected biological samples.
US08877444B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for identifying the variety/line of a plant of the genus Saccharum with the use of novel DNA markers that allow high-precision identification of a wide range of varieties/lines of plants of the genus Saccharum. A method for identifying the variety/line of a plant of the genus Saccharum, comprising using a simple sequence repeat polymorphism in at least one DNA sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 12 is provided.
US08877434B2
The invention relates to a method or a cell free system of detecting dioxin-like compounds in a test sample using a whole cell lysate derived from a cell transfected to express a fusion protein comprising an AHR fused to a reporter peptide. The method in combination with bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) technique is also provided so as to improve the sensitivity.
US08877433B2
Provided is a method of manufacturing a liquid injection head, the method including: forming, on a substrate, a negative photosensitive resin layer having a first surface on a side opposite to the substrate and a second surface on the substrate side; carrying out first exposure of the negative photosensitive resin layer; carrying out second exposure of the negative photosensitive resin layer; and forming the ejection orifice by carrying out development after the first exposure and the second exposure in which each of the first surface and the second surface has a portion in which a part of the unexposed portion in the first exposure and a part of the unexposed portion in the second exposure overlap and a portion in which a part of the unexposed portion in the first exposure and a part of the unexposed portion in the second exposure do not overlap.
US08877422B2
There is disclosed a resist underlayer film composition, wherein the composition contains a polymer obtained by condensation of, at least, one or more compounds represented by the following general formula (1-1) and/or (1-2), and one or more kinds of compounds and/or equivalent bodies thereof represented by the following general formula (2). There can be provided an underlayer film composition, especially for a trilayer resist process, that can form an underlayer film having reduced reflectance, namely, an underlayer film having optimum n-value and k-value, excellent filling-up properties, high pattern-antibending properties, and not causing line fall or wiggling after etching especially in a high aspect line that is thinner than 60 nm, and a patterning process using the same.
US08877421B2
A positive resist composition includes: (A) a resin capable of increasing the solubility in an alkali developing solution by the action of an acid, including: (a1) a repeating unit selected from repeating units represented by following formulae (a1-1) to (a1-3); (a2) a repeating unit represented by a following formula (a2); and (a3) a repeating unit selected from repeating units represented by following formulae (a3-1) to (a3-4); (B) a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with actinic ray or radiation; (C) a resin having at least one of a fluorine atom and a silicon atom, and being insoluble in an alkali developing solution; and (D) a solvent, wherein the formulae above are defined in the specification.
US08877417B2
In a toner formed of toner particles which include a colorant, a wax, and a binder resin containing a crystalline resin (a) primarily composed of a polyester, the crystalline resin has an endothermic peak temperature (Tp) in a range of 50° C. to 80° C., and in a viscoelasticity measurement of the toner, G″(Tp−10) is in a range of 5.0×107 to 5.0×108 Pa, G″(Tp+10) is in a range of 5.0×105 to 5.0×106 Pa, and G″(Tp−20), G″(Tp−10), G″(Tp+10), and G″(Tp+30) satisfy specific relationships.
US08877416B2
A toner includes a binder resin, a colorant, and a benzilic acid compound. The binder resin contains a polyester resin A obtained by subjecting aromatic dicarboxylic acid, rosin and trivalent or higher-valent alcohol as starting materials to polycondensation, a content of the rosin in a sum of the starting materials being 60% by weight or more, and a polyester resin B obtained by subjecting aromatic dicarboxylic acid and polyhydric alcohol as starting materials to polycondensation.
US08877411B2
An electrophotographic photoconductor includes an electrically conductive base and a photosensitive layer disposed on the electrically conductive base. The photosensitive layer has a structure 1) in which a charge-generation layer including at least a charge-generating material and a charge-transport layer including at least a charge-transporting material and a binder resin are stacked in that order, or a structure 2) in which at least the charge-generating material, the charge-transporting material, and the binder resin are included in the same layer, and the binder resin is a terpolymer polycarbonate resin represented by general formula (I) below.
US08877402B2
A system and method for identifying leaks in a cathode sub-system of a fuel cell system. An air flow meter is provided up-stream of a compressor and monitors the air flowing into the compressor. When an air leakage diagnostic is commanded, a fuel cell stack by-pass valve and back-pressure valve are closed so that no air flows through or around the stack, and the recirculation valve is opened so that the air flows around the compressor. By knowing the leakage through the by-pass valve and the back-pressure valve, any flow above those values measured by the air flow meter gives an indication of air leakage out of the cathode sub-system components.
US08877398B2
The present invention provides a fuel cell stack which can reduce variation in temperature distribution of whole cells by a simple change in the structure of a coolant inlet manifold and a coolant outlet manifold in the fuel cell stack without the use of a conventional insulator, which increases the thickness of the fuel cell stack, a heater, which requires a power supply and its control logic, or a cover for forming an air layer for thermal insulation, which disadvantageously prevents the heat generated in the electrode from being transferred to the end plate. The invention provides a fuel cell stack with improved temperature uniformity, comprising one or more coolant flow guide members positioned within a coolant outlet manifold and/or a coolant inlet manifold, which causes coolant present in the coolant outlet manifold to be recirculated to the coolant inlet manifold and then back through one or more predetermined cells adjacent to the end plate to the coolant outlet manifold, thereby providing uniformity in the heat of the fuel cell stack.
US08877392B2
A fuel cell stack assembly is disclosed that includes a porous member disposed within a flow path for a reactant. A fluid collection member is provided within the flow path adjacent to and in fluid communication with the porous member. The porous member and the fluid collection member cooperate to collect liquid water from the reactant flowing in the flow path, wherein the collected liquid water may be drained from the fluid collection member.
US08877375B2
An aqueous active material composition, an electrode, and a rechargeable lithium battery including the same, the aqueous active material composition including an active material; a binder; and a water-soluble cellulose mixture, wherein the water-soluble cellulose mixture includes a first cellulose compound having a degree of substitution of about 0.5 to about 0.9 and a second cellulose compound having a degree of substitution of about 1.1 to about 1.5.
US08877360B2
According to one embodiment, a perpendicular magnetic recording medium includes a substrate, and a multilayered magnetic recording layer formed on the substrate by alternately stacking two or more magnetic layers and two or more nonmagnetic layers. The magnetic layers and nonmagnetic layers of the multilayered magnetic recording layer are continuous layers. The magnetic layer includes a magnetic material portion, and a plurality of pinning sites dispersed in the magnetic material portion and made of a nonmagnetic metal different from a nonmagnetic material as a main component of the nonmagnetic layer. This perpendicular magnetic recording medium has magnetic characteristics by which a gradient α of a magnetization curve near the coercive force is 5 or more.
US08877355B2
The present invention provides an organic electroluminescent device exhibiting a long life, a high luminance, and a high efficiency.An organic electroluminescent device comprising on a substrate an anode, a hole transport layer, an organic light-emitting layer, and a cathode, wherein the organic light-emitting layer contains an organic compound having a pyridine ring, a pyrazine ring, or a triazine ring as a partial structure and the hole transport layer contains a monoamine compound represented by the following formula (I): wherein R1 to R9 represent a hydrogen atom, an aryl group, or an alkyl group; R1 to R9 may be the same or different from each other; and R1 to R9 may further have an aryl group or an alkyl group as a substituent in the case where R1 to R9 are an aryl group or an alkyl group.
US08877351B2
Disclosed are an organometallic complex emitting red light with high color purity. An organometallic complex having a structure represented by the following general formula (G1) is provided. In the formula, of R1 to R13, at least one represents an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and the other or others represent hydrogen. M represents a central metal, which is a Group 9 or Group 10 element. L represents a monoanionic ligand, and n is 2 when the central metal is a Group 9 element or 1 when the central metal is a Group 10 element.
US08877350B2
An organic white light-emitting device, including a substrate; an anode and a cathode spaced from each other; a light-emitting layer including a yellow dopant for emitting yellow light; and first and second blue light-emitting layers, each blue light-emitting layer having at least one different material than the other blue light-emitting layer.
US08877344B2
The present invention is directed to phenothiazine-based macromonomer compounds and methods of making the same.
US08877340B2
A graphene layer is formed on a crystallographic surface having a non-hexagonal symmetry. The crystallographic surface can be a surface of a single crystalline semiconductor carbide layer. The non-hexagonal symmetry surface of the single crystalline semiconductor carbide layer is annealed at an elevated temperature in ultra-high vacuum environment to form the graphene layer. During the anneal, the semiconductor atoms on the non-hexagonal surface of the single crystalline semiconductor carbide layer are evaporated selective to the carbon atoms. As the semiconductor atoms are selectively removed, the carbon concentration on the surface of the semiconductor-carbon alloy layer increases. Despite the non-hexagonal symmetry of the surface of the semiconductor-carbon alloy layer, the remaining carbon atoms can coalesce to form a graphene layer having hexagonal symmetry.
US08877339B2
Sodium hexatitanate having a mean particle diameter in the range of 2-5 μm and an indeterminate shape, and is either obtained by firing a milled mixture obtained as a result of mechanochemical milling of a titanium source and a sodium source or prepared from sodium trititanate obtained by firing a milled mixture obtained as a result of mechanochemical milling of a titanium source and a sodium source.
US08877335B2
A corrosion-resistant member has a composite titanium oxide film for reducing corrosion deposited on a surface of a construction material, where the composite titanium oxide film is represented by a molecular formula MTiO3 in which M is a transition element, and the corrosion-resistant member is preliminarily manufactured by depositing titanium oxide on the surface of the construction material, and the titanium oxide is subsequently or simultaneously subjected to high temperature treatment under existence of an ion of the transition metal.
US08877333B2
The present invention is to provide a device capable of having an easy production process and achieving a long lifetime. A device comprising a substrate, two or more electrodes facing each other disposed on the substrate and a positive hole injection transport layer disposed between two electrodes among the two or more electrodes, wherein the positive hole injection transport layer contains a transition metal compound-containing nanoparticle comprising a transition metal compound containing one or more kinds selected from the group consisting of a transition metal carbide oxide, transition metal nitride oxide and transition metal sulfide oxide, wherein a protecting agent having a linking group and a hydrophobic organic group is connected to the transition metal compound by the linking group.
US08877331B2
The invention relates to foamed thermoplastic material articles of manufacture having an internal layered cellular structure (with segmented and varying physical properties across one or more dimensions). In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a multi-layer foamed polymeric article of manufacture having a plurality of discrete physical properties segmented across one or more dimensions, comprising: a non-laminated multi-layer polymeric object having at least one discrete outer layer positioned adjacent to a plurality of discrete inner foamed layers, wherein the at least one discrete outer layer and the plurality of discrete inner foamed layers are integral with one another, and wherein the at least one discrete outer layer has an outer layer physical property and each of the plurality of discrete inner foamed layers has a respective inner foamed layer physical property, wherein the outer layer physical property and the inner foamed layer physical property are different from each other.
US08877329B2
The invention comprises a relatively lightweight cementitious-based material panel. The cementitious-based material panel comprises a foam insulating panel having a first surface and a second surface; a first structural layer of cementitious-based material formed on the first surface of the foam insulating panel and affixed thereto; and a second non-structural layer of cementitious-based material formed on the second surface of the foam insulating panel and affixed thereto. The second non-structural layer of cementitious-based material is substantially thinner than the first structural layer of concrete. The second non-structural layer of cementitious-based material is preferably formed from polymer modified concrete, plaster or mortar. A method of making the cementitious-based material panel is also disclosed.
US08877323B2
A semiconductor structure is provided. The semiconductor structure includes a first substrate, a second substrate opposite to the first substrate, a plurality of spacers disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, and an adhesive material bonded with the first substrate and the second substrate within the two adjacent spacers. The invention also provides a method for fabricating the semiconductor structure.
US08877322B2
A conformable sheet material has: a) a support layer having a top surface and a bottom surface; b) a corrugated layer adhered to the top surface of the support layer; c) the corrugated layer having an array of peaks extending away from the top surface of the support layer and troughs proximal to the top surface of the support layer; d) the corrugated layer having its array of peaks extending along a length of the support layer; e) an elongated element having inelastic memory; and f) the elongated element passing through the array of peaks and above the troughs along the length of the support layer.
US08877314B2
Length adjustment can be performed in a simple manner and without impairment of the insulating effect in an insulation cassette for the heat insulation of elongated elements. A multilayer insulation includes flat reflection elements (21, 22). Each layer of the insulation has at least two of the flat reflection elements (21, 22), which overlap at least partly at their ends (24) facing each other.
US08877311B1
A masking barrier, and methods of using the masking barrier are described. A releasable barrier for masking walls is disclosed. More particularly, the systems and method in one aspect include a barrier sheet including a boundary or edge adapted with an assembly including an adhesive. In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of an assembly including a pressure-sensitive adhesive area. In another aspect, a release sheet is removably affixed to the pressure-sensitive adhesive area.
US08877303B2
To form an optical alignment film having large anchoring strength and suppress an AC afterimage of a liquid crystal display device, in a liquid crystal display device of an IPS mode. In an alignment film material subjected to optical alignment processing, polyimide which becomes a rigid high molecule and polyimide which becomes a flexible high molecule are mixed and used. The material of the present invention can easily rotate oligomer after irradiating polarized ultraviolet rays and improve a UV-absorbed two-color ratio of an alignment film. Accordingly, an anchoring strength for liquid crystals by the alignment film is large to suppress an AC afterimage.
US08877299B2
A method of enhancing a material layer on a substrate is described. The method comprises establishing a gas cluster ion beam (GCIB), and treating a host region of the substrate by exposing the host region of the substrate to the GCIB. The treatment with the GCIB may selectively remove an undesirable specie and/or introduce a desirable specie to the host region.
US08877293B2
A process for preparing emulsions of silicone gums is disclosed based on using an ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block copolymer as the emulsifier. The emulsions produced by the present process are useful as coatings additives for both water-based and oil-based coatings to obtain improved slip and anti-mar properties. The emulsions may also be used in the manufacture of tires as band ply lubricants. They may also be used in personal care applications.
US08877284B2
A method for making a flexible and clear plastics material article of manufacture having a low electric surface resistance, starting from a plastics material having a higher electric surface resistance, in which the electric surface conductivity of the starting article of manufacture is modified by partially including, into at least a portion of the outer surface of the article, carbon nanotubes.With respect to conventional methods, the inventive method allows to modify the starting plastics material electric surface resistance so as to lower it to values smaller than 102 kΩ/sq, even starting from articles having a higher resistance of the order of 1013 kΩ/sq, while preserving the starting clearness and flexibility thereof.
US08877283B2
The present invention relates to a preparation method for porous hydroxyapatite coatings. In particular, it is a method of using suspension plasma spraying to prepare porous hydroxyapatite coatings, which belongs to the technical field of biomedical material preparations. The present invention added a pore-forming agent into the hydroxyapatite suspension with a solid content of 16%-45%. After full stirring, the feedstock materials for plasma spraying were transferred into the injection system, and injected into the high temperature area of the central plasma flame. Then, the feedstock materials made the heat exchange with the high plasma flame of plasma spraying gun. Then the sprayed raw materials were subjected to breakup and refinement of the droplets, solvent evaporation, the decomposition and gasification of the pore-forming agent and melting of feedstock materials. Finally, the porous hydroxyapatite coatings are directly deposited onto the substrate surfaces of the biomedical materials.
US08877277B2
A method for making an expanded snack piece using supercritical fluid extrusion is disclosed. A mixture of shear thinning starch and heat-sensitive ingredients are input into an extruder, hydrated, and mixed with supercritical fluid. The extrudate can be subjected to further processing to set or alter its structure.
US08877276B2
A beverage forming method and system employing the introduction of air into the heater tank and/or an expansion chamber after liquid delivery is complete. An expansion chamber may be provided at the top of the heater tank and provide a tortuous flow path from an air inlet to the tank outlet.
US08877275B2
To provide an extract or other substance that can impart not only bitterness and aroma but also taste elements such as koku and robustness without increasing astringency or harshness, and to provide a beverage having superior koku and robustness. Increasing hop-derived polyphenols, particularly trimeric proanthocyanidin makes it possible to provide beverages with koku and robustness without increasing astringency or lingering aftertaste.
US08877274B2
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for creating and maintaining modified and controlled atmospheres (MA/CA) in a rigid sealable container having at least one refrigeration unit with an integrated oxygen reduction structure. The refrigeration unit provides the necessary ambient atmosphere movement for the oxygen reduction structure, such as a hydrogen fuel cell. The systems and methods are useful in the, storage, transport, distribution, processing and packaging of fresh perishables with a focus on altering the natural gaseous environment around the perishables such that fresh shelf-life is extended. The systems may operate in a power generation/power production mode, such that the fuel cells maintain the MA/CA environment while providing both primary and back-up power.
US08877270B2
The present invention relates to a beverage cartridge for use in a beverage preparation machine, the cartridge being formed from substantially water-impermeable materials and comprising an inlet for the introduction of an aqueous medium into the cartridge and an outlet for discharge of a beverage produced from the aqueous medium and one or more beverage ingredients contained in the cartridge, wherein the one or more beverage ingredients includes one or more discrete edible components which are substantially insoluble in the aqueous medium and which, in use, are dispensed from the cartridge with the beverage.
US08877266B2
Described herein, are compositions comprising, inter alia, a supercritical CO2 extract of the root of the plant Glycyrrhiza sp., and methods of making and using the same.
US08877259B2
Disclosed is a topical skin cleanser comprising Silybum marianum fruit extract, Momordica grosvenorii fruit extract, and a cosmetic vehicle comprising at least 50% by weight of the composition of water and disodium EDTA, glycerin, phenoxyethanol, triethanolamine, 3-Iodo-2-propynyl butyl carbamate, and benzyl alcohol.
US08877254B2
The present disclosure is related to percarboxylic acid compositions formed in situ in non-equilibrium reactions. The peroxycarboxylic acid compositions are formed using ester based starting materials. Methods for using the percarboxylic acid compositions are also disclosed.
US08877242B2
The present invention provides compositions for extended release of an active ingredient, comprising a lipid-saturated matrix formed from a biodegradable polymer. The present invention also provides methods of producing the matrix compositions and methods for using the matrix compositions to provide controlled release of an active ingredient in the body of a subject in need thereof.
US08877238B2
Film-coated tablet, consisting of a tablet core with a film coating, or granules containing as active ingredient a pyridylpyrimidine compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of this compound, preferably imatinib or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of imatinib, preferably imatinib monomethanesulfonate, wherein (i) the tablet cores and the granules have been produced by pressing of the starting materials and, prior to pressing of the starting materials, at least one of them has been dry-granulated, preferably compacted; (ii) the tablet cores and granule cores contain the active ingredient in a proportion of 25% by weight to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the tablet cores or granule cores, together with (iii) at least one filler-binder, and optionally contain other additives; and (iv) the mean particle size distribution of at least 80% of the active ingredient is in the range from 0.01 mm to 1.0 mm.
US08877236B2
New liposomes are described, comprising: (i) phosphatidic acid and/or cardiolipin; (ii) apolipoprotein E (ApoE) or derivatives thereof. The so modified liposomes, administered systemically, obtain a dramatic in-vivo reduction of the amyloid plaque in the central nervous system, allowing an effective treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer's disease.
US08877231B2
Compositions and methods are directed to antimicrobial compositions and articles that release .NO from the composition and/or article in an amount effective to prevent gingival and other oral mucosal diseases.
US08877216B2
A personal care composition comprising at least one saccharide-siloxane copolymer having a saccharide component and an organosiloxane component and linked by a linking group, wherein the saccharide-siloxane copolymer has a specified formula, is provided. The personal care composition is adapted to provide at least one benefit to the at least one portion of the body to which it is applied. Emulsions, methods for preparing emulsions comprising saccharide-siloxane copolymers, and personal care products comprising the personal care compositions and emulsions are also provided.
US08877208B2
The present invention provides methods and compositions for the stimulation of immune responses. Specifically, the present invention provides methods of inducing an immune response against one or a plurality of pathogens (e.g., vaccinia virus, H5N1 influenza virus, Bacillus anthracis, C. botulinum, Y. pestis, Hepatitis B, and/or HIV, etc.) in a subject (e.g., a human subject) and compositions useful in such methods (e.g., immunogenic composition comprising nanoemulsion and one or a plurality of pathogens (e.g., inactivated by the nanoemulsion) and/or pathogen products and/or pathogen components). Compositions and methods of the present invention find use in, among other things, clinical (e.g. therapeutic and preventative medicine (e.g., vaccination)) and research applications.
US08877203B2
The present invention relates to an immunoregulating agent comprising a peptide, a pharmaceutical composition and a method of preventing or treating immune-related disorder such as sever sepsis or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and the use of peptide for anti-inflammatory agent, an antibacterial agent, or an inhibiting agent of an immune cell apoptosis.
US08877201B2
An isolated protein or peptide selected from the group consisting of Bordetella colonization factor A (BcfA) protein and antigenic fragments thereof is described, along with an isolated nucleic acid encoding the same, antibodies that bind to the same, methods of producing an immune response in a mammalian subject in need thereof by administering the proteins, peptides or antibodies, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same.
US08877197B2
The present disclosure provides antibodies that bind complement C1s protein; and nucleic acid molecules that encode such antibodies. The present disclosure also provides compositions comprising such antibodies, and methods to produce and use such antibodies, nucleic acid molecules, and compositions.
US08877193B2
The present invention relates to injecting a high specificity cytokine antagonist into a diseased intervertebral disc.
US08877192B2
Disclosed are RAGE fusion proteins comprising RAGE polypeptide sequences linked to a second, non-RAGE polypeptide. The RAGE fusion protein may utilize a RAGE polypeptide domain comprising a RAGE ligand binding site and an interdomain linker directly linked to an immunoglobulin CH2 domain. Such fusion proteins may provide specific, high affinity binding to RAGE ligands. Also disclosed is the use of the RAGE fusion proteins as therapeutics for RAGE-mediated pathologies.
US08877191B2
The current invention provides high-affinity antibodies to the Pseudomonas aeruginosa PcrV protein that have reduced immunogenicity when administered to treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.
US08877190B2
The subject invention relates to monoclonal antibodies that may be used in the treatment and diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease. In particular, the present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies referred to as 10F4 and 3C5 and to other monoclonal antibodies (e.g., murine, human or humanized) having similar properties thereto.
US08877174B2
The invention relates to a four component pheromone composition that attracts male light brown apple moths and can be used to control moth populations. The pheromone composition comprises (E)-11-tetradecenyl acetate, (E,E)-9,11-tetradecadienyl acetate, (E)-11-tetradecen-1-ol and (E)-11-hexadecenyl acetate.
US08877171B2
The present invention relates generally to methods and compositions for targeting of intracellular molecules involved in proliferation and protein synthesis of activated cells using polyanionic multivalent macromolecules. In particular aspect, multiple sulfate groups linked to polyol are specifically targeted to the cytoplasm and nucleus of proliferating and activated cells. The invention further comprises novel polyanionic macromolecular compounds and formulations.
US08877170B2
The present disclosure relates to implantable medical devices having a non-bioabsorbable substrate and an amphiphilic coating covalently bonded to the substrate for reducing the inflammatory response to the device after implantation.
US08877165B2
Provided is a solid preparation for oral application containing (a) gum tragacanth and (b) a polyphosphoric acid or salt thereof and constituted so that the polyphosphoric acid or salt thereof starts to dissolve firstly and the gum tragacanth starts to dissolve subsequently. The solid preparation for oral application according to the present invention has a high plaque formation inhibiting effect.
US08877159B2
The present invention provides methods and uses of phospholipid ether analogs as diagnostic and therapeutic agents for numerous cancers.
US08877154B2
One use for irradiated graphite after remediation processing is to recycle it into a new graphite artifact. Examples of such artifacts include an electrode to be used for vitrification of radionucleotides, graphite or carbon articles for uranium processing, a moderator for a HTGR, in particularly a Gen IV HTGR, other types of graphite products for nuclear facilities, charcoal filters, silicon carbide applications, etc. Such graphite artifacts can be formed with up to 20 pph of carbon black, the carbon black is formed from vitrified irradiated graphite. Optionally the graphite artifact may be formed from up to 75 pph of pitch.
US08877146B2
A cassette for holding a tissue sample includes a body having a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls extending upwardly with respect to the bottom wall to define an interior space for receiving the tissue sample. A lid is configured to be received in the interior space, and the cassette is sectionable in a microtome. Sensing elements are associated with the body or lid and configured to allow an automated sensing system to determine at least one characteristic of the cassette. A flange extends along upper portions of at least two of the side walls and includes a plurality of holes. Other features are included to more effectively and efficiently manufacture and use the cassette.
US08877145B2
A device for generating a drop of a primary liquid is described, including: a reservoir fillable with the primary liquid, a pressure generation device for generating a hydraulic pressure on the primary liquid, at least one inlet channel for introducing a secondary fluid, and a channel having a flow cross-section transverse to a main flow direction, wherein the flow cross-section includes a main region and at least one sub-region extending from the main region, designed such that the primary liquid can be held in the main region by capillary forces, and the secondary fluid can be held in the sub-region by capillary forces, wherein the reservoir is fluidically connected to a first end of the channel via an output opening, and the at least one inlet channel is also fluidically connected to the channel, and wherein the pressure generation device is implemented to apply a hydraulic pressure to the primary liquid, whereby the same is moved along the channel and output at a second end of the channel as free-flying drop.
US08877141B2
Provided are systems for arrays for assaying various biomolecules and other compounds in a microtiter plate format. The wells are designed so as to contain subwells to facilitate fluid communication between subwells and to allow for efficient human or robotic manipulation of samples and assay of binding or other interactions of components within the wells.
US08877140B2
A biological material test strip and adjacently-located reference color chart are affixed to a lid portion of an all-in-one specimen cup to perform color-based reaction testing of collected biological specimens in an uncalibrated environment. After specimen collection, the lid portion is secured to a container portion of the specimen cup. The cup may then be rotated into an upside down position causing the specimen, under the force of gravity, to pass from the container portion and into a volume of the lid portion, such that the test strip is exposed to the specimen as it is received into the volume of the lid portion. An image of the exposed test strip and adjacently-located reference color chart may then be captured and processed to identify any color matches between the individual test pads on the test strip and the corresponding sequences of reference color blocks on the reference chart.
US08877137B2
A hydrogen generator including an initiator assembly having one or more contact members within a compressible member, and a removable fuel unit adjacent a surface of the compressible member. The fuel unit contains a hydrogen containing material that can release hydrogen gas when heated and an exothermic mixture that can react exothermically upon initiation by the initiator assembly. When no fuel unit is in the hydrogen generator, the compressible member is uncompressed and the contact members are at or below its surface, and when a fuel unit is disposed in the hydrogen generator, the compressible member is compressed so the contact members extend beyond the surface to make thermal contact with the fuel unit. Energy from the initiator assembly is conducted by the contact members to corresponding quantities of the exothermic mixture to initiate an exothermic reaction, providing heat for the release of hydrogen gas from the hydrogen containing material.
US08877135B2
A gaseous fluid-operated ozone supply unit includes a housing, output duct, ozone generator, air induction member and controller. The air induction member is located between the air inlet portion and ozone generator of the housing. The output duct has a coupling end and an extension end. The coupling end is connected with the ozone outlet, while the extension end is extended to a preset target for the ozone. The preset target must he capable of guiding the stream so that the output duct could generate negative pressure. The ozone supply unit provided enables to control ozone's opening and closing state through air-operated negative pressure. The ozone supply unit can maintain the flow rate and smoothness of the water supply passage, so as to remove impurities and dirt in water and prevent blocking or even disabling of active magnetic inductor for improved applicability and ease of operation.
US08877119B2
Nanocomposites of multi-phase metal oxide ceramics have been produced from water soluble salts of the resulting metal oxides by a foaming esterification sol-gel method. The evolution of volatile gases at elevated temperature during the esterification reaction causes the formation of a foam product. Nanocomposites of multi-phase metal oxide ceramics have also been produced by a cation polymer precursor method. In this second method, the metal cations are chelated by the polymer and the resulting product is gelled and foamed. Calcination of the resulting foams gives nanocomposite powders with extremely fine, uniform grains and phase domains. These microstructures are remarkably stable both under post-calcination heat treatment and during consolidation by hot-pressing.
US08877114B2
A method and apparatus for removing a SMP apparatus from within a cured composite part. The method may comprise the steps of triggering the SMP apparatus from a rigid state to a malleable state, inducing a pressure differential that drives the SMP apparatus, in the malleable state, away from the cured composite part and toward an inner mandrel tool, and removing the inner mandrel tool with the SMP apparatus resting thereon out of the cured composite part. The inner mandrel tool may comprise an outer surface having varying contours such that a surface area of the outer surface is great enough to prevent the SMP apparatus from folding over onto itself or creasing when driven toward the inner mandrel tool. A maximum straight line distance between points on the outer surface may be small enough to allow the inner mandrel tool clearance for removal from the cured composite part.
US08877113B2
A method of molding a clip mount on a baseboard includes: forming a clip mount forming space with a die set including at least first slide die and second slide die; injecting molten resin into the space; forming a first wall; forming a connecting wall so as to extend from a distal end of the first wall such that a distance between the connecting wall and a surface of the baseboard increases as a distance from the first wall increases; forming a second wall; forming a mount wall so as to extend from an end of the second wall such that a distance between the mount wall and the connecting wall increases as a distance from the second wall increases; sliding the first slide die for removal; and sliding the second slide die in a different direction from a direction in which the first slide die is slid for removal.
US08877112B2
The present invention relates to an article fabrication system having a plurality of material deposition tools containing one or more materials useful in fabricating the article, and a material deposition device having a tool interface for receiving one of the material deposition tools. A system controller is operably connected to the material deposition device to control operation of the material deposition device. Also disclosed is a method of fabricating an article using the system of the invention and a method of fabricating a living three-dimensional structure.
US08877111B2
The invention describes a lid for a container comprising an edge region (2) for sealing and permanent connection to a container body comprising a body portion and a bottom, and a substantially flat central region as a panel or lid surface (3), on which at least one projecting pin-like or post-like guide element (7′, 7″, 8) is formed extending from the panel (3) towards one side or the other substantially parallel to an axis (9) perpendicular to the lid surface. The posts can guide additional elements which are intended to form a functional unit with the lid.
US08877110B2
A method of making a single-piece hollow shell is disclosed. A plurality of perforators is inserted into a mold and create an inner mold surface. A material is inserted into the mold to create a perforated hollow shell between the mold, the inner mold surface, and the perforated.
