US09011907B2
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical or nutraceutical preparation comprising a) a core containing a pharmaceutically or nutraceutically active substance and a substance that acts in a modulatory manner with regard of the release of pharmaceutically or nutraceutically active substances; and b) a controlling layer surrounding the core comprising i) 55 to 92% by weight based on the total weight of (meth)acrylic copolymers present in the layer of one or a mixture of a plurality of (meth)acrylate copolymers composed of 80 to 98% by weight based on the weight of the (meth)acrylic copolymer of structural units derived from C1 to C4 alkyl esters of (meth)acrylic acid and 2 to 20% by weight based on the weight of the (meth)acrylic copolymer of structural units derived from (meth)acrylate monomers with a quaternary ammonium group in the alkyl radical; and ii) 8 to 45% by weight based on the total weight of (meth)acrylic copolymers present in the layer of one or a mixture of a plurality of (meth)acrylate copolymers composed of more than 5 to 59% by weight based on the weight of the copolymer of structural units derived from acrylic acid or methacrylic acid and to tablets or capsules comprising same.
US09011905B2
A method for effecting weight loss by administering a combination of topiramate and phentermine is provided. The phentermine is generally administered in immediate release form, in a daily dose in the range of 2 mg to 8 mg, in combination with a daily dose of topiramate selected to prevent the loss of effectiveness of phentermine alone. Methods for treating obesity, conditions associated with obesity, and other indications are also provided, as are compositions and dosage forms containing low doses of phentermine and topiramate, e.g., 3.75 mg phentermine and 23 mg topiramate.
US09011898B2
Composition for delivery of at least one active principle at the implantation site of an implant device, including: at least one active principle, and at least a first excipient combined with the at least one active principle, wherein the at least a first excipient is selected among fatty acids with a linear or branched, saturated chain, including a number of carbon atoms between 14 and 36.
US09011890B2
Antibacterial sol-gel coating solutions are used to form articles. The antibacterial sol-gel coating solution includes at least one Ti or Si-containing compound that is capable of hydrolyzing to form a base film; a regulating agent capable of regulating the hydrolysis rate of the Ti or Si-containing compounds, an organic solvent, water, and at least one soluble compound of an antibacterial metal, such as Ag, Cu, Mg, Zn, Sn, Fe, Co, Ni, or Ce.
US09011887B2
The present application relates to high efficiency particles and compositions, such as consumer products, comprising such high efficiency particles as well as processes for making and using such high efficiency particles and compositions comprising such high efficiency particles. Such high efficiency particles and compositions provide enhanced benefit agent delivery to a situs that is treated with such high efficiency particles and compositions.
US09011885B2
The use, as a dermatological or cosmetic medicament, of compounds capable of transiently interacting with the AhR receptor (aryl hydrocarbon receptor) as agents for modulating skin functions such as sebaceous function, skin healing, skin atrophy termed “dermatoporosis”, estrogen deprivation and defense against infection, without inducing other toxic effects of the TCDD type.The compounds that interact with the AhR receptor are chosen in that they have a metabolism favorable to the dissociation of these effects, in particular by virtue of in situ production from a precursor and/or metabolization modulated in situ.
US09011882B2
The present disclosure provides DDAH modulators. Thus, the present disclosure provides a method of treating a patient suffering from a disorder characterized by excessive NO production and/or elevated DDAH activity, the method comprising administering to said patient an effective amount of a compound of one of formulae I-X. The present disclosure also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of one of formulae I-X.
US09011875B2
The present invention relates to mosaic HIV-1 group M Gag sequences and to a composition comprising same.
US09011871B2
The present invention is drawn to multivalent Salmonella enterica serovar conjugate vaccines comprising conjugates of S. Typhimurium, S. Enteritidis, S. Choleraesuis, S. Typhi, S. Paratyphi A and optionally S. Paratyphi B, wherein the conjugates comprise a hapten antigen and a carrier antigen, wherein at least one of the hapten antigens or carrier antigens is characteristic of the Salmonella enterica serovar. The present invention also provides Salmonella enterica serovar reagent strains to produce the multivalent conjugate vaccines and attenuated Salmonella enterica serovars for use as vaccines.
US09011869B2
Two or more Neisserial proteins are joined such that they are translated as a single polypeptide chain. Hybrid proteins are represented by the formula NH2-A-[-X-L-]n-B—COOH where X is an amino acid sequence, L is an optional linker amino acid sequence, A is an optional N-terminal amino acid sequence, B is an optional C-terminal amino acid sequence, and n is an integer greater than I. Proteins where each of the n-X— moieties shares sequence identity to each other —X— moiety, the protein is a ‘tandem protein’.
US09011862B2
The present invention relates to a method for identifying an inhibitor of the aggregation of amyloid-β peptide (Aβ), comprising the steps of a) contacting at least one Aβ -peptide and/or the nitrated forms thereof with at least one candidate inhibitor that potentially specifically binds to a region in said Aβ -peptide capable of being nitrated, and b) detecting said inhibitor specifically binding to said region in said Aβ -peptide through detecting a lack of or a reduced aggregation of said at least one Aβ -peptide. The present invention is further directed at improved methods for treating neuronal degradation and particularly Alzheimer's disease, based on said inhibitor. The present invention is further directed at methods for diagnosing the aggregation of Aβ -peptide in the context of neuronal degradation and particularly Alzheimer's disease.
US09011857B2
The present invention provides methods and compositions useful in the treatment or prevention of Chlamydia infections and cancer. The methods and compositions inhibit the entry of Chlamydia into a host cell expressing EMP2 by interfering with the interaction between the Chlamydia and EMP2. The methods and compositions target cancers which express or overexpress EMP2 nucleic acids and polypeptides by targeting EMP2.
US09011841B2
The invention relates to a functional flour-based food composition, in particular baked products, and a method for the preparation thereof. Specific substances of vegetable origin principally containing policosanols, isoflavones and vegetable statins are added to the flour, or to the dough for preparing the aforesaid baked products. Further components can be added to the preparation in order to enhance the effectiveness and sensory qualities thereof. The functional food composition of the invention favors the re-balancing of cholesterol and triglyceride values.
US09011837B2
Endothelial implants restore vascular homeostasis after injury without reconstituting vascular architecture. Endothelial cells line the vascular epithelium and underlying vasa vasorum precluding distinction between cellular controls. Unlike blood vessels, the airway epithelium is highly differentiated and distinct from endothelial cells that line the bronchial vasa allowing investigation of the differential control tissue engineered cells may provide in airways and blood vessels. Through airway injury and cell culture models, tissue engineered implants of the bronchial epithelium and endothelium were found to promote synergistic repair of the airway through biochemical regulation of the airway microenvironment. While epithelial cells modulate local tissue composition and reaction, endothelial cells preserve the epithelium; together their relative impact was enhanced suggesting both cell types act synergistically for airway repair.
US09011827B2
A process for treating a keratinous substrate involving: (a) providing at least a first composition having a continuous phase whose major ingredient has a solubility parameter corresponding to δ; (b) providing at least a second composition having a continuous phase whose major ingredient has a solubility parameter corresponding to δ′; and (c) combining (a) and (b) prior to, or during, their application onto the keratinous substrate, and wherein the difference between δ and δ′ is greater than 12, and wherein the major ingredient is chosen from a hydrophilic polar material, an organic non-polar material and an inorganic non-polar material.
US09011826B2
A method for the preparation of a formulation including adding at least one substance of the general formula (I) wherein R1 is an unbranched or branched C9-alkyl radical to at least one component selected from the group of an emollient, emulsifier, surfactant, thickener, viscosity regulator, stabilizer, UV light protection filter, antioxidant, hydrotropic agent, filler, film-forming agent, pearlescent additive, deodorant active compound, antiperspirant active compound, insect repellent, self-tanning agent, preservative, conditioning agent, perfume, dyestuff, biogenic active compound, care additive, super-oiling agent, and solvent.
US09011825B2
Oral compositions containing a polyorganosilsesquioxane particle, preferably polymethylsilsesquioxane particles and an orally-acceptable carrier. Method of using such compositions for the cleaning and polishing of dental enamel, such methods including the step of applying such oral care compositions to the teeth of a user.
US09011813B2
A method for production of hydrogen from organic matter, includes: pyrolysis of a feed of organic matter by passing a gaseous treatment stream essentially having carbon dioxide through the organic matter, the pyrolysis producing, on the one hand, a pyrolysis gas stream having the gaseous treatment stream, steam and volatile organic compounds originating from the organic matter, and on the other hand pyrolysis chars having carbon components; oxycombustion of at least a proportion of the volatile organic compounds present in the pyrolysis gas stream, by injection of oxygen, upstream of a layer of redox filtering matter comprising high-temperature carbon components; and after the oxycombustion, passing the oxidized pyrolysis gas stream through the redox layer, the passage producing a synthesis gas stream comprising hydrogen obtained by deoxidation of steam by the high-temperature carbon components.
US09011811B2
A method of producing silicon carbide is provided. The method includes heating a cured product of a curable silicone composition in a non-oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature exceeding 1,500° C. but not more than 2,600° C. The method is capable of producing high-purity silicon carbide simply and at a high degree of productivity, and is capable of simply producing a silicon carbide molded item having a desired shape and dimensions.
US09011807B2
Described is a selective catalytic reduction catalyst comprising an iron-promoted 8-ring small pore molecular sieve. Systems and methods for using these iron-promoted 8-ring small molecular sieves as catalysts in a variety of processes such as abating pollutants in exhaust gases and conversion processes are also described.
US09011803B2
Methods and systems for producing silane that use electrolysis to regenerate reactive components therein are disclosed. The methods and systems may be substantially closed-loop with respect to halogen, an alkali or alkaline earth metal and/or hydrogen.
US09011790B2
A reactor for carrying out a three-phase reaction of a liquid phase, a gaseous phase, and a catalyst over a fixed catalyst bed is disclosed. The liquid and gaseous phases are passed through the reactor via a mixing and distribution device positioned over the fixed catalyst bed. The mixing and distribution device includes a trough distributor for the liquid phase, having trough-shaped channels, outlet tubes in the trough-shaped channels for the liquid phase, a distributor plate below the trough distributor, and vertical nozzles, having one or more openings for the gaseous phase and one or more openings, arranged below the openings for the gaseous phase. For entry of the liquid phase, the nozzles are installed so that, at a predetermined liquid feed rate, the surface of the liquid on the distributor plate is below the openings for the gaseous phase and above the openings for the liquid phase.
US09011785B2
A high-temperature-resistant component for an exhaust-gas treatment unit, an exhaust-gas treatment unit and a method for producing such a unit, include providing the component or the exhaust-gas treatment unit with a surface layer intended to prevent the formation of chromium carbide bridges during a brazing process for producing the exhaust-gas treatment unit.
US09011783B2
The invention relates to a catalyst for purifying the exhaust gases from diesel engines, in particular an oxidation catalyst which is particularly well suited for the purification of exhaust gases from heavy goods vehicles when further exhaust gas purification units such as a particle filter and/or a nitrogen oxide reduction catalyst are installed downstream thereof. The catalyst contains two catalytically active coatings which have different compositions and of which only one is in direct contact with the outflowing exhaust gas. The coating (1) which is in direct contact with the outflowing exhaust gas is platinum-rich and contains a total amount of noble metal (platinum and palladium) which is greater than that in the coating (2) which is not in direct contact with the outflowing exhaust gas. The platinum-rich coating (1) displays an extremely high oxidizing power, in particular in the NO oxidation, while the coating (2) which is not in direct contact with the outflowing exhaust gas ensures a good “heat-up performance” of the catalyst.
US09011780B1
A photocatalytic device comprising an ultraviolet light source and a plurality of multi-metallic photocatalytic structures, such as hydrated quad-metallic catalyst surfaces, is mounted on a mini-split system. The photocatalytic device has curved reflectors that are positioned to reflect ultraviolet light against a face of the photocatalytic structures. The photocatalytic device has an exhaust deflection shield that directs airflow toward an intake of the mini-split or PTAC system.
US09011776B2
A packaged device, wherein at least one sensitive portion of a chip is enclosed in a chamber formed by a package. The package has an air-permeable area having a plurality of holes and a liquid-repellent structure so as to enable passage of air between an external environment and the chamber and block the passage of liquids.
US09011774B2
Provided are a barcode nano-wire for decoding a hard magnetic segment by using highly sensitive magnetic sensors and a bio-sensing system using the barcode nano-wire. Integration of hard magnetic and non-magnetic segments produces the barcode nanowire and magnetic segments are detected using highly sensitive magnetoresistance sensors. The non-magnetic segment uses a non-magnetic material and a specific biomolecule for bioanalysis is immobilized at a specific portion of the barcode nano-wire. The hard magnetic material has an advantage of higher coercivity and high remanence magnetization, which is considered as an important parameter in selecting the material. The hard magnetic segments produce distinguishable strong stray fields for individually detecting segments using conventional magnetic sensors for multiplexed bioanalysis.
US09011766B2
A method for increasing the shelf life of donor blood contemplates the following steps. In the first step blood is transferred to a sterile container and mixed with an anticoagulant as indicated in step 20. The anticoagulant and donor blood are centrifuged in step 22 at about 4,000 rpm for about 15 minutes. After centrifuging the red blood cells are separated and placed in a sterile tube. In the next step the red blood cells are irradiated by a laser that emanates a wavelength of about 633 nm for a time period of about 24 hours. During rotation the RBCs are rotated to provide uniform exposure. Such laser biostimulation produces an enhancement of shelf life of donor blood by 66%.
US09011764B2
A nickel-chromium-cobalt-molybdenum alloy includes (in weight %) Cr 21-23%, Fe 0.05-1.5%, C 0.05-0.08%, Mn≦0.5%, Si≦0.25%, Co 11-13%, Cu≦0.15%, Mo 8.0-10.0%, Ti 0.3-0.5%, Al 0.8-1.3%, P<0.012%, S<0.008%, B>0.002-<0.006%, Nb>0-1%, N≦0.015%, Mg≦0.025%, Ca≦0.01%, V 0.005-0.6%, optionally W in contents between 0.02-max. 2%, Ni rest as well as smelting-related impurities, in the form of tubes, sheets, wire, bars, strips or forgings, wherein the alloy satisfies the following formula: X3=5−50, wherein X 3 = 100 * X 1 X 2 and X1=C+5N and X2=0.5Ti+Nb+0.5 V.
US09011759B2
Provided is a mobile workbench constructed so as to determine that an accident of some kind has occurred and to stop if the speed of the mobile workbench suddenly changes. A mobile workbench (A) travels on a material (Ca) to be processed and performs predetermined processing (welding) by using a processing tool (welding torch (B)) mounted thereon. The mobile workbench (A) comprises: a workbench main body (1); a plurality of wheels (4) which are provided on the workbench main body (1); a drive motor (3a) which drives the wheels (4); an acceleration sensor (10) which detects the acceleration acting on the workbench; and a control unit (12) which is constructed so as to determine that an abnormality has occurred and to stop the drive motor (3a) if a sudden change in speed is detected by the acceleration sensor (10).
US09011735B2
Compositions comprising nanosized objects (i.e., nanoparticles) in which at least one observable marker, such as a radioisotope or fluorophore, is incorporated within the nanosized object. The nanosized objects include, for example, metal or semi-metal oxide (e.g., silica), quantum dot, noble metal, magnetic metal oxide, organic polymer, metal salt, and core-shell nanoparticles, wherein the label is incorporated within the nanoparticle or selectively in a metal oxide shell of a core-shell nanoparticle. Methods of preparing the volume-labeled nanoparticles are also described.
US09011732B2
A conductive adhesive is provided useful for providing electrically conductive joints in joins between panels, particularly conductive carbon composite panels in a WESP, is prepared from a corrosion resistant resin and particulate carbon black which is uniformly dispersed in the resin.
US09011731B2
A method for preparing a negative electrode material of a lithium ion battery is provided. In the method, a solvent-thermal reaction of a graphite material and a modifier precursor in an organic solvent is conducted to form a reaction product. And then, the reaction product is dried. Next, a heat treatment is applied to the dried reaction product to obtain the negative electrode material. The negative electrode material prepared by the method has improved cycle stability and high current performance.
US09011726B2
Electrically conductive powder includes polyhedral large particles and flakey small particles. The aspect ratio of the small particles is not less than 3 and is at least 1.3 times greater than that of the large particles. The electrically conductive powder is surface treated with a fatty acid. The electrically conductive powder has good contact among the polyhedral large particles and the flakey small particles. An electrically conductive paste of the electrically conductive powder achieves excellent electrical and thermal conductivities because the particles are in contact not at points but through surfaces. The electrically conductive paste is capable of filling via-holes in a satisfactory manner.
US09011714B2
An object is to provide a novel liquid crystal composition that can be used for a variety of liquid crystal devices. Particularly, a novel liquid crystal composition is used to achieve a reduction in driving voltage of a liquid crystal element and a reduction in power consumption of a liquid crystal display device. The liquid crystal composition includes a polymerizable monomer represented by the general formula (G1), a nematic liquid crystal, and a chiral agent. In the general formula (G1), n and m are individually an integer from 1 to 20, and R1 and R2 individually represent hydrogen or a methyl group.
US09011700B2
Systems, devices, and methods for generating energized water molecules and administering same to a human or other biological subject. The system includes a humidifying apparatus, and excitation apparatus, and a control system. The system may further include a fluid management system to assist in the delivery of energized water molecules.
US09011699B2
Systems are provided with varying flow chamber configurations which acoustically agglomerate microorganisms such as algae for separation from a host fluid such as water. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.
US09011695B2
The invention relates to the field of producing polymer sorbents having magnetic properties, and can be used for removing petroleum products from a water surface. A magnetic porous sorbent for removing thin petroleum films from a water surface is proposed, said sorbent being produced on the basis of industrial synthetic divinyl rubber, as a result of the modification thereof by an oxidative chlorophosphorylation reaction with subsequent immobilization of magnetite FeO nanoparticles; and a method for producing a magnetic material is proposed, said method comprising the formation of FeO nanoparticles by an ion deposition method directly within a porous polymer matrix. The sorbent has a good sorption capacity in relation to thin petroleum films.
US09011694B2
The present invention refers to a method for the synthesis of an adsorbing material consisting of a single-phase tetravalent manganese feroxyhite (ō-Fe(1-x)MnxOOH), in which a percentage of 0.05 to 25% of iron atoms has been isomorphically substituted by Mn(IV) atoms. Its production takes place in a continuous two-stage flow reactor at weakly acidic conditions (pH 4-7) and high redox (300-800 mV). The material can be used for the removal of both pentavalent and trivalent arsenic as well as other heavy metals form water. More specifically, its adsorption capacity and selectivity depending on the trivalent and pentavalent arsenic water content, are determined by the manganese percentage and the compact or hollow morphology of its structural unit which can be both controlled by the parameters of the synthesis procedure.
US09011692B2
This application relates to processes for selectively removing anionic phosphate molecules from contaminated hydrocarbon oil using the ion exchange activity of acid activated clay. The methods are particularly applicable to the removal of volatile phosphates from hydrocarbons contaminated during fracturing operations.
US09011689B1
An artificial recharge system and method for recharging an aquifer. The artificial recharge system includes a constructed wetland, a settling pond, and a porous recharge reservoir. The constructed wetland receives water from a surface water source and has aquatic vegetation used to remove sediments and chemicals from the water. The settling pond receives the water from the constructed wetland and provides additional sediment removal. The porous recharge reservoir, which is hydraulically connected to the aquifer, receives the water from the settling pond. The water flows by gravity from the porous recharge reservoir to the aquifer. A backflush tube installed within a sand layer in the porous recharge reservoir is used to remove sediment and particulates from the sand layer.
US09011683B2
A filter cartridge is provided. The filter cartridge includes a first end plate connected to a first end of a filter media, a second end plate connected to a second end of the filter media and a centering device. The centering device is located towards the second end of the filter media for aligning a pin of the first end plate into a hole of a filter housing. The centering device also includes first ribs at first opposing ends of the centering device and second ribs at second opposing ends of the centering device, the first and second ribs protruding inwardly toward the center of a centering device hole. The length of the first ribs towards the center of the centering device hole and the length of the second ribs towards the center of the centering device hole are designed to align with a cross-sectional shape of the standpipe hole.
US09011677B2
The invention relates to a static decanter (D) for prethickening liquid sludge in a water treatment plant, in particular wastewater, comprising an inclined bottom (8), the decanter being provided with a liquid sludge supply pump (13), a device for injecting a polymer in the liquid sludge, an overspill discharge (23) and a pump (26) for extracting the prethickened sludge from the decanter. The decanter further includes a means for accelerating the sludge decantation, a means (M) for adjusting the concentration of suspended material in the prethickened sludge at the outlet, and capable of maintaining the concentration of the prethickened sludge extracted from the decanter at a substantially constant level despite the concentration variations at the inlet, and a means (M3) for adjusting the level of the sludge blanket (V) and capable of maintaining said level at the lowest possible level.
US09011666B2
A composition comprising a source of metal ions and at least one leveling agent obtainable by condensing at least one trialkanolamine of the general formula N(R1—OH)3 (Ia) and/or at least one dialkanolamine of the general formula R2—N(R1—OH)2 (Ib) to give a polyalkanolamine(II), wherein the R1 radicals are each independently selected from a divalent, linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon radical having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms, and the R2 radicals are each selected from hydrogen and linear or branched aliphatic, cycloaliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbon radicals having from 1 to 30 carbon atoms, or derivatives obtainable by alkoxylation, substitution or alkoxylation and substitution of said polyalkanolamine(II).
US09011652B2
A rotary sputtering target bonded to a backing tube such that the bonding material is applied only proximate the ends of the rotary sputtering target and is also between the target and the backing tube to form a gap between the rotary sputtering target and the backing tube and a device for bonding a rotary sputtering target to a backing tube.
US09011651B2
An apparatus for the electrolytic splitting of water into hydrogen and/or oxygen, the apparatus comprising: (i) at least one lithographically-patternable substrate having a surface; (ii) a plurality of microscaled catalytic electrodes embedded in said surface; (iii) at least one counter electrode in proximity to but not on said surface; (iv) means for collecting evolved hydrogen and/or oxygen gas; (v) electrical powering means for applying a voltage across said plurality of microscaled catalytic electrodes and said at least one counter electrode; and (vi) a container for holding an aqueous electrolyte and housing said plurality of microscaled catalytic electrodes and said at least one counter electrode. Electrolytic processes using the above electrolytic apparatus or functional mimics thereof are also described.
US09011642B2
A sheet-forming unit of a papermaking machine includes a headbox which outputs a suspension jet and an inner fabric and an outer fabric, which in each case form a loop. A forming element is arranged within the loop of the inner fabric and guide rolls and a white-water box are arranged within the loop of the outer fabric. The inner fabric and the outer fabric form a gap for receiving the suspension jet and jointly wrap around the forming element at least partially in a wraparound region. A machine-wide guide element is arranged in the wraparound region within the loop of the outer fabric and/or, in the region of at least one of the guide rolls of the outer fabric, a machine-wide guide apparatus is provided outside the chamber which is formed by the loop of the outer fabric.
US09011639B2
A method and system for cleaning lignin and other gums from lignocellulosic fiber is disclosed. Lignocellulosic fiber is rapidly depressurized to a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. The fiber is exposed to ionized air during the rapid depressurization. The fiber is then repressurized to a pressure equal to or greater than atmospheric pressure.
US09011637B2
A plasma processing apparatus and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device which can prevent a discharge from occurring between a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer or the like, and a base material of a lower electrode or a peripheral structure of the base material, and can improve yield and productivity. The plasma processing apparatus includes a processing chamber, a lower electrode, an upper electrode, and a plurality of lifter pins for supporting a substrate to be processed. Each of the lifter pins includes a pin body part and a lid part which is disposed on a top portion of the pin body part and has an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the pin body part. The lower electrode includes through-holes for lifter pins each of which includes a pin body receiving part, which has an inner diameter less than the outer diameter of the lid part and receives the pin body part, and a lid receiving part, which is formed in an upper portion of the pin body receiving part and receives the cover portion, and in which the lifter pins are disposed. In a state where the lifter pins are lowered, the lid part is received in the lid receiving part, and the upper portion of the pin body receiving part is blocked by the lid part.
US09011636B2
A controller 90 of an automatic matching unit includes a first and a second matching control unit 100, 102 for respectively variably controlling the electrostatic capacitances of a first and a second variable capacitors 80, 82 through a first and a second stepping motor 86, 88 such that a measured absolute value ZMm and a measured phase Zθm of a load impedance obtained by an impedance measuring unit 84 become close to a predetermined reference absolute value ZMs and a predetermined reference phase Zθs, respectively; and a gain control unit 112. The gain control unit 112 variably controls a proportional gain of at least one of the first and the second matching unit based on current electrostatic capacitances NC1 and NC2 of the first and the second variable capacitors 80, 82 obtained by a first and a second electrostatic capacitance monitoring unit 108, 110, respectively.
US09011635B2
A plasma processing apparatus includes: a first ground member provided in processing chamber in such a way that at least a portion of the first ground member is exposed to a processing space, wherein the first ground member forms a ground potential; a second ground member provided in an exhaust space of the processing chamber to face the first ground member in such a way that at least a portion of the second ground member is exposed to the exhaust space, wherein the second ground member forms a ground potential; and a ground rod that moves up and down between the first and second ground members and contacts any one of the first or second ground member to adjust a ground state of the first or second ground member.
US09011634B2
Provided are a plasma processing apparatus and a plasma processing method, by which plasma damage is reduced during processing. At the time of performing desired plasma processing to a substrate (5), a process chamber (2) is supplied with an inert gas for carrying in and out the substrate (5), pressure fluctuation in the process chamber (2) is adjusted to be within a prescribed range, and plasma (20) of the inert gas supplied in the process chamber (2) is generated. The density of the plasma (20) in the transfer area of the substrate (5) is reduced by controlling plasma power to be in a prescribed range, and the substrate (5) is carried in and out to and from a supporting table (4).
US09011633B2
A plasma generator system for reducing the effects of impedance mismatch. The system has a variable frequency source having an output for emitting an RF signal. A plasma chamber has an input for receiving the RF signal. The variable frequency source modulates at least one of the frequency and phase of the RF signal to improve the system tolerance of impedance mismatches between the output of the variable frequency source and the input of the plasma chamber.
US09011632B2
A support disk fixing apparatus which includes an upper surface to which a wafer is bonded, a lower surface, a cylindrical side surface between the upper surface and the lower surface, and a chamfered portion between the upper surface and the side surface, includes a base upon which the support disk is placed; and a fixture that is provided on the base, and that has a first surface that abuts against the side surface of the support disk and covers the side surface of the support disk, and a second surface that abuts against the chamfered portion of the support disk and covers the chamfered portion of the support disk.
US09011629B2
An adhesive for electronic components, including a curable compound, a curing agent, and an inorganic filler, wherein A1 and A2/A1 fall within a range surrounded by solid lines and a dashed line in Fig. 1A wherein a viscosity at 5 rpm measured at 25° C. using an E type viscometer is A1 (Pa·s) and a viscosity at 0.5 rpm measured at 25° C. using an E type viscometer is A2 (Pa·s), the range including values on the solid lines but not including values on the dashed line, and a blending amount of the curing agent is 5 to 150 parts by weight and a blending amount of the inorganic filler is 60 to 400 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the curable compound.
US09011627B2
A method is provided for making a high permittivity dielectric material for use in capacitors. Several high permittivity materials in an organic nonconductive media with enhanced properties and methods for making the same are disclosed. A general method for the formation of thin films of some particular dielectric material is disclosed, wherein organic polymers are utilized to produce low conductivity dielectric coatings. Additionally, a method whereby the formation of certain transition metal salts as salt or oxide matrices is demonstrated at low temperatures utilizing mild reducing agents. Further, a circuit structure and associated method of operation for the recovery and regeneration of the leakage current from the long-term storage capacitors is provided in order to enhance the manufacturing yield and utility performance of such devices.
US09011625B2
An elastic nonwoven composite that contains an elastic film laminated to one or more nonwoven web materials is provided. The composite is formed by passing the film through a nip to bond the film to the nonwoven web material(s). Concurrent with bond formation, apertures are also formed in the elastic film. The apertures are of a size sufficient to provide a desired level of texture, softness, hand feel, and/or aesthetic appeal to the composite without having a significant adverse effect on its elastic properties. Aperture and bond formation are accomplished in the present invention by selectively controlling certain parameters of the lamination process, such as film content, bonding pattern, degree of film tension, bonding conditions, etc.
US09011622B2
The present invention relates to a high-pressure tank made from fiber-reinforced plastic for, in particular, gaseous media, wherein, on its inner wall, the tank is equipped completely or partially with a substantially permeation-tight foil made of metal, wherein the metal has a high elastic range and a low thermal expansion coefficient, and the foil has a thickness of ≦0.5 mm. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing tanks of this type.
US09011619B2
Method of reinforcing a construction work comprising the successive steps of: applying a first layer on a surface of the construction work, the first layer comprising a curable polymer that, once it is cured, can be thermally activated for adhering to a thermoplastic material; curing said curable polymer; heating at least a surface of the first layer opposite said surface of the construction work, for thermal activation of the cured polymer; and applying a second layer over said surface of the first layer, the second layer comprising a composite including reinforcement fibers and a thermoplastic matrix, whereby the thermoplastic matrix and the thermally activated cured polymer adhere to each other.
US09011618B2
A method for adhesive application in vehicle construction during joining of joining partners which are subject to tolerances comprises the following steps: detecting the geometric data of the joining partners in an automated manner, detecting the joint gap dimensions of the joining partners from the detected geometric data, joining the joining partners in the joining position thereof, and applying the adhesive in the joint gap.
US09011615B2
Provided are a bake hardening steel having a crystalline grain size of ASTM No. 9 or more and a method for preparing the bake hardening steel by controlling the winding, rolling and cooling conditions. The bake hardening steel includes: C:0.0016˜0.0025%, Si:0.02% or less, P:0.01˜0.05%, S:0.01% or less, sol.Al:0.08˜0.12%, N:0.0025% or less, Ti:0.003% or less, Nb:0.003˜0.011%, Mo:0.01˜0.1%, B:0.0005˜0.0015% or less, balance Fe and other inevitable impurities, wherein % is weight %, and Mn and P satisfy the relation of −30(° C.)≧803P−24.4Mn−58.
US09011613B2
Illustrative embodiments provide systems, methods, apparatuses, and applications related to annealing nuclear fission reactor materials.
US09011605B2
There is provided a substrate cleaning method which optimizes the shape of a roll cleaning member and can efficiently clean a substrate surface with a high degree of cleaning and reduce the number of defects remaining on the substrate surface. The substrate cleaning method performs scrub cleaning of a surface of a substrate with a roll cleaning member, having a large number of nodules on the surface and extending linearly over approximately an entire length of a diameter of the substrate and which forms a cleaning area between it and the substrate surface, by bringing the nodules into contact with the substrate surface while rotating the roll cleaning member and the substrate each in one direction. During this scrub cleaning, the area of contact between the nodules and the substrate surface in the cleaning area is made smaller in a forward-direction cleaning area.
US09011602B2
An aspect of the present invention is drawn to a device for use with an electrostatic chuck having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface being separated from the bottom surface by a width, the electrostatic chuck additionally having a hole therein, the hole having a first width at the top surface and having a second width at the bottom surface, the first width being less than the second width, the top surface being capable of having wafer disposed thereon. The device includes a pin, a shaft, a neck portion and an outer housing portion. The pin has a pin width less than the first width. The shaft has a pin-holding portion, an end portion and a central portion disposed between the pin-holding portion and the end portion. The central portion has a first bearing portion. The outer housing portion has a first end and a second end and includes a second bearing portion. The shaft is disposed within the outer housing portion and is moveable relative to the outer housing portion. The neck portion is disposed at the first end. The second bearing portion is stationary relative to the neck portion. The first bearing portion is movable relative to the second bearing portion.