US08877101B2
An exemplary printable composition of a liquid or gel suspension of diodes comprises a plurality of diodes, a first solvent and/or a viscosity modifier. An exemplary method of fabricating an electronic device comprises: depositing one or more first conductors; and depositing a plurality of diodes suspended in a mixture of a first solvent and a viscosity modifier. Various exemplary diodes have a lateral dimension between about 10 to 50 microns and about 5 to 25 microns in height. Other embodiments may also include a plurality of substantially chemically inert particles having a range of sizes between about 10 to about 50 microns.
US08877100B2
A paste composition for forming an electrode on a silicon semiconductor substrate, the paste containing aluminum powder; an organic vehicle and a hydroxide. The paste composition finds applicability in a solar cell element wherein the electrode is formed by applying the paste on the silicon semiconductor substrate and thereafter, firing the paste composition.
US08877091B2
This invention relates to a novel non-aqueous liquid oxygen bleach composition prepared by dispersing solid peroxygen compound in the liquid in which the content of an anhydrous non-polar organic solvent and a non-ionic and anionic surfactant is controlled. The composition is formed in a high viscous paste or a gel-type suspension and can be used as a multi-purpose composition, for example, the bleach and stain remover of clothes and the cleanser of bathroom and kitchen since they have a chemical/physical stability of no loss of available oxygen, an excellent bleaching and cleaning ability due to their alkaline pH range, no change of viscosity or no phase separation during the storage and so on.
US08877084B2
A method for refreshing an acid bath solution includes determining a concentration of phosphoric acid in the acid bath solution and determining a concentration of hydrochloric acid in the acid bath solution. The method further includes calculating a volume of phosphoric acid to add to the acid bath solution to achieve a predetermined concentration of phosphoric acid in the acid bath solution. In addition, the method includes calculating a volume of hydrochloric acid to add to the acid bath solution with the volume of phosphoric acid to increase the acid bath solution to a predetermined volume, and adding the volume of phosphoric acid and the volume of hydrochloric acid to the acid bath solution.
US08877082B2
Disclosed is a processing method which can achieve a high processing rate, and is capable of making a surface smooth. In order to achieve this an SiC substrate is arranged in a potassium hydroxide solution containing hydrogen peroxide, and ultraviolent radiation is irradiated on the surface of the SiC substrate. An SiO2 layer is formed on the surface of the SiC substrate due to the irradiation of ultraviolet radiation, and this SiO2 layer is chemically removed by means of the potassium hydroxide solution, and also removed by a synthetic quartz surface plate.
US08877075B2
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method of polishing a device includes providing a layer having a non-uniform top surface. The non-uniform top surface includes a plurality of protrusions. The method further includes removing the plurality of protrusions by exposing the layer to a fluid that has gas bubbles and a liquid.
US08877072B2
Three-dimensional fractal graduated-branching hierarchical structures and fabrication method thereof
A method to fabricate a hierarchical graduated-branched structure that grows in a three-dimensional pattern down to fractal-branching, nano-size level is detailed. The fractal patterning is accomplished on a three-dimensional (i.e., non-planar) surface, by exposing the surface to a properly focused particle beam, which causes the spontaneous growth of graduated branches all over the surface. The structure can be fabricated with a single material and the fractal-patterning is done in a one step process. No addition of material is required for the formation of each branch. The fractal graduated branching structure can then be molded in order to produce replicas.
US08877069B2
A system is provided that substantially increases the efficiency of CO2 capture and removal by positioning a catalyst within an optimal distance from the air-liquid interface. The catalyst is positioned within the layer determined to be the highest concentration of carbon dioxide. A hydrophobic tether is attached to the catalyst and the hydrophobic tether modulates the position of the catalyst within the liquid layer containing the highest concentration of carbon dioxide.
US08877066B2
A method for monitoring and controlling the chemistry of a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) process in power plants is described. The method identifies the principal phenomena of precipitation of calcium sulphate and calcium carbonate which can occur in such system and the principal critical sections affected by such precipitation phenomena. The interventions aimed at keeping or restoring the sustainable chemical conditions with respect to the precipitation of calcium sulphate and calcium carbonate in all the critical sections of the ZLD system are then indicated, ensuring saturation ratios of calcium sulphate and calcium carbonate lower than or equal to 1 through time.
US08877060B2
The present application relates to a method for removing pathogens from a transfusion grade platelet composition. The method comprises the steps of passing a platelet preparation through a first tangential flow filtration (TFF) device having a TFF filter, and collecting a retentate from the TFF device, wherein the retentate comprises filtered platelets to be used for transfusion. The platelet preparation comprises a platelet activation inhibitor and an anti-coagulant. During the TFF process, a diafiltration solution is added to the retentate to maintain the volume of the platelets.
US08877056B2
A potable water distribution system for use in aircraft, as well as potable water systems of boats, recreational vehicles/caravans, residential homes, dental offices, laboratories, vending machines, and the like, provides for sanitizing of the system without opening filter and/or purification units and removing filtering and/or purifying cartridges from the filter and/or purification units during the sanitizing process.
US08877052B2
The invention concerns a filtration device comprising a manifold (3) providing fluid connection and mechanical connection comprising a clamping plate (4) movably mounted relative to the manifold (3) and adapted to compress at least one cassette (2) against the manifold (3), means for driving and guiding the clamping plate comprising a rod (6) extending between the manifold (3) and the plate (4), an actuator provided with a body and a member moveable relative to the body, which member is adapted to move through a predetermined travel between an extended position and a retracted position, the body being carried by the manifold (3), and the member carrying the rod (6) and driving the plate (4) via the rod (6) to a clamped position in which the member is in an intermediate retracted position in which it has moved through a shorter travel than the predetermined travel relative to its extended position.
US08877044B2
Methods for preparing solvent-dry, stackable tailings. The method can include the steps of adding a first quantity of first solvent to a bitumen material to form a first mixture, separating a first quantity of bitumen-enriched solvent from the first mixture and thereby creating first solvent-wet tailings, adding a quantity of second solvent to first solvent-wet tailings to separate a first quantity of first solvent component from the first solvent-wet tailings and thereby producing second solvent-wet tailings, and adding a quantity of water to the second solvent-wet tailings to separate a first quantity of second solvent component from the second solvent-wet tailings and thereby forming solvent-dry, stackable tailings.
US08877040B2
One exemplary embodiment can be a process for treating a hydroprocessing fraction. The process can include obtaining a bottom stream from a fractionation zone, and passing at least a portion of the bottom stream to a film generating evaporator zone for separating a first stream containing less heavy polynuclear aromatic compounds than a second stream.
US08877036B2
A system for measuring a solution pH includes a potentiostat with a working electrode made of an electro-conductive solid polymer transducer, an input to receive the potential to be applied between the working electrode and a reference electrode, and an output to transmit a signal representative of the current flowing between a counter electrode and the working electrode, the three electrodes being immerged into the solution. The system further includes a digital processor connected to a digital to analog converter for generating the potential to be applied between the working and the reference electrodes; and to an analog to digital converter for receiving a digital value representative of the current. The digital processor is adapted to modify the potential to maintain the current inside a predetermined range such that the potential is representative of the solution pH when the current is inside the predetermined range.
US08877034B2
Methods for determining the hematocrit of a blood sample, and devices and systems used in conjunction with the same. The hematocrit value can be determined on its own, and further, it can be further used to determine a concentration of an analyte in a sample. In one exemplary embodiment of a method for determining the hematocrit value in a blood sample, a volume of blood is provided in a sample analyzing device having a working and a counter electrode. An electric potential is applied between the electrodes and an initial fill velocity of the sample into the device is calculated. The hematocrit of the blood, as well as a concentration of an analyte in view of the initial fill velocity can then be determined. Systems and devices that take advantage of the use of an initial fill velocity to determine hematocrit levels and make analyte concentration determinations are also provided.
US08877032B2
The disclosure teaches an apparatus for circulating electrically conductive solutions between electro-chemical cells. The apparatus is able to decrease the size or surface area of the cells and operate the electro-chemical at reduced amperage. Movement of the solution over the plates also facilitates reduced build up of scale on the plates. The flow rate or treatment dwell time can be controlled.
US08877027B2
A liquid analyzer may include a reference electrode provided with internal liquid containing a halide ion; and an ion electrode of which a measurable concentration range for a measuring target ion is lower than the concentration of the halide ion in the internal liquid of the reference electrode, The internal liquid of the ion electrode contains the measuring target ion and a halide ion; and the internal liquid of the ion electrode is liquid in which the concentration of the measuring target ion and the halide ion are regulated such that an osmotic pressure and an isothermal point of the internal liquid of the ion electrode respectively have desired values, and the isothermal point is included in the measurable concentration range, and the concentration of the halide ion is different from the concentration of the halide ion in the internal liquid S33 of the reference electrode.
US08877021B2
Provided is chromic oxide powder for a sputtering target comprised of chromic oxide wherein sulfur is 100 wtppm or less. This sputtering target contains chromic oxide of 5 molar % or higher or chromic oxide, wherein the sulfur content in the sputtering target is 100 wtppm or less, and the purity excluding gas components of moisture, carbon, nitrogen and sulfur is 99.95 wt % or higher. The chromic oxide powder for a sputtering target is able to increase the purity of the chromic oxide itself as well as increase the sintered density upon manufacturing a sputtering target. As a result of manufacturing a sputtering target using this chromic oxide powder, the crystal grains are refined, and provided is a uniform and dense sputtering target that does not generate cracks.
US08877017B2
The present invention provides a novel method for separating hexafluoropropylene oxide (HFPO) from hexafluoropropylene (HFP), which is capable of reducing the burden on the environment. A mixture including HFPO and HFP is subjected to an extractive distillation operation using, as a solvent, at least one of a fluorine-containing saturated compound represented by the general formula CnHaFb (wherein n, a and b are integers which satisfy: n=3 to 8, 0≦a≦2n+1, and 1≦b≦2n+2) thereby separating into a first fraction including HFPO and a second fraction including HFP and the solvent. At least one of 1-bromopropane and 2-bromopropane may be u as the solvent in place of the fluorine-containing saturated compound.
US08877016B2
Systems and methods for solar steam generation are described. The systems and methods include moving at least one frame mounted optical focusing lens to track the sun in two axes and disposing a water boiler at a focus of each optical focusing lens. Raw water is pumped through an inlet at a bottom of each boiler and solar energy is concentrated, using each optical focusing lens, on each boiler, heating the raw water in each boiler and evaporating steam from the raw water. The steam exits each boiler, via a steam outlet pipe. Remaining salts and solids in each boiler are ground by rotation of salt grinding-cleaning gears. These ground salts and solids are drained and/or pumped out of each boiler from an exit in the bottom of each boiler.
US08877003B2
The invention relates to a method of cleaning the surface of a material that is coated with an organic substance. The inventive method is characterized in that it comprises the following steps, consisting in: introducing the material into a treatment chamber, having a pressure of between 10 mbar and 1 bar therein, which is supplied with a gas stream containing at least 90 volume percent of oxygen; and generating a plasma by passing an electric discharge between the surface of the material and a dielectric-covered electrode in order to break down the organic substance under the action of the free radicals O thus produces. The invention also relates to an installation that is used to carry out said method.
US08877000B2
A plasma-processing chamber including pulsed gas injection orifices/nozzles utilized in combination with continuous flow shower head injection orifices is described. The continuous flow shower head injection orifices introduce a continuous flow of gas while the pulsed gas injection orifices/nozzles cyclically inject a high-pressure gas into the chamber. In one embodiment, a central computer may monitor and control pressure measurement devices and utilize the measurements to adjust processing parameters (e.g. pulse duration, pulse repetition rate, and the pulse mass flow rate of processing gases).
US08876995B2
A substantial portion of the peripheral edges of two panels forming a component of a motor-vehicle body, in particular a front bonnet of a motor-vehicle, is joined by interposing a thermosetting adhesive. Polymerization of the adhesive is obtained by heating, without introducing the structure into an oven, by means of one or more induction heating coil, which are shaped and arranged in proximity and along the peripheral edges of the two panels. The quality of the induction heating process is controlled according to signals output by a thermographic detection camera which is positioned adjustable at a point from which it can acquire a thermographic image of the entire extension of said peripheral edges of the panels to be joined, so as to allow simultaneously controlling the temperature reached by each portion of the peripheral edges of the panels.
US08876993B2
A casted ingot of a heat treatment type Al—Zn—Mg series aluminum alloy comprising Zn: 4.0-8.0% by mass, Mg: 0.5-2.0% by mass, Cu: 0.05-0.5% by mass, Ti: 0.01-0.1% by mass, and any one or more of Mn: 0.1-0.7% by mass, Cr: 0.1-0.5% by mass and Zr: 0.05-0.3% by mass, and the balance being aluminum and incidental impurities is extruded at a homogenization treatment temperature after a homogenization treatment without cooled, and a resulted extruded material is die quenched at a cooling rate equal to or more than 100° C./min and then subjected to an artificial aging treatment, wherein the homogenization treatment is carried out by heating to the homogenization treatment temperature as 430-500° C. at a heating rate less than 750° C./hr or by heating to the homogenization treatment temperature and held the homogenization treatment temperature for 3 hours.
US08876992B2
A process for manufacturing a turbine engine component comprises the steps of: casting ingots made of a gamma TiAl material using a double vacuum arc remelting casting technique; subjecting the cast ingots to a hot isostatic pressing to close porosity; forming at least one pancake of the gamma TiAl material by isothermally forging the hot isostatic pressed ingots; sectioning each pancake into a plurality of blanks; heat treating the blanks to produce a desired microstructure and mechanical properties; and machining the blanks into finished turbine engine components. A system for performing the process is also disclosed.
US08876984B2
A dish washing machine having a structure allowing water to be evenly ejected onto the interior of a washing tub. The dish washing machine includes a cabinet forming an external appearance of the dish washing machine, a washing tub arranged in the cabinet and allowing dishes to be washed therein, a dish basket arranged in the washing tub, at least one liquid ejection unit arranged in the washing tub to eject water, a defection unit arranged facing the liquid ejection unit to deflect the water ejected from the liquid ejection unit toward the dish basket, and a drive unit to drive the defection unit to be moved within the washing tub. Since the dish washing machine includes a defection unit in addition to a liquid ejection unit, a dead zone which water does not reach may be eliminated and divided and intensive washing may be possible in the washing tub.
US08876982B2
Disclosed is a method of washing ware in an automatic institutional warewashing machine wherein the method includes contacting ware with a cleaning composition containing a surfactant and further includes contacting the washed ware in a rinse step with a potable aqueous rinse, the aqueous rinse being substantially free of an intentionally added rinse agent. A surfactant is employed in the wash step in an amount not to exceed 15 wt % based on weight of the detergent. The amount of surfactant is sufficient to provide a layer of surfactant on the ware so as to afford a sheeting action in an aqueous rinse step without any added rinse agent.
US08876979B2
A recyclable article having an external surface with an image printed thereon by droplets of ink is provided. The droplets of ink comprise a composition that includes a hydrophilic component. In embodiments, the hydrophilic component can facilitate the separation or loosening of the image from the external surface of the container when the image is exposed to a liquid-based solution at an elevated temperature. Methods for facilitating recycling of recyclable articles having printed images are also disclosed.
US08876976B2
Disclosed is a chemical vapor deposition apparatus for equalizing a heating temperature, which maintains the heating temperature of a heater provided therein uniform not only on the lower surface of the heater but also on the upper surface thereof, so that a thin film having a uniform thickness is deposited on a wafer. In order to maintain the heating temperature of the heater of the chemical vapor deposition apparatus uniform, the chemical vapor deposition apparatus includes a thermal insulation reflecting plate for reflecting heat from the lower surface of the heater and a heat dissipation member disposed between the thermal insulation reflecting plate and the heater to be in direct contact with the area of the heater having a high temperature, or includes a heat dissipation member mounted underneath the area of the heater having a high temperature. Also, the apparatus includes a depression having a predetermined shape in the surface of the area of the heater having a relatively high temperature coming into direct contact with a wafer, and further includes a heat dissipation member disposed between the thermal insulation reflecting plate and the heater to be in contact with the area of the heater having a high temperature to thus decrease reflected heat, thereby equalizing the temperatures of the upper and lower surfaces of the heater.
US08876974B2
A chemical vapor deposition apparatus is equipped to control the width of a gas discharge path between a susceptor and an inner surface of a chamber without having to resort to redesign and remanufacturing of the apparatus. The chemical vapor deposition apparatus includes: a chamber; a susceptor positioned inside the chamber and on which a substrate can be loaded; a shower head injecting a processing gas toward the substrate; and a guide unit detachably installed inside the chamber to guide the processing gas such that the processing gas injected from the shower head is discharged through a chamber hole formed in the chamber.
US08876971B2
Liquid-based precursors for formation of Copper Selenide, Indium Selenide, Copper Indium Diselenide, and/or copper Indium Galium Diselenide include copper-organoselenides, particulate copper selenide suspensions, copper selenide ethylene diamine in liquid solvent, nanoparticulate indium selenide suspensions, and indium selenide ethylene diamine coordination compounds in solvent. These liquid-based precursors can be deposited in liquid form onto substrates and treated by rapid thermal processing to form crystalline copper selenide and indium selenide films.
US08876950B2
Disclosed is technology and device for uniform distribution of water film on solid collecting plate used on a wet electrostatic precipitator (ESP). The device includes clamping plate fastening bolts, suspended clamping plates, a water distribution pipe, guide vanes, collecting plate, a limiter, a two-way limited fixed axis and a double arming bolt. The surfaces of the solid collecting plate are subjected to coating pretreatment, the upper parts of the collector are connected with the water distribution pipe, and the 45° guide vanes are twisted; a corrugated diversion with the width of 5 to 8 mm is adopted; stainless steel pipes are crosswise welded, water distribution holes are formed at the water distribution pipe, the distribution pipe is connected with an external water tank, and the inlet quantity of the water is controlled by a PLC; the collectors are placed vertically, and the ESP contains a set of sharp discharge electrodes.
US08876949B2
A method of preparing a palladium-silver alloy gas separation membrane system, wherein the surface of the palladium layer or a silver layer is activated by a non-chemical activation method involving abrasion to a controlled surface roughness and abrasion pattern, thereby permitting the plating or deposition of an overlayer of silver on the palladium layer, silver on a silver layer, or palladium on a silver layer. The palladium and silver layers are preferably supported on a porous metal support to which an intermetallic diffusion barrier has been applied.
US08876941B1
A method for managing an oxygen generating system includes receiving a first pressure signal associated with a first pressure of a tank, and determining the first pressure to be less than or equal to a startup threshold pressure. The method includes sending a signal to switch a first circuit on, said first circuit for providing power to a bank of oxygen generators. The method includes sending a signal to switch a second circuit on, said second circuit for providing power to an air compressor. The method also includes receiving a second pressure signal associated with a second pressure. The method also includes determining the second pressure to be greater than or equal to a shutoff threshold pressure, said second pressure associated with a pressure of the tank. The method also includes sending a signal to switch the first circuit off, and sending a signal to switch the second circuit off.
US08876939B2
A system and a method are provided that take a potentially dangerous waste product and process the product to create a marketable asset. The system and method are configured to create “tb” from “tbgs” by removing the volatility that exists in the “tbgs.” The resultant “tb” may be substantially non-volatile.
US08876937B2
Methods of producing nanowires and resulting nanowires are described. In one implementation, a method of producing nanowires includes energizing (i) a metal-containing reagent; (ii) a templating agent; (iii) a reducing agent; and (iv) a seed-promoting agent (SPA) in a reaction medium and under conditions of a first temperature for at least a portion of a first duration, followed by a second temperature for at least a portion of a second duration, and the second temperature is different from the first temperature.
US08876935B2
A sintered material for valve guides consists of, by mass %, 1.3 to 3% of C, 1 to 4% of Cu, 0.01 to 0.08% of P, 0.05 to 0.5% of Sn, and the balance of Fe and inevitable impurities. The sintered material exhibits a metallic structure made of pores and a matrix. The matrix is a mixed structure of a pearlite phase, a ferrite phase, an iron-phosphorus-carbon compound phase, and at least one of a copper-tin alloy phase and a combination of a copper phase and a copper-tin alloy phase. A part of the pores includes graphite that is dispersed therein. The iron-phosphorus-carbon compound phase is dispersed at 3 to 25% by area ratio, and the copper-tin alloy phase and the combination of the copper phase and the copper-tin alloy phase are dispersed at 0.5 to 3.5% by area ratio, with respect to a cross section of the metallic structure, respectively.
US08876927B2
A radiator screen arrangement (10) for a combine harvester is provided. A screen (12) through which air, which is to pass through a radiator, is drawn by a fan. Rotating means (16) are provided for rotating the screen. Blanking means (18), past which the screen is rotated, provides a blanked off area of the screen which is not subject to the induction pressure of the fan and from which particles can therefore be more easily removed. The arrangement is characterised in that the blanking means has a leading edge (18a) which is of generally spiral shape so that the particles on the outer surface of the screen which enter the blanked-off area can reach the outer periphery (12d) of the rotating screen without being exposed to the induction pressure of the fan and hence have an improved chance of being detached from the screen.
US08876922B2
A process, adsorbent and apparatus for treating biofuel is disclosed.
US08876919B2
Lipid-based wax compositions and their methods of making are provided for compositions substantially free of fat bloom. The compositions comprise approximately 7-80 percent by weight triacylglycerides and approximately 20-93 percent by weight monoacylglycerides and diacylglycerides combined. The methods comprise blending the monoacylglycerides, diacylglycerides, and triacylglycerides in the lipid-based wax composition by heating the lipid-based wax composition at a sufficiently high temperature to destroy substantially all crystal structure within the lipid-based wax composition. The methods further comprise pouring the lipid-based wax composition into a mold or a container having a surface and a core, wherein the pouring is conducted at a temperature at least 15° C. greater than the congeal point of the lipid-based wax composition. The methods further comprise cooling the lipid-based wax composition under conditions sufficient to cool the core to at least 5° C. below the congeal point of the lipid-based wax composition in approximately 30-90 minutes.
US08876910B2
A method for selectively dissolving the beta (β) phase of a titanium alloy out of the surface of the alloy, thereby leaving behind a nano-scale porous surface having enhanced bonding properties with either a biological tissue, such as bone, or an adhesive material, such as a polymer or ceramic by immersing the alloy in an ionic aqueous solution containing high levels of hydrogen peroxide and then exposing the alloy to an electrochemical voltage process resulting in the selective dissolution of the beta phase to form a nano-topographic metallic surface.
US08876906B2
A prosthesis for the replacement of the cartilaginous structures of a spine motion segment is described. The prosthesis comprises an intervertebral disc prosthesis in combination with a facet joint prosthesis.
US08876901B2
Implant devices having an articular end for repair of articular cartilage defects are provided. The articular end has an oval perimeter, a convex upper face, and a concave lower face. The convex upper face has a first circular pitch radius and a first circular roll radius. At least a portion of the concave lower face has a spherical radius, the convex upper face blending into a rim, wherein at least a first and second portion of the rim extends at least a first distance along a vertical axis and a third and fourth portion of the rim tapers inward along the vertical axis, the rim blending into the concave lower face. The articular cartilage implant devices further include a stem extending from the concave lower face away from the convex upper face along the vertical axis. The stem has a plurality of oval shaped perimeters along the vertical axis.
US08876888B2
A stent defining a longitudinal axis is disclosed. A plurality of circumferential support structures are spaced-apart along the longitudinal axis. At least some of the circumferential support structures are interconnected by connection members that extend generally in a circumferential direction.
US08876886B2
A braided stent to be implanted in a blood vessel comprises a hollow body which is stretchable in its longitudinal direction and whose circumferential surface is formed by a braid of a multiplicity of filamentary elements which, in the expanded state of the braided stent, intersect a plane, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, at a braiding angle. The braided stent has a smaller braiding angle in a central portion than in its distal and proximal portions which adjoin the central portion in the longitudinal direction.
US08876884B2
A stepped balloon catheter prosthesis deployment system is disclosed for placement of a prosthesis across an Os opening from a main body lumen to a branch body lumen. The prosthesis comprises a radially expansible support at one end, a circumferentially extending link at the other end and at least one frond extending axially therebetween. The prosthesis is configured to be deployed from a stepped diameter balloon with the support in the branch body lumen, with the circumferentially extending link in the main lumen and the frond extendable across the Os.
US08876880B2
Methods for treating femoro-popliteal artery of a patient include delivering a self-expanding, woven stent from a delivery system. The methods may include delivering a guidewire to a lesion in the femoro-popliteal artery stem over the guidewire.
US08876869B1
The present invention involves a system and methods for assembling and implanting a polyaxial bone screw assembly. The polyaxial bone screw assembly includes, but is not necessarily limited to, a bone screw that can be initially secured to a bony structure and subsequently have a receiver assembly attached to the implanted bone screw. Additionally, a closure structure is a part of the polyaxial bone screw assembly and functions to secure an elongate member within the receiver assembly.
US08876868B2
A spinal fixation device combines an open-headed anchor member, such as a bone screw or a hook, with a closure member to thereby clamp a spinal fixation rod to the anchor member. The anchor member has spaced apart arms forming a rod receiving channel. The arms have arm extensions or tabs connected to main portions of the arms by weakened regions to enable the tabs to be broken-off or separated after the rod is clamped. The closure member and inner surfaces of the arms and tabs have helical anti-splay guide and advancement interlocking flanges formed thereon which cooperate to prevent splaying the arms and extensions as the closure member is advanced into the rod receiving channel. The flanges have anti-splay contours which can be formed on load flanks or stab flanks of the flanges. The load flanks can be oriented in such a manner as to aid in the anti-splay characteristics of the flanges or to control the proportioning of axial stresses between the flanges.
US08876852B2
In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a method for making an occluding device for occlusion of fluid flow through a lumen of a body vessel is provided. The method comprises attaching a coating to an embolization coil that is substantially straight. The coating is nominally strained on the substantially straight embolization coil. The embolization coil has a pre-curled tension to facilitate the embolization coil being curled within the lumen of the body vessel when deployed. The embolization coil is restrained from curling until deploying to reduce pre-deployment straining of the coating.
US08876851B1
A system and method for performing spine surgery, including a tissue distraction assembly. The tissue distraction assembly includes an initial dilator, a secondary dilator, a first expander, and a second expander. The tissue distraction assembly is provided with an overall generally oblong shape. The tissue distraction assembly provides for asymmetrical tissue distraction in a single direction.
US08876847B2
A punch for removing hair follicles from a donor site comprises a generally tubular body having a proximal end region terminating in a tissue-cutting edge, a distally-extending segment of reduced outer diameter—preferably a generally concave segment—terminating at its proximal end at or near the cutting edge and terminating at its distal end with a diameter substantially the same or greater than the diameter of the cutting edge. The punch further includes a follicle-receiving chamber defined by an inner wall extending distally from the proximal end of the punch. Preferably, at least a portion of the chamber lying within the external region of reduced diameter is generally converging in the distal direction.
US08876834B2
The invention relates to a device for the injection of a bone cement. The invention comprises a container provided with one end including an outlet and a second end that receives a piston. The piston is moved by means of an injection screw that projects from the container body and engages with gripping means comprising injection screw rotation means that can self-lock depending on the pressure exerted inside the container body, said rotation means comprising a handle which is provided with a passage that receives the injection screw and which is hinged thereto by means of a pair of male/female disks. One disk is known as the drive disk and moves integrally with the rotation movements of the handle, while the other disk is known as the driven disk, said drive disk coming into contact with the driven disk in response to a compressive force exerted on the distal part of the injection screw.
US08876832B2
An ultrasonic handpiece is used for augmenting a bone screw. The handpieces comprise a housing, an ultrasonic converter shiftingly accommodated in the housing, and a sonotrode connected to one end of the ultrasonic converter. The sonotrode protrudes from the housing into the bone screw. An adjuster wheel is adjustably connected to the housing. A spring is provided the ends of which are supported by the ultrasonic converter and the adjuster wheel, respectively. The ultrasonic converter is preloaded in the direction away from the adjuster wheel by setting the adjuster wheel, thereby the sonotrode is urged with a selected force into the bone screw and the augmentation material is pressed out of the bone screw and into the bone.
US08876830B2
A virtual implant placement method and system comprising models of implants and/or bones linked to tracking assemblies mounted onto the bones. A joint model is constructed intraoperatively based on the positions of the tracking assemblies to determine the positions of cut planes.
US08876813B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus for signal detection are described. In one example, a detection assembly includes a signal detector. The signal detector is configured to receive a sensor signal having a peak magnitude and a first frequency and generate an output signal having a magnitude proportional to the peak magnitude of the sensor signal and having a second frequency less than the first frequency of the sensor signal.
US08876809B2
Hair or partial hair removal system and hair growth deterrent that includes mechanical process for cutting, plucking or shaving hair follicles, along with pre and/or post skin treatment techniques. The skin treatment techniques can include the application of energy to the skin surface before, after and/or during the application of the mechanical process. Such techniques include the application of heat and/or energy from illumination sources and/or RF emitters. Further skin treatment techniques include the application of solutions before, after and/or during the mechanical process and/or the application of heat and/or energy. Overall, the system operates to treat an area of skin to facilitate the removal of all or a portion of hair, retard further growth, and recovery of skin surface.
US08876808B2
An ophthalmic laser system generating a first beam at a wavelength suitable for performing selective laser trabeculoplasty and selectively generating a second beam at a wavelength suitable for performing secondary cataract surgery procedures. The laser system is able to select between directing the first beam or the second beam to the eye of a patient. The first beam is suitably generated at 1064 nm from a Nd:YAG laser and the second beam is frequency doubled to 532 nm in a KTP doubling crystal.
US08876794B2
A method for delivering medicament such as for ameliorating pain in a patient includes introducing an injector through a nasal passage of the patient into a region substantially medial and/or posterior and/or inferior to a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) of the patient; and delivering a medicament from the injector superiorly and/or laterally and/or anteriorly towards the SPG. A device for delivering a medicament to a patient in need thereof includes (a) an injector containing a first end configured to remain outside a nasal passage of the patient and a second end configured for entry into the nasal passage of the patient; and (b) an introducer configured for engagement with a nostril of the patient and containing a passageway configured for slidably receiving the injector. The injector is moveable between a storage position preceding the engagement and an engaging position pursuant to the engagement.
US08876785B2
The present invention relates to a delivery member attachment device (10) comprising a neck (12) having an inner space intended to accommodate a connection part of a medicament container, which neck (12) is intended to receive a delivery member (30) for creating a passage between the medicament container via the connection part and through the delivery member, that said neck (12) is arranged with threads (14) arranged to engage with corresponding threads (34) of an attachment part (32 of said delivery member (30), and wherein said neck (12) further is arranged with a number of slits (16) providing a number of tongues (18) between said slits, and wherein said tongues (18) are arranged to flex inwards, when a delivery member (30) is to be attached, to allow an axial pushing of said attachment part (32) onto, and in engagement with, said neck (12).
US08876779B2
The present invention relates to a disposable auto injector that can be safely operated for automatic injection of a dose of medication and having a housing for accommodation of a syringe with a needle, the syringe being movably positioned in the housing between a first position in which position the needle is accommodated inside the housing and a second position in which position the needle protrudes outside the housing, a mechanical driver anchored to the housing at a first anchor location for applying a force to the syringe thereby moving the syringe from the first position to the second position, and wherein the mechanical driver is also configured for applying a force to the syringe by anchoring the mechanical driver to a different second anchor location.
US08876778B2
A device is presented for injection of a product into an injection site, comprising: a container provided with a needle, a housing receiving the container, and a needle shield releasably coupled with the container. The device also includes a retaining arrangement provided at or near the distal end of the device, designed for preventing the container from moving distally with respect to the housing until the needle shield is removed from the container.
US08876777B2
A bandage can be used to secure a needle to an access site so as to prevent unintended movement or withdrawal of the needle from the access site during administration of a treatment to a patient. After treatment, the needle can be removed by manipulating a portion of the bandage. Another portion of the bandage can be maintained in position over the access site during needle removal and can be used to promote clotting of the site after needle removal. The bandage may include a clotting agent, a hemostasis pad, and/or a clot-promoting structure. Additionally or alternatively, finger pressure can be applied to the access site through the bandage. For example, the bandage may include a viewing window without any adhesive to allow visual monitoring of the access site during treatment. Finger pressure may be applied to the viewing window and thereby to the access site during and after needle removal to encourage hemostasis.
US08876774B2
Catheters assemblies having structural configurations operable to reduce backflow along the catheter assembly track, and methods of making and using such catheter assemblies. Catheters assemblies in accordance with embodiments of the present invention find use in various applications including the treatment of acute and chronic medical conditions. An exemplary catheter assembly includes, in one illustrative embodiment, a flexible proximal catheter body portion, and a distal portion of a smaller diameter than the body portion. The distal portion includes a sealed distal tip or end and one or more side flow openings to permit flow of therapeutic substance from the catheter along an axis that is different than, e.g., skewed relative to, a longitudinal axis of the distal portion of the catheter assembly.
US08876771B2
An improved technique for manufacturing a propellant pillow for use in filling a propellant chamber of an implantable pump is disclosed. The method preferably results in the creation of an already filled propellant pillow, which therefore negates the need for the separate filling of the pillow.
US08876764B2
An intradermal injection adapter includes a body having a longitudinal axis and a central portion located distally relative to the body along the longitudinal axis. The central portion has a cannula channel therethrough extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. A cannula within the cannula channel has a sharpened tip for injection into a patient and a sharpened opposite proximal end for injection into a pen injector. A distal protrusion has a first skin contacting surface extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The first skin contacting surface is spaced from the cannula such that a distal portion of the cannula extends generally parallel to the first skin contacting surface.
US08876757B2
A medical device fluid sensing system is provided. The system includes a transmitter array positioned in association with a fluid maintaining device, such as a reservoir in a cassette. Electrical circuitry is connected to the transmitter array and configured to cause the transmitter array to transmit light energy at a predetermined wavelength and producing a desired absorption coefficient based on expected conditions within the fluid maintaining device. The system also includes a receiver array configured to receive light energy transmitted through the fluid maintaining device and originating from the transmitter array, and a controller configured to determine fluid level in the fluid maintaining device based on conditions sensed by the receiver array. In one embodiment, three transmitters and three matching sensors are provided in a surgical cassette, and when optical energy having predetermined characteristics is provided to the transmitter array, the presence or absence of fluid is determined.
US08876756B2
A portable infusion apparatus and method are provided for controlling the delivery of medicinal fluid to a patient. A fluid delivery system receives control input to control a setting of a variable fluid flow resistor. The variable fluid flow resistor resists passage of fluid through a fluid pathway between a fluid source and a recipient. The fluid delivery system; produces a control signal indicative of the setting of the variable fluid flow resistor; derives a fluid flow rate value from the control signal; and applies pressure to the fluid source to deliver the fluid from the fluid source to the recipient through the variable fluid flow resistor at a rate as specified by the derived fluid flow rate value.
US08876755B2
Method and apparatus including calling, retrieving and/or initiating a programmed function in conjunction with execution of one or more commands related to a closed loop control algorithm, receiving one or more data in response to the one or more commands over a data interface, and executing the one or more commands related to the closed loop control algorithm based on the received one or more data are provided.
US08876754B2
A delivery apparatus useful for infusing a therapeutic agent into a body lumen, the apparatus including a lumenal body defining at least one infusion port for infusing the therapeutic agent into the body lumen, and a sensing element which is distal of the at least one infusion port and adapted to sense the amount of infused therapeutic agent or any compound derived therefrom in the body lumen. Another embodiment of the apparatus includes a lumenal body defining at least one infusion port for infusing the therapeutic agent into the body lumen, and a filtration element which is distal of the at least one infusion port and adapted to deliver a reaction agent which may react with the therapeutic agent in the body lumen. A sensing element may be provided distal of the filtration element for sensing the amount of infused therapeutic agent or compounds derived therefrom in the body lumen.
US08876743B2
A conformable material for an orthotic device including a plurality of fibers each including a plurality of filaments encapsulated by a first thermoplastic material. A second thermoplastic material is configured to bind the plurality of fibers and form the conformable material.
US08876742B2
A device for the determination of at least one compression parameter during the administration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a patient. The device includes a compression unit adapted to move in accordance with the chest of the patient and a surface unit adapted to move in accordance with a surface supporting the patient. The compression unit has one of a signal component and a reference component, the surface unit has the other of the signal component and the reference component. The device also includes a processor configured to determine a relative measurement between the compression unit and the surface unit using data derived from the signal component and the reference component. The processor is further configured to determine the at least one compression parameter based on the relative measurement. The determined at least one compression parameter takes into account any motion and/or displacement of the surface.
US08876740B2
Methods and systems for non-invasive treatment of tissue using high intensity focused ultrasound (“HIFU”) therapy. A method of non-invasively treating tissue in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology, for example, can include positioning a focal plane of an ultrasound source at a target site in tissue. The ultrasound source can be configured to emit HIFU waves. The method can further include pulsing ultrasound energy from the ultrasound source toward the target site, and generating shock waves in the tissue to induce boiling of the tissue at the target site within milliseconds. The boiling of the tissue at least substantially emulsifies the tissue.
US08876739B2
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the system for clinical assessment of movement disorders (iTUG) is comprised of a) a protocol to assess gait, balance, and mobility; b) a plurality of wearable sensors including accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, optical sensors, and goniometers to record kinematics data obtained from a patient during said protocol; c) means for wirelessly transmitting said kinematics data to a storage and data processing server; and d) a plurality of statistical and biomedical signal processing methods to analyze said kinematic data and derive a plurality of metrics (outcomes) to objectively quantify movement disorders. A specially important outcome for the assessment of movement disorders is described, namely, the quantification of the onset and offset parameters during turning. A method for quantification of said onset and offset turning parameters involves 1) collecting data to measure the angle of the trunk during turning, 2) modeling said angle using a mathematical model, and 3) using numerical optimization and estimation methods for fitting the model in the data to determine said onset and offset turning parameters.
US08876736B2
This disclosure relates to cervical sizing devices and related kits and methods. In some aspects, a cervical sizing device includes an elongate arm and a member positioned at a distal end region of the elongate arm. The cervical sizing device can be used to determine an approximate size of a cervix when the member is brought into contact with an outer surface of the cervix.
US08876729B2
An air management system is described for removing and reintroducing a desired amount of air into an air passage of a pressure measurement catheter. More specifically, the system includes a cylindrical housing, check valves in communication with the housing and an moveable shaft with multiple sealing members along its length. As the shaft is moved within the housing, a piston member causes the residual air in the catheter air passage to be evacuated to a defined negative pressure. Further movement of the shaft causes a piston member to inject a predetermined volume of air into the catheter air passage. In this respect, periodic adjustments of the piston member returns the volume of air in a variable volume chamber to one that is unaffected by residual volume in the chamber and that provides an optimum volume of air to maximize the time the sensor can function accurately between recharging events.
US08876726B2
A method includes providing an elongated probe having a longitudinal axis and a distal end, and capable of rotation of the distal end about the longitudinal axis in mutually opposite first and second directions. While an operator manipulates the probe within a body of a patient, the rotation that is applied to the distal end is sensed automatically. An alert is issued to the operator upon sensing that the rotation is in the second direction, but not when the sensed rotation is in the first direction.
US08876725B2
A method of estimating exercise capacity of a subject is disclosed. The method uses output radiofrequency signals transmitted to the subject during exercise and input radiofrequency signals received from the subject during exercise. The method comprises: determining a phase shift of the input radiofrequency signals relative to the output radiofrequency signals; calculating cardiac output based on the phase shift; and using the cardiac output for estimating the exercise capacity of the subject.
US08876722B2
An endoventricular injection catheter with integrated echocardiographic capability enables injections into heart tissue under visualization. The catheter includes an elongated body having a distal end and an imaging core arranged to be inserted into a heart. The imaging core is arranged to transmit ultrasonic energy and to receive reflected ultrasonic energy at the distal end to provide electrical signals representing echocardiographic images to enable cardiac visualization. The catheter further includes an injector carried on the elongated body with the imaging core. The injector is arranged to inject a therapeutic agent into tissue of the heart visualized by the imaging core.
US08876708B1
Various embodiments of a laparoscopic trocar assembly are disclosed. The port assemblies include inserted parts that protect the patient's tissues at the point of deployment. The port assemblies include seals for maintaining pneumoperitoneum both when instrument are being used and when instruments are not inserted.
US08876696B2
A device, system and method for improving sexual erectile functions in males that includes an electromyography (EMG) sensor, which is set up in the perineum area over the bulbospongiosus and ischiocavernosus muscles. A cable connects the EMG sensor to an amplifier, the output of which is connected to an analog-to-digital converter. The converter transforms the EMG signal into a form that is accepted by a computer or a smartphone, which contains software that is able to display the EMG signal in a visual-auditory form that can be accepted by the sensory organs of a user. The training of the perineum muscles restricts the blood outflow from the cavernous bodies of a penis and reinforcement of erectile function.
US08876694B2
Generally described herein are apparatus, systems and methods related to utilizing a guiding tip to connect two open ends of respective tubes of a gastric banding system. More particularly, one of these tubes may include a barbed element at or near the point of connection which makes it difficult to connect the two tubes as the barbed element may be larger than an opening to receive the barbed element. The guiding tip provides a solution to this problem by acting as an interface between the barbed element and the receiving tube. In this manner, the sealing functionality of the barbed element may be retained while improving the ease of inserting the barbed element into the receiving tube.
US08876692B2
Blood vessel preservation technology is disclosed wherein harvested blood vessels are attached to stationary attachment fixtures at one end, and to a non-stationary (freely extending) fixture at the other end. The vessel and fixtures are placed within a container. Thereafter, a stream of pulsatile blood is directed through the fixtures and the lumen of the vessel causing the vessel to assume full natural length and aligning the vessel with the container. The pulsatile blood then completely bathes the outside surface of the vessel before being re-circulated. The methods disclosed include those wherein the patient's own circulatory system is part of the circulatory path flowing through the vessel and methods in which the circulatory path is outside and apart from the patient. A pulsatile pump, blood heater and pressure regulator may all be utilized in preferred embodiments of the disclosed methods and devices.
US08876689B2
A fenestration piercing the otic capsule bone of the cochlea receives a therapeutic appliance, such as a microactuator, plug, micropump for drug or therapeutic agent delivery, electrode, and the like. Several different ways of achieving a ‘water tight’ seal between the otic capsule bone and the therapeutic appliance are provided. The therapeutic appliance may be implanted with or without a sheath or sleeve lining the wall of the fenestration formed using specialized surgical burrs. The burrs permit safely fenestrating the otic capsule bone adjacent to the scala tympani of the cochlea without damaging the basilar membrane or organ of corti. This approach may also be adopted for safely fenestrating other areas of the inner ear such as the scala vestibuli, bony labyrinth of semicircular canals, or walls of the vestibule, or the oval or round windows thereof.
US08876686B2
In one aspect, an implantable pump system for assisting blood flow in a patient includes a blood flow path comprising a flexible conduit, at least one valve in fluid connection with the flexible conduit, a drive system in operative connection with the valve to move the valve in a reciprocating manner, an implantable control system and at least one sensor in communicative connection with the control system. The sensor is adapted to measure at least one property of blood. The control system is adapted to control movement of the valve on the basis of data regarding position of the valve with respect to time or a derivative thereof (that is, position, velocity, acceleration or a derivative thereof) in combination with data of the measured at least one property of blood from the sensor.
US08876670B2
This disclosure describes, generally, an omni-directional exercise device. The device may include a platform base and resistance bands/tubes coupled to the platform base. The device further includes one or more enclosures coupled to the plurality of resistance bands/tubes. The one or more enclosures are positioned on top of the platform base at a home position. The one or more enclosures are configured to slide on top of or above the platform base in a 360-degree range of motion such that the plurality of resistance bands/tubes provide resistance at any point on the platform base and are configured to return to the home position.
US08876655B2
A control strategy for launching a motor vehicle includes using an electric motor to provide high torque at low speeds during synchronization of launch clutches. An internal combustion engine is started and connected with the electric motor to provide additional torque capacity. Selective engagement and disengagement of an engine disconnect clutch prevents the engine start from interfering with the motor vehicle launch.
US08876651B2
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, at least four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes actuatable in different combinations to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and at least one reverse gear ratio.
US08876635B1
A golf ball comprising a core comprising an inner core center and an outer core layer disposed over the inner core center. The inner core center has a deflection of greater than 0.210 inch under a load of 100 kilograms and the core has a deflection ranging from 0.120 inch to 0.090 inch under a load of 200 pounds. An inner mantle layer is disposed over the core, an outer mantle is disposed over the inner mantle layer, and a cover is disposed over the outer mantle.
US08876627B2
A golf club comprises a shaft, a club head, and a connection assembly that allows the shaft to be easily disconnected from the club head. In particular embodiments, a sleeve including a top portion, a middle portion connected to the top portion is described. The middle portion includes a thin wall thickness. A bottom portion is connected to the middle portion including a plurality of engaging surfaces. A central longitudinal axis and an offset angle offset from the central longitudinal axis is described. The offset angle allows a maximum loft change of about 0.5 degrees to about 4.0 degrees. The total weight of the sleeve is less than 9 g.
US08876624B2
This invention provides a golf club head including a face surface and sole portion. This golf club head includes a main body member, a face member, a sole member, and a fastening structure which fastens the main body member, the face member, and the sole member to be separable from each other. The main body member, the face member, and the sole member include stack portions, respectively, which are stacked on each other. The fastening structure fastens the main body member, the face member, and the sole member together in the stack portions.
US08876618B1
A cue stick for billiards sports has a forearm with an elongated inner cavity that is filled with a filling material. The filling material may be cork, or a similar material that is resilient and/or deformable to provide improved dynamic characteristics upon striking a cue ball. The forearm may also include an improved geometric structure at its joint end which connects with the shaft, whereby an outer housing of the forearm has a solid construction at its joint end with a joint collar affixed thereto.
US08876616B2
A boxing ring simulator/personal boxing ring is portable, lightweight, and interactively responsive to physical contact during use. The boxing ring simulator includes a plurality of springed posts to support horizontal rails that define the ring perimeter and to enable movement of the “ropes”. Such components capture the “Stay Off the Ropes” method, thereby providing an opportunity for the user to become familiar with the perimeter inside a ropes/boxing ring. The boxing ring simulator emphasizes keeping all activity in the center of the ring, to train a boxer/user to traditionally remain “off the ropes” while also beneficially allowing the user to learn, practice and experience how to use the ropes and/or to fight off of the ropes.
US08876613B2
A wireless scoring system for a competitive swordplay game is provided, which uses nonmetallic swords with electric touch sensors on blades.Each player carries a mobile touch detector apparatus which transmits wirelessly to scoreboard controller, data packets which indicate fencing touches uniquely identifiable for each player.Scoreboard is controlled by radio remote apparatus provided with buttons labeled “GO” and “STOP”, which when pressed trigger emission of lights of predefined colors by wrist collar, blades of swords and scoreboard.The rules for scoring are programmed in scoreboard controller apparatus which takes decisions to assign the scoring points throughout the swordplay bout. The player who wins a scoring point is indicated by the color of light emitted by blade of sword of the winner. The rules for scoring include a priority-based scoring method to decide the winner of scoring point when both players execute fencing touches simultaneously.
US08876608B2
A system for tracking a player session is provided, having a portable transaction device with an input device for receiving input for player characterization information for the player and a first network interface. A gaming server may have a second network interface configured for communication with the portable transaction device, a logic system, and a storage system. The storage system may be used for storing at least the following according to commands from the logic system: a player identification database including player characterization information received from the portable transaction device via the second network interface, a unique identifier database having a unique identifier assigned to the player, the unique identifier paired with the player characterization information for the player, and a wagering location database having at least one wagering location, the at least one wagering location paired with the unique identifier to track the player session.
US08876603B1
A videogame controller device with a videogame controller housing, the housing having a firearm accessory exterior contour one or more firearm mounts on the videogame controller housing, the one or more mounts for connecting the videogame controller housing to a firearm; and a trigger switch jack for operating a button to simulate firing in a videogame.
US08876600B2
A display device for a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a display panel configured to display images for a game; a shutter assembly configured to cover and uncover the display panel at least in part, the shutter assembly including a first sliding door configured to move along a first guide and a second sliding door configured to move along a second guide; and a driving unit configured to drive the first sliding door, wherein the shutter assembly is configured to make friction between the second sliding door and the second guide greater than friction between the first sliding door and the first guide.
US08876592B2
A gaming system and a method for conducting a wagering game includes a first gaming terminal and a second gaming terminal. The gaming system includes at least two input devices, at least two display devices and at least one processor. The processor operates to display primary wagering games to the first and second gaming terminals in response to receiving one or more wagers at the respective gaming terminals. A first perceived-value enhancement is displayed to the first gaming terminal. The first perceived-value enhancement is active for a first limited period of time and is capable of enhancing a subsequent bonus event. A bonus event is triggered and provided to at least one of the first and second gaming terminals. An enhanced bonus event is provided to the first gaming terminal in response to the bonus event triggered for the first gaming terminal while the first perceived-value enhancement is active.
US08876591B2
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.
US08876575B2
A method of manufacturing a microneedle including forming a plurality of first linear grooves on a substrate in parallel to one another along a first direction using grinding and forming a plurality of second linear grooves on the substrate in parallel to one another in a second direction intersecting the first direction using grinding. At least one of the forming of a plurality of first linear grooves and the forming of a plurality of second linear grooves includes forming first stage grooves using a first dicing blade; and processing the first stage grooves by tracing the first stage grooves using a second dicing blade having a side surface different from that of the first dicing blade to thereby form second stage grooves.
US08876571B2
A system for performing an aerial display. The system includes a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and a ground control system with a processor executing a fleet manager module and with memory storing a different flight plan for each of the UAVs. The system further includes a marionette with a body and articulatable appendages attached to the body. The body and appendages are supported with tether lines extending between the marionette and the UAVs. Then, during a display time period, the UAVs concurrently execute the flight plans to position and articulate the marionette within a display air space. In some embodiments, the UAVs each is a multicopter, and each of the multicopters includes a local controller operating to move the multicopter through a series of way points defined by the flight plan associated with the multicopter.
US08876568B2
The invention is directed to an airbag system and, more particularly, to such a system employed as a rescue or life-saving system to enable a person to survive an avalanche. In a particular embodiment, the invention relates to an airbag system utilized with a backpack to be worn by a skier, snowboarder, hiker, or snowmobiler, for example. Instead of relying upon compressed gas cartridges or cylinders to inflate the airbag(s), the invention inflates the airbag(s) with ambient air only. In a particular embodiment, air is supplied to the airbag by means of a battery-powered electrical motor.
US08876567B2
The present invention describes a versatile multi-purpose board having a fore section and an aft section suitable for wave boarding. The multi-purpose board of the present invention is provided with an aft section having crotch-sized width in order to allow a user's legs to kick within a general lateral outline of a wider fore section. The combination board can be utilized for surfboarding (both legs standing), drop-knee boarding (one leg standing and one knee down) or body boarding (body prone), in any sequence without the rider having to alter the board.
US08876550B1
A coaxial cable connector includes, in one embodiment, a conductive body member, a post member, a conductive nut member and a conductive metal ring grounding member. The conductive metal ring grounding member is configured to maintain electrical grounding.
US08876542B2
A connector for connecting an electric-power-transmission power cable to an electric device installed in a vehicle, includes a device socket, a cable plug that is plugged in or unplugged from the device socket, and a detection switch that is electrically turned on or off by a mechanical contact point provided on the device socket and a mechanical contact point provided on the cable plug. The device socket includes a contact terminal of the detection switch. The cable plug includes a plug housing that is electrically grounded by being connected to the device socket and a cover plate that covers an opening of the plug housing. The cover plate includes an insulative plate body and a contact conductor that contacts with the contact terminal of the detection switch. The plate body and the contact conductor are integrally molded.
US08876541B1
A power plug includes an insulating housing in which a receiving barrel is crossed, top and bottom covers covering top and bottom ends of the receiving barrel, a sliding strip slidably located between the top and bottom covers with serrated sliding teeth protruding on two opposite sides thereof, two rotating axles located at two sides of the sliding strip with rotating teeth protruding on two relative insides thereof and meshed with the sliding teeth, two plug pins vertically integrated in the rotating axles and a rotating ring sheathing outside the receiving barrel with two pushing blocks protruding at an inside wall thereof. The pushing blocks project into the receiving barrel and are against two ends of the sliding strip to push the sliding strip to slide by rotating the rotating ring so as to drive the rotating axles together with the plug pins to rotate relatively.
US08876540B2
A battery has on opposite sides male and female terminal blocks. The female block includes positive and negative power terminals, a communications line and a link detect line. The female terminals include annular female connectors for receiving a male electrical terminal. The male terminal block has a recess for accommodating the female terminal dock. Within the recess there extend a plurality of male terminal pins, which include a positive voltage terminal, a communications line terminal, a battery status terminal and a negative or nominal ground terminal. The pins are positioned and sized so as to fit into respective female terminals. As each battery is provided with both female and male terminal blocks, any number of batteries can be stacked together. The male block includes a protective cover and latch for protecting the pins and locking the battery to a device or other battery.
US08876537B2
An electrical junction box (10) has a box body (84) is formed by combining a first case (12) and a second case (14). The first case (12) is provided with a receptacle (18) that houses a connector (20). The second case (14) has a connector lock (50) that fixes the connector (20) in the receptacle (18) and a vehicle fixing portion (68) that fixes the box body (84) to a vehicle attachment portion (78).
US08876535B2
Driving skill data is gathered with one or more accelerometers during a driving session of a first student driver, including one or more of acceleration data, braking data, or steering data and wherein the driving skill data includes one or more of a timestamp or location stamp. A driving session report is generated with a computer processor. The driving session report includes a calculation of one or more of a student driver acceleration skill score based on the acceleration data, a student driver braking skill score based on the braking data, or a student driver steering skill score based on the steering data and storing the one or more scores on a computer-readable medium. The driving session report is displayed. Driving skill data may be gathered and driving session reports may be generated for subsequent student drivers.
US08876534B1
A method for pilot situational awareness comprises calculating a location; providing terrain data for the calculated location; processing the terrain data and positioning a light source generally proximal to a view point of a pilot data to generate a synthetic image, the synthetic image representing an appearance of the terrain data illuminated by an appearance of the light source positioned generally proximal to the view point of the pilot; and displaying the synthetic image.
US08876525B2
A method for removing sulfur containing dust particles from particulate material exiting a material preheater in which the particulate material is heated by kiln off gases may include a number of steps. Off gases from the kiln are directed through a gas conduit to the preheater to preheat particulate material traveling through the preheater in a direction countercurrent to the direction of off gas flow through the preheater. Material exiting the preheater is directed to a material bypass conduit that is separated from the gas conduit and is flow connected to a material inlet to the kiln. A stripping gas is directed through the conduit to entrain dust particles in the preheated material and to carry said dust particles away from the preheated material.
US08876522B2
An injection molding machine comprises: a machine base having a top surface, and a pair of platens supported on the top surface of the machine base, at least one of the platens translatable along a machine axis between open and closed positions. An end-effector is moveable relative to the machine base between an advanced position and a retracted position for interacting with parts associated with production in the injection molding machine. An upright has a lower end adjustably coupled to the machine base and an upper end spaced apart from the top surface of the machine base and coupled to the end-effector.
US08876512B2
A die for coextruding a plurality of fluid layers includes one or more distribution plates for forming relatively thick layers, and a microlayer assembly for forming a plurality of microlayers. The die further includes internal fluid passages and/or forming surfaces to allow the microlayers to assemble into a microlayered fluid mass prior to merging with the relatively thick layers from the distribution plates.
US08876509B2
An apparatus according to various embodiments can be configured to use a cryogen for cooling articles, particularly having applications for chilling extrusions. The apparatus removes thermal energy from an article by conductive and convective heat transfer. The apparatus allows for heat transfer from an outer surface of an article, and from an inner surface of the article.
US08876502B2
A mechanism for reducing pressure pulsation includes a pair of metal dampers formed by joining two disk-shaped metal diaphragms over an entire circumference and forming a hermetically sealed space inside a joined portion. Gas is sealed in the aforementioned hermetically sealed space of the damper, and a pair of pressing members give pressing forces to both outer surfaces of the aforementioned metal dampers at a position at an inner diameter side from the joined portion. The mechanism is unitized, with the pair of pressing members being connected in a state in which they sandwich the metal damper.
US08876489B2
The present disclosure relates to a rotor assembly for a peristaltic pump. The pump includes a first rotor having a plurality of rollers and a second rotor, coupled to the first rotor, having a plurality of rollers. The rollers of the first and second rotors are located at an angle of about 45° relative to each other. In an embodiment, the first rotor and the second rotor are circular. In another embodiment, the rollers of the first rotor are equally spaced or located at an angle, about 90°, relative to each other. In yet another embodiment, the rollers of the second rotor are equally spaced or located at an angle, about 90°, relative to each other. A peristaltic pump and a method of supplying fluid to a surgical area are also disclosed.
US08876485B2
The present application provides a turbine nozzle including an airfoil shape. The airfoil shape may have a nominal profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in Table 1. The Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z are non-dimensional values from 0% to 100% convertible to dimensional distances in inches by multiplying the Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z by a height of the airfoil in inches. The X and Y values are distances in inches which, when connected by smooth continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each distance Z. The airfoil profile sections at Z distances may be joined smoothly with one another to form a complete airfoil shape.
US08876484B2
A turbine blade comprises an airfoil having a pressure side and a suction side, and extending from a leading edge to a trailing edge. The airfoil has a tip remote from a mounting root, and a pocket extending inwardly of the tip. The pocket has spaced walls with one wall associated with the pressure side of the airfoil, and an opposed wall associated with the suction side. A pin extends across the pocket and connects the opposed walls. A slot is formed in the pin at a location intermediate ends of the pin which connect to the opposed walls. A method for identifying a location for the pin along a distance between a leading edge and a trailing edge of the pocket utilizes a modal analysis, and seeks to find a location where both a reaction force and a moment are lower than they might be at other locations.
US08876478B2
A damper pin for a turbine bucket includes an elongated main body portion having a first substantially uniform cross-sectional shape and axially-aligned, leading and trailing end portions having a second relatively smaller cross-sectional shape at opposite ends of the main body portion. A seal element is provided on one or both of the opposite leading and trailing end portions projecting radially outwardly beyond the main body portion.
US08876476B2
An air turbine starter and accessory gearbox assembly, the accessory gearbox includes a gear shaft and the air turbine starter includes an output shaft and a clutch assembly. The output shaft extends from the accessory gearbox and is coupled to and supported by the gear shaft. The accessory gearbox is adapted to receive the air turbine starter such that the clutch assembly and the output shaft are disposed within a casing of the accessory gearbox when the air turbine starter is mounted to the accessory gearbox.
US08876473B2
A hinged connection apparatus is described for securing a first wind turbine component to a second. The first wind turbine component may be a wind turbine blade (10) and the second wind turbine component may be a control surface such as an aileron (11). The first or second wind turbine component comprises at least one hinge housing in which a hinge pin (16, 26) is retained. The hinge pin (16, 26) may be extended from a retracted position into an extended position in which it engages with a hinge recess on the other wind turbine component to form a connection. A locking mechanism is provided for securing the hinge pin in place. The hinge pin may be extended manually or automatically by an actuator.
US08876458B2
An example blade outer air seal support assembly includes a main support member configured to support a blade outer air seal. The main support member extends generally axially between a leading edge portion and a trailing edge portion. The leading edge portion is configured to be slidably received within a groove established by the blade outer air seal. A support tab extends radially from the support member toward the blade outer air seal. The support tab is configured to contact an extension of the blade outer air seal to limit relative axial movement of the blade outer air seal. A gusset spans between the support tab and the support member.
US08876452B2
The invention relates to a pipe handling apparatus that delivers and positions tubulars at a wellhead and a device for assisting pivotal movement of a boom relative to a base of the apparatus. A pneumatic spring assembly is pivotally connected between the boom and base. During operation, the pneumatic spring assembly urges the boom from a first position to a second position and resists movement of the boom from the second position to the first position. A pneumatic reservoir may be attached to the pipe handling apparatus. A gas-charging assembly fluidically connects the pneumatic spring assembly and pneumatic reservoir and allows the pneumatic reservoir to vary the pneumatic pressure within the pneumatic spring assembly. Sensors mounted in the pipe handling apparatus may provide feedback to a controller which may automatically adjust the amount of pneumatic pressure within the pneumatic springs for ideal performance of the springs.
US08876450B1
A locknut includes a body, a locking element, and a cage. The body has a threaded portion and an unthreaded portion. The locking element includes a coil portion having first and second tangs. The locking element is positioned within the cage, and the cage is secured within the unthreaded portion of the body. The cage includes first and second stops, and the first and second tangs of the coil are proximate the stops to be engaged by the stops during rotation of the locknut.