US09011594B1
A method for forming functionalized carbon black useful for uniform dispersion in a surface material of a printing system component includes providing carbon black; providing a fluoropolymer having a terminal amino group; and mixing the amino-terminated fluoropolymer and the carbon black, wherein the fluoropolymer is amino-terminated PDMS.
US09011592B2
A sol to form an inorganic-organic hybrid coating having a thick highly transparent hard coating is described. The hybrid coating is formed from a combined aqueous sol with least one hydrolyzable silane and at least one hydrolyzable metal oxide precursor where the only organic solvents present are those liberated upon hydrolysis of the silanes and metal oxide precursors. In one embodiment an inorganic-organic hybrid coating is formed by combination of a sol, prepared by the hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane and γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane with an excess of water, and a sol, prepared by the hydrolysis of titanium tetrabutoxide and γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane with a deficiency of water. A plastic substrate can be coated with the combined sol and the combined sol gelled to a thickness of at least 5 μm with heating to less than 150° C.
US09011591B2
Compositions for use in microelectronic applications: Ra comprises one or more multiple bonds, provided that, if Ra comprises more than one multiple bond, these multiple bonds are not in a conjugated configuration; and R1, R2, R3 are independently selected from alkoxyl, hydroxyl, halide, OC(O)R, OC(O)OR, wherein R is alkyl or a substituted alkyl; and Rb is selected from H or a saturated group comprising alkyl, alkylene, or alkylidene; and R4, R5, R6 are independently alkoxyl, hydroxyl, halide, OC(O)R, OC(O)OR, wherein R is alkyl or a substituted alkyl; and Rc comprises more than one multiple bond, and these multiple bonds are in a conjugated configuration; and R7, R8, R9 are independently alkoxyl, hydroxyl, halide, OC(O)R, OC(O)OR, wherein R is alkyl or a substituted alkyl; and R10, R11, R12, R13 are independently alkoxyl, hydroxyl, halide, OC(O)R, OC(O)OR, wherein R is alkyl or a substituted alkyl.
US09011583B2
An article comprising a plurality of intersecting walls having outer surfaces that define a plurality of cells extending from one end to a second end, wherein the walls forming each cell in a first subset of cells are covered by a barrier layer to form a plurality of heat exchange flow channels, and wherein the walls forming each cell in a second subset of cells different from the first subset of cells, comprise a CO2 sorbent and form reaction flow channels. Heat exchange flow channels allow quick and uniform heating and cooling of the sorbent body. The article may be useful, for example, for removing CO2 from a gas stream.
US09011582B2
Disclosed is an oxygen enrichment that can follow changes in adsorption performance in response to changes in the temperature of the usage environment and can reduce power consumption. The oxygen enrichment device has a purge step control means that controls a purge step time to increase/decrease the length of a purge step so as to maximize the oxygen concentration by changing opening/closing timing of a flow-channel switching means while the oxygen enrichment device is running.
US09011575B2
This invention proposes a method of removing pollutants from high temperature gases prior to their introduction in to a heat exchanger of a steam generating boiler within a power generation system. The method places a filter system (100) in a hot gas flow path upstream of a waste-heat boiler. The filter system has at least two banks of substantially hollow elongate filters (110), each of which filters particles from the gas flow as it flows from an external surface thereof to an internal surface thereof. Valves (104, 106) enable each bank of filters to be isolated from the hot gas flow path. The method included periodically isolating at least one bank of filters while passing hot gasses through at least another of the banks of filters, and cleaning the isolated bank of filters. After cleaning the filters (110) lime is injected into the flow path so that it coats the outer surface of the filters (110) to produce a loose lime coating thereon.
US09011570B2
Articles containing a matrix material and plurality of copper nanoparticles in the matrix material that have been at least partially fused together are described. The copper nanoparticles are less than about 20 nm in size. Copper nanoparticles of this size become fused together at temperatures and pressures that are much lower than that of bulk copper. In general, the fusion temperatures decrease with increasing applied pressure and lowering of the size of the copper nanoparticles. The size of the copper nanoparticles can be varied by adjusting reaction conditions including, for example, surfactant systems, addition rates, and temperatures. Copper nanoparticles that have been at least partially fused together can form a thermally conductive percolation pathway in the matrix material.
US09011548B2
A prosthetic joint assembly supports articulation of a joint. The joint assembly includes a first component configured to be fixed to an anatomical feature. The first component includes a first impact surface and a second component that engages the first component. The second component includes a second impact surface that impacts the first impact surface as the first component moves relative to the second component. Furthermore, at least one of the first impact surface and the second impact surface includes a dampening member that dampens energy resulting from impact of the first and second impact surfaces.
US09011543B2
Allogenic or xenogenic materials are used to provide intervertebral disc nucleus implants and/or annular plugs. The allogenic or xenogenic materials comprise natural disc annulus material, which may have a portion of the anterior longitudinal ligament attached. The tissue may be used “as is” without an additional core or covering, or it may be used in combination with other materials. The material may be rolled, folded, layered and/or sutured, stapled, or glued to provide a solid plug of natural biological material. The implant may be provided as a dehydrated, substantially rod-shaped segment having a diameter less than the diameter of the hydrated material, and may have one or more ends of the dehydrated rod terminate with a further reduced diameter portion, preferably a point.
US09011539B2
An intervertebral prosthesis implantable within a disc space and disposed between upper and lower vertebral endplates is provided. The prosthesis comprises a plurality of prosthesis modules insertable into the disc space, wherein the modules have at least one set of complementarily-shaped and sized surfaces, and wherein at least one of the modules is expandable. The modules have surfaces configured to engage within the disc space in a manner such that the modules form an assembled prosthesis of a size substantially preventing it from being outwardly expelled from the disc space, and the modules have bearing surfaces slidably engageable with the endplates to permit articulation between upper and lower vertebral endplates. In one embodiment, the at least one expandable module of the intervertebral prosthesis expands by inflation. In another embodiment, the at least one expandable module expands by unfolding into its intended form.
US09011520B2
Apparatus for use with an implant configured to be coupled to cardiac tissue of a patient, the apparatus including: a tissue anchor including: a distal tissue coupling element configured to couple the tissue anchor to the cardiac tissue of the patient, and a proximal implant-receiving element configured to receive at least a portion of the implant and facilitate coupling of the implant to the tissue anchor. The proximal implant-receiving element includes an implant-restraining element coupled to a portion of the implant-receiving element, the implant-restraining element being configured to restrain the implant from separating from the implant-receiving element. Other applications are also described.
US09011518B2
A stent for placement in a body lumen is fabricated by forming a tube having an un-deployed diameter sized for the tube to be placed on a deployment balloon and advanced through a body lumen to a deployment site. The tube is expandable upon inflation of the balloon to an enlarged diameter sized for the tube to be retained within the lumen at the site upon deflation and withdrawal of the balloon. The tube has a stent axis extending between first and second axial ends of the tube. The tube has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The tube is polished to polish the exterior surface to a smooth surface finish and with at least a portion of the interior surface having a rough surface finish rougher than the surface finish of the exterior surface.
US09011512B2
A low profile stent device consisting of a stent plus an optional covering is placed percutaneously into a blood vessel to provide vascular closure to a nearby large diameter arteriotomy site. A self-expanding stent device is mounted onto a balloon for postdilitation and is held in a small diameter configuration by an outer case. A balloon expandable stent device has hinge and strut features that provide it with crush resistance. The cone and sheath of the deliver catheter serves as a dilator and introducer sheath to assist in delivery. An attachable guidewire reduces profile by eliminating a guidewire lumen. A locator balloon placed through the large diameter arteriotomy introducer sheath assists positioning.
US09011511B2
Balloon catheters and stent delivery systems including bifurcated stent delivery systems are disclosed. An example bifurcated stent delivery system may include an elongate shaft including a proximal section, a midshaft section, and a distal section. The proximal section may include a tubular member having a plurality of slots formed therein. The slots may be arranged in one or more sections having differing slot densities. The midshaft section may include a guidewire port in fluid communication with a guidewire lumen formed in the shaft. A main branch balloon may be coupled to the shaft. A side branch balloon may be disposed adjacent to the main branch balloon. A stent may be disposed on the main branch balloon and on the side branch balloon.
US09011510B2
Method, device and system for modulating an activity of brown adipose tissue in a vertebrate subject
Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein for treatment of a disease, disorder, or condition in a vertebrate subject. A device is provided that includes one or more cooling elements configured to be applied to one or more tissues of a vertebrate subject to modulate at least one activity of brown adipose tissue of the vertebrate subject, wherein at least a portion of the one or more cooling elements is configured to be implantable, and a programmable controller configured to provide instructions to the one or more cooling elements in response to information regarding one or more physiological conditions of the vertebrate subject.
US09011505B2
The invention relates to a self-tapping and self-boring osteosynthesis screw for compressive orthopaedic surgery, characterised in that, in the bone engagement regions, at both the distal portion (A1a) and at the proximal portion (A2a), the sum of the angles defining the outer taper of the shank (f) and the taper of the crest line of the screw thread pitch (P) is higher than 45°, and in that the leading portion (i.e. the most distal one) of each thread includes a plurality of cutting edges (AR) obtained by stock removal.
US09011497B2
Methods and apparatus for connecting to a bone, which avoid the use of bone screws. A triangular shaped modular implant is used, with two sides of the structure and their respective vertex secured generally within the bone, with the base of the triangle outside the bone. These two arms, whether straight or arcuate, are cannulated, and are held together at their distal ends by a tightened cable that runs through both of the arms. The proximal ends of these arms are connected to a base side that completes the triangular structure. The device may be inserted into a vertebra and the base used for vertebral fusion. Alternatively, the arms themselves may be used to stabilize and fixate adjacent vertebrae, by insertion through adjacent vertebrae trans-segmentally. In the latter case, the vertex may be within the intervertebral space or within the vertebral body close to the intervertebral space.
US09011493B2
An implantable device includes a barrel. The barrel has a first portion and a second portion. The implantable device includes a first plate having multiple projections extending from one side of the first plate, where the first plate is configured to movably couple to the first portion of the barrel. The implantable device includes a second plate having multiple projections extending from one side of the second plate, where the second plate is configured to movably couple to the second portion of the barrel. The barrel is configured to transition from a collapsed form having a first height to an expanded form having a second height, where the second height is greater than the first height.
US09011492B2
A spinal joint distraction system is disclosed and may include a driver assembly with a tubular shaft, a pair of implant holder arms, an implant distractor, an internal actuator, and a distractor knob, the system also including a delivery device with a tubular shaft, a receiving assembly, and a pair of forks, where the delivery device is adapted for slidable insertion of the driver assembly, the system also including an implant, a chisel, and an injector. Several embodiments of an implant are disclosed as well a method of placing an implant.
US09011491B2
A spine prosthesis is provided and in particular, related to the facet joint of a spine. A spinal implant comprises a facet prosthesis including an insert to be positioned within a joint capsule between facets of a zygapophyseal joint. The insert may comprise a member having two opposing facet interfacing portions. A facet prosthesis exerts a distraction force between facets of a facet joint and may comprise a curable material to be injected into the facet joint. A facet prosthesis may also comprise a pair of magnets, each magnet coupled to a facet and oriented with like poles facing each other to provide a distracting force away from each other. A spine implant may also include an insert to be positioned within the joint capsule, a securing member comprising an elongate portion extending through part of a facet, and an anchor to anchor the securing member to the facet.
US09011489B2
In one embodiment, a medical device includes an elongate member configured to be inserted into a body. The elongate member has a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The elongate member includes a retaining member extending from the elongate member. The retaining member is configured to anchor the elongate member with respect to bodily tissue. The first end portion of the elongate member includes a coupling portion configured to be coupled to a filament. The second end portion of the elongate member includes a coupling portion configured to be coupled to the filament.
US09011481B2
An occlusion device and a method of occluding a body vessel with the occlusion device are provided. The occlusion device has a sleeve that extends from a first end to a second end. The sleeve has an interior that extends to an opening at the first end. The occlusion device has tentacles that are attached to the first end and extend away from the sleeve. The tentacles reverse direction and extend into the interior to occlude the interior in response to fluid flowing toward the opening. A frame is attached to the first end of the sleeve.
US09011475B1
A puncture apparatus includes a puncture needle for puncturing living body tissue, an axial portion, a puncture member including an interlock portion interlocking the puncture needle and the axial portion, an elongated urethral-insertion member insertable into the urethra, an elongated vaginal-insertion member insertable into the vagina; and a supporting member supporting the puncture member, the urethral-insertion member and the vaginal-insertion member. The distal end of the puncture needle includes a sharp needle tip, and the needle is bent in an arc shape centered on the axial portion. The axial portion is freely rotatable on the supporting member, and the supporting member restricts the positional relation between the puncture member and the urethral-insertion member such that when the puncture member rotates and punctures the living body tissue, the needle tip passes a far-position side from the center of the puncture needle compared with the urethral-insertion member or an extended line of such member.
US09011470B2
A toric axis marker has a handle, a coaxial tip, a head upon the tip, a dial axially above the head, and a marker head with two blades connecting to the dial. The dial and blades rotate simultaneously and concentrically upon the head. The head and its components have a central aperture for a surgeon to use in positioning the marker relative to the center of an eye. The marker head has its two blades upon a common diameter. The dial has two symmetric arcuate windows that reveal an angle scale. The marker body has an inwardly offset angle to the handle. Each blade has a blunt edge outwardly from the marker head and a slightly curved shape that conforms to the shape of an eyeball, proximate the cornea. With the blades positioned, a surgeon marks the cornea with an ink for incision locations.
US09011468B2
The invention provides devices, systems and methods for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites. The devices, systems and methods of the invention will find use in a variety of therapeutic procedures, including endovascular, minimally-invasive, and open surgical procedures, and can be used in various anatomical regions, including the abdomen, thorax, cardiovascular system, heart, intestinal tract, stomach, urinary tract, bladder, lung, and other organs, vessels, and tissues. The invention is particularly useful in those procedures requiring minimally-invasive or endovascular access to remote tissue locations, where the instruments utilized must negotiate long, narrow, and tortuous pathways to the treatment site. In addition, many of the devices and systems of the invention are adapted to be reversible and removable from the patient at any point without interference with or trauma to internal tissues.
US09011466B2
A bi-directional suture passing instrument configured to approach soft tissues perpendicularly, enables safer and more efficient surgical repairs and minimally invasive techniques to be employed, useful in areas such as annulus repair, meniscal repair, shoulder arthroscopy, hernia repair, laparoscopic repair, and wound closure.
US09011460B2
The foreign object extractor has an elongated hollow tube with a central lumen through its entire length providing fluid connection between an engaging end and a vacuum source. The engaging end has a nominally round transverse cross-section and is shaped to engage a foreign object to be removed from the human body. The engaging end flares so as to expose the internal surface of the elongated hollow tube for engagement with the foreign object. An adhesive is disposed on the exposed internal flared surface of the distal end. Pneumatic suction is applied through the lumen of the extractor and the suction serves to bring the foreign object into contact with the adhesive coated surface of the extractor to form a bond between the extractor and the object to be extracted.
US09011456B2
A patient-specific acetabular guide for use in orienting an acetabular component with respect to an acetabulum of a patient as part of a surgical procedure includes a body having a bottom contact surface that has a portion that is shaped and configured to initimately receive and interlockingly mate with an acetabular notch of the patient's acetabulum in accordance with a three-dimensional image of the acetabulum of the specific patient. The three-dimensional image can be in the form of a three-dimensional virtual model of the patient's acetabulum that is constructed at least in part on 3D image data of the pelvic region of the patient.
US09011437B2
A surgical instrument for supplying energy to tissue can comprise a jaw member comprising an electrode, wherein the electrode is configured to supply energy from a power source to captured tissue. The surgical instrument comprises a tissue-cutting element to transect the captured tissue. The surgical instrument may have a indicator to provide feedback signals during the operational stroke. The feedback signals assist in regulating the rate of distal translation of the tissue-cutting element.
US09011435B2
An electrosurgical vessel sealing instrument having a first and a second opposing jaw member at a distal end thereof, wherein each jaw member includes a jaw housing, an inner tissue engaging surface, and an insulating layer disposed therebetween. The instrument includes the ability to move the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue. The jaws include a tissue-contacting seal plate having obverse and reverse surfaces. A series of ribs extend from the reverse surface of the seal plate into an insulating layer, which, in turn, is affixed to a jaw housing. The ribbed structure of the seal plate reduces thermal spread and edge cutting during vessel sealing procedures, leading to improved surgical outcomes.
US09011428B2
An electrosurgical wand is described, for treating a target tissue using electrosurgical energy, which has an elongate shaft with a handle end and a distal end. A first active electrode surface is disposed on the distal end of the shaft and a first digester electrode surface is recessed away from the first active electrode surface and electrically connected with the first active electrode surface. An aspiration aperture is also disposed adjacent the first active electrode surface and fluidly connected with an aspiration lumen, wherein the first digester electrode surface is disposed within the aspiration lumen.
US09011422B2
According to some embodiments, a method of treating conditions affecting a liver of a subject is provided. The method may include delivering a neuromodulation catheter within a vessel (e.g., hepatic artery) having surrounding nerves that innervate the liver (e.g., sympathetic nerves of the hepatic plexus). The method may also include modulating (e.g., disrupting, ablating, stimulating) the nerves by mechanical compression, energy delivery, or fluid delivery.
US09011421B2
An energy-delivery device suitable for delivery of energy to tissue includes an antenna assembly, a chamber defined about the antenna assembly, and a cable having a proximal end suitable for connection to an electrosurgical energy source. The energy-delivery device also includes a flexible, fluid-cooled shaft coupled in fluid communication with the chamber. The flexible, fluid-cooled shaft is configured to contain a length of the cable therein and adapted to remove heat along the length of the cable during delivery of energy to the antenna assembly.
US09011420B2
A method of operating a medical system, including coupling a medical system to an outlet of a fluid distribution network having a plurality of fluid outlets in a patient treatment center; delivering fluid from the outlet to the medical system; compressing the delivered fluid with the medical system; decreasing the moisture content of the delivered fluid with the medical system; cooling the fluid with the medical system; delivering the fluid from the medical system to a medical device; and removing the fluid from medical device with the medical system.
US09011418B2
A system and method for determining an optimal position of an eye relative to an ophthalmic device are disclosed. One embodiment of the method includes receiving data comprising an image of a surface of an eye with the eye at a first position relative to an ophthalmic device. An edge feature in the image is located, and a sharpness calculation on the edge feature is performed using a predetermined algorithm to yield a sharpness value. The eye surface is then adjusted to a second position relative to the ophthalmic device, and the previous steps are repeated until the sharpness value is maximized, which is an indication that an optimal eye position has been achieved. An embodiment of the system includes a processor and a software package executable by the processor, the software package adapted to perform the calculations as above. Means are also provided for adjusting the eye surface to a second position relative to the ophthalmic device.
US09011415B2
A pivot port that can provide a pivot point for a surgical instrument. The pivot port may be held in a stationary position by a support arm assembly that is attached to a table. The pivot port may include either an adapter or a ball joint that can support the surgical instrument. The pivot port allows the instrument to pivot relative to a patient.
US09011411B2
Apparatus and methods for treatment of an internal cavity are provided. The internal cavity is coated with a treatment solution. The treatment solution can include a solidifiable matrix with or without a drug or combination of drugs incorporated therein, or a drug solution without a solidifiable matrix. The treatment solution is coated onto at least a portion of the internal cavity, and acts as a slow-release drug delivery system.
US09011406B2
A disposable diaper which can be used both as a tape-fastening type and an underpants type by joining the both side portions of the front body part and back body part respectively to thereby form joined portions on both sides along with a waist opening and a pair of right and left leg openings and in this diaper, perforated lines are formed on the both side portions of the front body part so as to extend from an edge of the waist opening to edges of the leg openings and at least one pair of fastening tapes having hook members on inner surfaces thereof and straddle the perforated lines.
US09011390B2
Methods and devices for micro-dosing a liquid are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, a method for a time controlled micro-dosing of a liquid from a liquid reservoir includes: receiving the liquid reservoir with a structure wherein the structure is portable; securing the liquid reservoir to the structure; connecting a second end of a drive unit to a piston disposed within the liquid reservoir; activating a drive motor; displacing the drive unit with respect to the structure towards the piston in an axial direction with the drive motor; moving the piston axially within the liquid reservoir; and micro-dosing the liquid from the liquid reservoir.
US09011387B2
The invention relates to a transmission arrangement for controlling a force of a translation, the transmission arrangement comprising a drive collar (13) connectable to a translative drive means (11) and prevented from rotating with respect to a ground (12) of the drive means (11), a flange face of the drive collar (13) bearing against a mating flange face of a friction collar (20), the friction collar (20) slidable in longitudinal direction and rotationally constrained by engagement in a cam track (12.3), another flange face of the friction collar (20) bearing against a mating flange face of a plunger (8), the plunger (8) slidable in longitudinal direction and prevented from rotating.
US09011382B2
An extravascular system for accessing the vasculature of a patient including a catheter having an interior surface, a needle disposed within the catheter, and/or a needle cap defining at least one capillary space and including a flexible seal surrounding the at least one capillary space. The flexible seal may engage the interior surface of the catheter. A method of controlling exposure to a liquid from an extravascular system including providing a wicking material positioned adjacent to a flow channel such that any fluid located external to the flow channel is retained by the wicking material. The wicking material may be incorporated into any extravascular system where exposure to liquids is undesirable.
US09011370B2
A valve for controlling delivery of fluid includes a valve seat comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a conical well having an opening, a beveled surface and a bottom, and a valve membrane comprising a conical portion having a base and a tip. The conical portion is configured to fit within the conical well of the valve seat. The valve membrane is configured to fluidly connect the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet when the valve membrane is in an undeformed position and fluidly disconnect the fluid inlet from the fluid outlet when the valve membrane is in a radially deformed position.
US09011351B2
[Issue] To provide a guidewire insertion aid which is very easy to operate because a lubricated guidewire can be easily fed out.[Means of Resolution] A guidewire insertion aid 11 according to the present invention is used for feeding out a guidewire 1 inserted in a housing 2 in order to insert said guidewire into the lumen of a piece of medical equipment. The insertion aid 11 comprises: a main body 21, a housing support part 22 and a guidewire support part 26. A sliding contact part 28 is disposed between the housing support part 22 and the guidewire support part 26. The sliding contact part 28 extends in the lengthwise direction of the main body and has a sliding contact surface 28 for the guidewire 1. A feed-out member 51 is provided on the main body 21 and has a water-retentive water-retention member 52. The feed-out member 51 is disposed with the water-retention member 52 side thereof facing towards the sliding contact surface 29. The feed-out member 51 can be displaced while the guidewire 1 is held between said feed-out member and the sliding contact part 28.
US09011350B2
An allergy testing system comprises a skin test device having a grip portion for holding the device. One or more legs extend from the grip, and each leg is oriented to interact with a well containing a potential allergen. Each leg has a test head, and each test head has a plurality of elongated spike members. The elongated spike members have a sharp end configured to receive the potential allergen from a well and to puncture a patient's skin. In addition, each test head has at least one touch activator. The touch activator is longer than the plurality of elongated spike members, such that during an allergy test, the touch activator comes into contact with the skin prior to the elongated spike members, causing the touch activators to activate nerve tissue that blocks transmission of pain, resulting in a reduction of pain and/or discomfort during testing.
US09011348B2
An air sampling apparatus is disclosed, including a closed loop system for extracting air to be sampled into an analysis device such as a gas chromatograph, which is further coupled to an output. The closed loop sample extraction method reduces contaminants that can otherwise be introduced into air samples.
US09011346B2
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a ballistocardiogram (BCG) sensor is used to detect heart and vascular characteristics of a user, and provide a BCG output indicative of the detected cardiovascular characteristics. The BCG output can be used for various purposes, such as detecting arterial aging. Secondary sensors can be used in conjunction with the BCG and can be used to determine the central arterial blood pressure, when used in conjunction with a peripheral blood pressure measurement.
US09011338B2
Gap filling is provided in spectral Doppler ultrasound. Due to the cyclical nature of the cardiac system, data likely to be similar to data that would have been acquired without interleaving is copied into the gap generated by interleaving. Acquired data associated with the gap, such as adjacent to the gap, is correlated with other acquired data. By identifying similar data, acquired data temporally related to the similar data as the gap associated data is temporally related to the gap is found. This found data is likely to be similar to data that would have been acquired during the gap. The gap is filled with a copy of this data.
US09011331B2
An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte. The analyte monitor may also be part of a drug delivery system to alter the level of the analyte based on the data obtained using the sensor.
US09011324B2
An access assembly is provided including a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end in mechanical cooperation with a foldable cap member having a first set of lumens extending the length of the tubular member. The access assembly also includes a first ring secured at the proximal end of the tubular member and a second ring secured at the distal end of the tubular member. The foldable cap member is configured to fold in at least one direction to expose a second set of lumens extending the length of the tubular member.
US09011323B2
A soft tissue retractor includes a retractor body and a proximal projection extends generally perpendicular to the proximal end of the retractor body. An illumination waveguide engages a slot in the retractor blade to provide illumination to a surgical site while maintaining total internal reflection in the waveguide. An illumination input is formed into the proximal end of the illumination waveguide for conducting light from a source to the illumination waveguide. The proximal projection is configured for application of counter traction without the need for squeezing the retractor body. The proximal projection may be weighted to balance the soft tissue retractor as well as enabling the retractor to provide counter traction by itself. The configuration of the proximal projection further enables self-retraction by including a flat foot to prevent rolling and sliding of the retractor when it is providing self-retraction.
US09011322B2
A laryngoscope includes an elongated blade body having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the blade body includes a plurality of arcuate slots therein. A movable tip extension is movably supported by the plurality of arcuate slots and movable in a forward and sideward direction beyond the distal end of the blade body. A guide member is attached to the movable tip extension for selectively moving the movable tip extension along the arcuate slots.
US09011320B2
A transluminal surgery kit and method of using the same. In one embodiment, the kit may include an endoscope, a surgical instrument, and an overtube. The surgical instrument may be an injection needle. The overtube, whose primary function is to provide a substantially sterile pathway for the surgical instrument, may include a tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end and a plurality of longitudinal bores. A film may cover the distal end of the tubular member. One of the bores may be appropriately dimensioned to coaxially receive the distal end of the endoscope, with the proximal end of the endoscope preferably not being inserted into the bore but extending proximally therefrom. A fastener for securing the tubular member to a lumen wall within a patient, together with a tool for inserting the fastener through the lumen wall, may be disposed within another one of the bores.
US09011311B2
The present disclosure provides a system for oxygenating blood. The system may include an implantable blood pump that may draw a supply of blood from the circulatory system of a mammalian subject, such as a human being. The blood pump may provide the supply of blood to an adaptor, where the supply of blood may be supplied to either or both of a first branch or second branch. The first branch may lead to an external blood oxygenator. The oxygenator may oxygenate the blood, and the blood may be returned to the circulatory system of the mammalian subject. The second branch may bypass the oxygenator and may connect to the circulatory system of the mammalian subject. In this regard, while the blood is supplied to the second branch, the oxygenator may be disconnected and blood may be prevented from entering the first branch.
US09011306B2
The semiconductive roller according to the present invention includes a nonporous roller body made of a rubber composition containing styrene-butadiene rubber and epichlorohydrin rubber as rubber components.
US09011300B2
Weighted and stackable exercise device includes a body defining a hollow cavity opening at a first edge thereof. The body has a side wall having at least one cut-out. An outwardly projecting rim is arranged on the tubular portion of the body. A handle is arranged in the cavity. The rim provides a first grip for a user during use of the exercise device and the handle provides a second grip for the user. By providing different grips on the same weighted exercise device, a user can safely and efficiently perform a larger variety of exercises in comparison to using conventionally shaped exercise devices that include only a single type of grip. The user can also pass their fingers and hand from an exterior of the device through each cut-out and over the rim to grip the device in another manner and perform even more and different exercises using the exercise device.
US09011299B2
A weight lifting system includes a handle unit having a handle bar, two head units attached to two end sections of the handle bar in a manner that allows the two head units to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the handle bar, two screw rods disposed through holes in the two head units into hollow sections in the handle bar, wherein the two screw rods have threads of opposite directions, two thread-engaging mechanisms fixedly disposed at the two end sections of the handle bar to fit snugly on the threads of the two screw rods, and a lock mechanism disposed in a head unit for controlling rotation of the handle bar; and a plurality pairs of weight discs, wherein each of the weight discs has a center hole configured to accommodate one of the two screw rods.
US09011296B2
An exercise apparatus comprises a frame having two parallel tracks, two platforms mounted on the first track by a sliding bearing, and two platforms mounted on the second track by a sliding bearing. The tracks are spaced apart a sufficient distance to permit the platforms on different tracks to move freely past each other. A transverse interlock allows selective connection of platforms on different tracks for movement together and a longitudinal interlock allows selective connection of platforms on the same track for movement together. The frame includes cross braces connecting the rails at their ends, and the rails, cross braces, and platforms all include connecting points for permitting the user to selectively connect to and between the frame and the platforms a variety of exercise accessories or appliances. The accessories can include elastic resistance bands, cord and pulley assemblies, handles, weights, and appliances for administering physical therapy.
US09011295B2
An aerobic step includes a body having a middle exercise area and four sides. A maximum height of the body is positioned in the middle exercise area. The middle exercise area has a domed shape and curves downwardly to the four sides. The four sides define two longitudinal sides and two transverse sides. The middle exercise area includes a layer of material co-molded with and supported by a main body portion which promotes gripping and non-slippage. The layer of material includes a pattern of grooves. Two handles are defined along a lower portion of the body in the form of cutouts. An edge material is co-molded with and positioned on the lower edge of the body for contacting the ground. The body has a convex upper surface, and a concave lower surface which promotes stacking for storage, or for adding additional height by nesting two or more steps together.
US09011292B2
A wearable device assembly has a housing supporting a controller, display and indicator system thereon. The controller has at least one sensor wherein activity of a user wearing the device is detected. The controller selectively illuminates the indicator system to indicate a level of activity of the user.
US09011275B2
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a golf ball having a single cover layer of heterogeneous composition. One embodiment of the invention describes a method wherein a core, comprising one or more layers, has pre-molded hemispherical cover cups placed about the core and each cover cup has at least two layers of distinct resinous materials, and the cover cups are heated and compressed such that the resinous materials in the cover cups intermingle with each other to form a single heterogeneous cover layer.
US09011270B2
An iron type golf club head includes a head main body, a toe-side weight member made of a metal material having specific gravity ρ2 larger than that of the head main body and disposed on a toe-side of the head main body, and a heel-side weight member made of a metal material having specific gravity ρ3 larger than that of the head main body and disposed on a heel-side of the head main body. The head main body includes a face main portion having a face to hit a golf ball, and a tubular hosel portion provided continuously on a heel-side of the face main portion and having a shaft inserting hole. A distance from the center of gravity Gt of the toe-side weight member to the center of gravity Gh of the heel-side weight member ranges from 50 to 120 mm.
US09011267B2
A golf club incorporating a stress reducing feature in contact with a shaft connection system socket. The location and size of the stress reducing feature and the shaft connection system socket, and their relationship to one another, selectively increase deflection of the face and maintain stability of the shaft connection system.