US08876444B1
A depth limiting device for a boring tool having stop collar includes housing and a sleeve. The housing provides snap on attachment onto the stop collar, allowing for a free axial rotation of the said housing around the body of the stop collar. The housing and the sleeve have a threaded engagement for adjusting position relative to one another and thereby adjusting length of the working portion of boring tool. Coupled housing and sleeve are freely rotatable with respect to the body of the stop collar and cease to rotate when operator achieves desirable depth of drilling and the device is pressed against the work-piece surface. The structural interrelationship prevents marring of the surface of the work-piece.
US08876443B2
Composite articles, including composite rotary cutting tools and composite rotary cutting tool blanks, and methods of making the articles are disclosed. The composite article includes an elongate portion. The elongate portion includes a first region composed of a first cemented carbide, and a second region autogenously bonded to the first region and composed of a second cemented carbide. At least one of the first cemented carbide and the second cemented carbide is a hybrid cemented carbide that includes a cemented carbide dispersed phase and a cemented carbide continuous phase. At least one of the cemented carbide dispersed phase and the cemented carbide continuous phase includes at least 0.5 percent by weight of cubic carbide based on the weight of the phase including the cubic carbide.
US08876441B2
A cutting insert has an approximately polygonal plate shape with a cutting edge formed on a intersection portion between a rake face and a flank. A chip breaker is formed on the rake face, and a chip-breaker concave portion is defined by an inclined surface which is curved in a concave manner and which is smoothly connected to the bottom surface portion while being gradually inclined toward the bottom surface portion, from a peripheral edge portion on a nose portion side to a bottom surface portion.
US08876433B2
A method is disclosed for reeling a pipeline having an inner corrosion-resistant metallic liner that is tightly fitted within the pipeline. To minimize or avoid wrinkling of the liner during the reeling or unreeling, a length of the pipeline is internally pressurized by deploying a single sealing pig within the pipeline near to the trailing end of the pipeline and applying pressurized fluid within the pipeline, and then the length of pipeline is reeled onto a storage reel. In the pressurizing process, the length of the pipeline is filled with fluid at an elevated pressure within a range defined by a lower limit of 5 bar.
US08876419B2
In a printing system capable of selectively performing duplex printing and simplex printing, a first input unit and a second input unit are adjacent to each other. A first output unit and a second output unit are adjacent to each other. In duplex printing, a sheet supplied from the first input unit is printed on a first side thereof in a first printing apparatus and the traveling direction thereof is changed at a changing unit while the sheet is reversed, and then the sheet is printed on a second side thereof in a second printing apparatus and output to the second output unit. In simplex printing, a sheet supplied from the first or second input unit is printed on one side thereof and the traveling direction thereof is changed at the changing unit, and then the sheet is output to the first or second output unit.
US08876408B2
The invention relates to a method for producing an active optical connection with an optoelectronic element and a light deflection means for light deflection between the optoelectronic element and an optical waveguide arranged transversely with respect to the beam direction of said element. In this case, it is provided that a carrier substrate for the optoelectronic element is arranged in a highly precisely repeatably positioning machine, in particular a flip-chip machine, the optoelectronic element is mounted on the substrate by a or the highly precisely repeatably positioning machine and a curable, moldable compound is applied over the optoelectronic element, and the moldable compound is molded by a mold for molding light deflection means, said mold being moved by a or the highly precisely repeatably positioning machine, and at the earliest thereafter the substrate is removed from the or a highly precisely repeatably positioning machine.
US08876406B2
An optical fiber connector includes a fixing module for gripping an optical fiber, an inner housing sleeved on the fixing module; and an outer housing sleeved on the inner housing. The fixing module includes a support member, a fastening member mating with the support member, and a locking member sleeved on the support member. The locking member forms at least one pair of gripping portions at outer surfaces of the locking member. The inner housing defines a pair of sliding grooves in a side wall thereof. The outer housing defines a pair of operating grooves communicating with the pair of sliding grooves correspondingly. The locking member is capable of sliding along the support member to grip or unlock the optical fiber driven by an assembly tool engaging with the pair of gripping portions through the pair of sliding grooves and the pair of operating grooves.
US08876404B2
A receptacle connector including a receptacle housing having a housing cavity that is configured to receive a plug connector. The housing cavity is defined by an interior sidewall that extends along the mating axis and has a guide track thereon. The receptacle connector also includes a communication component that is disposed within the housing cavity and configured to communicatively engage the plug connector. The receptacle connector also includes a coupling member that is disposed within the housing cavity and is configured to engage the plug connector. The coupling member is movable bi-directionally along a mating axis and has a latch element that is slidably engaged to the guide track of the sidewall. The guide track forces the latch element toward the plug connector as the coupling member moves along the mating axis. The latch element capturing the plug connector in a locked position.
US08876400B2
A thrust race of a thrust roller bearing has a race portion and a cylindrical portion extending from the race portion in an axial direction. At a plurality of locations along a circumferential direction on the cylindrical portion, cutout portions are formed such that each of the cutout portions is recessed in the axial direction from a distal edge of the cylindrical portion toward the race portion. A protrusion is provided at a portion closer to the race portion from a bottom edge of each of the cutout portions such that the protrusion protrudes in a radial direction from the cylindrical portion toward a side away from the race portion. The protrusion serves as a race-retaining locking portion to prevent a race from moving out from a mating member on which the race is mounted.
US08876399B2
A suspension strut bearing including a cap (2) and a guide ring (3) mounted for rotation relative to the cap (2) about an axis of rotation (D) and further including at least one seal (10), a thrust bearing (4) being arranged between the cap (2) and the guide ring (3). The cap (2) includes respective centering elements (15, 16) on an inner diameter and on an outer diameter, which centering elements (15, 16) enable an introduction of force into the cap (2).
US08876398B2
The axial thrust bearing device, in particular for the suspension strut of a motor vehicle, comprises a bottom support cover, a top bearing cover, a rolling bearing axially disposed between said covers, and at least a sealing ring axially bearing against the bottom support cover and adapted to reduce any ingress of foreign matter between said covers.The sealing ring comprises at least one friction lip in contact with the top bearing cover and tending to keep said sealing ring in axial contact with the bottom support cover.
US08876392B2
A pad-type thrust bearing in which each pad rests on a volume of liquid enclosed in a cavity connected to adjacent cavities by ducts. The thrust bearing includes a number of casings, each casing delimiting the cavity and which are connected to one another by ducts. The convex casings and the ducts together form a hollow functional subassembly which is separate from the other constituent components of the thrust bearing and which delimits a liquid-filled closed volume. Each casing includes two half-shells positioned one on each side of a flexible bladder and each duct including a flexible hose inserted in a sheath.
US08876391B2
A main bearing for a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine comprises a pair of semi-cylindrical bearings. An oil groove extends on an inner circumferential surface of one semi-cylindrical bearing in a circumferential direction so that the center thereof in an axial direction aligns with that of an inlet opening of a lubricating oil path in a journal section of the crankshaft. The oil groove does not extend up to an axial direction groove formed at a joint portion of the semi-cylindrical bearings so that a separation inner circumferential surface extends between a circumferential direction end portion of the oil groove and the axial direction groove. The length of the separation inner circumferential surface is smaller than that of the inlet opening in the circumferential direction.
US08876373B2
A protective cover for an insertion probe of a medical instrument. The cover contains a flexible tubular body that compliments the probe geometry and a radially disposed flange that surrounds the proximal end of the body. A series of snap-on fasteners removably connect the cover to the instrument. A camming surface is located on the outer face of the flange which coacts with a cam follower that is movably mounted upon the instrument to flex the cover sufficiently to open the fastener and release the cover from the instrument and move the cover axially toward the distal end of the tip.
US08876363B2
The invention relates to a method for gassing liquids, in particular for aerating water, wherein gas is fed to a mixing tube (2) via a gas inlet (7) and liquid via a liquid inlet (13) such as to form a mixture of gas and liquid, which is characterised in that the liquid is introduced centrally via a feed pipe (12) and the mouth opening (13) of the latter into the mixing pipe (2) and is spread in the region of the mouth opening (13) by means of an impact onto a spreader (18).
US08876362B2
A nail polish display system includes a case, which may take the form of a shelving system or platform, sized to hold and display multiple bottles of nail polish. The bottles are attached to coupling devices, such as clamps, sleeves, magnetic couplers, etc. to an agitator, which preferably takes the form of a rotatable rod. A motor operates the agitator to move, rotate or otherwise agitate the bottles and therefore sufficiently and continuously mix the nail polish within the bottles. The system may include one or more sensors configured to detect the presence of a patron, configured to detect a position of the motor or agitator, and/or configured to detect when a door to the case is being opened. Further, the motor may be programmable and receive instructions from either a controller or control logic using input from one or more of the sensors.
US08876359B2
An electrically isolating lamp assembly comprises a clamp ring, a lamp end, and a socket, wherein the lamp end is positioned within the clamp ring and the lamp end can be rotated, relative to the clamp ring, between locked and unlocked positions. In the unlocked position, lamp end shoulders are radially non-aligned with clamp ring flanges, and a locking peg is restrained, by the clamp ring flange, from being inserted completely within a locking peg channel in the lamp end, whereby the socket is restrained from fully engaging the lamp end; in the locked position, the lamp end shoulders are radially aligned with the clamp ring flanges, and the locking peg is inserted completely within the locking peg channel, whereby the socket can fully engage the lamp end, and wherein the lamp end is restrained by the locking peg from being rotated to the unlocked position.
US08876358B2
Disclosed is a display apparatus which does not use some elements of cases and set cover members necessary for producing the display apparatus and thus can minimize a thickness and enhance a sense of beauty with an innovative design. The display apparatus includes a display panel, a panel supporting member, an adhesive member, a guide frame, and a cover member. The panel supporting member supports a rear edge of the display panel. The adhesive member is disposed at one side of the panel supporting member, and couples the display panel and the panel supporting member. The guide frame supports the panel supporting member. The cover member is disposed to overlap with the other side of the panel supporting member and surround a side surface of the guide frame, thereby enabling movement of the panel supporting member.
US08876357B2
The invention is intended to provide a lighting device that shortens time required to obtain peak brightness. A backlight unit 16 according to the invention includes: cold cathode tubes 22 as a light source; a chassis 18 housing the cold cathode tubes 22; a reflection sheet 21 disposed within the chassis 18 and reflecting light; and a heat insulator 27 disposed between the chassis 18 and the reflection sheet 21. Because the heat insulator 27 is disposes between the chassis 18 and the reflection sheet 21, heat in the chassis 18 is less likely to escape to the outside. Therefore, the temperature inside the chassis 18 can be efficiently increased with the heat generated by the cold cathode tubes 22.
US08876343B2
A lighting system for a motor vehicle 1 is disclosed in which a light source 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d is fitted to the inside of each door 2L, 2R, 3L, 3R so as to selectively provide interior lighting when the respective door 2L, 2R, 3L, 3R is closed and puddle lighting when it is open. Each of the light sources 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d is mounted close to a waistline of the door 2L, 2R, 3L, 3R to which it is attached and is arranged to project light in a downward direction so as not to provide a distraction for a driver of the motor vehicle 1.
US08876340B2
A personal lighting device includes a first housing including a light projection portion including an inner threading and a first protrusion. It further includes a second housing including a lighting mechanism cavity, an outer threading, a second protrusion, and a third protrusion; the second and third protrusions having a first space and a second space between the second and third protrusion, the second housing interconnected with the first housing via the threading, the first protrusion having a first and second position, the first position between the second and third protrusion in the first space, and the second position in the second space. The personal lighting device further includes a battery, a printed circuit board, and a light emitting diode such that when the first protrusion is in the first position, the LED is not activated; and when the first protrusion is in the second position, the LED is activated.
US08876331B2
An annular lighting fixture having a housing, a channel, and a plurality of lights disposed in the channel. The fixture can be attached about a tubular portion of a motorcycle. In one embodiment, the plurality of lights are light emitting diodes surface mounted on a flexible printed circuit board disposed in the channel. In another embodiment a collimator is associated with each LED unit to redirect light in a desired direction. In another embodiment reflective portions are arranged on respective sides of the channel so as to redirect light in a desired direction. A method is also provided herein for the illumination of a vehicle.
US08876327B2
A laser light source module includes a plurality of laser light sources, a synthesizing element, a light receiving element, a case unit and a sealing unit. The synthesizing element overlaps laser beams outputted from the laser light sources. The light receiving element detects the intensities of the laser beams outputted from the laser light sources. The case unit houses the laser light sources and the synthesizing element. The sealing unit seals the case unit. The light receiving element is attached to the sealing unit.
US08876325B2
An elongated lens profile having reverse total internal reflection (TIR) features that improve light extraction when the lens is used in conjunction with a plurality of light emitters. Solid state light emitters, such as LEDs, are arranged proximate to the elongated lens along a longitudinal axis of the lens body. The emitters, which may be grouped in clusters, emit toward a receiving surface of the lens. The receiving surface includes a plurality of reverse TIR features, also disposed along the longitudinal axis. These features may be defined by a series of recessed areas spaced along the longitudinal axis to correspond with the light emitters which can protrude into the negative space created by the recessed features. The recessed features may have more than one shape. The reverse TIR features improve light output uniformity, reducing hot spots along the lens, and improve output efficiency.
US08876324B2
A handrail assembly for lighting an adjacent area includes two stanchions for attachment to a surface, each stanchion including mounting structure; a bar for attachment to the stanchions, the bar having two ends and defining mounting structure at the ends; and a lighting element configured to be carried by the bar. The mounting structure of the stanchions and bars cooperate to provide two alternate mounting orientations of the bar within the stanchions. In a first of the orientations the lighting element is offset circumferentially in a first direction relative to a centerline of the stanchions lighting a first adjacent area on a first side of the stanchions. In a second of the orientations the lighting element is offset circumferentially in a second direction opposite the first direction relative to the centerline of the stanchions lighting a second adjacent area on a second side of the stanchions.
US08876321B2
A modular, lighted artificial tree that includes a base portion for supporting the artificial tree and a first tree portion. The first tree portion includes a trunk portion having a first end and a second end, and forms a trunk wall, the trunk wall defines a trunk cavity and a plurality of apertures. The first end of the trunk portion is configured to couple with the base portion. The first tree portion also includes a plurality of branches coupled to the trunk portion; a first tree portion power-supply wiring harness within the trunk cavity and extending from the first end of the trunk portion to the second end of the trunk portion; a first light string operably coupled to the power-supply wiring harness. The first wire and the second wire pass through a common aperture to electrically connect to the wiring harness.
US08876314B2
A lighting device for a drawer type refrigerator is provided. The drawer type refrigerator comprises at least one drawer having a drawer door, and an upper rotary door or an upper drawer door disposed above the drawer door. The lighting device comprises: a lamp assembly comprising a lamp and a lamp shade of a light-transmission material and disposed in a groove formed in a lower portion of the upper rotary door or the upper drawer door; a switch assembly configured to control the lamp assembly based upon whether the drawer is pulled out; a power supply assembly configured to supply power to the switch assembly; and a connection assembly connected between the lamp assembly and the switch assembly to supply power to the lamp assembly.
US08876306B2
Optical devices can comprise a deformable mirror and a system for deforming said mirror. A deformation system comprises a first mechanical structure comprising a first surround, one or more electromechanical actuators attached to the first mechanical structure, a second mechanical structure comprising a substantially planar bottom and a second surround, both deformable, the bottom being attached to the first surround, the second surround being attached to the surround of the mirror, a rigid stud being attached to the bottom, substantially planar and centerd on the bottom, the electromechanical actuator or actuators exerting predetermined forces or bending moments on the stud so as to generate a particular distribution of the bending moments on the surround of the mirror, deforming it according to a geometrical form representative or of one or more predetermined geometrical aberrations.
US08876304B2
An image assembly may include a substrate having a face, a first optical layer and at least one spacer member. The imaging assembly may also include an anti-reflection structure. The at least one spacer member may be arranged between the substrate and the first optical layer to define an air gap therebetween. The anti-reflection structure may be coupled to at least part of the face and at least one of the first optical layer and the at least one spacer member. The anti-reflection structure may also include a plurality of projections having dimensions smaller than a wavelength of radiation to be imaged by the imaging assembly.
US08876297B2
An electronic device includes: a projection unit that includes a light source and projects an optical image with light from the light source; a shift unit that shifts the projection unit between a usage position and a housed position; and a heat conduction member that conducts heat due to the light source to a chassis, irrespective of the position of the projection unit.
US08876294B2
An image forming apparatus includes an optical scanning device including a light source element configured to radiate a light beam, an optical deflector configured to deflect the light beam two-dimensionally, and a target scanning surface that is transparent and having a two-dimensional image formed thereon by the light beam deflected from the optical deflector, and a projection optical system including a convex mirror and configured to enlarge and project the two-dimensional image on a target projection surface. The target projection surface includes a reflection surface of a half mirror. The half mirror is positioned outside of the image forming apparatus and configured to transmit a part of a light incident on the half mirror and reflect another part of the light incident on the half mirror.
US08876289B2
The invention relates to an instrument for simulation of multifocal ophthalmic corrections, comprising two optical channels with different optical power values in the beams coming from the object observed, wherein at least one channel comprises a Badal system. This instrument simultaneously provides images of objects near and far focused. The system provides the same optical magnifications for each channel, regardless of the optical power thereof, and produces superimposed retinal images with different degrees of focus which, unlike other devices, are all of the same size. The instrument allows simulating different optical powers for near vision and different refractive corrections for distant vision.
US08876288B2
The invention relates to a finished or semi-finished lens which comprises: a disc containing all the points of the lens that have the same abscissa and the same ordinate as points located within a circle in the reference plane having a diameter of 30 millimeters and centered on the prism reference point; a progression length of less than 14.5 millimeters; a first specific point having a cylinder value equal to the maximum cylinder value of all the points of the lens located in the nasal area and in the disc; and a second specific point having a cylinder value equal to the maximum cylinder value of all the points of the lens located in the temporal area and in the disc; a first ratio between: the maximum gradient of the cylinder for the points of the lens that have the same abscissa and the same ordinate as the points located on segments connecting the mounting cross to the first and second specific points, and surface addition of less than 0.095 per millimeter; and a second ratio between: the maximum cylinder value of the first and second specific points, and surface addition of no more than 0.85. The invention enhances the comfort of the wearer.
US08876284B2
An eye-wear borne electromagnetic radiation refractive therapy system can comprise an electromagnetic radiation source comprising a ring of LEDs that directs one of its on axis or off axis electromagnetic radiation to a desired peripheral retina area of a wearer's eye; a power source for powering the LEDs, an antenna for receiving signals and a processor for controlling the LEDs; wherein the electromagnetic radiation source includes spectral characteristics similar to outdoor light.
US08876272B2
An ink composition comprising a nanomaterial and a liquid vehicle, wherein the liquid vehicle comprises a composition including one or more functional groups that are capable of being cross-linked is disclosed. An ink composition comprising a nanomaterial, a liquid vehicle, and scatterers is also disclosed. An ink composition comprising a nanomaterial and a liquid vehicle, wherein the liquid vehicle comprises a perfluorocompound is further disclosed. A method for inkjet printing an ink including nanomaterial and a liquid vehicle with a surface tension that is not greater than about 25 dyne/cm is disclosed. In certain preferred embodiments, the nanomaterial comprises semiconductor nanocrystals. Devices prepared from inks and methods of the invention are also described.
US08876267B2
A printing system that has an ink supply, a feed line coupled to the ink supply, a return line coupled to the ink supply, a plurality of printheads each fluidically coupled to the feed and the return lines via separate couplings. Each of the printheads receives ink from both the feed and the return lines.
US08876264B2
An ink droplet generation module for a print head assembly for a continuous ink jet printer, the printer having an ink supply system, a control system and a power supply system. The ink droplet generation module includes a supporting plate, an ink droplet generator, a charge electrode assembly, deflector plates, a phase measurement assembly, and a gutter tube, all attached to the supporting plate.
US08876254B2
The invention improves uniform glossiness of a printed surface. Glossiness of each of inks installed in a printer is obtained. The inks are sorted in order of glossiness. The number of scans when forming an image by scanning each head is set for each of the inks sorted. Mask data for controlling the number of operations is created.
US08876252B2
A solvent flushing apparatus comprises a plate that has an opening formed therein. The solvent flushing plate may be positioned relative to a fluid jet device so that the opening in the plate coincides with jet orifices of the jet device. The solvent flushing apparatus further comprises a conduit that is adapted to convey fluid therein. The conduit extends from proximate a first external side of the plate or body, and into the plate toward a second external side that is opposite the first external side. The conduit terminates at a conduit orifice that is spaced apart from the first external surface, faces the opening formed in the plate, and is directed toward, i.e., faces, at least in part, the orifices of the fluid jet device. A solvent fluid may be transported through the conduit and ejected from the orifice toward the plurality of orifices of the fluid jet device.
US08876251B2
An apparatus includes a supply unit having a humidifying portion that supplies humidified gas near a nozzle array of a line-type recording head. In correspondence to displacement of the recording head in a direction of the nozzle array, at least one of an introducing direction and an introducing position of the supplied humidified gas can be changed.
US08876247B2
A liquid ejecting head module including: a head unit which has a plurality of heads having a nozzle plate on which a nozzle opening is provided; a carriage to which the liquid ejecting head unit is fixed; and a thermistor attached to the carriage, wherein the thermistor is biased to the cover head side which is in contact with the nozzle plate of a head, comes into contact with the nozzle plate and measures the temperature of the nozzle plate.
US08876239B2
A method for controlling droplet ejection, wherein droplets ejected from an inkjet print head are to be received on a recording substrate and wherein the print head and the recording substrate are moveable relative to each other, includes determining a set of droplet ejection moments, the set of droplet ejection moments determining when a droplet may be ejected from the print head; moving the inkjet print head and the recording substrate relative to each other; predicting an actual relative position of the print head and the recording substrate at a droplet ejection moment; and determining whether or not a droplet is to be ejected at the droplet ejection moment depending on the predicted actual relative position and depending on the predetermined pattern. Thus, droplets may be ejected from the print head only at stable droplet ejection moments resulting in an increased stability of operation of the print head.
US08876230B2
A full extension ball bearing drawer slide assembly comprised of a fixed member attached to a cabinet piece, a middle member slidingly engaged with the fixed member with a set of linear bearings, a drawer member attached to a drawer piece slidingly engaged with the middle member via a second set of linear bearings, and a drawer retainer mechanism attached to the drawer member and in adjustable contact with the drawer member. The drawer retainer mechanism is comprised of a frame attached to the drawer member, a housing seated in the frame, a piston fitted in the frame and biased by a helical spring adjacent a post. The post has a threaded section engaged with a threaded hole in the frame. The piston, biased by the helical spring on the post, is forced towards the housing by a raised indention in a race of the fixed member.
US08876228B2
A door for a household appliance. The door includes a door body having an appliance-side plate and an outer-side decorative panel spaced from the appliance-side plate by a gap. A profiled cover extends at least between a portion of a side of the appliance-side plate to a portion of a side of the outer-side decorative panel such that the profiled cover closes off a side edge extent of the gap.
US08876220B2
A cutter head segment for use at the front of a train of conveyor segments for high wall mining includes at least one fluid transporter connected to a fluid distribution chamber. A pump segment for use in a train of conveyor segments for high wall mining as a segment following the cutter head segment is provided with a second fluid transporter and at least one front connector and at least one rear connector for connecting the second fluid transporter to adjacent fluid transporters. An assembly includes a cutter head segment and a pump segment, and a train of conveyor segments.
US08876217B1
The invention generally relates to a mobile leak-proof container structured to contain a load after any rollover. The invention provides a safer way to transport loads and minimizes the risk of an environmental spill or leak when hauling waste generated by the oil and gas industry. The container, such as a dump truck bed or a dump body, includes a central leak-proof top-loading door; a rear tailgate for dumping the contents from the rear of the container; recessed framework having upper margins of the container walls and a door-jamb that define a reservoir; and a plurality of brace members for supporting the frame against the walls of the container. It also includes one or more corner panels covering the brace members and for preventing the loading of any load near the juncture of the roof framework and each respective adjoining side wall.
US08876215B2
A vehicle seat frame structure includes a frame main body formed in a frame-shape, and a wire that extends between two frame peripheral portions that make up the frame main body, end portions of the wire being integrally joined to the two frame peripheral portions. At each of the end portions of the wire, a portion that jut outs beyond the corresponding frame peripheral portion is formed as a curved portion that is curved in a direction wrapping around an outer peripheral surface of the frame peripheral portion. At least one of the curved portions of the wire has a curvature that is more gradual than a curvature of the outer peripheral surface of the frame peripheral portion to which the curved portion is joined.
US08876214B2
The invention relates to a vehicle seat and to a method for producing said vehicle seat, in particular for motor vehicles, comprising a plurality of structural or retaining parts which are joined together or to a further part in at least one joining region, the join being produced by friction welding in at least one of the joining regions.
US08876212B2
A seat adjustment apparatus for a vehicle includes a first bracket, a second bracket defining an accommodating void with the first bracket, a pawl, and a pawl reverse spring, The pawl includes a ratchet portion, a pawl side reverse wall portion, and a pawl side return wall portion, the ratchet portion allowing a relative rotation of the first and second brackets in a first direction and prohibiting a relative rotation of the first and second brackets in a second direction in a case where the pawl is biased to rotate in a normal direction, the pawl side reverse wall portion allowing the relative rotation in the second direction so that the pawl is reversed by being biased to rotate in a reverse direction, the pawl side return wall portion bringing the pawl to be returned by being biased to rotate in the normal direction.
US08876202B2
A berth sleeper system including a platform portion and a seat portion, the seat portion defining an axis of rotation and being rotatable relative to the platform portion about the axis of rotation, wherein the seat portion includes a seat base, a backrest and a recline mechanism, the recline mechanism supporting the seat base and the backrest in an upright configuration and a horizontal configuration, wherein the seat base is substantially co-planar with the platform portion, while the backrest is disposed at an angle relative to the seat base in the upright configuration, and wherein the seat base and the backrest are substantially co-planar with the platform portion in the horizontal configuration.
US08876201B2
Provided is a vehicle sun roof apparatus including a movable panel, a supporting bracket, a guide rail, and a sliding member including: a holding portion provided on either one of the rear end portion of the sliding member and the supporting bracket so as to project in the vehicle width direction, and a holding groove provided on the other one of the rear end portion of the sliding member and the supporting bracket and configured to allow the holding portion to be locked in so as to introduce the movable panel to the fully-closed state when the movable panel is transferred to the fully-closed state.
US08876200B2
A vehicle headliner attachment system for mounting a headliner to a non-magnetic roof structure includes a headliner having an interior and an exterior surface, a ferromagnetic plate attached to the exterior surface of the headliner, and a magnetic clip assembly affixed to the non-magnetic roof structure. The ferromagnetic plate and magnetic clip assembly enable magnetic attachment of the headliner to the non-magnetic roof structure.
US08876197B1
A road vehicle has an instrument panel substrate supported by a sheet metal body cowl. The body cowl is configured to be supported by a firewall of the vehicle. A fastener joins the instrument panel substrate and the body cowl comprising a magnetic member mechanically affixed to one of the instrument panel substrate or the body cowl at a predetermined location. The magnetic member attaches with a substantially horizontal magnetic surface of the other one of the instrument panel substrate or the body cowl. The magnetic member vertically separates from the magnetic surface in response to an impact force applied against the body cowl that is greater than a predetermined force. Furthermore, the magnetic attachment of the magnetic member to the magnetic surface prevents separation below the predetermined force. Thus, the conflicting demands of squeak and rattle performance versus pedestrian protection are easily satisfied.
US08876195B2
A shock absorber includes a first shock absorbing member formed of a foam, and a second shock absorbing member formed of a foam and having hardness greater than the first shock absorbing member. The first shock absorbing member and the second shock absorbing member are arranged in adjacent to each other and connected to each other such that a part of one of the first shock absorbing member and the second shock absorbing member is surrounded by another one of the first shock absorbing member and the second shock absorbing member, thereby the first shock absorbing member and the second shock absorbing member are connected integrally with each other.
US08876189B1
A vehicle mounted canopy including mounting brackets conforming to a vehicle roof with tracks attached thereto. Each outside track has stopping pins and a roller slidingly and rotationally disposed within the recess between the stopping pins to receive an inside track disposed on each side of a canopy frame that slidingly engage the respective outside track to extend the canopy frame. There is also a T-handle lock permitting a user to secure the inside track and outside track in a locked position in the mounting bracket and to alternately release the inside track and outside track from the mounting bracket to the stopping pins to permit usage of the canopy in an extended position.
US08876185B1
A magnetically adjustable sun visor assembly for providing additional dimension to a vehicle sun visor includes a mounting panel that may be operationally coupled to a vehicle sun visor. A coupler is coupled to the mounting panel so the coupler may be operationally coupled to the vehicle sun visor so the mounting panel is operationally coupled to the vehicle sun visor. A primary panel is operationally coupled to the mounting panel so the primary panel is positionable between an extended position and a stored position. The primary panel is selectively positioned in the extended position to block sunlight for a user. A secondary panel is operationally coupled to the primary panel so the secondary panel is positionable between an extended position and a stored position. The secondary panel is selectively positioned in the extended position to block sunlight for the user.
US08876179B2
In an embodiment, an energy absorbing assembly comprises a foam stage having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface comprises a recess; and a thermoplastic stage comprising a frame and crush lobes; wherein the crush lobes extend from the frame of the thermoplastic stage into the recess. In another embodiment, a method of making an energy absorbing assembly comprises forming a foam stage having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface comprises recesses; forming a thermoplastic stage having a frame and crush lobes protruding from the frame; and engaging the recesses and the crush lobes to form the energy absorbing assembly.
US08876171B2
An aircraft luggage box lock includes a stationary housing and a cover moveable about a rotary axis. The lock includes a locking pin device mountable on the housing, having two parallel locking pins, a catch mountable on the cover having two locking hooks pivotable about a pivot axis for receiving the pins for locking the lock, and a manually actuatable drive device for jointly pivoting the locking hooks away from the locking pins for unlocking the lock. The drive device has a gear rack and a sliding element linearly displaceable against pressure of a spring element. The locking hooks are connected to the gear rack or the sliding element by a knee lever hinged to the closing hook adjacent to the pivot axis thereof in such a way that the lock is openable only by tensile force acting on the hinged point of the knee lever on the locking hook.
US08876161B2
A seat belt buckle for receiving a tongue connected to a seat belt webbing. The buckle includes a first ejector spring in a position out of an area α of the path of movement of an engagement portion of the tongue and an imaginary extended area β extended from the area α in the direction of movement of the engagement portion, and on the outer side of a base. A second ejector spring is provided in a position out of at least one of the area α and the imaginary extended area β, and on the outer side of the base 8. A bracket for fixing the buckle to the vehicle body can be provided closer to a tongue insertion hole, thereby reducing the length of the buckle in the tongue insertion direction.
US08876158B2
An air bag apparatus includes: a base plate, two gas generators, a cover member covering the two gas generators so as to form a gap, an air bag accommodated in contact with the base plate, a hollow formed in the base plate and provided with a communication hole, the hollow accommodating the two gas generators such that a space is provided between two gas generators and another gap, for communicating with the communication hole, is formed, the air bag accommodated such that a gas inlet thereof enclose the communication hole from the other side of the base plate, the air bag, the base plate and the cover member being integrally fixed, and a sealed gas discharge path formed by the cover member and the base member, and leading from the gas discharge port of the two gas generators to the gas inlet of the air bag.
US08876157B2
A method is provided for operating a system of a vehicle for protection of a vulnerable road user. The system includes a remote sensor, a contact-based sensor, and a pedestrian protection device. The method may include scanning a region in front of the vehicle by the remote sensor to detect a target object and, if a target object is detected, classifying the target object into an object category based on information from the remote sensor. The method may also include selecting the selectable fire interval of an evaluation algorithm using the object category as input and, if an impact is detected by the contact-based sensor, the contact-based sensor sending information about the impact to the evaluation algorithm. The method may also include the evaluation algorithm evaluating if the signal is within the selectable fire interval, and in that case activating the pedestrian protection device.
US08876147B2
A juvenile stroller includes a mobile base and a juvenile seat mounted on the mobile base. The mobile base includes wheels and a foldable frame carrying the juvenile seat.
US08876145B1
A castor supported dolly assembly comprising a plurality of dolly members formed of a lightweight, disposable and/or severable material may be interconnected into interchangeable operative positions to define supporting orientations. Each dolly member includes and at least one connecting segment comprising a slot and a base. A connected orientation, of any two of the dolly members, comprises a confronting relation of the bases of engaging connecting segments and an aligned orientation of corresponding passages formed therein, so as to concurrently and removably receive and retain a castor in interconnecting relation to the confronting bases. Each dolly member may also include at least one supporting segment structured to receive a castor therein.
US08876140B2
A trailer assembly operable to transport vehicles includes a first frame section adapted to be directly selectively couplable to a trailer hitch of an automobile, has at least two spring suspensions coupled thereto, and has at least two tires coupled to the frame section by the at least two spring suspensions. A second frame section is selectively and rotatably coupled to the first frame section and an offset axle is coupled at opposing distal ends thereof to the at least two spring suspensions and coupled along its length to the second frame section.
US08876139B2
A truck towing system is described. The truck towing system provides for a first truck to tow a second truck in a back to front relationship, i.e., the front portion of the second truck (the towed truck) is connected or attached to a rear portion of the first truck (the towing truck). The truck towing system includes an upper member to connect with a first truck. A middle member joins the upper member and a lower member in a fixed engagement. The lower member supports a front portion of a second truck. A beam member is engaged to the lower member, and the beam member extends and retracts from an interior of the lower member. The beam member connects to a rear portion of the second truck.
US08876138B2
The present invention provides a wheelchair device configured to reduce the likelihood that a user might fall out of a wheelchair. The device includes a wheelchair frame, a lever, and a seat cushion, whereby the seat cushion is flexible and configured to sink into a recessed and angled orientation when occupied by a user. The sunken seat cushion serves to encourage a user to attain proper posture and further serves to reduce the chances that a user might fall forward out of the seat. The lever of the present invention is attached to the underside of the wheelchair device and comprises a handle portion and a flat base portion with a curved upper surface. A forward actuation of the handle results in the lever rotating about the wheelchair, causing the base to contact and lift the seat cushion to a level that facilitates the exiting of the wheelchair device.
US08876132B2
A front sub-assembly for an automotive vehicle is disclosed. The front sub-assembly includes a pair of spaced apart, substantially hollow side assemblies. Each of the side assemblies includes an upper side member and a lower side member. The front ends of the side assemblies are joined together by a front cross member that includes a front cross member reinforcing bracket and an internal mass dampener. The rear ends of the side assemblies are joined by an upper cross member and a lower cross member. A plurality of brackets, including body mount brackets, a steering gear bracket, an exhaust mount bracket, and a roll restrictor bracket are also strategically provided. The brackets as well as other components are preferably formed from stamped steel.
US08876129B2
A field litter support (1) includes two side structures (2, 3), each supporting at least one wheel (4) in order to define a frame (40), connecting devices (38a, 38b, 38c, 38d) for attaching a litter (100) to the frame (40), elements (5) adapted to reciprocally move the side structures (2, 3) and a mechanism (6) for blocking the elements (5), and therefore the structures (2, 3), in a predetermined position, attachable to the structures (2, 3). The structures (2, 3) are reciprocally moved close or away along the axis (60) of the wheels (4) without removing the frame (40). This characteristic, however, does not jeopardize the size, because, once the field litter support (1) has been packaged, it has a size equivalent to the one of the closed field litter supports of the prior art.
US08876125B1
A frame apparatus for a lightweight rollator has a front frame and a rear frame. The front frame has a base and a handle frame. The base has two connecting tabs, two locking elements and a mounting frame. The handle frame is rotatably connected to the base and has a front wheel and two connecting arms. The connecting arms are formed on and protrude from the handle frame and are pivotally connected to the base between the connecting tabs. The rear frame is connected to the front frame and has a bottom mount, two rear wheels and at least one driving motor. The bottom mount is connected to the mounting frame and has a guiding rod and an engaging shaft. The rear wheels are rotatably connected to the bottom mount. The at least one driving motor is mounted on the bottom mount and is connected to the rear wheels.
US08876124B2
An ice skate overshoe includes; an upper portion; a sole connected to the upper portion; a blade connected to the sole; where the upper portion is made substantially of stretchable rubber; where the upper portion is configured stretchable and capable to return substantially to its original state; where the upper portion comprises a first opening configured as an entrance for a footwear; where the upper portion is configured to stretch over the footwear to secure the ice skate overshoe to the footwear; where the sole is configured to support a footwear bottom; where the sole is configured substantially rigid; where the blade is configured substantially rigid; where the blade is rigidly attached to the sole; where the blade is configured operable to engage with an ice surface; where the ice skate overshoe is configured to wear over the footwear; and where the ice skate overshoe is configured operable to skate on the ice surface.
US08876120B2
A connecting rod assembly is capable of pushing the work head outward to allow more of the part of the work head to be exposed out of the connecting rod assembly, making it easier for the user to pull out the work head, thus solving the problem that it is difficult to pull the work head out of the conventional connecting rod structure since the conventional connecting rod structure doesn't have any function or devices to move the work head outwards.
US08876116B2
A sealing structure capable of reducing oil leakage while preventing the oil from being deteriorated by a temperature rise of the oil.The sealing structure is configured to seal a clearance between two members tightly by a seal ring interposed therebetween. The seal ring is provided with a slidable structure, which is configured to seal the clearance between the two members by a hydraulic pressure applied thereto, and to unseal the clearance between the two members by a relative movement thereof resulting from a thermal expansion thereof.
US08876109B2
A medium feeding device includes a medium feeding unit that feeds a medium by contacting the medium, a separating unit that presses the medium against the medium feeding unit to separate the medium from subsequent media, and a conveying unit that conveys the medium having been separated by the separating unit. A first guide member is provided between the medium feeding unit and the conveying unit, and configured to guide a surface of the medium on the medium feeding unit side. A second guide member provided is so as to face the first guide member, and configured to guide the medium. The first guide member has a guide protruding portion that protrudes toward the second guide member.
US08876108B2
A sheet transport apparatus includes: a transport portion that transports a sheet; a skew correction portion against which a leading edge of the sheet transported by the transport portion abuts for skew correction, the skew correction portion moving to a position where the skew correction portion does not hinder the transport of the sheet after the skew correction; and a plurality of sheet abutting portions that is provided in the skew correction portion and against that the leading edge of the sheet transported by the transport portion abuts, the plurality of sheet abutting portions respectively including a resin member, and an abutting portion which is provided in the resin member and having an abrasion resistance higher than that of the resin member, and against which the leading edge of the transported sheet abuts.
US08876106B2
To provide a recording device enabling unencumbered movement of a stacker to a target position at which an amount of extension that corresponds to the length of a medium is reached, a printer is provided with a conveyance unit for conveying paper, a paper length determination unit for determining the length of the paper in the direction of conveyance of the paper, a recording unit for recording onto the paper being conveyed, one stacker for receiving the already-recorded paper, an electric motor for driving the stacker, and a controller for controlling the electric motor. The controller (in particular, a stacker control unit) controls the electric motor and controls the stacker to a position at which the amount of extension that corresponds to the length of the paper is reached.
US08876099B2
A saddle stitcher for conveying a printed product is provided. The saddle stitcher includes a saddle chain conveyor, and a plurality of chain tops mounted on the saddle chain conveyor defining a chain top conveyance line for transporting a printed product. At least one of the chain tops includes a profiled top edge so the at least one chain top does not extend beyond the chain top conveyance line in a transition area. A method for transferring a printed product is also provided.
US08876091B2
An insulating coating (1) with high damping power and suitable for being fastened to a structure (2). The coating comprises a dissipater mesh made up of a plurality of dissipater elements (3) and of nodes (4) with the bottom end (4′) of each node being fastened to said structure (2). Each dissipater element is secured to first and second nodes (6, 7). The bottom ends (4′) of said nodes (4) project from said dissipater elements (3) so as to be suitable for creating an empty space (5) between the dissipater elements (3) and said structure (2). In addition, at least one dissipater element (3) is provided with at least one branch (10, 20) provided with a heavy element (30, 31, 32). The heavy element (30, 31, 32) has a first mass that is greater than or equal to a second mass of said branch (10, 20).
US08876085B2
A system for supporting a vehicle. The system may include a vehicle jack in mechanical communication with a jack foot and a striker plate. The jack foot is rotatable relative to the vehicle jack on a rotation axis disposed on the vehicle jack and perpendicular to a long axis of the vehicle jack. The jack foot includes a base at a distal end of the jack foot. The jack foot also includes a cam surface at least in part at a proximal end of the jack foot. The cam surface is aligned with the striker plate and interacts with the striker plate to rotate the jack foot in response to movement of the vehicle jack from a lowered position to a raised position.
US08876078B1
An HVAC inspection frame device facilitates inspection within an HVAC system. The device includes a frame having a perimeter wall defining a channel extending through the frame. A lower flange is coupled to the frame extending inwardly into the channel from an interior face of the perimeter wall. Thus, the lower flange is configured for supporting the frame on a furnace. An upper flange is coupled to the frame extending inwardly into the channel from the interior face of the perimeter wall. Thus, the upper flange is configured to support the evaporator coil on the upper flange. An aperture is positioned in the perimeter wall for insertion of an optical inspection device to provide an image of the evaporator coil or furnace without time consuming disassembly or drilling of existing structure. A plug is insertable into the aperture engaging the perimeter wall and closing the aperture.
US08876073B2
In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a bracket assembly comprising a bridge which in turn comprises a central span, a wing attached to the central span, an arm receiving slot; and one or more anus comprising a central region and a flange, wherein said central region and said flange are connected by an offset; the bridge and said arm being adapted to be coupled together. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a joint comprising a first work piece and a second work piece; a bracket assembly comprising a bridge comprising a central span, having a wing extending from said central span at approximately equal angles, said bridge further comprising a arm receiving slot; and a arm comprising a central region connected by an offset to a flange, said arm further comprising a bridge receiving slot wherein said arm receiving slot and said bridge receiving slot engage thereby mating said bridge and said arm; and fastening means to connect the bracket assembly to said work pieces. The present disclosure also provides a method of using the bracket assembly to assembly furniture.
US08876067B2
A fire sprinkler fitting support bracket (100) is disclosed for mounting fire sprinkler tee-fitting (30) to a building structural component (5). The bracket (100) includes a mounting portion (103), and a cradle portion (101) cantilevered from the mounting portion (103). The cradle portion (101) is configured to receive and support the fitting body (32) on a concave surface (190a, 190b) thereof. The fitting (30), which may be a tee fitting, elbow fitting, or the like, is detachable from the bracket (100).
US08876057B2
A vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) rotary-wing air-craft is sized and configured to match a payload container such as a standardized Joint Modular Intermodal Container (JMIC). The aircraft may be an Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) that is capable of autonomously engaging and disengaging the container so that the aircraft can pick up and drop off the JMIC with minimum human intervention.
US08876056B2
An aircraft fuel system including a fuel line for carrying liquid fuel, and a microwave energy transmitter for energizing water carried in the fuel line. Also, a method of suppressing ice formation in an aircraft fuel system, the fuel system including a fuel line carrying liquid fuel, and a microwave energy transmitter, the method comprising transmitting microwaves along the fuel line to energize water carried with the fuel in the fuel line.
US08876049B2
The disclosed embodiments concern an aircraft fuselage section made of composite material with an internal skeleton having frames that form the radial structure of the fuselage and stringers that form the longitudinal structure of said fuselage, and a skin made of composite material, surrounding the internal skeleton, with said skin having an evolving thickness along a longitudinal axis X, with an approximately constant, regular interior profile. The disclosed embodiments also concern a process for manufacturing the skin of an aircraft fuselage section made of composite material, having a draping operation for strips of fibers precoated with resin around a mold, with the number of strips of fibers varying longitudinally depending on the area of the fuselage being considered so as to create a skin with an evolving thickness.
US08876045B2
A plurality of hydraulically operated actuators that drive a control surface and a plurality of control systems that respectively control the operation of the actuators are included. Each of the control systems includes a control valve, a state switching valve and a test orifice circuit. The test orifice circuit includes a test orifice used for testing the performance of an orifice. The state switching valve is provided such that its position can be switched between an actuator connection position, a damping position and a test orifice position.
US08876042B2
An assembly includes a unitary nacelle structure and an integrated fan housing for a gas turbine engine assembly. The unitary nacelle structure includes an inlet region and a fan cowl region, and is configured to at least partially circumscribe the integrated fan housing. The integrated fan housing comprises an integral composite structure and includes a fan case sized and configured for encircling a fan blade assembly of an associated gas turbine engine, a fan hub, and a plurality of fan outlet guide vanes. The unitary nacelle structure cooperates with the integrated fan housing to transfer static and dynamic loads directly to a support structure, rather than through the engine core, to minimize backbone bending.
US08876040B2
The present invention provides a method for controlling an internal pressure in an aircraft or spacecraft, the method comprising the following steps: detecting the internal pressure in the craft and an external pressure Pa outside of the craft and comparing said pressures with each other; and adjusting a flap of at least one outflow valve to a blade position, in which the flap directs air flowing past an outer surface of the craft into the craft to increase the internal pressure, if the external pressure exceeds the internal pressure by a predetermined value during the descent of the craft. The idea, on which the present invention is based, is to assign a double function to the outflow valve: during normal flight the positive pressure in the craft is relieved by means of the outflow valve. During a too steep descent or in case of failure of the air conditioner of the craft, the flap directs air into the craft and thus adapts the internal pressure to the external pressure as soon as it exceeds the internal pressure. Thus, a negative pressure relief valve is advantageously not required and a size thereof can be considerably reduced respectively.
US08876035B2
A winding core for a coil winding device having a column shape with corners each having a rounded cross-section is used for forming a coil by winding a wire around the winding core into the coil of a polygonal shape. The winding core includes a helical continuous surface extending spirally around an axis of the winding core.
US08876015B2
A hook bolt for fastening rails to hollow sleepers, in particular steel sleepers, including an engagement element made of cast metal, which has a hook-shaped insertion section and a contact section, which has a receiving space for receiving a threaded element, wherein the threaded element has a threaded bolt and a receiving shoe and the receiving shoe is dimensioned in such a way that the receiving shoe can be inserted into the receiving space of the contact section in a form-fit manner.
US08876006B2
A lightpipe, which is mounted on one chassis part of an imaging module of an imaging reader, optically modifies an aiming beam emitted by an aiming laser, which is mounted on another chassis part of the imaging module, to generate and shape an aiming light pattern on a target. In one embodiment, at least one, or both, of the chassis parts are movable relative to each other to spatially adjust the aiming light pattern relative to an imaging field of view. In another embodiment, the aiming laser and the lightpipe are received in respective pockets of the chassis parts with clearance, and are adjustably fixed in place to spatially adjust the aiming light pattern relative to the imaging field of view.
US08876005B2
A wireless Bluetooth® paired connection is established between a Bluetooth® module in an electro-optical, handheld reader and a Bluetooth® module in a mobile terminal via a human interface device (HID) profile. Data capture from a target is initiated upon one type of manual actuation, e.g., a single pull, of a trigger on the reader. A soft keyboard is caused to appear on a display on the terminal, either immediately, or after a predetermined event, after the establishment of the Bluetooth® paired connection. The soft keyboard is caused to disappear upon manual actuation of the trigger with a different type of manual actuation, e.g., a double pull, of the trigger. Another double pull of the trigger will cause the soft keyboard to reappear.
US08876004B2
A bi-optical, dual window, point-of-transaction workstation images indicia associated with multi-sided products over a full coverage scan zone by asymmetrically splitting the field of view of at least one imager into light collection regions of different spatial volumes. The light collection regions fill the scan zone and minimize dead areas therein. A smaller light collection region images one side of the product, while a larger light collection region images more than one side of the product. All sides of the product are imaged in the light collection regions. Twisting of the light collection regions relative to at least one of the windows is minimized so that the light collection regions fit fully with minimal clipping through each window. Illumination light is directed away from a user's eyes.
US08875997B2
A computer implemented method may include identifying a base information card stored on a client, determining whether an overlay information card is to be applied to the identified base information card, and selecting the overlay information card. The method may also include generating a final information card by applying the selected overlay information card to the identified base information card.
US08875989B2
A card reader that is connected to a portable electronic apparatus includes a processor and a memory card controller. The processor receives a trigger signal from the portable electronic apparatus when the portable electronic apparatus is in a standby mode. The memory card controller detects whether at least one memory card is inserted into the card reader and generates a memory card inserting status accordingly. The portable electronic apparatus provides a standby power to the card reader and a first screen based on the trigger signal. The processor receives the memory card inserting status; according to the memory card inserting status, the processor reads contents of the memory card, so that the contents of the memory card are displayed on the first screen.
US08875976B2
The present invention relates to tools and methods for disposing, coating, repairing, or otherwise modifying the surface of a metal substrate using frictional heating and compressive/shear loading of a consumable metal against the substrate. Embodiments of the invention include friction-based fabrication tooling comprising a non-consumable member with a throat and a consumable member disposed in the throat, wherein consumable filler material is capable of being introduced to the throat in a continuous manner during deposition using frictional heating and compressive/shear loading of the filler material onto the substrate. Preferred embodiments according to the invention include such tools operably configured for applying a force or displacement to the filler material during deposition. Especially preferred embodiments can include using various powder-type consumable materials or combinations during the deposition process to obtain a continuous compositional gradient in the filler material yielding a functionally graded coating on the substrate.
US08875974B2
The head of a stapler for mucosectomy comprises an external goblet-shaped body (1) wherein an internal goblet-shaped body (2) is concentrically and slidingly located, at the edge of which a circular blade (3) is fixed. The internal goblet-shaped body (2) is provided with a central hole (5) wherein a rod (6) is slidingly inserted, at the end (7) of which an anvil (8; 8′) is fixed. One or more annular grooves (11), which are parallel and suitably spaced one from the other, are formed on the lateral surface of the rod (6) perpendicularly to the axis thereof. Said grooves (11) are intended to receive a portion of mucosa (9a) which is included in a purse string suture as the mucosa is tied around the rod (6). By retracting the rod (6) in the central hole (5) of the stem (2a) of the internal goblet-shaped body (2) the mucosa to be removed is carried into the internal goblet-shaped body (2). The anvil (8; 8′) and the circular blade (3) are moved closer one to the other, by suitable means, in order to cut the tissues when the stapler is in a closed position.
US08875973B2
A cutting and stapling device for use as an attachment to an electromechanical device driver comprises an upper jaw and a lower jaw which separate and close against one another in a continuously parallel alignment. The upper jaw includes a series of staple guides corresponding to one or more staples in a removable staple tray disposed within a lower jaw, whereby a blade and wedge having a threaded bore travel upon a matching threaded shaft in a channel disposed in the lower jaw below the staple tray, such that rotation of the threaded shaft causes movement of the wedge through the channel while a sloped surface of the wedge contacts the staples to push the staples against the staples guides, closing the staples.
US08875959B2
A supply device of molten metal for application in semi-automatic centrifuge machines with one plate or for automatic machines with three or more plates to collect the molten metal from the furnace, take it to the centrifuge and pour it into the centrifuge. The supply device occupies minimum space and allows both for a side or back furnace configuration. The device includes an automatic and programmable assembly having an arm that is radially secured on one end to the rotating shaft of a geared motor fitted to the centrifuge. On the other, the device is articulated to another vertical arm, holding a ladle at its lower end. The operation of the device is synchronized with the operation of the centrifuge, increasing productivity, reducing hazards for workers, reducing energy consumption, and improving the finish of the final product.
US08875954B2
A dispenser includes a hollow body (2) able to be inserted into a bottle, a piston (7) able to slide in the body (2) between raised and lowered position, a hollow stem (8) able to slide in the body (2) to command the actuation of the piston (7), opening and closing element (10) active between the stem (8) and the piston (7) to put in fluid communication the cavity of the stem (8) with the interior of the body, a retaining ring integral with the body (2) and inserted within it, elastic element active between the ring and the stem to contrast the free sliding of the stem and of the piston within the body. The dispenser further includes an end stop structure integral with the body and positioned in a bottom portion thereof to define an end stop arrest for the sliding of the stem within the body.
US08875947B2
A dual dispensing apparatus for dispensing two flowable components having a first storage chamber for the first component, and a second storage chamber for the second component. The two storage chambers are arranged next to one another and each have an outlet for the first or the second component respectively at their distal ends. The apparatus also has a first plunger for penetrating into the first storage chamber and a second plunger for penetrating into the second storage chamber. A respective piston for dispensing the respective component is molded to each plunger and is sealingly guided by the respective wall of the storage chamber. Each storage chamber has at least one first guide element at its end remote from the outlet and each plunger has at least one second guide element adjacent to the respective piston. The first and the second guide elements are configured for mutual engagement.
US08875945B1
A toy water gun apparatus includes a gun housing having a water chamber and a pressurized air chamber in fluid communication with the water chamber. The water chamber preferably includes an expandable bladder for filling with a quantity of water and has a first end and a second end, the first end connected to a water inlet for releasable connection to source of pressurized water such as a municipal water supply, and the second end connected to a nozzle 10 valve. A trigger mechanism is connected to the nozzle valve to selectively open the valve to dispense a stream of water during play. The apparatus utilizes the naturally high pressure of a common faucet tap while the eliminating the necessity of constant pumping in order to maintain a desirable water stream. Pressure in the air chamber is never lost because it is entirely separate from the water-delivery mechanism.
US08875944B2
A beverage dispenser is proposed which includes a soft raw water container and which makes it possible to spontaneously use up drinking water in the container. A water passage tube (12) of a container connecting portion (10) includes a tubular partitioning wall (13) dividing the interior of the water passage tube (12) into a water passage (14) communicating with a water passage hole (14a), and an air passage (15) communicating with the water passage (14) through a small air passage hole (15a). A water passage pipe (16) is connected to the water passage (14). The water passage tube (12) has a base portion (12a) formed with an opening (15b) communicating with the air passage (15). An air passage pipe (17) is connected to the opening (15b) and hangs vertically downwardly into a low-temperature tank (2). An on-off valve (19b) is provided at the free end of the air passage pipe (17) which is adapted to open when the water level in the low-temperature tank (2) lowers. With this arrangement, when drinking water in the raw water container (A) runs low and the water level in the low-temperature tank (2) remains low, air in the low-temperature tank (2) is introduced into the raw water container (A) through the on-off valve (19b), which is now open, the air passage pipe (17), the air passage (15) and the small air passage hole (15a). This eliminates a negative pressure in the raw water container (A), thereby allowing water remaining in the container to be dropped into the tank.
US08875937B2
A unitary plastic container, which is optionally used for waste collection comprises a base, a front wall, a back wall and two opposing side walls, each wall extending upwardly from the base to define an open container top and an interior container volume. Each side wall has an outwardly extending sidewall portion which is outwardly offset relative to the rest of the container side wall. In each outwardly extending sidewall portion, an elongated cutout, indentation or channel is present. The elongated channel has a forward opening, a rearward opening and an elongated side opening extending from the forward opening to the rearward opening. The elongated channel lies within the interior container volume and divides the outwardly extending sidewall portion into two areas: an upper outwardly extending sidewall portion and a lower outwardly extending portion. The outwardly open elongate channel may be fitted with a reinforcing sleeve.
US08875929B1
A container for holding a collapsible food pouch that includes a hard-plastic bottom segment forming an elongated concave dish and a rotatably attached top segment. The top end of the bottom segment and optionally the top end of the top segment has a slot sized to receive a plastic discharge tube of the collapsible food pouch such that when the pouch's pliant material is placed below the top end, the discharge port of the pouch is positioned outside the top end of hard-plastic bottom segment. When the top segment is rotated closed, the top segment engages the plastic neck to hold it within the slot. The top segment may have two doors. A loop of hard plastic may serve as a tethering point and a lock may lock the container closed. Vent holes permit entry of air into the container.
US08875927B2
A container includes a lid adapted to seal with a base. The lid and base rims each have vertical segments that mate upon sealing the container. The mating segments form a vertical seal zone. The vertical seal zone has a width extending across the rim surfaces. One or more vent channels are disposed on either or both rims. Each vent channel extends partially into the vertical seal zone. When pressure inside the container reaches a critical level, the lid rises and reduces the width of the seal zone, creating a vent point. Pressurized vapors traveling through the vent channel overcome rim-engaging forces at the vent point and pass through the engaged rims. Once pressure is purged, the lid descends and resumes its sealed arrangement with the base. The rims may respectively include horizontally oriented segments that engage each other to from a horizontal seal zone.
US08875924B2
A foldable box includes a floor and two longitudinal and transverse side exterior walls each lying opposite in pairs and foldable relative to the floor, each longitudinal side exterior walls—including a protrusion at a transverse side end extending toward the transverse side exterior walls when upfolded, limiting foldability of the transverse side exterior walls to the outside. Each transverse side exterior wall including a locking mechanism at the outside of the transverse side exterior wall, including when upfolded, a snap-in element movable in a vertical direction relative to the floor surface, latchable with the protrusion. The protrusion and/or the snap-in element includes contact surfaces, inclined relative to the vertical direction when upfolded wherein the locking mechanism opens against a spring pretensioning when exceeding a predetermined inward force acting upon the transverse side exterior wall.
US08875919B2
The present invention pertains to a stopper (1) for closing a dispensing opening (70) of a container (8). The stopper comprises a body element (2) for closing the dispensing opening, the body element having a top face (20) and a bottom face (22), the bottom face being directed towards the inside of the container; a moving element (3) which is situated at the top face (20) of the body element (2), wherein the moving element is movable relative to the body element from an initial position in which the moving element does not extend beyond the outer extension of the top face (20) in the plane of the top face of the body element, to an opening position in which the moving element is moved relative to the body element to extend at least partly beyond the outer extension of the top face (20) of the body element (2) in the plane of the body element, wherein the moving element provides, in the opening position, a gripping surface (32) for a user to remove the body element from the dispensing opening. The moving element substantially covers the entire top face of the body element in the initial position.
US08875912B2
A vehicle crane—in particular an articulated-arm crane—includes a lifting arm and one or more articulated arms, and the geometry of the crane arms can be changed with respect to one another. A load cable can be guided or is guided on the crane arms. A compensation device allows the tension in the load cable to be controlled or regulated upon a change in the geometry of the crane arms with respect to one another.
US08875906B2
There are provided a reverse osmosis membrane comprising a porous support; a silver nanowire layer formed on the porous support; and a polyamide film formed on the silver nanowire layer, and a fabrication method of a reverse osmosis membrane, the method comprising coating a porous support with an aqueous amine solution including silver nanowires to form a silver nanowire layer; and bringing the silver nanowire layer into contact with an aliphatic hydrocarbide-based organic solution including acyl halide to form a polyamide film.
US08875904B2
A circular filtering disc and a filter device having the filtering disc. The filtering disc includes a circular partition plate having an inner hub and an outer rim, with radial inlet holes formed in the outer rim and introducing water to the partition plate, and a vertical outlet hole formed in the center of the inner hub and discharging pure water; and a filter fabric placed on or below the partition plate, wherein water supplied to the filtering disc passes through the filter fabric and becomes concentrated at the vertical outlet hole, and is discharged from the filtering disc through the vertical outlet hole. In the filter device, raw water is supplied through the circumferential edges of the circular filtering discs stacked on top of one another in the filter device and is filtered prior to being discharged from the filter device through the center of the filtering discs.
US08875899B2
A pumpbox, the pumpbox being in fluid communication with one or more vessels, wherein the pumpbox comprises a classification portion and level control means adapted to control the level of fluid within the one or more vessels.
US08875889B2
A product cushioning structure for supporting a shock sensitive product in an outer packaging container having a plurality of container walls has at least two interconnected outer container-contacting panels for supporting and stabilizing the cushioning structure within the outer packaging container in at least two mutually perpendicular directions. At least two inner product-supporting panels support the shock sensitive product within the cushioning structure. Intermediate wall sections extend between the outer container-contacting panels and the inner product-supporting panels. The intermediate wall sections, outer container-contacting panels and inner product-supporting panels are made of a stiff paper-board material and are joined together to form box-like cells between the respective inner product-supporting panels and outer container-contacting panels. The cells are crushable to provide shock absorption support to the product during shock loading conditions. They are arranged in or foldable into a mutually angled configuration so that the cushioning structure provides shock absorption support to the product during shock loading conditions in at least two mutually perpendicular directions. The box-like cells may comprise an open box-like component formed by the intermediate wall sections and the inner product-supporting panels, and a unitary planar component formed by the outer container-contacting panels. The unitary planar component is bonded to the open box-like component at the periphery thereof to inhibit splaying of the intermediate wall sections in the presence of a shock loading in a direction normal to the inner product-supporting panels.