US09011264B2
A tiltable/adjustable golf practice device includes multiple height adjusters mounted on the respective corners of the teeing ground. By means of lifting or lowering the height adjusters, the teeing ground can be tilted to simulate the landform of a real golf course in accordance with the requirement of a user in practice. The tiltable/adjustable golf practice device is free from any electronic control or hydraulic device so that the manufacturing cost is greatly lowered. Also, a user can freely remove the tiltable/adjustable golf practice device so that the application of the tiltable/adjustable golf practice device is facilitated.
US09011261B2
A rotating water play device generally comprises a static shaft typically fixedly mounted to a ground surface and a platform mounted for rotation on the shaft. The platform allows at least one person to stand on it and impart a rotating motion thereto. The shaft is configured to be connected to a water source and comprises a hollow axial bore and at least one radial opening. The platform comprises a sleeve pivotally mounted to the shaft, the sleeve comprising at least one radial opening in fluid communication with at least one dispensing opening located on the platform, typically at the periphery thereof. The radial openings of the shaft and of the sleeve are configured to be in intermittent or continuous fluid communication, whereby water can flow through the shaft and then through the platform before exiting the platform.
US09011259B2
A people moving system having a people pod and a cable support system attached to the people pod. The cable support system supports the people pod in the air and includes cables that are each connected at one end to the people pod and each connected to their own respective motor/winch system at the other ends. A computer control system is in signal communication with the motor/winch systems and allows the same to move the people pod in three (3) dimensions.
US09011253B2
A gaming system and method which includes enabling a player to initiate a play of a game, for the initiated play of the game: (i) randomly generating a game outcome, (ii) displaying to the player the randomly generated game outcome, (iii) determining any award associated with the displayed game outcome, and (iv) displaying to the player any determined award, enabling the player to invite a quantity of other players to each initiate a play of at least one game, the quantity of other players being greater than zero, and if the player invited the quantity of other players, providing the player a benefit, an amount of the benefit being based on the quantity of other players invited.
US09011251B2
The present invention is directed to a gaming terminal and a method of playing a wagering game at a gaming terminal whereby multiple players make selections and accumulate bonus awards as the game is passed from one player to another. Play continues until a game-terminating object is selected. At that time, each player that participated in the wagering game receives his or her accumulated awards plus any awards won by subsequent players.
US09011250B2
A gaming system for enabling three-dimensional game play of remote-control craft controlled by a controller, each craft including a communication system with both radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) capabilities. The system can include a plurality of hovering remote-control flying craft each controlled by a handheld controller, and further may include at least one additional game accessory elements, such as a puck, a ground station or a gun. Each pairing of craft and controllers communicate via an RF protocol that transmits at least control communications between the controller and the craft based on pair identification information in an RF communication protocol. The craft and game-accessory elements also communicate via at least an IR protocol that communicates game-play information. Selectable pairs of craft and controllers may be assigned to different teams for playing multiplayer team games based on team identification information in the RF communication protocol.
US09011238B2
A system and a method of conducting games of chance with enhanced payouts based on a cash in or initial investment amount are described. In response to a player's initial investment or cash in amount, a payout schedule is selected. The larger the initial investment the better the selected payout schedule for the player. Live games of chance, games of chance facilitated by electronic gaming machines or devices and server-based games may utilize the method shown here. Players may also receive enhanced awards such as enhanced player points based on the amount of the initial investment, or based on other parameters and factors. Awards and bonuses may also be provided to players who exhaust an initial investment exceeding a threshold amount. Other different variations and combinations of the games and winnings are also explained in details.
US09011235B2
A multi-opportunity, risk vs. reward, playfield-style gaming platform grants players the ability to evaluate gaming situations and decide whether to risk current assets for greater rewards throughout the course of a game. Players have multiple opportunities to make risk versus reward decisions that ultimately affect the financial outcome of game play. Positive impact squares, negative impact squares and indifferent impact squares are assigned to the game playfield though the software platform based upon manufacturer and casino specified odds for each “Coin-In” credit level and value of game play. A status and information area legend is updated through the software platform and reports important game play information to players, allowing them to make more informed decisions throughout the course of their gaming experience.
US09011233B2
Examples disclosed herein relate to systems and methods, which may receive wagers on one or more paylines. The systems and methods may utilize one or more symbol positions which may provide additional gaming functionality. The systems and methods may determine one or more payouts based on the additional gaming functionality. The systems and methods may display one or more presentations based on the additional gaming functionality.
US09011224B1
A hand-held, cubic, transparent game system containing a cubiform array of individual LEDs arranged as a cubic matrix of rows and columns, an inclinometer, sound chip and speaker and a timer. Electronic control circuitry including a game-programmed processor is connected between the inclinometer and the LED array to control visible operating states of individual lamps in response to output signals from the inclinometer, according to rules of a game program. Sequential LEDs in a direction of inclination are momentarily flashed to define a traveling cursor. Turning the housing through 90 degrees transfers cursor between a row and a column.
US09011223B2
The present invention is a system for conducting a combat simulation game in which each player is outfitted with equipment enabling data concerning the game play ability of the player to be transmitted to a local server for use in computing a player performance data for individual players in comparison with all other players having data stored within the system. The equipment transmits various data to the server which is utilized by the server to update the player performance data in a real-time manner that can be accessed and viewed by other players from remote locations.
US09011212B2
Provided are a polishing pad which remedies the problem of scratches occurring when a conventional hard (dry) polishing pad is used, which is excellent in polishing rate and polishing uniformity, and which can be used for not only primary polishing but also finish polishing, and a manufacturing method therefor. The polishing pad is a polishing pad for polishing a semiconductor device, comprising a polishing layer having a polyurethane-polyurea resin foam containing substantially spherical cells, wherein the polyurethane-polyurea resin foam has a Young's modulus E in a range from 450 to 30000 kPa, and a density D in a range from 0.30 to 0.60 g/cm3.
US09011211B2
Disclosed herein is sandpaper that includes a first plurality of particles having a first grain size, the first plurality of particles having a first sanding surface covering a first area of the sandpaper. The sandpaper includes a second plurality of particles having a second grain size that is smaller than the first grain size, the second plurality of particles having a second sanding surface covering a second area of the sandpaper. Further, the sandpaper includes a bonding layer having a back surface located opposite the first sanding surface and second sanding surface and a buffer positioned to raise the second plurality of particles such that the first sanding surface and the second sanding surface of the sandpaper are substantially planar.
US09011206B2
The super abrasive wheel includes a core rotating around a rotation axis and a super abrasive layer bonded to the core. The core has a first surface and a second surface located opposite to the first surface. An annular first protrusion portion protruding in the direction away from the first surface is provided at a portion of the second surface that is surrounded with the super abrasive layer. A reference surface is provided in the second surface on the inside of the first protrusion portion. The height from the reference surface to the first protrusion portion is denoted as A. A top portion having the height B from the reference surface is provided at a portion of the second surface between the first protrusion portion and the super abrasive layer. The height B is greater than the height A.
US09011205B2
Titanium-containing articles having improved surface finishes and methods for changing the surface of titanium containing articles, for example by removing overstock, are provided. One example method includes passing a fluid at high pressure across a surface of an titanium aluminide alloy-containing article, for example, a turbine blade, at high linear speed and deforming the surface of the titanium aluminide alloy-containing article, and removing material from the surface of the titanium aluminide alloy-containing article. Though aspects of the invention can be used in fabricating high performance turbine blades, the methods disclosed can be applied to the treatment of any titanium-containing article for which it is difficult to obtain an improved surface finish.
US09011204B2
A waterjet system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a pressurizing device configured to pressurize a fluid, a cutting head downstream from the pressurizing device, and a catcher positioned to collect a jet from the cutting head. The system can further include a treatment assembly configured to treat a feed fluid to the pressurizing device and/or a byproduct fluid from the catcher, such as by removing submicron colloidal particles from the feed fluid and/or from the byproduct fluid. For example, the treatment assembly can include a coagulation unit, such as a chemical coagulation unit or an electrocoagulation unit, configured to coagulate the submicron colloidal particles. The pressurizing device, the cutting head, and the treatment assembly can be at different respective portions of a fluid-recycling loop.
US09011202B2
A method of controlling a polishing operation includes obtaining a sequence over time of measured spectra with an in-situ optical monitoring system during polishing. For each measured spectrum from the sequence an optical model is fit. The optical model includes dimensions of a repeating structure and the fitting includes calculating a output spectrum using diffraction effects of the repeating structure, and parameters of the optical model include an endpoint parameter and a parameter of the repeating structure. The fitting generates the sequence of fitted endpoint parameter values, and at least one of a polishing endpoint or an adjustment of a pressure to the substrate is determined from the sequence of fitted endpoint parameter values.
US09011191B2
A board including a contact section, and a first step section which is at a different height from the contact section so that it does not make contact with a substantially level water surface when the board is at rest on the top of the substantially level water surface. The board further including a first hydrofoil fixed to the first step section. The first hydrofoil includes a keel and the first hydrofoil is fixed the first step section so that the keel is substantially perpendicular to the board. The first hydrofoil includes a wing which is fixed to and substantially perpendicular to the keel of the first hydrofoil. The wing is angled relative to the first step section from zero degrees to ninety degrees. The board may include a second step section and a second hydrofoil, which may be fixed to the second step section.
US09011188B2
In a connection structure of a terminal (10), a distal end of the electric wire (W) is inserted into the electric wire connection part (12) of the terminal (10) and a conductor (Wa) and a portion of an insulating sheath (Wb) of the electric wire (W) are placed on an upper surface of the base plate parts (21, 23) and the conductor (Wa) is bonded to the base plate parts (21, 23) by welding in that state, a portion of at least the conductor (Wa) of the distal end of the electric wire (W) inserted into the electric wire connection part (12) is covered with a metallic cover member (30) and the conductor (Wa) is bonded to the base plate parts (21, 23) together with the cover member (30) by welding.
US09011186B2
The invention relates to an electrical terminal element comprising a base element with at least one terminal section and at least one socket section which has at least one contact arm for contacting a plug-in contact which can be introduced into the socket section. In a contact region in which contacting of the inserted plug-in contact takes place, the contact arm is divided into at least two partial contacts. Also, the electrical terminal element comprises an additional spring which surrounds the base element in the region of the socket section and which has at least one additional spring arm which at least in the contact region cooperates with the contact arm, so that the latter can be deflected against a return force of the additional spring arm.
US09011176B2
Circuits, methods, and apparatus that may provide a separation between a signal ground and an enclosure ground such that EMI and ESD circuits are not bypassed. One example may provide a connector receptacle having fingers for contacting a device enclosure, where the fingers are not directly electrically connected to a shell of the connector receptacle. These fingers may be isolated from the shell along a top-side by an electrically insulating layer. These fingers may be further insulated from the shell along a back side by a nonconductive piece or portion of a housing.
US09011174B2
A connector is provided which can prevent damage to cables, and hold and waterproof the ends of the cables. A connector has accommodating parts which accommodate the ends of cables where connection terminals are provided. The ends of the cables are held by elastic holding members which are filled and solidified in the accommodating parts, and cable protecting projections which are projected with an arc shaped cross section towards the cables are formed at the edges of walls which form the accommodating parts at the outlet sides of the cables.
US09011163B2
An annular contact is enabled to be firmly retained by an insulating housing without affecting the mating force or removing force between there and a matching connector with a simple configuration. Divided end parts of the annular contact attached to the insulating housing are provided with contact retaining parts that abut part of the insulating housing and retain the annular contact at the insulating housing when removal with respect to the matching connector is carried out, so that the shapes and sizes of the contact retaining parts are not affected by elastic force of the annular contact, in other words, mating force or removing force with respect to the matching connector almost at all to facilitate adjustment of the mating force or removing force between there and the matching connector.
US09011156B2
The present invention relates to a mobile training device having bi-directional, variable resistive forces for training a baseball swing and other sports involving weight transfer and hip rotation.
US09011152B2
An aircraft control system for a user of a simulated aircraft. The system includes input devices for controlling the simulated aircraft, a video display having three-dimensional graphics, modeling software for determining position and orientation information based on desired direction of flight obtained through the input devices. User controls desired direction of flight through the input devices, thus controlling aircraft. The aircraft control system may be embodied as a flight game.
US09011151B1
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system for simulating firing a gun comprises a firing system and a transmitting system coupled to the firing system. The firing system fires a cartridge and comprises a chamber and a hammer. The chamber receives and holds the cartridge, and the hammer strikes the cartridge. The transmitting system detects movement of the hammer and transmits simulation data prior to the hammer striking the cartridge.
US09011149B2
Systems and methods are disclosed to prevent interference between two physical tooth models in a physical dental arch model by acquiring the coordinates of a plurality of points on the surfaces of each of the two physical tooth models and digitally representing the surfaces of each of the two physical tooth models by a mesh of points in three dimensions using the acquired coordinates. The meshes representing the surfaces of the two physical tooth models intersect at least at one point to form an overlapping portion. The method also includes calculating the depth of the overlapping portion between the two meshes to quantify the interference of the two physical tooth models.
US09011146B2
The present invention is a surgical guide for guiding the insertion of a dental implant into a desired location in a patient's mouth. The implant includes a non-rotational structure. The surgical guide includes a structure and a master tube. The structure has a negative impression surface to be fitted on and placed over gingival tissue, bone, and/or teeth in the patient's mouth. The structure includes an opening through which the dental implant is placed. The master tube is located at the opening. The master tube includes indicia for alignment with the non-rotational structure on the implant such that the non-rotational structure of the implant is at a known angular orientation with respect to the master tube. The present invention includes kits of various components used with the surgical guide and with the dental surgery using the surgical guide.
US09011140B2
A remotely actuated pilot gas valve includes safe lighting and complete shutoff capabilities in the event that the flame that is heating a thermocouple is extinguished. The invention provides for a heater system that utilizes such a pilot gas valve as well as a method whereby the pilot gas valve used in such a system can be remotely and electronically actuated when required. Remote actuation is accomplished by use of a solenoid that is incorporated within the valve design and which is controlled by a remote operator.
US09011139B2
A mold-tool system (100), comprising: a nozzle position-adjustment assembly (104) being configured to selectively adjust position of a nozzle assembly (102) between: (i) a nozzle-loaded position, and (ii) a nozzle-unloaded position.
US09011137B2
A mold and method for making a hollow core concrete block. The mold has two opposing side walls; a bottom wall; a front wall; a top side with an opening through which the block can be removed from the mold; a cover, and a rear side through which liquid, such as concrete, can be poured into the mold. Extending from the two side walls are a pair of trunnions about which the mold is rotatable, such that when the mold is suspended by the trunnions and the mold is empty, gravity rotates the mold from a block-removal orientation in which the top side faces upwards to a mold-filling orientation in which the rear side faces upwards. The trunnions are also positioned such that when the mold is filled with the liquid, gravity rotates the mold from the mold-filling orientation to the block-removal orientation.
US09011132B1
An ejecting mechanism of a cutting device includes a base, a moving plate, guide columns and elastic elements. The cutting device includes a power module, a knife mold and a cutting mold. The power module is coupled to the knife mold; the knife mold has blade portions; the cutting mold includes at least one mold cavity corresponsive to the blade portions for cutting an end product and a connecting portion of a blank. The base is fixed in the mold cavity; the guide columns and elastic elements are included between the moving plate and the base; at least one supporting portion is provided at the periphery of the moving plate corresponsive to the end product; and the elastic elements heighten the moving plate to latch the end product into the knife mold and allow the moving plate to move with the knife mold for automated production.
US09011131B2
An extruder screw that enables mixing of viscous materials, such as rubber mixtures and thermoplastic materials, is disclosed. The screw includes a core extending from a sealing end to a nose cone end. At least one flight extends radially from the core in a quasi-helical pattern, wherein flights adjacent one another form channels therebetween. A plurality of elongate lugs extend radially from the core and are disposed in the channels. The shape as well as the number of lugs can be varied to ensure the requirements for a thorough and turbulent deflection and mixing of the material stream.
US09011122B2
There is provided a stator seal structure in a uniaxial eccentric screw pump by which the abrasion resistance of sealing mechanisms is improved and the pumped fluid can be prevented from stagnating in the sealing mechanisms. The stator seal structure is provided with a pair of sealing mechanisms for sealing between a housing and an intake side end portion, and between the housing and a discharge side end portion of the stator. The pair of sealing mechanisms is provided with ring-shaped secured rings respectively secured to the housing. The secured rings are respectively attached with elastic bodies for ensuring contact pressures between the sliding seal surface of the stator and the sliding seal surface of the secured rings with the elastic forces of the elastic bodies and for sealing between the secured rings and the housing.
US09011118B2
An air compressor with enhanced air compressing effect comprises a mounting chassis with a coupling aperture, a piston having a piston rod with a crankpin linking bore and a piston head with an air acting face, a cylinder having an air chamber with an inner top wall, and a driving mechanism including a motor having a shaft and a rotational crank cam with an eccentric crankpin. The coupling aperture on the mounting chassis is bias disposed relative to the axial line of the cylinder. Both of the air acting face on piston head and inner top wall in cylinder are configured into corresponding slant planar surface. The eccentric crankpin on the crank cam pivotally links the crankpin linking bore on the piston rod of the piston so that rotary motion of the crank cam is converted into linear reciprocating motion. Thus, air compressing effect is substantially enhanced.
US09011116B2
A device for blowing air by a nozzle assembly includes a base seat for generating an air stream to supply air flow and a nozzle assembly supported by the base seat and comprising a slot-shaped opening for blowing air. An airflow passage is connected between the base seat and the nozzle assembly. An intake end of the airflow passage is opened on the outer surface of the base seat, and an output end is connected to the nozzle assembly by a pivot component. An intake end of the nozzle assembly is connected to an output end of the base seat by the pivot component. An impeller and an electric motor for driving the impeller to rotate are provided within the base seat. The nozzle assembly is rotatably fixed on the base seat by the pivot component.
US09011114B2
This disclosure relates to medical fluid delivery sets and related systems and methods. In some aspects of the invention, a medical fluid cassette includes a plunger slidably disposed within a recess of a base of the cassette such that a substantially liquid-tight seal is maintained between the plunger and the base as the plunger slides axially within the recess. The plunger and the base cooperate to at least partially define a fluid pump chamber. When the plunger is displaced in a first direction, fluid is forced out of the fluid pump chamber, and when the plunger is displaced in a second direction, fluid is drawn into the fluid pump chamber.
US09011109B2
In a swash plate type variable capacity compressor that changes a stroke of a piston by controlling the pressure of a crank chamber (6), lubrication oil contained in refrigerant gas is maximally prevented from being circulated outside the compressor. Some of discharged refrigerant gas in a discharge chamber (22) flows into the crank chamber (6) through a communication passage (25) (25a and 25b) and a control valve (27), while some of the discharged refrigerant gas flows out to a suction chamber (21) from the crank chamber (6) through a second communication passage (26) and an orifice (28), and the pressure of the crank chamber (6) is controlled through a balance between an inflow amount and an outflow amount. Oil storage chamber (30) extends downstream of the control valve (27) on the first communication passage (25) to separate oil and store the separated oil. Oil return passage (31) returns the oil stored in the oil storage chamber (30) to the crank chamber (6).
US09011100B2
A marine vessel propeller comprising an even number of blades such as 4, 6, 8, which can be mounted or demounted to a hub made of two parts each having the half of the blades. The blades can be rigidly connected to each other by means of connecting members.
US09011088B2
A propeller nozzle for watercraft includes a stationary propeller and a nozzle ring that shrouds the propeller and can be pivoted by means of a nozzle shaft. The nozzle shaft is provided in the form of a hollow body in order to achieve a constructively simple and simultaneously stable connection between the nozzle shaft and the nozzle ring.
US09011077B2
An airfoil in a gas turbine engine includes an outer wall and an inner wall. The outer wall includes a leading edge, a trailing edge opposed from the leading edge in a chordal direction, a pressure side, and a suction side. The inner wall is coupled to the outer wall at a single chordal location and includes portions spaced from the pressure and suction sides of the outer wall so as to form first and second gaps between the inner wall and the respective pressure and suction sides. The inner wall defines a chamber therein and includes openings that provide fluid communication between the respective gaps and the chamber. The gaps receive cooling fluid that provides cooling to the outer wall as it flows through the gaps. The cooling fluid, after traversing at least substantial portions of the gaps, passes into the chamber through the openings in the inner wall.
US09011071B2
Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for use thereof for loading bulk material into freight containers. One apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a ram. The ram comprises a plate and a driver configured to move the plate from a back end of the hopper to an open end of the hopper to expel material into a container. Another apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a reciprocating conveyor floor system. Optionally, the apparatuses further include a stand and/or collapsible legs to further support the hopper.
US09011067B1
A system and method for deploying, extracting, and storing vehicles. The system and method provide for implementation of at least one primary storage module, and optionally, one or more secondary storage modules. Each module includes a clamp dog and tiltable tray which has a pair of clamping arms. The system and method provide for clamp down and vertical stowage of vehicles. When more than one module is implemented, the modules are serially connected together to provide for vertical stowage of multiple vehicles, with one or no vehicle in each module.
US09011066B2
The invention relates to a coverslipping module for mounting coverslips onto specimen slides (12) for microscopic investigations, having a transport apparatus (9) for transporting a specimen slide (12) out of a rack (3) or a specimen slide holder to a coverslipping position (13) in which the specimen slide (12) is equipped with a coverslip, and having an alignment device for aligning the specimen slide (12) in the coverslipping position (13) for mounting the coverslip. In order to allow the specimen slide (12) to be reliably and quickly aligned for mounting of the coverslips, thereby ensuring a high level of process dependability with a short processing time, the alignment device are constituted by multiple movable orientation jaws (18) which are arranged so that by closure of the orientation jaws (18), the specimen slide (12) becomes aligned in the coverslipping position (13).
US09011061B2
A holding dowel (10) for fastening a fastening means to a component (22), in particular to a vehicle body part, is adapted to be inserted into and arrested in an opening (20) of the component (22) and has a mount (26) for the fastening means. The holding dowel (10) has a base body (12) made from a hard material, which protrudes into the opening (20) and is adapted to fix the holding dowel (10) in place in the opening (20), and further has a sealing member (18) made from a flexible plastic material, which includes a surrounding sealing lip (38). In the installed condition of the holding dowel (10), the sealing lip (38) rests against the component (22) and seals the opening (20) of the component (22). The sealing member (18) is produced at least partly from a material which under the influence of heat establishes a substance-to-substance bond with the component (22).
US09011057B2
The blind rivet for fastening together a plurality of mounted components with mounting holes comprises a rivet body having a sleeve, a flange and a through hole; a mandrel having a slender stem and a head; and a washer. The head of the mandrel is adjacent to the sleeve-side end portion of the rivet body, the stem of the mandrel extends through the rivet body from the flange-side end portion, and the washer is mounted near the flange on the outer periphery of the sleeve of the rivet body. A portion of the outer peripheral surface of the sleeve adjacent to the flange is swaged to form a recessed portion so that the diameter in the other position is enlarged. The washer is pushed onto the enlarged-diameter portion and secured. The mounted components are fastened together between the enlarged end portion of the sleeve and the washer.
US09011047B2
Disclosed herein is supporting structure for an offshore wind power generator. The supporting structure includes lower support part and main body part. The lower support part includes lower concrete part which is provided on a base installed on the sea floor and is reduced in width from the bottom thereto to the top, at least one lower hollow space which is formed in the lower concrete part, and a lower inner-pipe which is attached to the inner surface of the lower hollow space. The main body part is coupled to an upper end of the lower support part. The main body part includes a main-body concrete part, at least one main-body hollow space which is formed in the main-body concrete part and communicates with the lower hollow space, and a main-body inner-pipe which is attached to a circumferential inner surface of the main-body hollow space.
US09011046B2
A mooring leg connector for use with a mooring leg (3) that has an upper portion with an axis, where the mooring leg (3) extends up from the sea floor, to connect a floating body (1) to the seabed. The mooring leg connector includes one part (20) fixed with regard to the floating body (1) and another part (30) which is movable with regard to the fixed part (20) from a first position to a second position. An offshore construction including such a mooring leg connector and a method to retract such a mooring leg connector when disconnected, are also described.
US09011043B2
A method for designing and fabricating a mine seal includes determining an initial thickness for a mine seal based on a predetermined underground opening, developing and solving a numerical model for response of the mine seal upon application of a blasting pressure, and determining whether the mine seal meets predetermined design criteria. A mine seal having a minimum seal thickness may be fabricated after determining the mine seal meets the predetermined design criteria.
US09011042B2
To prevent a door body from shaking significantly when it rises. A floating body flap gate is provided which is disposed on a roadway surface in an opening; and causes a door body to rise to block the opening when water is trying to flow in from the opening by using a water pressure of the water which is trying to flow in and a buoyancy of the door body. The door body is formed with three door body blocks, which are separated in the vertical direction. These door body blocks which are separated in the vertical direction, are connected by rotation mechanisms for rotation at a specified angle within a vertical plane in a direction in which the water is trying to flow in from the opening. The door body is not subject to significant shaking, regardless of the water level at which the water tries to flow in from the opening.
US09011036B2
A method for installing a paver system includes positioning a first grid substrate adjacent to a second grid substrate, the first and second grid substrates form a paver support surface. At least the first grid substrate includes an integrated boundary ridge extending along the first paver support surface. The first grid substrate is interlocked with the second grid substrate with a first paver piece bridging the first and second grid substrates to form a paver linkage. Movement of at least the first paver piece is arrested beyond the integrated boundary ridge by directly or indirectly engaging at least the first paver piece against the integrated boundary ridge. In another example, movement of the first paver piece is arrested by anchoring at least the first paver piece on the first and second paver support surfaces through distribution of forces incident on at least the first paver piece through the paver linkage.
US09011035B2
A system and method are provided for coupling a manhole cover to an underground utility box to support the manhole cover substantially flush with a ground surface such as a roadway. A holder couples to an underground utility box and includes upper and lower ends and a channel extending therebetween, and a support structure extending into the channel and defining an upwardly facing support surface. An adjustment member for coupling to a manhole cover is inserted within the channel, and includes upper and lower ends, and a passageway extending therebetween and communicating with the channel. The adjustment member is movably receivable within the channel to be seated on the support surface, and to define an adjustment space between the adjustment member and the holder. The adjustment member may thus be adjusted for accommodating a slope and elevation of a ground surface, and sealed with the holder after adjustment.
US09011034B2
Disclosed is a seam clamp for securing equipment, such as solar PV panels, to standing roofs. The seam clamp includes an outer clamp member, an outer support member, and an inner clamp member. The inner clamp member and outer clamp member both include a clamping jaw projecting inward toward each other. The inner clamping member movably attached to the outer support member allowing the clamping jaws to engage and secure a standing seam. For ease of assembly, the outer clamp member and outer support member are slideably engaged and can be optionally captively slideably engaged. The seam clamp can be configured to accommodate different standing seam shapes by substituting alternative outer clamp members.
US09011031B2
A plurality of multi-applicator tools are provided, including tools which include magnetically attachable and detachable application brushes or the like. Some embodiments include a linear arrangement of brushes in a generally elongate tool configuration. Other embodiments include a central base into which application brushes fit within. Various appearances are likewise provided.
US09011029B2
The ribbon winding unit is equipped with a first moving gear, a second moving gear, a first intermediate gear, a tumbler gear, and a winding member. The first intermediate gear engages with the first moving gear when the first moving gear and the second moving gear move in a given direction, and disengages from the first moving gear when the first moving gear and the second moving gear move in an opposite direction. The tumbler gear engages with the first intermediate gear, engages with the second moving gear when the first moving gear and the second moving gear move in the opposite direction, and disengages from the second moving gear when the first moving gear and the second moving gear move in the given direction.
US09011023B2
The present invention relates to an improved installation for conveying electrical signals carried by a first triaxial cable (2) to a second triaxial cable (6) and vice versa. It comprises: a first interface (3) between the first triaxial cable (2) and a fiber optic cable (4) and a second interface (5) between the fiber optic cable (4) and the second triaxial cable (6). A television camera (7) is connected to a remote camera control unit (1) via this installation. The first triaxial cable (2) connects the camera control unit (1) with the first interface (3). The first interface (3) comprises a first adapter converting electrical signals, conveyed by the first triaxial cable (2), to optical signals. The fiber optic cable (4) transmits optical signals to the second interface (5). The second interface (5) comprises a second adapter converting optical signals to electrical signals. The second triaxial cable (6) transmits the electrical signals to the television camera (7). A mirror image of the adapters allows transmitting electrical signals from the camera (7) to the camera control unit (1). The interfaces comprise A/D converters and D/A converters respectively adapted to convert analog signals from the triaxial cable into digital optical signal to be launched into the fiber and digital optical signals into analog electrical signals.
US09011017B2
A radial rolling bearing (10) with rolling bodies (24) which are received in at least one cage (26, 28) and which are arranged between an inner ring (20) and an outer ring (22). The radial rolling bearing (12) is radially separable, and the radially multipart inner ring (20) can be fixed on a shaft (16) using two clamping rings (36, 38) which are attached to the axial ends of said inner ring. The inner ring (20) is designed without rims on the axially outer sides, and the clamping rings (36, 38) take on the function of inner ring rims, the rolling bodies (24) running against inner run-on surfaces (50) of the clamping rings (36, 38) in the axial direction. On the basis of the at least partial positioning of the clamping rings (36, 38) axially below the cages (26, 28) or the outer ring (22), the clamping rings (36, 38) take on two additional functions in addition to the actual clamping ring main function of fixing the inner ring (20) on the shaft (16). Firstly, the clamping rings (36, 38) form a cage guide in the radial direction, and secondly, the clamping rings assist the axial guiding of the rolling bodies (24) by the inclined inner run-on surfaces (50). The radial rolling bearing additionally has a reduced axial installation dimension due to the special arrangement of the clamping rings (36, 38) in the radial rolling bearing.
US09010999B2
A method for determining the temperature of a power semiconductor, wherein a first control contact is connected to a first pole of a series resistor integrated in the power semiconductor. A second pole—which continues to the power semiconductor—of the series resistor is connected to a second control contact. A first control contact and a second control contact are connected to a first connection terminal and second connection terminal via respective bonding wires. The resistance value of the series resistor is determined by an electrical measurement between the two connection terminals. On the basis of the resistance value and a temperature-resistance characteristic curve of the series resistor, the temperature of the power semiconductor is determined based on the temperature of the series resistor.
US09010998B2
Systems and methods for monitoring the integrity of an overhead power connector are disclosed. The systems and methods may include applying a temperature sensitive material to at least a portion of an overhead power connector and/or an overhead power conductor. The integrity of the overhead connector may be monitored or diagnosed by monitoring the properties of the temperature sensitive material to determine if the overhead connector experienced any high temperature excursions.
US09010992B2
An apparatus for mixing frozen desserts has a mixing chamber, and a spindle with driving portion for rotating the spindle. The mixing chamber has two main parts having a funnel and a top chamber forming a closed mixing chamber when brought together. The spindle is accommodated through the top chamber.
US09010984B2
An apparatus includes a two-sided prism sheet, and an optical path conversion unit with linear prisms. Each apex angle of the prisms increases the closer the linear prism is formed to the center in the light guide direction, and when a pair of inclined surfaces of each of the prisms has a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface, an inclination angle of the second inclined surface is larger than the one of the first inclined surface. Among the prisms, inclination angles e1 and e2 of a pair of inclined surfaces of a linear prism formed closest to the center and an inclination angle c of the first inclined surface and an inclination angle d of the second inclined surface of a linear prism formed closest to the side end surfaces at which the light sources are disposed satisfy a relationship 2×c
US09010983B2
A light guide device for illumination, lighting and display purposes that exhibits an output light having a predetermined, and preferably uniform, angular luminance profile is described. The device comprises a light guide (13) suitable for guiding light coupled thereto and a plurality of extraction features (10, 11) located on one or more surfaces of the light guide. The plurality of extraction features comprises an interleaved pattern of first (11) and second extraction features the arrangement of which provides a means for defining the predetermined angular and spatial luminance profiles for the output light. The device allows for a uniform angular luminance profile to be produced that is maintained even when the light guide is curved or bent.