US08875888B2
It is a matter of a container assembly with at least one stackable container (1) which has a bottom part (7) and a lid (8) mounted on top thereof Several containers (1) may be so stacked that the lid (8) of the lower container (1) is located between two bottom parts (7). The container (1) is equipped with at least one connecting device (3) which has coupling means (26) mounted movably on the lid (8) of the container (1). The coupling means (26) are movable, for the connection of two containers (1) mounted one above the other, into a connected position relative to the lid (8), in which they are simultaneously in connecting engagement with the bottom parts (7) of both stacked containers (1).
US08875881B2
A container for collecting sharps includes an opening adapted to receive sharps in a substantially vertical orientation, and an interior region for storing sharps received through the opening. The container includes a means for reorienting the sharps into an arrangement in which the sharps lie substantially parallel to one another within the interior region of the container. A method for configuring a sharps collection container includes the step of positioning a contoured surface of a guide element beneath an opening of the container to reorient sharps that are deposited through the opening into an arrangement in which the sharps are stored substantially parallel to one another in the container.
US08875880B2
A receptacle for receiving fastening elements for connection of two components of a unit to be assembled, the receptacle has means for providing a separate reception of different fastening elements which differ from one another with regard to a shape, and/or a size, and/or a material, such that different ones of the fastening elements with which the receptacle is charged are coordinated with the components which are respectively to be connected, and a number of the fastening elements to be received by the receptacle corresponds at least to a number of connection sites on the components.
US08875878B2
The present invention relates to a package for smoking articles comprising a container portion (2) and a lid (3). The lid is hingedly connected to the container 5 portion (2) to enclose a space defined by the container portion (2) when the lid (3) is closed. The lid (3) includes an end portion (16) and a wall (12) extending from the end portion (16) that overlaps a wall (6) of the container portion (2) when closed. A flap (26,93,107,120) extends from a face of one of said walls having a free end (29,96,109,125), and a cut-out (51,80,102) is formed in the other of said walls, 10 wherein one of the cut-out (51,80) or the free end (109,125) of the flap (107,120) has a first edge (54,65,73,87,115,127) and a second edge (55,56,66,74,88,90,116,128). The first edge is offset from the second edge such that, when the lid (3) is moved to a closed position, said first edge locates over the free end (29,96) of the flap (26,93) or the cut-out (102) before the second edge locates over the free end of the flap or 15 the cut-out.
US08875873B2
Orthodontic assemblies and related methods are provided where an adhesive coated orthodontic appliance is received in a container that includes a substrate and a lid having a retaining member. When the lid is closed, the retaining member is complemental to the shape of the appliance and engages with the appliance. By conforming to the shape of the appliance, the retaining member constrains the appliance from shifting in lateral and vertical directions within the container. When the lid is opened, the associated retaining member disengages from the appliance, thereby facilitating user access to the appliance.
US08875865B2
A linear dispensing system is provided that includes a plurality of channels, a pair of parallel rails, a plurality of carriers and a plurality of linear motor modules. The channels are configured to hold inventory products at an orientation. The pair of parallel rails is disposed at a bottom portion of the channels. The carriers are slidably disposed on the rails and have a conveyor unit configured to pick the inventory product from the channels while substantially maintaining the same geometric orientation as in the channel. The linear motor modules are disposed between the parallel rails and aligned end to end. The linear motor modules are coupled with the carriers and configured to pass the carriers to an adjacent linear motor module. Each carrier delivers a plurality of selected products of varying shapes to a universal escapement structure where the products are labeled, imaged, verified and dispensed.
US08875839B1
A fall restraint system having a retractor assembly including a housing assembly that is mounted onto an aerial apparatus. A base pulley assembly is also mounted onto the aerial apparatus. A cable having first and second ends is partially stored within the housing assembly, whereby the first end is fixed within the housing assembly. The second end is threaded around the base pulley assembly and is also fixed onto the aerial apparatus. Tensioning means keep a predetermined tension on the cable while the aerial apparatus extends from a retracted position to an extended position and vice-versa.
US08875831B2
Drifting karts in accordance with embodiments of the invention are described that include a front wheel drive train and rear caster wheels that can be dynamically engaged to induce and control drift during a turn. One embodiment of the invention includes a chassis to which a steering column is mounted, where the steering column includes at least one front steerable wheel configured to be driven by an electric motor, a battery housing mounted to the chassis, where the battery housing contains a controller and at least one battery, wiring configured to provide power from the at least one battery to the electric motor, two caster wheels mounted to the chassis, where each caster wheel is configured to rotate around a rotational axis and swivel around a swivel axis, and a hand lever configured to dynamically engage the caster wheels to induce and control drift during a turn.
US08875830B2
An anchor and an attachment base assembly comprises a base having at least one base aperture, and an anchor selectively operatively connected to the base. The anchor is selectively inserted at least partially into the at least one base aperture and optionally into an aperture of an accessory. The anchor has a base part movable between a locked position where the anchor is secured to the base and an unlocked position where the anchor is free from the base. An accessory part is operatively connected to the base part. The accessory part is adapted to selectively connect at least partially to a brim of the aperture of the accessory for bracing at least partially the accessory to the base when the anchor is in the locked position. The anchor has other features. A vehicle having an anchor and an attachment base assembly is also presented.
US08875829B2
Provided is a construction machine, wherein an upper slewing body comprises a slewing frame and first and second power units, and wherein the second power unit comprises a second engine, a second controller to control driving of the second engine, a second hydraulic oil tank, a second hydraulic pump configured to be driven by the second engine to thereby suck hydraulic oil from the second hydraulic oil tank and discharge the hydraulic oil toward a hydraulic actuator, a second fuel tank configured to store fuel, and a second support member supporting the second engine, the second hydraulic oil tank, the second hydraulic pump and the second fuel tank, and wherein the second support member is configured to be attachable and detachable with respect to the slewing frame independently of a first support member of the first power unit, and the second hydraulic pump is detachably connected to the hydraulic actuator.
US08875828B2
An integration assembly for a battery pack mounted between the passenger cabin floor panel of an electric vehicle and the driving surface is provided, the assembly utilizing a multi-layer thermal barrier interposed between the battery pack enclosure and the passenger cabin floor panel, where the multi-layer thermal barrier provides noise isolation, thermal isolation and vibration damping, and where the multi-layer thermal barrier is compressed when the battery pack enclosure is mounted to the vehicle. The multi-layer thermal barrier is comprised of a first layer formed from a compressible and conformable elastic material and a second layer formed from a conformable thermally insulating material. The multi-layer thermal barrier may also include a moisture barrier layer that encases the first and second layers, for example a moisture barrier layer fabricated from a plastic. A sealant may be used to seal and bond the moisture barrier layer to the battery pack enclosure.
US08875826B2
The invention relates to a system for replacing a battery of a ground transportation vehicle, particularly of an unmanned heavy-duty transportation vehicle for ISO containers. The system includes storage spaces for batteries, at least one ground transportation vehicle having a receiving space for a replaceable battery, and at least one loading and unloading device for transporting batteries between the storage spaces and the receiving space of the transport vehicle in a replacement area. The storage space and the receiving space may include respective centering elements such that the battery is aligned relative to the storage space or the receiving space in response to the loading motion of the loading and unloading device.
US08875824B1
A radiator grill is mounted on a work vehicle and includes a frame and a plate member. The plate member is supported by the frame and having a plurality of through-holes aligned in a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. Each of the through-holes has a pair of circular parts aligned in the first direction, and an interconnecting part having a width in the second direction that is smaller than diameters of the circular parts, the interconnecting part interconnecting the circular parts. The through-holes are disposed alternately so that one of the circular parts of one of two adjacent ones of the through-holes adjacent to each other in the second direction is aligned with the interconnecting part of the other of the two adjacent ones of the through-holes in the second direction.
US08875821B2
Since a power of an engine is transmitted to a first axle and a power of a MG is transmitted to a second axle, a space for providing the MG can be readily ensured. Further, since an accessory is driven by the power of the engine, a private power source for the accessory is not necessary. In this case, the accessory may be a water pump, an oil pump, or an air-conditioner compressor. Furthermore, since a vehicle driving mode is switched between an engine driving mode and a MG driving mode, only a control system relative to the MG driving mode is necessary to be developed when the hybrid vehicle is developed by using the engine vehicle as the base part.
US08875816B2
A lightweight mobile robot includes a chassis less than 500 pounds and two independent tracked drives including a drive wheel assembly, four or more independently suspended bogie assemblies, an idler wheel assembly, a compliant front shoe fixedly coupled to an independently suspended bogie assembly positioned adjacent the idler wheel assembly, and a compliant elastomer track entraining the drive wheel, road wheels, idler wheel assembly and compliant front shoe. The bogie assembly includes a serpentine suspension arm having a corresponding road wheel rotatably mounted at a distal end thereof, the bogie arm swingable through a range entirely beneath the chassis. The serpentine suspension arm provides clearance for adjacent road wheels to swing past one another without making contact with any portion of the adjacent bogie assembly. The compliant elastomer track has center guides and peripheral drive features protruding therefrom for engaging the drive wheel, road wheels, and idler wheel.
US08875813B2
A sintered body for cutting tools that includes hard particle phase comprising a plurality of hard particles, wherein at least a portion of the hard phase particles comprise a coating deposited by atomic layer deposition disposed thereon; and a binder phase is disclosed. The hard particles that may be included in the sintered bodies may include tungsten carbide, diamond, and boron nitride particles.
US08875808B2
A method for conveying logging tools (LT) and obtaining well log data from a wellbore is disclosed. The method includes running a drill string (DS) including a landing sub (LS) disposed near the lower end into a wellbore. A logging tool string (LTS) is inserted into the upper end of the DS bore. A fluid is pumped into the upper end of the DS bore to assist movement of the LTS. As the fluid is pumped behind the LTS, the cable at the surface is spooled out and the fluid pressure is monitored. The landing assembly of the LTS is landed in the LS. A diagnostic test is activated and run to determine proper functioning of the LT. A release mechanism releases the running tool portion of the LTS. The cable is spooled in. The drill pipe string is pulled upward in the wellbore as the LT are recording data.
US08875805B2
A mobile drilling system comprising a top member with a drilling rig positioned thereon. The top member is removably engaged with a foundation member. The foundation member comprises a tower. The top member is moveable and adapted to be elevated out of the water for placement on top of the tower. The tower is preferably of concrete and extends out of the water and above any ice. A method is also described by which the top member is elevated out of the water either by jacking down legs or lifting by interaction with the tower.
US08875798B2
Systems and methods for replacing equipment at a wellsite, the wellsite having a subsea stripper installed proximate a subsea borehole. The system has at least one seal assembly portion, at least one seal replacement arm and an actuator. The seal assembly portion(s) is (are) positionable in the subsea stripper and replaceable therefrom. The seal assembly portion(s) has (have) a packer extendable within the subsea stripper to form a seal about the subsea stripper. The seal replacement arm(s) is (are) for replacing the seal assembly portion(s) through a door of the subsea stripper. The actuator is for remotely actuating the seal replacement arm(s) to engage the seal assembly portion(s) whereby the seal assembly portion(s) is (are) remotely replaceable.
US08875794B2
The present invention regards a joint for use in a riser (1) extending between a floating installation (3) and a subsea installation (2). The joint comprises an inner pipe segment (21) and an outer pipe segments (22), arranged moveable relative each other in an axial direction and connectable to respective riser segments, forming a chamber (23) between them with a radially extending piston (24), dividing the chamber (23) in a first chamber part (25) and a second chamber part (26), wherein on of said chamber parts (25) in an initial position of the joint is adapted to contain a mainly incompressible fluid, this chamber part (25) decreasing in volume as the inner pipe segment (21) is moved relatively out of the outer pipe segment (22). According to the invention the joint is configured with a fluid line connection (30) from said one chamber part (25) to the other chamber part (26), configured such that the relative movement of the pipe segments (21, 22) is controlled by the allowed flow rate of a fluid flowing out of the chamber part (25) through the fluid line connection (30) to the other chamber part (26).
US08875793B2
A connector device for kill- and choke lines between a riser and a floating drilling platform includes a slip joint on top of the riser including an outer barrel, a kill- and choke manifold arranged on the platform and provided with flexible kill- and choke hoses to the slip joint's outer barrel, and wherein the slip joint's outer barrel is provided with a horizontally directed kill- and choke-manifold.
US08875791B2
A fiber optic coiled tubing assembly of multiple segments and coupling mechanism therefor. The assembly may be assembled from multiple coiled tubing segments which are pre-loaded with fiber optic line. Thus, the coupling mechanism may be employed for physical coupling of the coiled tubing segments as well as communicative coupling of the lines of the separate segments to one another. As such, pumping of a single fiber optic line through the coiled tubing assembly following coupling of the segments may be avoided. This may be of particular benefit for offshore operations where the joining of multiple coiled tubing segments is likely due to crane load capacity limitations and where such pumping may consume vast amounts of time.
US08875788B2
Electrical current flow is induced in a ferromagnetic conductor providing time-varying electrical current at a first frequency to an electrical conductor located in a formation. The ferromagnetic conductor at least partially surrounds and at least partially extends lengthwise around the electrical conductor. The ferromagnetic conductor resistively heats up to a first temperature of at most about 300° C. Water in the formation is vaporized with heat at the first temperature. Subsequently, time-varying electrical current at a second frequency is provided to the elongated electrical conductor to induce electrical current flow at the second frequency such that the ferromagnetic conductor resistively heats up to a second temperature above about 300° C. Heat transfers from the ferromagnetic conductor at the second temperature to at least a part of the formation to mobilize at least some hydrocarbons in the part of the formation.
US08875787B2
An electromechanical assembly for a series of guns used in the perforation of petroleum producing wells. Each gun is a cylindrical housing having a charge-carrier loaded with explosive charges in contact with a detonating cord which contacts an electronically activated detonator. The guns are joined by intermediary joints and terminate in a bottom sub on its lower end and a firing head at its upper end. The charge-carrier of each gun is detonated, beginning with the bottommost gun. Insulating end plates are on the lower and upper ends of the carrier for centering and anchoring the charge-carriers. An electrical wire runs from a retractable contact pin in each carrier, through the intermediary joint which has a changeover switch sensitive to the high pressures produced by the explosion in the carrier located in the gun immediately beneath it, rupturing a mechanical fuse and allowing the switch to close.
US08875775B2
A window shade of the present invention can include a retractable window shade housed in a door of a vehicle, the window shade operable to extend over a window of the vehicle to be secured with a plurality of hooks located above the window. These hooks are specially designed to allow an improperly attached retractable window shade to detach and retract upon the application of a longitudinal force applied to the improperly attached retractable window shade.
US08875766B2
The invention concerns a device and a corresponding method for the jointing of wafers along their corresponding surfaces.
US08875765B2
The present invention provides a rubber composition for a clinch apex which improves in fuel economy, flex crack growth resistance, and processability in a balanced manner, and also provides a pneumatic tire produced using the rubber composition. The present invention relates to a rubber composition for a clinch apex, including: a modified natural rubber having a phosphorus content of 200 ppm or less; and at least one of carbon black and a white filler.
US08875764B2
The present invention provides a pneumatic tire having excellent durability. Provided is a pneumatic tire including a sidewall and a carcass, the sidewall being produced from a rubber composition for a sidewall which has a specific sulfur content, the carcass being produced from a carcass cord covered with a rubber composition for a carcass topping, and the sulfur contents of the rubber composition for a sidewall and the rubber composition for a carcass topping satisfying a specific relationship. Provided is a pneumatic tire including a clinch and a carcass, the clinch being produced from a rubber composition for a clinch which has a specific sulfur content, the carcass being produced from a carcass cord covered with a rubber composition for a carcass topping, and the sulfur contents of the rubber composition for a clinch and the rubber composition for a carcass topping satisfying a specific relationship.
US08875762B2
An air maintenance tire and connector system includes a tire carcass having an elongate integral air passageway contained within a flexible tire component of the tire carcass between an air inlet and an air outlet cavity and a connector assembly inserted within an outlet one of the cavities. The connector assembly includes a hollow right angled elbow-shaped body fitting within the outlet cavity. The elbow-shaped body's second housing segment has an axial length sufficient to project axially inward from the first housing segment through a tire wall thickness to a tire central cavity. A valve device attaches to a remote end of the second housing segment within the tire cavity, the valve device operative to regulate air flow between the elbow-shaped body central chamber and the tire cavity.
US08875757B2
In the invention, a tread surface is provided with a groove portion including a main groove continuously extending in a tire circumferential direction, and a land portion including a rib or a block separated by the main groove, wherein the land portion includes a first edge portion having a depression row formed by arranging long hole shaped depressions extending along the groove portion in the tire circumferential direction and a second edge portion extending along the main groove while being different in position in a tire width direction from the first edge portion, and not having the depression row.
US08875752B2
A device for filling containers with a liquid by supplying the liquid at a predetermined rate of flow, the rate of flow being predetermined as a function of one or more parameter value(s) measured in parallel and in combination with rate values of at least one prior filling operation associated with the parameter values includes a sensor for measuring a parameter value at a fill point, an adjustable valve for presetting the rate of flow, and a control unit that adjusts the valve in accordance with the parameter value, the control unit having a memory in which are stored rate values of a prior fill operation associated with the parameter values, and that predetermines the current rate of flow in combination with the parameter values by making corresponding adjustments of the valve.
US08875749B2
A method for the preparation of samples by means of a dosage-dispensing device, a weighing system with a load receiver, a processor unit, a memory unit, and an exchangeable dosage-dispensing unit. A target container is set on the load receiver. The dosage-dispensing unit and/or the target container includes electrically insulating material. The dosage-dispensing unit has the capability to change positions relative to the load receiver. While the dosage-dispensing unit is in a first position and a target container is on the load receiver, a starting weight value is determined, the dosage-dispensing unit is brought into a second position, a dosage-dispensing cycle delivers a dosage material in a predefined amount from the dosage-dispensing unit into the target container by means of the processor unit, the dosage-dispensing unit is brought into the first position, and while the dosage-dispensing unit is at rest in the first position, an ending weight value is determined.
US08875746B2
A textile sleeve for routing and protecting elongate members and method of construction thereof is provided. The sleeve includes an elongate wall having opposite edges extending parallel to a central axis. The wall is woven with warp yarns extending parallel to the axis and hybrid fill yarns extending transversely to the warp yarns. The hybrid fill yarns are provided having a yarn filament core and non-metallic first and second yarn filaments overlying the yarn filament core. The first yarn filament is twisted about the yarn filament core in a first helical direction and the second multifilament yarn is twisted over the first yarn filament and about the yarn filament core in a second helical direction. The first helical direction and the second helical direction being opposite one another to provide a resultant zero torque on the yarn filament core.
US08875743B2
A hanger and method for routing a hot melt hose adjacent to a structure includes a body having a through hole for receiving the hot melt hose. The through hole defines an inner surface adapted to support the hot melt hose without generally deforming the hot melt hose. The hanger also includes at least one of either a groove on the inner surface or a passage extending through the body for positioning the tie device. As such, the body is adapted to be supported by the tie device mounted to the structure. The hanger further spaces the hot melt hose from the adjacent structure. Thus, mechanical and thermal stresses may be minimized by supporting and spacing the hot melt hose from the adjacent structure without generally deforming the hot melt hose.
US08875739B2
A movable valve for a valve assembly is described. The present valve comprises a plug attached to an immovable mounting flange by at least two non-resilient spider-like legs comprising first and second rigid leg segments that meet at hinging apexes positioned higher than the plug. The plug resists vertical displacement by virtue of the stiff leg segments having appropriately configured curvature and length. Actuation of the valve is through vertical displacement of the plug against the biasing forces, wherein displacement of the plug causes bowing of the legs without any stretching or change in the length of the leg segments.
US08875736B2
A hydraulic control valve for heavy equipment is provided, which includes a valve body having a supply passage supplied with a hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic pump, ports for supplying the hydraulic fluid to an actuator or receiving the hydraulic fluid from the actuator, tank passages for returning the hydraulic fluid from the actuator to a hydraulic tank, and a first regeneration passage for supplying a part of the returned hydraulic fluid to the supply passage; a spool slidably installed in the valve body in accordance with supply of a pilot signal pressure from an exterior, and controlling flow of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the actuator from the supply passage during shifting; and a regeneration valve installed between the first regeneration passage and the tank passage, and including a piston moved by the hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump, a regeneration spool shifted by pressure fluctuation of the supply passage to variably adjust a flow rate of the hydraulic fluid discharged from the first regeneration passage to the tank passage via a return passage, a first resilient member for resiliently supporting the regeneration spool in a direction opposite to a shifted direction of the regeneration spool, and a pilot piston for resiliently supporting a set pressure of the first resilient member.
US08875717B2
This disclosure relates to personal grooming apparatus that include coatings on the surface thereof that incorporate static dissipative additives that reduce the static build-up in the hair of users as compared to conventional apparatus. Other aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods for producing such apparatus, and methods for grooming the hair of an individual.
US08875716B2
Oral smokeless tobacco products and oral smokeless non-tobacco snuff products include carbamide or carbamide salt(s). The carbamide salt is chosen from the group including carbamide calcium sulphate [4(CH4N2O).CaSO4], carbamide magnesium sulphate [6(CH4N2O).MgSO4.2H2O] and carbamide sodium chloride [CH4N2O).NaCl.H2O]. Moreover, carbamide or carbamide salt(s) are used in the manufacturing of oral smokeless tobacco products or oral smokeless non-tobacco snuff products.
US08875709B2
A mask assembly adapted for use with a positive airway pressure device, includes a mask frame, an elbow assembly provided to the frame, a cushion provided to the frame, a forehead support assembly, and a neck to connect the frame to the forehead support assembly, wherein the neck includes a pair of side walls having a streamlined design that is made to look sleek and reduce or minimize obtrusiveness. The pair of side walls may take the form of a single wall or more than two walls. The mask frame may include a recessed port structure including at least one port having access to an interior of the frame which at least in part with the cushion defines a breathing chamber in communication with a nasal passage of the patient in use. The mask frame may also include a channel to receive the cushion. The channel is formed by an outer wall and an inner wall and the channel includes an inner surface having a bead to engage with an outer surface of an edge of the cushion. The forehead support assembly includes a forehead support and a forehead pad coupled to the forehead support. The elbow assembly includes an elbow connectable to the mask frame. A cover is releasably connectable to the elbow. The cover includes a venting area including a plurality of vent holes.
US08875699B2
An inhaler (1) for dispensing doses of medicament from a container under user activation includes a body (7) which includes a mouthpiece (5) through which the medicament is dispensed and a cap (2) which can be place in a position to substantially occlude the mouthpiece (5). The cap (2) is attached to the body (7) by a strap (3) which pivots from the body (7), the cap (2) being arranged to slide on the strap (3) such that the cap (2) must translate away from the mouthpiece (5) prior to the pivoting of the strap (3).
US08875695B2
A built-in cooking appliance includes a main body, a top plate provided above the main body, a cabinet supporting the top plate, a support forming an airflow space between a side of the top plate and the cabinet and allowing the top plate to be supported by the cabinet even at the space, and an air outlet allowing internal air of the main body to be discharged through the support.
US08875693B2
Adjustable gas grill burners are disclosed. Methods of making and using adjustable gas grill burners are also disclosed.
US08875686B2
In an internal combustion engine (10), oil in an oil pan (21) is pressure-fed to lubrication sites through operation of an oil pump (22). After being used for lubrication of the lubrication sites, the oil runs down and collects in the oil pan (21). The internal combustion engine (10) is provided with a blow-by gas process device (40) including a communication passageway (48) that connects a portion of the intake passageway (12) on the downstream side of the throttle valve (13) in the intake flow direction and an interior of the crankcase (15) in communication. A pressure chamber (47) to which an end portion of the communication passageway (48) is open is defined in the interior of the crankcase (15). Oil scattered in the interior of the crankcase (15) is introduced into an interior of the pressure chamber (47) before mixing with the oil collected in the oil pan (21).
US08875681B2
A fuel rail has a mounting portion with an aperture through which a fastener extends along a central axis. The fastener secures the fuel rail with respect to a support surface. Stacked-layer isolators are positioned on both sides of the mounting portion. Each stacked-layer isolator includes a pair of rings and an elastomer layer positioned between the rings. Each elastomer layer has a pair of opposing contact surfaces respectively contacting adjacent contact surfaces of the corresponding pair of rings. The pairs of opposing contact surfaces of the elastomer layers and the contact surfaces of the pairs of rings are oblique to the central axis.
US08875675B2
A method for controlling valve actuation in an engine is provided. The method includes initiating combustion operation in a first cylinder, opening, via a first cam, a first exhaust valve coupled to the first cylinder for a first opening duration. The method further includes opening, via a second cam, a second exhaust valve coupled to the first cylinder for a second opening duration not equivalent to the first opening duration.
US08875672B2
An system is disclosed for use with an engine. The system may have an intake manifold configured to direct air into combustion chambers of the engine, and an exhaust manifold configured to direct exhaust from the combustion chambers to the atmosphere. The system may also have at least one conduit extending from a first of the combustion chambers to a second of the combustion chambers, and at least one valve associated with the at least one conduit. The at least one valve is configured to pass fluid from the first of the combustion chamber to the second of the combustion chambers during a compression stroke of a first piston within the first of the combustion chambers and during an expansion stroke of a second piston within the second of the combustion chambers.
US08875671B2
An electrohydraulic device for controlling the compression ratio of a variable compression-ratio engine, includes at least one dual-flow electrovalve (81) with no check valve and capable of opening and closing at least one hydraulic fluid duct (83) between the upper chamber (121) and the lower chamber (122) of a control jack (8), at least one position sensor (82) of a control rack (7), an angular position sensor (88) of the crankshaft (9) of the engine for adjusting the compression ratio, and at least one calculator (84).
US08875666B2
A process for operating an internal combustion engine or a nozzle includes producing a fuel mixture in-situ. The fuel mixture consists of a polar component A, a nonpolar fuel component B, an amphiphilic component C, and an auxiliary component D. The fuel mixture is produced in a high-pressure region of an injection system of an internal combustion engine or of a nozzle within 10 seconds of an injection operation. The fuel mixture is injected into the internal combustion engine or the nozzle. A pressure is in a range of from 100 to 4,000 bar.
US08875659B2
An animal drinker allowing for the circulation of the water in the animal drinker. To this end, the animal drinker has two parallel pipe strings (23, 24) that form a water circuit ensuring a constant movement of water, namely that water flows continuously through the pipe strings (23, 24) even when no water has been removed at the drinking valves (20) over an extended period of time.
US08875654B2
The invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing a cylindrical member comprising a cylindrical core body having an outer peripheral surface with a releasing property, the apparatus comprising: a film-forming device that forms a resin film in a region at a central portion from both ends in the axial direction of the outer peripheral surface of the core body; a judging device that judges the deterioration of the releasing property of regions continuous from the region where the resin film is to be formed in the region at the inner side from both ends in the axial direction of the outer peripheral surface of the core body, before the resin film is formed by the film-forming device; and a control device that controls the film-forming device such that the resin film is formed by exposing regions with an undeteriorated releasing property on both ends in the axial direction of the outer peripheral surface of the core body, in accordance with the results of judgment by the judging device.
US08875652B2
A system for controlling a boundary of spreading liquid adhesive on a surface is disclosed. The system includes one or more ultra-violet (UV) sources configurable to emit UV light onto the liquid adhesive; and a control circuit coupled to the one or more UV sources and configured to control the one or more UV sources to selectively apply the UV light at selected locations on the liquid adhesive to cure the adhesive and prevent its further spread at those locations.
US08875649B2
An apparatus for dusting printed sheets with powder contains at least one powder nozzle, an actuating element which is mounted such that it can be adjusted into a position, in which the actuating element is situated in the jet path of the powder nozzle and the powder bounces off the actuating element, and an extraction device for extracting the powder which has bounced off the actuating element. An air-conducting connection exists permanently between the powder nozzle and the surroundings of the apparatus.
US08875644B2
A fore body of a ship has a bow having an upper bow portion, a lower bow portion, and a recessed bow portion between the upper bow portion and the lower bow portion. The recessed bow portion has a blunt shaped surface, curving inwards and backwards from a transition area between the upper bow portion and the recessed bow portion. The blunt shaped surface is designed to reflect smaller waves to reduce added wave resistance in smaller waves which are reflected in the recessed bow portion.
US08875642B2
A sewing machine includes: a needle rod being reciprocated vertically; tension discs sandwiching an upper thread; a feed mechanism transporting a sewing object in a vertical direction; a reciprocating mechanism reciprocating the needle rod laterally; an upper thread tension adjusting mechanism adjusting the tension discs; a feed amount adjusting mechanism adjusting a feed amount of the feed mechanism; a stitch width adjusting mechanism adjusting a stitch width of the reciprocating mechanism; and a control apparatus controlling the upper thread tension adjusting mechanism, the feed amount adjusting mechanism, and/or the stitch width adjusting mechanism. A common adjusting mechanism, being one of the feed amount adjusting mechanism and the stitch width adjusting mechanism, includes: a motor; an adjusting mechanism body being a tooth-missing gear and/or a cam; and a variation amount adjusting unit. The upper thread tension adjusting mechanism includes: a thread loosening portion; and an upper thread tension adjusting unit.
US08875637B2
An access door which opens and closes an opening that extends through a surface by which access is provided through the surface as, for example, to communication and power outlets, wires, cables, cable raceways, switches and the like behind the surface.
US08875612B1
Disclosed are several examples of apparatuses for suppressing the blast and flash produced as a projectile is expelled by gases from a firearm. In some examples, gases are diverted away from the central chamber to an expansion chamber by baffles. The gases are absorbed by the expansion chamber and desorbed slowly, thus decreasing pressure and increasing residence time of the gases. In other examples, the gases impinge against a plurality of rods before expanding through passages between the rods to decrease the pressure and increase the residence time of the gases. These and other exemplary suppressors are made from an intermetallic material composition for enhanced strength and oxidation resistance at high operational temperatures.
US08875610B2
A kerf lock is provided for the retention of die cutting dies in die slots of a retaining board. A retaining system is also provided and includes a plurality of lock slots oriented substantially perpendicularly to a direction of insertion of a die cutting die. The lock slots have open faces to permit communication with the die slots. When the kerf lock is located within a lock slot it extends into the die slot until a die is inserted into the die slot. Upon initial insertion of a die into the die slot, the kerf lock compresses laterally. Once the die is completely inserted, the kerf lock exerts a normal force against the die in the direction of the die slot wall opposite the open face. An inserted die cutting die can thus be securely held within the die slot.