US09010981B2
A display device includes an exterior surface; a main emission region comprising a side edge when viewed in a viewing direction perpendicular to the exterior surface; and an auxiliary emission region next to the side edge when viewed in the viewing direction. The device further includes a light-guide plate disposed in the auxiliary emission region when viewed in the viewing direction; and a first light source disposed adjacent to the light-guide plate and configured to emit light in a first direction to supply the light to the light-guide plate. An imaginary straight line extending from the first light source in the first direction is tilted with respect to the side edge while not crossing the side edge.
US09010979B2
The present disclosure provides a composite optical film including a brightness enhancement film, a high refractive-index layer, and an intermediate layer. The brightness enhancement film has a plurality of brightness enhancement structures parallel to each other, and a top surface and a bottom surface opposite to each other. The brightness structures are disposed on the top surface. The high refractive-index layer is disposed on the bottom surface, and includes a film and a plurality of inorganic nano-particles disposed within the film. The intermediate layer is disposed between the brightness enhancement film and the high refractive-index layer.
US09010974B2
A projector type vehicle headlamp includes a metal supporting member that has an upper surface to which a circuit board to which a light-emitting device is mounted is mounted; a projection lens; a reflector that reflects light of the light-emitting device toward the vicinity of a rearward focal point of the projection lens; a driving source provided in front of the metal supporting member; a movable shade configured to be arranged near the rearward focal point of the projection lens, or removed from near the rearward focal point, by the driving source; and a cooling fan that is provided below the metal supporting member, and that faces a lower surface of the metal supporting member.
US09010973B2
A motor vehicle headlight positioning device consisting of a holder base, a headlight support, a step motor, a movable member and a swivel arm is disclosed. The headlight support is pivotally mounted in the holder base to hold a motor vehicle headlight. By means of the rotation of an output screw of the step motor to move the movable member linearly, the headlight support is rotatable by the movable member and the swivel arm to adjust the projecting direction of the motor vehicle headlight. As the output screw is rotated on its own axis and the output screw is supported in a support block of the holder base, the displacement stability of the movable member is enhanced.
US09010972B2
An organic light emitting display device is disclosed which includes a magnet inserted into a bottom cover. The magnet is used to combine an organic light emitting display panel with a support means which is used to support the organic light emitting display panel and includes an upper cover, the bottom cover and a side cover. A sealing member included in the organic light emitting display panel is fastened to the bottom cover by a magnetic force of the magnet. As such, it is easy to separate the organic light emitting display panel and the support means from each other when a fault is generated in any component. In accordance therewith, the manufacturing process can be simplified and the faulty component can be easily replaced with a normal component. As a result, the manufacturing costs of the organic light emitting display device can be reduced.
US09010967B2
The present invention relates to a light collector for collecting light emitted by a light source and converting the collected light into a light beam. The light collector comprises a central lens part aligned along an optical axis of the light source where the central lens comprises a central entrance surface and a central exit surface. The light collector also has a peripheral lens part surrounding at least of part of the central lens. The peripheral lens comprises a that said central lens and said peripheral lens is mutual adapted to convert said light emitted by said light source into a common light beam having a substantial circular and rotationally symmetric cross sectional light distribution, where said common light beam comprises said first light beam part and said second light beam part.
US09010965B2
A system is provided having a multiplexed laser source which combines the outputs of multiple lasers into multiplexed illumination which is then externally modulated to provide output illumination having reduced or zero speckle. Each of the laser sources are turned ON and OFF (gated) in a timed sequence to provide multiplexed illumination having a time-averaged speckle contrast that is lesser than the speckle contrast of the output of any one of the lasers. The output of one or more lasers may also be wavelength multiplexed, where the lasers operate at different wavelengths, and/or polarization multiplexed. An external modulator receives and modulates the multiplexed output in phase and/or modal power distribution to further reduce the speckle in the output of the system. The multiplexed laser source and external modulator can be used as separate apparatuses for reducing speckle in laser illumination.
US09010962B2
An adjusting unit disposed between a housing including at least one or more semiconductor optical devices and a case accommodating an SMPS, so as to adjust the height of the casing. At least one or more light emitting modules are mounted on the bottom surface of the housing, and a position determining unit is disposed in the housing in correspondence to an edge of the light emitting module. A heat sink unit is provided in correspondence to the top surface of the housing. Therefore, transport costs can be significantly reduced by securing the loading space. The semiconductor optical devices serving as a light source can be appropriately arranged, and the semiconductor optical devices can be mounted at accurate positions. Furthermore, products can be rapidly mass-produced due to a simplified manufacturing process thereof.
US09010953B1
A color changing container apparatus is disclosed. The color changing container apparatus includes a container having an open top, a bottom and a side, and constructed from a material such that substantially all of the container transmits light there-through; and at least one light emitting device attachable to the container to direct light through the container when the container is connected to the at least one light emitting device and providing at least one light color to illuminate the container.
US09010952B2
A cap for a liquor bottle can have an upper wall, a cylindrical outer wall and an internally threaded inner wall configured to be secured to an externally threaded neck of a liquor bottle. The cap can include a spout pivotally coupled to the upper wall comprising first and second parallel internal passageways extending longitudinally through the spout and configured to pivot between an open position and a closed position. An annular light ring can be positioned between the outer and inner walls and can include light sources configured to emit light downwardly toward an annular shoulder of the liquor bottle. The light sources can emit light in various different manners.
US09010947B1
A wall mountable mirror includes an enclosure and a replaceable film sheet allowing easy repair to commercial bathroom mirrors following vandalism. The enclosure includes a backing frame and a face frame. The backing frame is mounted to a wall and the face frame is connected to the backing frame by two pairs of parallel links. A top link pair is preferably longer than a bottom link pair. The film sheet includes small edge rods attached along each edge. The face is pulled out and down to open the enclosure to replace the film sheet. When the face is closed, the last closing motion provided by the links is a parallel motion which uniformly stretches the film sheet by pushing the edge rods over corresponding curved tensioning members to stretch the film sheet providing uniform stretching in two dimensions to provide a flat reflecting surface.
US09010946B1
A control system for mirror in a vehicle as well as a method for controlling the side minors of a vehicle are disclosed. The control system may include a processor module and a memory module as well as a control console. The control console may include a minor toggle switch, a minor control switch, and two sets of memory recall switches. The first set of memory recall switches may be associated with set side mirror positions in a first operation state of the vehicle, which could for instance occur when the vehicle is operating in a drive gear. The second set of memory recall switches may be associated with set side minor positions in a second operation state of the vehicle, which could for instance occur when the vehicle is operating in a reverse gear.
US09010937B2
A light source apparatus includes a red light emitting device to emit red light; a green light emitting device to emit green light; a blue light emitting device to emit blue light, each of the red light emitting device, the green light emitting device, and the blue light emitting device disposed separately from any other. Among the red light emitting device, the green light emitting device and the blue light emitting device, at least two light emitting devices each includes a first light source and a second light source, the first light source emitting light having a wavelength of a light of a primary color, and the second light source emitting light having a wavelength deviated from the wavelength of the light of the primary color.
US09010930B2
A suction gripper for transferring ophthalmic lenses from a storage cup into a centering cup has a suction head with several suction openings and several suction cups, wherein the suction cups are positioned on a convexly rounded surface. At least some of the suction openings are arranged in the suction cups and at least one suction opening is arranged remote from the suction cups on the suction head. The suction gripper is used in a manipulation system for ophthalmic lenses that encompasses ophthalmic lenses, a storage cup, a centering cup and the suction gripper.
US09010928B2
Spectacles are described having a frame (1), having two spectacle earpieces (5) attached laterally on the frame (1), having two spectacle lenses (2), which engage in receptacle grooves (3) of the frame (1), and having in each case a detachable mounting device for the spectacle lenses (2) in the receptacle grooves (3), which are interrupted in the region of the earpiece attachment (4), wherein the mounting device has, in the region of the interruption (7) of the receptacle groove (3), a sliding bolt (8), which is mounted on the frame outer side and is displaceable transversely to the edge (9) of the spectacle lenses (2). In order to ensure a secure hold of the spectacle lenses (2), it is proposed that the frame (1) have, on the inner side opposite to the sliding bolt (8), a support stop (11) for the spectacle lens (2) having at least one catch attachment (12) engaging in a catch recess of the spectacle lens (2).
US09010916B2
An ink composition of the present invention includes: cross-linked particles containing a quinacridone solid solution pigment including at least two types of quinacridone-based compound; a water-soluble polymerizable compound; a polymerization initiator; and water. By selectively using cross-linked solid solution pigments as pigments (colorants), along with excellent adhesion of the image, the stability over time of the ink composition itself is excellent.
US09010897B2
To minimize any decrease in image quality, even in an instance in which there is a displacement in a landing position of a fluid in a region in which nozzle rows overlap, (A) a fluid-ejecting device including: a first nozzle column; (B) a second nozzle column, the second nozzle column being arranged so as to form an overlapping region; and (C) a control part for causing the fluid to be ejected so that in each of a plurality of raster lines arranged in a row in the predetermined direction in the overlapping region, dots to be formed are apportioned between the first nozzles and the second nozzles; the control part causing the fluid to be ejected so that there are produced.
US09010893B1
A method for operating an inkjet printer includes forming a printed mark with a plurality of inkjets in a printhead, generating scanned image data of the printed mark, and modifying an image data correction parameter and firing signal waveform parameter for one of the inkjets to correct a process direction registration error between the locations of ink drops from the one inkjet and the location of the printed mark. The image data correction parameter modifies the location of ink drops from the one inkjet by an integer number of pixels and the firing signal waveform parameter modifies the location of ink drops from the one inkjet by a fractional pixel to enable registration of the inkjet.
US09010884B2
A backing piece for attaching an electrical component to a housing wall of an electrical household appliance and arrangement behind a matching opening in the housing wall includes a body having an essentially rectangular base surface, and a peripheral web configured as an elastic sealing lip for support against a rear face of the housing wall. Holding elements project from the body and form with the sealing lip a gap which receives a section of the housing wall at an edge of the opening. The holding elements are arranged in spaced-apart relationship about a periphery of the body such that at least one of the holding element is arranged on each of four sides of the rectangular base surface and one of the holding elements is provided at each of the corners of the body so as to apply a pressing force sufficient upon each section of the sealing lip.
US09010883B2
A food shield for use in a restaurant or food service institution includes a transparent panel, a locking, panel support assembly and a non-locking, panel support assembly. The locking, panel support assembly is mounted on a first vertical support member, and the non-locking, panel support assembly is mounted on a second vertical support member. A first lateral side portion of the transparent panel is affixed to the locking, panel support assembly, and an opposite second lateral side portion of the transparent panel is affixed to the second lateral side portion of the transparent panel. The transparent panel is adjustable in a plurality of angular dispositions, and is locked in one of the angular dispositions by the locking, panel support assembly, and is not locked in one of the angular dispositions by the non-locking panel support assembly.
US09010882B2
A wheel assembly with a debris guard is disclosed, the debris guard being configured to prevent hair and thread from winding around an axle and interfering with the operation of the wheel. The debris guard, which is mounted between the wheel and the robot chassis, comprises a spool and a plurality of tines. The spool is positioned between the wheel and chassis to collect debris that would otherwise wind around the axle. In the preferred embodiment, the tines are arrayed in proximity to a gap between the debris guard and the hub in order to inhibit debris from migrating to the axle exposed between the guard and wheel. The debris guard is intended for a wide variety of wheeled devices.
US09010878B2
A brake apparatus that can achieve front-rear distribution in accordance with a traveling environment variation. At an intermediate point from a start point of a second mode, first interval to an end point of a second mode, second interval, the increasing rate of braking force for a front wheel with respect to an operation amount is changed. The increasing rate of the operation amount prior to the intermediate point can be represented by a first inclination of a curve while the increasing rate of the operation amount after the intermediate point is represented by a second inclination of the curve. The first inclination is less than the second inclination. Setting the increasing rate after an intermediate point to be higher than the increasing rate before the intermediate point, the vehicle body generation deceleration can be caused to increase in a linear proportion to the operation amount.
US09010870B2
Methods and equipment have been developed that combine the use of continuous miners, flexible conveyor trains, and longwall mining techniques to provide flexible and efficient removal of resources from subterranean formations. Some systems include: a main gate; and a tailgate connected to the maingate by an active mine face; wherein the active mine face extends at an angle between 95° and 135° relative to the maingate.
US09010850B2
A weatherstrip is attached to a peripheral flange of a roof panel for sealing against a peripheral edge portion of a tailgate. The weatherstrip includes a base portion and is mounted to the roof panel by receiving the roof panel flange between an interior section and exterior section of the base portion. A tongue extends from the base portion toward the vehicle body and covers a space between the roof panel and the vehicle body. A generally tubular seal body extends from the base portion toward the peripheral edge portion of the tailgate. The seal body seals against the tailgate to prevent wind noise by closing a gap between a roof panel and tailgate. An arm extends from the base portion and is positioned between the roof panel and the vehicle body and is attached to an underside of the roof panel.
US09010849B2
A front subframe structure for an automotive vehicle comprises: a pair of right and left side members each provided with an arm support member for supporting a suspension arm is mounted; a cross member disposed between the left and right side members to couple together respective locations in the side members at each of which the arm support member is provided; and an oblique member extending from central portion of the cross member, in each of right and left directions of the vehicle and obliquely rearwardly and outwardly in the vehicle width direction, wherein each of the side members has a rear end joined to a rear portion of a respective one of the oblique members, and wherein the rear portion of the oblique member is provided with a tunnel-lower-frame coupling portion couplable to a tunnel lower frame, and a floor frame attaching portion attachable to a floor frame.
US09010845B1
Vehicle structures for dissipating energy associated with a collision are described herein. In one embodiment, a vehicle includes a side support extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction, a bumper assembly coupled to the side support and extending in a vehicle lateral direction that is transverse to the vehicle longitudinal direction, and a repositionable joint assembly extending between and pivotally coupled to the side support and the bumper assembly, the repositionable joint assembly including an outboard linking member pivotally coupled to the bumper assembly at a bumper securement location, an inboard linking member pivotally coupled to the side support at a side support securement location, and a fulcrum portion, where the outboard linking member is pivotally coupled to the inboard linking member at the fulcrum portion.
US09010844B2
A vehicle body front structure is provided. In the vehicle body front structure, a front grille and a bumper extend in the up-and-down direction in a front end portion of the vehicle body, the bumper bends and extends rearwardly from the front grille, a front end edge of a front hood is positioned adjacent to a top end portion of the extending bumper, a frame upper portion that supports a radiator extends in the body width direction and is supported on the back side of a front end portion of the front hood, and a box-like hollow impact absorber, which is made of sheet metal and extends in the body width direction, is provided in a space surrounded by the front grille, the bumper, the front end portion of the front hood, and the frame upper portion, and is supported by the frame upper portion via a plurality of legs.
US09010837B2
A truck bed cover assembly includes a driver side cover door and a passenger side cover door and opening mechanisms which are electrically powered to independently open and close each of the cover doors from a closed position at which the cover doors enclose an upper end of the truck bed to an open position which can be varied up to at least 180° from the closed position.
US09010829B2
Disclosed are various embodiments of expandable barriers. Expandable barriers are typically barriers made from an expandable material and formed to fit within a cavity. After being placed inside a cavity, expandable barriers generally undergo an activation process, where the expandable barrier expands to fill the cavity and create a physical barrier. Using various extrusion processes to form an expandable barrier allows for a reduction in tooling costs, while also allowing more flexible barrier designs. Such designs can be specifically tailored for a particular cavity or cavities to ensure that the barrier fills the cavity after expansion.
US09010806B2
In a steering system, a first through-hole is formed in a stationary bracket secured to vehicle body. A second through-hole is formed in a movable bracket that is movable relative to the stationary bracket in a prescribed direction at the time of a secondary collision. A pin passed through both the first through-hole and the second through-hole breaks at a position between the first through-hole and the second through-hole at the time of the secondary collision, thereby allowing the movable bracket to move relative to the stationary bracket. An under plate attached to the movable bracket closes the second through-hole from below.
US09010799B2
A method of making a vehicle interior panel substrate with a reduced thickness portion along a boundary of an airbag door includes molding the substrate using a substrate mold that includes a movable mold member. The movable mold member is part of a mold section and moves with respect to other portions of the mold section during the molding process to form the reduced thickness portion, which may include a hinge or a tear seam. The mold member moves after plastic material is introduced into the mold cavity. The plastic material is allowed to expand when substrate mold sections are moved away from each other. Plastic material expansion may be part of a structural gas injection (SGI) process. A scrim material or other hinge reinforcement may be molded into the substrate.
US09010778B1
A forward board has a forward foot placement section, a wheel arch section with a high point, a forward caster mount section extending rearwardly and upwardly from the forward end of the forward board. A rearward board has a rearward foot placement section, a rearward caster mount section extending forwardly and downwardly from the rearward end of the rearward board. A connector/torque assembly couples the forward and rearward boards and includes a longitudinal pivot/connecting rod, a torsion spring. A forward wheel with a forward caster is rotatable about a first axis positioned beneath the high point of the front wheel arch section. A rearward wheel with a rearward caster is rotatable about a third axis positioned rearwardly of the rearward board. The foot placement sections are in a common plane extending through the wheels above the first and third axes when the wheels are in a neutral forward position.
US09010777B2
A skateboard truck assembly comprising a base plate, a hanger, and at least one tensional and/or compressible member interposed therebetween that utilizes rotation of the hanger to at least partially and temporarily deform the tensional and/or compressible member, thereby creating zones of tension and/or compression within the tensional and/or compressible member and facilitating smooth, near frictionless, and efficient motion of the skateboard.
US09010770B2
Various embodiments, aspects and features of the present invention encompass a system and method for an adjustable chassis system (“ACS”) that may be removably fixed to a payload object so that transport of the object across rough or uneven terrain is made less burdensome. Notably, some embodiments of an ACS may be integral to a given payload object. Certain embodiments of an adjustable chassis system advantageously do not include axles, yet may be raised or lowered to adjust ground clearance of the chassis and payload object. Moreover, certain embodiments of an ACS may be easily disassembled or collapsed for compact storage. Yet another advantage of certain ACS embodiments is that, by virtue of the independent side-to-side height adjustment, a payload object carried by the ACS may serve as a level seat or work surface over inclined or uneven ground.
US09010766B2
Apparatus and methods for temporarily sealing a pipe including apparatus and methods for creating a temporary airtight seal at the open end of a pipe in a plumbing or refrigeration system. One such apparatus includes a body, grommet, washer, and a nut. Multiple airtight seals are created including a first primary seal between an exterior of the pipe and the grommet and a secondary seal between the open end of the pipe and the washer. The grommet does not require teeth and the apparatus does not require adhesive, sealant, or any other type of similar materials. Use of the apparatus and methods greatly minimizes and/or eliminates the potential for marring or otherwise distorting the open end of the pipe, thereby facilitating reuse of same.
US09010750B2
A media cassette housing system, which may be usable in an image formation apparatus such as a printer or copier, includes: a guide member configured to guide an insertion of a media cassette from an entrance into an installed position of a cassette housing unit and to guide a pulling out of the media cassette from the installed position to the entrance of the cassette housing unit; and a swingable member provided to the guide member and swingable in inserting and pulling directions of the media cassette. The swingable member includes a slide guide surface configured to come into sliding contact with a slide surface of the media cassette upon the insertion and pulling of the medium cassette.
US09010748B2
A sheet feeding apparatus of the present invention includes a feeding apparatus body, a storage case body, a storage case caster which movably supports the storage case body in a pull-out direction, and a drop-out preventing units having a pull-out stopper which regulates a pull-out position of the storage case body from the feeding apparatus body, a storage case stopper which is provided at a rear end in the pull-out direction of the storage case body, an upper-face rail portion which is formed in the feeding apparatus body to guide the storage case stopper into the pull-out direction, and a drop-out stopper which is engaged with the storage case stopper at the rear end in the pull-out direction compared to the pull-out stopper to regulate a movement of the storage case body toward the pull-out direction, if the storage case body is rotated with a predetermined angle or more.
US09010744B2
A sheet processing apparatus includes a projection forming unit configured to form a projection on a sheet. The projection is formed in the vicinity of a binding portion of a sheet bundle. When a succeeding sheet bundle is discharged on the sheet bundle in which the projection has been formed on a top surface thereof, the succeeding sheet bundle is stacked by moving on the already stacked sheet bundle without being caught by the binding portion of the already stacked sheet bundle as an end of the succeeding sheet bundle is guided by the projection.
US09010740B2
Coil, tube, and other structures configured with a plurality of individual coils, internal structures, legs or extensions with each having multiple cants per coil, internal structure, leg or extension, and wherein the cants formed therein allow for a load-deflection force when each is compressed. In addition, any horizontal or moment forces are substantially reduced and/or eliminated when a downward vertical force is applied, as minimal or no torsion is created in the individual coils, legs or extensions.
US09010737B2
A seat height adjusting apparatus for a vehicle includes an air spring configured to raise or lower a seat of the vehicle, a control valve connected to the air spring and configured to selectively supply air to the air spring, a push rod configured to selectively press an air injection pin or an air discharge pin of the control valve, an arm rod fastened to the push rod and configured to rotate the push rod, a height adjusting cable fastened to one side of the arm rod and configured to rotate the arm rod, and a height adjusting lever configured to move the height adjusting cable in one direction.
US09010730B2
A dual-purpose hydraulic electric jack comprises a hydraulic lifting mechanism (1, 2), an oil pump (12), an oil tank (9), an oil conveying pipeline and an electric motor (14). The lifting mechanism, the oil pump and the oil tank are all connected with the oil conveying pipeline. A transmission mechanism is arranged between the oil pump and the electric motor. A one-way valve (10) is provided between the oil tank and the oil pump. The oil pump (12) is equipped on one end side of the electric motor (14), and an air pump (15) is equipped on the other end side of the electric motor (14). A transmission mechanism is arranged between the air pump and the electric motor. The air pump is communicated with an air conveying pipeline (35) and the electric motor is equipped with a trigger mechanism for controlling the connection of the electric motor with the transmission mechanism between the electric motor and the air pump or oil pump. The function of the hydraulic electric jack is enhanced greatly and the hydraulic electric jack is convenient to use.
US09010729B2
A membrane valve comprising a first and a second valve housing part and a membrane clamped between the valve housing parts comprises a peripherally surrounding bead on the membrane and a thin, axially movable membrane portion adjacent thereto. The bead is supported by the two valve housing parts and is provided with an undercut at a radial inner side. Further, a membrane for installation in a membrane valve is provided.
US09010725B2
A valve includes a stem seal assembly that prevent fluid flow in a first direction and vents in a second direction opposite the first direction. The assembly includes a packing assembly positioned within a valve stem opening of a valve body of the valve to seal a valve stem to the valve body. The packing assembly includes a first seal and a second seal preventing passage of fluid from a body cavity of the valve body to an exterior of the valve body along the valve stem while venting fluid from an exterior of the valve body to the body cavity along the valve stem. The packing assembly isolates the first seal and the second seal so that a load applied to the first seal ring is not transferred to the second seal ring.
US09010707B2
A wall mount for a display apparatus to vertically move an apparatus body of the display apparatus in an electromotive manner and a display apparatus having the same are provided. A wire is mounted at the rear of the apparatus body. The wall mount includes a plurality of wire hanging members fixed to a rear of the apparatus; a wire connected between the wire hanging members; a guide member which is configure to move vertically while supporting the wire, to thereby move the apparatus vertically, the guide member not being exposed when the apparatus is viewed from a front of the apparatus; and a base member which is configured to be fixed to the wall to vertically move the guide member in an electromotive manner.
US09010694B2
The present invention includes a telegraph controller and an FSK modulator that serve as a signal transmission unit that creates a checking telegraph that is different from a controlling telegraph and transmits the checking telegraph to a pickup coil, an FSK demodulator and a telegraph controller that serve as a signal reception unit that restores telegraph information from the checking telegraph received via the pickup coil, and a communication controller that compares transmission telegraph information included in a checking telegraph transmitted from the signal transmission unit with reception telegraph information restored from a received checking telegraph that includes the transmission telegraph information to verify a telegraph reception function on an on-board side.
US09010692B2
A high-lift device suppresses the occurrence of aerodynamic noise while minimizing an increase in airframe weight. The device includes a slat main body disposed to be able to extend from and retract into a main wing, and a concave part formed on the slat main body at a location facing the main wing and able to accommodate at least a part of a leading edge of the main wing. The device also includes an airflow control part disposed at an area in the concave part facing an upper surface of the main wing, that is accommodated between the main wing and the concave part when the slat main body is retracted into the main wing, and that suppresses turbulence colliding against the area in the concave part facing the upper surface of the main wing when the slat main body is extended from the main wing.
US09010683B2
The present invention's side-arm recovery system enables large Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs) to operate from small vessels or from ground sites with a minimal footprint. The side-arm recovery system allows arresting an UAS independent of a runway. On the ground or on a ship, the system makes use of a specialized crane system that includes capture and energy absorption devices. A fuselage-mounted top hook snags a horizontal cable and the arresting forces act in the plane of symmetry through the central structure of the UAS. After the capture energy is absorbed, the recovery system safely lowers the aerial vehicle to a ground handling cart. The same system can be combined into a launcher and retriever system which further reduces the footprint by eliminating the need for a separate launcher.
US09010673B2
A wire electric discharge machining apparatus according to embodiments includes a wire electrode, a wire supplying unit that supplies the wire electrode, a collecting motor that collects the wire electrode at a predetermined speed, a tension motor that controls a tension of the wire electrode between the wire supplying unit and the collecting motor, a speed calculating unit that calculates a traveling speed of the wire electrode at a predetermined time interval, a speed storing unit that stores the traveling speed calculated by the speed calculating unit, a differential speed calculating unit that calculates a differential speed between a current traveling speed output from the speed calculating unit and a past traveling speed stored in the speed storing unit, and a breakage detecting unit that detects breakage of the wire electrode by comparing the differential speed with a predetermined threshold.
US09010669B2
A pill crusher includes a base and a handle. The base has a bottom resting surface that includes an at least partially molded friction-enhancing portion. The handle includes an upper region, a gripping region, and a column. The gripping region includes an at least partially molded friction-enhancing portion. A method of crushing a pill includes placing a pill within a pill chamber, inserting a column into the pill chamber, and then crushing the pill by exerting force on the pill by the column. The handle and the base include at least partially molded friction-enhancing portions.
US09010663B2
Apparatus for generating a mist comprising a conduit having a mixing chamber and an exit; a transport nozzle in fluid communication with the said conduit, the transport nozzle being adapted to introduce a transport fluid into the mixing chamber; a working nozzle positioned adjacent the transport nozzle intermediate the transport nozzle and the exit, the working nozzle being adapted to introduce a working fluid into the mixing chamber; the transport and working nozzles having an angular orientation and internal geometry such that in use interaction of the transport fluid and working fluid in the mixing chamber causes the working fluid to atomize and form a dispersed vapor/droplet flow regime, which is discharged as a mist from the exit, the mist comprising working fluid droplets having a substantially uniform size.
US09010661B2
A washer nozzle includes a heat emitting unit for smoothly washing a glass in a winter season is installed. The washer nozzle for a vehicle which, by realizing a new type of washer nozzle to which an integral structure of a heat conductor and a nozzle cover is applied through insert injection-molding of the heat conductor is applied and to which a structure where a heat emitter is firmly fastened to the housing by using a structure in the housing is applied, can improve a washer liquid ejecting performance through an increase in a heat transfer efficiency inside the nozzle and reduce the number of processes and a defect rate through fixing of the heat emitter at an optimum location, thereby improving quality.
US09010659B2
A breakaway assembly may be provided. The breakaway assembly may comprise an upper joint connecting a boom tip to a structure (e.g. a plate.) The breakaway assembly may further comprise a first hinge connecting the boom tip to the structure and a second hinge connecting the boom tip to the structure. In addition, the breakaway assembly may comprise a pressure assembly connected to the boom tip and a lower joint connecting the pressure assembly to the structure. When a force is applied to the boom tip (e.g. from either side, fore or aft), the pressure assembly may be configured to oppose the force and one of the first hinge and the second hinge may be configured to release in response to the boom tip rotating.
US09010658B2
In airless spray tip assembly 100 shown in FIG. 2, cylinder 112 contains tip 114 and is at one end of dead zone 116. Shutoff 118 is comprised of ball 120 and seat 122. The needle seat 122 has been mated to each tip assembly 100 (See FIG. 2). By mating the tip 114 and the seat assembly (shutoff) 118 into one, the seal 124 can be moved out of the ‘dead zone’ 116 thus reducing spit volume and energy storage.
US09010651B2
The present invention relates devices and methods using swipe detection. A swipeable computer of the present invention comprises a capacitive detector having an output, a switchable magnetic field sensor having an output, a memory unit, and a logic unit. The memory unit stores a standard capacitance change and a standard magnetic field change. The logic unit is electrically connected to the capacitive detector output, the switchable magnetic field sensor, the switchable magnetic field sensor output, and the memory unit. The logic unit of the swipeable computer is adapted to determine if the capacitive detector output corresponds to the standard capacitance change, to enable the switchable magnetic field sensor if the change in capacitance corresponds to the standard capacitance change, and to determine if the switchable magnetic field sensor output corresponds to the standard magnetic field change.
US09010646B2
A magnetic interface card appears to be a payment card conventionally provided with an electromagnetic stripe and magnetic data tracks. A magnetic emissive element is disposed in the magnetic interface card body under the magnetic data tracks that can emit a variety of ISO-7813 track-2 data strings. A photo-sensor is included to receive a series of optically encoded flashes from a personal trusted device (PTD) smartphone screen that securely communicate one-time-use account information and operational parameters from a financial transaction server. The large installed base of legacy point-of-sale magnetic card readers can continue to be used without any hardware or software modifications, and card security is improved by the change to one-time-use access numbers.
US09010644B1
A flexible card may include a dynamic magnetic stripe communications device having multiple layers, such as an electromagnetic generator, a magnet, and a shield. A shield may form a non-flexible layer within the stack and may bend, but the shield may not be able to stretch or compress. Flexible layers may surround and adhere to the shield such that when the card is flexed, the flexible layers may stretch and compress with the movement of the shield. The dynamic magnetic stripe communications device may include one or more coils. Each coil may contain a stepped material, such that a length of a lower layer of the stepped material is longer than a length of a middle layer of the stepped material which is longer than a length of a top layer of the stepped material.
US09010641B2
A portable data terminal including a processor having an instruction set architecture and data storage means configured to store a plurality of operating systems and a virtual machine monitor application program configured to receive at least one instruction from each operating system, communicate with the processor according to the instruction set architecture, and switch operating system access to the processor upon receipt of an electrical signal representing an event.
US09010638B2
The invention provides an authentication unit for reading identification and/or authentication information from a tag or object. The authentication unit includes a near-field reader configured to read a first identification feature based on inherent disorder, and a far-field reader configured to read a second identification feature, such as a bar code, optical characters, or an RFID tag. The near-field and far-field readers may be combined in a single integrated scanning module, which also includes circuitry for receiving signals from the readers, and an interface for communicating with a host device.
US09010637B2
A wireless radio frequency identification receiving facility having antenna net includes a receiving apparatus with receiving spaces for receiving objects, a leaking-waved antenna net unit, and a first antenna. The leaking-waved antenna net unit includes an inner main antenna and extension antennas extended to the regions adjacent to the receiving spaces. The first antenna receives the detecting signal from a reader unit and generates a current. The EM wave is generated while the current flows through the leaking-waved antenna net unit, and is transmitted along extension antennas. The radio frequency identification electronic tags on the objects are triggered by the electromagnetic field built up by the EM wave, and information of all objects in the receiving apparatus is read at one time, so that the checking time is greatly reduced and the possibility of lost and position mistake of object can be excluded.
US09010636B2
A computer-implemented method of providing targeted video promotional material includes providing a first video advertisement for presentation by a video display system, receiving an indication that a user chose to skip at least part of the presentation of the first video advertisement, identifying for the user a characteristic associated with the first video advertisement, selecting a second video advertisement based at least in part on the identified characteristic for the user, and providing the second video advertisement for presentation to the user with the video display system, wherein an advertiser is caused to charge for display of video advertisements that are determined to have not been skipped, and not charged for display for video advertisements that are determined to have been skipped.
US09010634B2
The present disclosure is generally directed to maintaining sensor quality standards and/or preventing improper remanufacture of sensors, such as pulse oximetry sensors. Present embodiments may include a system for facilitating the monitoring of physiologic conditions that includes an optical reader configured to translate an optical machine-readable representation of data associated with a patient into electronic data, a memory device configured to receive and store the electronic data after an initial reading of the machine-readable representation of data by the optical reader, and a processor configured to associate the electronic data with historical data obtained from the patient and limit access to the historical data based on whether the optical reader provides matching electronic data based on a subsequently read optical machine-readable representation of data when predefined conditions are met.
US09010631B2
Systems, methods and IC card devices are described for updating parameters such as unblocking or blocking or re-blocking an application on an IC card device whereby an integrated circuit card device gets issued with one or more active applications and optionally one or more dormant applications. Post issuance, triggered by a cardholder action when using a primary application, the issuer will send a command, e.g. in the form of a script to the card that will update parameters of another application, e.g. to ‘wake up’ the or each dormant application. An on-card mechanism is provided for the deblocking of the dormant application while the primary application is active. For any further transactions performed with the card, the cardholder will be offered a choice between the unblocked applications on the card. Optionally the oncard mechanism can also block or re-block an application or perform other actions.
US09010628B2
The invention relates to a self service terminal, such as an Automated Teller Machine, comprising a front panel provided with a card insertion slot for inserting a magnetic card therethrough, wherein, during insertion through the insertion slot, a magnetic stripe on the card induces a card data flux into a stripe data reading zone. The terminal also comprises an anti-skimming unit for generating a jamming field so as to jam a magnetic recording unit of an illegal card reader installed near or in the card insertion slot of the front panel. The anti-skimming unit includes a first magnetic field source and at least one further magnetic field source, each source inducing a electro-magnetic field in a slot region including the card insertion slot, such that the jamming field in the stripe date reading zone deviates from the jamming field outside the stripe data reading zone.
US09010621B2
A box for receiving a food item is provided, and the box is usable with an additional box that is also configured to receive a food item. The box includes a bottom portion including a bottom panel having a link feature formed therein, and a top portion hingedly connected to the bottom portion and configured to form a cover. The top portion includes a top panel having a link feature formed therein. The link feature of the bottom portion is cooperable with the additional box to link the two boxes together when the additional box is placed beneath the box, or the link feature of the top portion is cooperable with the additional box to link the two boxes together when the additional box is placed on top of the box. Furthermore, at least one of the link features comprises a bendable tab.
US09010615B2
To provide a bonding apparatus capable of increasing product quality by realizing high-precision control of a pressing force applied upon mounting of an electronic component on a substrate by bonding, and to a bonding method capable of providing high-quality products stably. The bonding apparatus includes: at least a bonding head 100 for pressing an electronic component 6 against a substrate 1 to bond it to the substrate 1; a plurality of load detection mechanisms (e.g., load sensors 5) substantially equally spaced so as to face one another under a substrate stage S supporting the substrate 1 provided with the electronic component 6; and a pressure detection unit 20 for detecting pressing force at the bonding surface between the electronic component 6 and substrate 1 on the basis of the pressure values detected by the individual load detection mechanisms 5.
US09010613B1
One aspect of the disclosure relates to a friction stir welding apparatus. The friction stir welding apparatus includes a spindle housing and a pin tool concentric with an axis and rotatable relative to the spindle housing about the axis. The friction stir welding apparatus also includes a first shoulder not substantially rotatable relative to the spindle housing about the axis and a second shoulder not substantially rotatable relative to the spindle housing about the axis. The pin tool is rotatable relative to the first shoulder and the second shoulder.
US09010609B2
A surgical stapling device for joining tissue portions includes a handle assembly, and a tubular body portion having a staple cartridge assembly containing a plurality of surgical staples in an annular array. The surgical stapling device includes an anvil assembly having a shaft for removably connecting the anvil assembly to the tubular body portion. The anvil assembly and the tubular body portion are juxtaposed with respect to one another along the shaft and are arranged so as to be approximated with respect to one another. The surgical stapling device includes a buttress material supported by the tubular body portion and disposed between the anvil assembly and the staple cartridge assembly. The surgical stapling device includes a suture material that is adapted for engagement with the tubular body portion and the buttress material to secure the buttress material to the tubular body portion.
US09010608B2
A surgical stapling apparatus including a releasable buttress material includes a cartridge assembly, an anvil assembly, and a buttress material. The cartridge assembly includes a plurality of staples, a tissue contacting surface defining staple retaining slots, and a swaged outer edge. The anvil assembly includes a tissue contacting surface defining staple pockets for forming staples expelled from the staple retaining slots of the cartridge assembly. The buttress material has an outer portion that is retaining within the swaged outer edge of the cartridge assembly.
US09010602B2
An improved towel dispenser includes a rotatable driveshaft mounted in a one-way clutch bearing fitted with a pinion which engages a vertically oriented press bar assembly including at its lower portion a rack which engages the pinion to advance paper towel through a dispensing nip upon pivotable motion of the press bar assembly. A dispensing chute located below the dispensing nip includes a lower shelf configured to direct web forwardly toward the front portion of a dispenser. The gear rack is preferably an internal gear rack integrally formed with a unitary press bar assembly member. The dispensing chute is configured such that an angle between a cutting-blade and the outer lip of the shelf makes an angle with a vertical of at least about 25°.
US09010599B2
A cup holder has a case; a holder body disposed movably between a stored position wherein the holder body is stored in the case, and an in-use position wherein the holder body projects from the opening; a guide wall; a container-holding member disposed swivelably on the holder body; a coupling device disposed in the container-holding member for swiveling; and a coupled device formed on the guide wall, and coupling with the coupling device to restrict the movement of the holder body toward the stored position. When the holder body is drawn out from the case, a coupling device slides on the guide wall, and the container-holding member swivels from the stored position toward the container-holding position. When the holder body is stored in the case, the coupling device slides on the guide wall, and the container-holding member swivels from the container-holding position toward the stored position.
US09010598B2
A motorcycle stability system and a motorbike having the stability system. The system includes at least one pair of pannier pivot mounts each configured for attachment to an opposite side of the motorcycle. Each pannier pivot mount can have a pannier pivotally mounted thereon. A pair of pivot levers are each pivotally attached at an attachment point disposed on said pivot lever to an opposite side of the motorcycle. The pivot levers have a first end section having an abutment thereon and a connection point. The attachment point is separated from the abutment and the connection point. The abutment on the first end section of the pivot levers contacts the panniers at a position below the pannier pivot mounts. A force transfer mechanism is connected to the second end sections of the pivot levers so that movement of one of the pivot levers causes the force transfer mechanism to exert a force to the other pivot lever.
US09010594B2
The adjustment device for a portable element comprises two elementary strands and two adjustment units each comprising a slide path for one of the elementary strands and a fixing system for one of the ends of the other of the elementary strands, the slide path of one of the elementary strands being laterally offset with respect to the fixing system of the other of the elementary strands.
US09010592B1
A decorative handkerchief deploying device comprises a wrist strap, a handkerchief assembly, and a spring retraction mechanism. The wrist strap is designed to be worn around a user's wrist. The handkerchief assembly is made of an absorbent material and is intended to be used primarily to control sneezes or coughs. In use, the user grasps a knob portion of the handkerchief and extends the handkerchief outwardly. The spring retraction mechanism allows the handkerchief assembly to be retracted back into a “ready” position on the bracelet.
US09010590B2
A closure includes a body having an outer skirt configured to be assembled with a container, a deck extending radially inward of the skirt, and a spout extending from the deck in a direction opposite the skirt. The spout surrounds a central portion of the deck that defines at least a first aperture having a front edge substantially flush with a front portion of the spout and a rear edge radially spaced from the rear portion of the spout by a portion of the deck.
US09010579B2
A beverage dispensing system includes a beverage dispensing head for dispensing beverages from at least one pressurized beverage source, and at least one beverage tube, with a first end that is fluidly connected to the beverage dispensing head and a second end. A manifold module for use in this system includes at least one flow control module configured for attachment to and fluid communication with the beverage source, and a beverage redirecting apparatus configured to be attached between the flow control module and the second end of the beverage tube. The beverage redirecting apparatus includes at least one fluid inlet in fluid communication with the flow control module and at least one fluid outlet in fluid communication with the second end of the beverage tube. The beverage redirecting apparatus is configured such that a direction of fluid flow is altered between the inlet and the outlet.
US09010574B2
A container (1, 2) for storing and dispensing a liquid, the container including an access port (16) having a frangible seal (18) for allowing contained liquid to be dispensed. A vent (19) permeable to vapour but impermeable to liquid is also provided so that vapour may be vented from the interior of the container.
US09010566B2
In one embodiment of a container protector the container protector comprises two opposing side skirts, two opposing end skirts, and a interior lip connected to both side skirts and end skirts. The container protector may also include one or more handle extension to facilitate use with a container having one or more handles. The container protector is designed to sealing fit around the top periphery of a container with the interior lip extending upward to prevent material within the container from flowing outward therefrom during transitions. Such transitions may be caused by heating, transportation, or other disturbances. The precise dimensions of the container protector will vary from one embodiment to the next, and the container protector may take any shape depending on the container for which it is designed.
US09010565B2
A collapsible bowl described herein includes a base, wherein the base includes a top, a bottom, a chamber that is between the top and the bottom, a first edge, and a seam, wherein the base is foldable along the seam. The collapsible bowl also includes a first side that includes a top edge and a bottom edge, wherein the bottom edge of the first side is coupled to the first edge of the base, wherein the chamber is configured to receive a foldable cooling apparatus that is adapted to modify a temperature of a liquid in the collapsible bowl.
US09010561B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a can lid allowing for a tab to be pulled up in an appropriate manner without inducing tab turning and also to provide a can container equipped with the same can lid, and provided is a can lid 1 comprising a can lid body 3 having an opening region 5 to be open upon being opened and a tab 9 fixed to the can lid body 3, in which the tab 9 comprises a pull-up section 9a on which a user's finger is hooked in his/her opening action, and the can lid body 3 comprises a guide section 10a for guiding the user's finger to a center of the pull-up section 9a.
US09010559B2
A collapsible protective case for surfboards, musical instruments, or other large objects, including a housing having a rigid, impact-resistant outer surface, the housing being formed from a multiplicity of adjoining subsections that are selectively configurable between expanded and intermediate transport positions and a collapsed storage position.
US09010554B2
A tamper-evident closure for a container is provided. The closure comprises a first portion including inner and outer parts, and a second portion. The outer part is rotatable relative to the inner part from a first position in which at least part of the first and second portions are adjacent each other to a second position in which there is a gap therebetween. The first portion comprises locking means for irreversibly locking the closure in the second position upon a first opening so that the gap cannot be closed. The inner part includes a line of weakness which breaks if the outer part is reverse rotated relative to the inner part.
US09010552B2
A U-shaped adjustable shelving system comprised of a plurality of interconnecting shelf sections including a back shelf section, a right side shelf section and a left side shelf section. The right and left side shelf sections are coupled to the back shelf section with a sliding dovetail arrangement so as to allow adjustment of the right and left side shelf sections relative to the back shelf section in order to change the width of the adjustable shelving system. The back shelf section is adjustable in length to substantially match the width of the space in which the shelving system is to be installed. The adjustable shelving system includes support risers for self-supporting the shelving system above a surface. The adjustable shelf can be easily installed into a variety of cabinets, and allows access to small containers, such as those for herbs and spices.
US09010549B2
An apparatus for raising and lowering a carrier for supporting clothes hangers or other hanging articles within a wardrobe closet that includes a tube, brackets for rotatable mounting of the tube, a tubular motor coupled to the tube for rotating the tube, and a base that attaches to a side panel of the wardrobe closet. Two arms each lie on a plane parallel to the base and to the side panel, attach at their ends to the carrier, and are mounted on the base so that they may oscillate and pivot in the plane between two positions, raising and lowering the carrier. At the lowest position the carrier releases from the arms and drop further. Fabric straps are wound onto and unwound from the tube to raise and lower the arms as the tube is rotated. A remote control receiver or programmable device may be used to control operation of the motor.
US09010548B2
A method and arrangement for separating two solutions mixed in dispersion into two solution phases in a liquid-liquid extraction separation cell. A lighter solution phase placed on the heavier solution phase is forced to flow as a thin overflow layer over the top edge of a front panel such that the dispersion thickens A rear panel is essentially parallel with the front panel so that in between the front panel and the rear panel, there is formed an uptake shaft along which the thickened dispersion can rise and be compressed.
US09010531B2
A bulk bag carrier for transporting soft goods or granular products is provided. The carrier comprises a flexible bulk bag and a pallet. The bulk bag comprises an upper section that defines a product compartment and a sleeve suspended below the upper section that defines a pocket for receiving the pallet. The pallet may be foldable to facilitate insertion of the pallet into the sleeve.
US09010528B2
Zero tension system conveyor. A conveyor belt is driven by at least a portion of the conveyor belt being in continuous contact with a block chain within at least a portion of an overall conveyor belt system. Such a conveyor belt system may be implemented in a spiral configuration such that a relatively small portion of the overall width of the conveyor belt is in contact with the block chain above and/or below the conveyor belt. The static force/weight of the conveyor belt in conjunction with the continuous contact between at least a portion of the conveyor belt and the block chain effectuates the driving of the conveyor belt through the overall conveyor belt system. The block chain is composed of a number of links, at least some of which include a respective hook/protrusion on one side thereof, for being directly engaged by drum bars implemented within a drum assembly.
US09010524B2
A device for stopping and/or aligning transport goods on a conveying device, in particular a roller conveyor, device has a main part and a stopping device that can be moved out of the main part into a conveying path of the conveying device in order to stop and/or align the transport goods that are transported along the conveying path. The stopping device comprises at least two separate stops that can be moved between a working position, which projects into the conveying plane, and a rest position, which is retracted with respect to the conveying plane, by means of a common actuator device.
US09010523B2
A belt conveyor having upper article-supporting belt rollers that are rotated rearward by rotating lower belt rollers only when the articles are slowed or stopped from advancing with the belt. As the belt advances in a direction of travel, the lower rollers rotate by contact with a bearing surface underlying the belt. The upper rollers have axles whose ends are retained in slots that slope downward in the belt's direction of travel. The slots provide the upper rollers a range of positions between a forward position out of contact with the rotating lower roller and a rearward position contacting the lower roller, which rotates the upper roller rearward relieving back line pressure on accumulated articles.
US09010511B2
An integrated wheel disconnect system is provided, including, a mechanically actuated engagement interlock selector assembly. The engagement interlock selector assembly including a housing, an interlock mechanism disposed in the housing, a spring disposed in the housing, and an actuator assembly, arranged to displace the interlock mechanism towards or away from the spring. The engagement interlock selector assembly is operated by an actuator module, such as a pin, sliding along an external ramp on the interlock mechanism, the mechanism moving axially to selectively engage and disengage the wheel hub from the drive axle.
US09010506B2
The invention relates to a vibration absorber for damping mechanical vibrations of a structure capable of vibration at least in some portions. The vibration absorber comprises at least two rod-shaped vibrating elements, which each have a longitudinal axis, and a support module. The support module comprises at least two non-parallel support plates and an attachment device. In this case, for the purpose of attaching the vibration absorber to the structure, the attachment device is constructed in such a way that mechanical vibrations of the structure can be passed into at least a first of the support plates. The support plates are interconnected in such a way that the mechanical vibrations can be transferred from the first support plate to a second of the support plates. A first vibrating element is coupled at a first position along the longitudinal axis of the first vibrating element to the first support plate.
US09010499B2
A pair of elevator cars (10, 11) traveling in the same hoistway have their positions sensed (20-23, 29-32) to provide for each a position signal (35, 37) from which velocity signals (64, 65) are derived; lookup tables (66, 61) of safe stopping distance (B, S) for braking and safeties are formed as a function of all possible combinations of velocity (V(U), V(L)) of said cars. Comparison of safe stopping distances for contemporaneous velocities of said cars with actual distance between said cars provides signals (85, 98, 99) to drop the brakes (49, 50) of one or more of the cars, and provides signals (82) to engage the safeties (18, 18a, 19, 19a) of all cars if the cars become closer or if acceleration detectors (117, 118) determine a car to be in freefall.
US09010496B2
The invention relates to a device and system for underground transport of ore, material and people, which includes electrical and mechanical drive systems, a plurality of hoisting devices, head ropes and balance ropes. The mass per meter of the balance ropes is significantly smaller than the mass per meter of the head ropes.
US09010485B2
A fluid line includes a resonator having an inner part and a blow-molded outer part defining an inner surface. The inner and outer parts are fixedly connected. The inner part is an injection-molded part having first and second radial collars spaced axially apart from each other. The inner part defines a radial circumference with a plurality of orifices formed therein. The inner and outer parts are axially one within the other so that there is no throughflow of secondary air between the first and second radial collars and the inner surface of the outer part. The inner and outer parts have a common end whereat they are airtightly connected to each other. The inner part, the radial collars and the inner surface of the outer part conjointly define two resonant chambers operatively connected to fluid in the fluid line via the orifices.
US09010483B2
In a power steering device employing both a worm speed reducer and a backlash adjuster for a worm gear of the speed reducer, the backlash adjuster has a slider configured to be movable in a longitudinal direction of a worm shaft, and a biasing member configured to bias the slider toward one side of the longitudinal direction of the worm shaft. Also provided is a guide member configured to bias the worm shaft in a direction for meshing with a worm wheel by a movement of the worm shaft in the meshing direction that the worm shaft approaches a rotation center of the worm wheel with a movement of the slider toward the one side of the longitudinal direction, and also configured to restrict a movement of the worm shaft in a direction opposite to the meshing direction of the worm shaft.
US09010478B2
The present disclosure relates to a safety arrangement for a vehicle. The safety arrangement comprises a bonnet being displaceable between a closed position, an open position, permitting access to an engine compartment of the vehicle, and a deployed position, in which position there is a gap between the bonnet and the engine compartment. The bonnet is displaceable from the closed position to the deployed position, which is located upwards and rearwards as compared to the closed position. Further, the bonnet is directly openable to the open position both from the closed position and from the deployed position.
US09010474B2
The invention relates to a self-balancing human transporter comprising a platform (1) flanked by two wheels (10) and equipped with a holding and driving stick (7) and a gyroscopic stabilization device acting on motors (14) that drive the wheels, each of the wheels comprising a rim (12) which collaborates with bearings (7) borne by respective crescent-shaped mounts (5) each of which extends essentially facing the associated rim and which support the associated drive motor so that this motor drives the corresponding wheel by acting on the rim, the mounts being fixed to the sides of the platform.
US09010473B1
A motorized retractable step apparatus includes one or more steps that move between a retracted position and a deployed position. The step apparatus includes a drive member that spans the length of the step apparatus and rotates to retract or deploy the steps. The step apparatus uses a direct drive configuration to transfer power from an electric motor to the drive member. The step apparatus can also includes a brake coupled to the electric motor and/or extruded aluminum steps. These features simplify construction of the step apparatus and make it more reliable than conventional motorized steps.
US09010466B2
A continuously variable transmission for a vehicle comprises a primary pulley, a secondary pulley, and a belt entrained around both pulleys in an opposite manner between the fixed and movable sheaves thereof. One pulley carries a selectively deployable stop that may be placed into position to mechanically limit the range of motion between the fixed and movable sheaves. This establishes an actual maximum transmission ratio that is larger than the nominal minimum transmission ratio but smaller than the nominal maximum transmission ratio achievable by the transmission during normal operation thereof. When such a transmission is used on a utility vehicle attached to a substance dispensing applicator operatively driven by the vehicle's engine, the application rate stays substantially constant despite changes in engine speed when the user keeps the transmission upshifted to the actual maximum transmission ratio set by the position of the deployed stop.
US09010465B2
Devices, systems, and methods for inspecting and objectively analyzing the condition of a roof are presented. A vehicle adapted for traversing and inspecting an irregular terrain includes a chassis having a bottom surface that defines a higher ground clearance at an intermediate location, thereby keeping the center of mass low when crossing roof peaks. In another embodiment, the drive tracks include a partially collapsible treads made of resilient foam. A system for inspecting a roof includes a lift system and a remote computer for analyzing data. Vehicles and systems may gather and analyze data, and generate revenue by providing data, analysis, and reports for a fee to interested parties.
US09010463B2
A method of prolonging the life of a PDC cutter having a substantially cylindrical shape centered about a rotational axis, and an apparatus for multi-axis modulation of a PDC cutter, the method including imparting linear modulation to the cutter in at least one direction and imparting rotary modulation to the cutter about the rotational axis, the rotary modulation being synchronized with, and facilitated by, the linear modulation.
US09010456B2
A hand-held power tool, particularly a hammer drill, includes a work spindle, a hand-held power tool housing and an intermediate shaft, which is arranged in parallel to the work spindle and mounted in an axially displaceable manner for changing the operational mode, and a tooth sleeve, which is provided to transfer a torque to the intermediate shaft. The tooth sleeve is fixed in the axial direction by means of the hand-held power tool housing.
US09010443B2
A slip bowl load transfer system includes a first slip bowl assembly and a second slip bowl assembly. The first slip bowl assembly, adapted to engage and release a tubular member, includes a first slip bowl coupled to a second slip bowl. In an engaged state, the first slip bowl assembly imparts a compressive force on a portion of the tubular member between the first slip bowl and the second slip bowl. The second slip bowl assembly is adapted to engage and release the tubular member and is aligned with the first slip bowl assembly. When the second slip bowl assembly is engaging the tubular member in a second engaged state, the second slip bowl assembly is prevented from releasing the tubular member if the first slip bowl assembly is not in the engaged state.
US09010440B2
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods and apparatus for centrifugal separation. In one embodiment, a separator includes an outer tubular having ends sealed from the environment and an inner tubular. The inner tubular is disposed within the outer tubular, has ends in fluid communication with a bore of the outer tubular, and is attached to the outer tubular. The separator further includes an inlet. The inlet is disposed through a wall of the outer tubular, in fluid communication with a bore of the inner tubular, and tangentially attached to the inner tubular so that fluid flow from the inlet to the inner tubular is centrifugally accelerated. The separator further includes a gas outlet in fluid communication with the outer tubular bore; and a liquid outlet in fluid communication with the outer tubular bore.
US09010439B2
An umbilical for use in the offshore production of hydrocarbons, and in particular to a power umbilical for use in deep water applications is described, comprising a plurality of longitudinal strength members, wherein at least one longitudinal strength member comprises rope enclosed within a tube. In this way, the or each longitudinal strength member being a rope and tube combination achieves the synergistic benefit of favorable mechanical properties in the axial direction, with favorable mechanical properties in the radial direction during tensioning or the like of the umbilical, especially during installation.
US09010436B2
A tensioner assembly for applying tension to a tubular member, such as a riser, can include an upper latch connected to the tubular member, a platform with a bore, and a lower latch ring. After applying tension to the tubular member, the lower latch ring can be closed around the tubular member so that when the tension is released, the upper latch lands on and engages the lower latch. The assembly can include a locking mechanism that prevents axial movement of the upper latch, relative to the lower latch, after engagement. The upper latch can self-center on the lower latch as it is moved into the latching position.
US09010435B2
The invention relates to oil-and-gas industry and can be used in emergency killing of wells. The method of emergency killing of a well of underwater head position comprises a cementing composition squeezing, wherein depth of the well section to be cemented is defined basing on the well condition and pressure in it, an injector, fixed on the tank with cementing composition and placed inside a bag made of some flexible material, is bottomed and inserted into the wellhead, the bag being filled with cementing composition which is squeezed into the bag through the injector from the tank, and providing for a firm contact of outer surface of the bag with inner surface of the well, the injector being kept at a target depth by means of the weight of the whole structure filled with the cementing composition, pressure in the bag being maintained till the cementing composition hardening.
US09010424B2
Disintegrative particles are designed to be blended with and pumped with typical proppant materials, e.g. sand, ceramics, bauxite, etc, into the fractures of a subterranean formation. With time and/or change in wellbore or environmental condition, these particles will either disintegrate partially or completely, in non-limiting examples, by contact with downhole fracturing fluid, formation water, or a stimulation fluid such as an acid or brine. Once disintegrated, the proppant pack within the fractures will lead to greater open space enabling higher conductivity and flow rates. The disintegrative particles may be made by compacting and/or sintering metal powder particles, for instance magnesium or other reactive metal or their alloys. Alternatively, particles coated with compacted and/or sintered nanometer-sized or micrometer sized coatings could also be designed where the coatings disintegrate faster or slower than the core in a changed downhole environment.
US09010418B2
A polymeric rod guide for a sucker rod, said polymeric rod guide having a body surrounding and coaxial with the sucker rod and molded in fixed contact with the rod. The body having a polygonal cross-section and a plurality of blades longitudinally disposed and extending from the body, each blade having a pair of planar longitudinal side walls and an exterior longitudinal edge, each of said blades having a first blade face disposed between a first terminal end of the blade and the exterior longitudinal edge and a second blade face disposed between a second terminal end of the blade and the exterior longitudinal edge, and an area of the body between the longitudinal side wall of a first blade and the longitudinal side wall of an adjacent second blade defines a trough having a plurality of planar surfaces.
US09010417B2
An assembly of screens made of connected joints with exterior bypasses that span the threaded connections among the joints features common fluid connections for the bypasses adjacent joint threaded ends that are connected with a coupling. A mandrel spans from one joint to the next inside the threaded coupling and is sealed to the respective bases pipes on opposed ends of the coupling. At each end of the mandrel the surrounding base pipe has openings from the common fluid connection where the bypasses terminate to define an annular flow path between pairs of common fluid connections. The bypasses can have slanted gravel outlet passages or no gravel openings at all. The bypasses can span over screen or blank pipe with an option to mount a shroud over the generally parallel bypasses.
US09010415B2
Disclosed is an expansion assembly and method to expand tubulars. In embodiments, an expansion assembly for disposition in a wellbore includes an expandable tubular and an expansion tool that has a swage and a thruster. In addition, the expansion tool has a front anchor assembly that has a front anchor having an open position providing an anchoring relationship with the internal wall and a closed position providing the front anchor with a diameter less than an internal diameter of the expandable tubular. The front anchor assembly also has a sensor positioned on an opposing side of the front anchor from the expansion swage providing that while the sensor is positioned inside the internal wall the front anchor may be in an open position or in a closed position while upon exit of the sensor from the end portion the sensor brings the front anchor in a permanently closed position.
US09010401B2
A roll-up door has a plurality of panels and a plurality of roller assemblies mounted to ends of the panels for mounting the panels in channels. At least some of the panels are formed of blow-molded thermoplastic material and have a relatively flat outside face and an inside face including open channels that extend longitudinally and transversely on the panel. A reinforced panel of thermoplastic material is made by blow molding a panel with a thermoplastic material to form a relatively flat outside face and a ribbed inside face, and with elongated channels along upper and lower portions thereof. The panel may be trimmed while it is still warm to open the channels at one end. While the panel is still warm, reinforcing members may be inserted into the elongated channels. The panels may be cooled to shrink the channels onto the reinforcing members.
US09010399B2
A window shade includes a headrail adapted for horizontal mounting above a window, a shading material attached to the headrail, and at least one cord for raising and lowering the shading material. The cord is attached to a location adjacent a lower end of the material, and extends upward through cord guides toward the headrail. The cord may be encased within a collapsible member attached to each cord guide. The collapsible member is adapted to longitudinally extend as the shading material is lowered toward a deployed position, and then longitudinally collapse as the shading material is raised toward a stowed position. The cord is secured to and is wound about a spring-loaded roller. The roller provides tension on the cord that counterbalances the weight of the shade so that the shading material may be positioned at any desired level. A stop bracket is disposed adjacent a face of the shading material and has a first portion attached to the headrail and a second portion containing a bore, wherein the cord extends from the roller through the bore and is secured to the shading material.
US09010394B2
The technology provides for alignment of forming positions of glazing gaskets formed on both front and rear sides of a glass panel. After the glazing gasket has been formed on the multilayer glass panel, a first distance L1 is measured from the reference member to the glazing gasket. After the multilayer glass panel has been reversed and positioned at the reference position for the glass panel, a second distance L1′ is measured from the reference member to the glazing gasket. An offset amount of the forming position of the glazing gasket on the rear side of the multilayer glass panel is determined from the difference of the first distance L1 and the second distance L1′. An application starting position of the application nozzle when forming the glazing gasket on the rear side of the multilayer glass panel is corrected based on the offset amount.
US09010384B2
A load part has a nozzle unit having outlets for generating outflow and/or inflow of gas used for replacing the atmosphere of a wafer storage container, in a direction approximately parallel to spaces between adjacent wafers being stored, are a driving unit for extending the nozzle unit to a door opening portion.
US09010383B2
Disclosed is a cap unit wherein safety is increased by preventing a reversed flow of a puncture-sealing agent. A cap main body (33) comprises an air flow passage (31) consisting of a vertical flow passage (31A) extending downward from an air passage upper opening (31a), a lateral flow passage (31B) laterally extending from an air intake port (31b), and a connecting flow passage (31C) connecting therebetween. The air flow passage (31) is provided with a reversed flow preventing device (22). The cap main body (33) is provided with a vertical hole (40) consisting of first to fourth vertical holes (40A to 40D) which have inner diameters increasing downwardly from the upper end in a stepwise manner, and the first to third vertical holes (40A to 40C) form the vertical flow passage (31A).
US09010380B2
A seamless and integrated textile innerduct having: a warp composed of polyester monofilament yarns and a weft composed of polyester multifilament yarns, wherein the warp has 70-85 ends per inch, the weft has 14-25 ends per inch, the warp and weft are integrated seamlessly to form an elongated enclosure having breaking strength of at least 1000 pounds, a vertical retraction rate of less than 3% at 150° C. for a duration of one hour, a longitudinal shrinkage rate of less than 3% at −80° C.; a pulling strip is placed inside the enclosure; the pulling strip is made of polyester multifilament yarns; and the inner duct is flexible and stretchable longitudinally.
US09010375B2
On an outer surface of an electromagnetic valve body, a manual operation element is provided slidably horizontally, and a slide member is provided slidably in a direction orthogonal to a sliding direction of the manual operation element. The slide member is movable to a lock position and a non-lock position. At the lock position, the slide member is retained by the manual operation element to lock the manual operation element at a non-switch position. At the non-lock position, the slide member unlocks the manual operation element to allow the manual operation element to move toward a switch position.
US09010364B2
A valve for regulating the flow of fluid through an access port in a fluid chamber includes a body having a first end and a second end, the second end being located in the access port and the first end protruding outside of the access port. An axial bore extends from the first end to the second end, an injection fitting is formed at the first end of the body in fluid communication with the axial bore, and the second end of the body includes a selective sealing interface. The body forms a sealing interface with a threaded inner wall surface of the access port. A one-way valve assembly is positioned within the axial bore, and is arranged to permit a flow of fluid therethrough in a downstream direction and prevent the flow of fluid therethrough in an upstream direction. A bypass passageway extends from the selective sealing interface separate from the axial bore. A connecting passageway connects the bypass passageway with the axial bore upstream of the one-way valve assembly.