US08875583B2
Disclosed is an electromechanical transducer, including: a cell including a substrate, a vibration film, and a supporting portion of the vibration film configured to support the vibration film so that a gap is formed between the substrate and the vibration film; and a lead wire that is placed on the substrate with an insulator interposed therebetween and extends to the cell, wherein the insulator has a thickness greater than the thickness of the supporting portion. The electromechanical transducer can reduce parasitic capacitance to prevent an increase in noise, a reduction in bandwidth, and a reduction in sensitivity.
US08875582B2
A photoacoustic imaging apparatus includes a signal processor. The signal processor includes an adding unit configured to add received signals obtained by acoustic wave detecting devices to obtain a summed signal, a normalizing unit configured to normalize the summed signal for each acoustic wave detecting device with reference to an amplitude value in the received signal in the acoustic wave detecting device at the time when a maximum amplitude value in the summed signal is obtained to obtain a normalized signal, a reducing unit configured to subtract the normalized signal from the received signal for each acoustic wave detecting device to obtain a reduced signal in which the amplitude value in the received signal at the time when the maximum amplitude value in the summed signal is obtained is reduced, and an imaging unit configured to generate image data using the reduced signals.
US08875579B2
A method for detecting the integrity of a bond of a multi-piece work piece includes capturing a first image of the work piece, stressing the work piece, capturing a stressed image of the work piece, and comparing the first image of the work piece with the stressed image of the work piece to determine the integrity of the bond.
US08875570B2
A probe for measurement of water temperature profiles is disclosed herein. In various aspects, the probe may include an electronic assembly and a housing over-molded upon at least portions of the electronic assembly to sealingly enclose the portions of the electronic assembly. The electronic assembly may include a pressure sensor to measure a pressure value indicative of a water depth, and a temperature sensor to measure a water temperature value indicative of a water temperature, a communication interface. Methods of manufacture of the probe are also disclosed herein.
US08875566B2
A method is disclosed for monitoring the state of a piezoelectric injector of the fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine, the piezoelectric injector having a piezoelectric actuator and a nozzle needle that can be moved by said piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric injector can be operated in a partial-stroke mode and a full-stroke mode. In the partial-stroke mode, the curve of an electrical parameter over time is recorded, the maximum value of the curve is determined, a constant parameter value that arises after the presence of the maximum value is determined, the duration between the presence of the maximum value and the reaching of the constant parameter value is determined, the difference between the maximum value and the constant parameter value is determined, and conclusions about the state of the piezoelectric injector are drawn on the basis of the determined duration and the determined difference.
US08875565B2
This device includes an outer casing having: a first tubular zone (16) to the inside of which a finger (4) is fastened; a second tubular zone (40) of larger outside diameter than that of the first tubular zone (16) and extending the first tubular zone (16); and an elastically deformable part (18) of annular shape, extending in a plane transverse to the first tubular zone (16) and connecting the first tubular zone (16) to the second tubular zone (40). The pressure sensor (8) is placed between, on one side, an element (30) integral with the finger and, on the other side, a fixed element (20), called an interface, which is integral with the second tubular zone (40). The interface (20) has an axial contact zone (42) for contact with an element constituting the second tubular zone.
US08875563B2
A collecting line for leakage monitoring in an installation is permeable to a substance to be monitored in at least one subarea extending along the longitudinal direction. The collecting line is formed of at least two subsections that are spaced from a first end of the collecting line. The distance between the second subsection and the first end is larger than the distance between the first subsection and the first end. The permeability to the substance to be monitored is higher in the first subsection than in the second subsection. A device having the collecting line is also provided.
US08875550B1
A bicycle padlock has two, independently manipulated, shackles of unequal size, long and short, extending from opposite sides of a body which houses an RFID reader for remote, automatic unlocking. Circuitry in the housing includes a microprocessor which actuates the reader to operate an unlocking motor only within a limited time of receiving a signal from a motion sensor, for battery conservation. A secondary manual unlocking mechanism is operable on failure of the automatic unlocking circuitry.
US08875545B2
A knitting head of a knitting machine for manufacturing flexible hoses (1) with a knitted reinforcement layer, which comprises a guide body (14) with a central tubular conduit (15) for the passage of the bearing layer (2) and having a outlet end portion (16) with a first outer peripheral surface (17) having a first predetermined radius (r1), a plurality of knitting needles (18) arranged along the periphery of said end portion (16) of said conduit (15) and having first longitudinal end sections (18′) arranged along the circumference of said outer peripheral surface (17) and second longitudinal end sections (18″) arranged over a second cylindrical surface (19) having a second radius (r2) greater than said first radius (r1), at least one disk-shaped cam element (22), which is adapted to rotate at a first rotation speed and has a third predetermined radius (r3). The third radius (r3) is greater than said second radius (r2), connection means (23) being provided for connecting said disk-shaped element (22) to said second end sections (18″) of said needles (18), said connection means (23) having at least one longitudinal portion (24) with a radial dimension decreasing from said third radius (r3) to said second radius (r2).
US08875541B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatuses for positioning a piece of jewelry and methods of making said apparatuses. The jewelry may include a necklace, bracelet, and/or anklet. The apparatus may be placed over the clasp of a piece of jewelry and then be attached to the skin of the individual wearing the necklace. In this way, the apparatus prevents the movement of the clasp of the piece of jewelry from a desirable location to an undesirable location, where the clasp may detract from the beauty of the piece of jewelry. Further, the apparatus may come in many shapes, sizes, colors, etc., such that the device may provide for a stylish accessory for the individual wearing the device.
US08875536B2
A refrigerator includes a body provided with a freezing compartment, a refrigerating compartment and an ice making compartment provided in the refrigerating compartment; an ice making unit including an ice making tray to produce ice in the ice making compartment; an ice storage container to store the ice made by the ice making unit; and a refrigerant pipe protruding from an interior wall of the body to supply cooling energy to the ice making compartment. A drainage duct is disposed between the ice making unit and the ice storage container adapted to prevent water drops from the ice making unit falling into the ice storage container. The drainage duct include at least one fixer configured to push the refrigerant pipe to a lower surface of the ice making tray to contact the refrigerant pipe with the lower surface of the ice making tray.
US08875524B1
Air conditioning charging hose assembly and method allows for quick, safe and reliable air conditioning system testing and charging. The assembly includes a shut-off valve positioned proximate the supply fitting to allow a technician to quickly shut-off the refrigerant gas supply. The method also allows the technician to test the vehicle air conditioning system pressure when charging as the hose assembly is connected to the air conditioning system and when disconnected from the air conditioning system, allows the technician to determine the refrigerant gas canister pressure.
US08875521B2
A device for cooling components, comprising a housing in which a cavity is formed, in which a phase-change material is accommodated, the housing having at least one surface, which is able to be brought into contact with the component to be cooled, and at least one heat-dissipating surface. The cavity accommodating the phase-change material is enclosed by at least one coil, and the phase-change material includes ferromagnetic or magnetizable particles. Furthermore a method for cooling a component using the device is described.
US08875519B2
The method and apparatus for in-flight relighting of a turbofan engine involve in one aspect selectively controlling an accessory drag load on one or more windmilling rotors to permit control of the windmill speed to an optimum value for relight conditions.
US08875518B2
The present invention relates to a jet engine nacelle (1) comprising an aft section (5) having an internal structure (9) intended to surround an aft portion of an engine compartment and to define, with an exhaust nozzle (6), a calibrated outlet section for the ventilation of the engine compartment by way of spacing means arranged in the outlet section, characterized in that the spacing means are divided into rigid spacing means (11) designed to provide a constant spacing and into compensating means (13) designed so as to be able to adapt to the relative movements of the jet engine with respect to the nacelle.
US08875514B2
A thermo-electric engine with a working fluid operative in a closed Rankine cycle to enable a harvesting energy from an external source of thermodynamic energy, such as an internal combustion engine or solar energy. The thermo-electric engine can have an evaporator; a turbine fluidically coupled to the evaporator; a heat exchanger comprising a condenser for receiving working fluid from the turbine; a hot liquid input for coupling to a source of heated liquid coolant from an internal combustion engine to the evaporator; a liquid return for returning liquid coolant to the internal combustion engine; a cooling liquid input to the condenser for receiving cooling liquid from a radiator; and a cooling liquid return for returning the cooling liquid to the radiator. Alternatively, a solar energy collector can power a turbine fluidically coupled to the solar energy collector for receiving working fluid.
US08875513B2
A thermal energy conversion plant, wherein a pressurized liquefied working fluid gasifies in an evaporator unit located at the lower level of a closed-loop thermodynamic circuit, ascends through a widening ascending conduit to a condenser unit located at the upper level of said thermodynamic circuit, condenses and falls because gravity powering a power extraction apparatus, before entering back into the evaporator, and restarting the cycle. A much lighter pressuring gas could be optionally included in the widening ascending conduit.
US08875510B2
A solar receiver includes a cavity that is operable to receive concentrated solar energy and a heat exchanger in thermal-receiving communication with the cavity. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of thermal capacitors. Each of the plurality of thermal capacitors has a regular geometry. The plurality of thermal capacitors defines open flow passages there between and at least two of the plurality of thermal capacitors have a different size. The plurality of thermal capacitors has a packing factor of greater than 74% with regard to the volume of the heat exchanger.
US08875509B2
Various systems and methods are provided for power generation using buoyancy-induced vortices. In one embodiment, among others, a vortex generation system includes a nucleating obstruction; an array of vanes distributed about the nucleating obstruction, the array of vanes configured to impart an angular momentum on air drawn through the array of vanes to form a columnar vortex over the nucleating obstruction; and a set of turbine blades positioned over the nucleating obstruction, the set of turbine blades configured to extract power from the columnar vortex. In another embodiment, a method for power extraction from a buoyancy-induced vortex includes establishing a thermal plume; imparting angular momentum to boundary layer air entrained by the thermal plume to form a stationary columnar vortex; and extracting power from the stationary columnar vortex through turbine blades positioned within the stationary columnar vortex.
US08875503B2
In an exhaust gas-cooling pipe element provided between an exhaust port of an internal combustion engine and an exhaust branch pipe, a center axis of an exhaust introduction opening that is connected to the exhaust port and a center axis of an exhaust discharge opening that is connected to the exhaust branch pipe are placed out of alignment with each other.
US08875495B2
A tank assembly includes a tank defining a chamber that is configured to store a selectively variable volume of liquid. A positive temperature coefficient heater is disposed within the chamber. A source of electrical energy is in selective electrical communication with the heater and is configured to transfer electrical current to the heater. A controller is operatively connected to the heater and is configured to monitor the amount of electrical current to the heater. The controller is programmed to determine the volume of liquid in the chamber based on the amount of current transferred to the heater.
US08875487B2
An exhaust purifying system includes: a catalytic device supplied with electric power from a power supply unit; a first connecting unit connecting one end of the catalytic device to a negative electrode node of the power supply unit; a second connecting unit connecting the other end of the catalytic device to a positive electrode node of the power supply unit; a leak detecting unit detecting leak from the power supply unit; and a control unit controlling opening and closing of each of the first and second connecting units. When leak is not detected by the leak detecting unit in a leak check state where one of the first and second connecting units is closed and the other is opened, the control unit closes the other and applies current through the catalytic device, and when leak is detected in the leak check state, the control unit does not apply the current through the catalytic device.
US08875485B2
A magnetically enhanced micro-cathode thruster assembly for providing long-lasting thrust is provided. The micro-cathode thruster assembly includes a tubular housing, a tubular cathode, an insulator, an anode and a magnetic field. The tubular housing includes an open distal end. The tubular cathode is housed within the housing and includes a distal end positioned proximate the open distal end of the housing. The insulator is in contact with the cathode forming an external cathode-insulator interface. The anode is housed within the housing, proximate the open distal end of the housing. The magnetic field is positioned at or about the external cathode-insulator interface and has magnetic field lines with an incidence angle of about 0 to about 90 degrees and preferably about 4 to about 30 degrees relative to the external cathode-insulator interface.
US08875482B2
An open-end spinning rotor (1), comprising a rotor shaft (4), a rotor cup (2) and a coupling device (3) releasably connecting the rotor shaft (4) and rotor cup (2). The coupling device (3) has locking bodies (6), arranged in a holding element (5) and lock the rotor cup (2) and the rotor shaft (4) in the axial direction under centrifugal force during operation of the open-end spinning rotor (1). A resilient element (7) is associated with the locking bodies (6) and cooperates with the locking bodies (6) such that the locking bodies (6) also lock the rotor cup (2) to the rotor shaft (4) in the axial direction at a standstill. The holding element (5) is configured as a pin which is formed such that it produces a positive shaft-hub connection between the rotor shaft (4) and rotor cup (2) in conjunction with a correspondingly formed hub (8).
US08875476B2
A sealing tool for a packaging machine comprises a sealing tool outer part, a sealing tool inner part that is movable in the sealing tool outer part, and a seal provided between the sealing tool outer part and the sealing tool inner part. The has a planar and annular design and is fixed in a first holding region at the sealing tool outer part as well as in a second holding region at the sealing tool inner part. The second holding region is disposed at or in the proximity of an outer edge of the sealing tool inner part.
US08875472B2
Low rise, user friendly latex foams for sealing insulative cavities of a building are provided. The foams may be applied to the interface of the sheathing and the studs within the insulative cavities to reduce air leaks. The latex foams may also be applied to the face of the studs to obtain an additional seal against air infiltration. The foam can be used to affix fiberglass batts, batt flanges, and vapor barriers to the framing without mechanical fasteners. A tackifier may be added to impart an adhesive quality to the foam. The tacky nature of the foam permits the drywall or vapor barrier to be repositioned without damage. Drywall is held onto the face of the studs by the tacky foam while mechanical fasteners are inserted to permanently affix the drywall to the framing. The compressive nature of the foam permits drywall to be attached without significant bowing or detachment.
US08875469B1
A sleeve for protecting from deterioration and anchoring an embedded end of a post in the ground. The sleeve, molded from unperforated, resilient material, conforms to the exterior post dimensions and extends for at least the desired embedment distance. One or more inwardly projecting notches are cut into the post. The sleeve includes one or more reversible snap domes molded into the sleeve at locations coinciding with the post notches. The snap domes flex to an outwardly concave position as the post is being inserted into the sleeve and then snap to an inwardly concave position once the post is fully installed and the snap domes align with the notches. The inward concavity of the snap domes extends into and engages the post notches to prevent the sleeve from being removed from the post. When embedded into the ground, backfill material prevents the snap dome from being deflected into the outward concavity position, thus anchoring both post and sleeve in the ground.
US08875462B2
An insulated enclosure includes a plurality of walls, each of the walls comprising structural insulated panels joined to adjoining structural insulated panels by joints. Each of the structural insulated panels includes a frame having a first vertical frame member, a second vertical frame member, a top frame member, a bottom frame member, and siding members disposed on opposing sides of the frame to define a cavity therebetween. The vertical frame members define, on an outwardly disposed surface thereof, a plurality of vertical recesses and projections. The joints between the plurality of structural insulated panels are butyl-free and include butyl-free compressible seals disposed between opposing recesses and projections in adjoining structural insulated panels. Insulation is disposed within the structural insulated panels and within at least a portion of at least one structural insulated panel vertical frame member.
US08875456B2
A pressure stabilization device for an IGU includes a stem and a boot coupled to the stem. The stem includes an elongated shaft extending from a first end to a second end, and an element extending radially outward from the second end of the shaft, the element having a stronger magnetic attraction than the shaft. The boot includes a spout having a central bore receiving the shaft, a surface of the bore defining an interior groove, and a cap formed integrally with the spout and defining an exterior groove intersecting the interior groove of the spout.
US08875445B2
Manufactured modular units for the creation of multistory buildings are staggered stacked so as to create “bonus spaces” between units. Several lighter weight structural versions are presented. The first is a wood frame or cold rolled shape light gauge metal framed modular unit. The second version uses cross laminated timber panels to create the modular unit. The third version uses hot rolled steel shapes for the structure of the modular unit to be staggered stacked. These lighter weight modular units have many advantages. They are more easily transported at a lower fuel costs. They can be craned to higher levels with a single crane. Seismic forces are decreased. Less modular unit weight also allows for greater unit area. Thus, fewer units need to be transported and fewer units need to be craned. Also, a larger unit area and larger “bonus” area allows for more flexible space planning.
US08875437B1
This present invention is a pest killing apparatus having a upper housing separated and supported from a base, cleanup unit, a lamp tube to lure pests, pest collection box, high voltage electric net and control circuit. The pest cleanup unit has an electric drive motor, brush support means and a brush. A vertical pest attraction lamp tube is an inert gas lamp tube or LED light-emitting diodes, reflective material, glass tube and the tube sockets. The lamp tube is located in a central axial or side vertical position between the upper housing and the base to induce insects toward the electric net. The upper housing is provided with attachments so that the apparatus can be suspended. The base is provided with a flat underside so the apparatus may be placed in operation on a horizontal surface.
US08875428B2
A tab status indicator system including a generally planar body portion and a tab coupled to the body portion and protruding generally outwardly therefrom. The system further includes an indicator movable between a deployed position, in which the indicator generally overlaps with the tab in a direction generally perpendicular to a plane of the body portion, and a retracted position, in which the indicator does not overlap with the tab or overlaps with the tab less than when the indicator is in the deployed position.
US08875418B2
A tendon assembly for an article of footwear is disclosed. The tendon assembly includes a tendon positioned between a base layer and a cover layer in a non-bonded manner such that the tendon may move freely within the layers. The tendon assembly may be rigidly secured to a shoe upper. One end of the tendon may be rigidly secured at or near the sole of the footwear. A second portion of the tendon may be integrated with a fastening system of the footwear such that the tendon may pull the footwear upper snugly against a wearer's foot to provide added support.
US08875417B2
A sandal that includes loops extending around the periphery of the base of the sandal and a strap configured to connect to the loops and form an upper portion of the sandal. The sandals can include a base; a continuous cord that extends along the periphery of the upper surface of the base from a point near the toe end on one side of the base, around the heel end, and continues to a point near the toe end on the opposite side of the base; connectors that connect the cord to the base at spaced locations along the cord to thereby form loops along the base; and a strap. Each loop of the sandal can also include an identifier for each loop. Methods of forming an upper portion of a sandal and methods of forming a sandal.
US08875415B2
The present invention is to provide a drying method by which both cost reduction and superior physical properties can be attained in a step which comprises subjecting a water-containing gel-like crosslinked polymer obtained by polymerizing an aqueous monomer solution to fine granulation during or after the polymerization, and drying the resultant particulate water-containing gel-like crosslinked polymer with a through-circulation band dryer. The method has a feature in that the drying conditions over a period from a time of introducing the particulate water-containing gel-like crosslinked polymer into a drying zone of the through-circulation band dryer to a time of reaching a solid content concentration thereof to 80% by weight, satisfy that (1) a difference of temperature between a temperature of hot air blown to a particulate hydrogel layer and a temperature measured after the hot air passes through the particulate hydrogel layer is 20 to 70° C.
US08875406B2
An apparatus and method for cutting tape on a hockey stick blade is disclosed. The apparatus includes a body for holding the apparatus, a ski including a front edge and a bottom surface, and a cutting blade arranged generally upright relative to the bottom surface of the ski. The cutting blade may include a cutting edge disposed at an acute angle relative to the bottom surface of the ski, the cutting edge positioned proximate to the front edge of the ski.
US08875402B1
A low volatile organic emission method for making a door using a liquid hardenable flowable material. The liquid hardenable flowable material expands upon contact with a blowing agent forming a foam, wherein the liquid material is formed from plant materials, and a door formed from the method. The method forms a door with sound deadening qualities, increased impact resistance, and resistance to burning and capable of sustaining at least hurricane force winds without deforming.
US08875394B2
A solar energy collecting module includes a frame that is assembled without using screws. The peripheral frame components are joined together using locking links and one or more ribs extend along the back side of the solar panel and are coupled to opposed sides of the frame. The ribs are coupled to the frames by an edge key fastener that includes opposed first flanges and opposed second flanges, the first flanges separated from the second flanges by a gap. The edge key fastener is inserted into an opening formed in a side wall of a frame component and rotated such that the opposed first flanges are disposed behind the side wall and within the frame and the opposed second flanges are received in a corresponding cavity formed in each of opposed ends of the rib.
US08875377B2
An apparatus and its method of use locate a first piece of a two piece fastener assembly, for example a nut of a nut and bolt fastener assembly on a blind side of a fastener hole in a structure wall where the fastener hole on the blind side of the wall is not manually accessible or not easily manually accessible. The apparatus then holds the nut in alignment with the fastener hole enabling the bolt of the fastener assembly to then be inserted through the fastener hole from the structure exterior and connected to the nut in the interior of the structure.
US08875373B2
A manufacturing method of heat conductive device for an LED has steps of forming a heat sink and an engagement recess in the heat sink by cold forge, punching a heat-conducting disc to form an LED carrier having a mounting portion and a heat-conducting wall formed around the mounting portion, soldering multiple LEDs on the LED carrier, and heating the heat sink to thermally expand the heat sink and assembling the LED carrier and the heat sink so that the heat-conducting wall is assembled with the engagement recess and further chilling the heat sink to thermally retract and tightly hold the LED carrier. The manufacturing method increases contact area and reduces air gaps between the LED carrier and the heat sink to effectively enhance the heat-conducting efficiency of the LED carrier so that the LEDs are operated at a suitable operating temperature to secure a prolonged life duration.
US08875370B2
A panel loading method for loading an inner panel to an outer panel that has a bent portion provided by bending a periphery thereof, the outer panel and the inner panel being overlapped to integrate the outer panel and the inner panel at the periphery thereof. The method includes: providing at least one of the outer panel and the inner panel by an elastic body; disposing the outer panel onto a panel receiver so that the bent portion is directed upward; placing a guide plate on or above the bent portion; loading the inner panel into the outer panel from above the guide plate; and inserting the inner panel into an inside of the bent portion.
US08875369B2
A plug removal and/or installation system 400, which has a structural framework configured to support a removal assembly and that, allows approximately one axis motion of the removal device. The removal device is configured with a plug attachment device that is configured to pass through a lower framework structural opening. The structural framework is configured to movably self align so that the removal device exerts approximately a linear force on a plug 300 along an approximately single axis 335 parallel to a plug central axis.
US08875366B2
A method for evaluating local buckling performance of a steel pipe includes obtaining a stress-strain relationship of a material having a yield plateau in the stress-strain relationship; determining the comparison of a starting strain of strain-hardening in the stress-strain relationship obtained and a critical strain of the steel pipe; and evaluating that the steel pipe has a possibility of being applied to a structure that requires plastic design when the critical strain is determined to be larger than the starting strain and evaluating that the steel pipe has no possibility of being applied to a structure that requires plastic design when the critical strain is determined to be not larger than the starting strain.
US08875350B2
A reversible tip assembly for selectively connecting an extension pole/handle extension to tool handles having either compatible quick release lock mechanisms or conventional internally threaded sockets. The tip assembly comprises a body having oppositely extending rod-like tips at opposite ends of the body. One of the tips has a plurality of circumferentially spaced axially extending external thread segments. The other tip has an end portion that is compatible with quick release lock mechanisms.
US08875349B2
A hinge comprising two pivoting elements adapted to hingedly join two articles, each pivoting element including attachment means for attaching to an article; wherein when attached to the two articles the hinge is rotatable with respect to the articles.
US08875341B2
A cleaning device having a handheld housing engageable to one or both of a portable vacuum motor or the distal end of a hose for a conventional vacuum cleaner. The cleaning device employs a dusting head engageable to an extension that may be change to increase or decrease length to allow a user the position the dusting head further or closer to the housing to reach different areas in need of cleaning.
US08875335B2
The power toothbrush includes a driving assembly which in turn includes a DC motor (14) and a battery. The DC motor has a rotating drive shaft (16), supported at its free end. The drive shaft has an eccentric portion (18). Mounted on the eccentric portion is a plastic sleeve (20) having an extending portion which engages one end of a spring member (38). The other end of the spring member is secured to a yoke (36) which is secured to a brushhead shaft (32). Rotation of the drive shaft results in the extending portion of the plastic sleeve, moving the spring between a compressed state and an extended state. The action of the DC motor excites the spring to produce an oscillating action of the brushhead shaft and a brushhead assembly (40) mounted thereon.
US08875318B2
Disclosed is a head band to assist a user in conveniently wearing head protective equipment on the head. The head band includes a first band part configured to surround the circumference of the head. The first band part includes first sections located at opposite lateral regions of the head and each provided with a coupling piece for coupling with the welding mask, a second section located on a front region of the head, the second section taking the form of an arc-shaped section having a predetermined radius of curvature when unrolled and being adapted to come into close contact at a predetermined gradient with the forehead, and third sections located at a rear region of the head, the third sections being connectable to each other to enable adjustment in the length of the third sections. The first band part comfortably comes into close contact with the forehead, providing wearer comfort.
US08875315B2
A garment including a shell adapted to receive a portion of a body of a wearer therein, the shell having an interior surface, an exterior surface and an aperture for receiving the body portion of the wearer and at least one conductive member disposed on the exterior surface of the shell. The at least one conductive member is formed with sufficient conductive mass to generate a signal recognizable by a touch-sensitive device without direct contact of the at least one conductive member with the wearer.
US08875314B1
A tool kit vest assembly securely holds and provides easy access to tools, allows for adjustment of the vest, and provides ventilation to dissipate heat. The assembly includes a flexible panel having a first end and a second end. An aperture is positioned in the panel between the first end and the second end and between a pair of lateral sides of the panel. A dorsal portion of the panel extends from the aperture to the first end of the panel. A pocket is coupled to the panel. A flap is coupled to the pocket and is positionable between an opened position and a closed position. An interior fastener couples the flap to the pocket when the flap is in the closed position. An exterior fastener couples the flap to the panel when the flap is in the opened position.
US08875313B2
A hooded garment comprises a torso portion, a hood portion attached to the torso portion and provided with a frontal face opening having a peripheral edge and a hood channel extending around at least a greater part of the peripheral edge, and a flexible drawstring extending through the hood channel. The drawstring is provided to adjust the effective perimeter of the peripheral edge of the face opening. The drawstring includes a middle portion slidably disposed in the hood channel, a first side portion extending from one side of the hood channel and a second side portion extending from another side of the hood channel. The first and second side portions are disposed outside the hood channel in the hood portion so that a greater part of each of the first and second side portions is hidden within or behind the torso portion.
US08881298B2
A server apparatus includes: an output detector for detecting output-processing which is processing of outputting data from the application program into a shared area; and an output control section for storing instruction information in the shared area, instead of storing the output data outputted from the application program therein, in response to the detection of the output-processing, the instruction information specifying an acquisition method by which an authorized client apparatus acquires the output data. The client apparatus includes: a reading detection section for detecting reading-processing which is processing of reading data from the shared area; and a reading control section which reads the instruction information from the shared area in response to the detection of the reading-processing, and which acquires the output data by the acquisition method specified by the instruction information.
US08881296B2
In one embodiment, a method for processing trace data is provided. The method generates trace data during execution of the target application and obtains criteria for identifying whether a value in the trace data is sensitive. An initial occurrence of a sensitive value in the trace data is identified based on the obtained criteria. The method then stores the sensitive value in a data structure accessible by an obscuring process. The obscuring process receives the trace data and obscures occurrences of the sensitive value in the trace data prior to providing the trace data for display.
US08881287B1
A computer-implemented method for facilitating automatic malware signature generation may comprise disassembling a malware program, identifying one or more byte sequences within the disassembled malware program that have a likelihood of being representative of one or more library functions contained within the malware program, and preventing the one or more byte sequences from being included within one or more malware signatures. Corresponding systems and computer-readable storage media are also disclosed.
US08881283B2
A collection agent monitors a mobile network for data samples containing executable code. The collection agent accepts executables and forwards them to a sample collection center for further analysis, reporting, or in some instances initiating one or more mitigating actions. Depending on the network protocol being monitored, the collection agent responds to connection attempts from nearby mobile devices.
US08881276B2
In one embodiment, detecting network data, retrieving a whitelist associated with the detected network data, and selectively applying an intrusion prevention policy based on the retrieved whitelist are provided.
US08881262B2
An image processing apparatus includes a first authentication unit configured to authenticate a user, a second authentication unit configured to authenticate the user, an operation unit configured to receive an operation from the user, a logout unit configured to set the user in a logout state in which the user is unauthenticated, if a predetermined time has passed without the operation unit receiving any operation from the user while the user is authenticated by the first authentication unit or the second authentication unit, and a change unit configured to change the predetermined time to a second time shorter than a first time, if the user is unauthenticated by the second authentication unit while the user is authenticated by the first authentication unit and the second authentication unit.
US08881258B2
A method for containing a threat in network environment using dynamic firewall policies is provided. In one example embodiment, the method can include detecting a threat originating from a first node having a source address in a network, applying a local firewall policy to block connections with the source address, and broadcasting an alert to a second node in the network. In more particular embodiments, an alert may be sent to a network administrator identifying the source address and providing remedial information. In yet other particular embodiments, the method may also include applying a remote firewall policy to the first node blocking outgoing connections from the first node.
US08881252B2
The present invention provides, in one aspect, a system and method for managing authentication tokens that operate across multiple types of physical resources binding the tokens to one or more external electronic Identity Providers; generating tokens; authenticating the tokens at multiple physical resources; managing access to physical resources by linking the tokens to the electronic identities; translating the tokens to the appropriate physical token type based on infrastructure services available at the point of service; validating tokens at the physical resource; tracking and conveying usage information; and making use of social group relationships and other data defined by individual usage to, among other things, simplify the process of granting user-generated credentials to persons connected to a given individual via the Identity Provider or an external social network, for example.
US08881251B1
A method and system for user authentication uses photos, pictures, images, pictures of words, logos, graphics, icons, or pictures of colors (graphical elements) as password elements (graphical password) to gain access to a secure platform, section of a platform, specific content, website, computer, mobile device or other electronic device (secure content). The Method and system provide the creation, use in authentication and maintenance of the graphical password. Graphical password creation is initiated through user selection and platform storage of a subset of one or more platform provided or user provided graphical elements (secret graphical elements). The graphical elements are photos, pictures or images that are memorable to the user and are from within one or more relevant categories, e.g. colors, playing cards, animals. A graphical user interface (GUI) having virtual dials, wheels, reels or keypads to display images is used to implement the login/authentication process.
US08881246B2
A method, computer-readable medium, and semiconductor device for securing integrated engineering analysis are provided. A die ID is generated from a lot ID, wafer ID, die coordinates, or other product information. The die ID is encrypted with a key and written to the die. The encryption key and encrypted die ID may be stored in a secure storage. A die is fabricated with an encryption module and an unencrypted die ID. The encryption module is provided with an unencrypted die ID, encrypts the unencrypted die ID, and writes the encrypted die ID to a die fuse.
US08881235B2
A method and a system for service-based authentication of a terminal to a network is described, wherein the terminal comprises a number of communications interfaces, each communications interface allowing the terminal to set-up a predetermined communication channel with the network. The method comprises the steps of: sending a service request for access to a network service; receiving in response to the service request an authentication request from the network; identifying the communication channel through which the authentication request was received; and, sending an authentication response RES to the network, wherein the authentication response depends on the identified communication channel.
US08881233B2
Systems and methods for providing resource management in a distributed network are disclosed. A loose collection of devices in a network may not be aware of the power restrictions for other devices. Wall powered devices will generally have drastically different power settings than battery powered mobile devices. The invention provides a federation policy for time that can be used to slave to a local service responsible for understanding the local resource requirements of each device (or node) on the network. In such a distributed time system, all services in a particular time domain may be sped up, slowed down, or completely halted.
US08881232B2
Queries regarding access permissions of users and rights to directories in a complex enterprise are executed in near real-time, using lookups to tables that form a condensed database maintained for each file server. User information is condensed by arranging users in user groups having common data access rights. Directory permissions storage is condensed by showing only distinctive permissions to a directory in a table entry, and referencing inherited permissions of parent directories. The tables indicate recursive and ancestral relationships among the user groups and directories. They are developed and updated in advance of any queries. A consolidated view of the query results is presented on a single display screen. Using the tables results can be obtained without exhaustive searches of large file system tables.
US08881230B2
A method includes receiving, by a first computer, input from a first user. The method further includes creating, by the first computer, a hierarchical class tree implementing security profiles based on the input from the user. The hierarchical class tree identifies data, actions, and behaviors pertaining to content, and the security profiles restrict access and use of that user's content. The method also includes transmitting, by the first computer, a portion of the hierarchical class tree to a second computer. A corresponding apparatus is also provided.
US08881227B2
Disclosed herein are systems and methods that allow for secure access to websites and web-based applications and other resources available through the browser. Also described are systems and methods for invocation of a secure web container which may display data representative of a requesting party's application at a user's machine. The secure web container is invoked upon receipt of an API call from the requesting party. Thus, described in the present specification are systems and methods for constructing and destroying private, secure, browsing environments (a secure disposable web container), insulating the user and requesting parties from the threats associated with being online for the purposes of providing secure, policy-based interaction with a requesting party's online services.
US08881223B2
Secure content management is enabled as a cloud-based service through which security protection and policy enforcement may be implemented for both on-premise network users and off-premise or roaming users. The global SCM service integrates the security functionalities—such as anti-virus, spyware, and phishing protection, firewall, intrusion detection, centralized management, and the like—that are typically provided by enterprise network SCM appliance hardware or servers into a cloud-based service that users reach via Internet-based points-of-presence (“POPs”). The POPs are configured with forward proxy servers, and in some implementations, caching and network acceleration components, and coupled to hubs which provide configuration management and identity management services such as active directory services.
US08881222B2
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a device, including a centralized controller to: distribute multimedia content to permit a television (TV) emulator client at one or more retail store locations to simulate a plurality of features of a television system interactively by using a media controller; and periodically update the multimedia content distributed to the TV emulator client. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08881221B1
Method and an apparatus for processing a broadcast signal including an interactive broadcast service
A method of processing a broadcast signal including an interactive broadcast service at a transmitter is disclosed. The method comprises generating an parameter table containing metadata about applications and interactive broadcast events targeted to the applications, dividing the parameter table into a plurality of parameter blocks, inserting each of the parameter blocks into each of a plurality of parameter table sections, generating a trigger which is a signaling element to identify signaling and establish timing of playout of the interactive broadcast events, inserting the trigger into a closed caption channel of the broadcast signal, transmitting the broadcast signal including the closed caption channel and a specific channel carrying the plurality of parameter table sections, wherein the trigger includes location information specifying a location of the parameter table in the broadcast signal.
US08881213B2
In embodiments, apparatuses, methods and storage media are described that are associated with determination of frame alignment. In embodiments, a similarity value matrix may be determined representing similarity values for pairs of frames from two pieces of video content. An alignment score matrix may be determined from the similarity scores. Multiple sets of frames may be selected from the two pieces of video content and alignment score matrices determined for each set. From these alignment score matrices, an alignment of frames may be determined. In embodiments, a Needleman-Wunsch process may be used to compute alignment scores as well as to compute alignments based on alignment score matrices. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US08881209B2
Techniques and mechanisms described herein facilitate the performance of feedback-based weighted content recommendation. According to various embodiments, input data for performing media content recommendation analysis may be identified. The input data may describe the presentation of a plurality of media content items in association with a plurality of content management accounts. The input data may comprise a plurality of data points. Each of the data points may identify respective feedback data for a respective one of the media content items previously recommended for presentation in association with a respective one of the content management accounts. The feedback data may identify a viewer reaction to the recommended media content item. For each or selected ones of the data points, a respective weighting factor based on the feedback data for the respective media content item presented in association with the respective content management account may be applied.
US08881204B2
A system for providing devices such as WCDs, televisions, stereos, video game systems, etc. access to media content through an entity such as a web server. In accordance with at least one embodiment, UPnP or DLNA compliant devices may utilize a user's home network to access a user's media library from on an online media service. The media service may provide a user interface to the device to enable the user to access his media library. The media may be stored on a networked storage device connected to the media service, on the user's network devices, on the user's WCD, etc. The media service may automatically query the user's WCD to determine the presence of other persons in his proximity, and determine their preferences. A customized media stream that is suitable for the whole group may be generated based at least in part on the combined preferences of the group.
US08881203B2
A network addressable appliance with digital multimedia recording capabilities has limited access including playback of stored multimedia content upon faulty connection with a service provider network. Upon a connectivity event, the network addressable appliance compares a retrieved hardware address for a connected residential gateway to a stored hardware address for an assigned residential gateway. If the two hardware addresses correspond, the network addressable appliance provides playback to stored multimedia content. The system helps prevent violations of digital rights management rules by restricting access to stored multimedia content while the network addressable appliance is connected to an unauthorized residential gateway. The system provides a user with limited access (i.e. playback) to multimedia content during service provider network outages.
US08881198B2
A method for providing Digital Video Broadcasting-Handheld (DVB-H) and streaming services in a portable terminal includes receiving Electronic Service Guide (ESG) data of DVB-H and displaying a DVB-H channel, confirming whether a field associated with a streaming channel is present in a reserved field of the received ESG data, and if the associated field is present in the ESG data, displaying a steaming channel corresponding to the associated field together with the DVB-H channel.
US08881196B2
A video playback apparatus for playing back a recorded program video which is connected with an ECG server for providing information related to a program through a communication network includes a designation information transmitting portion to transmit designation information designating a program containing a specific recorded program video to the ECG server, a related information receiving portion to receive a related information associated with the designated program, which is selected from related information each containing an ECG scenario related to each program video constituting a program and a scheduled time of each program video and stored in association with the program, from the ECG server, and a display/playback control portion to control display of the ECG scenario related to the specific program video in synchronization with playback of the specific program video based on the scheduled time of the program video.
US08881195B2
The present application is directed to a test system for testing set-top boxes which provide a video output to a televisión. The test system records the execution of a test script, inputs to the set-top box and video output, each separately with a time stamp. The test system has a graphical user interface for playing back the video, inputs and scripts in a synchronised fashion.
US08881189B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for inferring a demographic composition of a television audience of a television program. In one aspect, a method extrapolates television audience demographics from rated programs to unrated programs by attributing demographics of rated programs to unrated programs when the rated and unrated program are related by demographically rated channel tunes.
US08881179B2
Concepts and technologies are described herein for cross-platform application programming interfaces for applications. In accordance with the concepts and technologies disclosed herein, the cross-platform APIs support interoperability and extensibility with various application programs using a single language and/or set of APIs. Extensions authored for a particular application program may be used with other application programs that expose the same or a similar set of APIs, even if other object models or APIs associated with the application programs differ from one another. Thus, the APIs support cross-platform, cross-device, and cross-version compatibility of extensions.
US08881174B2
A method for managing function modules using a computing device. The computing device loads the function modules according to a serial number corresponding to a filename and a directory path of each function module. The computing device obtains register commands from an interface of each function module and saves the register commands into a command library. The computing device searches for a register command in the command library when the register command is inputted by an input device connected to the computing device, and executes the searched register command of the function module.
US08881172B2
A method and system for managing configuration interfaces. In one embodiment, a system includes a user interface for receiving a user login, causing a configuration process to be invoked, and receiving user input for managing the configuration process. A log file is used to store log file information in response to the received user input for managing the configuration process. The log file can be used by a process monitor to determine if there is any recent user activity. The process monitor can determine whether the log file has been changed in response to the received user input during a specific time interval. In response to a determination that the log file has not been changed in response to the received user input during the specific time interval, the process monitor can terminate the configuration process.
US08881164B2
A system includes computer-readable storage media encoded with code defining a computer process. The computer process is configured to monitor its own resource utilization so that it can detect a resource-utilization condition. In response to a detection of the utilization condition, the computer process causes its own resource utilization to be reduced.
US08881158B2
A schedule decision method acquires dependencies of execution sequences required for a plurality of sub tasks into which a first task has been divided; generates a plurality of sub task structure candidates that satisfy said dependencies and for which a plurality of processing devices execute said plurality of sub tasks; generates a plurality of schedule candidates by further assigning at least one second task to each of said sub task structure candidates; computes an effective degree that represents effectiveness of executions of said first task and said second task for each of said plurality of schedule candidates; and decides a schedule candidate used for the executions of said first task and said second task from said plurality of schedule candidates based on said effective degrees.
US08881153B2
In an embodiment, if a self thread has more than one conflict, a transaction of the self thread is aborted and restarted. If the self thread has only one conflict and an enemy thread of the self thread has more than one conflict, the transaction of the self thread is committed. If the self thread only conflicts with the enemy thread and the enemy thread only conflicts with the self thread and the self thread has a key that has a higher priority than a key of the enemy thread, the transaction of the self thread is committed. If the self thread only conflicts with the enemy thread, the enemy thread only conflicts with the self thread, and the self thread has a key that has a lower priority than the key of the enemy thread, the transaction of the self thread is aborted.
US08881150B2
In an exemplary computing machine of the invention, a shared IO device used by a first virtual machine and the second virtual machine includes a physical IO device and a virtual IO device controlled by the physical IO device. In the case of detecting that the first driver has transmitted a stop signal for stopping the physical IO device, a hypervisor keeps the stop signal from being transmitted to the shared IO device, determines whether or not a processing request transmitted by the second driver to the virtual IO device has been completed, and stops the physical IO device with the completion of the processing request as a trigger.
US08881146B2
A method and apparatus for creating a machine image to be used in instantiating virtual nodes in a cloud computing environment. A virtual machine operating system image is created based on the configuration file. The machine operating system image is loaded in the cloud environment as a machine instance. An EBS disk is created based on the configuration file, and the EBS disk is attached to the machine instance. The method and apparatus allow software to be provisioned on the fly merely by being specified in the configuration file, which can be an XML file or other declarative document.
US08881136B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach to mitigate the risk of downtime or failed upgrades to a networked computing environment (e.g., a cloud computing infrastructure). This approach generally comprises pre-testing and evaluating potential upgrade paths to identify potential problems, and optionally recommending one or more optimal configurations. Specifically, if a proposed upgrade is identified as having potential points of failure (e.g., based on pre-testing), an end user/customer may be so notified. If the upgrade has several potential successful configurations, such configurations may be evaluated to identify a configuration that appears to have the greatest likelihood of a successful installation scenario. Optionally, the end user may then choose to redirect workload(s) to a successfully configured system that has been provisioned and pre-tested.
US08881135B2
A method for controlling an information processing apparatus which can be connected to an image input device, by installing an application program and a control program, can activate the application program by an event occurring by user's operations in the image input device, and cause the control program to control the image input device by an instruction of the application program includes installing the control program in an operating system of the information processing apparatus, determining whether the application program is installed in the information processing apparatus, when the application program is not installed, installing on the information processing apparatus an event correspondence application program which can be activated by the same event as the application program and can install the application program in the information processing apparatus, and registering the event correspondence application program as an application program which is activated by the event in the information processing apparatus.
US08881125B2
Performance impact of a computing system component on a transient end-to-end system operation is estimated by profiling an overall characteristic for a transient end-to-end system operation, and simultaneously profiling a program code component for a second characteristic, thereby collecting a first pair of data points, repeating the operational period while introducing a known artificial delay into the program code component, and while profiling the overall performance characteristic for the system and for the program code component, thereby collecting pairs of data points for each repetition of the operational period for each of the artificial delays; curve fitting and analyzing intercepts of the collected data points to estimate the effect of the artificial delays in the program code component on the transient end-to-end system operation; and reporting the estimate correlated to potential optimal transient end-to-end system operation.
US08881124B2
According to the conventional loop parallelization method, when a loop in which a value of a loop-carried dependency variable can be calculated in all of the iterations without sequentially executing the loop from the start, it is determined that DOALL parallelization is not applicable due to the loop-carried dependency variable. Accordingly, the loop is sequentially executed or parallelized by using DOACROSS parallelization that executes a loop including a loop-carried dependency variable. That is, there is a problem that an expression including a loop-carried dependency cannot be parallelized and efficiently processed with use of a multi-processor. By generating initial value calculating codes, the loop-carried dependency in a source code prior to parallelization can be solved, and by dividing a loop included in the source code into subloops that can be executed in parallel, the multi-processor can efficiently process the source code.
US08881119B2
An integrated circuit card is used with a terminal. The integrated circuit card includes a memory that stores an interpreter and an application that has a high level programming language format. A processor of the card is configured to use the interpreter to interpret the application for execution and to use a communicator of the card to communicate with the terminal.
US08881109B1
Embodiments of a system (such as a computer system), a method, and a computer-program product (e.g., software) for use with the computer system are described. These embodiments may be used to test software that includes instructions for a graphical user interface with objects that receive values in associated fields. In particular, during testing, the system identifies the objects and associated expected values in the software, tests the software based on the identified objects and the expected values, and generates a flow file which includes the testing operations and corresponding results. Moreover, during the testing, the system may generate a compliance document which includes the testing operations and the results. Additionally, the system compares differences between the flow file and a previous flow file (associated with previous testing), and presents the differences to a quality-assurance analyst who evaluates whether or not the differences are consistent with design changes between the software and a previous version of the software.
US08881101B2
Various embodiments provide an interface between a Web browser's layout engine and a scripting engine. The interface enables objects from the layout engine to be recognized by a memory manager in the scripting engine and interact in a streamlined, efficient manner. In accordance with one or more embodiments, the interface allows browser layout engine objects to be created as objects that are native to the scripting engine. Alternately or additionally, in some embodiments, the native objects are further configured to proxy functionality between the layout engine and the scripting engine.
US08881096B2
A computer-readable recording medium stores therein an IP model that combines source code of IPs that include an interface representing input/output of data; a register storing the data; a behavior executing processing based on the data; and a state performing wait processing according to time information from the interface and a connection code indicative of a connecting relation between the IPs.
US08881091B2
Methods, apparatus, and computer program products for determining software complexity. A plurality of versions of a software module whose complexity is to be determined are compressed. Lengths of the compressed versions are compared, one with another, to provide complexity metrics.
US08881089B1
A system, process, etc. according to some embodiments, which includes operations that include selecting one of a plurality of solutions (“selected solution”) for optimization of an integrated circuit design during physical synthesis. The operations can further include performing on the selected solution a fast evaluation of a specific metric without updating design documents (e.g., without updating a netlist or metric map). If the evaluation of the specific metric is non-satisfactory, then the candidate solution is rejected. If the evaluation of the specific metric is satisfactory, then a design document is updated and a full evaluation of the specific metric (and other metrics) can be performed.
US08881086B2
Methods and apparatuses for an Integrated Circuit (IC) with a shielding of wires. In at least one embodiment, an integrated Circuit (IC) device comprises a first plurality of signal wires disposed within a substrate a shielding mesh disposed on the substrate. In at least one embodiment, the shielding mesh comprises a first plurality of connected wires for a first reference voltage and a second plurality of connected wires for a second reference voltage. Wherein at least a first portion of each of the first plurality of the signal wires is shielded between one of the first plurality of connected wires and one of the second plurality of connected wires from adjacent signal wires and a second portion of the first plurality of signal wires are adjacent to each other in a region defined by the first and second pluralities of connected wires.
US08881084B2
A method for generating a layout for a semiconductor device is disclosed. The method includes: receiving a first layout. A portion of the first layout is defined as a first FinFET region. The first FinFET region has first and second sides that each extend approximately in a first direction. The method includes performing a first design rule check (DRC) simulation. The method includes obtaining a first DRC simulation result. The method includes defining a second FinFET region by moving the first side in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The method includes performing a second DRC simulation. The method includes obtaining a second DRC simulation result. The method includes selecting one of the first and second FinFET regions based on the first and second DRC simulation results. The method includes generating a second layout using the selected FinFET region.
US08881075B2
An assertion-based verification tool for circuit designs includes an effective measurement of assertion density for any given generated set of assertions. A register-transfer level (RTL) description of an integrated circuit (IC) is used to compute a set of predicates. Then, determination is made as to the number of predicates that are satisfiable on the given set of assertions received respective of the RTL description. Thereafter, simulation traces for the RTL are received and the number of predicates satisfiable on the simulation traces is computed. A figure of merit of assertion density is determined from the ratio of the respective numbers of predicates. The set of assertions may be modified as required to satisfy a predetermined threshold value of assertion density, to assure that a circuit is rigorously tested by the verification tool.
US08881072B2
A method of for compensating for variations in structures of an integrated circuit. The method includes (a) selecting a mask design shape and selecting a region of the mask design shape; (b) applying a model-based optical proximity correction to all of the mask design shape; and after (b), (c) applying a rules-based optical proximity correction to the selected region of the mask design shape.
US08881071B2
A photolithography mask design is simplified. In one example, a target mask design is optimized for a photolithography mask. Medial axes of the design and assist features on the optimized mask are identified. These are simplified to lines. Lines that are distant from a respective design feature are pruned. The remaining lines are simplified and then thickened to form assist features.
US08881069B1
A method of SRAF printing using etch-aware SRAF print avoidance engines and the resulting device are provided. Embodiments include performing mask to resist simulations for a mask having both a plurality of features to be formed on a substrate and a plurality of sub resolution assist features (SRAFs); detecting SRAFs of the plurality that will print through to a resist; checking dimensions of the detected SRAFs to determine whether one or more of the SRAFs will etch through to the substrate; modifying the one or more of the SRAFs; and forming the mask after the one or more of the SRAFs have been modified.
US08881060B2
A multifunction device displays a plurality of selectable user interface objects on the display. In response to detecting the first input, the device moves a first object in the plurality of selectable user interface objects across the display to a location on the display that is proximate to a second object in the plurality of selectable user interface objects. In response to detecting that the first input meets predefined folder-creation criteria while the first object is proximate to the second object, the device creates a folder that contains the first object and the second object.
US08881053B2
Embodiments are described for handling display of modal windows in a multi-screen device. In embodiments, a modal window will be launched and displayed in a display which receives the input that resulted in the display of the modal window. The other portions of a first display or second display, not displaying the modal window, are made inactive. In other embodiments, the modal window occupies only a first display and the second display remains active.
US08881047B2
Some aspects relate to providing a graphical interface for an application, underlying a graphical interface provided by an operating system shell. In an example, an input device (e.g., a mouse) generates an event associated with a location of a graphical display. The event is intercepted by a code segment provided in conjunction with the application, which determines whether the location is associated with a defined portion of the display associated with an actionable area of the graphical interface for the application, and that the location is not also associated with an element of the OS shell graphical interface (and if applicable, an active window of another application). If those conditions hold, then the event is redirected to the application, which can become active or take one or more actions. In a particular example, the defined portion of the display is visually distinguishable on a wallpaper image stored in video memory.
US08881045B2
A method and apparatus for generating prompt information of a mobile terminal are disclosed. The method includes: selecting a start point and an end point in a multimedia file; clipping a part of the multimedia file between the start point and the end point in the multimedia file; and encoding the clipped part of the multimedia file, and generating prompt information of the mobile terminal. An apparatuses for generating prompt information of a mobile terminal is also disclosed. Therefore, the present invention enables a user to control the generation of prompt information of a mobile terminal.
US08881042B2
A method of providing secondary content on a mobile device such that the secondary content is associated with a controller and is a member of one of a plurality of content categories. The method includes displaying primary content on an interface of the mobile device; receiving the secondary content at the mobile device; applying a visual property to the controller, the visual property identifying the content category that the secondary content is a member of. Further, after receiving the secondary content at the mobile device, the controller is displayed on the interface of the mobile device such that the controller does not visually interfere with the displayed primary content. Upon receiving input selecting the controller, the secondary content associated with the controller is displayed on the interface of the mobile device.
US08881033B2
An application displaying primary content, such as a webpage, may include unused space. The unused space may exist within the application displaying the primary content (e.g., within the browser window) or on other portions of the display (e.g., outside of the browser window). The unused space is identified and leveraged to display secondary content on the client display along with the primary content. The secondary content may be adaptable to conform to different sizes and/or configurations of the unused space. The secondary content may be updated as the user interacts with elements on the client display.
US08881030B2
There is provided a system and method for inducing a reply from a first client connected to a virtual world to facilitate a social interaction using a second client connected to the virtual world. There is provided a method for inducing a reply from a first client connected to a virtual world to facilitate a social interaction using a second client connected to the virtual world, the method comprising locating, in the virtual world, an avatar of the second client in a proximity of an avatar of the first client, executing a social action using the avatar of the second client such that the social action is observable by the first client but not observable by the second client, receiving the reply from the first client in response to the social action, and rendering the reply from first client using the avatar of the first client.
US08881027B1
A method and apparatus of providing a teleforum. The method includes generating simultaneous outbound invitation calls to multiple invitees and transmitting a message to each invitee, inviting him or her to become a teleforum participant. Teleforum participants who accept the invitation are connected to the teleforum in a listen-only mode. During the teleforum, a teleforum participant may request active participation in the teleforum. The method also includes allowing the participant to actively participate in the teleforum. Active participation may include but is not limited to such activities as: speaking to the teleforum, asking a question, responding to a poll, making a donation, providing information, leaving a message, being transferred to a subconference, receiving feedback from participants, leaving a voicemail, volunteering for future activities or receiving media transmitted outside of the teleforum.
US08881015B2
A system and method for transmitting documents from a document device, such as an MFP. The MFP accesses calendar and workflow servers to determine a list of information items. A user can select an information item for which the document is to be associated and the document device will then determine all of the associated document destinations, e.g., workspaces, email addresses, and the like, and then subsequently transmit the documents to all of the document destinations that are associated with the information item or a subset of the document destination associated with the information item as selected by the user.
US08881014B2
Systems and methods for facilitating web based sales presentations with synchronized display are provided According to one embodiment, a method comprises receiving a request from a sales representative to have an invitation sent to a customer to remotely view a presentation; sending a communication to the customer inviting the customer to view the presentation; storing the presentation at a storage unit associated with a server system; displaying at a first separate computer system of the sales representative, navigational links for selecting a slide of the presentation; in response to the customer selecting a URL included in the communication to the customer, displaying, at a second separate computer system of the customer, the presentation; and synchronizing a display of the presentation at the first separate computer system of the sales representative and the display of the presentation at the second separate computer system of the customer.
US08881010B2
Adapting trick commands to prior trick command usage is disclosed. In one example, during playback of a video content item, a user input of a sequence of trick commands is received that has a net effect on a playback location in the video content item, and in response to the sequence of trick commands, response to a later trick command is adapted based upon the net effect of the sequence of trick commands.
US08881009B2
A method and system for description of synthetic audiovisual content makes it easier for humans, software components or devices to identify, manage, categorize, search, browse and retrieve such content. For instance, a user may wish to search for specific synthetic audiovisual objects in digital libraries, Internet web sites or broadcast media; such a search is enabled by the invention. Key characteristics of synthetic audiovisual content itself such as the underlying 2d or 3d models and parameters for animation of these models are used to describe it. More precisely, to represent features of synthetic audiovisual content, depending on the description scheme to be used, a number of descriptors are selected and assigned values. The description scheme instantiated with descriptor values is used to generate the description, which is then stored for actual use during query/search. Typically, a user, to search for a needed synthetic audiovisual content initiates a query that is passed on to a search engine that then retrieves the candidate content from one or more databases whose description closely matches the query criteria specified by the user.
US08881007B2
Systems and methods for organizing a repository of unstructured documents into groups of ordered reading lists, i.e., document trails, comprising an ordered list of documents that relate to each by subject matter. Text analytics and natural language processing steps group documents, chose the most important/relevant documents from each group, and organize the documents into a suggested reading order. Document fragments are also analyzed by such analytic and processing steps to identify preselected fragment characteristic aspects. Documents within each document trail may be marked up or highlighted to indicate which paragraphs therein contain such aspects as novel or useful information, or information that is not useful or redundant.
US08880986B2
The present invention is related to systems and methods for enhancing data detection in a data processing system. In one embodiment, a data processing system is disclosed that includes a data detector circuit that is governed at least in part based upon selected coefficients. The selected coefficients are selected as either a first set of coefficients or a second set of coefficients where the second set of coefficients has fewer coefficients than the first set of coefficients.
US08880980B1
A system and method for expeditious transfer of data from a source device to a destination device in error corrected manner are provided. The system and method avoid the substantial delay in utilizing an intermediate buffer, determining error, and remediating the detected errors before even initializing a transfer of an input data from the source device to the destination device. Upon completion of error correction, only those portions corrected are retransmitted to the destination memory rather than the complete corrected input data. A by-pass section is provided for copying input data to the destination memory with at least a degree of parallelism with the error detection of the input data delivered to a parallel buffer coupled with the correction section by a splitter section.
US08880978B2
A method begins by a processing module encoding data based on a decode threshold parameter and a pillar width parameter to produce a set of encoded data slices and selecting a local area network (LAN) pillar width value of encoded data slices of the set of encoded data slices for storage in LAN available memories, wherein the LAN pillar width value is based on the decode threshold parameter, the pillar width parameter, and quantities of the LAN available memories. The method continues with the processing module selecting a wide area network (WAN) pillar width value of encoded data slices of the set of encode data slices for storage in a dispersed storage network (DSN) memory of a wide area network, wherein the WAN pillar width value is based on the decode threshold parameter and the pillar width parameter.
US08880968B2
The disclosure describes a novel method and apparatus for improving interposers to include embedded monitoring instruments for real time monitoring digital signals, analog signals, voltage signals and temperature sensors located in the interposer. An embedded monitor trigger unit controls the starting and stopping of the real time monitoring operations. The embedded monitoring instruments are accessible via an 1149.1 TAP interface on the interposer.
US08880962B2
A system, method and computer program product for predicting a failure of equipment from prior maintenance data of the equipment collected during a time duration estimate a number of preceding failures of the equipment prior to the time duration. The system, method and computer program product construct a model, based on the prior maintenance data, of an impact of an external intervention on a failure of the equipment. The system, method and computer program product construct a model, based on the constructed model of the impact of the external intervention and the estimated number of preceding failures, a replacement policy of the equipment and a probability of a subsequent failure of the equipment in a subsequent time period.
US08880961B2
A system and method for processing data for use with a microcontroller having a processing unit provides for sending an input data address to a memory as part of a read request for input data stored in the memory, receiving the input data from the memory, generating a plurality of trace signals, generating a first plurality of signatures based upon the plurality of trace signals, receiving a second plurality of corresponding signatures from a second microcontroller, comparing each signature of the first plurality of signatures to each corresponding signature of the second plurality of corresponding signatures, generating a first error signal if the comparison produces at least one mismatch, and utilizing the first error signal to generate one or more disable signals for disabling operation of one or more devices under control of the microcontroller.
US08880956B2
Processing, such as debug and/or recovery processing, within a communications environment is facilitated. Responsive to detecting an event, a stop signal is propagated through a communications network of the communications environment, and each network element that receives the stop signal, transmits the signal to its neighbors (if any), and then performs an action depending on its specific programming. The action can be to take no action, perform a debugging action or perform a recovery action. The elements that receive the signal and perform the same action as other elements form a coordinated network providing a coordinated result.
US08880950B2
A method, apparatus and software is disclosed in which original exceptions issued by an application program are encoded as substitute exceptions with associated metadata identifying the original exception so as to enable to enable a first application program receiving the exception but not arranged to process the original exception to process the substitute exception and to enable a second application program receiving the exception and arranged to process the original exception to extract and process that original exception.
US08880943B2
Restarting event and alert analysis after a shutdown in a distributed processing system, including: identifying a shutdown condition of the distributed processing system, the incident analyzer including a plurality of event analyzers and a monitor that monitors the plurality of event analyzers; and determining whether the shutdown was a planned shutdown or an unplanned shutdown; if the shutdown was planned, storing an identification of the last event in an event log that was injected in an event queue at the time of the planned shutdown and restarting event and alert analysis using the next event identified in the event log; and if the shutdown was unplanned, for each event analyzer, identifying the last event included in the last event pool that the event analyzer closed; and restarting event and alert analysis at the event analyzer using the next event received by the event analyzer after the identified last event.
US08880940B2
A method begins by a processing module receiving a data retrieval request and determining a read threshold number of dispersed storage (DS). The method continues with the processing module sending read request messages to DS units and receiving encoded data slices to produce received encoded data slices. The method continues with the processing module determining an incremental number of encoded data slices based on the number of received encoded data slices, determining an incremental number of DS units, and sending a read request message to each of the incremental number of DS units when the number of received encoded data slices compares unfavorably to a decode threshold number. The method continues with the processing module dispersed storage error decoding the received encoded data slices to produce data when the number of received encoded data slices compares favorably to the decode threshold number of encoded data slices.
US08880939B2
When a double failure occurs in a storage device storing a mutual conversion table such as a track management information table in thin provisioning, the storage address of the track within the storage subsystem cannot be specified and user data is lost. In order to solve the problem, the present invention provides a storage subsystem capable of recovering data by referring to a track address stored in an accessible track management information table or a user data section, renewing the damaged track management information table to restore the corresponding relationship between track management information tables, and enabling the user data to be accessed again.