US09010362B2
A pressure control reservoir includes a valve ball and a shaft which is movable to move the valve ball to open or close a fluid path leading to a fluid reservoir chamber. The shaft has a tip with a slant surface which has a peripheral edge of a polygonal shape with even numbers of vertices and is inclined to the longitudinal center line of the shaft. Such a polygonal geometry increases an entire or inclined length of the slant surface, which results in an increased range where an angle which the slant surface makes with a plane extending perpendicular to an axial direction of the tip is permitted to be increased without causing the point of contact between the valve ball and the slant surface to be shifted close to the tip of the slant surface when the tip of the shaft moves the valve ball.
US09010354B2
A quick and efficient method to flush out engines, and appropriate machinery and tools for carrying out this operation. The machinery/tools are (a) a flange; and (b) a self-sealing quick connect-disconnect male-female coupling that connects to and through the center of the flange, terminates at a specified distance on the interior of a surface ending with threads or barbs or a quick disconnect, and is attached to a y-shaped connector, to provide a liquid to a cooling system for the engine.
US09010352B2
Provided is a socket structure capable of preventing or inhibiting defective attachment/detachment thereof and defective movement and defective sealing of a valve mechanism due to a solid deposit caused by a fluid. A socket used by connecting the socket to a plug of a connector includes a socket body in which a channel is formed and which has a valve mechanism; and a sleeve which is disposed so as to be slidable in an axial direction thereof and rotatable along an outer circumferential surface of the socket body. The socket is configured to be screwed and secured by inserting and connecting an entrance of the channel that opens at a lower end of the socket body to a plug exit that opens at an upper end of the plug and then a sleeve thread portion is screwed into a socket female thread portion by rotating the sleeve.
US09010351B2
A valve assembly includes a valve housing with a recess that is sized to retain a component inserted into the recess. The component has an angled rim configured to dig into the valve housing at the recess.
US09010346B2
A portable sun screen and cooling apparatus for shading a user from direct sunlight while circulating cooled air. The portable sun screen and cooling apparatus provides a domed canopy with an air conditioning element that circulates cooled air throughout the domed canopy. The domed canopy comprises a hollow framework for redirecting the cooled air toward a user's upper body. An indicating element demonstrates a user's position should they become lost or separated from their companions.
US09010345B2
A spray arm assembly for a dishwasher system is disclosed. The spray arm assembly includes a spray arm which has an internal chamber, a liquid inlet in flow communication with the internal chamber to supply the internal chamber with liquid from a source of liquid, an outlet passageway in flow communication with the internal chamber for discharging liquid from the internal chamber, an air inlet in flow communication with the outlet passageway, and a region adjacent the air inlet and defining part of the outlet passageway. The region is configured to create a venturi effect at the air inlet when the liquid passes through the region so that air is drawn into the outlet passageway from the air inlet and a mixture of air and liquid is discharged from the outlet passageway. A dishwasher system incorporating such a spray arm assembly is also disclosed.
US09010340B2
Nail polish remover strips are pre-sized for toe or fingernails and applied to a painted or artificial nail and left thereon for a predetermined period of time to dissolve the nail polish and/or nail bonding agent. Preferably a color change occurs to depict the appropriate dwelling time to dissolve the nail polish. Certain embodiments include odor reducing components. Preferably the strips are layered composites having an exterior odor impervious material, a layer of encapsulated acetone or nail polish removing agent, an absorbent layer, and a peelable backing, with the strips being sized to accommodate contact with a person's nail.
US09010327B2
The present invention relates to a solution for controlling the pressure/flow of breathing gas to a mechanical ventilator (4) by using an energy of breathing analysis and further to provide a pressure relief during exhalation and a trigger determination when to start the pressure relief using energy content of breathing in analysis for determining a pressure curve form during at least a portion of the expiration phase.
US09010325B2
A nasal delivery device for and method of delivering particulate substance to the nasal airway of a subject, the delivery device comprising: a body assembly (3) including a mouthpiece unit (9) which includes a mouthpiece through which the subject in use exhales, and a substance-supply unit which is fluidly connected to the mouthpiece unit and actuatable to provide particulate substance for delivery to the nasal airway of the subject; wherein the body assembly is configured to receive a replaceable nosepiece unit (5) which includes a nosepiece and contains a container containing particulate substance.
US09010322B2
A confirmation device. The device includes a housing having a central passageway and a secondary passageway extending from the central passageway. The device also has a negative pressure member in communication with the secondary passageway and an indicator mechanism in fluid communication with the secondary passageway for visually indicating the presence of one or more components within the secondary passageway. The negative pressure member is operable to draw fluid across the indicator mechanism.
US09010319B2
A device (11) for supporting and retaining medical appliances (10), such as tracheal cannulas and stoma stents, in the neck of a patient comprising supporting means (12) for supporting and retaining the medical appliance (10) and fastening means (13) for fastening the device on the body (36) of a patient. The fastening means (13) is provided at a distance from the supporting means and comprises means for attaching the device to the chest (36) of the patient. A method for supporting and retaining medical appliances (10), such as tracheal cannulas and stoma stents, in the neck of a patient, by fastening the appliance (10) on the body (36) of a patient outside the neck.
US09010316B1
A housing has a bottom, side panels, end panels, and a top, forming a chamber. The side and end panels have interior sections and slidable exterior sections. A solar energy collector, tubing or solar panels, is within the chamber. A cover plate is fabricated of a transparent material and is secured to the exterior section adjacent to the top. Lenses are coupled to the exterior section, and focus sunlight on the solar energy collector. Lift drivers vary the elevation of the lenses with respect to the solar energy collector. A gimbal assembly with a tilt driver operatively couples the housing to the roof to vary the angular tilt of the housing. A light sensor, a temperature sensor, and an associated controller adjust the elevation of the lenses and the tilt of the housing.
US09010300B2
In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, an internal combustion engine includes a first set of cylinders in a first bank of the internal combustion engine and a second set of cylinders in a second bank of the internal combustion engine. The engine also includes a flat-plane crankshaft coupled to the first set of cylinders and the second set of cylinders. The pressure in the deactivated cylinders is controlled by gas injections and the bank angle between the first bank and second bank that is adjusted from a 90 degree bank angle by a selected angle to reduce an amplitude of second order torque variations when the internal combustion engine is operating in a fuel saving mode.
US09010296B2
The present invention provides a piston for a spark-ignition engine, comprising: a land part 18, an upper surface part of which has a crown part 26 forming a combustion chamber; a pair of skirt parts 20 extending downward from a peripheral part of the land part 18 and facing each other in a radial direction thereof; a pair of sidewall parts 19 coupling side end parts of the pair of skirt parts 20 to each other; and a pin boss part 21 that is formed in each of the sidewall parts 19. The present invention can inhibit the generation of HC produced at the time of combustion, while thermally protecting a top ring 30 fitted into a top ring groove 24a on an outer circumferential surface of the land part 18. The crown part 26 is configured by a flat base surface 27 and a bulging part 15 bulging upward above the base surface 27, and a thinned part 40 provided in the land part 18 is formed deep such that the deepest part thereof is positioned inside the bulging part 15.
US09010295B2
An intake system for an internal combustion engine, having a structure in which blow-by oil and/or fuel entering into an air cleaner case can be discharged to the outside of the air cleaner case. The intake system for an internal combustion engine is provided in which air is sucked from a clean air chamber in the air cleaner case into a throttle body provided with a throttle valve through a funnel while defining an airflow passage. Concurrently, fuel is sprayed from an injector, thereby feeding the fuel-air mixture into an intake port. A bypass passage different from the airflow passage is provided between the clean air chamber in the air cleaner case and the throttle body. The bypass passage is so structured that a passage inlet thereof on the clean air chamber side opens at an inner wall surface of the air cleaner case.
US09010291B2
A lash adjuster includes a body formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape, a plunger movably inserted into the body and having a peripheral wall having an oil passage hole, and a partitioning member inserted into the plunger. The plunger defines a high-pressure chamber between the body and a plunger underside and includes a first threaded portion formed in an inner periphery of the peripheral wall. The partitioning member has an oil passage end located above the oil passage hole and an oil passage is defined between an outer surface of the partitioning member and the plunger peripheral wall. A low-pressure chamber is defined inside the partitioning member to reserve hydraulic fluid flowing through the oil passage hole. The hydraulic fluid is then supplied into the high-pressure chamber. The partitioning member has an outer periphery formed with a second threaded portion threadingly coupled with the first threaded portion.
US09010289B2
In a hydraulic variable valve timing mechanism including a lock pin that locks a vane rotor and a housing against relative rotation in the most retarding phase, a specified angle α is set so that release of the lock pin is started at a time when positive cam torque acts on the vane rotor. When the crank angle reaches the specified angle α, supply of hydraulic pressure to the advancing oil chamber is started to release the lock pin from the engagement with the lock hole, thereby enabling a reliable release of the lock pin prior to start of change of valve timing.
US09010288B2
A six-stroke engine includes a cylinder, a piston, a cylinder head, a combustion chamber, cylinder injector, a spark plug, an intake port, an exhaust port, an intake valve, an exhaust valve, a valve gear, and a control device. The valve gear operates the intake valve and the exhaust valve to execute six strokes including an intake stroke, a compression stroke without ignition, an expansion stroke without combustion, a compression stroke with ignition, an expansion stroke with combustion, and an exhaust stroke in this order. The control device is programmed to cause the cylinder injector to inject fuel and to energize the spark plug in the compression stroke with ignition.
US09010283B2
While enlargement of cover members attached to an engine body is avoided, the flexibility of the shapes of the cover members is increased and it is made possible to lead to a predetermined position drainage discharged from a cooling water pump attached to the external surface of a lateral wall of the engine body. A drainage discharge hole for discharging drainage is provided in a lower portion of a pump case. An engine side rib leads downward drainage discharged from the drainage discharge hole is integrally provided on an engine body forming part of the engine body so as to project from an external surface of a lateral surface thereof.
US09010282B2
A piston cooling jet includes a housing, a nozzle, a valve, a pressure chamber, a pressure adjusting passage, and a filter. The nozzle is provided to project outward from the housing, and capable of spraying oil toward a piston. The valve is capable of moving reciprocally inside the housing, and configured to receive a load due to a hydraulic pressure in an engine-side oil passage applied from a front side of the valve. The valve includes a valve-side oil passage that communicates with the engine-side oil passage. The pressure chamber communicates with the valve-side oil passage. The pressure adjusting passage is disposed between the pressure chamber and a space outside the housing. The filter is disposed in the valve, and configured to remove foreign matter that cannot pass through the pressure adjusting passage from oil passing through the valve-side oil passage.
US09010281B2
Disclosed is a hot water supply system provided with a tank which holds a high-temperature liquid, and a heating means for generating the high-temperature liquid which is stored in the aforementioned tank. In the lower portion of the aforementioned tank is provided a water-heating heat exchanger which heats the water to be supplied to a hot water terminal by means of the liquid present in the lower portion of the aforementioned tank. Further, a hot water supply circuit is provided which conducts water to the aforementioned hot water supply terminal. The aforementioned hot water supply circuit splits into a water-heating path passing through the aforementioned water-heating heat exchanger, and a bypass path bypassing the aforementioned water-heating heat exchanger, and is provided with a hot water supply circuit control mechanism which controls the circulation state of the water in the aforementioned water-heating path and the aforementioned bypass path.
US09010275B2
Animal keeping installation comprising a floor (11) provided with a mat (12) on which the animal treads when setting foot on the floor (11) and which mat (12) is arranged to be intermittently propelled by a drive roll (13) placed internally in relation to the mat (12), wherein the drive roll (13) is connected to and mounted in bearing journals (15) for rotation about its center axis in a pendulum (14) which allows the drive roll (13), on the one hand, to bear against the inner side of the mat (12) and, on the other hand, to be released from the said bearing contact in dependence on the position of the pendulum (14), and wherein the drive roll (13) is connected to a drive member (18, 19, 51, 62) for driving the roll (13) at least into a position where the drive roll (13) bears against the mat (12).
US09010262B2
A tank support structure includes an inclined surface (21) formed on a side surface section of a housing section (2), a plurality of support base sections (22) arranged on the inclined surface (21), and a plurality of support blocks (4) arranged in a bottom surface section (31) of a tank (3) including a portion opposed to the inclined surface (21) and arranged on the support base sections (22). Support block bottom surfaces (41) arranged on the support base sections (22) of the support blocks (4) and support surfaces (22a) of the support base sections (22) that support the support blocks (4) have surfaces parallel to a plane (S) including a segment (CC′) connecting two contact points (a first contact point (C) and a second contact point (C′)) with the tank (3) in each of the support blocks (4) and a straight line (Lf) passing a fixed point (F) of the tank (3) and parallel to the segment (CC′).
US09010261B2
A towed vessel suitable for containing and transporting various liquids is disclosed. The vessel further comprises various features useful in the transportation, navigation, and storage of the towable vessel, both when in use for transporting fluids and when transported in an emptied state. Such features include navigational and positioning devices and methods, power supply devices and methods, and means for filling, inflating, emptying, and deflating a non-rigid, towed vessel. Aspects of embodiments of the present invention further include features useful for purifying or preserving the purity of the fluid to be transported.
US09010258B1
A seed singulator system for a seed planter may comprise a seed container including a housing defining an interior to hold seed. A seed pickup assembly may be configured to pick up seeds individually from the interior, and the pickup assembly defines a plurality of seed-retaining holes configured to hold seed when a vacuum is applied to the holes. A seed discharging assembly may be configured to discharge seed in a singular manner from the seed container. The seed discharge assembly may comprise a seed receiver structure configured to receive seeds from the seed pickup assembly, and may define a seed-receiving passage having an entry opening for a seed to pass through, with the seed-retaining holes being alignable with the entry opening. A seed ejecting structure may be configured to eject seeds one at a time from the seed pickup assembly into the entry opening of the seed receiver structure.
US09010253B2
This is a vehicle transfer system to connect a roadway vehicle such as a bus to and from a train either when stopped or moving. It mounts the bus end or ends each on the swivel end of a railway car. The bus end which couples a railway car has wheels that retract to clear from the track. All wheels of the bus are lifted if the bus is supported on a railway car at each end. Automatic couplers are provided to couple to a moving train. If the bus is only supported at the front on a swivel coupling car it can have hi-rail retractable swivel truck wheels lowered to the rails to guide the rear of the bus around sharp tram curves.
US09010252B2
A rerailer device for rerailing a railway vehicle onto a track, the device including a body with a ramp adapted to support a wheel of a railway vehicle thereon, a sloped face provided on said body and being configured with a slope that declines in a preferred direction toward the track on which the railway vehicle wheel is to be rerailed, and support means for supporting said sloped surface and railway vehicle wheels thereon, where the support configuration, material or combinations of configurations and materials facilitate lightweight construction.
US09010250B1
A grenade fuze assembly includes a fuze body and a striker lever fixed to the fuze body with a pull pin. A circular pull ring is attached to the pull pin. A detent device is disposed on a top portion of the fuze body and a top portion of the striker lever. The detent device includes four sides with a boss formed on an exterior of one of the four sides. The boss includes a curved slot for receiving and holding the pull ring. A pair of opposed locking tabs on opposite interior sides of the detent device engage the top portion of the fuze body. The detent device secures the pull ring to prevent accidental removal of the pull pin when the grenade is dropped and to prevent undesired noise cause by movement of the pull pin and pull ring.
US09010244B2
A paintball or other gelatin capsule has a printed image applied to its shell before encapsulation using a gelatin ribbon printing machine. The printing machine includes a motor driven cylindrical casting drum, a cylindrical print roll having a pattern formed on and around its outer periphery, said print roll being positioned relative to said casting drum so that said gelatin ribbon is sandwiched in between and in contact with both said casting drum and said print roll and so that the print roll is rotary driven by said casting drum solely through frictional contact with the gelatin ribbon. A rotary ink roller is in contact with the print roll to drives the ink roller solely through frictional contact between said print roll the inking roller. A doctor blade is configured to scrape excess ink from said inking roller. A method of printing on a gelatin capsule is also provided.
US09010229B2
There is disclosed armor having an outer metallic layer, an inner fiber composite layer, and a supporting framework between the inner and outer layers. The supporting framework can include projections from the outer layer arranged to mechanically interlock with the fibers of the fiber composite, and can be arranged to provide an open region between the inner and outer layers that can be filled with a functional filler material.
US09010225B2
A dicing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: a work table on which a work is mounted; a processing device which processes the work; an imaging device which images the work on the work table; a plurality of moving device which move the work table, the processing device, and the imaging device relatively to each other; and an alignment camera which is provided on the same moving device as the work table so as to face the imaging device, and which performs imaging in the direction toward the portion where the imaging device is provided. According to the dicing apparatus configured in this way, it is possible to easily measure the relative position of the imaging device and the processing device without processing a dummy work, and it is possible to perform excellent dicing processing without lowering the efficiency of the dicing apparatus.
US09010221B2
Hand pliers for assembly purposes includes an assembly limb and a handle limb rotatably connected to one another via a first link joint. The handle limb is divided into an off-handle lever and a handle-near lever and these two levers are rotatably connected to one another by a bolt via a second link joint, wherein a tension wheel and a ratchet wheel with external toothing connected torsionally proof to it are pivotably arranged on the bolt side by side in axial direction, and the tension wheel engages into a tension device that connects both handle limbs to one another, and a spring-loaded dog ratchet is arranged at the handle-near lever, engaging into the ratchet wheel in such a manner that when the handle-near lever makes a latching movement it permits a rotation of the ratchet wheel on closing the pliers, but prevents its rotation in the opposite direction.
US09010220B2
A pass-thru ratchet wrench includes a wrench body. A front end of the wrench body has a head portion. A ratchet is provided in the head portion. The ratchet has a receiving hole to receive a socket. The ratchet has a first neck portion at an upper edge thereof and an annular groove around the outer wall of the first neck portion. The annular groove has a certain depth. The ratchet has a plurality of through holes in annular groove. A C-shaped buckle ring is disposed in the annular groove. The C-shaped buckle ring extends out of the through holes to form a limit portion. The limit portion is adapted to stop the socket, thereby the receiving hole of the ratchet can limit the socket from displacing.
US09010216B2
Pedal assemblies for motor vehicles. In one implementation a pedal is pivotable around a shaft that is releasably fixed in a housing of a support piece by a retention member. The retention member is moveable between a first position corresponding to a normal operating condition and a second position corresponding to a head-on collision condition. In the first position a first part of the retention member rests against and holds the rotating shaft in the fixed position within the housing of the support piece and a first surface of the retention member rests against a guide surface of the support piece. The retention member is releasable from the support piece upon a force being applied to it in the event of the head-on collision, the first surface of the retention member adapted to ride along the guide surface of the support piece to cause the retention member to move from the first position to the second position in a manner that causes the first part of the retention member to be moved away from the rotating shaft so that the rotating shaft is moveable within the housing.
US09010208B2
A yoke assembly adapted for use in a rack and pinion steering gear assembly for a vehicle comprises a yoke housing having a bore; a yoke bearing disposed in the bore; a yoke cover secured in the bore; a spring disposed in the bore between the yoke bearing and the yoke cover; and an automatic-adjusting mechanism secured in the yoke cover. The automatic-self adjusting mechanism includes a member which is configured to self adjust and move in a direction toward the yoke bearing so as to maintain the member in constant contact against the yoke bearing as associated components of the rack and pinion steering gear wear.
US09010206B2
An automated manual transmission is provided to implement seven forward gear changes and one reverse gear change. The automated manual transmission includes: a first input shaft; a second input shaft; a driving gear section mounted to the first and second input shafts; a clutch section for transmitting or blocking the power of the engine; a first output shaft to which the power is transmitted from the first input shaft or the second input shaft; a second output shaft to which the power is transmitted from the first input shaft or the second input shaft; a driven gear section including a plurality of driven gears which are mounted on the first output shaft and the second output shaft; and a synchronization section for connecting or disconnecting the first output shaft and the second output shaft. The clutch section includes a first clutch mounted to the first input shaft and a second clutch mounted to the second input.
US09010204B2
The invention relates to a torque limiter for an actuator including a screw (101), a nut mounted on said screw, an actuation tube (105) rigidly connected to the nut and means (109, 133) for rotating said screw, said limiter being characterized in that it includes an abutment (115, 110) capable of: preventing the rotation of said tube (105) by friction simply by an axial force exerted by said screw (101) onto said nut during the movement thereof; and enabling the rotation of said tube (105) when said nut arrives at an axial abutment of said screw beyond a predetermined torque threshold defined by the axial force.
US09010203B2
Apparatus for examining the internal wall of a tube by turning back a portion of a tube the cross section of which is open along an arch of circumference, particularly over approximately one quarter of a circumference, comprising: two adjacent parallel bars (3a, 3b), which are mounted such that they can slide in a structure (2) and which can be moved within their plane, about which bars the concave side of the open portion (1) of the tube can be engaged, with the geometric axis of the tube parallel to the bars; a pushing means (P) for pushing in a direction substantially orthogonal to the mean plane of the bars and capable of coming to rest against the exterior convex region of the tube portion (1); and a parting means (9) capable of spacing the bars apart in response to the pushing thrust applied to the convex region of the tube portion, the whole assembly being designed to allow the portion of the tube to be turned back on each side of the pushing region.
US09010198B2
An example aircraft debris monitoring sensor assembly includes an aircraft conduit defining a hollow core passage extending axially from an inlet opening to an outlet opening. A sensor arrangement detects debris carried by a fluid within the hollow core passage.
US09010173B2
Disclosed is a pollution measurement apparatus which measures a pollutant concentration and a pollutant component in gas, and more particularly a pollution measurement apparatus for easily exchanging a sensor, which can facilely exchange only desired sensors when it is required to exchange part of multiple sensors for sensing pollution.
US09010168B2
A square pipe manufacturing method includes: a first processing step of forming a first intermediate formed product 13 by bending both widthwise end portions of a rectangular metal plate 1; a second processing step of forming a second intermediate formed product 21 by bending both widthwise sides of a bottom surface 11 of the first intermediate formed product 13; a third processing step of obtaining a third intermediate formed product 23 by curving the side wall surfaces 17 to be convex outward in the width direction by pressing the flange parts 7, 7 toward the bottom wall surface 19 and then pressing the curved side wall surfaces 17 inward in the width direction; and a fourth processing step of crush-deforming corners 31, 31, 33, 33 of the third intermediate formed product 23.
US09010165B2
Embodiments of the invention comprise forming a billet from molten steel and hot rolling the billet to reduce the cross sectional area of the billet. Thereafter, the billet is hot rolled into a lead pass bar having a cross-sectional area comprising a reduced width dimension located adjacent to the center longitudinal axis of the bar. In one embodiment of the invention, the billet can be formed into a lead pass bar having a cross-sectional area in the shape of an hourglass or peanut by feeding the billet through a first set of rolls. After the lead pass bar is formed, it is passed through a second set of rolls in order to form the substantially continuous threaded rebar without longitudinal ribs. The cross-sectional area of the lead pass bar helps to produce a substantially continuous threaded rebar product without longitudinal ribs using standard rebar manufacturing tooling and equipment.
US09010148B2
A method of reducing distortion in a glass sheet is described and comprises the steps of: forming a glass ribbon in a glass manufacturing process; separating a glass sheet from the glass ribbon, the glass sheet having a substantially flat surface; measuring a retardation through the surface of the glass sheet; defining a retardation parameter indicative of the retardation of the glass sheet; cutting the glass sheet into a plurality of sub-sheets; measuring a distortion of the sub-sheets; defining a distortion parameter indicative of the distortion of the sub-sheets; and determining a correlation between the retardation parameter and the distortion parameter such that the distortion parameter of sub-sheets of a subsequent glass sheet can be predicted based on the correlation.
US09010135B2
Refrigeration apparatus with a refrigerant collection operation between a plurality of outdoor units
To a refrigerant circuit of an air conditioner as a refrigerating apparatus, a plurality of outdoor units are connected. In an operation state where the first outdoor unit is operated with the second outdoor unit stopped, the air conditioner performs refrigerant collection operation for collecting and retaining surplus refrigerant to and in a second outdoor heat exchanger of the second outdoor unit. During the refrigerant collection operation, a second outdoor expansion valve is closed fully, and a second outdoor fan is operated. Part of refrigerant discharged from a first compressor flows into the second outdoor heat exchanger during the refrigerant collection operation. The refrigerant flowing in the second outdoor heat exchanger dissipates heat to outdoor air to be condensed. Since the second outdoor expansion valve is closed fully, the condensed refrigerant is retained in the second outdoor heat exchanger.
US09010124B2
A gas turbine engine combustion chamber includes a first wall and a second wall. The second wall is arranged within and spaced from the first wall to define a cavity between the first wall and the second wall. The first wall has a plurality of impingement apertures extending there-through and the second wall has a plurality of effusion apertures extending there-through. The impingement apertures have a first diameter, a first pitch, and a first area. The effusion apertures have a second diameter, a second pitch, and a second area. The ratio of the first diameter to the second diameter is at least 3, the ratio of the first pitch to the second pitch is at least 4 and the ratio of the first area to the second area is at least 9. This arrangement increases the cooling performance of the effusion apertures in the second wall.
US09010119B2
A premixing nozzle of a combustor is provided and includes a gas premixer module, a centerbody, which is breech-loadable into the gas premixer module and a deformable, compliant interface between the gas premixer module and the centerbody.
US09010117B2
A turbocharged internal combustion engine system includes at least one high pressure turbocharger system and at least one low pressure turbocharger system. An air-to-air intercooler is connected between the low pressure compressor of the low pressure turbocharger system and the high pressure compressor of the high pressure turbocharger system. An air-to-water aftercooler is connected to the intake system between the high pressure compressors and the intakes of the cylinders of the internal combustion engine.
US09010112B2
Various systems and methods are described for a charge air cooler coupled to an engine. One example method comprises collecting condensate discharged from the cooler in a condensation trap coupled to an outside surface of a bend in an outlet duct of the cooler; during a first condition, temporarily storing the condensate in a reservoir of the condensation trap; and, during first and second conditions, releasing the condensate to the outlet duct in a direction of airflow via a tube.
US09010108B2
An aftwardly-extending internally-threaded boss of a boreless-hub compressor rotor of a turbocharger engages a corresponding externally-threaded forward end portion of an associated rotor shaft of the turbocharger, wherein an internal surface of an inner race of an associated rolling-element bearing of the turbocharger is in engagement with both an external surface of the rotor shaft and an external surface of the internally-threaded boss of the boreless-hub compressor rotor, wherein the rotor shaft extends through the inner race of the rolling-element bearing.
US09010095B2
An exhaust treatment unit includes an exhaust treatment device that treats exhaust gas from an engine of a work vehicle, a bracket including an attachment portion attachable to a hoisting hook, and a detachable component. The bracket supports the exhaust treatment device. The detachable component is attachable to and detachable from the attachment portion. When the unit is attached, the hoisting hook is attached to the attachment portion, the unit is hoisted using a hoisting tool including the hoisting hook, moved to an attachment position and installed in the work vehicle. The hoisting hook is then detached from the attachment portion and the detachable component is attached to the unit using the attachment portion. When the unit is detached, the detachable component is detached from the attachment portion, the hoisting hook is attached to the attachment portion, and the unit is hoisted and detached using the hoisting tool.
US09010090B2
In an internal combustion engine, inside of an engine exhaust passage, a hydrocarbon feed valve (15) and an exhaust purification catalyst (13) are arranged. The concentration of hydrocarbons which flow into the exhaust purification catalyst (13) is made to vibrate within 200 ppm or more predetermined amplitude and within a 5 second or more predetermined period. At this time, when a predetermined amount or more of NOx is stored in the exhaust purification catalyst (13) or can be stored, the concentration of hydrocarbons flowing into the exhaust purification catalyst (13) is temporarily increased to desorb NOx which is stored at the exhaust purification catalyst (13).
US09010088B2
A load application means, which applies a load to an engine such that a temperature of exhaust gas is raised to a temperature required to burn particulate matter, is comprised of an electric load application means for applying the load to the engine to raise the temperature of the exhaust gas by operating an electric assist motor to generate electric power and a hydraulic load application means for applying the load to the engine to raise the temperature of the exhaust gas by increasing a delivery pressure of a variable displacement hydraulic pump, and a selection control unit is provided for performing control processing to selectively actuate the electric load application means and/or the hydraulic load application means.
US09010085B2
A turbofan engine has an engine case and a gaspath through the engine case. A fan has a circumferential array of fan blades. The engine further has a compressor, a combustor, a gas generating turbine, and a low pressure turbine section. A speed reduction mechanism couples the low pressure turbine section to the fan. A bypass area ratio is greater than about 6.0. The low pressure turbine section airfoil count to bypass area ratio ratio is below about 170.
US09010082B2
According to one aspect of the invention, a gas turbine engine includes a combustor, a fuel nozzle placed in an end of the combustor, and a passage configured to receive an air flow from a compressor discharge casing, wherein the passage directs the air flow into a chamber downstream of the nozzle, wherein a chamber pressure is lower than a compressor discharge casing pressure. The gas turbine engine also includes a flow control device configured to control the air flow from the compressor discharge casing into the passage.
US09010075B2
Multi-stage gas packaging systems and methods are provided that may be implemented in a first bulk packaging stage for bulk shipping of multiple items and then converted to a second single pack stage for single item shipment in an environment that is totally different from the bulk shipment environment.
US09010068B2
A kit for fixing tiles to a wall comprising: a tile having a protrusion extending from an edge thereof; and a fixing element arranged to be fastened to the wall and to accommodate the protrusion so as to secure the tile in position.
US09010062B2
A post member includes a side surface, and a beam member includes a side surface and an underside edge surface. The beam member is attached to the post member using a multi-piece hanger including a first L-shaped bracket with a first mounting flange attached to the side surface of the post member, and a second L-shaped bracket with a second mounting flange attached to the side surface of the beam member. The first L-shaped bracket further includes a first interlocking flange supporting the underside edge surface of the beam member. The first interlocking flange includes an extending tab member. The second L-shaped bracket further includes a second interlocking flange positioned adjacent the first interlocking flange. At a bend of the second L-shaped bracket, at least one slot is provided which is sized and shaped to receive the extending tab member.
US09010059B2
A building block (100) comprises a first mating portion and a second mating portion which are complementary. The first mating portion comprises a mating protrusion (140) which defines an axially extending through bore (144) and the second mating portion comprises an axially extending mating receptacle (180) which is complementary to the mating protrusion (140). The mating protrusion (140) and the mating receptacle (180) are in communication via the through bore (144), and a fastener anchoring device (146) adapted for engaging with an engagement means (920) of a fastener (900) is formed inside the through bore (144). The through bore (144) is adapted to permit axial insertion of the engagement means (920) of the fastener (900) into the mating protrusion (140). The fastener anchoring device (146) is adapted to obstruct axial passage of the engagement means (920) until the engagement means (920) overcomes the obstruction by negotiating rotationally with the fastener anchoring device (146) to thereby gain axial advancement and enter into engagement with the fastener anchoring device (146).
US09010057B2
A panel includes a core and a layer of adhesive on top of a core of the panel. A release liner covers the layer of adhesive. The release liner includes segments configured so that any of the segments can be selectively individually removed, exposing corresponding sections of the layer of adhesive.
US09010053B1
A thermal barrier double-wall construction panel made up of at least four layers which includes a foam insulation core with exterior and interior surface sides, an inner and an outer liner (or skin), and at least one engineered thermal barrier support structure located between the foam core and one of the liners.
US09010047B2
A construction structure includes a substrate made of a concrete material and having an external surface, and an external reinforcement attachment. The attachment includes an outwardly facing surface and an inwardly facing surface and has a non-uniform cross-sectional area along the reinforcement attachment. The reinforcement attachment is secured to the substrate with the inwardly facing surface bonded to the external surface of the substrate. The reinforcement attachment has at least first portions and second portions, the two portions are treated such that the first portions have a greater cross-sectional area than the second portions for increasing yield strength of the first portions whereby when the construction structure is under stress the first portions block or reduce spreading of strain sustained by the reinforcement attachment to avoid or at least delay complete detachment of attachment from the substrate.
US09010045B1
A wall panel arrangement is adapted to be used in a wall panel system provided with at least one pair of spaced apart vertical frame members having inwardly facing sidewalls for retaining at least one existing panel therebetween. The wall panel arrangement includes an add-on wall panel assembly constructed with opposed face structure connected to opposed side structure, and adapted to cover at least a portion of the existing panel. Mounting structure is provided on the wall panel assembly, and is configured with flexible resilient retainers extending outwardly relative to the side structure, and adapted to frictionally engage the inwardly facing flat walls of the vertical frame members, and hold the wall panel assembly over the existing panel and between the vertical frame members.
US09010041B2
A leveler for a solar module can include a base, a rotatable adjuster, and a follower. The rotatable adjuster can be mounted to the base with a swaging process, or other techniques. The follower can be embedded within a coupler configured to be connectable to solar modules. Turning the rotatable height adjuster changes the relative spacing between the solar module and the base.
US09010039B2
Example weather barrier apparatuses for sealing or sheltering vehicles at loading docks are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a side seal member to be vertically elongate and having a front surface facing away from a doorway when the apparatus is in a relaxed configuration, the side seal member extending laterally farther into a cargo passageway when the apparatus is in the relaxed configuration than when in an activated configuration, the front surface engages a vehicle as the vehicle moves between a departed position and a parked position. The apparatus also includes an upper seal member to hang in front of the side seal member when the apparatus is in the relaxed configuration, the upper seal member being horizontally elongate and having a lower corner point proximate the side seal member, the front surface facing away from the lower corner point when the apparatus is in the activated configuration.
US09010038B1
A roof mounting system is mounted to roofing tile. The roof mounting system includes a first bracket portion having a first elongate portion, a first hook portion and a first leg. The first hook portion engages a first side of the roofing tile. The roof mounting system also includes a second bracket portion having a second elongate portion, a second hook portion and a second leg. The second hook portion engages a second side of the roofing tile. The roof mounting system further includes a slotted plate that connects the first and the second bracket portions by engaging the first and the second legs. The roof mounting system further includes a standoff connected to either the first bracket portion or the slotted plate. The standoff supports one or more components on the roof.
US09010035B1
A safe room assembly includes a solid concrete wall forming an enclosed area, a conduit disposed within the concrete wall and extending from one end that is exposed at an outside surface of the concrete wall to an inside surface of the concrete wall, and an utility system in communication with the conduit. The enclosed area is configured to provide safe harbor to an occupant during extreme weather conditions and the utility system is configured to provide utilities to the occupant while harbored within the enclosed area.
US09010032B2
A device (1) for the connection of gymnastic equipment to the flooring (30) of a gymnasium or the like, includes a support (2) which can be placed in a housing (50) produced in a flooring (30) and accessible from an opening (A), at least one electromagnet (8) mounted on the support (2) which can be connected to a control device (100), at least one slab (11, 12) adapted to be placed in the opening (A) resting on the support (2), the slab (11, 12) including at least one portion (11a, 12a) made of ferromagnetic material, the upper surface (14) of the slab being substantially flat or being provided with elements (13) for the connection of gymnastic equipment.
US09010030B2
Gutter guard apparatuses and methods of making the same are provided. A gutter guard apparatus for preventing debris from entering rainwater collection gutters on a structure. A gutter guard apparatus can comprise a guard panel and mesh layer that cooperate to prevent debris from entering a rainwater collection gutter. The mesh layer can be secured to the guard panel at substantially all points of contact between the mesh layer and guard panel to thereby provide a secure and durable gutter guard apparatus. Methods and devices for forming a gutter guard can comprise bonding the mesh layer to a guard panel using a radiant heater, heated roller, adhesive applicator, ultrasonic welder and/or combinations thereof.
US09010025B2
Electro-mechanical and electronically controlled access devices are described for controlling access to a building, premises or area in a secure manner such that a subject who is deemed ineligible for access will be barred entry and may be optionally retained. The devices can contain multiple rotatable door panels, which can be positioned behind one another. The door panels can be controlled by mechanized arms or other control devices in order to control the passage through the device. The direction of flow through a device according to these embodiments is electronically controlled and may be changed at any point in time. At any instant in time, the flow through the device is unidirectional. Multiple devices can be stacked together to form clusters, which can be controlled according to traffic, time of day, or other factors.
US09010022B2
Method and apparatus for growing plants in vertical stacks by providing vertically stacked, interconnected pairs of plant platforms and light trays carrying growth promoting light sources. Each light tray is suspended below the underside of the next above plant platform. The stack is vertically raised in succession whereby the plant platforms are suspended and vertically spaced from each other. Thereafter, plants are placed between suspended platforms under the light trays which are regulating during periods of plant growth and non-growth.
US09010018B2
An apparatus is disclosed which may be used to grow plants in a chamber. In one embodiment, the chamber includes an artificial light source, a plurality of plant supports, a supporting structure configured to rotate the plant supports between two positions, the first position being closer to the artificial light source than the second, and a divider separating the chamber into a light region containing the artificial light source and one of the plant supports in the first position and a dark region containing the other plant support in the second position, wherein the divider is moveable between a first divider position in which the divider prevents movement of the plant supports and a second divider position in which the divider does not prevent movement of the plant supports. Methods of growing plants in a chamber on a moveable member are also disclosed.
US09010009B2
An eccentric rail mounting system is disclosed. In various embodiments, this system comprises an eccentric rail nut for off-center mounting of a rail on a firearm. The eccentric rail nut has an exterior surface that defines a central axis of the nut and a main bore that defines a central axis of the main bore that is displaced from the central axis of the nut. Components and methods are disclosed in a variety of embodiments.
US09010007B2
The article includes a body portion which is large enough to accommodate and cover a receiver portion of a shotgun, leaving the stock and most of the barrel of the shotgun exposed outside of the body portion when the shotgun is positioned within the body portion. The body portion includes a base portion, a rotatable lid portion with two extending latch members and a lock assembly, wherein the receiver portion of the shotgun fits between the base portion and the cover portion when the cover portion is locked to the lock assembly by the two latch members.
US09010006B2
A method and apparatus for intentionally slowing the speed at which detachable ammunition magazines can be interchanged in a firearm receiver. A magazine catch assembly includes a latch adapted to engage a recess of a standard magazine in the magazine well. A hand-activated crank interacts with threads of a push-rod portion of the latch so that manual rotation of the hand crank in one direction (e.g., counter-clockwise) displaces the latch after a sufficient number of turns. Reverse rotation of the hand crank returns the latch to its engaged condition ready to automatically re-engage the next magazine inserted into the firearm receiver. Alternatively, viscoelastic foam or other mechanical time-delay feature can be used instead of screw threads to introduce a mechanically transmitted dwell period before the latch is actuated.
US09010005B2
An ammunition magazine including a housing having a base, a follower spring-biased in the housing against the base, a chain coupled to the follower for pulling the follower towards the base to permit loading of cartridges into the magazine, and a mechanism for collecting a loose portion of the chain mounted on the follower, the chain being coupled to the mechanism for collecting a loose portion of the chain, the mechanism being configured to collect a loose portion of the chain after the follower has been pulled towards the base.
US09010004B1
An apparatus for releasing firearm magazine comprising an outer button, an inner button, a first spring and a securing plate wherein the inner button and the first spring is located within the outer button by the securing plate a lower receiver of a rifle a second spring and a magazine catch wherein the magazine catch is comprised of a shaft and a threaded portion wherein the second spring is positioned over the shaft and is further posited inside the lower receiver the threaded portion is functionally engaged to the inner button such that the inner button can be adjusted along the length of the threaded portion the outer button further comprising a stopping device along the perimeter of the outer button wherein the stopping device prevents the movement of the outer button towards the lower receiver.
US09010001B2
Towel tags to permit minimizing the use of water and detergent during washing and minimizing wear and tear of towels, the spread of germs and diseases between towel users, and minimizing the use of energy, and saving money. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. Any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
US09009986B1
A machining tool assembly for manufacturing a firearm lower receiver includes a first and second side jig which are configured to be disposed on opposite sides of the firearm lower receiver and configured to removably attach to one another securing the firearm lower receiver therebetween. A drill block jig is removably attachable to the first and second side jigs disposed above the top surface of the firearm lower receiver, wherein the drill block jig comprises a plurality of through holes. A template spacer jig is removably attachable to the first and second side jigs disposed above the top surface of the firearm lower receiver, wherein the template spacer jig comprises a spacer aperture disposed through a template spacer thickness. A first and second pocket templates are removably attachable and disposed onto the template spacer jig. A router support plate is disposed onto either the first or second pocket templates.
US09009983B1
Centerline marker holder used for marking rounded and bull nose vertical and horizontal wall corners
A centerline marker holder used for engaging and sliding along a portion of two intersecting walls and sliding along an exterior or interior rounded or bull nose corner between the walls. The marker holder uses a pencil for drawing a centerline along a length of the corner. The marker holder includes a flat, first wall engaging member attached at an angle to a flat, second wall engaging member. Along a length of an intersection of the first and second wall engaging members is a centerline hole. The centerline hole is dimensioned to receive the pencil therethrough for marking the centerline. The marker holder also includes a plurality of offset holes from the centerline hole for drawing parallel offset lines at a selected distance from the centerline.
US09009981B2
A three-sided disposable cutting blade for use within a utility knife. The cutting blade features between three and six distinct cutting portions. The cutting blade may be rotated and flipped such that each cutting portion may be presented from the utility knife as the active cutting portion. Features of the cutting blade include a wear-coat indicator which is located at or near each cutting portion and indicates when a portion has been used; grippable locations on the body of the blade to increase the grippibility of the blade when removing and handling the blade; multiple mounting-hole orientations; and mass-reducing punch-outs which reduce cutting friction of the blade against the object being cut.
US09009970B2
A method for manufacturing includes a polygonal shape closed structure part with a bent shape in the longitudinal direction only by press forming. The method uses two metal plates for manufacturing a curvilineal closed structure part and includes a press forming process of forming straight or bent folding lines in the longitudinal direction of the two metal plates at positions corresponding to a polygonal bent shape with a flange formed at least at one of the ends of the width direction of each plate, a process of forming a closed structure by laying the two metal plates to overlap each other flange to flange and end to end for ends without flanges and by welding the portions laid to overlap each other in the longitudinal direction of the metal plates, and a process of forming a polygonal shape closed structure having a bent shape in the longitudinal direction by holding both ends of the closed structure and by compressing it toward its central axis.
US09009968B2
A cooling method is provided which includes providing a cooling apparatus that includes one or more coolant-cooled structures attached to one or more electronic components, one or more coolant conduits, and one or more coolant manifolds. The coolant-cooled structure(s) includes one or more coolant-carrying channels, and the coolant manifolds includes one or more rotatable manifold sections. One coolant conduit couples in fluid communication a respective rotatable manifold section and the coolant-carrying channel(s) of a respective coolant-cooled structure. The respective rotatable manifold section is rotatable relative to another portion of the coolant manifold to facilitate detaching of the coolant-cooled structure from its associated electronic component while maintaining the coolant-cooled structure in fluid communication with the respective rotatable manifold section through the one coolant conduit, which in one embodiment, is a substantially rigid coolant conduit.
US09009967B2
A composite catalyst substrate is provided, which may include a metallic core and a porous ceramic coating on the metallic core. The substrate may also include a washcoat substantially covering the ceramic coating and including a catalyst material configured to react with constituents in an exhaust flow of an exhaust producing engine. The catalyst material may be dispersed in, or coated on, the washcoat.
US09009964B2
A method for mounting a wind turbine blade to a wind turbine hub by use of a crane boom is provided. The orientation of the blade is kept substantially horizontal when the blade is lifted off the ground and mounted to the rotor hub. Control wires which connect the blade via the crane boom to a winch arrangement are used for keeping the blade orientation substantially horizontal in addition to at least one bearing wire for bearing the blade weight.
US09009958B2
A mountable device includes a bio-compatible structure embedded in a polymer that defines at least one mounting surface. The bio-compatible structure includes an electronic component having electrical contacts, sensor electrodes, and electrical interconnects between the sensor electrodes and the electrical contacts. The bio-compatible structure is fabricated such that it is fully encapsulated by a bio-compatible material, except for the sensor electrodes. In the fabrication, the electronic component is positioned on a first layer of bio-compatible material and a second layer of bio-compatible material is formed over the first layer of bio-compatible material and the electronic component. The electrical contacts are exposed by removing a portion of the second layer, a conductive pattern is formed to define the sensor electrodes and electrical interconnects, and a third layer of bio-compatible material is formed over the conductive pattern. The sensor electrodes are exposed by removing a portion of the third layer.
US09009957B2
A method is provided for placing a component on a substrate. The method uses a component feeding device and a component pick-and-place device to place a component on a substrate.
US09009956B2
Systems and methods are described that provide multilevel inverters having a plurality of levels using a simplified topology. For single phase systems, embodiments provide a full-bridge topology using bidirectional switching interconnections.
US09009955B2
A method of making articles from electrically active textiles. First and second fabric pieces include conductors therein. A seam is established between the first and second fabric pieces. A determination is made, at the seam, based on one or more predetermined factors, which conductors of the first fabric piece intersect or overlap with which conductors of the second fabric piece. At the seam, an electrical and mechanical connection is formed between select conductors of the first fabric piece and select conductors of the second fabric piece.
US09009954B2
A method for manufacturing a Z-directed component for insertion into a mounting hole in a printed circuit board according to one example embodiment includes forming the Z-directed component in a cavity formed by a constraining material that defines the outer shape of the Z-directed component. The constraining material is dissipated to release the Z-directed component from the constraining material and the Z-directed component is fired.
US09009944B2
Wet electrostatic precipitator (WESP) collector tube bundles are formed by a procedure in which strips of conductive material are corrugated, intended abutting surfaces of the corrugated strips are abraded, adhesive is applied to the abraded surfaces, multiple ones of the corrugated strips are assembled with corrugation in abutting relationship, and outer panels are assembled with the resulting hexagonal tube bundle.
US09009942B2
A roll-up door has a plurality of panels and a plurality of roller assemblies mounted to ends of the panels for mounting the panels in channels. At least some of the panels are formed of blow-molded thermoplastic material and have a relatively flat outside face and an inside face including ribs that extend longitudinally and transversely on the panel. A reinforced panel of thermoplastic material is made by blow molding a panel with a thermoplastic material to form a relatively flat outside face and a ribbed inside face, and with elongated channels along upper and lower walls thereof. The panel is trimmed while it is still warm to open the channels at one end. While the panel is still warm, reinforcing members are inserted into the elongated channels. The panels can be cooled to shrink the channels onto the reinforcing members.
US09009941B2
It is intended to make it possible to, even in a situation where a program and/or data to be written to a memory device of an electronic control unit provided in an automatic transmission become different in content, depending on a specification of a vehicle to be mounted with the automatic transmission, manage the electronic control unit while distinguishing only by a difference in hardware configurations thereof. Disclosed is a method which comprises: an assembling step (10) of assembling an automatic transmission, wherein the assembling step includes installing an electronic control unit in the automatic transmission; and a testing step (30) of testing the automatic transmission after completion of assembling in the assembling step (10), wherein a writing step (20) is performed after the assembling step (10) and before the testing step (30), to write vehicle-dependent information consisting of a program and/or data depending on a specification of a vehicle to be mounted with the automatic transmission, to a memory device of the electronic control unit installed in the automatic transmission.
US09009940B2
A method and apparatus for performing operations on a workpiece. A first frame in a frame system may be held on the workpiece by applying a vacuum to the first frame. A second frame in the frame system may be detached from the workpiece by applying a pressure to the second frame. The second frame may be moved to a location on the workpiece. The second frame may be attached to the workpiece by applying the vacuum to the second frame. An operation may be performed on the workpiece.
US09009936B2
A belt attachment jig includes a jig body positioned such that a side surface faces a side surface of a pulley, and a belt guide portion located at one end of the side surface of the jig body and protruding along a circumference of the pulley, and having, in a surface on a base side, a holding surface for holding a belt. The belt guide portion being configured to guide the belt onto the holding surface and lead the belt out to a lateral side of the pulley, when fitted in a pulley groove of the pulley. The holding surface has a top at a portion on a side closer to the jig body, and is tilted obliquely downward in radial directions from the top and is curved in an inverted U shape along a lead-out direction of the belt so that an inner circumferential surface of the belt faces the jig body.
US09009931B2
A strapping system used to hold a messenger bag or the like to a person. The system includes multi-component multi-attachment rotating and detachable buckles which provide pivoting motion about the intersection points of non-axial forces. The system allows for switching shoulders and adjusts to changing angles induced by changing the position of the bag on the person.
US09009930B2
The present disclosure relates to end stops for slider zippers for reclosable packages or bags wherein the end stops are formed by straps which are inserted and secured within apertures in the zipper, proximate to the ends of the zipper. The ends of the straps are joined to each other to form loops. This joining may be done with a fin seal, a lap seal, a separate rivet, an integral rivet or similar structure.
US09009912B2
A surface cleaning apparatus may comprise an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet and a suction motor. The surface cleaning apparatus may also comprise a cyclone chamber provided in the air flow path. The cyclone chamber may comprise a cyclone air inlet, a cyclone air outlet, a dirt outlet and a cyclone chamber wall. The surface cleaning apparatus may also comprise a fine particle separator. The fine particle separator may comprise an annular flow channel, a fine particle separator inlet in communication with the cyclone chamber via the cyclone dirt outlet, a fine particle separator dirt outlet and a fine particle separator sidewall. The surface cleaning apparatus may also comprise a dirt collection chamber in communication with the fine particle separator dirt outlet. The dirt collection chamber may comprise a dirt collection chamber sidewall.
US09009906B2
A drain-cleaning machine comprises a cable, a motor assembly, and a speed control assembly. The cable comprises a longitudinal axis. The motor assembly is configured to rotate the cable about the longitudinal axis of the cable. The motor assembly comprises a motor and a motor control device. The motor is configured to operate at an operating speed that may vary within a range of operating speeds. The motor is configured to produce a substantially constant torque while operating at varying operating speeds across the entire range of operating speeds. The motor is configured to be powered by DC power. The motor control device is configured to receive AC power from an AC power source, convert the AC power into DC power, and communicate the DC power to the motor. The speed control assembly is configured to vary the operating speed of the motor within the range of operating speeds.
US09009902B2
On a tip of a main body case is formed a cylindrical brush attachment shaft tube to which a toothbrush head (holding unit) is removably attached. In a space within the cylindrical brush attachment shaft tube is disposed a motor to which an eccentric weight generating vibration is attached. Therefore, it is possible for the tip of the toothbrush head to approach the main body case side by the length of the cylindrical brush attachment shaft tube, thereby shortening the total length of an electric toothbrush.
US09009901B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to oral care devices, system and methods for advanced ionic micro-current control. In some embodiments, an oral care device is actuated upon completion of an electric circuit by a users hand and oral cavity. The electrode on an oral care implement may be configured to lose conductivity over time to indicate a replacement oral care implement is need. In some embodiments, a controller of the oral care device may detect the type of oral care implement and control the ionic micro-current accordingly. Additionally, embodiments may detect a region within the oral cavity that the oral care device is in contact with and apply the ionic micro-current accordingly. Further, in some embodiments, the health status of various regions of a user's oral cavity may be detected and monitored over time.
US09009899B2
An arrangement for supporting a brace transversely to the longitudinal extent thereof in the vicinity of the anchorage of a structure having a cavity pipe, an adapter ring, a tubular or annular supporting element which has a second axially loadable support surface, which is arranged concentrically in relation to the second axially loadable bearing surface of the adapter ring and of which the opening, which encircles a third longitudinal axis, forms a supporting surface for the brace by way of its inner circumference, wherein the opening has an amount of eccentricity E2 in relation to the second axially loadable support surface of the supporting element, and having a fastenor which clamps the cavity pipe, the adapter ring and the supporting element together axially in position relative to one another.
US09009898B2
When pressure detected by a pressure sensor connected to a calibration standard cell has continuously fallen within a regulated pressure range at calibration for a regulated duration at calibration, zero-adjustment is performed based on the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor. Then, communication between the plurality of cells is created to perform internal pressure adjustment of the plurality of cells to a predetermined internal pressure value, based on the pressure value detected by the pressure sensor connected to the calibration standard cell and calibrate each of pressure sensors connecting to the plurality of cells, based on the adjusted internal pressure. With this scheme, it is possible to a mattress and the like that can perform zero-point adjustment efficiently by adjusting the zero point in the same manner even if the mattress is formed of a plurality of branches, without releasing the pressure sensor of each cell to atmospheric pressure.
US09009891B2
A method and a system have been described to determine a pressure relief set point for a person-support apparatus. The method includes determining the change in pressure or volume in a zone from a vacant mode to a person occupied mode and computing the weight supported there from.
US09009887B2
A travel cot includes a frame unit, and two articulation units. The frame unit includes four corner blocks, four support legs, four elastic plates, two first connecting bars, and four second connecting bars. Each of the articulation units includes a positioning plate, a clamping plate, a movable plate, at least one positioning ball, at least one compression spring, a pivot shaft, and a hooked piece. Thus, the hooked piece of each of the articulation units is hooked on the clamping plate and the movable plate to limit the bending direction of the second connecting bars, so that the second connecting bars can only be pivoted upward and cannot be pivoted downward by limit of the hooked piece to prevent the second connecting bars from being bent downward and injuring the infant or baby.
US09009879B2
An air management system for an insulated spa cabinet is provided. The air management system monitors the temperature of an equipment air space in the cabinet and vents overheated air in a controlled manner from the cabinet. The air management system comprises an air passageway, formed by a U-trap, between an inlet in the air space and an exterior of the cabinet. The system also comprises an air mover and a sensor. The sensor monitors the temperature in the air space and when the temperature is above a set temperature threshold, the air mover is operated to direct air from the air space through the passageway from the inlet to the discharge for controlled venting of overheated air.
US09009874B2
Protective goggles and lens assemblies with adjustable ventilation having reduced visual obstruction
Lens assemblies and goggles are disclosed. One example lens assembly includes a lens having a plurality of vent openings and having a button opening elongated in shape. A button configured to fit and slide in the button opening includes a portion that extends through the lens and terminates in a button end. A shutter having a plurality of vent openings and a button attachment opening is attached to the button end at the button attachment opening. The vent openings of the shutter overlap the vent openings of the lens with the button in a first position and the vent openings of the lens covered by the shutter with the button in a second position.
US09009870B1
A novel garment pocket, and method for making said pocket, for the rapid extraction and deployment of a weapon concealed therein. One or more edges of the pocket are reversibly attached to the garment proper by means of quick release, easily disengaged, readily releasable, or break away fasteners. Said edge or edges being located and positioned to permit said weapon to be extracted from said pocket by means of a substantially forward thrust of the hand grasping the weapon through said edge or edges attached by said fasteners. Said hand being the one on the arm that is on the same side of the body as said garment pocket. The pocket of the present embodiments enables the weapon to be extracted from the pocket with a reduced chance of snagging and danger to the garment wearer.
US09009869B1
Described herein are sweat-diverting devices which can be adhered to a wearer by an adhesive. The sweat-diverting devices described here may be adhered over a portion of the face without circumscribing the head. Such sweat-diverting devices may comprise a first leg and a second leg that are joined at a base of the device to form a channel therebetween, where at least a portion of the base is more rigid than the first and second legs such that an acute angle between the first and second legs is maintained when the sweat-diverting device is applied on a wearer's forehead. In some variations, the thickness of the base is greater than the thickness of either of the legs, which may help to maintain a separation between the tips of the legs even when the sweat-diverting device is applied to a wearer's forehead.
US09009866B2
An apparatus for a convertible garment cuff includes a band of flexible material that includes a substantially rectangular body having first and second opposing edges, first and second opposing ends, a front side, and a back side. A portion of the body includes a covering region that conceals a garment cuff in an engaged position. A portion of the body includes a tucking region that tucks underneath the garment cuff in an engaged position. A plurality of coupling elements secures the body to the garment cuff in an engaged position. The covering region includes at least one coupling element disposed along each of the first and second opposing ends. The tucking region includes at least one coupling element disposed along at least one of the first and second opposing ends. The first and second opposing ends of the covering and tucking regions are coupled together.
US09015860B2
Disclosed herein are example embodiments for behavioral fingerprinting via derived personal relation. For certain example embodiments, at least one indication of personal relation for at least one authorized user may be derived via at least one user-device interaction, and the at least one indication of personal relation may be incorporated into at least one behavioral fingerprint that is associated with the at least one authorized user, the at least one behavioral fingerprint including one or more indicators of utilization of one or more user devices by the at least one authorized user.
US09015856B2
In one embodiment, receiving a notice from a first user associated with a first mobile device indicating that the first user wishes to share information of the first user with one or more second users respectively associated with one or more second mobile devices; accessing information known about one or more users and one or more mobile devices respectively associated with the one or more users; identifying at least one candidate for the first user based on the information known about the one or more users and the one or more mobile devices; and confirming one or more of the at least one candidate as the one or more second users.
US09015855B2
A system identifies a user, even a user behind a wireless router, and provides a virtual tunnel over the internet for communication with the user. A data center at an Internet Service Provider may work in concert with a central data center to authenticate the user and to provide access, for example using a layer 2 tunneling protocol and a point-to-point data (PPP) link protocol. A layer 2 tunneling protocol network server (LNS) may provide public IP address translation services.
US09015851B2
A system and method are disclosed for protecting an electronic book from unauthorized access. HTML for the book is shredded by dividing it into portions, and a selection scheme is used to intersperse decoy data among the portions. Dynamically generated cascading style sheets are used to define a pattern for decoy and content data such that a browser on a client device correctly processes the HTML but an unauthorized program such as a web scraper cannot correctly process the HTML.
US09015843B2
The subject disclosure is directed towards protecting against malware, by classifying a user's risk level, which corresponds to a likelihood of malware being activated. To make the classification, data is collected that represents a probability of encountering malware, a probability of a user activating that malware, and the impact to the machine is activated. The classification maps to a protection level, which may be dynamically adjustable, e.g., based upon current risk conditions. The protection level determines a way to mitigate possible damage, such as by running a program as a virtualized program, running a virtualized operating system, or sandboxing a process.
US09015841B2
Method and apparatus for virus scanning, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores instructions for performing virus scanning. The method includes detecting a status of a system; and when the status of the system is idle, if current virus scanning has begun, continuing the current virus scanning, and if the current virus scanning has not begun, acquiring a scanning progress of previous virus scanning, beginning the current virus scanning according to the acquired scanning progress, and recording a scanning progress of the current virus scanning.
US09015839B2
This disclosure describes techniques for proactively identifying possible attackers based on a profile of a device. For example, a device includes one or more processors and network interface cards to receive, from a remote device, network traffic directed to one or more computing devices protected by the device, determine, based on content of the network traffic, a first set of data points for the device, send a response to the remote device to ascertain a second set of data points for the device, and receive, from the remote device, at least a portion of the second set of data points. The device also includes a security module operable by the processors to determine a maliciousness rating, and selectively manage, based on the maliciousness rating, additional network traffic directed to the one or more computing devices protected by the security device and received from the remote device.
US09015838B1
Among other disclosed subject matter, a computer-implemented method includes executing a virtual machine on a physical machine, wherein the virtual machine comprises a hardware virtualization of a data processing apparatus. Access to a clock is monitored, wherein the clock is associated with the physical machine. A determination is made that the virtual machine is executing a malicious process based on the count. Access to the clock is limited by the virtual machine based on the determination that the virtual machine is executing a malicious process.
US09015828B2
A management system includes a plurality of components within a computer system. A plurality of component resource managers is provided, and each of the components is controlled by at least one of the plurality of component resource managers. A plurality of component management interfaces is also provided. Each of the components communicates with at least one of the controlling component resource managers via one of the component management interfaces. At least one runtime manager autonomously controls operation of the components and the component resource managers.
US09015827B2
Aspects of this disclosure are directed to outputting, for display at a presence-sensitive display, a first set of two or more selectable objects in a first arrangement of locations, the computing device operating in a first instance of a limited access state. At least one of the selectable objects includes an element of a predetermined passcode. The computing device may receive an indication of a first gesture to select one of the selectable objects and an indication of a second gesture to designate the selected object as an element of a candidate passcode. The computing device may transition to an access state based at least in part on a comparison between the candidate passcode and the predetermined passcode. The computing device may transition to a second instance of the limited access state, and may output a second set of two or more selectable objects in a second, different arrangement.
US09015819B2
A method and a system for single sign-on are provided by the present invention, wherein the method comprises: a terminal sending an authentication request carrying a user identity identification to an RP and the RP redirecting the authentication request to an authentication center; the authentication center authenticating the terminal by means of SIP Digest and redirecting the authentication result to the RP via the terminal; and the RP providing services for the terminal according to an authentication result. By the present invention, the resources required by the operators to deploy GBAs are reduced, at the same time the requirement of non-UICC terminals accessing IMS network can be met, and the relevant application services of the IMS network can be accessed by means of SSO.
US09015818B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, enable software application transfer among connected computing devices. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a request, corresponding to an application running on a first computer, to operate the application on a second computer; initiating a communication session between the first computer and the second computer over a network; disabling the application on the first computer with respect to one or more operational parameters; and enabling the application on the second computer with respect to the one or more operational parameters. The one or more operational parameters can include a software licensing state of the application, current application data of the application running on the first computer, or both.
US09015816B2
Systems and methods for providing secured network access are provided. A user device located within range of a branded hotspot initiates a request for the secured network access. The request concerns secured network access at the hotspot by the user device and includes a unique pre-shared key. A query regarding the unique pre-shared key is sent to a database, which retrieves information regarding a corresponding pre-shared key. That information is sent to the hotspot controller, which allows the user device secured network access as governed by one or more parameters associated with the pre-shared key.
US09015815B2
The invention relates to a method and system for authenticating a mobile network node in a Wireless Local Area Network, wherein the mobile network node requests access to the WLAN at an access point. Within a closed first network region, before authentication all network protocol layers up to the Layer 3 protocol layer (L3) are set up. An authenticator based on Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) is generated on the Web server as captive portal and the Layer 3 protocol layer between the authenticator and the mobile network node comprising an EAP peer is extended bidirectionally by means of a defined bit sequence. In case of an access request, the Web server transmits an authentication stimulus to the mobile node by encoding an EAP message request and transmitting it in the Layer 3 protocol layer by means of the defined bit sequence. The mobile node decodes the EAP message request and transmits, in the Layer 3 protocol layer, by means of the defined bit sequence, an encoded EAP response message to the authenticator, the EAP response message comprises authentication data of the mobile network node. The Web server decodes the EAP response message from the bit sequence, transmits it to an AAA server including an EAP server by means of an authentication inquiry. On the basis of an authentication response by the AAA Server, access is enabled to a second network region for use by the mobile network node by means of a Network Access Server.
US09015812B2
The invention relates to a method for granting an inquirer querying a repository access to the repository, a communication protocol between a client and a server, and a system for controlling access of at least one inquirer to a repository. The repository typically stores event data relating to traceable products. The aspects according to teaching disclosed herein may be for example implemented as security extensions for existing repositories providing a finer granularity of access rights and means to prevent an exposure of data sets considered sensitive. The security extensions disclosed herein may be implemented to protect access to any kind of client/server application wherein the server is exposing sensitive data.
US09015809B2
A first device establishes a connection with a second device and attempts access, via the connection to an enterprise server of an enterprise. The first device may have a number of security perimeters, ones of which are allowed to use various communications proxies provided by the second device. If the first device and the second device are associated with a same common enterprise, an enterprise perimeter of the first device may be enabled to access the enterprise using an enterprise proxy of the second device.
US09015808B1
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for restricting mobile device services between an occurrence of an account change and an acquisition of a security code. The method includes recognizing that a low level of security is in effect in association with a user device, or a set of credentials associated therewith. In accordance with the low level of security, an indication is provided to restrict one or more services initially provided for the user device, or the set of credentials associated therewith. In addition, an indication is provided to initiate an authentication event. Performance of such an authentication event results in the user device, or the set of credentials associated therewith, obtaining a security code that results in application of an increased level of security in effect in association with the user device, or the set of credentials associated therewith.
US09015798B1
Methods and apparatus for performing user authentication using pointing device gestures are disclosed. An example method includes receiving, by a computing device, input data from a pointing device that is operatively coupled with the computing device, where the received input data corresponds with a user gesture, and comparing the received user gesture with one or more authorized user gestures to determine if the received user gesture matches one of the authorized user gestures, where each of the one or more authorized user gestures corresponds with at least one of a respective username and a respective password. If the received user gesture matches one of the authorized user gestures, the example method include granting access to the computing device and/or a user account. If the received user gesture does not match any of the authorized user gestures, the example method includes denying access to the computing device and/or the user account.
US09015793B2
A management controller of a computing device is identified on a network and queried for attributes of the computing device. The management controller is securely implemented in hardware of the computing device and is independent of a central processing unit (CPU) of the computing device. Data is received from the management controller that identifies one or more attributes of the computing device. A security policy of the network is implemented for the computing device based on the one or more attributes.
US09015792B2
A system and method are provided for managing data, such as for example security or other business data. For the example of security data, security data is received from a plurality of assets that may or may not be remotely located. A plurality of security metrics are computed and normalized according to thresholds. Security metrics are aggregated to generate an aggregate score, this may include weighting the metrics according to metric priorities. A change effort corresponding to each metric is also received and a corresponding change effort for the aggregate score is calculated. Aggregate scores and aggregate change efforts are analyzed to generate risk reduction recommendations. Upon instruction, metrics corresponding to an aggregate score may be displayed including recommendations of metrics for risk reduction. The recommended metrics may be selected according to analysis of change-to-effort ratios for the metrics.
US09015788B2
Various embodiments related to the generation and provision of media metadata are disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a computing device having a logic subsystem configured to execute instructions, and a data holding subsystem comprising instructions stored thereon that are executable by the processor to receive an input of a video and/or audio content item, and to compare the content item to one or more object descriptors each representing an object for locating within the content item to locate instances of one or more of the objects in the content item. The instructions are further executable to generate metadata for each object located in the video content item, and to receive a validating user input related to whether the metadata generated for a selected object is correct.
US09015784B2
A method comprising running a web browser on one or more servers of a service center, and hosting files for a web page on a storage unit associated with the one or more servers. Upon receiving user input from a client device to the web browser at the service center, streaming interactive video web page is transmitted to the client device with substantially no detectable latency.
US09015783B2
A request to establish a switched digital video session with high-definition content is received from a subscriber of a video content network offering a switched digital video service. A determination is made that the subscriber only has capability of viewing standard definition content. Responsive to the request and the determination, the subscriber, in the session, is provided a signal with a standard definition version of the requested high-definition content. An exemplary switched digital video control apparatus and an exemplary system are also disclosed.
US09015780B2
A video transmission system includes a video server module that selectively operates in a unicast mode and a multicast mode, wherein the video server module generates a video signal that includes a unicast video signal when the video server module is in the unicast mode and that includes a multicast video signal when the video server module is in the multicast mode. A wireless access device transmits the video signal to at least one mobile video device.
US09015777B2
A system and method for conserving bandwidth for a data connection. A television is detected to have been turned off. Recording information is requested from a digital video record. A content stream to the digital video recorder and the television is terminated in response to receiving the recording information and determining the DVR is inactive.
US09015774B2
A plurality of intelligent device systems for use with a wideband signal distribution network, and methods for transmitting digital information and receiving digital and non-digital information onto and off of an RF carrier through a wideband signal distribution network, are disclosed. The intelligent device systems provide networks of intelligent devices that modulate and demodulate digital video, IP video/data/voice and digital wireless onto, and off of, a wideband signal distribution system, such as an analog carrier system, using existing EIA/TIA 568 standard wiring infrastructure. The methods modulate and demodulate digital video, IP video/data/voice and digital wireless onto, and off of, a wideband distribution system, such as an analog carrier system, and separate IP portions from non-IP portions.
US09015773B2
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving a broadcast signal. The method for receiving a broadcast signal comprises: generating a broadcast stream including at least one program; generating first program table information that represents the broadcast stream; receiving non-real time (NRT) service schedule information; generating second program table information that represents the NRT service, in accordance with the received NRT service schedule information; configuring a stream including the broadcast stream, the 1st program table information and the second program table information; and transmitting the stream.
US09015765B2
An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT.
US09015763B2
An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT.
US09015760B2
According to an aspect, there is provided a digital television (DTV) data stream including program and system information protocol (PSIP) data associated with content of the DTV data stream, the PSIP data including a virtual channel table (VCT) and an event information table (EIT), the EIT comprising: a source identification field identifying a source of an associated event in a DTV data stream; an event identification field indicating an identification of the event; a start time field indicating a star time of the event; a title field indicating a title of the event; and a descriptor comprising: a descriptor tag identifying the descriptor as a genre descriptor, a descriptor length indicating a total length of the descriptor; and at least one category code for an associated event in a DTV data stream, each category code specifying genre, program type, or category information of the associated event, wherein the at least one category code specifies at least one of a set of basic categories.
US09015757B2
A merged program guide which includes program metadata from a plurality of different media controllers. A first media controller receives program metadata that identifies a first plurality of programs. The first plurality of programs corresponds to a first content package provided by a content provider. A first program record identifying a first program of the first plurality of programs is generated. The first program record includes first program metadata associated with the first program. The first program metadata is transmitted onto a network to make the first program metadata available to a second media controller. The first media controller receives second program metadata associated with a second program of a second plurality of programs which correspond to a second content package associated with the second media controller. The first program metadata and the second program metadata are stored in a program guide on the first media controller.
US09015746B2
Embodiments related to delivering a video stream to a requesting viewer are disclosed. In one example embodiment, a video stream is delivered by receiving a request for the video stream from a requesting device, the request including the requesting viewer's identity, assembling a list of selected video content items for display to the requesting viewer, the selected video items being selected from a plurality of video items based on the identity of the requesting viewer and a viewing interest profile comprising the requesting viewer's viewing interests, and sending the video stream for display, the video stream including one or more of the selected video items.
US09015739B2
Systems and methods for measuring audience information of programs are described. Systems and methods for providing audience information to users of interactive television applications are described.
US09015738B2
A video stream measurement method and system. The method includes receiving by a computing system, a video stream comprising plurality of timestamps located at specified intervals of the video stream. The computing system broadcasts the video stream for a user and decodes a first time stamp broadcasted during a first time period. The computing system monitors a user interaction function performed by the user and associated with the video stream. The computing system generates and transmits a report comprising a description associated with the user interaction function. The computing system receives an analysis associated with the report.
US09015732B2
An information processing apparatus capable of performing exclusive control on a communication channel for communicating with a peripheral apparatus among a device driver for the peripheral apparatus and a plurality of communication programs identifies, if the device driver is instructed to start up, which of the plurality of communication programs is using the communication channel by acquiring process information that is managed by an operating system (OS), issues a request to the identified communication program to close the communication channel, and enables the device driver to use the communication channel.
US09015727B2
An operating system permits sharing of a sub-process (or process unit) across multiple processes (or tasks). Each shared sub-process has its own context. The sharing is enabled by tracking when a process invokes a sub-process. When a process invokes a sub-process, the process is designated as a parent process of the child sub-process. The invoked sub-process may require use of process level variable data. To enable storage of the process level variable data for each calling process, the variable data is stored in memory using a base address and a fixed offset. Although the based address may vary from process to process, the fixed offset remains the same across processes.
US09015714B2
A diagnostic virtual machine having access to resources of an infrastructure as a service cloud may be created. A user device may be provided access to the diagnostic virtual machine. In some embodiments, the diagnostic virtual machine may be configured to monitor a cluster of hypervisors, and the resources of the infrastructure as a service cloud which the diagnostic virtual machine has access to may include physical resources of the infrastructure as a service cloud that are associated with the cluster of hypervisors.
US09015713B2
A system and an article of manufacture for facilitating customer-initiated virtual machine (VM) migration and swapping include obtaining documentation of at least one performance parameter of two or more virtual machines running on two or more physical machines, obtaining a request for a virtual machine exchange from a user of a first virtual machine, wherein the request comprises a preference for at least one desired performance parameter in at least one additional virtual machine, matching the request from the user of the first virtual machine with at least one additional virtual machine that includes the at to least one desired performance parameter without assistance from a cloud provider, and exchanging the first virtual machine with a virtual machine from the at least one additional virtual machine that includes the at least one desired performance parameter.
US09015705B2
A method and a computing device. A first computing device and a second computing device are connected, wherein the first computing device includes a first virtual machine monitor that hosts a first virtual machine. A boot image is provided on the first computing device, wherein the boot image includes a second virtual machine monitor that is adapted to host the first virtual machine. The second computing device is triggered to boot the boot image from the first computing device. A storage network is established between the first computing device and the second computing device, wherein the storage network includes storage space of the first computing device. Lastly, the first virtual machine is migrated from the first computing device to the second computing device, wherein the first virtual machine is executed by the second computing device but still located on the first virtual machine.
US09015698B2
Methods and articles of manufacture for hosting a safety critical application on an uncontrolled data processing device are provided. Various combinations of installation, functional, host integrity, coexistence, interoperability, power management, and environment checks are performed at various times to determine if the safety critical application operates properly on the device. The operation of the SCA on the UDPD may be controlled accordingly.
US09015697B2
A method, system, program product and signal bearing medium embodiments of the present invention provide for deploying software modules for software application use in a computer system thereby reducing load time as well as memory requirements. Deployment of a plurality of software modules and associated deployment descriptors into a software module depository and creation of a deployment information repository from the associated deployment descriptors occurs. A name service is initialized with information from the deployment information repository and a requested software module identifier is then mapped to a respective enabler. Having mapped the requested software module to an enabler, the respective software module is enabled for the software application use. On-demand deployment in this manner saves start-up time as well as initial and ongoing memory allocation.
US09015695B2
Firmware of subsystems included in an information processing apparatus is divided according to functions so as to include data areas containing first version information. Second version information indicating a version of the entire firmware based on the first version information of the data areas. The information processing apparatus includes: an update reception unit in a first subsystem that receives a request for updating firmware and firmware updating data containing third version information; a determination unit in a second subsystem that compares the second version information with the third version information to determine which of the data areas needs to be updated; and a partial update execution unit that requests the first subsystem to transmit a data portion of the firmware updating data corresponding to the data area determined to need to be updated, and stores the data portion in a storage unit.
US09015688B2
Methods and apparatuses associated with vectorization of scalar callee functions are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, compiling a first program may include generating one or more vectorized versions of a scalar callee function of the first program, based at least in part on vectorization annotations of the first program. Additionally, compiling may include generating one or more vectorized function signatures respectively associated with the one or more vectorized versions of the scalar callee function. The one or more vectorized function signatures may enable an appropriate vectorized version of the scalar callee function to be matched and invoked for a generic call from a caller function of a second program to a vectorized version of the scalar callee function.
US09015685B2
A method, computer program product, and computer system for analyzing code to improve efficiency of simulating a hardware system. A computer identifies one or more functions calling an application programming interface of a hardware simulator simulating the hardware system. In response to determining that left hand sides of respective one or more Boolean expressions are associated with the one or more functions calling the application programming interface and right hand sides are not associated with the one or more functions calling the application programming interface, the computer identifies the respective one or more Boolean expressions as one or more improvement points in source code for verifying a hardware model of the hardware system.
US09015679B2
A system and method for generating a database management system (DBMS) internal program language function from a foreign program language function. The method includes loading the foreign function into a DBMS server, an internal program module unit, examining the foreign function to determine whether the foreign function is annotated for translation, if annotated determining if the foreign function is translated into an internal program language function and executing the internal program language function, else compiling the foreign function into an internal function. If the foreign function is not annotated for translation, executing the foreign program language function. The DBMS system includes a parsing unit, a type inference unit, a normalizer unit, a serializer unit, and a deployer unit. A computer readable medium is also disclosed.
US09015677B2
A system and method is provided for generating logic to automate target applications. The logic may be programmed in a virtual environment using mock-up screen elements that mimic the behavior of real screen elements in the target applications environments. The programmed logic may be executed in a computer system using the real screen elements in the target applications environments. The operating environment may be switched between the virtual environment in a mock-up mode and the target applications environment in a real mode.
US09015676B2
Debugging of code of a computer program is facilitated by having a plurality of internal breakpoints associated with lines of code previously set by a processor, during a debugging session, while implementing one or more step-type operations. During execution of another operation, internal breakpoints are disabled as encountered and deemed unnecessary to completion of the another operation. A count of a number of interrupts of one or more interrupt-types experienced during execution of the another operation is maintained, and responsive to the count exceeding a threshold, the disabling is varied to remove at least N internal breakpoints responsive to encountering an internal breakpoint during execution of the another operation deemed unnecessary to completion of the another operation, where N≧2.
US09015675B2
A system reliability evaluation device 1000 includes a system reliability evaluating part 1100 that, based on connection defect information including the number of times that a defect has occurred in a connection between software components among a plurality of software components operating in connection with each other, evaluates system reliability which is the reliability of an information processing system executing the software.
US09015667B2
A fuzz testing system is described herein that represents event sources, channels, processors, and consumers as first-class entities in an application. Abstracting event-related entities allows fuzzing through injecting, dropping, reordering, and delaying events from within the application. This translates into the ability to localize the areas under test and perform fuzzing in a systematic manner. In some embodiments, the fuzz testing system tests concurrent asynchronous and event-based code, and can generate event streams based on a given statistical distribution. Representing events, event sources, processors, and sinks as first-class objects provides easy access to the event handlers and facilitates implementing fuzzing by introducing event processors between the source and the sink. Thus, the fuzz testing system improves the testability of applications and APIs with asynchronous behavior and provides a uniform framework for introducing fuzz testing into such applications.
US09015664B2
A routine for tagging and tracking source code may be implemented in a software development environment. The routine begins upon the identification of a defect in a software product or system. Once the defect has been identified and rectified, a search of other source code (typically located in a source code management system that supports version control) is specified. Using the search specification, the system automatically identifies the code snippet to be searched and begins searching the identified codebase for duplicates. A ticket or service record is then created for every duplicate/similar code snippet found during the search. The ticket/record enables software defect tracking to be carried out on the newly-located instances of the code. The system also automatically manages the code snippets identified by the duplicate detection.
US09015663B2
An objective of the disclosed invention is to derive a more apt similarity by taking into account all components up to and including lower order components that are included in a model. The disclosed invention also allows carrying out more efficient information system building.An information processing device (1000) includes a model storage unit (10), a component correspondence determination unit (20), and a similarity computation unit (30). The model storage unit (10) there among stores a system model that includes at least one component. The component correspondence determination unit (20) determines a correspondence relationship between components included in two system models (A, B) that are read out from the model storage unit (10), on the basis of commonality of lower order components included in the components. The similarity computation unit (30) calculates the similarity of the two system models on the basis of the correspondence relationship between the components that is determined with the component correspondence determination unit (20).
US09015653B2
An aeronautical software application development workbench handling the production of a graphical human-machine interface on one or more display equipment systems comprises computer means processing software tools for creating, simulating or integrating graphical functions or “widgets” and logic functions for modifying the content of the graphical functions according to incoming events on the display equipment system or systems, said widgets being described in a file called “Definition File”. The workbench includes a single graphical editor for designing the user application, the technical characteristic of which is to produce a structured language which describes each widget contained in the definition file and which associates consumed variables called “input plugs” with the modifiable attributes of said widget and produced variables called “output plugs” with the notifications of the events produced by said widget.
US09015652B2
Application requirements may be determined for executing an application using a sensor network, the sensor network including a plurality of devices. Hardware constraints associated with the devices may be determined, and an operating system may be generated, based on the application requirements and the hardware constraints. In this way, an operating system may be generated that is specific to, and optimized for, the the particular application and hardware resources.
US09015642B2
A hybrid OPC process and a resulting reticle are disclosed. Embodiments include generating a finfet fin reticle including a first portion having regular pitches and a second portion having irregular pitches, performing rule based OPC on at least the first portion, and performing OPC repair locally at the second portion.
US09015637B2
A browsing method capable of performing mutual switching between in-site browsing and in-screen browsing without making a user aware of the switching is provided. Control unit causes superimposed display of a web page and a pointer that moves according to operations on a pointing device 3 and a cross key 4 on display 2 in the in-screen browsing, and changes a region of the web page to be displayed on the display 2 when the pointer moves outside the region. The control unit changes the region of the web page to be displayed on the display 2 according to the operations performed on the pointing device 3 and the cross key 4 in the in-site browsing. Then, the control unit causes transition from the in-screen browsing to the in-site browsing, and causes transition from the in-site browsing from the in-screen browsing.
US09015628B2
An image forming apparatus includes an arrangement information memory to store icon arrangement information in which entries respectively corresponding to standard applications and extension applications are provided, and in which application identification information identifying an application in each entry is associated with information about icon coordinates and information about an icon image, a list-screen generating unit to generate, based on the icon arrangement information, an application list screen in which icons corresponding to the standard applications and the extension applications are displayed, a display unit to display the generated application list screen, an input unit to detect pressing of an icon in the displayed application list screen, and a screen control unit to identify a standard or an extension application corresponding to the pressed icon based on the icon arrangement information and to request the identified application to generate an operation screen, wherein the display unit displays the operation screen.
US09015627B2
A digital picture frame has a frame bounding a touch screen that presents a user interface having first and second arcs of selector elements. The first arc of selector elements is manipulable to establish an input genre root, and the second arc is manipulable to select an input branching from a genre root selected using an element in the first group. The arcs are rotatable to reveal previously unpresented selector elements when a person moves a hand along the respective arc.
US09015625B2
An electronic device includes a storage portion for storing a plurality of menus, a multi-point-acceptable display-integrated tablet, a display control unit for causing the display-integrated tablet to display a display screen including the plurality of menus, an input processing unit for outputting an indicated position in accordance with an input while the input is provided to the display-integrated tablet, a selection unit for selecting menus based on a plurality of simultaneously output indicated positions, and an output portion for outputting the selected menus.
US09015616B2
A computer-implemented user input method includes sensing a user manipulation of a mobile device to present a keyboard, automatically presenting, in response to the sensed manipulation, a search entry area on a display of the user device, and activating the keyboard to provide input into the search entry area.
US09015614B2
Text that is selected at a virtual keyboard is submitted to and displayed at an application data field another data field, such as a keyboard data field, that can be in closer proximity to the virtual keys used to select the text. Thus, a user does not have to alter their field of view to the application data field to determine what was submitted to the application data field.
US09015613B2
Method of operating a device (60; 100) for controlling home automation equipment (1a, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b, 5a) for orienting and/or displacing a moving product of a building, comprising a display screen (101), on which a portion of the screen is assigned to the display of a first graphic representation, such as an equipment icon (4, 5, 123, 125, 131), symbolizing this equipment, which method comprises a step for graphic adjustment of the first graphic representation so that it represents, at least approximately, the real degree of orientation and/or deployment of the moving product.
US09015612B2
A method consistent with certain implementation involves presenting a graphical user interface (GUI) to a user on a display, where the GUI presents a visual representation of a room that is adapted to be adjusted in size and shape by user manipulation of a controller; the GUI has a drop and drag menu adapted to selection of an object from a plurality of objects for placement at any selected position within the room; at least one of the objects comprising a loudspeaker; and where the GUI provides for input of data characterizing the loudspeaker. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
US09015611B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for reusing components from an application are provided. In some implementations, a method includes associating a parent and child component in a source application. The components are used in the presentation of document data during navigation among documents. A navigation interface in an application window of the source application is presented, including presenting document data according to the parent and child components. Input adding the parent component from the source application window to an application window of a target application is received. It is determined that the output of the child component is connected with the input of the parent component, and then computer-readable instructions associated with the parent component and the child component are inserted into the target application. A navigation interface is presented in the target application window, including presenting document data according to the parent and child components.
US09015605B2
For an online community advocacy management platform, techniques (APIs) are described for pulling comments in from the app/plug-in, and cross-pollinating the social online community (e.g., social network website “walls”) and app/plug-in content in an intelligent manner (which content, how often, etc.).
US09015603B1
A method for rendering an e-mail item listing within a graphical user interface of an e-mail application on a display device is disclosed. The method includes receiving an input from an input device to select a first item of the e-mail item listing, applying a first selection highlighting to the first item, wherein the applied first selection highlighting is visually distinguishable from a background color of the e-mail item listing, identifying a second item of the e-mail item listing based on a relation of the second item to the first item, and applying a second selection highlighting to the second item, wherein the applied second selection highlighting is visually distinguishable from the first selection highlighting and the background color.
US09015598B2
An edition control system includes a screen manager managing UI part information indicating a UI part displayable on a UI screen; a user information manager managing screen configuration information of the UI screen for each of users; an edition controller, when receiving a display request, generating screen information of the UI screen based on the UI part information and the screen configuration information corresponding to the user of the display request; a Web application controller generating Web screen information of a Web screen; and a Web browser displaying the Web screen based on the Web screen information. Further, upon acquiring the edition information from the Web application controller, the edition controller sets the screen configuration information of the UI screen based on the edition information in the user information manager.
US09015590B2
A multimedia comment system and a multimedia comment method are disclosed herein. The multimedia comment system includes a video unit and a comment unit. The video unit can provide a video content for a client device. The comment unit can make the client device render a multimedia comment interface related to the video content, in which the multimedia comment interface has a multimedia comment button. When a commentator selects the multimedia comment button, the comment unit allows the commentator to perform operation of a multimedia comment on the video content.
US09015588B2
Methods, systems, apparatus and non-transitory computer readable-media are described for creating and/or maintaining a playback queue of media content. In one aspect, a computer-implemented method of providing playback of media content includes receiving a request from a mobile communications device associated with a user to browse a media archive. A user selection of a category and a request to initiate management of a playback queue are received. A media listing is generated responsive to the received request. A user selection of one or more items of media content from the generated media listing is received. One or more playback queue options for the user selected items of media content are presented. A user selection of one of the presented one or more playback queue options is received. The user selected items of media content are manipulated to update the playback queue responsive to the received user selected playback queue option.
US09015577B2
Content can be flowed through one or more containers that can be laid out analogously to printed material. Content is flowed into the first specified container until that container is “full” of content. Subsequent content is then flowed through subsequent containers, each of which is individually identified, and whose ordering is specified independently of their position and visual presentation. Multiple independent sources of content can be flowed through multiple independent collections of containers. Each container can format the content presented within it independently from other containers, and each container can comprise script, or other programmatic constructs, which can operate on, and modify, the content flowed into such a container. To provide for the rich layouts, content containers can be nested inside one another such that multiple layers, or levels, of the layout can be edited independently of one another.
US09015575B2
In one example embodiment, a system and method is shown that includes identifying a host setting related to a property of a document data structure and a property of a fragment data structure, the document data structure reflecting an organization of a document, and the fragment data structure reflecting an organization of a portion of the document. Additionally, the system and method may include overriding the property of the fragment data structure using the property of the document data structure, if the host setting includes a command that the property of the fragment data structure is to be overridden by the property of the document data structure.
US09015571B2
A method, system and apparatus for applying and synchronizing filter information with a multimedia presentation, such as a movie provided in a video-on-demand context, to suppress objectionable content. In one example, filter information, which includes an indicia of a portion of the multimedia presentation including objectionable content and a type of suppression action, is provided on either a set-top-box or a video-on-demand server. A user selects a particular video-on-demand presentation, and the selection is transmitted to the set-top-box. Filtering may take place at the set-top-box side such that the complete video-on-demand movie is transmitted to the set-top box and then content suppression, such as skipping, muting, cropping, and blurring, takes place at the set-top-box. Alternatively, some or all suppression may take place at the server such that some or all of the objectionable content is not transmitted to the set-top-box. Additionally, whether in a video-on-demand, DVD, or other environment it may be necessary to synchronize filter with the multimedia content so that the proper objectionable content is suppressed.
US09015568B2
A low density parity check decoder includes a decoding process divided into two or more processing stages arranged in series. At one time, each processing stage processes a different code block than each other processing stage in the series. The decoder is capable of simultaneously decoding as many code blocks as stages. A controller passes the code blocks between the processing stages at the proper time and in the proper sequence. The controller passes the code blocks through the series of stages in a time-division multiplexed fashion.
US09015565B2
A method for recovery of lost data and for correction of corrupted data transmitted from a sending device to a receiver device, the method comprising the steps: encoding the data by an encoder connected to the sending device, transmitting the data from the sending device to the receiver device via a transmitting device, and decoding the data by a decoder connected to the receiver device, whereby lost and/or corrupted data is recovered during decoding is conducted by solving the system of equations of a parity check matrix H.
US09015561B1
In a three-dimensional nonvolatile memory, physical layers are zoned according to expected error rate. Different redundancy schemes are applied to different zones so that a high degree of redundancy is applied to a zone with a high expected error rate and a low degree of redundancy is applied to a zone with a low expected error rate.
US09015555B2
A method is provided in one example and includes receiving a data stream that includes an error code probability; detecting an error in the data stream; and determining whether to generate an error signal for the error in the data stream based on the error code probability being compared to a threshold value. In more particular embodiments, the error code probability may be based on a total number of network elements that receive the data stream. In addition, more specific methodologies may include generating a number to be used as a basis for the threshold value; and generating the error signal if the error code probability is below the threshold value.
US09015553B2
The present disclosure includes methods, devices, and systems for data integrity in memory controllers. One memory controller embodiment includes a host interface and first error detection circuitry coupled to the host interface. The memory controller can include a memory interface and second error detection circuitry coupled to the memory interface. The first error detection circuitry can be configured to calculate error detection data for data received from the host interface and to check the integrity of data transmitted to the host interface. The second error detection circuitry can be configured to calculate error correction data for data and first error correction data transmitted to the memory interface and to check integrity of data and first error correction data received from the memory interface.
US09015551B2
A decoding apparatus includes a memory device and a decoding circuit. The memory device is arranged for storing a data block with inter-row interleaving in a plurality of data rows of the data block and without intra-row interleaving in each of the data rows. The decoding circuit is coupled to the memory device. The decoding circuit is arranged for accessing the memory device to perform a first decoding operation with inter-row de-interleaving memory access, and accessing the memory device to perform a second decoding operation with intra-row de-interleaving memory access.
US09015544B2
Scan testing of plural target electrical circuits, such as circuits 1 through N, becomes accelerated by using the scan test response data output from one circuit, such as circuit 1, as the scan test stimulus data for another circuit, such as circuit 2. After reset, a scan path captures the output response data from the reset stimulus from all circuits. A tester then shifts the captured data only the length of the first circuit's scan path while loading the first circuit's scan path with new test stimulus data. The new response data from all the circuits then is captured in the scan path. This shift and capture cycle is repeated until the first circuit is tested. The first circuit is then disabled and any remaining stimulus data is applied to the second circuit. This process is repeated until all the circuits are tested. A data retaining boundary scan cell used in the scan testing connects the output of an additional multiplexer as the input to a boundary cell. The inputs of the additional multiplexer connect to the data input and data output of the boundary cell.
US09015541B2
A device for performing timing analysis used in a programmable logic array system is provided. The device comprises first and second basic I/O terminals, a channel multiplexer, high-speed I/O terminals, a sampling module and a timing analysis module. The first basic I/O terminals receive under-test signals from an under-test unit. The channel multiplexer receives the under-test signals from the first basic I/O terminals to select at least a group of the under-test signals to be outputted to the second basic I/O terminals. The high-speed I/O terminals has a logic level analyzing speed higher than that of the first and second basic I/O terminals. The sampling module receives the group of under-test signals from the high-speed I/O terminals and samples the group of under-test signals to generate a sample result. The timing analysis module performs timing analysis and measurement according to the sample result.
US09015538B2
A method of using tester data packet signals and control instructions for testing a radio frequency (RF) data packet signal transceiver device under test (DUT) capable of communicating using multiple radio access technologies (RATs) having one or more mutually distinct signal characteristics. During mutually alternating time intervals, selected ones of which are substantially contemporaneous, tester data packet signals and control instructions are used for concurrent testing and configuration for testing, respectively, of multiple RATs of the DUT.
US09015537B2
According to exemplary embodiments, a system, is provided for bit error rate (BER)-based wear leveling in a solid state drive (SSD). A block-level BER value for a block in the SSD is determined. An adjusted PE cycle count for the block is incremented or decremented based on the block-level BER value. Wear leveling is then performed in the SSD based on the adjusted PE cycle count.
US09015528B2
A method for online testing pipeline systems comprising a succession of stages separated by buffers each associated with an idle signal, or idle signal, and/or at least one status bit, comprising: detecting values of the idle signal and/or the corresponding status bits indicating the availability of a cycle or the abrupt interruption of the flow of operations in a pipeline, and indicating that a valid operation, executed by a stage in the pipeline, is followed by an unused cycle; maintaining the state of the buffer in order to allow said valid operation to be re-executed during the unused cycle indicated by said idle signal; re-executing, during the unused cycle, the valid operation, in order to obtain at least a first version and a second version of said valid operation; memorizing, at the output of the pipeline, the results that correspond to the first version of said repeated or re-executed operation, in order to compare with the results of said second version of the same repeated or re-executed operation; and comparing the results obtained at the output of the pipeline, which results correspond to the first version and the second version, and, if there is a difference, indicating an error.
US09015525B2
A high availability DAS system uses a solid state cache to provide near active-active performance in a DAS duster, while retaining the implementation simplicity of active-passive or dual active system. Each node in the duster may include a solid state cache that stores hot I/O in an active-active mode, which allows the data to be read from or written to the underlying dual-active or active/passive DAS RAID system only when access to the “hot Region” cools down or in the case of Cache Miss. The hot I/O data includes hot read data that accumulated dynamically regardless of ownership of the drives where the hot read data is permanently stored. The hot I/O data also includes hot write data that is mirrored across the solid state cache memories to avoid potential dirty write data conflicts and also to provide High Availability in case of server failures.
US09015524B2
The SSD performs to encode input data from the host device into BCH code having data length and code length sequentially and controls RRAM to stores the encoded data when the write requesting signal is input from the host device. When the number of BCH code that becomes data of one page of the flash memory after being decoded is stored to RRAM, the SSD controls RRAM to read out data stored in RRAM, performs error correction and decoding to the read data as BCH code having the data length and the code length, and controls the flash memory to store the encoded data.
US09015522B2
A method, system and computer program product are provided for implementing dynamic random access memory (DRAM) failure scenarios mitigation using buffer techniques delaying usage of RAS features in computer systems. A buffer is provided with a memory controller. Physical address data read/write failures are analyzed. Responsive to identifying predefined failure types for physical address data read/write failures, the buffer is used to selectively store and retrieve data.
